The Russian invasion: the latest update

Russian troops have been dispatched to the two separatist-held territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The move has sown confusion among the ranks of the US and its European allies—who are now debating the definition of an “invasion”—since that will determine the severity of their sanctions. One US official defined it as crossing into Ukrainian territory that Russia has “not occupied since 2014.” 

Meanwhile at the UN: At a heated special Security Council meeting, the US tried to rally others to rebuke Russia. China tread the delicate path of neither condoning the invasion nor criticising Moscow—saying all countries “must exercise restraint, and avoid any action that may fuel tensions.” India did pretty much the same—pushing for a diplomatic solution. The Kenyan UN Ambassador Martin Kimani, however, stole the show with a powerful speech on the perils of colonialism. Watch him below:

Hijab ban: The latest update

Tensions were high in Shivamogga, Karnataka, after the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist—sparking fears of riots. The police have now arrested six people—four were directly involved in the killing and have criminal backgrounds. Point to note: The victim Harsha Hindu was also involved in at least five cases of assault and attempt to murder. There is still cause for worry as all those arrested are Muslim. Meanwhile, Harsha’s sister called for peace, saying “I fold hands and ask Hindu-Muslim brothers to be please be good children at home.” (Indian Express)

In equally worrying news: Fifty men vandalised a restaurant owned by the father of one of the students challenging the hijab ban in the High Court. Point to remember: Someone inside their college leaked their addresses—which were soon circulating on social media. (The Telegraph)

Munawar Faruqui has a new gig

The comedian spent months in jail because of rightwing vigilantes—who also forced organisers to cancel his gigs when he got out on bail. Well, he has found a way to get back to work—and it won’t make a lot of liberals who supported him happy. Faruqui will be a contestant in a new reality show called ‘Lock Upp’ hosted by Kangana Ranaut. 

The show will throw him back into prison—albeit the fake kind—for 72 days where they will have to “face your temptations, your demons, your insecurities and reveal your darkest truths.” Faruqui said: “Though it’s going to be a tough and challenging journey for me, I am glad that this show also gives me an opportunity to be myself in a real set-up.” Fair enough. See the promo below.  (Hindustan Times)

Speaking of censorship: The government has invoked the emergency powers under the new IT Act (explained here) to ban Punjab Politics TV. Everything related to the channel is blocked, including its app, website and social media accounts. The reason: the channel has close links with banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)—and was using online media to disturb public order during the ongoing Punjab elections. Though the language offered to justify the decision is a bit Orwellian and very vague:

“It was also observed that the launch of new apps and social media accounts was timed to gain traction during the ongoing election. The Government of India remains vigilant and committed to secure the overall information environment in India and thwart any acts having the potential to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity.”

Ashneer Grover is making moves

The BharatPe founder is in big trouble thanks to an audit into his company—which revealed a lot of pilfering by his family members. And he has been put on compulsory leave along with his wife, Madhuri (explained here). Grover’s response: He has filed an arbitration plea with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). Grover claims the internal investigation is illegal:

“Ashneer’s point is, the Alvarez & Marsal report and preliminary investigation is invalid because it was in violation of shareholder agreement and articles of association. His argument is that the company has no authority to conduct such an investigation.”

Wait, what? Why did no one send us the memo that gives founders immunity from any allegation of defrauding their own company? Accha, then we wonder why Grover is negotiating for indemnity from any future action against him in his negotiations with BharatPe? (Mint)

Also making moves: Bishop Franco Mulakkal—who was recently acquitted of raping a nun, a court decision that outraged many (explained here). He will be leading a seminar for priests on the “issues and problems faced by churches.” (The News Minute)

The true price paid by migrant workers

According to a new report, the pandemic robbed 3,106 workers—spread across India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines—of $25.5 million worth of wages. The worst hit: India—where 745 workers lost out income upwards of $16.3 million. Why this matters: this is not money they lost because they couldn’t work. This is money that was owed in salaries and benefits by their employers. In other words, this was daylight “wage theft.” Quartz has more details. 

Brilliant news about the ageing brain

You can stop blaming everything you goof up on your age. A new study found that our brains do not slow down until we hit 60. It looked at over 1.2 million people who were asked to categorise words and images flashing on a screen by hitting the correct key. The reason their reactions slowed down is because of greater caution (of age) and their body’s motor skills:

“We can explain the slower reactions by the fact that people become more cautious in their decisions with increasing age, i.e. they try to avoid mistakes. At the same time, also the motor processes, i.e., the pressing of the response keys in an experiment, slow down with increasing age.”

The burning of very expensive cars

A cargo ship caught fire off the coast of Portugal—and it was carrying lots of very expensive rides: Volkswagens, Porsches, Audis, Bentleys and Lamborghinis—worth $155 million. Total value of goods on board: $438 million. Happily, the crew is safe. The ship was on its way from Germany to the US. (Bloomberg)

Coke’s new out-of-the-world flavour

The world’s best known soda company has released a limited edition flavour called ‘Starlight’—which is “inspired by space” and has “notes reminiscent of stargazing around a campfire, as well as a cooling sensation that evokes the feeling of a cold journey to space.” OTOH, a Redditor says it tastes like toasted marshmallows. Yes, this is another ‘let’s target Gen Z’ thing. (CNN)

Three things to see

One: Meet Fiona the green bulldog puppy—named after the ‘Shrek’ princess for obvious reasons. There’s no reason to worry. This rare event happens when light-colored dogs have contact with biliverdin—a green pigment found in bile—while in the womb. And they become less eco-friendly in their colouring as they grow older. But hey, it is still pretty darn cool. (People)

Two: Here’s a mind-blowing clip out of Ukraine—which has nothing to do with war! This is Associated Press’ international correspondent Philip Crowther reporting from Kyiv in six different languages: English, Luxembourgish, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German—in that order. Ok, we’re impressed. 

Three: It isn’t a trailer for an upcoming movie, but it certainly looks like one. Thums Up rolled out a new action-packed ad starring Shah Rukh Khan.