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Showing posts from February, 2024

Google CEO slams 'unacceptable' Gemini AI errors

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed bias and historical inaccuracies in the Gemini AI app's responses, admitting mistakes. Concerns include major economic upheaval, job displacement, industrial-scale disinformation, and manipulation of elections and violence. Google is working to fix the issues.

Two-child norm for govt jobs in Rajasthan gets SC nod

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The Supreme Court has approved a 'two-child norm' for public employment, barring candidates with more than two children from seeking government jobs. The court dismissed the appeal of ex-serviceman Ram Lal Jat, who had applied for a constable's post in Rajasthan Police. The decision follows a similar provision upheld by the court for candidates contesting panchayat polls.

Indian team boycotts Thai representatives at WTO talks

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A comment by Thailand's ambassador to WTO accusing India of using 'subsidised' rice for capturing the export market has created a diplomatic storm. Indian negotiators refused to participate in deliberations. The Indian govt lodged a strong protest and the issue of public stockholding remains unresolved due to the unwillingness of rich nations to discuss reducing import duties.

RS polls: Cross-voting by SP MLAs gives BJP stunning UP win

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BJP wins 8 of 10 seats in UP Rajya Sabha polls with cross-voting. BSP MLA Uma Shankar Singh supports BJP. Akhilesh Yadav threatens action against cross-voting MLAs. High-voltage drama as SP MLAs switch to saffron camp.

150 villagers reclaim land in Sandeshkhali, 400 complaints filed

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Around 150 Sandeshkhali villagers reclaim land as Bengal govt returns properties based on complaints filed with LLRD. In addition, irrigation and public health and engineering departments initiate conversion of fish farms into farmlands and seal inlets to stop saline water influx in Trimohini, Kaharpara, Patrapara, Bermajur, and Jeliakhali. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticizes Bengal govt for not arresting culprits.

CRPF, Haryana Police have taken away 5-6 Cong MLAs: Himachal CM

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Woman in Arabic-script dress saved from mob in Pakistan

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Prompt police intervention saved a young girl in an Arabic calligraphy dress from a mob in Lahore’s busy Ichra Bazaar on Sunday. The mob had accused her of blasphemy. The situation turned ugly as more than 300 people forced the woman into a nearby restaurant and demanded she remove the dress.

Dhangri terror attack charges against 3 Pak handlers, 2 others

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed chargesheets against five accused, including three handlers of the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) based in Pakistan. The attacks, which took place on January 1 and 2, 2023, resulted in the death of seven villagers, including two children, from a specific community. One of the children died due to an improvised explosive device (IED) left behind by the attackers.

Trio found dead in J&K’s Chenani, probe launched

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Three workers at a transmission tower in Chenani of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district were found dead under suspicious circumstances in a tent on Monday morning. Police launched a probe to determine the cause of the deaths.

Congress 'betrayed' people for progress of 'one family': PM Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Sudarshan Setu, the longest cable-stayed bridge in India, in Dwarka, Gujarat. He used the occasion to highlight the country's progress over the past decade and criticize the Congress party for their alleged betrayal of the people's trust. PM Modi emphasized the end of corruption and scams worth thousands of crores that were prevalent during the Congress era. The 2.32km bridge connects Okha with Beyt Dwarka island.

Elderly man detained from forward area along LoC in J&K’s Rajouri

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Many NC leaders in Jammu join BJP

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A senior National Congress leader, a former J&K MLC and dozens of Pahari activists joined BJP in Jammu Saturday. Prominent among them is Syed Mohd Rafiq Shah. In 2019, he had joined National Conference in 2019 after snapping ties with National Panthers Party. Pahari leader Mohd Ayub Pahalwan has also joined BJP along with his supporters.

WPL 2024: RCB score narrow two-run win over UP Warriorz

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Authoritative fifties by Richa Ghosh and S Meghana were well-supported by crafty leg-spinner Sobhana Asha as Royal Challengers Bangalore celebrated their first home WPL match with a fighting two-run win over UP Warriorz in Bengaluru on Saturday.

