Have decent news, hopefully Indo-Pak conflict coming to end: Trump
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said, “We have some reasonably decent news (from India and Pakistan)…Hopefully, [their conflict] is going to be coming to an end.” He further stated that the US is involved in talks with both the countries. This comes amid the ongoing Indo-Pakistan tensions after the Indian Air Force struck the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Pakistan’s Balakot.
No agreement reached as Trump-Kim summit ends
The White House has said that no agreement has been reached with North Korea after the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un concluded in Vietnam. In a statement, the US said that the two leaders had a “very good and constructive meeting” and their teams “look forward to meeting in the future”.
Kim Jong-un answers western journalists’ questions for the 1st time
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un answered several questions from western media at his second summit with US President Donald Trump, in what is believed to be the first time he has answered foreign journalists’ questions. Upon being asked if he was confident of securing a deal, he replied, “It’s too early to say. I would not say I’m pessimistic.”
Diljit postpones unveiling of his wax statue amid India-Pak tensions
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh took to Twitter to announce that he has postponed the unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds Delhi amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan. He added that he will share details about the new date soon. “Our soldiers are fighting hard to protect the Nation. We stand by our Soldiers,” Diljit’s tweet also read.
Enemy wants to stop us, India will fight as one, win as one: PM Modi
Addressing BJP workers through video conference, PM Narendra Modi said, “When the enemy supports terror and acts against India, it’s to stop India’s progress. But we must all ensure that we stand together.” “India will stand as one, India will work as one, India will grow as one, India will fight as one, India will win as one,” he added.
Responding to terror our new normal: Indian envoy to US
India’s Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has said that giving an “appropriate response” to all incidents of terrorism is the new normal for India. Shringla, who was interacting with Indian students in the US, added that Pakistan must meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens in its territory.
Indian pilot captured by Pak during Kargil war was returned in 8 days
Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa was captured by Pakistan during 1999 Kargil war following ejection from his MiG-27 aircraft after suffering engine flame-out. Nachiketa, who was 26 years old then, was subsequently sent back to India in eight days after being interrogated by authorities. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his bravery in 2000 and resumed flying in 2003.
JeM militants trained in Balakot took 4 routes to enter J&K: Reports
The Jaish-e-Mohammed’s camp in Pakistan’s Balakot had a capacity to accommodate over 600 people and the terrorists trained there took four routes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to enter J&K, according to reports. The camp was reportedly used for radicalisation by showing propaganda videos on Kandahar hijacking and 2002 Godhra riots. India had struck the camp in an IAF-led preemptive air strike.
Red Alert sounded for entire Mumbai Metro network
The Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) issued a red alert across all the 12 stations in Mumbai on Thursday based on inputs received from security agencies, a day after Delhi Metro Rail Corporation took a similar step. Earlier, Maharashtra was put on high alert amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Shake hands, settle conflict: Nobel laureate Malala to India, Pak
Nobel laureate and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai urged for peace between India and Pakistan, and tweeted, “#SayNoToWar”. “I ask the PM of Pakistan Imran Khan and the PM of India Narendra Modi to show true leadership in this difficult time: to sit down, shake hands and settle the current conflict and long-standing issue of Kashmir through dialogue,” she wrote.
Japan condemns J&K attack, urges Pak to act against terrorism
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Wednesday condemned the Pulwama attack and urged Pakistan “to take stronger measures to counter terrorism”. Kono said the country “strongly condemns the terrorist attack on February 14 for which Islamic extremist group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility”. Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Kono urged both the countries to exercise restraint.
The nation stands with our brave IAF pilot: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday tweeted, “The nation stands with you,” after an Indian Air Force pilot was detained by Pakistan. Akhilesh further said, “I am praying for the safe return of our brave pilot. May God protect you and give you courage and strength.”
TikTok fined $5.7 million in US over child privacy violations
US Federal Trade Commission has fined lip-syncing video app TikTok $5.7 million to settle allegations of making under-13 users’ profiles public and collecting their personal information without parental consent. TikTok was allegedly aware of the issue and did not act despite several complaints. Notably, Tamil Nadu has also demanded a ban on TikTok over concerns of cultural degeneration of youngsters.
