PewDiePie congratulates T-Series with rap song, takes lead again
Swedish YouTuber Felix Kjellberg, who runs PewDiePie channel, congratulated T-Series with a rap song after it became the most-subscribed YouTube channel. In the video, he pointed out T-Series Managing Director Bhushan Kumar was investigated for alleged tax evasion and also talked about India’s poverty and caste system. PewDiePie regained the lead soon after the video was published.
People ask me to go to Pak, I think I should do that: Soni Razdan
Talking about trolls calling her anti-national for comments on Kashmir, Alia Bhatt’s mother and actress Soni Razdan said she sometimes thinks she should go to Pakistan. “I’ll be happy in Pakistan. Food there is also very good. People in India just want me to stay in Pakistan,” she said. Soni further said that Kashmir has run out of cultural balance.
Lady Gaga on ‘offensive lyrics’ list presented to S’pore Parliament
American pop stars Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande were placed on an “offensive lyrics” list presented to Members of the Parliament in Singapore as part of a statement by the country’s home minister on hate speech. The minister called for restrictions on offensive speech in public discourse, as over time it creates an environment “conducive for discrimination and eventually violence”.
My biggest day on cricket field: Sachin on 2011 World Cup triumph
Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to talk about the 2011 World Cup final victory on the occasion of its eighth anniversary. “I have had so many days on the cricket field but never had a bigger day than that in my life,” he said. On April 2, 2011, India won the World Cup after 28 years.
I remained unmarried for upliftment of oppressed: Mayawati to SC
In response to a petition asking her to return public money spent on constructing her and elephant statues in Uttar Pradesh, BSP’s 63-year-old chief Mayawati told the Supreme Court she “remained unmarried for the upliftment of the downtrodden”. She added the statues were “will of the people”. Earlier, SC had asked Mayawati to return the public money from her pocket.
Told to get Pak passport, Omar says BJP’s Gambhir must stick to IPL
Reacting to ex-J&K CM Omar Abdullah’s statement that his party JKNC will restore the PM and President post in Kashmir, BJP’s Gautam Gambhir said that Omar needs some sleep or a Pakistani passport. In response to Gambhir, Omar tweeted that Gambhir should stick to stuff he knows about. “You don’t know very much about J&K…tweet about the IPL,” Omar added.
Pregnant whale found dead in Italy with 22 kg plastic in stomach
A pregnant sperm whale that washed up on a beach in Italy’s Sardinia last week has been found to contain 22 kilograms of plastic in its stomach. The carcass contained “garbage bags, fishing nets, lines, tubes, the bag of a washing machine liquid still identifiable with brand and barcode…and other objects no longer identifiable,” as per environment group SeaMe Sardinia.
Terrorist absconding in 2017 Lethpora CRPF attack case arrested
The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who was absconding in the 2017 Lethpora CRPF terror attack case. The terrorist had escaped to UAE on February 1, 2019, and was brought back to India by the government on March 31. As many as five CRPF personnel were martyred in the attack.
UP SHO suspended as man sets himself ablaze in police custody
The SHO of UP’s Bithoor police station was suspended after a man brought in for questioning in a murder case allegedly set himself on fire. The man had a matchbox in his pocket, which was not confiscated due to negligence during frisking, authorities said. He was admitted to a hospital, and later revealed that he did it out of fear.
Indian man accused in plot to kill Mahesh Bhatt deported from US
Ubaidullah Abdulrashid Radiowala, a key accused in the 2014 cases of alleged conspiracy to kill filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and firing on producer Karim Morani, was deported to India from the US on Tuesday night. Radiowala, an aide of gangster Ravi Pujari, had been in custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since September 2017 for staying there illegally.
Will lose $10 bn annually if India continues to lobby against us: Pak
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said the country could be blacklisted by the terror financing and money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to “lobbying by India”. Pakistan, which is already on the FATF’s ‘grey list’, will face loss of $10 billion annually if it remains in the list, Qureshi added.
BHU student shot dead inside campus by attackers on bike
An MCA student of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was shot by unidentified men on motorcycle in front of his hostel in the campus and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Wednesday. Police said it was a case of personal enmity and have arrested four people in connection with it. The victim had sustained bullet injuries in his stomach.
275 China ships surround Philippine-ruled island in South China Sea
The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest with China over the presence of 275 Chinese vessels since the start of the year near the Philippines-administered Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea. Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claims on the island, known as Pag-asa Island in the Philippines. China has said that the vessels were fishing boats.
HC rejects HUL’s plea, allows Emami to air ‘Fair and Handsome’ ad
The Delhi High Court has allowed Emami to continue airing its ‘Fair and Handsome’ television advertisement, rejecting Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL) challenge that it disparages its own ‘Fair & Lovely’ product. The commercial had an actor saying, “Ab to Ladkiyon ki cream chhodo Mr Lovely”. HUL claimed the ad showed a white-and-pink tube which looked like its Fair & Lovely brand.
