PUBLIC

Banker loses job. Reason: She refused to swap seat on a flight with a kid. What really happened
Jeniffer Castro faced online outrage after a viral video showed her refusing to give up her window seat to a crying child. The incident led her to file lawsuits against the airline and the passenger who filmed her without permission, seeking to prevent public shaming. The backlash affected her mental health and career, prompting a switch in professions.

Decongest Bengaluru report seeks changes in law to promote private investment in public transport
A report has suggested changes to Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act to end BMTC’s monopoly and allow private investment in Bengaluru buses to address the 10,000-bus deficit. Facilitating shuttle services and ridesharing could reduce congestion. Other proposals include GCCs encouraging public transport and eco-friendly commuting, and operationalising BMLTA to manage city mobility initiatives.

Karnataka govt faces political heat as BJP alleges public funds used to pay state Congress workers
Karnataka's Congress government faces criticism for allocating Rs 60 crore annually to pay 4,000 Congress workers overseeing five guarantee schemes. Opposition parties allege misuse of public funds to reward supporters. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defends the decision, attributing it to Congress workers' role in election victory. Protests from BJP and JD(S) members continue.

Trump administration eyes cuts to Justice Department public corruption unit: Sources
The Trump administration is considering significant cuts to the U.S. Justice Department's Public Integrity Section, which handles public corruption cases. This decision could see most attorneys in the unit reassigned to other areas like drugs, violent crime, or immigration, with local U.S. attorneys taking over public corruption cases. This move has sparked concern among some lawmakers and former federal prosecutors.

If Europe builds the gigafactories, will an AI industry come?
The plan for the large public access data centres, unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month, will face challenges ranging from obtaining chips to finding suitable sites and electricity.

Massive online search spike for a single word linked to Donald Trump has data experts scrambling for answers; here's what it is
Google searches for 'Trump' and 'chaos' have surged by 320% since the start of his second term, indicating increased public concern. CNN analyst Harry Enten noted this rise reflects a significant shift in how people view Trump. Enten also mentioned that stock market investors dislike unpredictability, mirroring voter sentiments regarding uncertain policies.
House panel on power to discuss India's nuclear mission
The parliamentary consultative committee on power, headed by Power Minister Manohar Lal, will discuss nuclear energy's role in India's net-zero journey. A presentation will highlight the country's plan to increase nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047 amidst public concerns about safety.
Bharti Airtel holding in Payments Bank moved to Airtel Ltd as part of rejig
Bharti Airtel has transferred its 69.94% stake in Airtel Payments Bank to its wholly owned subsidiary, Airtel Ltd, as part of an internal restructuring. This move does not affect the ownership of the bank. Airtel Payments Bank, which started in 2017, recorded a net profit of ?18.5 crore in recent quarters.
Government proposes dedicated AI governance board to oversee application approvals
The government proposes an AI Governance Board to oversee AI applications, ensuring compliance with legal guidelines. Announced with the AI competency framework, it aims to enhance AI literacy, ethical governance, and responsible adoption in public administration.
China deploys robot dogs, autonomous vehicles for public security in Beijing
China has introduced robot dogs and autonomous patrol vehicles in Beijing's tech area to enhance public security. The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) has rolled out intelligent patrol tools, including unmanned vehicles and robotic dogs, aimed at boosting urban safety and governance. The initiative, still in its trial phase, underscores Beijing's advancements in AI and smart city development.
Court directs Delhi police to register FIR against Arvind Kejriwal over alleged defacement of public property
Delhi's Rouse Avenue court has directed the police to register an FIR against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and others for allegedly misusing public funds to put up large hoardings in the city. The complaint, filed in 2019, accuses Kejriwal, along with other AAP members, of intentionally misusing public money for the hoardings in violation of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.
Compromising govt exam sanctity 'chinks' faith in public administration, executive: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has revoked the bail of two men accused of using a dummy candidate in a public recruitment examination, stating that such offences harm public trust in administration. The men allegedly tampered with exam records, affecting numerous sincere job aspirants, and must face trial to establish their innocence.
Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back as public frustration with politics grows
Thousands of supporters gathered in Kathmandu to demand the reinstatement of Nepal's monarchy and return of Hinduism as the state religion. Frustration with the republic and political instability has led to renewed support for former king Gyanendra Shah, despite his slim chances of returning to power.
Pune BMW urination case: Driver, co-passenger remanded in police custody till Mon
Police detained Gaurav Ahuja and Bhagyesh Oswal, who were caught on video performing a public nuisance act at a Pune traffic junction. They will remain in custody until March 10 while authorities investigate possible narcotic consumption and other offenses.
Sebi extends deadline till Mar 31 to submit public comments on unclaimed funds, securities
Markets regulator Sebi on Friday extended the deadline till March-end to submit public comments on the proposed guidelines on the treatment of unclaimed funds and securities lying with brokers.
Samsung seeking US public affairs head with Trump ties: Report
Samsung is looking to replace the current person in the North American external relations role, Mark Lippert, who served as U.S. ambassador to South Korea during the Obama administration, and was hired by Samsung in 2022 while former President Joe Biden was in office, DongA Ilbo reported citing unnamed industry sources.
Public sector banks eye fintech tie-ups; Blinkit, Zepto raise commissions
Happy Friday! Public sector banks are eyeing collaborations with fintech startups to boost lending to MSMEs. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Public sector banks eye fintech tie-ups for MSME loans
Public sector banks are strengthening fintech partnerships to boost MSME lending amid a government push. Co-lending models and digital solutions are driving growth, though operational challenges remain in scaling supply chain financing.
Please come back: CDC begs laid-off staff to return just two weeks after mass firings in yet another embarrassing DOGE blunder
Nearly 180 CDC employees were asked to return to work just two weeks after being laid off due to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting measures. The sudden reversal, affecting critical public health workers, follows backlash from lawmakers concerned about public health and national security risks posed by the layoffs. Senator Raphael Warnock emphasized the need for further action.
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