U-turn? I’ll take Z-turn, it’s my party: Thackeray on BJP alliance
Mentioning news reports claiming Shiv Sena members are upset with the Sena-BJP alliance as they believe party chief Uddhav Thackeray made a “U-turn”, Thackeray said, “I will make C-turn, Z-Turn; I will run my party as I want with the support of the sainiks.” Claiming BJP had learnt from past “mistakes”, Thackeray added, “Now let’s give them another five years.”
Get food safety licence to continue operations: FSSAI to Zomato
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked Zomato to get a food safety licence to continue operations. Citing Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI said no person or firm can carry out food business without a licence. Even though Zomato doesn’t make food, it’s accountable for its safety, FSSAI said.
Won’t be here if I wasn’t ready to denuclearise: Kim Jong to journo
On being asked by a reporter if he was ready to give up nuclear weapons, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who met US President Donald Trump in Vietnam, said, “If I’m not willing to do that, I won’t be here right now.” “That might be the best answer you’ve ever heard,” Trump said following the Korean leader’s response.
Was emotional to take up Sridevi’s role: Madhuri on ‘Kalank’
Speaking about replacing late actress Sridevi in the upcoming film ‘Kalank’, which has been co-produced by Karan Johar, Madhuri Dixit said, “I was extremely emotional when Karan asked me to take up her role.” “I don’t think anyone…has…come to terms with her absence,” she added. Madhuri further said she hopes to make Sridevi proud with her performance in the film.
Randeep Hooda bags silver medal at horse riding championship
Actor Randeep Hooda bagged a silver medal for horse riding at the National Equestrian Championship (NEC), which was held in Mumbai recently. The actor took to Twitter to share pictures from the event and wrote, “[G]ot a silver medal…thanks to my [teammates] from the Indian Army.” Randeep had earlier sustained an ankle injury while training for the event.
Eng break most 6s in ODI innings world record a week after WI set it
England smashed 24 sixes in the fourth ODI against Windies on Wednesday to set the world record for hitting most sixes by a team in an ODI. The previous record (23 sixes) was set by Windies in the first ODI on February 20, 2019. Windies smashed 22 sixes in the fourth ODI, joint-third most by a team in an ODI.
RIL may buy majority stake in logistics startup Grab: Report
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) is reportedly in talks with Mumbai-based logistics startup Grab to buy a majority stake in the startup. Last year, RIL had reportedly announced its plans to launch its own e-commerce platform backed by Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio. Launched in 2013, Grab offers on-demand, first-mile and last-mile logistics services to businesses.
CRED to reward users for paying their credit card bills
Former FreeCharge founder Kunal Shah’s latest venture, CRED, rewards users every time they pay their credit card bills via CRED app. Users can redeem exciting rewards from some of the biggest brands like Cult.fit, Myntra, Zomato Gold, UberEats, get free meals and flight tickets among other rewards. To be eligible on CRED, users need to have a 750+ credit score.
US, UK, France ask UNSC to blacklist JeM chief after J&K attack
United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the UN Security Council should impose sanctions on Masood Azhar, the chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack. Blacklisting Azhar would subject him to a global travel ban and asset freeze. The council reportedly has 10 days to consider the request from the three countries.
Gayle 1st batsman in the world to smash 500 sixes in int’l cricket
Windies’ 39-year-old opener Chris Gayle has become the first ever batsman to smash 500 sixes in international cricket and the second batsman to slam 300 ODI sixes. Gayle smashed 14 sixes during his 97-ball 162-run knock against England in fourth ODI to reach 506 international sixes. He has hit 98 sixes in Tests, 305 in ODIs and 103 in T20Is.
