Germany opens anti-trust probe into online advertising
Germany's anti-trust regulator is opening an investigation into online advertising, responding to concerns expressed by advertisers and publishers over the "significant" market position of US platforms Google and Facebook. The probe by the Federal Cartel Office opens a second front after it said in December that Facebook, the social network used by more than 2 billion people, had abused its dominant position to collect their personal data.
M&M Bags Rs. 110-crore Order for 1,000 EVs from Bengaluru Transportation Co
Mahindra & Mahindra has won a contract to supply 1,000 Verito EVs to Bengaluru-based employee transportation company Baghirathi Group for Rs. 110 crore, reinforcing its leadership credentials in India's electriccar industry. The vehicles will be delivered over the next 12 months.
With this contract, Mahindra & Mahindra is likely to more than double its annual volume to about 3,000 electric vehicle units in FY19. This contract is significant as Mahindra Electric was a Level 2 bidder in the government's tender of 10,000 electric vehicles through EESL, where its rival Tata Motors inched ahead of the company.
Gearing up for its most challenging space mission, Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) is leaving no stone unturned to make the Chandrayaan-2 (lunar-2) mission a success. Unlike the first lunar mission when a PSLV rocket carried the spacecraft to the moon's orbit, this time heavy-payload lifter GSLV Mk II will launch the spacecraft weighing 3,290kg as the module will carry an orbiter, a rover and a lander to the moon.
Rs. 50 LAKH FOR DRAVID, Rs. 30 LAKH TO EACH PLAYER
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced a cash reward of Rs. 50 lakh for the U-19 chief coach Rahul Dravid while the World Cup winning squad members will receive Rs. 30 lakh each. The other members of the support staff, including fielding coach Abhya Sharma and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, will be richer by Rs. 20 lakh. In a marked departure from the norm, the COA-led BCCI has decided that the chief coach should get the biggest share. "India is known for its guru shishya parampara and the Guru always gets more. Obviously, the stature of the coach matters a lot," a senior office-bearer, who was a part of the policy decision, said Meanwhile, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ashish Shelar has announced a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh for captain Prithvi Shaw, who played an important role in the triumph.
Sindhu loses yet another final
In the end, a Chinese and an American of Chinese descent swept the honours on the final day. After Shi Yuqi won the men's singles title to become the first Chinese to do so in the India Open, Beiwan Zhang taught PV Sindhu such a bitter lesson that she refused to attend the customary press meet. For Sindhu, it was her sixth loss in the finals since her Olympic silver and two title wins.
Modi pens 25 mantras to help students cope with exam stress
With stressful days round the corner for those appearing for their Class X and XII board exams, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a book detailing '25 mantras' to help students treat examinations as a cause for celebration and not despair. In a book, 'Exam Warriors', the PM has urged students to see exams as a way "to compete with self". He has also asked youngsters to "embrace technology", which Modi describes as a "great teacher", while ensuring adequate rest since "sleep is a great weapon". The book was launched by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who elaborated on the 25 mantras. Union human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar said the "book will find space in each household as it connects with millions of students, teachers, parents and grandparents in a non-political way". The 193-page book, published by Penguin, has been presented in an interactive mode with activities, tearaways as well as a pledge not to cheat.