Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress.

"A big leader here who is active for 40-50 years is worried after polling in Baramati (Lok Sabha seat). He says that after June 4, smaller parties, in order to survive, will merge with the Congress," PM Modi said in an apparent reference to Pawar without taking his name.

"This means the nakli NCP and nakli Shiv Sena have made up their minds to merge with the Congress," PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra.

"But instead of dying by merging with the Congress, come to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde," the prime minister exclaimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-back-arvind-kejriwal-receives-warm-welcome-as-he-walks-out-of-jail-on-bail-watch-720161">WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail</a>

<h2>Pawar reacts</h2>

Pawar, reacting to PM Modi's comments said that he will not partner with any person, party or ideology that does not back parliamentary democracy.

"PM Modi's recent speeches have been conducive to creating rifts among communities, which is dangerous for the country. Wherever things are not in the nation's interest, neither I nor my colleagues will venture," he said.

PM Modi's remarks came after the NCP (SP) leader in a recent statement said that factions and regional parties should either come closer or merge with the Congress in the coming years.

"In the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress. Or they may look at the option of merging with the Congress if they believe that is the best for their party," NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had told The Indian Express.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress. "A big leader here who is active for 40-50 years is worried after polling in Baramati (Lok Sabha seat). He says that after June 4, smaller parties, in order to survive, will merge with the Congress," PM Modi said in an apparent reference to Pawar without taking his name. "This means the nakli NCP and nakli Shiv Sena have made up their minds to merge with the Congress," PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra. "But instead of dying by merging with the Congress, come to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde," the prime minister exclaimed. Also read: WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail Pawar reacts Pawar, reacting to PM Modi's comments said that he will not partner with any person, party or ideology that does not back parliamentary democracy. "PM Modi's recent speeches have been conducive to creating rifts among communities, which is dangerous for the country. Wherever things are not in the nation's interest, neither I nor my colleagues will venture," he said. PM Modi's remarks came after the NCP (SP) leader in a recent statement said that factions and regional parties should either come closer or merge with the Congress in the coming years. "In the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress. Or they may look at the option of merging with the Congress if they believe that is the best for their party," NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had told The Indian Express. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls: PM Modi tells Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to join BJP-led NDA, NCP (SP) leader responds

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba.

WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed.

<h2>Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one'</h2>

Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) &nbsp;stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one."&nbsp;

It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel.

WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah

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Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal.&nbsp;

The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas.

Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city. As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba. WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed. Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one' Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one." It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah × Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal. The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas. Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas releases footage said to show attack on Israeli snippers

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (May 11), recalled the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests conducted under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and stated that the decision by the NDA government has ever since ensured the country's national security.

On the event's 26th anniversary, he also asserted that the current ruling government was following the previous 1998 NDA government's footsteps and working vigorously towards countering terrorism and fortifying border infrastructure.

Taking to his official X handle, the EAM wrote, "This day in 1998, an NDA Government finally exercised India's nuclear weapon option. That momentous decision has since ensured our National Security. The current NDA Government has built on that foundation, robustly countering terror and building our border infrastructure."

He underlined that the political choices made by the respective governments were eventually made taking into consideration the future of Bharat.

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This day in 1998, an NDA Government finally exercised India’s nuclear weapon option. That momentous decision has since ensured our National Security. 
 
The current NDA Government has built on that foundation, robustly countering terror and building our border infrastructure. 
 
The…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1789158429421973517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"The country must know who stands where when it comes to National Security issues. Our political choices are eventually choices about the future of Bharat," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-pm-modi-tells-sharad-pawar-and-uddhav-thackeray-to-join-bjp-led-nda-ncp-sp-leader-responds-720268">Lok Sabha Polls: PM Modi tells Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to join BJP-led NDA, NCP (SP) leader responds</a>

<h2>Shakti series of nuclear tests at Pokhran</h2>

Today, May 11, 26 years ago, India conducted Shakti series of nuclear tests at Pokhran, which is considered to be a significant moment for the country's nuclear capability in the field of national security and clean energy.

India tested five of its nuclear weapon designs on May 11 and 13 in the year 1998 respectively at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan desert, out of which, the three detonations happened all at once at 15:45 IST on May 11.

