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Europe's Wildfire Crisis Deepens As New Heat Wave To Intensify France, Spain Wildfires
World

Europe's Wildfire Crisis Deepens As New Heat Wave To Intensify France, Spain Wildfires

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko A forecast of an incoming heat wave across France and Spain this week is threatening to hamper firefighting efforts as some of Europe's worst wildfires in decades rage on. France's weather service forecast temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) from Tuesday, while Spain's AEMET warned of a new heat wave from Wednesday till the end of the week, with highs of 42 C in the northeast and 39 C in central regions. Authorities said soaring temperatures, dry winds and low humidity would push wildfire danger to "extreme" levels, even as forests turned tinder-dry by successive heat waves this year. Thousands of firefighters and water-dropping aircraft raced to contain the blazes before temperatures rise further. Experts linked the scale of the fires to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves driven by climate change, as hotter and drier conditions are making wildfires more destructive. Macron warns of 'hard' times In France, President Emmanuel Macron said one fire in the Landes region had been contained, but a much larger wildfire near Bordeaux continued to burn after scorching about 42,000 hectares, forcing around 220,000 people to evacuate and destroying hundreds of homes. "The weeks ahead will be hard. We must hold firm," Macron said. In Spain, wildfires west of Madrid and in other regions have forced about 60,000 people to flee. With the coming heat wave threatening to fuel further spread of the wildfires, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the coming hours would be "absolutely decisive" to bring fires burning west of the capital, Madrid, under control. Some 150,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain and 115,000 hectares in France since the start of this year. At a campsite near Navaluenga, west of the capital, ravaged by Spain's worst wildfire on record, the site co-owner Maria Angeles Canete said her family lost everything. "We had this campsite, we had another one, and we've lost it all. We have nothing," she told the AFP news agency. EU firefighting resources stretched thin The European Union deployed additional firefighting aircraft to France, while EU commissioner Hadja Lahbib warned that resources are under growing strain as extreme fire conditions spread across southern and central Europe. "Extreme conditions are looming for Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in addition to France, the Iberian Peninsula... where the situation is expected to worsen, including in Portugal starting today," Lahbib said. In Italy, a wildfire in the southern Puglia region forced the evacuation of hundreds of tourists from beaches and campgrounds, authorities said. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

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1 month ago
7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Warning Triggers Emergency Alerts
World

7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Warning Triggers Emergency Alerts

A preliminary magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, prompting a tsunami warning and emergency alerts across several prefectures on Kyushu island, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The JMA issued a tsunami warning for waves of up to 1 metre (3.28 feet) following the earthquake. The Japanese government also issued emergency earthquake warnings for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. The strong tremor triggered immediate safety measures across southern Japan, with railway services suspended in the affected region. Authorities and operators were assessing the impact of the earthquake and monitoring for further disruption. ALSO READ | 'Allah Commanded Me': Knife-Wielding Man Stabs 3 Women On Paris Street. Video Tsunami Warning Issued After Strong Quake The JMA issued the 1-metre tsunami warning shortly after the earthquake struck Kumamoto. The warning covered the potential for waves generated by the powerful undersea seismic activity. The earthquake hit one of Japan’s most seismically active regions, prompting authorities to issue emergency warnings across much of Kyushu. Japan is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone marked by active volcanoes and deep ocean trenches that partially encircle the Pacific Basin. Japan experiences frequent seismic activity, with tremors occurring roughly every five minutes. The country accounts for about 20% of the world’s earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or above. ALSO READ | 'How To Kill Melania Trump': Report Claims Chilling Iranian Propaganda Video Targets First Lady, Barron Nuclear Plants Report No Irregularities Kyushu Electric Power said there were no reports of irregularities at its Sendai and Genkai nuclear power plants following the earthquake. Rail services, however, were disrupted in the aftermath. Train operator JR Kyushu said it had suspended services, including high-speed Shinkansen trains, following the quake. Authorities and transport operators were continuing to assess the situation as emergency measures remained in place across the affected areas.

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1 month ago
The Harbhajan Singh hand behind Saransh Jain's India breakthrough
Sports

The Harbhajan Singh hand behind Saransh Jain's India breakthrough

At 33, with a wealth of domestic cricket experience behind him, Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain on Tuesday earned his maiden India call-up. Jain impressed former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh during a five-day camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he caught the legend's eye. Four months later, the off-spinner will board a flight to Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series, starting on August 15 in Galle.

