Edwise World Education Fair hosts 80 leading universities
Edwise World Education Fair presents a golden opportunity for those wanting to study abroad this September or later. Held across 12 cities from 27th April–16th May, it offers attendees a chance to personally interact with university delegates about queries relating to applications, intakes, coaching, fees, loans, scholarships. Fee waivers of up to ₹35,000 will also be given to eligible students.
Parrot taken into custody for warning drug dealers of police raid
A parrot was taken into custody after it warned its owners, two drug dealers, of a police raid in Brazil’s Piauí. As soon as the police got close, the bird, who has now been handed over to a zoo, repeatedly shouted, “Mama, police.” However, the police officers were successful in arresting a man and a teenage girl.
No sibling rivalry, Tej always treats me with love: Tejashwi
Claiming he is always treated with love and affection by his brother Tej Pratap, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son Tejashwi said, “There is no sibling rivalry in our family.” On being asked about Tej fielding nominees against RJD’s LS candidates, Tejashwi stated, “If someone feels a candidate is better than the party’s nominee, it’s his/ her own perception.”
17-year-old Parag hits stumps with bat, misses record 50 by 3 runs
RR’s 17-year-old all-rounder Riyan Parag missed becoming the youngest batsman to score a fifty in IPL after getting out for 47 against KKR on Thursday. Parag attempted a pull shot off Andre Russell’s delivery but just managed some glove, with the ball going for four. Parag’s bat hit the stumps in follow-through, making him IPL 2019’s first hit wicket dismissal.
RR hand KKR their 6th straight loss despite Karthik’s 97*(50)
RR defeated KKR by three wickets in last over on Thursday to register their fourth victory in 11 IPL 2019 matches. It was KKR’s sixth straight defeat in IPL 2019 and fourth straight loss at Eden Gardens. The match witnessed Dinesh Karthik smash 97*(50), his highest-ever score in T20 cricket and second highest by a KKR batsman in IPL history.
Akhilesh’s wife Dimple touches Mayawati’s feet on stage
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple touched BSP supremo Mayawati’s feet on stage before addressing an SP-BSP-RLD rally in Kannauj on Thursday. Mayawati told the audience, “Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this alliance, I have accepted Dimple as a part of my family.” Meanwhile, Dimple said she is impressed by Mayawati’s life.
Keep me out of your mouth: Dinda to trolls after RCB tweet row
After RCB mocked their ex-pacer Ashoke Dinda in a tweet dedicated to Umesh Yadav’s three wickets against KXIP and deleted the tweet later, Dinda shared his career statistics on Facebook. “Haters, helping you get your statistics right. Stop and stare well your opinion isn’t my reality. So shut your hating selves and keep me out of your mouth,” he wrote.
Getting Dhoni to rest is very difficult: CSK batting coach Hussey
Talking about MS Dhoni missing a match in IPL 2019 due to back spasm, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said he was keen to play all matches. “He doesn’t want to miss…He loves playing for CSK, this place is very close to his heart,” he added. “So trying to get him to rest is very difficult,” he further said.
Will campaign for Sadhvi if she apologises to Muslims: BJP’s Fatima
BJP leader Fatima Rasool Siddiqui on Thursday said she would campaign for Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Thakur if she apologises to Muslims for her recent statements. Stating she’d filed a complaint within BJP as she was angry with Thakur, Fatima added, “Thakur is involved in cases and provokes people…I respect saffron but does she respect hijab?”
Kallis receives award from SA President for contribution to cricket
Ex-South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis was bestowed with Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday. Kallis, who played 166 Tests, 328 ODIs and 25 T20Is was honoured for his contribution to cricket. “It is highly fitting that Jacques should be honoured in this way with this prestigious award,” Cricket South Africa Chief Executive said.
100 whistles for you thala: Sakshi Dhoni on MS Dhoni’s 100 IPL wins
CSK captain MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi Dhoni took to Instagram to share a picture of her husband collecting an award from N Srinivasan for becoming the first captain to win 100 IPL matches. “Congratulations #thala #whistlepodu 100 whistles for you!” Sakshi captioned the picture. Dhoni had registered his 100th win as captain in IPL on April 11 against Rajasthan Royals.
I spy with my little eye: US’ CIA launches Instagram account
The US’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Thursday launched its Instagram account with a post captioned, “I spy with my little eye.” The CIA said the Instagram account would help with recruitment of “talented Americans” and sharing agency stories. However, it said that “we can’t promise any selfies from secret locations”.