These weapons included a 45 kt thermonuclear device, a 15 kt fission device and a 0.2 kt sub-kiloton (i.e. less than 1 kiloton) device.&nbsp;

The other two devices that detonated on May 13 at the same time were also in the sub-kiloton range - 0.5 and 0.3 kt.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (May 11), recalled the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests conducted under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and stated that the decision by the NDA government has ever since ensured the country's national security.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (May 11), recalled the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests conducted under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and stated that the decision by the NDA government has ever since ensured the country's national security. On the event's 26th anniversary, he also asserted that the current ruling government was following the previous 1998 NDA government's footsteps and working vigorously towards countering terrorism and fortifying border infrastructure. Taking to his official X handle, the EAM wrote, "This day in 1998, an NDA Government finally exercised India's nuclear weapon option. That momentous decision has since ensured our National Security. The current NDA Government has built on that foundation, robustly countering terror and building our border infrastructure." He underlined that the political choices made by the respective governments were eventually made taking into consideration the future of Bharat. This day in 1998, an NDA Government finally exercised India’s nuclear weapon option. That momentous decision has since ensured our National Security. The current NDA Government has built on that foundation, robustly countering terror and building our border infrastructure. The… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 11, 2024 × "The country must know who stands where when it comes to National Security issues. Our political choices are eventually choices about the future of Bharat," he added. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls: PM Modi tells Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to join BJP-led NDA, NCP (SP) leader responds Shakti series of nuclear tests at Pokhran Today, May 11, 26 years ago, India conducted Shakti series of nuclear tests at Pokhran, which is considered to be a significant moment for the country's nuclear capability in the field of national security and clean energy. India tested five of its nuclear weapon designs on May 11 and 13 in the year 1998 respectively at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan desert, out of which, the three detonations happened all at once at 15:45 IST on May 11. These weapons included a 45 kt thermonuclear device, a 15 kt fission device and a 0.2 kt sub-kiloton (i.e. less than 1 kiloton) device. The other two devices that detonated on May 13 at the same time were also in the sub-kiloton range - 0.5 and 0.3 kt. (With inputs from agencies)

EAM Jaishankar recalls 1998 Pokhran test, says ‘decision ensured national security’

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11)&nbsp;urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship".

The AAP leader also claimed that no other party in the country was allegedly "harassed to this extent in the 75 years" the way his party was.

He then took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that all the "thieves" were present in his party and aimed to fight corruption.

The Delhi CM&nbsp;also cautioned that if the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the general elections, other opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin would also be sent to jail.

"They will send opposition leaders to jail and will finish them ...Our ministers, Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM), ministers of Mamata Banerjee's party (Trinamool Congress) are in jail...If they (BJP) win again, then Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Uddhav Thackeray (UBT Chief) and other opposition leaders will all be in jail...," Kejriwal said while addressing the press.

"...No other party has been harassed to this extent in 75 years. The Prime Minister is saying that he is fighting corruption but all the thieves are in his party," he claimed.

Further hitting out at the Indian prime minister he said that PM Modi should take lessons from him on how to fight corruption.

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आप सब लोगों के बीच वापस लौट कर मुझे बेहद ख़ुशी हो रही है। हमें मिलकर अपने देश को तानाशाही से बचाना है, मैं अपनी पूरी ताक़त से लड़ूँगा, मुझे देश के 140 करोड़ लोगों का समर्थन चाहिए। <a href="https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF">https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1789201863281197236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"I want to say to PM Modi that If you want to fight corruption then learn from Kejriwal...After the formation of the government in Delhi, I dismissed one of my ministers and sent him to jail. In Punjab, we sent a minister to jail," he said.

Kejriwal was addressing the media a day after getting bail and being released from Tihar Jail. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21&nbsp;in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi excise policy scam case.&nbsp; 
 
The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted Kejriwal interim bail for 21 days till June 1 for elections and he will have surrender on June 2 and return to Tihar Jail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-back-arvind-kejriwal-receives-warm-welcome-as-he-walks-out-of-jail-on-bail-watch-720161">'I am back': Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail on bail - WATCH</a>

<h2>‘PM Modi making way for Home Minister Amit Shah’: Kejriwal</h2>

The AAP national convenor, responding to PM Modi's claims that the INDIA opposition bloc has no prime minister's face claimed that Modi was making way for Home Minister Amit Shah as he was turning 75 next year.

"...These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...," Kejriwal said.

"If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi's guarantee?...," he added.

However, the Union Home Minister, in a press conference later dismissed the claims saying "nothing as such is mentioned in BJP's constitution. PM Modi is only going to complete this tenure and PM Modi will continue to lead the country in future. There is no confusion in BJP..."

Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail on Friday (May 10) after the Indian Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1.