SC asks Google to explain how its live location feature works

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The Supreme Court has asked Google India to explain the working of Google PIN for live location. Google India, though not a party to the case, is sought for information on Google PIN's functioning. The court wants to examine if an accused can be compelled to share their live location as a condition for bail. Previously, the court sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate, which supported the bail condition in a money laundering case.

Elon Musk says Google service alternative Xmail is ‘coming’

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Elon Musk hints at X platform launching 'XMail' to rival Gmail. Some users considering the switch due to loss of trust in Gmail. Follower plans to use Gmail like Hotmail for junks. Musk's post quickly gained traction on the social media platform as people were greeted with rumours about Google’s plans to phase out Gmail.

Supreme Court prodding triggered tweak in surrogacy law

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The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in prompting the Centre to revise the surrogacy rules, allowing the use of donor gametes. Over two dozen petitioners have been granted permission to utilize donor eggs, leading to an influx of petitions from women across the country. The court has also identified an issue with Rule 7 of the Act, implemented on March 14, 2020, and has provided relief to a woman based on this finding.

US health authority warns users about this feature in smartwatches

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The US FDA warns about risks of using unauthorised smartwatches or smart rings claiming to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. Inaccurate measurements can lead to errors in diabetes management and dangerous low glucose levels. The agency is cracking down on illegal marketing.

Turkey's 5th-generation fighter jet Kaan makes maiden flight

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The jet, known as Kaan and developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries with help from the UK’s BAE Systems, took off from an airstrip in capital Ankara for a flight that lasted just over 10 minutes, according to state broadcaster TRT. The flight marks a landmark moment for Turkey, where authorities have made modernizing the country’s aging air force a top priority.

Indian diesel floods to Asia as Houthis imperil flows to Europe

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Shipments of diesel from India to Europe are at their lowest since 2022 due to Houthi attacks on merchant shipping. Higher freight costs and refinery maintenance in Asia have made it more economically viable to send cargo to Asia. Recent shipments on Marlin Sicily and Marlin La Plata are headed for Rotterdam.

Article 370’s removal erases dynasty politics hurdles in J&K: Modi

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PM Modi launched over 220 projects worth Rs 32,000 crore in J&K, broadening its prospects for development and peace. He highlighted the transformation in J&K since the removal of Article 370, focusing on education, social justice, tourism, and infrastructure boost.

Police beef up security at Delhi borders as farmers gear up for march

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The Delhi Police directed security personnel deployed at Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur border points to stay alert and conducted mock drills on Tuesday, a day ahead of protesting farmer's proposed march towards the national capital. The move came a day after the protesting farmers rejected the Centre's proposal to buy pulses, maize and cotton crops through government agencies at minimum support price (MSP) for five years.

Tribal outfit’s call to skip work paralyses offices in Manipur dist

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Govt offices in Manipur's Churachandpur district had low attendance due to ITLF's appeal. A head constable was suspended after a viral video. A mob attacked the DC and SP office resulting in casualties. Work came to a standstill in public works, fishery, agriculture, and forest departments.

How Russia-Ukraine war is boosting US economy, defense industry

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India faces criticism for profiting from Ukraine war through purchasing Russian oil. The US economy benefits from the war, with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin seeing gains. Global defense spending has increased, and there is a shift towards strengthening defense collaborations. The USA’s arms exports grew by 14 per cent between 2013–17 and 2018–22 and its share of total global arms exports rose from 33 per cent to 40 per cent.

2 children die of Measles, schools closed as infections grow in MP

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In Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, 17 suspected measles cases, resulting in two deaths, have led to school closures. Measles is highly contagious and transmitted through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, watery eyes, fatigue, and weakness. Prompt diagnosis, medical care, and MMR vaccination are essential.

Does a Canadian lake hold the secret to how life originated on Earth?

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Life on Earth may have originated in volcanic lakes rather than in oceans, according to a study published in the journal Nature. Researchers studying Last Chance Lake in British Columbia have found evidence suggesting that ancient carbonate-rich lakes could have been the "cradle of life." This discovery challenges the widely held belief that life first emerged in the ocean.

