News updates: Facebook, Instagram down for thousands of users

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11:55 PM

Facebook, Instagram down for thousands of users

Meta's Facebook was down for more than 50,000 users on Wednesday, while Instagram was down for more than 23,000 users, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.

11:41 PM

WhatsApp down for several users across India

7:41 PM

US core inflation stays firm with fourth-straight 0.3% increase

US consumer prices continued to rise in November at a pace that is fueling concerns the progress toward taming inflation is stalling. The so-called core consumer price index — which excludes food and energy costs — increased 0.3 per cent for a fourth straight month, Bureau of Labor Statistics figures showed Wednesday. From a year ago, it rose 3.3 per cent. 
 

Economists see the core gauge as a better indicator of the underlying inflation trend than the overall CPI that includes often-volatile food and energy costs. The headline measure rose 0.3 per cent from the prior month and 2.7 per cent from a year before. Shelter costs accounted for nearly 40 per cent of the overall advance.

7:21 PM

Delhi LG directs strict implementation of tobacco-free guidelines in schools, colleges

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Wednesday directed the chief secretary to ensure the strict implementation of tobacco-free guidelines in Delhi's schools and colleges.

 

He also instructed that nodal officers be appointed in each educational institution to oversee compliance.

 

This directive follows the 9th review meeting of the State-Level Committee Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), which was held recently.

 

During the meeting, Saxena emphasised the need for strict adherence to tobacco-free guidelines for educational institutions under the Directorate of Education and the Higher Education Department.

7:20 PM

Thailand to implement e-Visa system for Indian Nationals from January 2025

The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has officially announced the rollout of Thailand's Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system in India, effective January 1, 2025.

 

The system, aimed at streamlining the visa application process, will also include an offline payment option, offering added convenience to applicants.

 

In its announcement, the Embassy highlighted that the e-Visa system would cater to non-Thai nationals applying for all types of visas. Applicants are required to submit their visa applications exclusively via the official website, thaievisa.go.th.

 

"Each application can be applied by the applicants themselves, or by other representatives," the Embassy clarified. However, it warned that it "shall not bear responsibility if any application submitted by a representative is incomplete." Applicants can find a detailed guide on the application process on the same website.

7:08 PM

Railways developing new app for passenger services: Vaishnaw

The railway ministry is developing a mobile application that will let users book unreserved train tickets, lodge complaints, and track trains, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

 

Telugu Desam Party MPs B K Parthasarathi and Bastipati Nagaraju raised the issue of the government's plan to launch a 'super app' for rail services.

 

They also wanted to know "the timeline by which the app will be launched for commercial usage along with the cost of developing the app".

 

Responding to these queries, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Indian Railways is developing a passenger service focussed app. Passengers will be able to avail unreserved ticketing, lodge complaints, check train availability and many more functions in a single app.

6:48 PM

Future of the world will be driven by innovation and knowledge, says PM Modi

"Hackathons are giving our youth a chance to enhance their skills and opportunities," said PM Modi to students at 'Smart India Hackathon' finale.

5:25 PM

No proposal to criminalise marital rape: Govt

There is no proposal to criminalise sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, she not being under 18 years of age, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In response to a question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said sections 74, 75, 76 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provide for a sufficiently adequate remedy, which includes penal consequences, thereby protecting the right and dignity of a woman within the institution of marriage.

5:13 PM

Techie suicide: Victim's family demands justice, strict action against harassers

The family of the 34-year-old techie who allegedly died by suicide, has demanded justice for him and strict action against his harassers.

 

Atul Subhash, who worked for a private firm in the city, had left behind a 24-page purported death note, giving extensive details of what he alleged was years-long emotional distress of marital issues; multiple cases filed against him and harassment by his wife, her relatives, and a judge based in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

 

Speaking to PTI videos here, Subhash's brother Bikas said, "I want my brother to get justice. I want this country to have a legal process through which even men can get justice. I want strict action against those who are sitting on a legal chair and doing corruption because if this continues then how will people expect justice."

4:44 PM

PM Modi joins Smart India Hackathon 2024 finale

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2024, via video conferencing

4:27 PM

Union govt should bring back those who want to return to India from Bangladesh: Mamata Banerjee

"We want protection for minorities in Bangladesh. The Union government must act. It should also bring back those who want to return to India," Mamata Banerjee said. Bangladesh's minority Hindus, who constitute about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.

4:09 PM

News update: RBI has done commendable job in monetary policy management, says Governor Malhotra

4:07 PM

We have to be alert and agile to take on these challenges: RBI Governor Malhotra

RBI has done some very commendable work over the years, says Governor Malhotra

3:51 PM

It is a huge responsibility, says new RBI Governor

We do not have monopoly of all knowledge, says RBI Guv Malhotra as he stresses on consultations with other stakeholders. 

