February 27—Top news at noon

Kargil martyr's daughter gets ''rape threats'' for opposing ABVP

The Delhi University student, whose social media campaign against ABVP recently went viral, alleged that she has received "rape threats". Lady Sri Ram Ram College student Gurmehar Kaur, daughter of Kargil martyr Captain Mandeep Singh, said she has attracted a barrage of hate messages over her stand on the issue. "I have been getting a lot of threats on social media. I think it is very scary when people threaten you with violence or with rape," she told NDTV. Giving rape threats "in the name of nationalism" is not right, she added. Her comments received widespread support including from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. After the North Campus violence, Kaur had changed her Facebook profile picture holding a placard which read "I am a student from Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone. Every student of India is with me.

'Moonlight' trumps 'La La Land' for best picture Oscar after announcement goof-up

Coming-of-age drama 'Moonlight' won the best picture Oscar defeating strong favourite 'La La Land' after a shocking mix-up in the announcement of the top award. 'La La Land' which won six trophies including best director and actress, was incorrectly declared the winner by Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. However, midway through their victory speech, the producers of the musical realised the error and John Horowitz announced that the award actually belonged to 'Moonlight'. Many thought he was just making a statement but then he cleared that he was not joking and showed the audience the card which read 'Moonlight'. Adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney's autobiographical play 'In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue', 'Moonlight' has been hailed by critics for its humanity in portraying this struggle. A tender story of a young black man coming to terms with his sexuality while growing in a rough Miami neighbourhood, the film also won best adapted screenplay and Mahershala Ali best supporting actor trophy.

Delhi HC stops Mukhtar Ansari from going on parole

The Delhi High Court today set aside the trial court order granting custody parole to MLA Mukhtar Ansari for canvassing in the UP asembly polls. Justice Mukta Gupta allowed the Election Commission's plea seeking cancellation of Ansari's parole. Ansari, an MLA who recently joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to contest from Mau Assembly seat in UP, was given custody parole by the trial court till March 4, enabling him to campaign in the election. The high court, however, on February 17 had stayed its operation after the poll panel moved a plea seeking cancellation of his parole on the ground that he may influence witnesses in the 2005 murder case of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, in which he is facing trial. Later the State of Uttar Pradesh, the prosecuting agency and the complainant in the BJP MLA's case also moved the high court opposing Ansari's release from jail in Lucknow.

47 injured in jallikattu

Forty seven persons, including 23 bull tamers, were injured during the jallikattu conducted at Thirukanurpatti near Thanjavur, police said today. District Collector A Annadurai had flagged-off the jallikattu yesterday. While 18 injured were admitted to Thanjavur medical college hospital, the rest were discharged after first-aid. A total of 276 bulls were used at the event.

Trump's navy secretary nominee withdraws

Philip Bilden, US President Donald Trump's nominee for navy secretary, withdrew his name from consideration citing privacy concerns and "significant challenges" he faced in separating himself from his business interests. Bilden's withdrawal a month after he had been named for the post marks the latest in a series of similar decisions by other nominees who have their names removed from consideration to serve under Trump.

Previous withdrawals include that of Vincent Viola, a billionaire Wall Street trader, nominated as Army secretary, and labour secretary nominee Andrew Puzder. The withdrawals were marked by concerns over the nominees' business records.

Blast outside journalists' homes in Imphal, no casualty reported

A powerful explosion took place on Sunday outside the house of two editors in Imphal after militants allegedly planted a bomb, police said. There were no reports of any casualty, however, a car was damaged due to the explosion, which happened at 8 pm today, they said. The editors work for a local Manipuri daily newspaper and a local cable television, police said. The bomb was allegedly planted by suspected outlawed militant outfit and the reason behind is not yet known, they said.

Meanwhile members of the Press Council of India K Amarnath along with a team of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union visited the residences of the two editors and expressed their solidarity. Amarnath today told PTI that he strongly condemns the attack and PCI is against any form of undemocratic act.