Delhi High Court seeks status of notice to Sreesanth
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked its Registrar to find out whether the notices on Delhi Police appeals have been served to everyone, including cricketer S Sreesanth, in the 2013 spot-fixing case. The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Sreesanth and his two Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan in the spot-fixing case in 2013.
RR register their 1st win in IPL 2019, RCB’s winless run continues
Rahul Tripathi finished off RR’s chase with a six in the last over against RCB on Tuesday to help his team register their first victory in IPL 2019 after three consecutive losses. This is the first time RCB have lost their opening four matches in an IPL edition. RR’s Shreyas Gopal was named Man of the Match for taking three wickets.
Smart pyjamas with self-powered sensors to track sleep made
Massachusetts University researchers have developed smart pyjamas called “Phyjamas” embedded with self-powered sensors to monitor heartbeat, breathing and sleep posture for better sleep quality. They include electronic polymer films which are washable and capable of withstanding manufacturing. ‘Phyjamas’ may come to the market within two years and may sell for up to ₹14,000, lead researcher said.
Startup funding falls 25%, Binny Bansal top investor in Q1: Tracxn
Startup funding dropped 25% to $2.4 billion in the first quarter of calendar year 2019, as compared to $3.2 billion in preceding quarter, as per analytics firm Tracxn. Additionally, Flipkart Co-founder Binny Bansal reportedly topped angel investors’ list in terms of the number of deals in the first quarter. He reportedly made four investments in startups including robotics startup Nymble.
No Tata Nano production for 3rd straight month, no sales in March
Tata Motors has disclosed that it didn’t produce any unit of its entry-level small car Nano for the third month in a row in March. The company also said it did not sell even a single unit of the model last month. In comparison, the carmaker had produced 31 units and sold 29 units of Nano in March 2018.
UP DGP praises policewoman who helped old lady, took her home
Uttar Pradesh police constable Manvi was commended by state DGP OP Singh for taking an elderly woman to her home and providing her with food. Manvi, who spotted the woman outside a bank, also helped her get her work done. The police tweeted, “DGP OP Singh commended constable Manvi… for exemplifying highest human virtues of kindness along with her duty.”
Govt declares Kashmiri Gate Police Station best in Delhi in 2018
The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared Kashmiri Gate Police Station as the best police station of Delhi in the annual ranking of police stations for 2018. The parameters for awarding the certificate of excellence included maintenance, cleanliness and solving of heinous cases. The MHA also appreciated the station’s special de-addiction and rehabilitation drive for children addicted to substance abuse.
No VRS after merger, may need to hire more people: BoB MD
Bank of Baroda (BoB) MD PS Jayakumar has said the lender won’t introduce any Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for employees looking to exit after its merger with state-run Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank. The merged entity may have to hire more people, he added. “BoB will end up being a job creator, rather than rationalising its workforce,” he said.
Nutella-maker to buy Kellogg’s biscuit business for $1.3 billion
Nutella-maker Ferrero on Monday said it has agreed to buy the biscuit businesses of US food group Kellogg for $1.3 billion. As part of the deal, the Italian confectioner will acquire brands including Keebler cookies, Famous Amos and fruit snacks such as Stretch Island. The businesses being sold had recorded sales of nearly $900 million in 2018.
Naked policeman arrests naked criminal in Swedish sauna
A naked off-duty policeman arrested a wanted criminal, who was also naked, in a sauna in Sweden’s Rinkeby district. Through the steam of the sauna, the policeman realised that one of the men sitting next to him was a drugs offender on the run. Rinkeby district police praised the policeman for keeping a cool head despite the heat.
EC notice to Railways, Aviation ministry for code violations
The Election Commission on Tuesday wrote to the Railways and Civil Aviation ministries over “lackadaisical attitude” in implementing the Model Code of Conduct and sought action against the officers in charge. Kathgodam Shatabdi Express passengers were served tea in cups that carried BJP’s slogan “Main Bhi Chowkidar” whereas Air India had used boarding passes carrying picture of PM Narendra Modi.
Virat Kohli becomes third cricketer to captain in 100 IPL matches
RCB captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday became the third cricketer to captain in 100 IPL matches, achieving the feat against RR. Out of his first 99 matches as captain in IPL, Kohli won 44 and lost 50, while two were ties and three had no result. Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni has captained in most IPL matches (162).
Had no idea I had taken a hat-trick, teammate told me: Sam Curran
KXIP’s 20-year-old all-rounder Sam Curran has said that he had no idea that he had taken a hat-trick against Delhi Capitals on Monday. “When we had won the game, one of the players came up to me and said that you have got the hat-trick,” he added. “The crowd was too loud towards the end,” he further said.