4 women among 10 killed in TN firecracker factory blast

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An explosion at a firecracker unit in Ramuthevanpatti, Virudhunagar, caused by friction while mixing chemicals, killed 10 workers and injured 3. CM M K Stalin announced a solatium. Alangulam police are investigating. The collector plans to order permanent closure of units with violations.

9 tech companies that have asked employees to work from office

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Companies are transitioning from work-from-home to office-based work, with tech giants like TCS, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, Meta, IBM, Dell, Google and Amazon implementing policies to require employees to return to the office a minimum number of days per week. Non-compliance may have consequences, including termination and limited career advancement.

Why K'taka's oppn leader has accused Infosys of 'betrayal at its best'

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Karnataka BJP MLA Arvind Bellad criticizes Infosys for acquiring land at a lower price, promising job creation but failing to deliver. He demands that the government reclaim the land.

Sonia's emotional letter to voters hints at Priyanka Gandhi's debut

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Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi wrote an emotional letter to the people of her Lok Sabha seat Rae Bareli on Thursday, a day after filing her candidacy for Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, explaining her inability to run for election owing to health issues. The letter triggered speculation that her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could contest upcoming LS elections.

Chavan, Nadda, Vaishnaw for RS, seven mantris not renominated

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Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupender Yadav, Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, Parshottam Rupala, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar were not re-nominated to Rajya Sabha. Speculation is that they may be asked to contest Lok Sabha elections. BJP has released a list of candidates including Jagat Prakash Nadda.

'Golden chapter': UAE mandir has added to Ayodhya joy, says PM Modi

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"UAE has written a golden chapter in human history. A beautiful and divine temple is being inaugurated here," " stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, complimenting the Emirate's ruler on his efforts to promote inclusion and diversity, which led to the construction of Abu Dhabi's first temple.

Farmers, cops clash at Delhi border; govt to hold talks on Thursday

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Tensions escalated on the second day of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest as clashes broke out between security personnel and farmers at various border points. Police used tear gas shells and rubber bullets to stop the farmers from entering the national capital. A team of Union ministers will hold a meeting with farmer leaders to address their demands.

Senior Bachchan couple own assets worth Rs 1,578 crore

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Jaya Amitabh Bachchan is scheduled to compete for a fifth term as Samajwadi Party MP in Rajya Sabha representing 'aadhi abadi'. She and her husband own Rs 1,578 crore collectively. Jaya owns Rs 40.97 crore worth jewelry and one sedan for Rs 9.82 lakh, Amitabh owns Rs 54.77 crore worth jewelry and 16 vehicles for Rs 17.66 crore including two Mercedes and Range Rover.

AAP announces LS candidates for South Goa and 2 Guj seats

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Congress claims Bharuch seat is emotional for them as Ahmed Patel used to contest from there. Pathak countered the claim stating that Congress hasn't won the seat in 40 years. He emphasized the need to focus on defeating the BJP and not nepotism.

TN guv refuses to read out address to House; leaves before nat'l anthem

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Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi greeted the members in Tamil and read out a couplet of Thirukkural in his address before expressing his inability to read the speech due to misleading claims. Ravi delivered a three-minute speech and then released a press release from Raj Bhavan stating that the government's traditional message "contained numerous passages with misleading claims and facts".

No name for Pak PM yet; major pol players continue talks to form govt

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Pakistan's top political leaders have yet to finalise the name of the country's new prime minister, despite negotiations lasting four days following the contentious national and provincial elections, which are widely seen as the most rigged in Pakistan's history. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) followers, however, want to see their jailed party chief, Imran Khan, back in office.

With rising incomes, tier 2, 3 cities driving demand for int'l education

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There is increasing demand for overseas education from tier 2 cities in India due to higher incomes and improved access to information. The limited capacity of Indian education to meet this demand results in significant foreign exchange losses. The availability of post-study work visas plays a crucial role in attracting Indian students to the UK.

