Meta's international team is in ongoing talks with Indian government representatives today, aiming to align with local laws and tackle content moderation challenges. Officials are requesting insights into algorithms and preventive measures against harmful content. They are also discussing WhatsApp policies and strategies to combat CSAM. A meeting between IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Meta's global team is expected later today.
Among the models already launched are Sarvam AI’s 30-billion and 105-billion parameter models and Indus, Gnani.AI’s speech-to-speech model, BharatGen’s multilingual models and Avataar AI’s video-generation model. The IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore over five years, is aimed at creating domestic capabilities in computing, foundation models, applications, research and responsible AI.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into a shocking episode of severe turbulence that struck an Air India flight. On Tuesday, multiple passengers and crew were injured as the plane faced an alarming drop in altitude for several minutes. Following a safe landing, medical teams promptly attended to those affected. Vital evidence has been gathered by the regulator to facilitate a comprehensive inquiry.
Arvind Kejriwal claims Meta restricted his account in India without explanation. He stated that verbal inquiries at Meta's India office yielded no reasons. Emails sent to the company received only routine acknowledgements. Kejriwal alleged Meta bowed down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meta has not yet publicly responded to these claims.
A national investigation into Chandipura virus outbreaks is currently underway in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where 35 infections and 22 fatalities among young children have been reported. Researchers are analyzing the pathways of transmission and possible animal carriers. Increased surveillance for febrile illnesses and encephalitis cases is in effect, while whole-genome sequencing is being utilized to track the evolution of the virus strain currently affecting the regions.
An Air India flight's recent bout of intense turbulence has left passengers grappling with the aftermath. Injuries sustained during the turbulence might not be felt right away and could need later assessment. Moreover, many may face psychological repercussions like anxiety or fear of flying. Experts suggest it's crucial to seek help for any ongoing distress and take gradual steps towards recovery to restore confidence in flying.
After enduring twenty-two long years of wrongful imprisonment, a man was finally acquitted by the Supreme Court. The injustice stemmed from the trial court's flawed evidence analysis, compounded by the High Court's refusal to entertain his delayed appeal. The Supreme Court emphasized how marginalized communities often find access to justice frustratingly elusive, shedding light on the pressing issues within the judicial system that disproportionately affect the underprivileged.
The government has directed online intermediaries to block 7,393 links involved in film piracy. This action includes the blocking of 4,996 Telegram channels and 1,263 websites. The information and broadcasting ministry disclosed this directive to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. This move follows amendments to the Cinematograph Act in 2023. The legal framework against online film piracy has been strengthened by the government.
In a strong rebuttal, India rejected Pakistan's Youm-e-Istehsal, deeming it as propaganda intended to obscure its own human rights abuses and terrorism connections. The Indian government asserted that the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir fall within its sovereignty, whilst the global community takes note of the human rights oppression occurring in Pakistan-administered regions. Pakistan is called upon to address ongoing bloodshed and relinquish its illegal occupation of Indian territories.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significant transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The repeal of Article 370 opened a new chapter, leading to increased infrastructure and opportunities in the region. Empowerment and constitutional rights have been extended to women and marginalized communities, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by peace and progress for these Union territories.
Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg formally apologized to the Indian government over several operational missteps, including issues with paid content amplification. The acknowledgment of these errors comes as officials expressed concerns over the potential loss of safe harbor protection for the platform. As the government reassesses its child online safety regulations, Meta committed to implementing necessary corrective actions to address these concerns.
The government is pushing its delimitation legislation to increase Lok Sabha seats. This bill also proposes one-third reservation for women starting in 2029. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi rejected the government's outreach for support. The government may reintroduce the Constitution amendment bill soon. Discussions continue regarding the Foreign Contributions Regulation Amendment Bill.
The Rajya Sabha approved a bill to increase the Supreme Court's judge count. This legislation replaces an ordinance that raised the sanctioned strength to thirty-eight judges. The bill's passage aims to expedite case disposal and enhance judicial efficiency. It will also provide the Chief Justice greater flexibility in forming constitution benches. India anticipates its first woman Chief Justice in the near future.
Addressing a press conference, BJD senior general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar claimed that a nuclear power plant would pose a serious threat to the health and safety of people living in the state. She accused the BJP's «double-engine government» of ignoring public welfare in favour of corporate interests. Samantsinghar added that the consequences of those disasters were still being felt and argued that nuclear power carries significant risks to human life.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers aided over forty thousand families in Assam's flood-hit regions. They provided rescue, food, and essential supplies to affected villagers in three districts. Medical camps were organized by the organization in collaboration with the National Medicos Organization. Volunteers also assisted with post-flood rehabilitation, including cleaning and agricultural support. These efforts focused on helping communities recover after the recent devastating floods.
Meta's CEO apologized to the Indian government regarding content moderation and platform issues. Rahul Gandhi met student protesters and criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister. An India-flagged ship was hit and sank in the Red Sea, though its crew was rescued. Parliamentary affairs minister met Rahul Gandhi to discuss breaking the ongoing Parliament deadlock. Trump's immigration crackdown has reportedly detained parents of active-duty US military personnel.