ANI files defamation suit in Delhi HC against YouTuber Mohak Mangal; Kamra, Zubair also named
_vb_71.jpeg)
New Delhi: Asian News International (ANI) has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against YouTuber Mohak Mangal over allegations made in a recent video accusing the news agency of extortion and blackmail. The suit, filed through Advocate Akshit Mago, is listed for hearing on May 29.
Alongside Mangal, the suit also names comedian Kunal Kamra and AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair as defendants for sharing the controversial video on their social media handles.
The video in question, published by Mangal on May 25, alleges that ANI filed copyright strikes on his YouTube channel for using short news clips. Mangal claims he was subsequently contacted by a representative of ANI who demanded over ₹40 lakh to remove the strikes.
In its plea, ANI contends that Mangal’s video is defamatory and falsely accuses the agency of unethical conduct. The agency argues that Mangal himself admitted to using ANI's copyrighted material for profit, yet went on to publish “false and damaging” content targeting ANI’s reputation and services offered under its registered trademarks.
ANI further claims that the video was intended to mislead the public, harm its credibility, and discourage the use of its services. The suit also alleges that Kamra, Zubair, and others not only shared the video but published additional “baseless and malicious statements” aimed at tarnishing the image of ANI and its founders.
The news agency has sought the following relief from the High Court:
* A permanent and mandatory injunction against Mohak Mangal, requiring the removal of the video and restraining him from using ANI’s trademarks or publishing further defamatory content.
* Similar restraining orders against Kamra, Zubair, and other individuals who shared or commented on the video, prohibiting them from making or circulating defamatory statements regarding ANI.
The matter is expected to be taken up by the Delhi High Court on May 29.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