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1 month ago
Astro Analysis | Which Rudraksha Should You Wear? Find The Right Rudraksha According To Your Zodiac Sign
Lifestyle

Astro Analysis | Which Rudraksha Should You Wear? Find The Right Rudraksha According To Your Zodiac Sign

The month of Sawan is considered special for the worship of Lord Shiva. During this time, there is a tradition of offering water to the Shivalinga, offering Belpatra, and wearing Rudraksha, a talisman associated with Lord Shiva. According to religious belief, Rudraksha is considered a favorite of Lord Shiva, and wearing it is believed to increase positive energy, mental peace, and spiritual concentration. In astrology, different Rudrakshas are recommended for different zodiac signs. However, beliefs regarding Rudrakshas can vary depending on a person's horoscope, planetary positions, and personal beliefs. Let's explore which Rudrakshas are considered auspicious to wear according to their zodiac sign. Aries - Three Faced Rudraksha Wearing a three-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Aries . According to religious belief, it is associated with self-confidence and energy. Wearing it is believed to reduce negativity and increase focus on one's goals. Taurus - Six Faced Rudraksha Wearing a six-faced Rudraksha is recommended for Taurus natives. It is associated with Lord Kartikeya. It is believed to be beneficial for concentration, self-confidence, and mental balance. Gemini - Four Faced Rudraksha A four-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Gemini zodiac signs. It is associated with knowledge, wisdom, and speech. According to religious belief, it is believed to aid in studies and concentration. ALSO READ | August Vrat Tyohar 2026: Check Dates For Hariyali Teej, Raksha Bandhan And The Eclipses Cancer Zodiac sign - Two Faced Rudraksha Wearing a two-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Cancer zodiac signs. It is associated with the forms of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed to be worn to attain mental peace and maintain harmony in relationships. Leo - Five Faced Rudraksha Wearing a five-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Leos. It is one of the most commonly worn Rudrakshas. Religious belief associates it with peace, positivity, and spiritual progress. Virgo - Four Faced Rudraksha Wearing a four-faced Rudraksha is also considered auspicious for Virgos. It is associated with wisdom and knowledge. It is believed to be beneficial for concentration and mental clarity. Libra - Six Faced Rudraksha There is religious belief that wearing a six-faced Rudraksha is beneficial for Libra zodiac signs. It is associated with self-confidence and mental balance. It is also considered a tradition to wear it during the month of Sawan along with worshipping Lord Shiva. Scorpio - Three Mukhi Rudraksha The three-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Scorpios. According to religious belief, it is associated with self-confidence and positive energy. Wearing it is believed to inspire a person to overcome negative thoughts. Sagittarius - Five Faced Rudraksha Wearing a five-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Sagittarius. It is associated with spiritual growth and mental peace. Chanting and wearing it during Shiva worship in the month of Sawan is considered religiously auspicious. Capricorn - Seven Faced Rudraksha Wearing a seven-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Capricorns. It is associated with Saturn. According to religious belief, it is worn to bestow hard work, patience, and financial stability. Aquarius - Seven Faced Rudraksha The seven-faced Rudraksha is also considered auspicious for Aquarius zodiac signs. It is associated with the planet Saturn. It is believed that wearing it can help increase patience and stability. ALSO READ | Sawan 2026: Religious Significance Of Worshipping An Earthen Shivling And Correct Way To Install It On Belpatra Pisces - Five Faced Rudraksha Wearing a five-faced Rudraksha is considered auspicious for Pisces. It is associated with worshipping Lord Shiva, mental peace, and spiritual progress. How To wear Rudraksha In Sawan? Before wearing a Rudraksha, purify it with clean water and place it before Lord Shiva. Rudraksha can be worn on a Monday in the month of Sawan or on any auspicious day after worshipping Lord Shiva. According to religious tradition, the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" is chanted while wearing it. Instead of wearing Rudraksha beads on a red or black thread, there are also traditions of wearing Rudraksha beads or metal beads. These rules may vary across different sects and traditions. What Do Astrological Opinions Say? According to astrological beliefs, Rudraksha are not worn merely as a fashion accessory or jewelry, but as a symbol of devotion and spiritual practice. It is considered more appropriate to consult a person's birth chart and planetary positions before choosing a Rudraksha according to their zodiac sign. Therefore, if a person wants to wear Rudraksha to solve a problem related to a particular planet or horoscope, it is better to consult a qualified astrologer. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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1 month ago
Water Bottle Still Smells Bad? The Hidden Mistake You're Making Every Day
Lifestyle

