Business

TRAI releases consultation paper to formulate ‘National Broadcasting Policy 2024’-Telangana Today

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The consultation paper highlights pertinent issues prevalent in the broadcasting sector with an objective of making India a ‘Global Content Hub’.

Published Date – 2 April 2024, 01:51 PM


TRAI releases consultation paper to formulate ‘National Broadcasting Policy 2024’


New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday released a consultation paper for formulation of the ‘National Broadcasting Policy 2024’, in an effort to bolster the broadcasting sector which is a sunrise industry.

The consultation paper highlights pertinent issues prevalent in the broadcasting sector with an objective of making India a ‘Global Content Hub’.

The consultation paper, titled ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024,’ has been prepared for seeking comments from stakeholders, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement.

“Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by April 30, 2024. It may be noted that no counter-comments are being invited in this consultation paper, as this paper intends formulation of inputs for the broadcasting policy,” said the TRAI.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in July last year requested the TRAI to provide its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy.

As a first step, TRAI issued a pre-consultation paper on September 21, 2023, to elicit the issues which are required to be considered for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy.

The broadcasting sector has a huge potential to contribute towards the growth of the Indian economy.

The inputs for formulation of policy aim at stipulating the vision, mission, objectives and strategies for the planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country in the era of new and emerging technologies.

The paper raises questions on the policy and regulatory measures and the strategies to be adopted for increasing the contribution to the economy through universal reach, fostering innovation with a focus on R&D, facilitating job creation, skill development and start-up promotion, said the ministry.

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Russia to probe involvement of Ukraine, its Western backers in terrorism

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The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a probe into involvement of Ukraine and its Western backers in terrorist activities on the country’s soil.

The law enforcement body announced on Monday that it was moving forward with the procedural investigation.

A complaint filed by lawmakers last week was deemed credible enough for a formal inquiry.

The initial complaint identified the US and its allies as the driving force in a string of attacks on Russian soil.

The agency is looking into the “organization, financing and conduct of terrorist acts” by those states.

Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party, one of the MPs who filed the complaint, insisted that Western countries “benefited” from the recent terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow.

He argued that the geopolitical opponents of Russia stood to gain from the tragedy on Russian soil, and counted “on their inaccessibility and impunity.”

In the most recent terrorist attack, four gunmen burst into Moscow’s Crocus City Hall on March 22 and began shooting at the people who attended an event.

At least 140 people were killed in the terrorist attack, the worst in Russia’s history since the early 2000s. Some 200 people were also injured.

The chief of the Russian internal intelligence (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, has suggested that not only Ukraine, but also the US and Britain – Kiev’s main backers in the war – may have been behind the shooting.

He said the information on the matter was general, but that investigators already have “concrete results.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the attackers were caught fleeing “towards Ukraine where, according to preliminary data, a window to cross the border was prepared.”

Eleven people, including the assailants, have been detained in connection with the attack and face terrorism charges.

The complaint was also signed by three Russian lawmakers as well as some public figures, including the philosopher Aleksandr Dugin.

His daughter Darya was killed by a car bomb in August 2022 in what is widely believed to have been a targeted assassination attempt aimed at her father, a prominent nationalist.

Russian investigators accused Kiev of organizing the bomb attack.

Russia says the Ukrainian government has publicly claimed credit for some of the attacks against Russian targets, such as the bombings of the Crimean Bridge.

Last week, Vasily Malyuk, who heads the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said his agency was behind several high-profile assassinations inside Russia.

Malyuk is among the senior Ukrainian officials wanted for terrorism by Moscow. A Moscow Court issued an arrest warrant for Malyuk on Tuesday.  

The top Ukrainian security official stands accused of masterminding an attack on the Crimean Bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean Peninsula in October 2022.

Malyuk claimed responsibility for the incident in August 2023, saying he had “personally” planned the operation.

The FSB initially identified Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov as the mastermind of the attack on the Crimean Bridge. The attack set fire to seven oil tankers, sparking a massive blaze and killing three people.

Crimea has repeatedly been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks since Moscow launched its military operation in February 2022.

Russia launched the campaign in part to counter NATO’s further eastward expansion and to stop Kiev’s persecution of the pro-Russian population in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin says the West and NATO are playing a direct role in the Ukraine conflict by pouring advanced weapons and military equipment into the country, warning that NATO weapons are “legitimate targets” for its armed forces.