Coldplay, The Chainsmokers perform at Akash Ambani’s sangeet
British band Coldplay and American DJ duo The Chainsmokers performed at Reliance Industries’ Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s son Akash Ambani and his fiancée Shloka Mehta’s sangeet ceremony. The ceremony, attended by Bollywood celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, was held in St Moritz, Switzerland. The couple is set to tie the knot on March 9.
Sportspersons should never be asked not to play: Kapil Dev
Talking about the India-Pakistan World Cup match, former India captain Kapil Dev said that sportspersons should never be asked not to play. “Being a cricketer myself, I know how that might feel. Playing sport is the only thing we know and that’s what it should be,” he added. Many former players have called for boycotting the match after Pulwama attack.
Ex-Pak PM’s granddaughter seeks release of ‘captured’ Indian pilot
Former Pakistan PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s granddaughter and author Fatima Bhutto on Wednesday asked the Imran Khan government to release the Indian Air Force pilot “captured” after air combat. “We’ve spent a lifetime at war. I don’t want to see Pakistani soldiers…Indian soldiers die. We cannot be a subcontinent of orphans,” Fatima wrote in her article, urging for his release.
Exercise maximum restraint, Canada urges India and Pakistan
Following rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has urged the two countries to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any further military escalation. Freeland said, “Dialogue between India and Pakistan is needed to identify a durable diplomatic solution and maintain peace and security in the region.”
Samjhauta Express on schedule between Delhi & Attari: Railways
The Railways has said the Samjhauta Express that runs between Delhi and Attari in India will continue to run as per schedule. This comes amidst reports that Pakistan has suspended its operations between Wagah to Lahore on its side. The authorities haven’t issued instructions about any change to the current running of the Samjhauta Express, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said.
US supports India’s air strike on JeM camps in Pak: Reports
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told National Security Adviser Ajit Doval that the US supports India’s decision to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed camps in Pakistan, according to reports. The statement was made during a phone call on Wednesday night. The US State Department also urged Pakistan to abide by its UNSC commitments to deny terrorists a safe haven.
SC orders CBI to file affidavit on charges against Rajeev Kumar
The Supreme Court has directed CBI to file an affidavit giving details about alleged contempt committed by West Bengal Police officials and former Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with Saradha chit fund scam cases. The apex court asked CBI director RK Shukla to provide information in support of allegations of destruction of call data records by Kumar.
Telugu actor Mahesh Babu to produce film on 26/11 martyr
Telugu actor Mahesh Babu is set to produce ‘Major’, a biopic based on the life of National Security Guard (NSG) commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was martyred in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Actor Adivi Sesh will play the role of late Major Unnikrishnan in the film. ‘Major’ will be directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka.
Maxwell is a freak, can play shots other people can’t: Teammate
After Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 113 off 55 balls to help Australia beat India in the second T20I, his teammate Peter Handscomb said, “He is a freak.” “He can play all those shots that other people can’t play and he’s just maturing with each game,” he added. Australia registered their highest successful chase against India in T20Is.
Uncalled for: Nehwal on Barkha’s criticism of Khelo India app launch
Journalist Barkha Dutt took to Twitter to criticise the government launching Khelo India app on Wednesday amid the increasing Indo-Pakistan tensions. Responding to Barkha, badminton player Saina Nehwal tweeted, “The launch of Khelo India App was part of the Youth Parliament Fest…What better time than now to strengthen the unity of our youth? This criticism is uncalled for.”
FedEx to test self-driving last-mile delivery robot in US
FedEx has said it will begin testing ‘FedEx SameDay Bot’, its self-driving robot designed to make last-mile deliveries, later this year in certain American cities. The battery-powered robot is equipped with sensors and multiple cameras to help it detect and avoid obstacles and follow road and safety rules. It reportedly has a top speed of 16 kmph.
