Trump to launch new social media platform

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Trump to launch new social media platform

Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to launch a new social media network, called TRUTH Social, media reports said.

According to the BBC, Trump said the platform would “stand up to the tyranny of big tech”, accusing them of silencing opposing voices in the US.

Social media played a pivotal role in Trump’s bid for the White House and was his favourite means of communication as president. But he was banned from Twitter and suspended from Facebook after his supporters stormed the US Capitol.

Social media firms were under pressure throughout Trump’s presidency to ban him, with his posts criticised as insulting, inflammatory or peddling outright falsehoods, the report said.

Last year Twitter and Facebook began deleting some of his posts or labelling them as misleading, such as one in which he said Covid-19 was “less lethal” than the flu.

They took the decision to ban or suspend Trump after the January riots, which followed a speech in which he made baseless claims of electoral fraud.

Responding to the riots, Trump called those at the Capitol “patriots” and showed no sign of accepting the result of the election, prompting Twitter and Facebook to rule that it was too risky to allow him to continue to use their sites.

Since then he and his advisers have hinted that they were planning to create a rival social media site.

Earlier this year, he launched From the Desk of Donald J Trump, which was often referred to as a blog.

The website was permanently shut down less than a month after it launched after attracting only a fraction of the audience he would have expected through established sites.

His senior aide Jason Miller said it was “just auxiliary to the broader efforts we have and are working on”.

An early version of his latest venture, TRUTH Social, will be open to invited guests next month, and will have a “nationwide rollout” within the first three months of 2022, according to a statement by Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG).

FB to downrank your Groups posts if you break rules

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FB to downrank your Groups posts if you break rules

Tech giant Facebook will start demoting all Groups content from people who have violated its policies elsewhere across the platform.

The move is supposed to limit rule-breakers from reaching other people in a community, and it builds on existing policies that prevent them from posting, commenting, or inviting others, reports The Verge.

In a blog post, the tech giant said it will also add a new “Flagged by Facebook” feature that shows group administrators content that’s been flagged for removal.

The admins can choose to remove the content or to ask for a review if they believe it’s appropriate, with the goal of getting administrators involved before Facebook steps in and issues a strike that could affect the group itself, the report said.

Facebook has paid increasing attention to groups since the 2020 US presidential election, where they were used to spread false information about voting.

It is also facing increased scrutiny over extremism and other harmful content on the platform thanks to documents leaked by former Facebook employee Frances Haugen, who recently testified before Congress.

Earlier this week, Facebook indicated that it’s also expecting a slew of new stories based on “thousands of pages of leaked documents.”

While the company characterised the upcoming reports as “an orchestrated ‘gotcha’ campaign,” it’s also promoted its efforts to reduce hateful or false content while offering greater transparency around moderation.

A September update offered detail about content that it demoted as problematic but did not entirely remove, including posts by accounts that had violated its rules in the past.

Lyon expects Ben Stokes to make late entry into Ashes team

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Lyon expects Ben Stokes to make late entry into Ashes team

Ben Stokes may not be in the England team for the Ashes series, starting in December, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has tipped the all-rounder to make a late entry in the series.

Stokes has not played any level of cricket since July this year first due to a finger injury and then because of mental health concerns and has been left out of England’s 17-member squad for Ashes.

But the England allrounder sent the English media in a tizzy after last week releasing videos of him batting and bowling in the nets.

Though England team management has not put any timeline on Stokes’ return to the squad, Lyon expects the all-rounder to come to Australia for the Ashes.

“I’m expecting him to come,” Lyon was quoted as saying media reports in Australia.

“I hope he is. You want to play against the best players in the world.

“Stokesy is the best all-rounder in the world. He’s an x-factor, a game-changer, and you want to play against these sort of players,” he said.

The Australians rate Stokes quite highly, capable of changing the complexion of the game both with the bat and ball, especially after he single-handedly snatched an astonishing victory over Australia at Leeds in 2019.

Zuckerberg called to testify before Senate following Instagram reports

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Zuckerberg called to testify before Senate following Instagram reports

A top US Democrat is demanding Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg or Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testify before the Senate to explain how the company plans to protect kids in light of new reports that platforms like Instagram can encourage harmful behaviour in teenagers.