Sports

Sachin Tendulkar reflects on 2011 World Cup victory: 13 years since India’s triumph

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April 2 holds immense significance for Indian cricket, as the Men in Blue clinched their second ODI World Cup title.

Published Date – 2 April 2024, 01:39 PM


Sachin Tendulkar reflects on 2011 World Cup victory: 13 years since India’s triumph


New Delhi:  Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar recalled the 2011 ODI World Cup victory on the 13th anniversary of the monumental triumph. April 2 holds immense significance for Indian cricket, as the Men in Blue clinched their second ODI World Cup title, ending a 28-year wait since their first-ever victory in 1983.

On this day in 2011, India won the showpiece event in front of the home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, courtesy of two brilliant knocks by Gautam Gambhir and then-skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

“Thirteen years ago, my childhood dream turned into reality. Forever grateful for the memories, the team, and the incredible support of over a billion people,” Sachin wrote on his social media while sharing a photo from the 2011 World Cup trophy moment.

Dhoni alongside Gambhir orchestrated India’s pursuit of the 274/6 target set by Sri Lanka. The latter’s dismissal for 97 left India within reach of victory, with Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh guiding the team home. Dhoni’s iconic six sealed India’s triumph with 10 balls to spare.

Sachin, who had been a part of the Indian team at ODI World Cups since 1992, Sachin had to wait till 2011 to lay his hands on the coveted silverware after missing out on five previous occasions.

“2-4-2011 Day to remember… Worldcup winners #Grateful,” said former India spin master Harbhajan Singh said, celebrating India’s 2011 World Cup success.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah also shared a post on X on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, “#OnThisDay in 2011, our Men in Blue made history by clinching the ICC Cricket World Cup for the 2nd time!

“Led by the legendary @msdhoni, with gritty innings from @GautamGambhir, quality batting by @sachin_rt, heroic all-round displays by @YUVSTRONG12 and the entire squad played exceptional cricket throughout the tournament!

“Every moment at the electrifying Wankhede Stadium echoed with the spirit of Indian Cricket on this night, 13 years ago,” he wrote.

“#OnThisDay in 2011, Team India put an end to a 28-year World Cup drought by defeating Sri Lanka in the final and becoming the ICC World Cup champions for the second time!” Asian Cricket Council shared on X.

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"Reminds Me Of Surya": RR Assistant Coach Shane Bond's Praise For Riyan

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) assistant and bowling coach Shane Bond has said that the youngster Riyan Parag reminded him of star India batter Suryakumar Yadav. Parag played an unbeaten knock of 54 runs from 39 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday. He smashed 5 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 138.46. The 22-year-old got hold of the ‘orange cap’ in IPL 2024 after his blistering knock. The Rajasthan-based franchise sealed a 6-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

While speaking at the post-match press conference, Bond said that Parag has ‘extreme talent’ and he has matured as a cricketer.

“He sort of reminds me a little bit of Surya, who came to Mumbai a few years ago. He looks like that – he has got extreme talent. He has just matured as a cricketer, even though he is only 22,” Bond said.

The RR assistant coach added that the franchise’s main focus has been to win games in the tournament.

“If your team is successful, you are in a winning team, selections and rewards come from that. That has more of been our focus, to forget about all that other noise from the outside and just work really hard for each other,” he added.

Summarizing the match, after winning the toss, RR opted to bowl first. Trent Boult (3/22) destroyed the MI top-order in the powerplay, reducing them to 20/4. A 56-run partnership between skipper Hardik Pandya (34 in 21 balls, with six fours) and Tilak Varma (32 in 29 balls, with two sixes) brought some order into the innings briefly before MI experienced a collapse again to end at 125/9 in 20 overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal (3/11) and Nandre Burger (2/32) bowled well for RR and rocked the MI batting line-up with regular wickets, never giving them a chance to breathe.

In the run chase, RR lost openers Jos Buttler (13), Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) while skipper Sanju Samson could make only 12 in 10 balls. Reduced to 48/3, they were in a tricky situation. But Riyan Parag once again performed a brilliant rescue act, scoring 54* in 39 balls, with five fours and three sixes to take his side to a six-wicket win with 27 balls left.