Facebook to launch ‘clear search history’ tool this year: CFO
Facebook CFO David Wehner has said the social media giant will launch a ‘clear history’ tool this year, which will let users view information about apps and websites visited by them and clear that history from their accounts. The tool will affect Facebook’s ability to target advertisements, Wehner said. It was first announced last year by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Urban Ladder fires 90 employees to cut back its losses
Urban Ladder Co-founder and CEO Ashish Goel has said around 90 employees were laid off in an attempt to cut back losses, as the startup is currently behind its target. The Bengaluru-based furniture retailer aims to cut back FY19 loss by 70% amid plans to reach operational profitability in June quarter. It earlier announced to go for IPO in FY21.
Tesla may lose quarter of its cash over $920 mn debt payment
Elon Musk-led Tesla faces a potential loss of a quarter of its cash as its $920-million convertible bonds are set to expire on March 1, at a conversion price of $359.87 per share. Tesla shares haven’t traded above $359 in weeks, thereby restricting chances of converting bonds to stock. Bondholders will likely opt for cash instead of stocks, Bloomberg reported.
Wipro to sell two cloud businesses to Alight for $110 mn
IT services major Wipro on Wednesday said it will sell its cloud-based businesses Workday and Cornerstone OnDemand to US-based Alight for $110 million (over ₹780 crore). The Bengaluru-based company had acquired the businesses as part of its Appirio buyout in 2016. Notably, Wipro had signed an agreement with Alight last year to take over its India business.
What does the Geneva Convention say about Prisoners of War?
India on Wednesday objected to Pakistan’s “vulgar display” of the injured IAF personnel in their custody, terming it a violation of the Geneva Convention. The convention states a Prisoner of War (POW) cannot be physically or mentally tortured and must be provided with food, clothing, and medical care. Further, a POW must be released once hostilities between both sides end.
Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch
Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati and Mendhar sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch. No casualty has been reported so far. Earlier during the day, Pakistan Army violated ceasefire in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.
6 IAF personnel martyred in crash in J&K, confirms IAF
Six IAF personnel were martyred and a civilian was killed after one Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashed near J&K’s Budgam on Wednesday, IAF has confirmed. The helicopter got airborne from Srinagar airfield at 10am for a routine mission and crashed due to a technical snag at around 10:10am. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident, IAF said.
If Sushma Swaraj attends OIC meet, I won’t participate: Pak Minister
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott a meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) if India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participates in the event. Swaraj was invited as a “guest of honour” for the inaugural plenary of the OIC foreign ministers’ conclave in Abu Dhabi. The session will take place from March 1 to 2.
Four to be questioned over Pak prisoner murder case in Rajasthan
According to a report, four people were arrested on production warrant for inquiry on Wednesday in Rajasthan, in connection with the murder of a Pakistani prisoner in Jaipur Central Jail last week. The deceased prisoner was allegedly murdered by the accused inmates after a brawl over television volume, on February 20. The deceased was lodged in the jail since 2011.
US House votes to block Trump’s emergency over border wall
The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to overturn President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration at the US-Mexico border. The move by the Democrats-controlled House aims to block Trump’s efforts to divert funds to build the border wall without congressional approval. The resolution will now face a vote in the Republicans-led Senate.
In a first, scientists turn CO2 back into coal at room temperature
A team led by Australia’s RMIT University has developed a technique to convert carbon dioxide into coal at room temperature using liquid metals as a catalyst. They claim it’s the “world’s first such breakthrough” that could transform approach to carbon capture and storage. Till date, carbon dioxide has only been transformed into coal at extremely high temperatures, a scientist said.
20 killed, 43 injured after train’s fuel tank explodes in Egypt
At least 20 people were killed and 43 others were injured in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Wednesday after a train crash sparked a fire, Health Minister Hala Zayed said. The Ramses station in Cairo was set ablaze after the train collided with the platform and its fuel tank exploded. The cause of the crash is not yet clear.
Govt detects ₹20,000 crore GST evasion in April-Feb FY19
The government has detected Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion worth ₹20,000 crore in the April-February period of FY19, a senior tax officer said on Wednesday. Out of this, ₹10,000 crore has been recovered, he added. Stating that only 5-10% of businesses are the “black sheep”, he further said the government will take more measures to increase tax compliance.
