In this busy world where people hardly find time to stay updated, Attention India brings you the top news and insights of the day. We cover all the major highlights. Stay informed and read on!
Legal Action Against Unauthorized Use of Photos
Manu Bhaker’s manager, IOS Sports & Entertainment, is planning legal action against brands like Bajaj Foods, LIC, and FIITJEE for using her photos and videos in congratulatory ads without her endorsement. Despite not sponsoring Bhaker, these brands have promoted their products using her images since her Paris Olympics bronze medal win. IOS Sports & Entertainment’s MD, Neerav Tomar, stated that this practice is legally prohibited and they are issuing legal notices. Bhaker currently endorses Performax Activewear and is negotiating with other brands for sponsorship. Legal recourse in India for such violations is often slow and rarely pursued.
Suspicious Call Raises Concerns at Ferrari
A Ferrari NV executive received suspicious messages and a call allegedly from CEO Benedetto Vigna. The messages, which included false claims about a confidential acquisition and a Non-Disclosure Agreement, raised red flags when the executive noticed inconsistencies and mechanical intonations in the call. To verify the caller’s identity, he asked a specific question about a book Vigna had recommended. When the caller couldn’t answer, the call ended abruptly. Ferrari then launched an internal investigation. This incident highlights the growing threat of sophisticated deepfake scams, similar to a previous attempt involving WPP CEO Mark Read.
Wayanad Landslide: 84 Dead, Rescue Efforts Challenged
Uddhav Thackeray Demands Parliamentary Action on Reservation Cap
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray stated that only the Centre can remove the 50% cap on reservations, asserting that this issue must be addressed in Parliament. He criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government for mishandling the Maratha reservation issue and emphasized the need for broader discussions beyond political circles. Thackeray urged the public to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a resolution. He also condemned the ruling party’s alleged impact on Other Backward Classes and called for the rehabilitation of Dharavi slum residents within their locality rather than relocating them.
Compensation and Criticism Following Delhi Coaching Centre Flood
Delhi LG VK Saxena announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of three civil services aspirants who died in a Delhi coaching centre flood. Nevin Delvin’s father criticized this as insufficient, demanding action against those responsible rather than accepting compensation. Delvin, a 28-year-old PhD student and IAS aspirant, had recently joined Rau’s IAS Study Circle. His family, including his mother, a professor, and his retired police father, are grieving. Authorities have arrested five individuals, including co-owners of the basement, and are investigating the incident. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to examine and address the situation.
Israeli Forces Withdraw from Khan Younis After Week-Long Operation
Israeli forces withdrew from eastern Khan Younis in Gaza after a week-long operation aimed at disrupting Hamas. Palestinian officials reported recovering 42 bodies from the area, with around 200 still missing. The incursion reportedly resulted in over 150 Palestinian gunmen killed, along with the destruction of militant tunnels and weapons. As Israeli forces exited, many Palestinians returned to find their homes damaged or destroyed. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands, with ceasefire negotiations stalling. The war, which began with a Hamas assault on southern Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides.
Will WhatsApp Shut Down in India?
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that WhatsApp and its parent company Meta have not notified the Indian government of any plans to shut down their services in the country. This follows WhatsApp’s concerns over new IT rules that might compromise end-to-end encryption. Earlier, WhatsApp had warned the Delhi High Court it might stop operating in India if forced to break encryption. Vaishnaw emphasized that government directives under Section 69A of the IT Act aim to protect national security. WhatsApp’s legal challenges argue that the rules violate privacy rights.