Ignored for Khel Ratna, Bajrang Punia to move court
New Delhi : Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has vowed to move court after being ignored for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Asian Games champion Bajrang was considered as a strong contender for India's highest sporting honour following his recent achievements. He won gold medals in Gold Coast and Jakarta this year. The Haryana grappler has also won a World Championship bronze medal in 2013 besides winning silver medals in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The selection committee, which met on Monday, recommended cricketer Virat Kohli and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu for the prestigious award.
Speaking to Mail Today, the 24-year-old wrestler said he was 'hurt'. "I don't know what is in their (selection committee's) mind. My achievements are there what else do you want? I am coming to Delhi tomorrow and will file a case in the court against it. I am really disappointed," Bajrang said on Tuesday.
"I tried Rathore sir's (Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh) number several times but of no use. He didn't even reply. I will now meet him personally and enquire about the matter," he added. "The World Championship is scheduled to begin next month and such ignorance of the ministry is really disappointing," said Bajrang, who is currently training in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist and Bajrang's guru, Yogeshwar Dutt, raised questions over 'selection criteria'. "Bajrang has been consistently performing well in international tournaments. I am unable to understand why his name not being nominated for Khel Ratna. I am not against anybody. I am happy for the athletes who are getting awards but on what basis Bajrang has been ignored? The committee must make the criteria for selection transparent," he said.
It is also learnt that Indian wrestling coach Sujeet Maan has also expressed his disappointment over Dronacharya award snub. According to sources, Maan is likely to meet the sports minister soon.
courtesy : indiatoday.in
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Bill to regulate deepfakes tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A Private Member's Bill seeking a clear legal framework for regulation of deepfakes has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Regulation of Deepfake Bill, introduced by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde in the House on Friday, aims to protect citizens by mandating prior consent from individuals depicted in deepfake content.
"Misuse of deepfakes for harassment, deception and misinformation has escalated, creating an urgent need for regulatory safeguards," Shinde said.
The Bill also lists penalties for offenders creating or disseminating deepfake content with malicious intent.
"With advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, deepfake technology has emerged as a significant tool for media manipulation. While the technology has potential applications in education, entertainment and creative fields, it also poses severe risks when misused, threatening individual privacy, national security and public trust," Shinde said in the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework to govern the creation, distribution and application of deepfakes in India, said Shinde, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Kalyan.
The Bill also seeks to establish the Deepfake Task Force, a dedicated body to combat national security implications and evaluate the influence of deepfakes on privacy, civic participation, and potential election interference.
The task force will collaborate with academic and private sector institutions to develop technologies that detect manipulated content, thereby promoting credibility in digital media.
The Bill also proposes to establish a fund to support public and private sector initiatives in the detection and deterrence of advanced image manipulation.
A Private Member's Bill is a procedure of Parliament that enables lawmakers, who are not ministers, to draw attention to issues that might not be represented in Government Bills or to highlight the issues and gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative intervention.