"I want to thank all of you. You gave me your blessings. I want to thank the judges of the Supreme Court, it is because of them that I am in front of you. We have to save the country from dictatorship," he had said after walking out of jail. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11) urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11) urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship". The AAP leader also claimed that no other party in the country was allegedly "harassed to this extent in the 75 years" the way his party was. He then took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that all the "thieves" were present in his party and aimed to fight corruption. The Delhi CM also cautioned that if the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the general elections, other opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin would also be sent to jail. "They will send opposition leaders to jail and will finish them ...Our ministers, Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM), ministers of Mamata Banerjee's party (Trinamool Congress) are in jail...If they (BJP) win again, then Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Uddhav Thackeray (UBT Chief) and other opposition leaders will all be in jail...," Kejriwal said while addressing the press. "...No other party has been harassed to this extent in 75 years. The Prime Minister is saying that he is fighting corruption but all the thieves are in his party," he claimed. Further hitting out at the Indian prime minister he said that PM Modi should take lessons from him on how to fight corruption. आप सब लोगों के बीच वापस लौट कर मुझे बेहद ख़ुशी हो रही है। हमें मिलकर अपने देश को तानाशाही से बचाना है, मैं अपनी पूरी ताक़त से लड़ूँगा, मुझे देश के 140 करोड़ लोगों का समर्थन चाहिए। https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 11, 2024 × "I want to say to PM Modi that If you want to fight corruption then learn from Kejriwal...After the formation of the government in Delhi, I dismissed one of my ministers and sent him to jail. In Punjab, we sent a minister to jail," he said. Kejriwal was addressing the media a day after getting bail and being released from Tihar Jail. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi excise policy scam case. The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted Kejriwal interim bail for 21 days till June 1 for elections and he will have surrender on June 2 and return to Tihar Jail. Also read: 'I am back': Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail on bail - WATCH ‘PM Modi making way for Home Minister Amit Shah’: Kejriwal The AAP national convenor, responding to PM Modi's claims that the INDIA opposition bloc has no prime minister's face claimed that Modi was making way for Home Minister Amit Shah as he was turning 75 next year. "...These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...," Kejriwal said. "If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi's guarantee?...," he added. However, the Union Home Minister, in a press conference later dismissed the claims saying "nothing as such is mentioned in BJP's constitution. PM Modi is only going to complete this tenure and PM Modi will continue to lead the country in future. There is no confusion in BJP..." Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail on Friday (May 10) after the Indian Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1. "I want to thank all of you. You gave me your blessings. I want to thank the judges of the Supreme Court, it is because of them that I am in front of you. We have to save the country from dictatorship," he had said after walking out of jail. (With inputs from agencies)

Day after bail, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urges India to battle Modi’s ‘dictatorship’

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. 
 
As per reports, the IDF&nbsp;published a map marking some&nbsp;sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians,&nbsp;“Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.”

As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza.

Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

<h2>Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona</h2>

Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations.

The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property.

As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out.

Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city. Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. As per reports, the IDF published a map marking some sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians, “Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.” As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza. Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations. The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property. As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out. Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services. The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive

BJP leader Deveraje Gowda was taken into police custody on Friday night near Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district after allegations of molestation and sexual harassment were levelled against him.

Notably, Gowda, who recently grabbed headlines over links with the alleged obscene video case involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, had flagged the matter to central BJP&nbsp;leadership in December 2023 before the party joined hands with Janata Dal (Secular).

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal case, had directed Gowda to appear before it.

He will be taken for further investigation to Hassan district where a sexual harassment case against him was registered after a woman lodged a complaint in April.

Gowda has been charged under sections 354 (A), 354C, 448, 504, 506, and 34 of the IPC and 66(E) of the Information Technology Act, 2008.&nbsp;

Earlier on May 6, Gowda had publicly denounced the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, condemning it for "trying to frame the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi" in Prajwal Revanna&nbsp;case.

The grand old party, however, rebuffed all accusations made by Gowda calling it a "bundle of lies".

Gowda also alleged that the Karnataka government was making attempts to stifle the proofs and distort the investigation, terming the SIT as "remote-controlled" by the state government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/new-twist-in-karnataka-sex-scandal-woman-alleges-she-was-forced-to-file-false-case-720022">New twist in Karnataka sex scandal: Woman alleges she was forced to file false case</a>

<h2>Blue Corner notice issued against Prajwal Revanna</h2>

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara said that a Blue Corner notice was issued against Prajwal Revanna.

A blue notice permits Interpol to gather details regarding an individual's identity, whereabouts, or actions linked to a criminal inquiry.

Parameshwara also said that the state government is requesting Interpol's help in repatriating Prajwal Revanna, accused of serious sexual harassment.

Earlier, Janata Dal (Secular) party leader HD Revanna was arrested in the matter and brought to the SIT office.

The action was taken by the police on the basis of a complaint&nbsp;filed by the son of the woman who was allegedly "abducted and sexually abused".

The FIR alleged that the woman who worked as a housemaid at HD Revanna's home for six years was sexually abused by Revanna's son Prajwal, who is also the Lok Sabha candidate for BJP-JD(S) from the Hassan constituency, before returning to her village.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP leader Deveraje Gowda was taken into police custody on Friday night near Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district after allegations of molestation and sexual harassment were levelled against him.