Water Bottle Still Smells Bad? The Hidden Mistake You're Making Every Day

Reusable water bottles are a daily essential, whether you're heading to the gym, commuting to the office, or travelling. Yet many people notice that their bottle develops a musty or plastic-like smell over time, even after regular washing. While poor hygiene is often blamed, experts say the real culprit may be a chemical process taking place inside the bottle's lid. Moisture Trapped In The Lid Can Trigger Unpleasant Odours The threads and tiny grooves inside a bottle cap can easily trap moisture after washing. If the bottle is sealed before both the bottle and the lid have dried completely, the trapped moisture creates an enclosed environment where materials begin to degrade gradually. According to experts, this is not simply a cleanliness issue. The combination of moisture, residual particles and limited airflow can encourage chemical changes in the bottle's material, affecting both the smell and the taste of the water stored inside. ALSO READ | How To Clean Cloudy Glassware? Easy Tips To Make Your Glasses Shine Like New Research Explains Why The Smell Develops Many reusable water bottles are made from polyethylene, a durable plastic widely used in food and drink containers. A study published in Water Research suggests that prolonged exposure to light and water can gradually break down this material, releasing compounds that contribute to unpleasant odours and alter the taste of drinking water. Researchers also note that even low levels of light can accelerate this process over time. The bottle cap is particularly vulnerable because it retains moisture for longer than the rest of the bottle. Another study, Progress on Odor Deterioration of Aquatic Products, highlights that moisture, oxidation and microbial activity are among the major causes of unwanted odours. Experts say these same factors can contribute to the lingering smell that develops inside reusable bottle lids. ALSO READ | Why Women's Jeans Have Tiny Pockets While Men's Easily Fit Phones And Wallets Simple Habits To Keep Your Bottle Fresh Preventing unpleasant odours is often easier than removing them. Experts recommend leaving both the bottle and its cap open after washing until they are completely dry. Allowing proper air circulation helps eliminate trapped moisture and reduces the chances of odour formation. It is also advisable to avoid storing reusable bottles in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to light may speed up the breakdown of plastic materials. If a bottle has already developed a persistent smell, soaking it thoroughly and giving both the bottle and the cap a deep clean can help remove odour-causing residues and restore freshness.

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1 month ago
After creating history for India and amid a gap year before college, what is next for Anahat?
Sports

After creating history for India and amid a gap year before college, what is next for Anahat?

Fresh from scripting history as India's first World Junior Squash champion, Anahat Singh is already looking ahead. The 18-year-old speaks about staying grounded despite rising expectations, shutting out the hype around ending Egypt's dominance, leaning on her parents and coaches in pressure moments, and why the Asian Games and the road to the LA Olympics are now firmly in her sights.

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1 month ago
History made! West Indies pacer achieves never-seen-before feat vs Pak
Sports

History made! West Indies pacer achieves never-seen-before feat vs Pak

Justin Greaves made Test cricket history with five consecutive wicket-maidens. He achieved this remarkable feat against Pakistan during the opening Test match. Greaves finished with career-best figures of five wickets for just twenty-seven runs. This performance triggered a dramatic collapse in the Pakistan batting lineup. The West Indies all-rounder secured a significant first-innings lead for his team.

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1 month ago
Global Flood Watch: Pakistan Monsoon Disaster Deepens as Death Toll Crosses 100 Amid Fresh Rain Alert
World

Global Flood Watch: Pakistan Monsoon Disaster Deepens as Death Toll Crosses 100 Amid Fresh Rain Alert

Pakistan is facing a rapidly escalating monsoon disaster as relentless rainfall and flash floods continue to wreak havoc across the country, claiming more than 100 lives and leaving thousands stranded. Since late June, torrential downpours have triggered widespread flooding, damaged homes, disrupted essential services, and forced emergency authorities into large-scale rescue operations. The worst-hit areas include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where heavy rains caused numerous houses and rooftops to collapse, resulting in a significant number of fatalities. Several villages have been cut off after roads and bridges were submerged, making rescue efforts increasingly difficult. Emergency response teams are using boats to evacuate elderly residents, women, and children from flood-affected communities while delivering food packets and relief supplies to isolated families. Flood survivors continue to face severe humanitarian challenges, including shortages of safe drinking water, electricity outages, limited access to medicines, and inadequate healthcare services. In many remote locations, residents say relief has yet to reach them, raising concerns over the growing needs of vulnerable communities. Medical emergencies are becoming more difficult to manage as damaged infrastructure hampers access to hospitals and health facilities. Pakistan's Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning of additional heavy rainfall over the coming days, increasing the risk of further flooding in already inundated regions. Authorities have urged people living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and relocate to safer places if evacuation advisories are issued.