In Wednesday’s letter, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on consumer protection, called on the Facebook executives to testify in light of recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal on how the photo-sharing platform harms young users, reports The Verge.

“Parents across America are deeply disturbed by ongoing reports that Facebook knows that Instagram can cause destructive and lasting harms to many teens and children, especially to their mental health and wellbeing,” Blumenthal wrote.

“Those parents, and the twenty million teens that use your app, have a right to know the truth about the safety of Instagram.”

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed herself as the source behind the Journal’s reports earlier this month in an interview on CBS News.

Later, Haugen appeared before Blumenthal’s committee to explain the internal reports and surveys she obtained while employed on Facebook’s Civic Integrity group to lawmakers.

The hearing focused on documents suggesting that Facebook knew Instagram was “toxic” for teenage users and the platform’s algorithms could lead them to content that encouraged self-harm.

During the hearing, Blumenthal called on Zuckerberg to testify regarding the Instagram revelations.

“Rather than taking responsibility and showing leadership, Mr. Zuckerberg is going sailing,” Blumenthal had said at a hearing earlier this month.

Pawan Kalyan to restart shooting for epic drama ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’

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Pawan Kalyan to restart shooting for epic drama ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who recently made a re-entry into the movies after a long gap, had given a hit with ‘Vakeel Saab’. With a couple of upcoming movie ventures in the pipeline, he has an interesting slate lined up.

Pawan Kalyan’s upcoming epic drama under Krish’s direction is titled ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’. Niddhi Aggerwal is his female lead, and Pawan plays a warrior in this most-awaited upcoming movie. The last schedule of ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ was halted up abruptly, as the ‘Vakeel Saab’ actor had tested positive for Covid-19.

Later, the actor had to arrange shooting for another movie ‘Bheemla Nayak’, which is slated for release in the coming months. Pawan Kalyan is to now restart shooting for ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ soon. With only half of the talkie part completed, the makers have arranged for a fresh schedule.

Pawan Kalyan is to join the sets of ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ from October 25. It is reported that Pawan will be seen in a high-octane fight sequence, which is touted to be one of the most important sequences for the movie. Another important update is that Bollywood stars Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez are to appear in important roles in the movie as well.

Noted producer A.M. Rathnam, who bankrolled Pawan’s ‘Khushi’ in the past, is presenting the movie, under A. Dayakara Rao’s production.

The epic drama is slated for release on April 29, 2022, as of now. It is reported that the makers are eyeing to wrap up the shoot as soon as possible, so as to release it on the announced date.

Nani’s ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ audio rights go for whopping price

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Nani’s ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ audio rights go for whopping price

Telugu ‘Natural Star’ Nani, who is buoyed by the success of his latest movie ‘Tuck Jagadish’, is gearing up for another biggie to hit the screens soon. Titled ‘Shyam Singha Roy’, this upcoming movie marks the 27th film for Nani.

It is reported that popular music label Saregama has bagged the audio rights of ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ for an unbelievably high price, which could be one of the highest amounts in Nani’s career. The music giant has acquired the rights for Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.

Being directed by ‘Taxi Wala’ fame Rahul Sankrityan, this movie is heavily hyped and is expected to attract the audience with thriller elements. As the posters have already established enough hype, Tollywood trade analysts believe that the movie is to be sold at whopping prices.

Touted to be an epic drama with thriller elements imbibed in the story, ‘Shyam Singha Roy’s pre-release business has picked up speed. Also, there are reports about the music being a huge plus for the movie, which has doubled the hype around its release. Tollywood traders and buyers seem to be excited to get the theatrical and digital rights of the movie, as the audio rights are now sold at a staggering price.

It stars Sai Pallavi, Madonna Sebastian, and Krithi Shetty in the female lead roles. ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ is touted to be a story with a Kolkata backdrop, as the posters hint at.

Musician Mickey J. Meyer composes the music while the cinematography is handled by Sanu John Varghese. Naveen Nooli is in-charge of the editing for this upcoming movie. ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ is slated for a huge release in December and is to be released in multiple languages across India.

