North Korea preparing rocket launch, satellite images suggest
Satellite images of a facility near North Korea’s capital Pyongyang suggest the country may be preparing to launch a missile or a satellite. The images are of Sanumdong, a facility where North Korea assembled some of its intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellite-launching rockets. A report earlier claimed that North Korea has started rebuilding its main rocket launch site at Sohae.
Human chain in TN asks for release of Rajiv Gandhi’s killers
A human chain was organised in Tamil Nadu on Saturday to press for the early release of the seven life convicts in the assassination case of ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi. In 2018, the Supreme Court had asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit to decide on mercy petition of one of the convicts. Following this, state Cabinet had recommended release of all convicts.
Scientists observe moving water molecules on Moon’s dayside
Scientists have observed water molecules moving around Moon’s dayside using an instrument from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. “Lunar hydration is tricky to measure from orbit, due to the complex way that light reflects off of lunar surface,” scientists said. Results will ultimately help scientists learn about accessibility of water that can be used by humans in future missions, they added.
NASA converts image taken by Hubble telescope into ‘music’
NASA has “sonified”, or converted an image of a cluster of galaxies taken by Hubble Space Telescope into ‘music’. Time flows left to right and sound frequency changes from bottom to top, ranging from 30 to 1,000 hertz, it added. Objects near the bottom of the image produce lower notes, while those near the top produce higher ones, NASA said.
Scientists spot rare killer whale, say could be new species
An international team of scientists have spotted a rare type of orca or killer whale off Cape Horn, Chile and said it may be a new species entirely. They have taken skin samples of the ‘Type D’ orcas for genetic analysis. The whales were previously known only from a beach stranding over 60 years ago, fishermen sightings and tourist photographs.
Indian women’s Super Like-rate highest in world: Tinder CEO
Tinder CEO Elie Seidman, in an interview with Hindustan Times, said Indian women on Tinder ‘Super Like’ at a rate that is much higher than women anywhere else in the world. He noted India is Tinder’s biggest market in Asia, adding that it has the biggest potential in the future. Seidman visited the country for the first time in February.
Women’s tennis open to transgender players: Association head
Steve Simon, CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, said that women’s tennis tour would welcome transgender players. The statement has come after former women’s world number one player Martina Navratilova branded transgender athletes as cheats. “The WTA has always been an organisation based on acceptance and providing people equal opportunity,” Simon said.
London buses display posters claiming Michael Jackson’s innocence
Several posters defending late singer Michael Jackson have appeared on London buses following child sexual abuse allegations made against the singer in a recent documentary. The posters feature pictures of Jackson, along with messages like, “Facts don’t lie. People do.” The documentary, titled ‘Leaving Neverland’, featured two men who claimed they were sexually abused by Jackson as children.
Pak using terrorism as instrument of state policy: India at UNHRC
Addressing a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), India criticised Pakistan’s use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, calling it a “central problem”. “We firmly believe that UN-led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism is as much an international obligation as it is a commitment to our own people,” India said.
Within 24 hours, BSF returns Pak national who crossed border
Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed over a Pakistani national to Pakistan Rangers as a “goodwill gesture for maintaining peace and tranquility at International Border”. The 60-year-old was apprehended on Friday while crossing the border in Ramgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district. Earlier, Pakistan PM Imran Khan termed the release of IAF pilot Abhinandan as “peace gesture”.
UNSC members aware about Masood Azhar’s presence in Pak: India
India on Saturday said that all the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members were aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed’s training camps and the presence of the terror group’s chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan. India called on the members to designate him as a global terrorist. The US, UK and France have moved a proposal at UNSC to place him on terror list.
US, UK discuss efforts to reduce India-Pakistan tensions
US State Secretary Mike Pompeo met the UK’s National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill on Friday to discuss the current situation between India and Pakistan and the efforts to reduce tensions between the countries. Both the US and the UK had expressed their concerns over the tensions and called for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation.
US tells its citizens not to visit most of Jammu and Kashmir
The US updated its Level 2 travel alert for India and asked citizens not to visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to “terrorism and civil unrest”. However, it said tourists can visit “Ladakh region and its capital, Leh”. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities,” the advisory stated.
Terrorists fuelling tensions between India, Pakistan: US General
Terrorists operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as fuel tensions between Pakistan and India, US Army General Joseph Votel, head of the US Central Command, said. While the US’ security assistance to Pakistan remained suspended, some military cooperation activities between the two countries continued, he added.
Tesla secures $521 million for $2-billion China Gigafactory
US-based electric carmaker Tesla has secured around $521 million in loans from four Chinese banks to build its first Gigafactory outside of the US, which it estimates will cost around $2 billion. Tesla CEO Elon Musk formally began construction of the factory in January. Tesla is set to become the first foreign automaker to wholly own a factory in China.