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1 month ago
'Allah Commanded Me': Knife-Wielding Man Stabs 3 Women On Paris Street. Video
World

'Allah Commanded Me': Knife-Wielding Man Stabs 3 Women On Paris Street. Video

Three women were injured in a knife attack in northwestern Paris after a man armed with two kitchen knives allegedly targeted them in broad daylight before being subdued by members of the public and an off-duty police officer. French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which took place near Porte de Clichy in the French capital. According to France's interior minister, Laurent Nunez, two of the victims sustained serious injuries, although none are believed to be life-threatening. French media reported that one of the injured women is pregnant. Three Women Injured In Broad-Daylight Assault The attack unfolded at around 11:30 a.m. local time on the 27th near Porte de Clichy in Paris's 17th arrondissement. Officials said the suspect was carrying two kitchen knives and attacked three women aged 19, 24 and 36. All three victims suffered stab wounds to their backs and abdomens before being taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released the identities of either the suspect or the victims. According to officials and eyewitness accounts, the suspect repeatedly invoked religion during the attack, reportedly saying, "It is Allah who commanded me." Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the statement. ALSO READ: 'Horrified He's Still Here': UK MP Behind Nirav Modi's Extradition Order Says India Is 'Hugely Angry' Eyewitness Video Captures Dramatic Arrest Footage that first appeared on Snapchat and was later verified by Reuters shows a man dressed in a cream-coloured tracksuit holding a large knife in each hand as he moves towards a young woman. It remains unclear from the footage whether she was injured during that sequence. Another clip shows the suspect lying on the ground after several bystanders intervened. The two knives can be seen on a nearby pedestrian crossing while the suspect is heard saying, "It is Allah who commanded me." Eyewitness Mohamed-Ali Bouhadjar, who filmed part of the incident, described how members of the public acted quickly to stop the attacker. ALSO READ: 'How To Kill Melania Trump': Report Claims Chilling Iranian Propaganda Video Targets First Lady, Barron Off-Duty Police Officer Helped Detain Suspect Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the suspect was ultimately restrained with the help of an off-duty police officer before responding officers formally placed him under arrest. The mayor of Paris's 17th arrondissement confirmed that one of the injured women is pregnant. Officials also said the suspect had reportedly been wandering in the area before the attack. Investigators are now working to establish the suspect's identity, examine whether he has a history of mental illness and determine the motive behind the stabbing. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the incident is being treated as terrorism-related, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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1 month ago
OPINION | Japan’s AI Diplomacy: A New Path To Technological Sovereignty
Technology

