Moscow court slaps Google with $20 decillion fine over Russian channel block on YouTube
Moscow: A Moscow court has issued an unprecedented $20 decillion fine against Google, following its block on Russian state-affiliated channels like Tsargrad TV on platforms including YouTube. The amount, a figure surpassing the global GDP, has drawn worldwide attention as it highlights ongoing tensions over content censorship.
This legal dispute began when Google blocked Tsargrad TV, a pro-government channel, four years ago, later extending restrictions to other Russian state-linked media. Russia’s invocation of Article 13.41 of its Administrative Offences Code, which prohibits unauthorised restrictions on legal content, led to the court-imposed penalty of 100,000 roubles per day, doubling every 24 hours that Google did not comply. The fine eventually ballooned to 2 undecillion roubles, equivalent to $20 decillion.
In response, Google halted operations in Russia, declaring bankruptcy amid unmanageable legal demands. Following this, Russian authorities seized $100 million in assets from the company, reportedly allocating the funds to military support.
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Trained special forces deployed to safeguard major installations in Karnataka: HM G Parameshwara
Bengaluru, May 8 (PTI): The Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said well trained special forces are deployed to safeguard major installations in the state, in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
He said, Superintendents of Police (SPs) in all districts have been sensitised, and they were given strict instructions on taking necessary precautionary measures.
Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara said, "We have some special forces like Karnataka State Industrial Security Force. We deploy them for safeguarding major installations like in Raichur (thermal power station), Kaiga (nuclear power plant), and Krishna Raja Sagara Dam. They are all well trained and have received commando training,"
In response to a question whether the state has enough personnel in such forces, he said, "The available force was deployed. There is a requirement from them for additional strength. If we start requirement, it will take a year for training and other things, that process will go on continuously."
An advisory from the union government asked us to conduct mock drills at three places they mentioned and they have given a format for the drills too, Parameshwara said adding that they conducted a drill acordingly in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
"It will be held in various other places today, tomorrow and day after. The Centre has selected Karwar and Raichur to conduct the drills in addition to Bengaluru. We have included Mysuru in the list based on intelligent inputs and other reasons," he said.
