News Flash (9rd February 2021): Top 10 Stories Of The Day

1. Andolans liberated India: Farmer unions respond to PM’s ‘Andolan Jeevi’ remark

Farmer union leaders have said that the ‘Andolan Jeevi’ remark made by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is like an “insult to farmers”. Commenting on this, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Darshan Pal said, “Farmers would like to remind the PM that andolans have liberated India from colonial rulers.” On the other hand, the All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah demanded the PM to immediately withdraw the remarks and apologize in Parliament for the same.

2. Parliamentary Panel says India is lagging behind in preparation for 5G roll-out

Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor headed Parliamentary panel has said that the preparatory work for the launch of the 5G services is getting delayed. “India has not moved beyond the modest beginning stage…It is likely that after missing the 2G, 3G, and 4G bus, India is going to miss the 5G opportunities,” a statement from the panel mentioned.

3. After Tesla’s $1.5 billion purchase, Bitcoin crosses $47,000 for the first time ever

After Elon Musk’s Tesla announced that it has invested $1.5 billion, 8% of its reserves in Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency hit a fresh record of more than $47,000.Tesla further announced that it will soon begin accepting payments in bitcoin for its electric cars. 

4. UN Human Rights Council to conduct special session to discuss Myanmar crisis

On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council is going to conduct a special session to discuss the crisis in Myanmar that has followed after a military coup. Britain’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Julian Braithwaite said that the detention of elected politicians and civilians has drastic consequences on for human rights in the country. 

5. India stands defeated in a Test for the 4th time in a row

India lost Chennai Test against England by 227 runs. England, however, registered their first Test victory in India after more than eight years. During the test series, India had to face a sour defeat since it was on its own soil for the first time ever. This is India’s 4th defeat in a row under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.

6. Actor Rajiv Kapoor passes away at 58. Suffers from cardiac arrest

Rajiv Kapoor, actor, son of Raj Kapoor and younger brother of Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor, passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 58. Neetu Kapoor, Rajiv’s sister-in-law took to Instagram to confirm the news. 

7. Arrest order of Tharoor, journos booked over tweets on R-Day violence, stayed by SC

The Supreme Court of India stayed the arrest of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, and a few others for allegedly posting misleading tweets on the violence during the Republic Day tractor rally. A notice too was issued by the court in a plea filed by Tharoor and the others who sought quashing of FIRs pending against them in four states and Delhi.

8. Agnikul, an Indian spacetech startup successfully tests 3D printed rocket

Agnikul Cosmos a Chennai-based space tech startup of India has recently tested a fully 3D printed rocket engine. The rocket fired Agnilet, which is a higher stage semi-cryogenic rocket engine. Sharing more information about it, CEO Srinath Ravichandran said,“Agnilet is just one piece of hardware from start to finish and has zero assembled parts.” “We’re not aware of anyone…who has pushed 3D printing to this extent,” he further added. 

9. Rani Rampal, Manu Bhaker get nominated for BBC Indian Sportswoman award

On Monday, Hockey captain Rani Rampal, shooter Manu Bhaker, sprinter Dutee Chand, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and chess player Koneru Humpy were nomianted for the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2021 award. It is an award that celebrates the finest sportswomen of India. 

10. WHO’s investigation team in China says leaking of coronavirus from lab unlikely

The team of WHO investigating the origin of coronavirus in China has said, ” the lab leak hypothesis is an extremely unlikely pathway for Covid-19″. Ben Embarek, WHO foreign expert further said that this conspiracy theory would not require any investigation.