Google shuts down social media platform Google+ 8 yrs after launch
Google on Tuesday officially shut down its social media platform Google+ launched in 2011 to rival with other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Google decided to close the site after discovering a data breach in 2018. As of Tuesday, there will be no more Google+ sign-in buttons, pages or comments, and the users’ accounts will be deleted.
US woman sues Uber for $10 mn over sexual assault; driver in jail
A Washington-based woman has sued Uber over sexual assault by an Uber driver last year, who pleaded guilty and is serving jail time. The lawsuit states Uber failed to warn her of the risk its services posed to women, in particular to drunk women. The victim is seeking $10 million in damages to compensate for the physical and emotional injuries.
US move to blacklist Masood Azhar set a bad precedent: China
China has said that the US’ circulation of a draft resolution to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist has set a “bad precedent” as it is not in line with the Security Council rules. China has called upon the concerned parties to address the issue of Azhar under the framework of the 1267 Committee.
Nigerians using British Airways to get pizza delivered from London
Some wealthy Nigerians are ordering pizzas from London and having them delivered back home on British Airways flights, Nigerian minister Audu Ogbeh said. Ogbeh made the claim as he expressed concern over the increase in foreign imports, which he said are seen as status symbols in Nigeria. This was damaging Nigeria’s economy due to the fall in exports, he added.
Amul’s annual turnover increases 13% to ₹33,150 crore
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets the Amul brand of milk and dairy products, reported a 13% increase in turnover at ₹33,150 crore for 2018-19. The total milk procurement by Amul Federation’s 18 member unions, with a farmer-member strength of over 36 lakh across 18,700 Gujarat villages, also increased by 10% to 2.3 lakh litres per day.
Polish Catholic priests burn Harry Potter books to denounce magic
A group of Polish Roman Catholic priests has burned books it considers to be blasphemous, including some from the Harry Potter series. In a Facebook post, the group quoted passages from the Bible denouncing all forms of magic. A wooden mask, elephant figurines and a pink Hello Kitty umbrella were also burned.
Boeing says it needs more time to complete 737 MAX software fix
Boeing has said a software upgrade for its grounded 737 MAX, which was involved in two deadly crashes, won’t be ready until “coming weeks”. The update will work on the stall-prevention system to make it less aggressive in pushing down a plane’s nose. The 737 MAX models were grounded after similarities allegedly surfaced between the Indonesia and Ethiopia air crashes.
Sam Curran does bhangra with Preity Zinta after helping KXIP beat DC
All-rounder Sam Curran did bhangra with KXIP owner Preity Zinta near the boundary rope after taking a hat-trick and helping the team defeat DC in IPL 2019 on Monday. Curran, bought by KXIP for ₹7.2 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2019 auction, became the youngest bowler to take a hat-trick in IPL aged 20.
AngelList launches fund for India backed by Binny Bansal, others
Silicon Valley-based platform AngelList, that helps connect companies with investors, has launched an India dedicated fund called ‘The Collective’. The fund is backed by Flipkart Co-founder Binny Bansal, Matrix Partners India Founder Avnish Bajaj, DST Global Partner Rahul Mehta and funds like Kalaari Capital among others. ‘The Collective’ will back 60-80 companies over the next one-and-half-year.
35 years since Rakesh Sharma became the 1st Indian in space
Retired Indian Air Force Pilot Rakesh Sharma remains the only Indian citizen to have travelled to space, 35 years after he achieved the feat on April 2, 1984. Sharma flew aboard Soyuz T-11 spacecraft under a joint India-Soviet programme and spent over seven days orbiting Earth. India-born Kalpana Chawla and Indian-origin Sunita Williams flew to space as American astronauts.
European Union launches WTO case against India
The European Union (EU) has launched a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute against India over import duties on IT products. The EU is challenging the introduction of India’s import duties of 7.5%-20% for a wide range of IT products, such as mobile phones and components. The first step of WTO dispute settlement is a 60-day consultation period.
US to use automated system to clear 54,000 weed convictions
District attorneys for Los Angeles and San Joaquin counties have teamed up with non-profit organisation ‘Code for America’ to use a system to clear around 54,000 weed convictions. The system is aimed to automatically evaluate whether a case is eligible for dismissal or resentencing. Code for America’s ‘Clear My Record’ system earlier helped San Francisco clear over 8,000 marijuana convictions.
China’s BYD shows 88-ft-long electric bus, says it’s world’s longest
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD showed an 88-foot-long pure electric bus ‘K12A’, which it claims is the world’s longest pure electric bus. With a capacity of 250 passengers, the bus can travel at a maximum speed of 70 kmph. The bi-articulated bus can cover up to nearly 300 km on a single charge, BYD said.
Thyssenkrupp and Tata offer remedies to win EU deal approval
The European Commission on Tuesday said Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel have offered concessions to win antitrust approval for their planned steel joint venture. The EU competition regulator had previously voiced concerns about the deal’s impact on steel for car parts, packaging and electrical steel for engineering products. Details of the concessions were, however, not provided.