Akash Madhwal (3/20) was the pick of the bowlers for MI.

Following the win, the Rajasthan-based franchise stand at the top place of the standings with six points at a net run rate of 1.249. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya’s side are at the bottom of the table and are yet to score points.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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World

3 killed in avalanche at popular Swiss ski resort: Police

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Social media circulated footage showing a formidable surge of snow engulfing an off-piste area in the Riffelberg sector of Zermatt, a luxury Alpine retreat, Xinhua reported.

Despite challenging weather conditions, a major rescue operation was quickly launched but was suspended, according to police, who confirmed the death toll on X, formerly Twitter, without providing any information about the nationalities of the victims.

Intense snowfall coupled with powerful winds prompted authorities to caution against a significant avalanche hazard in the southern Swiss Alps.

“Very large, and in some cases extremely large, spontaneous avalanches are to be expected,” the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) said.

According to the SLF, prior to Monday’s incident, Switzerland had already witnessed 14 fatalities in 12 avalanches and accidents during this season, with the majority of victims being cross-country skiers.

AMK/PR

Middle East

US reaffirms commitment to arming Israel despite regional tensions, Gaza genocide

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The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to arming Israel, despite growing anger inside and outside the US over the regime’s atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday defended recent arms transfers to its ally, which included fighter jets and 900kg bombs.

“I do not agree with that at all,” he said when asked whether the weapons transfers damaged the “credibility” and “sincerity” of US statements slamming the killing of too many civilians in Gaza.

“We have been very clear that we want to see Israel do everything it can to minimize civilian casualties. We have made clear that they need to operate at all times in full compliance with international humanitarian law,” Miller said.

The official also reaffirmed the US’s “long-term commitment ” to what he called “Israel’s right to self-defense”  despite growing concerns about rights abuses in the Gaza Strip. 

His remarks come as reports said last week that Washington authorized arms transfers to Israel worth billions of dollars. The package includes more than  1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as well as 25 F35A fighter jets.

Critics say the US policy of arming Israel violates American laws prohibiting military aid and weapon sales to regimes engaged in rights abuses.

Several progressive lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to end his unconditional support for Israel.

On Sunday, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley stressed that the US is complicit in the atrocities committed in Gaza.

“We must also recognize that America is complicit in this tragedy by resupplying Israel with bombs and failing to use America’s leverage to increase aid delivered into Gaza,” he wrote in a series of social media posts.

“Reflecting on the admonition to feed the hungry and assist the stranger, and ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ let’s push Team Biden to do better. More aid. No bombs.”

US mulls new weapons deals

Despite pressure to withhold arms, a US report said on Monday that the Washington is considering major new weapons sales to Israel.

Citing a congressional aide and a person familiar with the issue, The Politico said the package includes up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets, 30 AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and a number of Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, which turn dumb bombs into precision-guided weapons.

The digital newspaper said the deals are pending US government approval.

But noting that the administration has already informally notified the relevant congressional committees, the report said, “That step typically means the administration is ready to move forward with the sale.”

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli intensified violence against Palestinians.

Tel Aviv has also blocked water, food, and electricity to Gaza, plunging the coastal strip into a humanitarian crisis.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 32,845 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,392 others.

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US Teen Can't Walk, Her Speech Limited After Beating In School Fight

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US Teen Can't Walk, Her Speech Limited After Beating In School Fight

Kaylee Gain spent weeks in coma after the assault and suffered fractured skull.

A teenager is showing signs of “significant cognitive impairment” after a fight near her high school last month. Kaylee Gain was critically injured after she was brutally bashed into the pavement during the fight on March 8, leading to skull fracture and brain bleed. Ms Gain, from Missouri, was attacked by a 15-year-old from her school, who was arrested and charged with assault. The attacked repeatedly knocked her head onto the concrete blocks near Hazelwood East High School in Spanish Lake, according to New York Post.

Ms Gain, 16, is repeating herself again and again after waking up from coma, according to her lawyer Bryan Kaemmerer. The teen’s ability to walk is improving but her speech is still limited, he added.

“Kaylee’s ability to walk has slightly improved but she is still unable to do so without the assistance of hospital staff,” Mr Kaemmerer told the Post.

