4 miners die in illegal coal mine in Nagaland
Four miners were killed in an illegal coal mine in Longleng district of Nagaland, officials said on Sunday. While locals say that the four died because of inhaling toxic gas, Longleng Deputy Commissioner John Tsulise Sangtam said that a mudslide could have caused the mishap. Sangtam added that the four miners had gone to the mine to collect their belongings.
Brazilian mining firm CEO steps down amid dam collapse row
Brazilian miner Vale’s CEO Fábio Schvartsman temporarily stepped down on Saturday amid controversy over the collapse of one of its dams in January, which killed over 180 people. The move came after some leaked documents suggested that Vale knew the dam was at a heightened risk of collapse. This is the second collapse at a Vale-linked dam in four years.
Amazon plans to open its own grocery stores in US: Report
Amazon is reportedly planning to launch dozens of grocery stores in several major American cities, separate from its Whole Foods unit, which it acquired for $13.7 billion in 2017. It plans to open its first new store in Los Angeles as early as the end of the year, the report added. Amazon has reportedly signed leases for two other locations.
Zomato launches 30,000-square-foot warehouse in Bengaluru
Foodtech startup Zomato has moved from a 6,000-square-foot warehouse to a 30,000 square-foot warehouse in Bengaluru for its in-house brand ‘HyperPure’, that delivers ingredients to restaurants. The new warehouse has the capacity to service 2,500 restaurants daily. Launched in 2018, HyperPure service sells ingredients including groceries, meats and fruits to restaurants at competitive prices.
Complaint filed against K’taka CM for remarks on air strikes
A complaint has been filed against Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy for his remarks on the Indian Air Force air strikes in Pakistan. Kumaraswamy had asked why terror attacks are happening now, while it never occurred when HD Deve Gowda was PM. He further said that by celebrating the air strikes, BJP was making way for communal tension in the country.
Even fittest fighter pilots black out during ejection: Ex-IAF officer
Speaking about Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s ejection from his jet, retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra said, “The body is racked by punishing forces of up to 20g…even…fittest of fighter pilots will black out for two-three seconds in those conditions.” “You see stars flash in your head,” he added. Chopra had himself safely ejected from a Mirage 2000 in 2012.
Militants trained at Balakot sent to Afghanistan or Kashmir: Reports
At least four Jaish-e-Mohammed militants caught between 2014-17 were trained at Jaish’s Balakot camp targeted by the IAF in a strike, as per reports. The four militants, all Pakistanis, told during their interrogation that militants trained at Balakot were either sent to Afghanistan or Kashmir. The militants were imparted a three-month advanced combat course and an advanced arms training course.
Comedian apologises for saying India-Pak war would be ‘entertaining’
Comedian Trevor Noah has apologised for joking on the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, wherein he said while he hopes India and Pakistan do not go to war, it would be the “most entertaining” war if they did. “I use comedy to process pain and discomfort in my world but I am sorry that this hurt you,” he tweeted.
23 killed after tornadoes hit US’ Alabama
At least 23 people have been killed and several others are missing after two tornadoes hit Alabama, US, on Sunday, officials said. The two tornadoes destroyed or damaged several homes and uprooted trees. More than 10,000 people have been left without power as a result of the storms, as per reports.
Bihar to give ₹25L to dependant of CRPF jawan martyred in Kupwara
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia to the “nearest dependant” of CRPF Inspector Pintu Kumar Singh martyred in the encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara. The Bihar government has already given ₹11 lakh, a press release from the Chief Minister’s office said. Five security personnel were martyred in the three-day encounter, which ended on Sunday.
Pollution from stubble burning costs India ₹2 lakh cr a year: Study
Air pollution from crop stubble burning causes India an economic loss of $30 billion (₹2 lakh crore) annually, as per a study by US-based International Food Policy Research Institute. Pollution from firecrackers causes a loss of almost ₹50,000 crore annually, it observed. In five years, the losses are estimated to be ₹13 lakh crore or nearly 1.7% of India’s GDP.
Maharashtra CM inaugurates 2nd phase of Mumbai monorail
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday inaugurated the second phase of Mumbai monorail between Wadala and Jacob Circle. With this, the entire 19.54 km route of the monorail is now functional. “At almost 20 km, Mumbai monorail is the third largest route in the world,” Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Commissioner RA Rajeev said.
Tesla Model Y SUV to be unveiled on March 14: CEO Elon Musk
Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday tweeted the automaker’s Model Y SUV will be unveiled on March 14 at its Los Angeles Design Studio. Musk added, “Model Y, being an SUV, is about 10% bigger than Model 3.” “It will cost about 10% more & have slightly less range for the same battery,” he further said.
Rebel Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav resigns from K’taka Assembly
Karnataka rebel Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav submitted his resignation to state Assembly speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Monday. Jadhav is one of the four MLAs whom Congress reportedly wanted to be disqualified for anti-party activities. This comes days after Jadhav was denied a Cabinet berth while Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank was made a minister.