Global cues, inflationary concerns dent equities; IT stocks fall

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Global cues, inflationary concerns dent equities; IT stocks fall

A sell-off in the Asian markets along with mixed early corporate results subdued India’s key equity indices during the afternoon trade session on Thursday.

Besides, inflationary concerns due to high transportation fuel prices dented sentiments.

In contrast, the two key indices — S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 — had a gap-up opening.

The 30-scrip sensitive index opened at 61,557.94 points from its previous close of 61,259.96 points.

Besides, the NSE Nifty50 opened at 18,382.70 points from its previous close of 18,266.60 points.

However, soon afterwards both the indices ceded much of their gains and traded flat.

At 12.30 p.m., the 30-scrip sensitive index traded at 60,745.94 points, down 514.02 points or 0.84 per cent.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty50 traded lower. It fell to 18,136.75, down 129.85 points or 0.71 per cent.

Among sectors, consumer durables and IT fell the most whereas oil and gas’ stocks rose.

“Volumes on the NSE are a bit subdued while the advance decline ratio has improved compared to the past two days and is currently even,” said Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC Securities.

“Nifty could see slower pace in its fall and intermittent attempts to bounce up.”

According to Gaurav Garg, Head of Research at CapitalVia Global Research: “The Indian Benchmarks has cut some of its losses in the late morning session. Negative cues from other Asian markets impacted the domestic sentiments.”

“The losses were led by shares of information technology companies and Index major Reliance Industries. Losses got cut, as the Indian economy revives from the global pandemic gains through nationwide rapid vaccination drive.”

BYJU’s extend employee health cover to parents, siblings, in-laws

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BYJU’s extend employee health cover to parents, siblings, in-laws

Edtech company BYJU’S on Thursday introduced an enhanced and tailor-made health insurance policy for its employees that covers and further scales up focus on their physical and psychological well-being.

The new policy aims to aid employees during medical emergencies and relieve them of financial stress.

The new policy, an extended cover of Rs 4 lakhs (employees have the option to top up the cover as well), provides employees the option to choose covers for family members, that is, parents, siblings, in-laws, and same-gender partners in the same plan, the company said in a statement.

The employees can avail the policy for mental and psychiatric treatments, Covid home care treatment, emergency hospitalisation (without active line of treatment), and enhanced maternity coverage.

The policy also includes other features such as unlimited doctor consultations, hospital cover, fitness sessions, mindfulness sessions, mental well-being treatments cover, no waiting period and coverage of pre-existing diseases.

“At BYJU’S, the health and wellness of our employees is paramount. Our efforts have always been focused on fostering an environment in which BYJUites feel heard and supported,” said Pravin Prakash, Chief People Officer, BYJU’S, in the statement.

“This updated policy is another proactive effort to create a more holistic and comfortable employee experience and expresses gratitude to every employee who has been working tirelessly during the pandemic,” he added.

12 Goa beaches impacted by tarball invasion last month

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12 Goa beaches impacted by tarball invasion last month

As many as 12 beaches in Goa were damaged by oily, carcinogenic tarballs last month, while 33 others have been afflicted by the menace since 2015, according to the coastal state’s government.

The state authorities have written to the Directorate General of Shipping to track the source of the menace, which has affected the tourist state for the last two to three decades.

In a written reply tabled during the recently concluded session of the Legislative Assembly, Goa’s Environment Minister, Nilesh Cabral said that both Central and state government agencies were being requested to keep an eye for oil spillages, leakage or dumping of waste oil from fishing trawlers in respective marine jurisdictions.

The 33 popular beaches which have been by plagued by tarballs include the sandy stretches from Baga to Sinquerim, Morjim, Arambol, Ashwem in North Goa and Varca, Cavelossim, Betalbatim, Benaulim in South Goa.

Beaches, along with nightlife are a top draw for the tourism industry in Goa, which witnessed nearly eight lakh footfalls in 2019.

Tarballs are formed due to a reaction of oil or oily ballast dumped by sea going-vessels, which then reacts with the saline water, and is then deposited on the seashore.

