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Gaza health authorities said more than 100 Palestinians had been shot dead by Israeli forces as they waited for an aid delivery on Thursday, but Israel challenged the death toll and said many of the victims had been run over by aid trucks. At least 112 people were killed and more than 280 wounded in the incident near Gaza City. from Times of India https://ift.tt/Vs4KGXz via IFTTT

​Flawed elections and armed conflict are eroding freedoms across the world, says a new report by Washington, DC-based non-profit Freedom House. It says political rights and civil liberties improved in 21 countries but declined in 52 others last year, affecting more than one-fifth of the global population. ​​It was the 18th consecutive decline. from Times of India https://ift.tt/mO0fje8 via IFTTT

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The women enrolling on artificial intelligence training courses to boost their job prospects. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Q3XrEmw via IFTTT

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BJP surprises by winning Rajya Sabha seats in UP and Himachal Pradesh, defeating Congress and SP candidates. MLA S T Somashekar's vote for Congress in Karnataka caused embarrassment. from Times of India https://ift.tt/BHrSPGN via IFTTT

Four Class X students on way to a board exam died after a minivan overturned after one of its tyres burst in UP's Shahjahanpur on Tuesday. The driver was drunk and was speeding, police claimed. from Times of India https://ift.tt/gvelzbM via IFTTT

Former SC judge A M Khanwilkar was appointed chairperson of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal on Tuesday, nearly two years after the post fell vacant. Justice P C Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022. from Times of India https://ift.tt/BwOWYx7 via IFTTT

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Trinamool Congress blames Calcutta HC's stay on SIT probe for Sheikh Shahjahan being on the loose in Sandeshkhali. TMC removes Shahjahan's associate Ajit Maity as regional president. Independent fact-finding team arrested. Police unable to arrest Shahjahan due to HC stay. ED officials attacked. TMC's Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra arrested. L Narasimha Reddy leads fact-finding team. from Times of India https://ift.tt/cyLgCMW via IFTTT

Congress MLAs Ninong Ering and Wanglin Lowangdong, along with NPP's Mutchu Mithi and Gokar Basar, joined BJP in Arunachal Pradesh, submitting their resignation letters. BJP now has 49 MLAs in the 60-member assembly. People of Arunachal have decided to vote for BJP again. from Times of India https://ift.tt/7MJl01W via IFTTT

Governor Kristi Noem and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy tied in a straw poll for Donald Trump's running mate. Trump won the presidential poll overwhelmingly. Tulsi Gabbard, Stefanik, and Tim Scott also received votes. Trump's campaign and advisers are discussing potential contenders for the role of running mate. from Times of India https://ift.tt/N9WgBsh via IFTTT

Trinamool Congress has announced an investigation into complaints against fugitive party leader Sheikh Shahjahan and has removed his brother Sheikh Sirajuddin Akhtar as the Sandeshkhali anchal president. This decision comes after three consecutive days of protests in Bermajur, North 24 Parganas' Sandeshkhali, led by women. The complaints against Siraj predominantly involve allegations of land grabbing. from Times of India https://ift.tt/Ut72C0e via IFTTT

The World Bank needs to reinvent, restructure, and recreate itself to harness private capital and foster multilateral cooperation. It should tap pension funds, attract private investors, and introduce pooled portfolio guarantees. A high-level expert group proposed a roadmap to reform MDBs and triple their lending by 2030. from Times of India https://ift.tt/C7YdqB2 via IFTTT

Indian youth trapped in job fraud in Russia near Ukraine seek help from Indian govt. Vloggers Baba and Pathan have conflicting views. Recruiters send youth to warfront without consent. AIMIM president reveals recruiting agents operating from Dubai, Mumbai, and Russia. 12 youth affected. from Times of India https://ift.tt/vxhUZ8s via IFTTT

The Chinese research ship, 'Xiang Yang Hong 03', arrived near Maldives after spending a month in the Indian Ocean. India expressed concern about the ship's movement in the Indian Ocean. The ship was moored near Thilafushi and was not allowed to dock at Colombo port. It spent a month near Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). from Times of India https://ift.tt/RAOVmhq via IFTTT

Raids by Pune Police in south Delhi led to the seizure of a massive haul of party drug 'Meow Meow', totaling 970kg and worth over Rs 1,800 crore. The contraband was recovered from a godown and a rented shop, and several people were arrested. from Times of India https://ift.tt/kU0NOMl via IFTTT

Artificial intelligence software is being used to look for signs of alien lifeforms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lxnb0c2 via IFTTT

OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed support for the independent Maratha reservation but urged the government to address the issue of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange's aggressive behavior. Bhujbal highlighted the acceptance of Jarange's demand for reservation and the passing of legislation. He emphasized the need to stop Jarange from using abusive language. from Times of India https://ift.tt/m40yNQY via IFTTT