SC judge Indu Malhotra replaces NV Ramana in panel probing CJI case
Supreme Court judge Indu Malhotra was appointed on Thursday as the new member of the panel probing sexual harassment charges against Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, after Justice NV Ramana opted to recuse himself. Now the three-member panel has two female judges, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, and it is led by Justice SA Bobde.
Two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists arrested by NIA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists who are residents of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists had been detained in J&K under Public Safety Act. They were in regular contact with another accused, Sajjad Ahmad, who was specially sent by the terror group to Delhi NCR to set up hideouts and radicalise Muslim youths.
Peace on Korean peninsula depends on US attitude: Kim Jong-un
During his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude. “The situation on the Korean peninsula…has reached a critical point where it may return to its original state as the US took a unilateral attitude in bad faith,” he added.
SL wrongly identifies US activist as blasts suspect, issues apology
Sri Lankan police on Thursday released photos of suspects involved in the Easter Sunday blasts and wrongly identified Amara Majeed, a 22-year-old US-based activist, as one of the suspects named Fathima Qadiya. Majeed took to Twitter to clarify she was not involved in the attacks, following which Sri Lanka police issued an apology, stating that wrong image was used.
India’s crude oil production falls for seventh straight year
India’s domestic crude oil production plunged over 4% in 2018-19, registering its seventh consecutive yearly fall. India produced 34.2 million tonnes of crude oil in FY19, down from 35.7 million tonnes in the previous year, according to data released by the government. Fields of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India missed production targets.
Congress’ Vikhe Patil resigns as Maharashtra opposition head
Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Thursday resigned as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Maharashtra Assembly. This comes after Patil declined to campaign for the party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections despite being named as the star campaigner. Maharashtra Congress President, Ashok Chavan, confirmed that Patil’s resignation has been accepted by the party President Rahul Gandhi.
SP is ‘Samapt Party’, BSP is ‘Bilkul Samapt Party’: UP Dy CM
BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday said that Samajwadi Party (SP) is “Samapt (finished) Party” and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is “Bilkul Samapt (completely finished) Party”. Talking about Congress, Maurya further said, “They are breathing through two seats-Amethi and Rae Bareli but this time there will be ‘Lotus’ on both of them.”
Cong expels ex-MLA for 6 years for ‘anti-party activities’
Congress on Thursday expelled former Delhi MLA Bhisham Sharma from the party for six years for engaging in “anti-party activities”. Sharma was an MLA from the Ghonda Assembly segment, which falls under the North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. According to reports, a senior party leader said that Sharma was removed as he “misled workers”.
Amazon India to change seller commission, logistics fee structure
Amazon India has said it will increase commissions on product categories like watches, beauty products, among others, and cut commissions on categories like handbags, among others, effective May 23. The changes range between 0.5% and 2% across the categories. Amazon decided to increase logistics fee structure on average and introduced an item listing charge beyond one lakh items per seller.
Injecting cells to regrow damaged tissue made feasible
Canada’s UBC Okanagan engineers have developed a new device that makes production of injectable cells faster, cheaper and more effective. “It’s an enticing concept because by introducing cells into damaged tissue, we can supercharge the body’s processes to regrow and repair injury,” engineers said. Over 85% of the cells survive and the process can be easily scaled up, they added.
Tata Steel fourth-quarter profit plunges 76% to ₹2,431 crore
Tata Steel on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter profit of ₹2,431 crore, a 76% decline from the same quarter last year. The steel giant’s consolidated revenue during the quarter rose 25% year-on-year to ₹42,424 crore. Tata Steel jumped two spots to become the biggest steel producer in India in 2018-19 after it acquired bankrupt Bhushan Steel.
Tax officials to pose as customers to check profiteering: Report
The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) has reportedly asked tax officials to pose as customers at retail outlets and check whether GST benefits are passed on to consumers. Officials have been asked to use a provision in the Central GST Act to make purchases, get the transaction revoked and use the cancelled invoice for investigation if profiteering is detected, reports said.
Sri Lanka revises down blasts death toll from 359 to around 250
Sri Lanka has revised down the death toll from Sunday’s serial blasts from 359 by over 100. “It could be 250 or 260. I can’t exactly say. There are so many body parts…it’s difficult to give a precise figure,” the country’s Health Services chief said. Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary resigned over failures in passing on intelligence.
19 Telangana students commit suicide on failing intermediate exams
At least 19 students who appeared for the Telangana state board intermediate examinations have committed suicide on failing, after the exam results were announced on April 18. Many who scored over 90% in first year exams were found to have failed in second year. On Tuesday, Telangana HC directed the board to re-evaluate answer scripts.