OPINION | Japan’s AI Diplomacy: A New Path To Technological Sovereignty

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become the defining technology of the twenty-first century, reshaping economies, national security, industrial competitiveness, and global influence. For years, the AI landscape has been overwhelmingly dominated by a handful of American and Chinese technology giants, leaving many countries dependent on foreign-developed models, cloud infrastructure, and semiconductor ecosystems. Japan’s recent diplomatic initiatives suggest that this imbalance is no longer acceptable. Rather than competing alone against technological superpowers, Tokyo is pursuing a pragmatic strategy of building trusted international partnerships to achieve AI sovereignty while strengthening its domestic innovation ecosystem. This emerging approach reflects a broader shift in global technology governance. AI is no longer viewed merely as an industry of the future; it has become a strategic asset that influences economic resilience, military capability, cybersecurity, and geopolitical standing. Nations that rely exclusively on external AI platforms risk becoming vulnerable to political decisions beyond their control. The recent restrictions imposed by the United States on access to Anthropic's advanced AI models Fable and Mythos served as a reminder that even close allies may face limitations when strategic technologies become instruments of national policy. For Japan, the lesson was unmistakable: technological dependence carries geopolitical risks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration appears to have recognised this reality and responded with remarkable urgency. The updated AI Basic Plan, approved only months after its previous version, illustrates a government determined to keep pace with one of the fastest-evolving technological revolutions in history. More importantly, the strategy goes beyond domestic policy by integrating diplomacy into Japan’s AI ambitions. Japan’s AI Diplomacy Takes Shape The growing network of AI dialogue frameworks with India, France, Malaysia, and prospective partnerships with Britain and Brazil demonstrates a sophisticated understanding that innovation today thrives through collaboration rather than isolation. These partnerships are not symbolic diplomatic gestures. They represent practical cooperation in semiconductors, data centres, industrial AI applications, robotics, and research ecosystems. Each agreement expands Japan's access to talent, markets, infrastructure, and shared technological expertise. The partnership with India deserves particular attention. India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies, possessing a vast pool of software engineers, an expanding semiconductor ecosystem, and one of the largest repositories of digital public infrastructure. Japan, meanwhile, contributes advanced manufacturing capabilities, robotics expertise, and decades of industrial innovation. Together, these complementary strengths can create an AI ecosystem that is both economically competitive and strategically independent of the existing US-China technological duopoly. ALSO READ | China’s J-20 Roars: Is India Listening? Building Bridges From Europe to the Global South Similarly, Japan's engagement with France signals a European dimension to its AI diplomacy. Europe has consistently advocated ethical AI, robust regulatory frameworks, and trustworthy digital governance. By aligning with France, Japan gains an influential partner capable of shaping international standards while simultaneously engaging developing nations in the Global South. Such cooperation broadens the conversation from commercial competition to responsible technological leadership. The inclusion of Malaysia and planned dialogues with Brazil further reflects Japan’s recognition that the Global South will increasingly shape the future of digital transformation. Many emerging economies possess enormous datasets, rapidly expanding digital populations, and growing demand for AI-enabled public services. Rather than treating these countries merely as technology consumers, Japan seeks to build mutually beneficial partnerships where innovation flows in multiple directions. This collaborative model contrasts with traditional technology export strategies dominated by large multinational corporations. From Hardware Powerhouse to AI Innovator Equally significant is Japan's emphasis on promoting domestic AI companies abroad. Firms such as SoftBank and Sakana AI represent the country's ambition to move beyond being primarily a hardware powerhouse toward becoming a global AI innovator. Supporting domestic enterprises through international diplomatic frameworks creates opportunities for Japanese technologies to compete globally while reducing excessive reliance on foreign AI platforms. Japan's focus on vertical AI and physical AI is also strategically sound. Instead of attempting to outspend American hyperscalers in developing massive general-purpose language models, Japan is leveraging its established strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, precision engineering, and robotics. AI tailored for industrial automation, healthcare diagnostics, logistics, and smart manufacturing aligns naturally with Japan’s economic structure and competitive advantages. This specialised approach may ultimately prove more sustainable than pursuing direct competition with Silicon Valley or China's internet giants. ALSO READ | Beyond Screens And Stereotypes: 5 Lessons Gen Z Taught India About Politics, Protest And Power Why AI Sovereignty Requires Global Cooperation Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Japan's AI strategy is its recognition that technological sovereignty cannot be achieved through protectionism alone. Genuine sovereignty requires innovation, trusted partnerships, diversified supply chains, skilled human capital, and resilient international cooperation. By embedding AI within foreign policy, economic strategy, and national security planning, Japan is creating a comprehensive framework that extends beyond technology itself. The global AI race is often portrayed as a contest between Washington and Beijing. Yet Japan's evolving strategy offers a more nuanced vision—one where middle powers, working collectively with like-minded nations and the Global South, can shape an alternative technological future. If these partnerships continue to mature, Japan may emerge not merely as a participant in the AI revolution, but as one of its principal architects, proving that collaboration, strategic foresight, and shared innovation can become powerful instruments of digital leadership in an increasingly fragmented world.

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1 month ago
Meta Says PM Modi's Video 'Removed In Error' From Facebook; Centre Summons Global Head
Technology

Meta Says PM Modi's Video 'Removed In Error' From Facebook; Centre Summons Global Head