Congress accuses Modi govt. of "murdering democracy" and praises SC verdict on Chandigarh mayoral elections. Apex court saves democracy from BJP's dirty election manipulation. Indian democracy at stake in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress criticizes ECI for not responding to opposition's request for complete VVPAT counting. from Times of India https://ift.tt/fsxh328 via IFTTT

A prisoner died suspiciously when his TV stopped working. He called the head constable and another prisoner attacked them with iron rods. The cops were badly injured and taken to JLN hospital. The prisoner was HIV positive and iron rods were stolen from a construction site. from Times of India https://ift.tt/IlE6ObQ via IFTTT

With international studios sending more work to India, the industry is struggling to train enough staff. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o5R6pV4 via IFTTT

The Supreme Court directed that the Election Commission's interim order granting the name ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' for Sharad Pawar's faction would continue till further orders. Ajit Pawar's faction opposes interim relief, claiming that Sharad Pawar would have to obey Ajit Pawar's whip. Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues for Sharad Pawar, while Mukul Rohatgi represents Ajit Pawar in the symbol dispute. from Times of India https://ift.tt/vNPe1lt via IFTTT

"Oppenheimer", Christopher Nolan's epic movie about the creation of the atomic bomb, swept the board at Sunday's BAFTA film awards in London, delivering a serious statement ahead of next month's Oscars. The movie earned seven awards in total, including best film, best director for Nolan, best actor for Cillian Murphy and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. Im the film, Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the US theoretical physicist often called the "father of the atomic bomb", who was haunted by the consequences of his creation. from Times of India https://ift.tt/ZI3hSx7 via IFTTT

Read daily horoscope predictions for February 19, 2024: Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today! from Times of India https://ift.tt/uB4eV1b via IFTTT

Samyukt Kisan Morcha blames the Centre's selective crop procurement system for pricing inequity and calls for a robust, legally enforceable MSP mechanism to curb cheating by traders. It demands the opening of mandis in all states and rejects the central MSP ordinance based on A2+FL, advocating for the C2+50% formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. from Times of India https://ift.tt/pH0fR25 via IFTTT

Kamal Nath's potential move to BJP has put Congress on edge. His son Nakul Nath and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma also showed signs of distancing from Congress. However, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh believes Kamal Nath will remain loyal to the Gandhi family. from Times of India https://ift.tt/ug5K0LF via IFTTT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to yield to international pressure and cancel the planned ground invasion of Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip. The city is home to over 1 million Palestinians, many of whom are displaced and struggling to find food and water. World leaders and organizations express concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis. from Times of India https://ift.tt/VA9Qsb6 via IFTTT

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RBI clarifies that while Paytm Payments Bank functions will cease, UPI payments will continue for non-PPBL customers. Paytm app, QR codes, and other services will also work for non-PPBL accounts. Fastag holders and Paytm transit card users have specific guidelines to follow. from Times of India https://ift.tt/AM62ZEh via IFTTT

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Wholesale price inflation softened in Jan due to easing food and manufactured product inflation. Inflation in pulses remained in double digits. Food inflation moderated to 3.8% in Jan. Vegetable inflation slowed to 19.8%, while fruit and milk prices remained muted. Egg, meat, and fish inflation dipped to the negative territory in Jan. Wheat inflation contracted 3.1%. from Times of India https://ift.tt/KvwiaQe via IFTTT

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras Zanzibar, enthused by “positive response” to its courses launched six months ago, has decided to triple its intake in second batch for the 2024-25 academic session, reports Manash Gohain. At present, the IIT is running two programmes and in the next three to four years it is planning to offer around seven programmes at the undergraduate and masters levels. from Times of India https://ift.tt/5HIR9bu via IFTTT

A special NIA court in Jaipur on Tuesday framed charges against nine accused in the beheading of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. Two cleaver wielding men, Gaus Mohammad and Mohammad Riyaz, had entered Kanhaiya Lal's shop masquerading as customers and hacked him to death on June 22, 2022, for a social media post supporting suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's comments on Prophet Mohammad. They also shot a video of the ghastly act and posted it online. from Times of India https://ift.tt/StboxFM via IFTTT

Axis Bank is in negotiations with Paytm about cross-business cooperation opportunities. The bank, which previously collaborated with Paytm, is now exploring new areas of partnership following the RBI's move against Paytm Payments Bank in January. Besides backend support for UPI, there are number of areas where Paytm Payments Bank is seeking support including Fastag, transit card and wallet. from Times of India https://ift.tt/HLhiEnf via IFTTT

Union home minister Amit Shah praised PM Narendra Modi, saying under his governance, India's cultural heritage and legacy have been "rejuvenated". Shah, who arrived in Mysuru on Sunday, said Modi put "our cultural heritage on the world map" and brought honour to the nation. He said inauguration of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mahakal corridors and works at Kedarnath temple are all aimed at promoting our culture. "Govt's focus on yoga and ayurveda is also strengthening our culture and heritage," he said. from Times of India https://ift.tt/bFQYpSe via IFTTT

