Month: August 2023

US: Massive tornado leads thousands of flights cancellations, leaves 1.1 million without power

Manish Kumar

At least two people died, thousands of US flights were cancelled or delayed, and more than 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power as severe storms.  The storms’ spread was massive, with tornado watches and warnings posted across 10 states from Tennessee to New York.  By Monday night, more than 2,600 US flights had been cancelled and nearly 7,900 delayed, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.  Trees and power lines were toppled in multiple states, falling into roads and some homes, news outlets reported. A row of utility poles was…

Regaining all our land may not end the war – Ukrainian government adviser

Manish Kumar

Kyiv has insisted all its borders must be restored, While many analysts have suggested Ukraine may ultimately have to accept some loss of territory to end the conflict.  “Putin does not want to negotiate, he is happy with war – it helps him maintain his power,” Mr. Gerashchenko explained.  The US is set to announce another $200m of support for Ukraine as soon as today after fixing an accounting error, according to officials.    Ukraine has been calling for more Western weapons to be delivered quickly to keep up its fight…

Data protection bill passed by Lok Sabha, govt. shrugs off exemptions

Manish Kumar

Amid protests, the Lok Sabha on August 7 passed the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill with a voice vote, which will now have to be cleared in the Rajya Sabha.  The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was first introduced in 2022 after its predecessor, Personal Data Protection Bill, was withdrawn by the government for being compliance-heavy.  As reported by media, some opposition MPs also proposed amendments to the Bill, which include lowering the definition of children to mean those below 15 from the age limit of 18.  The Centre…

Raghav Chadha in trouble over ‘forged signatures’ claims; “Let the notice come, I will reply.” Chadha responds

Manish Kumar

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha landed in trouble after five Rajya Sabha MPs demanded to move a Privilege Motion against him.  It was alleged that the names of five Rajya Sabha MPs were included in the proposal sent by Raghav Chadha to the Delhi Service Bill Select Committee without their consent.  This breach of privilege motion is likely to be brought by BJP’s Rajya Sabha MPs Sudhanshu Trivedi and Narhari Amin.  Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said the matter will be probed.  Chadha said, “Let the notice come,…

After Australia now Norway to fine Meta nearly $100,000 a day from 14 August over privacy breaches

Manish Kumar

The regulator, Datatilsynet, had said that the company would be fined if it did not address privacy breaches the regulator had identified.  Facebook owner Meta Platforms will face daily fines of 1 million crowns ($98,500) starting from 14 August due to privacy breaches.  “According to Meta, this will take several months, at the very earliest, for them to implement. And we don’t know what the consent mechanism will look like,” The regulator says.  Recently A court in Australia has ruled that Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, must pay fines…

A Female Russian ‘spy’ allegedly caught “red-handed”; detained in failed Zelensky assassination plot: Ukraine

Manish Kumar

A female Russian “spy” has been detained after allegedly leaking information to the enemy as part of a plot to assassinate President Zelensky during his recent trip to the Mokylaiv region.  The woman was allegedly caught “red-handed” on the eve of Zelensky’s trip when she tried to pass the information to the Russians.  The woman had been instructed to identify the location of the Ukrainian military’s “electronic warfare systems” and ammunition depots near Ochakiv.  Zelensky has been a prime target for the Kremlin since the invasion of Ukraine in February…

Postal Life Insurance (PLI) Launches Direct Incentive Disbursement for Sales Force: A Transformational Step

Manish Kumar

Postal Life Insurance (PLI), a distinguished name in the insurance sector since 1884, is taking a momentous leap forward in its customer-centric approach. Recognising the pivotal role of its sales force, the PLI is proud to introduce the pilot program for “Direct Incentive Disbursement” in the Delhi and Uttarakhand Circles. The cornerstone of PLI’s success has always been its sales staff, the driving force behind the department’s accomplishments. Their dedication profoundly influences PLI’s ability to acquire and retain clients, making them indispensable brand ambassadors. By delivering personalised services and cultivating…

Several measures taken to enhance ease of travel for passengers

Manish Kumar

India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world and is already the third largest domestic aviation market. At present, there are 30 international airports in the country. The average monthly footfall and annual passenger handling capacity of international airports for the year 2022-23 are at Annexure.   The Government has taken several measures to enhance the ease of travel for passengers such as capacity enhancement through infrastructural changes in existing terminals, installation and commissioning of additional X-ray machines for baggage check, deployment of additional manpower by CISF…

PM addresses National Handloom Day Celebration in New Delhi

Manish Kumar

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the National Handloom Day Celebration at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi today and launched the e-portal ‘Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh – A Repository of Textiles & Crafts’ developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. The Prime Minister also visited the exhibition showcased on the occasion and interacted with the weavers. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled how the exhibitors used to showcase their products in a tent in an exhibition held in Pragati Maidan before the inauguration ceremony…

Vice-President applauds exemplary performance of Indian Archers at World Championships

Manish Kumar

The Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded the exemplary performance of Indian Archers at World Archery Championship at Berlin, Germany in the Upper House today. He said that their exemplary performance is bound to inspire and motivate the nation. Extending the felicitations on behalf of the House in Rajya Sabha, Shri Dhankhar particularly highlighted the achievements of the women archers for “scripting history by their spectacular performance.” Praising the Indian archers for their best ever performance at the World Archery Championships, he said that their achievements reflect…