BJP leader Deveraje Gowda was taken into police custody on Friday night near Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district after allegations of molestation and sexual harassment were levelled against him. Notably, Gowda, who recently grabbed headlines over links with the alleged obscene video case involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, had flagged the matter to central BJP leadership in December 2023 before the party joined hands with Janata Dal (Secular). The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal case, had directed Gowda to appear before it. He will be taken for further investigation to Hassan district where a sexual harassment case against him was registered after a woman lodged a complaint in April. Gowda has been charged under sections 354 (A), 354C, 448, 504, 506, and 34 of the IPC and 66(E) of the Information Technology Act, 2008. Earlier on May 6, Gowda had publicly denounced the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, condemning it for "trying to frame the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi" in Prajwal Revanna case. The grand old party, however, rebuffed all accusations made by Gowda calling it a "bundle of lies". Gowda also alleged that the Karnataka government was making attempts to stifle the proofs and distort the investigation, terming the SIT as "remote-controlled" by the state government. Also read: New twist in Karnataka sex scandal: Woman alleges she was forced to file false case Blue Corner notice issued against Prajwal Revanna Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara said that a Blue Corner notice was issued against Prajwal Revanna. A blue notice permits Interpol to gather details regarding an individual's identity, whereabouts, or actions linked to a criminal inquiry. Parameshwara also said that the state government is requesting Interpol's help in repatriating Prajwal Revanna, accused of serious sexual harassment. Earlier, Janata Dal (Secular) party leader HD Revanna was arrested in the matter and brought to the SIT office. The action was taken by the police on the basis of a complaint filed by the son of the woman who was allegedly "abducted and sexually abused". The FIR alleged that the woman who worked as a housemaid at HD Revanna's home for six years was sexually abused by Revanna's son Prajwal, who is also the Lok Sabha candidate for BJP-JD(S) from the Hassan constituency, before returning to her village. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP leader Deveraje Gowda taken into police custody in Karnataka sex scandal

Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys grilled&nbsp;the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter.

She&nbsp;concluded her protracted testimony&nbsp;with Trump's lawyers&nbsp;attempting to portray her as an avaricious liar who made money out of the allegations she levelled.

"I wanted the truth to come out... to get my story protected with a paper trail so that my family didn't get hurt," the 45-year-old Daniels said during aggressive cross-examination by Trump's attorney Susan Necheles.

Daniels, who had sex with the married Trump in the year 2006, testified in court on Tuesday for nearly five hours.

The 77-year-old former US president is indicted of fabricating business records to recompense his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a settlement worth $130,000 to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump's lawyer Susan Necheles on Thursday resumed Daniels' cross-examination with aggressive interrogation concerning inconsistencies in her bank account and the exact reason as to why she accepted the money from a lawyer and stayed quiet about the incident previously when she said that she wanted to go public about the story.

To this, Daniels replied that she ultimately agreed to a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for money because she was concerned about her safety.

"The better alternative was to get my story protected with a paper trail," Daniels testified. Publishing the story would have put "a target on my back, and my family's," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-judge-warns-trumps-lawyers-over-his-audible-cursing-during-stormy-daniels-testimony-719317">Also read: Trump hush money trial: Judge warns Trump’s lawyers over his ‘audible’ cursing during Stormy Daniels testimony</a>

<h2>'Frankenstein case'</h2>

Trump, while on his way to the court called the matter a "Frankenstein case", during his interaction with the media.

"It's not a recognizable crime that any of us have seen," he said. "This is a prosecutor making it up as he goes along."

Daniels, during her testimony on Tuesday and Thursday, walked the New York jury through the one-night stand that she stated she had with the former US president at a celebrity golf tournament.

Trump's lawyers accused Daniels of appearing at strip club events promoted with a picture of Trump and the tagline "Making America Horny Again."

"I have no control over how a club advertises, and I never reposted anything with this photo," said Daniels who wore a green dress and a long, hooded black cardigan.

"I never used that tagline -- I hated it."

On Tuesday, the porn star said that though she wasn't "threatened verbally or physically", she said she "felt ashamed I didn't stop it, didn't say no."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys grilled the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter.

Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys grilled the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter. She concluded her protracted testimony with Trump's lawyers attempting to portray her as an avaricious liar who made money out of the allegations she levelled. "I wanted the truth to come out... to get my story protected with a paper trail so that my family didn't get hurt," the 45-year-old Daniels said during aggressive cross-examination by Trump's attorney Susan Necheles. Daniels, who had sex with the married Trump in the year 2006, testified in court on Tuesday for nearly five hours. The 77-year-old former US president is indicted of fabricating business records to recompense his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a settlement worth $130,000 to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 presidential election. Trump's lawyer Susan Necheles on Thursday resumed Daniels' cross-examination with aggressive interrogation concerning inconsistencies in her bank account and the exact reason as to why she accepted the money from a lawyer and stayed quiet about the incident previously when she said that she wanted to go public about the story. To this, Daniels replied that she ultimately agreed to a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for money because she was concerned about her safety. "The better alternative was to get my story protected with a paper trail," Daniels testified. Publishing the story would have put "a target on my back, and my family's," she said. Also read: Trump hush money trial: Judge warns Trump’s lawyers over his ‘audible’ cursing during Stormy Daniels testimony 'Frankenstein case' Trump, while on his way to the court called the matter a "Frankenstein case", during his interaction with the media. "It's not a recognizable crime that any of us have seen," he said. "This is a prosecutor making it up as he goes along." Daniels, during her testimony on Tuesday and Thursday, walked the New York jury through the one-night stand that she stated she had with the former US president at a celebrity golf tournament. Trump's lawyers accused Daniels of appearing at strip club events promoted with a picture of Trump and the tagline "Making America Horny Again." "I have no control over how a club advertises, and I never reposted anything with this photo," said Daniels who wore a green dress and a long, hooded black cardigan. "I never used that tagline -- I hated it." On Tuesday, the porn star said that though she wasn't "threatened verbally or physically", she said she "felt ashamed I didn't stop it, didn't say no." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels denies cashing in on allegations levelled against former US president