France plans to levy digital tax of 3% on 30 internet giants
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has said the country plans to levy 3% digital tax on about 30 Internet giants including Google to ensure “fiscal justice”. The decision will help France raise about $570 million, he added. The tax will apply to companies with global revenue of over $850 million and French sales above $28 million, he further said.
Apple welcomes people with all political views: CEO Tim Cook
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was speaking at the annual shareholders meeting, said the company welcomes people with all types of political viewpoints. During the meeting, Apple shareholders voted down a proposal to disclose the “ideological perspectives” of nominees for its board of directors. Cook added that employees who feel ostracised due to their political views should talk to him.
Universe Boss for a reason: Sehwag praises Chris Gayle
Praising Chris Gayle after he hit a 27-ball 77 against England in the fifth ODI, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Universe Boss for a reason. 27 ball 77 from the big man, raining sixes at will, what an entertainer @henrygayle.” Gayle, who hit a record 39 sixes in the ODI series against England, was named Player of the Tournament.
Liverpool give up top spot after 0-0 draw against Everton
Liverpool gave up the top spot in the English Premier League after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton on Sunday. Liverpool are now a point behind Manchester City, with nine games to go in the Premier League. In a duration of around two months, Liverpool have gone from having a seven-point lead to being a point behind City.
Girl born inside Pak jail to British woman released after 6 years
A six-year-old girl who was born inside Adiala prison in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi to a British woman serving life sentence has been released and returned to UK. Birmingham’s Khadija Shah was arrested from Islamabad airport with £3.2 million of heroin in May 2012. Malaika had spent her entire life inside jail before being released.
Want to ask you, don’t you trust what our Armed Forces say: PM Modi
After the Opposition parties questioned PM Narendra Modi over the number of terrorists killed in the air strike, the PM at a public rally in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Monday asked, “I want to ask you, don’t you trust what our Armed Forces say?” He added, “We should be proud of our Armed Forces.”
Rafale to join IAF inventory in September: IAF chief Dhanoa
IAF chief BS Dhanoa has said the country would get the French aircraft manufacturer Dassault’s Rafale fighter jets by September. The government ordered 36 Rafale jets as part of the IAF’s modernisation drive. Earlier, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the delivery of the first Rafale will be in 2019, while the last of the jets will be delivered in 2022.
Kumbh Mela 2019 sets 3 Guinness World Records in 3 consecutive days
Organisers and volunteers at Kumbh Mela 2019 have set three Guinness World Records within three consecutive days. The latest record was set for ‘biggest sanitation and waste disposal mechanism’ carried out on Saturday. Earlier, the authorities set world records for the ‘largest parade of buses’ and ‘most contribution to a handprint painting in 8 hours’.
Parrikar suffering from ‘advanced stage cancer’: Goa Minister
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is suffering from advanced stage cancer but he is still working for the people of the state, state Cabinet Minister Vijay Sardesai has said. “Cancer is such a disease, it cannot just kill the dreams of an individual and his family, but it can kill the dreams of the state,” he added.
One who solves Kashmir dispute worthy of Nobel Peace Prize: Pak PM
After a resolution was submitted in Pakistan Parliament demanding Nobel Peace Prize for him, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said he is not worthy of the prize. “The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves…way for peace and human development in the subcontinent,” he added.
Over 250 terrorists killed in India’s air strike: Amit Shah
BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said that more than 250 terrorists were killed in Indian Air Force’s air strikes in Pakistan. He further said that PM Narendra Modi made the country understand what zero tolerance for terror meant. Shah also accused Opposition of raising doubts about the air strikes, saying that their statements “brought a smile on Pakistan’s face”.
Take action against all terror groups: UK PM to Pak PM Imran Khan
In a phone call on Sunday, UK PM Theresa May told her Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan to take action against all terror groups. PM May further welcomed the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The UK had earlier said that it’s working to ensure those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.
If we’ve it, why not use it: IAF chief on using MiG-21 against Pak
On being asked why MiG-21 Bison was used against Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “MiG-21 is in our inventory, why not use it?” “MiG-21 Bison is a capable aircraft, it has been upgraded…it has better radar, air-to-air missiles and better weapons system,” he added. “We fight with all the aircraft in our inventory,” he stated.
Whether Abhinandan flies or not depends on medical fitness: IAF chief
Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa has said whether Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flies or not depends on his physical fitness. “That’s why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment is required, will be given,” he added. “Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit,” Dhanoa further said.
Air Force doesn’t count casualties, govt does that: IAF chief
Talking about India’s strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said that the IAF is not in a position to clarify the number of casualties. “The Air Force doesn’t calculate number of casualties, the government does that. We count what targets we have hit or not,” he added.
