Dubai
The world’s largest vertical maze has been unveiled in Dubai. The tower, an iconic 55-storey mixed-use building, was constructed by Al Rostamani Group. The maze has been confirmed by records tally-keeper Guinness World Records to be the largest vertical maze.
Arantxa Sanchis
Arantxa Sanchis has won the billiards women’s title. She defeated state-mate Meenal Thaku in the National billiards and snooker championship held at the Bengal Rowing Club in Kolkata.
Jumpa Lahiri
Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri has won the $50,000 DSC Prize for Literature, one of South Asia’s top literary awards. She was awarded the prize for her book, The Lowland.
Sri Lanka’s former Chief Justice Shirani Bhandaranayake reinstated
Sri Lanka’s new government led by President Maithiripala Sirisena has reinstated former Chief Justice Shirani Bhandaranayake to her former position.She was impeached by the previous government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.With this move, country’s new government is attempting to deliver on election promises assuring independence of the judiciary.Shirani Bhandaranayake was 43rd and first woman Chief Justice of Sri Lanka appointed in May 2011.In 2013, she was unceremoniously removed from this post after she was impeached in late 2012.Earlier in January 2015, Sri Lanka’s new government had reinstated the rank of former army Chief General Sarath Fonseka, who was stripped of all ranks and sentenced to jail by Rajapaksa.
General Sarath Fonseka was Sri Lanka’s only four-star general who had led the Army to defeat the Tamil Tigers in 2009. In 2010, he had fallen out with Rajapaksa and challenged him in the election of 2010. Thereafter Fonseka was arrested, court martialled and jailed for corruption.