February 2020

The CEO of one of the world’s largest airlines said Muslim men are more likely to be ‘bombers’ and should be profiled at airports The CEO of one of the world’s largest airlines is facing criticism after saying Muslim men should be profiled at airports. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, 58, made the comment during an interview with The Times, saying that “males of a Muslim persuasion” who are traveling alone are more likely to be “bombers” and pose a higher risk to airlines than other passengers. He went on to say that profiling of Muslim families doesn’t have to be as...

‘This is a crisis, coronavirus is China’s biggest health emergency’: Xi Jinping President Xi Jinping on Sunday said the coronavirus epidemic is China’s “largest public health emergency” as the death toll from the deadly virus climbed to 2,442 and the number of infections hit almost 77,000 in the country. President Xi, who attended a meeting here to double efforts in coordinating the prevention and control of the COVID-19 outbreak, said the epidemic “has the fastest transmission, widest range of infection and has been the most difficult to prevent and control”. Source: Hindustan Times

Lahore and Government College University, are now recognising Har Gobind Khorana Lahore’s premier institution, Government College University (GCU), has decided to remember an old Ravian — the name given to old students — who became a Nobel Laureate in 1968. The great Ravian was not a Muslim but a Hindu, Har Gobind Khorana. Vice Chancellor Asghar Zaidi announced last month that GCU Lahore would soon establish a research chair at its chemistry department in Khorana’s name. Source: The Indian Express

Full text of Warren Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders Berkshire earned $81.4 billion in 2019 according to generally accepted accounting principles (commonly called “GAAP”). The components of that figure are $24 billion of operating earnings, $3.7 billion of realized capital gains and a $53.7 billion gain from an increase in the amount of net unrealized capital gains that exist in the stocks we hold. Each of those components of earnings is stated on an after-tax basis. That $53.7 billion gain requires comment. Source: The Economic Times

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma reveals road to profitability; may take 2 years to come out of red Digitial payment giant Paytm expects to turn profitable after two years as it is monetising the existing customer base and eyes financial services as its next major frontier for growth, its founder CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said. Noida-based firm, which had an astonishing rise after infamous demonetisation in 2016, is betting on financial services, commerce and payments as three key focus areas. Source: The Economic Times

Need to enhance global risk monitoring: Sitharaman NEW DELHI:Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday emphasised the need to enhance global risk monitoring and explore the scope for policy co-ordination to deal with such risks. Speaking at G-20 Finance Ministers and central bank governors meeting in Riyadh, she called upon all the member countries to enhance their efforts aimed at empowering women, youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Source: The Economic Times

The Huddle 2020, Day 2: Kashmir decision was not taken suddenly: Ram Madhav The second day of the fourth edition of the Huddle 2020, organised by The Hindu Group of Publications, begins with a keynote address by the former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe. The event was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday. The two-day event will feature 15 sessions and 32 speakers, showcasing some of the best minds from the world of politics, business, academics, sports, entertainment and the arts. The sessions are designed to be interactive, and they take place before an invited audience. Source: The...

US President Trump leaves for maiden visit to India WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump on Sunday left for his maiden visit to India for talks with the top Indian leadership during which the two countries are expected to significantly ramp up bilateral relations, especially in the defence and strategic ties. Trump, who is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration, just before his departure said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is his “friend” and he is looking forward to visit India. Source: Livemint

Indians use too big car to move single person: Pawan Goenka He also conceded that the automobile industry does add to pollution, and pitched for adopting all the means to reduce it. It can be noted that the Tatas have discontinued Nano after poor response to the 600-cc Rs 1 lakh car. Many experts have blamed the product’s utilitarian product pitch in a country where owning a car is seen as a lifestyle necessity as a reason for the failure. “It is very unfortunate that nano didn’t do very well,” Goenka said, speaking at an alumni event organised by his...

If Rahul doesn’t return, Cong must resolve leadership issue for revival: Tharoor The Congress must fix its leadership issues on top priority to address the growing perception among the people that the party is “adrift”, senior leader Shashi Tharoor said on Sunday and asserted that resolving the uncertainty over a long-term president was crucial for the party’s revival. In an interview to PTI, Tharoor also said that it was up to Rahul Gandhi to take a call if he wishes to return as Congress chief, but if he does not change his earlier stance then the party needs to find...