In a horrific incident, a young couple was attacked by a mob in India's northern city of Noida for allegedly feeding stray dogs after one of the canines bit a six-year-old girl.

A video of the incident, which took place on May 2, was shared by People For Animals India (PFA) on their official social media account on X, where the irate mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida was seen attacking the couple, Shubham and Sankalita. They also assaulted police officials.&nbsp;

“A violent mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida, defied the law as it attacked a young couple who feed and care for community dogs. Even Police were pushed around &amp; assaulted. Immediate action is requested against the rioters,” PFA wrote.

As per local media reports, the girl was severely wounded but her condition got stable later in the day.

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A violent mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida, defied the law as it attacked a young couple who feed &amp; care for community dogs. Even Police were pushed around &amp; assaulted. Immediate action is requested against the rioters.<a href="https://twitter.com/ShoPhase3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShoPhase3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPCentralNoida?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCPCentralNoida</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Acp1Noida?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Acp1Noida</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/noidapolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@noidapolice</a> <a href="https://t.co/FNYNU3zugF">pic.twitter.com/FNYNU3zugF</a>
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&nbsp;

PFA further said that the young dog-feeder couple was physically assaulted, and vulgarly abused even though they had gotten all the stray dogs in the society vaccinated and sterilised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/teen-dies-in-mumbai-after-eating-shawarma-vendors-arrested-719715">Teen dies in Mumbai after eating shawarma, vendors arrested</a>

The residents issued death threats against the couple and also threatened to beat the dogs.

Reportedly, a complaint was registered in the matter, however, no FIR has yet been filed against the residents of the society.

Shubham, as per the Hindustan Times report, said that the mob snatched his wife Sankalita's phone while she was recording the incident and injured her.

He said that his friends, who came to support the two, were also brutally assaulted with the crowd pulling their t-shirts.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a horrific incident, a young couple was attacked by a mob in India's northern city of Noida for allegedly feeding stray dogs after one of the canines bit a six-year-old girl.

In a horrific incident, a young couple was attacked by a mob in India's northern city of Noida for allegedly feeding stray dogs after one of the canines bit a six-year-old girl. A video of the incident, which took place on May 2, was shared by People For Animals India (PFA) on their official social media account on X, where the irate mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida was seen attacking the couple, Shubham and Sankalita. They also assaulted police officials. “A violent mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida, defied the law as it attacked a young couple who feed and care for community dogs. Even Police were pushed around & assaulted. Immediate action is requested against the rioters,” PFA wrote. As per local media reports, the girl was severely wounded but her condition got stable later in the day. A violent mob at Pan Oasis, Sector 70 Noida, defied the law as it attacked a young couple who feed & care for community dogs. Even Police were pushed around & assaulted. Immediate action is requested against the rioters.@ShoPhase3 @DCPCentralNoida @Acp1Noida @noidapolice pic.twitter.com/FNYNU3zugF — People For Animals India (@pfaindia) May 8, 2024 × PFA further said that the young dog-feeder couple was physically assaulted, and vulgarly abused even though they had gotten all the stray dogs in the society vaccinated and sterilised. Also read: Teen dies in Mumbai after eating shawarma, vendors arrested The residents issued death threats against the couple and also threatened to beat the dogs. Reportedly, a complaint was registered in the matter, however, no FIR has yet been filed against the residents of the society. Shubham, as per the Hindustan Times report, said that the mob snatched his wife Sankalita's phone while she was recording the incident and injured her. He said that his friends, who came to support the two, were also brutally assaulted with the crowd pulling their t-shirts. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Angry crowd attacks Indian couple who fed stray dogs after after one of them bit girl

Nadhim Zahawi has become the latest Conservative MP to announce that he will not run for the office again in the general elections.