Meta on Tuesday issued a statement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's selfie video was briefly restricted on Facebook. The video was posted on the Prime Minister's social media handle during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in India over the NEET-UG paper leak. "The content was removed in error and has since been restored," a Meta Spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the Meta Global Head of public policy (FB and Insta) has been summoned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) following PM Modi's video removal.  According to the information available with ABP News, when users clicked on the "See Why" option, Facebook displayed a notice stating that the video had been restricted following a "legal request". However, Meta has now clarified that the restriction was not intentional and was removed by mistake. The video was subsequently restored on the platform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late-night video addressing the issue of examination paper leaks received significant engagement on social media, with his Instagram account gaining around one million followers overnight. The high-engagement selfie video, posted by the Prime Minister on the paper leak issue, reportedly pushed his Instagram follower count close to 101 million. In the video, PM Modi addressed concerns of students and their families over examination irregularities and highlighted steps taken by the government to tackle the issue. ALSO READ: Centre Goes All Out To Promote E20 Fuel As Social Media Backlash Intensifies: Report PM Modi Assures Action Against Paper Leak Offenders In the video message posted four days ago, the Prime Minister acknowledged the distress caused by paper leaks among students and parents and said the government had taken several measures over the past two-and-a-half months, leading to arrests and imprisonment of those accused. "I am aware that paper leaks cause immense distress to students and their parents," PM Modi said. He said the government had mobilised all resources to ensure examinations were conducted without delay for nearly 22 lakh students. "The results were declared just five days ago on July 19, and we are receiving news of the joy felt by successful students across the country," he added. PM Modi said the government would not stop at the measures already taken and stressed the need for stronger action against those involved in examination malpractices. He said he had personally worked on a proposal for fast-track courts and stringent punishments for individuals involved in paper leaks.  ALSO READ: Kerala Travel YouTuber Reported Missing After Kolkata Trip; Police Launch Inquiry

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1 month ago
Centre Goes All Out To Promote E20 Fuel As Social Media Backlash Intensifies: Report
Business

Centre Goes All Out To Promote E20 Fuel As Social Media Backlash Intensifies: Report

The Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up efforts to promote the E20 ethanol-blended fuel programme through a coordinated social media campaign, as criticism over the policy continues to gain traction online. Government officials, BJP leaders, Union ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) have been asked to actively participate in the campaign to raise awareness about the E20 rollout, reported The New Indian Express. The initiative is reportedly intended to respond to growing consumer complaints and criticism from opposition parties over the ethanol-blended fuel programme. "As part of the campaign, four customised videos for X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube will be circulated extensively by party workers and officials," the official told the publication. Consumer Concerns Over E20 Rollout The outreach comes amid concerns raised by some consumers regarding the use of E20 fuel, particularly in vehicles that were not originally designed for higher ethanol blends. According to findings by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the use of E20 fuel in vehicles engineered for lower ethanol concentrations could lead to deterioration of rubber components in the fuel system. However, the study found no adverse impact on metallic parts. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has acknowledged that fuel efficiency may decline by around 1-2 per cent in newer vehicles compatible with E20, while older vehicles could witness a reduction of up to 6 per cent in mileage. The ministry has also clarified that using E20 fuel does not affect the validity of a vehicle's insurance coverage. Political Row Over Ethanol Policy The E20 programme has also emerged as a political issue, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress trading allegations over its implementation. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has previously described the criticism surrounding the E20 rollout as a "politically motivated social media campaign", rejecting allegations made against the policy. The Centre has positioned ethanol blending as part of its broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and increase the use of domestically produced biofuels. Also Read : Pepsi, Red Bull Oppose FSSAI's 'Energy Drink' Order: Here's Why India Isn't Backing Down Bombay High Court Allows Gadkari To Pursue Civil Suit Separately, the Bombay High Court has granted Gadkari permission to file a civil suit against Meta, Google, X and unidentified individuals over AI-generated deepfakes and allegedly defamatory online content linking him to the E20 programme. According to court proceedings, Justice Abhay Ahuja allowed the Union minister to initiate the civil action after hearing a petition filed under Clause XII of the Letters Patent. The provision enables the Bombay High Court to entertain matters where part of the cause of action falls outside its territorial jurisdiction. Gadkari argued that the disputed content was accessible in Mumbai despite being circulated across online platforms elsewhere, making the court's leave necessary before filing the substantive suit. Deepfake Content At The Centre Of Dispute The proposed lawsuit names Meta, Google, X and unidentified "John Doe" defendants, who are alleged to have created, published or facilitated the circulation of the disputed material. According to Gadkari's petition, AI-generated videos and manipulated social media posts falsely suggested that he and members of his family had benefited financially from the Centre's E20 ethanol policy. He has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and harmful to his reputation. The petition further states that the E20 ethanol blending programme falls under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, even though Gadkari has publicly advocated the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel. The case adds to a growing number of legal disputes involving AI-generated deepfakes and online misinformation, with courts increasingly hearing matters related to reputation, personality rights and digital content moderation. Also Read : PNB Scam: Nirav Modi's Return To India Still Pending As UK's Priti Patel Slams Extradition Delay

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1 month ago
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