If we dropped bombs in jungles, why would Pak PM respond: IAF chief
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Monday said that the target was “clearly hit” when Indian Air Force (IAF) struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot. “If we had dropped bombs in the jungles, why would Pakistan Prime Minister respond?” he added. Pakistan had claimed that Indian fighter jets bombed a “forest reserve” bringing down dozens of pine trees.
Being Trump’s daughter ‘hardest job in the world’, jokes Ivanka
While attending an annual dinner, Ivanka Trump joked that being US President Donald Trump’s daughter is “the hardest job in the world”. “The press seems to think that it’s ironic that I, born of great privilege, think that people want to work for what they are given,” Ivanka added, referring to her being born in the Trump family.
UK launches global campaign to end ‘period poverty’ by 2030
The UK has announced £2 million in aid support and established a new taskforce as part of a global campaign to end ‘period poverty’ to help all women and girls access sanitary products by 2030 and to tackle the stigma around menstruation. The UK on Sunday announced to give free sanitary products to every National Health Service (NHS) hospital patient.
Sanjeev Ranjan new Road Transport Secy, NN Sinha NHAI chief
The government has appointed Sanjeev Ranjan as Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Ministry. A 1985-batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre, Ranjan is presently Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Nagendra Nath Sinha, who is currently the Managing Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), will take additional charge as NHAI Chairman.
Next Apple AirPods could fully charge in 15 minutes: Reports
Apple’s next AirPods, reportedly expected to launch later this month, will fully charge wirelessly in 15 minutes, according to reports. The speed is for both the AirPods and their case, the reports added. They further said, “There will be a downside though, the case will be bigger in one direction and heavier.”
Will give proof of air strike at right time: Union Minister
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that the central government will release the evidence of Indian Air Force’s air strike in Pakistan at the appropriate time. Taking a dig at opposition leaders for demanding proof of the air strike, Puri added, “Don’t become anti-nationals…don’t take out your hatred against PM Narendra Modi and BJP on the nation.”
Anushka Sharma features on March cover of Vogue India magazine
Actress Anushka Sharma has featured on the cover of the March issue of fashion magazine Vogue India. The cover story on her has been titled ‘Anushka Sharma: On Movies, Marriage and Mindfulness’. Sharing the cover on Instagram, Vogue India wrote, “Anushka Sharma’s choices prove that she is now, more than ever, comfortable with who she is.”
US man gets 34 months in jail in celeb accounts hacking case
Christopher Brannan, a US man who had pleaded guilty for attempting to hack over 200 email accounts including some controlled by celebrities, was sentenced to 34 months in jail. He hacked accounts by researching victims’ Facebook accounts to answer security questions. This is linked to 2014 “Celebgate” scandal in which nude photos of American celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence were leaked.
India could pay ₹500 to each citizen a month: Economist Guy Standing
Guy Standing, an economist at the School Of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, has said that India could pay ₹500 per person per month as basic income. “I would prefer a low initial amount paid to everybody,” he said. “The evidence shows that even with a small basic income…the income of the community goes up,” he added.
45 NRIs’ passports cancelled for abandoning wives: Maneka
Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has said the government has cancelled passports of 45 Non-resident Indians (NRIs) for abandoning their wives. She added the Integrated Nodal Agency made to look into the matter has been issuing Look-Out Circulars to absconding husbands in NRI marriages’ cases. She said a bill has also been introduced to give justice to women in such cases.
Huawei CFO sues Canada, says authorities illegally arrested her
Chinese technology firm Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou has sued the Canadian government, border agency and national police force, saying she was unlawfully detained and questioned. Canada arrested Meng at the request of the US on December 1 at Vancouver airport. She is wanted on fraud charges that she misled banks about the company’s business dealings in Iran.
Ted Baker Founder & CEO resigns amid ‘forced hugging’ claims by staff
British luxury clothing company Ted Baker’s Founder and CEO Ray Kelvin has resigned following allegations of misconduct, including ‘forced hugging’ claims by the company’s employees. Kelvin, who had been on a voluntary leave of absence since December 2018, denied all the allegations. However, he agreed to resign from his position as CEO and a Ted Baker Director with immediate effect.
PUMA emerges as top sportswear brand in India: Report
With reported sales of ₹1,157 crore for a period of 12 months (January-December 2018), PUMA has retained its market leadership position among sportswear brands in the country. Up from ₹958 crore for the corresponding period a year ago, PUMA has benefited from the global momentum seen by the brand, leaving behind its competitors Nike and Adidas.
Masood Azhar is alive, no information of his death: Pak minister
Punjab (Pakistan) Information and Culture Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan has said that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar is alive. “We have no information of his death,” he added. Earlier, various media reports had claimed that Masood Azhar had died, with some claiming Indian Air Force strike on JeM terror camp as the reason behind his death.