Former chancellor under Boris Johnson, Zahawi on Thursday said, “I have come to feel that the time is right for a new, energetic Conservative to fight for the honour of representing Stratford-on-Avon and assuming the mantle of MP for Shakespeare. I will, of course, serve my constituents with dedication and determination until then.”

“My mistakes have been mine and my successes have come from working with amazing people,” he added.

Zahawi was sacked in 2023 by UK PM Rishi Sunak from the position of Conservative party chair after he failed to disclose an HMRC investigation into his tax affairs and was found to have violated the ministerial code.

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— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadhimzahawi/status/1788448836068810893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“The prime minister and the Conservative party will continue to have my unswerving support into and beyond the next general election,” he said.

He became the 64th Conservative MP to announce his decision to step down at the next general election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/labour-records-thumping-victory-snatches-blackpool-south-parliamentary-seat-from-sunaks-conservatives-717614">Also read:&nbsp;Labour records 'thumping victory,' snatches Blackpool South parliamentary seat from Sunak's Conservatives</a>

<h2>'I have to pinch myself'</h2>

The 56-year-old was born in Iraq and migrated to the United Kingdom in 1978 when he was a child after his family fled Saddam Hussein’s regime. He was elected as the MP for Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010.

Referring to his origins in his statement, Zahawi said, “Every morning as I shave my head in the mirror, I have to pinch myself. How is it that a boy from Baghdad who came to these shores, fleeing persecution and unable to speak a word of English, was able to do as much as I have?”

He then in his statement, talked about his constituents and said, “Whether they are struggling against the dead hand of bureaucracy or are stricken by tragedy, being able to help them in their time of need remains one of the most meaningful things I have ever done”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nadhim Zahawi has become the latest Conservative MP to announce that he will not run for the office again in the general elections. Former chancellor under Boris Johnson, Zahawi on Thursday said, “I have come to feel that the time is right for a new, energetic Conservative to fight for the honour of representing Stratford-on-Avon and assuming the mantle of MP for Shakespeare.

Nadhim Zahawi has become the latest Conservative MP to announce that he will not run for the office again in the general elections. Former chancellor under Boris Johnson, Zahawi on Thursday said, “I have come to feel that the time is right for a new, energetic Conservative to fight for the honour of representing Stratford-on-Avon and assuming the mantle of MP for Shakespeare. I will, of course, serve my constituents with dedication and determination until then.” “My mistakes have been mine and my successes have come from working with amazing people,” he added. Zahawi was sacked in 2023 by UK PM Rishi Sunak from the position of Conservative party chair after he failed to disclose an HMRC investigation into his tax affairs and was found to have violated the ministerial code. pic.twitter.com/XZTUeUkSnS — Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) May 9, 2024 × “The prime minister and the Conservative party will continue to have my unswerving support into and beyond the next general election,” he said. He became the 64th Conservative MP to announce his decision to step down at the next general election. Also read: Labour records 'thumping victory,' snatches Blackpool South parliamentary seat from Sunak's Conservatives 'I have to pinch myself' The 56-year-old was born in Iraq and migrated to the United Kingdom in 1978 when he was a child after his family fled Saddam Hussein’s regime. He was elected as the MP for Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. Referring to his origins in his statement, Zahawi said, “Every morning as I shave my head in the mirror, I have to pinch myself. How is it that a boy from Baghdad who came to these shores, fleeing persecution and unable to speak a word of English, was able to do as much as I have?” He then in his statement, talked about his constituents and said, “Whether they are struggling against the dead hand of bureaucracy or are stricken by tragedy, being able to help them in their time of need remains one of the most meaningful things I have ever done”. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Nadhim Zahawi announces decision to stand down at general election

Air India Express management on Thursday (May 9), following a meeting that went on for about four and half hours, came up with a decision to overturn the termination of 25 crew members and restore normal operations.

The meeting took place between the representatives of Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) and airline management where the decision to put an end to the strike and withdrawal of the termination letters was agreed upon. It was held at the office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC).

As per news agency PTI, there will be another meeting again between both parties on May 28 where the issues will be discussed.

After a detailed discussion, following the appeal of the Conciliation Officer and the Chief Labour Commissioner, the union representatives agreed that "all the cabin crew members who have reported sick will report for duty with fitness certificate immediately," reported PTI citing a document signed by the representatives of the union and the airline.

"On appeal of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), the management agreed to reinstate 25 cabin crew who have been terminated on May 7 and 8, 2024 for reporting sick as a concerted action immediately."

"The management will review the cases of these crew as per service regulations," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-express-sacks-crew-members-over-mass-sick-leave-calls-it-pre-meditated-719547">Also read:&nbsp;Air India Express sacks crew members over 'pre-meditated' mass sick leave</a>

Earlier in the day, Air India Express fired nearly 25 cabin crew after around 300 employees went on 'mass sick leave' and switched off their phones, causing large-scale flight disruptions.&nbsp;

The mass sick leave led to the cancellation of around 86 international and domestic flights on May 8 and 76 flights on May 9.

