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The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the closure of 18 state-run hotels, deemed "white elephants," as part of efforts to address the state's mounting debt crisis. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu plans to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court, but details on how the state will manage its financial obligations remain unclear. The court's decision follows the government's admission of financial constraints affecting employee benefits and was prompted by a petition from Seli Hydropower regarding unpaid dues. State Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan described the court's order as routine, though it gained attention due to the potential auctioning of properties, including Himachal Bhavan in New Delhi. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi acknowledged the need for a strategy to improve the financial performance of the hotels, which were established to promote tourism but have struggled to generate profit.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 10 ameznews.inThe Supreme Court of India remarked that even 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab received a fair trial, as it reviewed the CBI's appeal against a Jammu court order requiring separatist leader Yasin Malik to appear in person for his trial. Malik, the primary accused in the 1990 killings of four Indian Air Force personnel and the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, is currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail for terror funding. The CBI expressed concerns that Malik's appearance could jeopardize local security and witness safety, suggesting instead that the trial be moved to Delhi if he insists on attending in person. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized Malik's significant connections to terrorism, while the bench discussed the logistics of conducting the trial, including potential arrangements for a court to be held in jail. The case will be reviewed again next Thursday.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 12 pmeznews.inA manipulated video circulating on social media falsely claims to show Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das endorsing a government income-generating project, urging citizens to invest Rs 21,000 for promised returns of Rs 15 lakh within a month. However, fact-checking confirms that the video is a deepfake, utilizing AI-driven facial and voice alterations. The clips of both officials were taken from unrelated public appearances, with Sitharaman discussing the Indian economy and Das addressing monetary policy, neither of which involved any such investment scheme. The Reserve Bank of India later clarified that these videos are fake and warned the public against potential scams linked to them. This incident highlights the growing concern over deepfake technology being used to mislead and defraud individuals online.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 10 ameznews.inKarnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa faced backlash after a student remarked during a video conference that he does not know Kannada. The minister, visibly upset, labeled the comment as "stupid" and instructed education officials to take action against the student. This incident occurred during the launch of a free online coaching program aimed at 25,000 students preparing for competitive exams. In a video that has since circulated online, Bangarappa reacted sharply, questioning the student's assertion and demanding accountability from educators. His response has drawn criticism from the Opposition BJP, which highlighted the irony of the minister's reaction to student inquiries. Union minister Pralhad Joshi pointed out that Bangarappa had previously admitted his inability to speak Kannada, questioning the rationale behind punishing the student for reminding him of this fact. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions regarding language and governance in Karnataka.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 10 ameznews.inZomato has addressed concerns regarding the emergence of suspicious 'one-dish' restaurants on its platform, particularly in Chandigarh, where users have speculated these establishments may be fronts for illegal activities such as drug trade or money laundering. In response to the criticism, Zomato confirmed it has delisted fraudulent listings and is investigating other restaurants with limited menus that may have circumvented regulations by using generic food names. A spokesperson emphasized that all listed restaurants must possess a FSSAI license and that Zomato actively blocks items like alcohol and tobacco. The company acknowledged that some listings were able to exploit the system, prompting them to enhance fraud detection measures. The controversy ignited after social media users noted the high prices and lack of reviews for these restaurants, leading to widespread speculation about their legitimacy.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 10 ameznews.inThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently shared four audio clips on its official X account, purportedly featuring conversations between Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders Supriya Sule, Nana Patole, and IPS officer Amitabh Gupta, discussing money and cryptocurrency. However, AI detection tools have confirmed that all the audio clips are artificially generated. Sule has labeled the clips as "fake" and filed a cybercrime complaint, asserting that these tactics aim to mislead voters just before Maharashtra's assembly elections. Investigations revealed discrepancies in the pronunciations and voice patterns of the individuals in the recordings compared to their authentic voices. Reports from various AI detection platforms, including TrueMedia and ConTrails, consistently indicated manipulation and AI generation, debunking the BJP's claims of polling fraud. This incident underscores the growing concern over the use of deepfake technology in political discourse.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 9 ameznews.inA 17-year-old named Harshit Sharma recently shared his harrowing experience of undergoing life-threatening surgery for kyphoscoliosis at AIIMS Delhi, expressing profound gratitude for his survival. In a Reddit post that has garnered over 900 upvotes, he detailed his ordeal, including a two-day ICU stay, the transfusion of nine blood units, and enduring 65 stitches, which left him unable to eat for ten days. Harshit, who has battled Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and severe scoliosis for 17 years, also faced complications from pre-surgery hair removal. He appealed for financial support, revealing that previous fundraising efforts had fallen short of covering his medical expenses. The post attracted sympathy and donations from users, highlighting the challenges of affording medical care in India. Harshit remains determined to continue his education despite the immense pain and hurdles posed by his condition.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 7 ameznews.inUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that India could have avoided colonialism if it had been united 500 years ago, during an event in Ayodhya. He attributed the rapid construction of the Ram temple, completed in two years, to the "unity" among followers of Sanatan Dharma, highlighting the resolution of the temple issue after over 500 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Speaking to a gathering of saints, Adityanath emphasized that unity is the nation's greatest strength and called for vigilance against divisive forces. He also unveiled the Shri Rajagopuram Gate of Sugriva Fort, linking it to historical figures like Devaraha Baba and Lord Ram, and noted Ayodhya's transformation into a beautiful city, bolstered by the completion of an International Airport. He urged residents to protect their heritage and contribute to the city's development.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 1 ameznews.inA 20-year-old tribal woman in Odisha's Bolangir district was allegedly assaulted and had human faeces forced into her mouth during a confrontation over crop damage caused by a non-tribal man operating a tractor on her agricultural land. The incident occurred in Jurabandha village on November 16, and when the woman's aunt attempted to intervene, she was also reportedly assaulted by the accused. Local BJD MP Niranjan Bisi criticized the police for their inaction, warning that unrest among the tribal community could escalate if the situation is not addressed. Bolangir's Superintendent of Police, Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, confirmed that the suspect has been evading capture, prompting the formation of two special teams to locate him, with efforts extending to neighbouring states. A case has been filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 12 ameznews.inThe Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mandate the closure of schools in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar under Stages 3 and 4, following severe air quality levels. Previously, state governments had discretion over school closures; however, the new directive enforces mandatory measures due to the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the severe category, peaking at over 450 earlier this week. The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for delays and emphasized the urgent need for stricter actions. Additionally, under Stage 3, public office timings must be staggered in the affected areas, while other NCR districts retain flexibility in deciding office hours. The 24-hour average AQI on Wednesday was recorded at 419, still categorized as severe, indicating ongoing air quality concerns in the region.
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