Tarballs regularly wash ashore along the western coastline polluting the beaches and the coastal environment, especially during monsoon, when the phenomenon peaks.

According to the Environment Ministry, they have requested to take issue with the concerned departments for patrolling of the seas to rein in the menace.

In response to a question from MLA Rohan Khaunte, Cabral said that based on a study conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), the government had broadly arrived at a conclusion that the source of the tarballs was oil spills at Bombay High, an offshore rig off the coast of Maharashtra.

“The state has its own State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan. The Board had communicated the same to (the) Department of Environment and Climate Change, Goa, regarding the publications of NIO Scientist, indicating the source tracing tarballs to Bombay High region,” Cabral said.

A note by the Goa State Pollution Control Board, which was also a part of the Minister’s written reply, has advised to broaden the net to check on other oil spills off the coast, which lead to the formation of tarballs.

The note has advised the state and central agencies “to keep a check on spillages during transportation, waste/burnt oil from DG sets used on vessels leakages from fishing trawlers as mentioned above within the jurisdiction of the state government and also direct the Indian Coast Guard, Goa, to keep strict vigil of waters within their jurisdiction”.

Tourism industry stakeholders in the state have repeatedly urged the Goa government to take up the matter with the Central authorities in order to ensure permanent solution to the menace, which are a top draw as far as the tourism industry in the state is concerned.

Chandrababu Naidu begins protest, seeks Centre’s intervention

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Chandrababu Naidu begins protest, seeks Centre’s intervention

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday began 36-hour long sit-in at party’s central office at Mangalagiri to protest Tuesday’s attacks on party offices and demanded the Centre’s intervention to save the people of Andhra Pradesh from what he called the drug mafia and the undemocratic and fascist regime.

The leader of opposition reiterated his demand for invoking Article 356, saying Andhra Pradesh in its present situation was a fit case for imposition of President’s rule.

He claimed that the TDP never made such a demand in the past and it was not in the habit of making such demands considering the need to overlook stray mistakes by some individuals. “But, the lapses of the Jaganmohan Reddy Government crossed all limits. The future of the whole State and the country is at stake now,” he said.

The former chief minister began the sit-in to protest Tuesday’s attacks on party offices and leaders by supporters of ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

The protest with the title ‘fight against state terrorism’ began 8 a.m. and will continue till 8 p.m. on Friday.

He alleged that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was growing impatient over the increasing public resentment against his Government’s atrocities, all round corruption and attacks on all constitutional institutions. Tuesday’s attack on TDP main office was not a sporadic, isolated incident but a culmination of two and half years of lawless, anarchic and oppressive regime, he said.

Addressing the party leaders and cadres, the TDP chief reminded the Centre that the dark activities of the Andhra Pradesh ganja mafia was not limited to the State but spread to Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other States.

Stating that the menace of drugs poses a big threat to the nation, he alleged that cases were being booked against TDP leaders for demanding action against those supplying drugs.

Naidu deplored that the ‘state-sponsored terrorism’ was reaching new heights in the state. “A Member of Parliament became a victim of custodial torture. YSRCP’s own MP Raghu Rama Raju was taken into unlawful custody and beaten up. The Jagan regime made countless attacks on the autonomy of the courts, the Election Commission, opposition parties and general public. Dalit doctor Dr Sudhakar was put to psychological and financial torture till his death for demanding masks.”

Naidu said there was a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. He termed the attacks on TDP offices an attack on democracy. He claimed that the attacks were pre-planned and aimed at eliminating the party. He reiterated that he personally called the Director General of Police but he did not respond.

He said the TDP party leader Pattabhi Ram’s house was attacked and ransacked. There were attacks at several places including party offices at Visakhapatnam, Hindupur and Kadapa. He said TDP offices and leaders were targeted.

“They are saying that the language used by Pattabhi Ram was abusive. Are you ready for a debate on the kind of language used by Jagan and his ministers,” he asked the government.

He said though TDP offices and leaders were attacked, police booked cases against them. An intruder into TDP office was caught and handed over to police but a case was booked against TDP leaders.

Stating that TDP pays tributes to policemen on every police commemoration day, Naidu said the police department was getting a bad name because of few officers.

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