In the termination letter sent to the 25 off-crew members, Air India Express said that their act "clearly points to a pre-meditated and concerted abstention from work without any justifiable reason."

"As a result of the above, a large number of flights had to be cancelled, thereby disrupting the entire schedule, which caused tremendous inconvenience to the Company's esteemed passengers. Your act is not only subversive of public interest, but has also caused embarrassment, severe reputational damage, and serious monetary loss to the Company," the letter said.

"Your act of reporting sick for work amounts to a concerted action with a common understanding, to not operate the flight and to disrupt services of the Company. This is not only in violation of the applicable laws but also violates the Air India Express Limited Employees' Service Rules as are applicable to you," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Air India Express management on Thursday (May 9), following a meeting that went on for about four and half hours, came up with a decision to overturn the termination of 25 crew members and restore normal operations.

Air India Express management on Thursday (May 9), following a meeting that went on for about four and half hours, came up with a decision to overturn the termination of 25 crew members and restore normal operations. The meeting took place between the representatives of Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) and airline management where the decision to put an end to the strike and withdrawal of the termination letters was agreed upon. It was held at the office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC). As per news agency PTI, there will be another meeting again between both parties on May 28 where the issues will be discussed. After a detailed discussion, following the appeal of the Conciliation Officer and the Chief Labour Commissioner, the union representatives agreed that "all the cabin crew members who have reported sick will report for duty with fitness certificate immediately," reported PTI citing a document signed by the representatives of the union and the airline. "On appeal of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), the management agreed to reinstate 25 cabin crew who have been terminated on May 7 and 8, 2024 for reporting sick as a concerted action immediately." "The management will review the cases of these crew as per service regulations," it said. Also read: Air India Express sacks crew members over 'pre-meditated' mass sick leave Earlier in the day, Air India Express fired nearly 25 cabin crew after around 300 employees went on 'mass sick leave' and switched off their phones, causing large-scale flight disruptions. The mass sick leave led to the cancellation of around 86 international and domestic flights on May 8 and 76 flights on May 9. In the termination letter sent to the 25 off-crew members, Air India Express said that their act "clearly points to a pre-meditated and concerted abstention from work without any justifiable reason." "As a result of the above, a large number of flights had to be cancelled, thereby disrupting the entire schedule, which caused tremendous inconvenience to the Company's esteemed passengers. Your act is not only subversive of public interest, but has also caused embarrassment, severe reputational damage, and serious monetary loss to the Company," the letter said. "Your act of reporting sick for work amounts to a concerted action with a common understanding, to not operate the flight and to disrupt services of the Company. This is not only in violation of the applicable laws but also violates the Air India Express Limited Employees' Service Rules as are applicable to you," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Air India Express revokes termination of 25 crew members

TikTok on Thursday (May 9) announced that it would begin using a technology that would assist the short-video platform in identifying and labelling the content generated by artificial intelligence.

It said that it would adopt the usage of "Content Credentials", which is a digital watermark that helps determine how the images were edited or created.

The technology, which was at first spearheaded by Adobe, is now open to use for other organisations too.

Notably, it has already been adopted by firms such as ChatGPT's creator OpenAI.

Researchers have raised concerns over how AI-generated content can meddle with the US elections that are scheduled later this year.

TikTok was one of the 20 tech companies that earlier this year signed an agreement vowing to combat the threat posed by artificial intelligence.

Other major tech firms like Alphabet Google's YouTube and Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, have said that they will begin using Content Credentials.

For this system to function properly, the maker of the generative AI tool, which has been used to make the content, and the platform where it has been shared, must comply with the industry norms.

TikTok already labels the content generated by AI tools inside the application, however, with this new move, it would also label the content produced via the help of artificial intelligence outside of the platform.

"We also have policies that prohibit realistic AI that is not labelled, so if realistic AI (generated contents) appears on the platform, then we will remove it as violating our community guidelines," Adam Presser, head of operations and trust and safety at TikTok, said in an interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-ban-on-tiktok-to-help-us-authorities-win-legal-case-against-chinese-app-says-top-us-official-715969">Also read: India’s ban on TikTok to help US authorities win legal case against Chinese app, says top US official</a>

<h2>TikTok, ByteDance challenge potential US ban in court</h2>

TikTok and its parent firm ByteDance on Tuesday (May 7) filed a legal challenge against the US targeting a bill signed by President Joe Biden that would push the app to either face a ban in the United States or to be sold.

The development came almost two weeks after Biden passed a law giving the popular short-form video hosting service an ultimatum of 270 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban in the country.

TikTok argues that the bill signed by the US president was unconstitutional.

"For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than one billion people worldwide," said the suit by TikTok and ByteDance.

The lawsuit by the firm and the short-video sharing platform alleges that the move violates the First Amendment, charging that "Congress has made a law curtailing massive amounts of protected speech."