 

 

3:48 PM

I will uphold Reserve Bank's legacy and take it forward, says new Governor Sanjay Malhotra

New RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says all decisions will be taken with public interest in mind.

3:39 PM

'Stability, continuity and policy are very important,' says new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra

Have to remain alert, agile while maintaining continuity and stability in policy, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra after assuming charge.

3:01 PM

Goa cash-for-jobs scam: AAP seeks judicial probe; BJP says ED inquiry on

The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday demanded a judicial probe into the cash-for-jobs scam in Goa, claiming that an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will not yield any result. Goa BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar, however, said the opposition itself had demanded an ED inquiry which was now underway and there was nothing to hide. The AAP leaders were targeting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his family over the scam for "political reasons", he said, adding the first FIR in the matter was registered at the CM's behest.

2:20 PM

Subramania Bharati was a profound thinker dedicated to serving Maa Bharati: PM Modi

"Subramania Bharati Ji was a profound thinker dedicated to serving Maa Bharati. Despite the pandemic in 2020, we commemorated the 100th death anniversary of Subramania Bharati," PM Modi said today. 

2:08 PM

Naxalite killed in encounter, 2 security personnel injured in IED blast

A Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said. Two security personnel also sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites during the same operation, they said.

1:53 PM

Need to differentiate between financial, non-financial regulation: CEA Nageswaran

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran today stated that there is a need to differentiate between regulation of financial and non-financial sectors as competition in financial sector can lead to excessive risk taking and bring instability. "We do need to make a distinction between regulation with respect to financial sector and regulation with respect to non-financial sector of the economy," Nageswaran said at the CII Global Economic Policy Forum 2024.

1:44 PM

PSBs expected to reach unachievable targets without level playing field, says Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi met a delegation from the All India Banking Officers Confederation and accused the government of using public sector banks as private financiers for "only the rich and powerful corporations." "Public Sector Banks are being forced to prioritise profit over people and are thus unable to serve the public effectively. With staff shortages and a toxic work environment, they are expected to reach unachievable targets without a level playing field," Gandhi said.

1:19 PM

Ajay Seth gets additional charge of revenue as Malhotra becomes RBI guv

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has assigned the additional charge of the post of revenue secretary in the finance ministry to Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth. Read here for more details.

1:16 PM

Adani opts out of US funding for its Colombo Port project

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group has pulled out of a loan deal with a US agency to fund a port terminal in Sri Lanka, saying it will use its own resources for the project. In an exchange filing late on Tuesday, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said the project "is on track for commissioning by early next year". "The project will be financed through the company's internal accruals and capital management plan," the firm said. "We have withdrawn our request for financing from the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)".

12:41 PM

Will work to understand all perspectives, do what's best: Sanjay Malhotra

On Tuesday before taking charge as the RBI governor, Sanjay Malhotra stated he will work to understand all perspectives and do what is best for the economy.  "One has to understand the turf, all perspectives and do what's best for the economy,"  Malhotra had stated responding to reporters' queries outside the finance ministry.

 

12:33 PM

Sanjay Malhotra appointed new RBI Governor: Who is he?

12:30 PM

Former Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra takes over as RBI governor

11:48 AM

2 trains cancelled, several diverted due to rail blockade in Bengal

A rail blockade by agitators at West Bengal's Jorai railway station demanding a separate state of Cooch Behar led to the cancellation of two trains and diversion of several others on Wednesday, an official said. The New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express was among the trains cancelled due to the agitation by the Greater Coochbehar People's Association (GCPA), he said.

11:31 AM

Industry should realign itself keeping political, strategic policies in mind: Nirmala Sitharaman

Outlining the priorities of the economy for the next decade, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said attempts should be made to restore global calm and normalcy and noted that war or any form of disruption should be avoided.

11:01 AM

IED found on J-K highway

Security forces on Wednesday detected and destroyed a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) on the Handwara-Baramulla highway in Kashmir, officials said. A joint patrolling party of police and army found a suspicious bag by the roadside on the highway at Langate in Handwara area of Kupwara district, the officials said.

10:35 AM

Trustees' body moves HC to seek closure of unauthorised schools in Thane

A private organisation of school trustees has said it has approached the Bombay High Court to demand immediate closure of unauthorised educational institutions in Diva area of Maharashtra's Thane district. The demand comes days after the headmistress of a private school in Mumbra area here was arrested for allegedly not informing police about the molestation of a 10-year-old girl by a man in the institution.