61yr-old ‘Kill Bill’ actor Michael Madsen charged with drunk driving
Michael Madsen, known for starring in ‘Kill Bill’, has been charged with drunk driving, said US authorities. The 61-year-old actor was charged with two misdemeanours in connection with a DUI arrest last month in Malibu, wherein he crashed his Land Rover into a pole. The incident marked the second time in 10 years that Madsen was arrested for drunk driving.
Johnny Depp to marry 30 yrs younger girlfriend Polina Glen: Reports
Actor Johnny Depp is planning to marry his girlfriend, Russian dancer Polina Glen, as per reports. Polina, who’s 30 years younger to Depp, has reportedly moved into the actor’s Los Angeles home and accompanying him on tours and to movie sets. Depp, who got divorced from actress Amber Heard in 2017, has been dating Polina for a year, reports added.
Air hostess claims IndiGo pilot sexually harassed her in cockpit
An air hostess of domestic carrier IndiGo has alleged a pilot sexually harassed her in cockpit while she was operating on a Bengaluru-Amritsar-Srinagar-Delhi flight on April 16. The victim alleged she had gone to serve the pilot hot water when he asked her for selfie and molested her. She also claimed he tried to hug her after landing in Delhi.
Farm group finds traces of unapproved GM brinjals in Haryana
An environmental voluntary group has alleged that at least one farmer in Haryana has illegally planted his field with Bt brinjal, a genetically modified (GM) crop. “We’ve requested authorities to ensure that the variety doesn’t spread any further,” the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture said. India doesn’t allow any GM cultivation other than lab-altered cotton, approved in 2003.
JBS to ship Brazil’s first chicken cargo to India
Meat processor JBS said its Seara processed foods unit became the first company in Brazil authorised by India to sell chicken products in the Asian nation. JBS’ first shipment of chicken thighs and leg quarters to India is scheduled for the next few weeks, the company said. The first consignment will arrive at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, JBS added.
Facebook actively working on WhatsApp Pay in India: Zuckerberg
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, while speaking about WhatsApp’s payments service, has said Facebook is actively working on the service in India. “We have a test…running in India for WhatsApp…we’re hoping to launch in several other countries at some point,” he added. Earlier, RBI stated the service was stuck in beta test mode as it didn’t comply with data localisation norms.
Microsoft reverses plans to exclude Paint from Windows 10
Software giant Microsoft has reversed plans to exclude Paint app from Windows 10, after warning users for months that it would be removed. “Yes, MSPaint will…remain included in Windows 10 for now,” Senior Program Manager Brandon LeBlanc said. Paint was earlier marked “deprecated”, meaning it wasn’t in active development and could be removed in future releases.
Jailed 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict dies in Nagpur
Abdul Gani Turk, one of the convicts in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, died on Thursday in GMC Hospital, Nagpur. Turk, whose death sentence was later commuted to a life term, was lodged in Nagpur Central Jail for his role in the bombings that left 257 dead. He was convicted of filling vehicles with RDX and transporting arms and ammunition.
Ex-Army Chief General Dalbir Suhag named Indian envoy to Seychelles
Former Indian Army Chief General (Retired) Dalbir Singh Suhag has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to the island nation of Seychelles. “He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. He was the Army Chief from August 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016.
3-yr-old found alone at US border with name and number on his shoes
A 3-year-old boy was found alone by American authorities in the middle of a cornfield in Texas near the US-Mexico border after he was abandoned by smugglers who fled when the Border Patrol approached them. The boy was crying and had his name and phone numbers written on his shoes. Authorities are trying to locate the toddler’s family.
It will be nasty: Trump ‘welcomes’ Biden to presidential race
After former US Vice President Joe Biden announced his presidential bid, US President Donald Trump tweeted, “Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign.” “It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick and demented ideas,” Trump added.
Japan seeks to join WTO case over India’s duties on IT goods
Japan is seeking to join consultations in a dispute case filed by the EU in the WTO against India’s import duties on some IT products. The EU is challenging the import duties between 7.5-20% for products such as mobile phones. This violates WTO norms as India has committed zero percent bound tariffs on these products, the EU alleged.
US may offer oil to India on concessional terms: Reports The US may reportedly offer oil and gas to India on concessional terms from its own reserves. This comes as the US prepares to end Iran sanctions waivers. Reports added the concessions could be at par with those offered by Iran, which provides cheaper freight and 60-day credit period to Indian importers including Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals.
