Google Maps Disables Real-Time Traffic Data in Israel and Gaza Amidst Rising Tensions

Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 05:39am on 25 Oct 2023,Wednesday International

Google is disabling live traffic updates in Israel and Gaza on its Maps and Waze apps, following a request from the Israeli military ahead of a potential ground invasion into Gaza. The move aims to prioritize the safety of local communities by preventing the revelation of live traffic conditions and potential Israeli troop movements. Similar action was taken in Ukraine last year after Russia's invasion. While real-time traffic won't be shown, estimated arrival times based on live conditions will continue. Apple's Maps app reportedly complied with the Israeli army's request as well.

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Israel Demands UN Chief's Resignation Over Gaza Comments

Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 05:18am on 25 Oct 2023,Wednesday International

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, calls for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's immediate resignation, condemning his perceived understanding of mass murder during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Guterres's acknowledgment of the context behind Hamas attacks sparked outrage, leading to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen canceling a meeting. The exchange highlights heightened tensions amid the conflict, with UN officials emphasizing the urgent need for a cease-fire, expressing concern over civilian casualties, and urging Israel to restore vital services in Gaza.

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Canada Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Vows to Restore India Ties if Elected as Prime Minister

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:48pm on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday International

Pierre Poilievre, the head of Canada's Conservative Party and opposition leader, said that when he becomes Prime Minister he will restore ties with India strained under Justin Trudeau. Poilievre called Trudeau's conduct "incompetent" and "unprofessional", noting Canada now has disputes with most major powers. He said Canada needs a professional relationship with India as the world's largest democracy, able to hold each other accountable while maintaining mutual respect. Poilievre condemned vandalism of Hindu temples in Canada, saying perpetrators should face criminal charges. Ties between India and Canada deteriorated after Trudeau linked the Indian government to a Khalistani terrorist's murder, spurring the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats from India.

Read More at India Today

33 US States Sue Meta for 'Addicting' Kids and Causing Mental Health Crisis

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:39pm on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday International

Thirty-three U.S. states filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, accusing them of knowingly addicting young users and causing mental health issues. The complaint alleges Meta misled the public about the dangers of its platforms, which research links to depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and harm to education in children. It states Meta intentionally designed its algorithms to maximize engagement by manipulating dopamine responses, all while publicly denying social media's negative effects. The lawsuit seeks substantial penalties and action to curb these practices, which states say Meta wants to expand into virtual reality. Attorneys general said Meta has been harming kids while profiting off addiction. 

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Southall Travel Ad Created by Here & Now 365 Voted Most Popular by South Asian Influencers

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:30pm on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday Business

The brand new Southall Travel TV commercial created by multicultural marketing agency Here and Now 365 has been voted the most popular ad on South Asian TV by a panel of South Asian women influencers. Founded 15 years ago by Manish Tiwari, Here and Now 365 specializes in strategic campaigns targeting Britain's diverse cultural markets. The agency emphasizes the importance of ethnic and multicultural marketing to help brands authentically reach target audiences. With a skilled creative team, Here and Now 365 uses community insights to develop relevant communication strategies across media formats. The viral Southall Travel ad exemplifies the agency's ability to quickly identify opportunities and deliver high-impact, culturally-attuned messaging for clients.

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PM Narendra Modi Calls for End to Casteism, Regionalism at Delhi Dussehra Event

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:25pm on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on people to eliminate social evils like casteism and regionalism while speaking at a Dussehra event in Delhi. He urged attendees to take pledges including uplifting underprivileged families. Modi said Ravana Dahan should represent destroying forces that divide society. He emphasized ending discrimination to build an ideal India. Modi noted Ram Mandir construction shows victory of patience. He praised ISRO’s lunar mission and said India will soon become the world's third largest economy. Modi highlighted women's empowerment via the Nari Shakti bill. He asserted Dussehra should mark patriotism's victory over national evils.

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LSE Professor Challenges Indian Citizenship Act's Provisions in Supreme Court of India

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:01pm on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday India Global

A professor at the London School of Economics (LSE) has taken legal action by moving the Supreme Court to challenge specific provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955. These provisions entail the automatic termination of Indian citizenship upon acquiring citizenship in another country. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Indian government, requesting its stance on the matter following the petition filed by Prof. Tarunabh Khaitan. Khaitan, whose spouse holds British citizenship, raised concerns regarding the impact of Sections 4(1) and 4(1)A of the Act on his potential children's citizenship choices. He has refrained from applying for British citizenship to avoid automatic loss of Indian citizenship, citing disparities in benefits between Indian citizenship and the 'Overseas Citizen of India' status.  

Read More at Tribune India

Elderly Israeli Hostage Recounts Ordeal with Hamas, Calls for Stronger Security Response

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:45am on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday International

Yocheved Lifshitz, an elderly Israeli hostage, revealed that she was assaulted by Hamas when taken into their territory on October 7 but was treated well during her two-week captivity. She and Nurit Cooper, another hostage, were released by Hamas on humanitarian grounds after mediation by Qatar and Egypt. Lifshitz described her experience, noting that she had been through a difficult time, emphasizing the physical harm she suffered during the abduction. She also criticized the Israeli military's response to the threat posed by Hamas and the security fence's effectiveness. Their release follows the recent liberation of two American citizen hostages by Hamas.

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Rajnath Assesses LAC Preparedness, Celebrates Dussehra with Troops in Arunachal Pradesh

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:10am on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday Defence

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited forward areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday. He interacted with troops deployed at frontline locations, performed Shastra Puja with them for Dussehra, and reviewed operational preparedness. He highlighted India's increasing self-reliance in defense production under PM Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. He noted that while India earlier relied on imports for military equipment, domestic industry is now manufacturing major platforms. Singh asserted bolstering defense capabilities is essential given the global scenario. He also paid tributes at the Tawang War Memorial for soldiers who sacrificed lives in the 1962 war.

Read More at India Today

Israel's President Warns Hezbollah: Lebanon Will Pay the Price for Conflict

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:53am on 24 Oct 2023,Tuesday International

Amid the ongoing conflict, Israel's President Isaac Herzog has issued a warning to Lebanon's Hezbollah group, stating that if they lead Israel into war, Lebanon will face consequences. During a joint address with French President Emmanuel Macron, Herzog emphasized that Hezbollah's actions are concerning, alleging Iranian support for the group in destabilizing the Middle East. Herzog clarified Israel's focus on dealing with Hamas and its infrastructure, but stressed that if Hezbollah triggers a conflict, Lebanon will bear the consequences. He highlighted Israel's right to self-defense under international law

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