Bihar Congress leader quits over party seeking proof of IAF strike
Ahead of 2019 General elections, Bihar Congress General Secretary Binod Sharma has resigned citing his disappointment over the party’s demand for proof of IAF air strikes in Pakistan. “Seeking proof of air strikes and number of terrorists killed…is a shameful and childish act. Today, the public is looking at Congress as a Pakistani agent,” Sharma wrote in his resignation letter.
Pak minister demands ICC action against India for wearing Army caps
Pakistan Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has demanded ICC to act against India for wearing Army-style caps during the third Australia ODI. “It’s just not cricket. I hope ICC will take action for politicising gentleman’s game. If India won’t be stopped…Pakistan…should wear black bands to remind world about Indian atrocities in Kashmir. I urge PCB to lodge formal protest,” he tweeted.
Govt sells entire stake in Dredging Corp for ₹1,049 crore
The government has sold its entire 73.47% holding in the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to state-owned Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradip Port Trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Deendayal Port Trust for ₹1,049 crore. Following the sale, the government’s FY19 disinvestment proceeds reached over ₹56,473 crore. The government has a target of ₹80,000 crore from sell-offs for this year.
US firm returns $400 million to Saudi over journo’s murder: Report
American talent agency Endeavor has returned a $400-million investment to the Saudi Arabian government over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to The New York Times (NYT). “The deal was meant to finance Endeavor’s growth, while diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy via the talent agency’s work in sports, events, modelling and television and film production,” NYT said.
Kumbh established as a cultural heritage in UNESCO: UP CM
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Kumbh Mela was established as a cultural heritage in UNESCO. He added that as compared to 2013, the Kumbh Mela this year witnessed twice the number of devotees. He further said that after renaming Allahabad to Prayagraj, Kumbh Mela became a matter of curiosity for people all over the world.
MP govt issues ordinance to raise OBC quota to 27%
Madhya Pradesh Congress government issued an ordinance to raise the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14% to 27%. Governor Anandiben Patel signed the ordinance on Saturday to amend the Madhya Pradesh Lok Seva (Anusuchit Jatiyon, Anusuchit Jan Jatiyon aur Anya Pichhade Vargon ke Liye Arakshan) Adhiniyam, 1994. OBCs are estimated to constitute over 50% of the state’s population.
Foreign hackers likely stole software giant Citrix data: FBI
The FBI has told American software giant Citrix it believed “international cyber criminals” had gained access to its data. Citrix said hackers might have accessed and downloaded business documents. Security firm Resecurity claimed hackers stole at least 6TB of documents focused on project data of the FBI and NASA, among others in attacks in December 2018 and March 2019.
David Warner scores century on return from surgery
Former Australia vice-captain David Warner returned from his elbow surgery with a 77-ball 110 in a professional match in the NSW Premier Cricket tournament. Warner, who hit seven sixes and four fours in his innings, has not been picked in the Australian side for the upcoming one-day series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Those doubting air strike should be taken along next time: RSS
RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Saturday said that those seeking proof of air strikes in Pakistan should be taken along for the next military action. He further said that these people are raising questions on their patriotism by doubting the air strikes. “People are sure that this has happened and the entire world too believes this,” he added.
30 injured as turbulence hits New York-bound Turkish Airlines flight
At least 30 people were injured after an Istanbul-New York Turkish Airlines passenger jet suffered severe turbulence. The injuries were “mostly bumps, bruises and cuts” though a flight attendant suffered a broken leg, an official said. The plane, which had 326 passengers and 21 crew onboard, was over Atlantic Ocean, around 45 minutes from landing, when it struck the turbulence.
Man whose mom died on 2nd highest peak found dead on nearby mountain
The body of British climber Tom Ballard, who went missing on PoK’s Nanga Parbat, has been found 24 years after his mother died on the nearby K2, the world’s second highest mountain. The body of his Italian climbing partner Daniele Nardi was also found. “To have this happen the second time is…more than I can handle,” said Tom’s father.
Our neighbour aiding terrorists, it’s an open secret: Naidu
Addressing Indian Community at Costa Rica, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu criticised Pakistan saying, “Our neighbour is aiding terrorists”, which is an “open secret”. He added that India is a peace-loving country but Pakistan is funding and training terrorists. Naidu further said that terrorism is not an issue for India alone instead, it is an international issue.
1,000 kg explosives seized from vehicle in Kolkata, 2 held
The Kolkata Police Special Task Force on Saturday intercepted a goods vehicle with nearly 1,000 kg of explosive material and arrested two people. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the vehicle on BT Road and seized 27 gunny bags containing 1,000 kg of potassium nitrate, police said. The vehicle was coming from Odisha and heading towards North 24 Parganas district.