It further stated that the divestiture demanded for the short video app for it to be functional in the country is "simply not possible".

(With inputs from agencies)

TikTok on Thursday (May 9) announced that it would begin using a technology that would assist the short-video platform in identifying and labelling the content generated by artificial intelligence.

TikTok on Thursday (May 9) announced that it would begin using a technology that would assist the short-video platform in identifying and labelling the content generated by artificial intelligence. It said that it would adopt the usage of "Content Credentials", which is a digital watermark that helps determine how the images were edited or created. The technology, which was at first spearheaded by Adobe, is now open to use for other organisations too. Notably, it has already been adopted by firms such as ChatGPT's creator OpenAI. Researchers have raised concerns over how AI-generated content can meddle with the US elections that are scheduled later this year. TikTok was one of the 20 tech companies that earlier this year signed an agreement vowing to combat the threat posed by artificial intelligence. Other major tech firms like Alphabet Google's YouTube and Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, have said that they will begin using Content Credentials. For this system to function properly, the maker of the generative AI tool, which has been used to make the content, and the platform where it has been shared, must comply with the industry norms. TikTok already labels the content generated by AI tools inside the application, however, with this new move, it would also label the content produced via the help of artificial intelligence outside of the platform. "We also have policies that prohibit realistic AI that is not labelled, so if realistic AI (generated contents) appears on the platform, then we will remove it as violating our community guidelines," Adam Presser, head of operations and trust and safety at TikTok, said in an interview. Also read: India’s ban on TikTok to help US authorities win legal case against Chinese app, says top US official TikTok, ByteDance challenge potential US ban in court TikTok and its parent firm ByteDance on Tuesday (May 7) filed a legal challenge against the US targeting a bill signed by President Joe Biden that would push the app to either face a ban in the United States or to be sold. The development came almost two weeks after Biden passed a law giving the popular short-form video hosting service an ultimatum of 270 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban in the country. TikTok argues that the bill signed by the US president was unconstitutional. "For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than one billion people worldwide," said the suit by TikTok and ByteDance. The lawsuit by the firm and the short-video sharing platform alleges that the move violates the First Amendment, charging that "Congress has made a law curtailing massive amounts of protected speech." It further stated that the divestiture demanded for the short video app for it to be functional in the country is "simply not possible". (With inputs from agencies)

TikTok to adopt new tech aimed at labelling AI-generated images

After Sam Pitroda courted major controversy over his "racist" comment that eventually led to him having to quit the post as Indian Overseas Congress chief, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made another contentious statement where he claimed that there are "people of N-type class and Mongolians" in the country.

"There are people of "N" type class in our country, some are like "Mongolians", some are black, some are white, no denying'," said Chowdhury.

Pitroda recently stirred a political furore by his remarks about India's diversity.

He had said in a podcast: "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there.

"We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans.

"It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview.

His comments went viral soon after.&nbsp;

BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed Pitroda over his remarks, asking, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour?”

"Who gave permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked, referring to Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sam-pitroda-stirs-another-racist-controversy-calls-people-in-east-chinese-south-africans-719259">Also read: Sam Pitroda stirs hornet's nest again, says some Indians look like 'Chinese', 'Africans'</a>

<h2>Pitroda quits</h2>

Following the intense backlash, Pitroda resigned as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord".

"Mr Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X.

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&nbsp;

He further said that the analogies Pitroda drew were "most unfortunate and unacceptable".

"The analogies drawn by Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India's diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies," he said in a post on his official social media account.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After Sam Pitroda courted major controversy over his "racist" comment that eventually led to him having to quit the post as Indian Overseas Congress chief, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made another contentious statement where he claimed that there are "people of N-type class and Mongolians" in the country.

After Sam Pitroda courted major controversy over his "racist" comment that eventually led to him having to quit the post as Indian Overseas Congress chief, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made another contentious statement where he claimed that there are "people of N-type class and Mongolians" in the country. "There are people of "N" type class in our country, some are like "Mongolians", some are black, some are white, no denying'," said Chowdhury. Pitroda recently stirred a political furore by his remarks about India's diversity. He had said in a podcast: "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there. "We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. "It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview. His comments went viral soon after. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed Pitroda over his remarks, asking, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour?” "Who gave permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked, referring to Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader. Also read: Sam Pitroda stirs hornet's nest again, says some Indians look like 'Chinese', 'Africans' Pitroda quits Following the intense backlash, Pitroda resigned as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord". "Mr Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X. "Mr. Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. pic.twitter.com/XgAxe2dCQC — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2024 × He further said that the analogies Pitroda drew were "most unfortunate and unacceptable". "The analogies drawn by Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India's diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies," he said in a post on his official social media account. (With inputs from agencies)

After Sam Pitroda controversy, Adhir Ranjan calls Indians 'Mongolians, N-types'

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