Jailhouse rock: Inmate doubles up as prison 'RJ'

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Every afternoon, for three hours, loudspeakers at the Byculla District Prison crackle to life, not with official pronouncements, but with the vibrant strains of music. Between Hindi film songs and an occasional English tune, a chirpy voice reminds listeners that they have tuned into the Prison Radio show.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai starts his day by visiting this website

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai has shared his unique morning routine, revealing that he doesn't begin his day with traditional news outlets like The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times.

In Arunachal, trekkers find cave used as transit camp during WWII

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A stone cave near the Arunachal-Myanmar border was discovered by trekkers during a campaign against drugs. The cave was a transit camp for Allied Forces in World War II and served as a safe shelter. The expedition was organized by the district tourism office and locals.

Centre launches 'Venture Capital Fund' for tribal entrepreneurs

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President Droupadi Murmu launched the 'Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes' at the inaugural ceremony of the tribal festival 'Aadi Mahotsav'. She emphasized the importance of tribal lifestyle in living in harmony with nature and highlighted the need to preserve traditional knowledge and use technology for sustainable development. The portal for applicants is now open

Survival chance 22% if CPR given in a minute: Study

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Administering CPR within a minute of cardiac arrest increases the chances of survival to 22%, compared to only 1% if CPR is given after 39 minutes. It also shows that a longer resuscitation period may not necessarily be more beneficial. Experts emphasize the importance of CPR training. Mohit Gupta, professor, highlights the need to train people to perform CPR.

Nawaz Sharif claims 'victory' in Pakistan polls, what it means for India

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Jailed Imran Khan party PTI-backed independent candidates seemed to have delivered a body blow to the formidable Pakistan Army and its newly minted protégé Nawaz Sharif in the National Assembly elections, as they maintained a steady lead over Sharif’s PML (N) till late in the evening. Nevertheless, Sharif declared victory, while acknowledging he didn’t have a majority, raising expectations among his supporters of his taking over as PM for the fourth time.

12 of 29 info panels never had women commissioners: Data

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Twelve out of 29 information commissions have not had a single woman commissioner since they were constituted under the Right to Information Act of 2005. The CIC and SICs of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Kerala returned 41% of the appeals and complaints they received without passing any orders. This raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of these information commissions in addressing the grievances brought before them.

iFlip, iFold, or both? Apple may be working on two foldable iPhones

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Apple is reportedly working on prototypes of foldable iPhones and iPads. The foldable iPhone which may look like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series may face challenges in display design and thickness, while the foldable iPad aims to reduce the crease and improve the hinge. Launch dates for both devices vary according to different reports.

Burglars stole demo EVM mistaking it for briefcase: Cops

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A demo EVM was stolen from a strongroom in Pune’s Saswad on Monday by Shivaji Bandgar and Ajinkya Salunke. Both were remanded till Jan 12. The two arrested suspects have confessed to the crime. A third suspect seen in the footage is yet to be apprehended. Police said the three men entered the office mistaking it for an old Wada.

Srinagar: Shopkeeper shot dead, first targeted killing of 2024

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Suspected terrorists of The Resistance Force fatally shot a Sikh shopkeeper, Amritpal Singh-- dry fruit seller at Habba Kadal, in Srinagar city. The attack, carried out with an AK-47 assault rifle, also wounded his friend. This marks the first targeted killing in 2024 and the first attack on non-Kashmiris this year. A manhunt has been launched to capture the attackers.

14 of SP's 108 MLAs oppose hailing PM, Yogi on temple issue

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Pakistan’s largest national, provincial polls on Thursday

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Pakistan is all set to vote for the new government on Thursday amid the tight security and former PM Imran Khan being sent to jail. Many observers see this election as a referendum on the military’s role in politics. The run-up to the polls saw Khan being sentenced to jail, while his arch-rival, Nawaz Sharif returned and emerged as a leading contender again.

Look beyond Nehru-Gandhi family, Sharmishtha tells Cong

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Sharmistha Mukherjee questioned the freedom of speech in the party and urged leaders to introspect. "Freedom of speech does not only mean that you praise your leader. And the moment you criticize the party leadership, the entire ecosystem puts you in the dock. Is this freedom of expression?" she said.