Jennifer Lopez gets engaged to Alex Rodriguez, shares first photo
American singer-actress Jennifer Lopez got engaged to former American baseball player Alex Rodriguez, the couple revealed on Instagram. Both of them shared a photo of Alex holding her hand, and Jennifer can be seen wearing an engagement ring. While Alex captioned the photo as ‘She said yes’, Jennifer put heart emojis as her caption.
Rohit breaks Dhoni’s record for hitting most ODI sixes for India
Opener Rohit Sharma smashed his 218th six in ODI cricket during the fourth ODI against Australia on Sunday, setting the record for most sixes hit by a batsman for India in ODI cricket. The 31-year-old overtook former captain MS Dhoni, who has smashed 217 sixes for India. Notably, Dhoni hit seven out of his 224 ODI sixes for Asia XI.
Kenya-bound Ethiopian Airlines flight with 157 on board crashes
An Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Kenya’s capital Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members on board. The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office expressed condolences to the bereaved families hinting at a number of deaths. The location and cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained.
BJD to reserve 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha polls
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will allocate 33% seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for women. “If India is to lead the world…then women empowerment is the only answer,” Patnaik said. In November 2018, Patnaik had passed a proposal seeking implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
IDBI Bank plans three-year extension for CEO Rakesh Sharma
IDBI Bank on Sunday said it is considering to extend the tenure of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Sharma for a period of three years. Sharma’s six-month term at IDBI Bank is set to end in April. He was appointed the lender’s MD and CEO a few months before LIC’s acquisition of majority stake in IDBI Bank.
PNB gives ₹689cr loans to 1,600 MSMEs under 59-minute scheme
Punjab National Bank MD Sunil Mehta has said the lender sanctioned loans worth ₹689 crore to over 1,600 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the 59-minute loan portal till February-end. MSMEs can avail loans of up to ₹1 crore through the portal. Further, the lender has sanctioned 2.69 lakh loans so far in FY19 under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
Uber pays $2.6 mn for unlicensed taxi service in Netherlands
Uber has agreed to pay around $2.6 million for offering a taxi service that allowed people without a taxi licence to transport passengers in their own car, in violation of Dutch law. The in-app service named ‘UberPOP’ operated from July 2014 to November 2015 in the Netherlands. “We are committed to being a good partner to Dutch cities,” Uber said.
Smriti Mandhana achieves career best T20I batting ranking
India’s Smriti Mandhana, who led the T20I side against England in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, has gained three slots to reach a career-best third position among batters in Women’s T20I rankings. Radha Yadav, who took three wickets in the series, jumped five places in bowler’s ranking to reach the fifth position while Ekta Bisht grabbed the 56th spot.
New York’s iconic Chrysler Building to be sold for $150 mn: Reports
New York’s iconic Chrysler Building, once the world’s tallest building, is reportedly being sold for $150 million to Austria’s largest privately-owned real estate company Signa Holding GmbH and property firm RFR Holding. The amount is almost a fraction of the price the building was purchased for. It has been featured in films including ‘Men in Black 3’ and ‘Spider-Man’.
Deeply regret accident: Ethiopian Airlines CEO as 157 die in crash
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam visited the site of the crash in which all 157 people on board a Kenya-bound flight died on Sunday. “He deeply regrets the fatal accident…and regrets to confirm there are no survivors,” a statement said. “He expresses his profound sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of passengers and crew,” it added.
Airbnb to buy HotelTonight in its biggest acquisition: Report
Airbnb has agreed to acquire San-Francisco based last-minute hotel-booking app HotelTonight for an undisclosed sum, which is reportedly Airbnb’s biggest acquisition yet. The price is close to HotelTonight’s last private valuation of $463 million, reports added. Post the deal, HotelTonight will reportedly work independently and CEO Sam Shank will report to Airbnb’s President of Homes, Greg Greeley.
All 157 people on board Ethiopian Airlines flight die in crash
All 157 people on board Ethiopian Airlines’ Kenya-bound flight ET 302 died in a crash on Sunday, the state broadcaster said. The flight carrying 149 passengers and eight crew members took off at 8:38 am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport and lost contact at 8:44 am. The flight was involved in an accident around Ethiopia’s Bishoftu.
AP, Arunachal, Sikkim & Odisha to have Assembly polls with LS polls
Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Sunday announced that Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will be held simultaneously with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He further said that state elections in Jammu & Kashmir will not take place simultaneously with the General elections due to the prevailing situation in the state.
Lok Sabha elections from April 11 to May 19, counting on May 23
The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held from April 11 to May 19 in seven phases, the Election Commission announced today. Counting of votes in all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies will be held on a single day on May 23. At least 90 crore people will be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.