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Abhishek Banerjee's plea, filed through advocate Srisatya Mohanty, highlighted the violation of his right to privacy and the prejudicial impact of Justice Gangopadhyay's remarks, widely covered by the media. Banerjee requested multiple reliefs from the Supreme Court to ensure fair proceedings and restrain judges from making adverse comments. from Times of India https://ift.tt/CxS7DuH via IFTTT

Sales of electric bikes are booming but defective batteries and chargers can cause fires. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IlTnF3Q via IFTTT

Former Shiv Sena corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar was shot dead during a Facebook Live session by local businessman Mauris Noronha in Borivli (West). Noronha then shot himself. Abhishek, the son of veteran Shiv Sena leader Vinod Ghosalkar, died at Karuna Hospital. The shooting occurred after Mauris invited Abhishek to his office. from Times of India https://ift.tt/4ndOHNb via IFTTT

Modi govt rescued the economy, contained prices, and repaired public finances. UPA govt severely weakened price stability. Average inflation declined after NDA govt implemented responsible fiscal and monetary policies. Govt strategically addressed the root cause of high inflation. Prudent fiscal policies were followed to handle unforeseen events. Geopolitical developments impacted global commodity prices. from Times of India https://ift.tt/qrxdeDt via IFTTT

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella predicts India will surpass the US as the largest developer base on GitHub by 2027. India has added nearly 4 million developers on GitHub in two years, totaling over 13 million. Nadella praised Indian developers for leading in AI projects and announced the Code Without Barriers program to empower women developers. from Times of India https://ift.tt/KnuNP5T via IFTTT

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Research advisory firm Gartner predicts that by 2026, due to the proliferation of attacks utilizing AI-generated deepfakes on face biometrics, 30% of enterprises will no longer view such identity verification and authentication solutions as dependable when used in isolation. The proliferation of deepfakes has emerged as a big menace. Identity verification and authentication processes using face biometrics today rely on presentation attack detection (PAD) to assess the user’s liveness. from Times of India https://ift.tt/75s3wjE via IFTTT

In response to the increasing problem of persistent pesky calls and financial frauds, the government is cracking down on mobile operators. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has levied a fine of Rs 110 crore on operators as a "financial disincentive." Additionally, the government has successfully recovered almost Rs 1,000 crore that was embezzled by cybercriminals. from Times of India https://ift.tt/vaMqrdh via IFTTT

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Sony has voiced its dissatisfaction with the ruling of the Singapore arbitral tribunal, which permits Zee to pursue legal remedies in Indian courts following the cancellation of a merger between Sony's local unit and the company led by Punit Goenka. Despite this setback, Sony intends to proceed with arbitration proceedings against Zee before the Singapore tribunal. from Times of India https://ift.tt/fN8jVw4 via IFTTT

According to Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, the government aims to establish a stable and low-tax regime while also striving to close loopholes that could potentially lead to the misuse of GST. from Times of India https://ift.tt/OdrJZU5 via IFTTT

In January, foreign portfolio investors poured more than Rs 19,800 crore into India's debt market, marking the highest monthly inflow in over six years. This surge can be attributed to the inclusion of Indian government bonds in the JP Morgan Index. FPIs pulled out Indian equities worth Rs 25,743 crore last month owing to surging bond yield in the US. from Times of India https://ift.tt/bhUQEBr via IFTTT

Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister, has been spearheading the economic management of the Modi government during its second term. Following the presentation of her consecutive sixth budget, she mentioned that the government deliberately refrained from addressing issues in fragments during the vote on account and chose to wait until the full budget in July for a comprehensive approach. The Finance Minister expresses confidence that the Indian economy is set to maintain its growth trajectory, and the government is poised to effectively control inflation. from Times of India https://ift.tt/TiSKVeO via IFTTT

The world's richest man is betting heavily on his brain chip, but he has ground to make up. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tM9kPKg via IFTTT

Charges have been filed by the Goa police against the proprietor of a beachfront resort with a view of Ashwem beach in Mandrem. This action comes in response to a complaint raised by Shrinivas Dempo, the honorary vice consul of Italy, concerning an incident on January 1. The incident involved celebratory fireworks from the property causing serious injuries to Paola Ferri, the wife of the Italian ambassador, Vincenzo De Luca. In a letter addressed to the chief secretary, Dempo provided a detailed account of the occurrence. from Times of India https://ift.tt/Mb5QZXk via IFTTT

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Among the 12 Budgets presented during Narendra Modi's 10-year tenure as PM, one figure stands out: Nirmala Sitharaman's allocation of Rs 11,11,111 crore for capital spending in the upcoming fiscal year—an increase of 11.1% over the current year's budget estimate. A high capex is seen to be one of the triggers for a strong recovery of the Indian economy post-Covid. from Times of India https://ift.tt/wHUyYJu via IFTTT