“However, Kaylee is still showing signs of significant cognitive impairment during the limited conversations that she is able to have, and she tends to reiterate the same short sentences over and over,” he said.

Her family said she has “no recollection of the altercation that led to her hospitalisation”.

Talking about the social media posts, Ms Gain’s lawyer said they showed “complete disregard for the well-being of a fellow human being” and argued that the teen, whose identity has not been shared due to her age, should “be tried as an adult”.

New York Post said the attacker is now looking to apologise.

The family had launched a GoFundMe page and raised $440,000 for her through campaign.

Ms Gain’s mother April thanked those who supported the family during difficult times. “She still has an incredibly long journey ahead of her but she is strong. We will update Kaylee’s gofundme’s when we can as changes continue to happen. Thank you again to everybody for your support we are so grateful!” she said in a statement carried by People Magazine.

World

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran’s Syria consulate

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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold an emergency meeting following a deadly Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus, a Russian diplomat says.

Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said the session will take place at 03:00 p.m. New York time (1900 GMT) on Tuesday.

“After Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus …, Iranians have turned to the UN Security Council to condemn this action. Following their letter we have requested an open briefing of the UN Security Council,” he said in a social media post.

In a letter sent to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UNSC President Vanessa Frazier, Iran’s mission to the United Nations called on the world body to denounce the Israeli regime’s “heinous and abhorrent terrorist attack” that killed seven military advisors of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). 

The strike was a “flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the foundational principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises,” read the letter authored by Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Zahra Ershadi. 

It carried “far-reaching international implications” that can exacerbate regional tensions.

“The aggressor Zionist regime bears full responsibility for its consequences,” the letter further read, stressing that the Islamic Republic “reserves its legitimate and inherent right under international law and the United Nations Charter to take a decisive response to such reprehensible acts.”

Israeli warplanes bombed the Iranian consulate, situated next to the embassy building in Damascus’s Mezzeh district, on Monday afternoon.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Israel’s biggest supporter, the United States, should be “answerable” over the terrorist attack that violated all international obligations and conventions.

In a separate statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said that Tehran “reserves the right to carry out a reaction and will decide on the type of response and the punishment of the aggressor.”

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Middle East

Israel launches new military agression on Syria

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Al-Mayadeen reporter announced in a breaking news on Tuesday morning that the Zionist enemy launched an air strike on southern Syria from the occupied Golan.

An Israeli aggression targets the Yarmouk Basin area in the western countryside of Syria’s Daraa province, the reporter said.

The drone violated the Syrian airspace and was intercepted by the Syrian army, the source said.

Earlier on Sunday night, two people were injured following the Israeli regime’s airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Previously, the Zionist regime has repeatedly tried to attack various targets in Syria, and in most cases these attacks have been countered by the Syrian air defense.

RHM/6066919

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Telecom Department To Stop USSD Call Forwarding From April 15. Here's Why

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Telecom Department To Stop USSD Call Forwarding From April 15. Here's Why

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently taken a step to tackle the surge in online fraud cases across the country. They have made it mandatory for telecom operators to deactivate USSD-based call forwarding services nationwide from April 15, 2024, in response to various incidents of fraud stemming from illegal call forwarding. 

“It has been decided by the competent authority that all licensees shall discontinue the existing USSD-based call forwarding services with effect from 15.04.2024 till further notice,” read the notice by the DoT.

What is USSD call forwarding?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) call forwarding is a feature on phones that lets you redirect incoming calls from one number to another. Instead of using settings, you can dial specific codes (*401#) on your phone to activate or deactivate it. It comes in handy for features such as checking balances, getting device information like IMEI, forwarding calls to another phone or sending them to voicemail.

Why is USSD call forwarding being deactivated?

The decision comes in response to the rising concerns regarding fraudulent activities and misuse of the call forwarding feature as well as due to increasing online scams. 

How does it affect users?

If you currently have call forwarding activated on your number, you will need to reactivate it once the service is suspended. The DoT stated that users will have to use alternate methods to activate call forwarding, although these methods have not been specified yet. Telecom companies will now need to offer alternative ways for users to manage call forwarding. 

Since the DoT has only requested the suspension of the service and not its permanent removal, there are speculations that the system might be reintroduced in the future in a more secure form, with better security measures to prevent misuse and fraud.