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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025: Know the theme, history, and significance behind the day
International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025: To combat hatred, discrimination, racism and inequality, the UN passed a resolution in July 2021 to promote 'inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.' Highlighting the worldwide concern over 'the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech, ' the resolution acknowledged the importance of combating discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech. It encourages all relevant actors, including governments, to step up their efforts to address hate speech under international human rights law. The resolution established June 18 as the International Day for Combating Hate Speech, based on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate. It further explains hate speech as 'communication that attacks or discriminates against individuals or groups based on identity factors like religion, ethnicity, or gender', however, it is yet to finalise a universal legal definition for the same, being still under discussion. This year, it will be commemorated on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with the theme 'Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence Nexus: Building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and secure environments free of hatred.' To commemorate the day, the United Nations invites countries, international organisations, civil society groups, and individuals to undertake activities and projects that promote measures for identifying, addressing, and combating hate speech. Hate speech travels faster and farther than ever, and we all have a part to play in stopping it in its tracks. 🛑 Stop & Think 💭 Fact-check 👩🏾🏫 Educate 🚫 Challenge 🌍 Support those affected by hate speech 🤝 Report hate speech online/offline Join us in saying #NoToHate! — UN Development (@UNDP) June 18, 2025
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Johor police to increase presence at seven key areas for Visit Johor 2026 campaign
Among the areas included are KSL City Mall (pictured), Angsana Mall, Berjaya Waterfront, Midvalley Southkey, and Plaza Sentosa. ST PHOTO: HARITH MUSTAFFA Johor police to increase presence at seven key areas for Visit Johor 2026 campaign JOHOR BAHRU - Seven public places around the city will have additional police presence to bolster safety and security, especially for the Visit Johor 2026 campaign , says Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar. He stated that the police aim to assure all visitors and investors that Johor is a safe place to visit. 'This omnipresence of police personnel is targeted in areas frequently visited by the public,' he said after attending the state-level monthly police assembly on June 18. Among the areas included are the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (BSI) complex, Bazar Karat, KSL City Mall, Angsana Mall, Berjaya Waterfront, Midvalley Southkey, and Plaza Sentosa. He added that the initiative, which started on June 14, involves about 80 policemen who patrol the areas and meet with premises owners. 'This will be above and beyond our patrols conducted by our mobile patrol and motorcycle units,' he said, urging the public to reach out to these policemen on foot patrol if they need assistance. Comm Kumar said that so far, there have been no reported crime cases in all these seven places since the initiative started. He added that they hope to involve personnel from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and marine units and expand this omnipresence initiative to all 10 districts. Meanwhile, Comm Kumar urged the public not to quickly believe information from social media or unverified sources. He noted that people these days are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for scamming. 'People need to be careful. Always verify before you transfer money, even to your friends who suddenly message you asking for money. 'Their mobile phones could have been hacked, and with their contact details, scammers could be impersonating and asking for money,' he said, adding that people should always seek direct verification from the person before making any transfers. Asked about the recent fake TikTok video of him making statements about aid channelled from an individual known as Datuk Malik, allegedly created using AI, he said investigations are ongoing. He stressed that the video circulating was manipulated and false. The video has been altered using AI to make it appear as though Comm Kumar made the statements, but he categorically denied releasing any such comments. Meanwhile, in his speech, Comm Kumar said that for the first five months of this year, the criminal investigations department achieved a 59.64 per cent solving rate of index crimes, while the narcotics crime investigation department arrested about 10,794 people and seized RM83.18mil worth of drugs. They also forfeited some RM7.49mil worth of valuables. 'During the same time, they busted 21 drug syndicates and seized some RM81.07mil worth of drugs,' he added. During the event, he also gave commendation letters to policemen and members of the media, including Star Media Group's Johor Bureau Chief Nelson Benjamin. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Trump rejects Gabbard's assessment, says Iran was close to building nuclear bomb
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday openly refuted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's assessment of Iran's nuclear activities for the first time during his second rejected Gabbard's statement that Iran is not currently working on a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, he embraced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Israel's airstrikes on Iranian targets were justified because Iran was close to having a nuclear travelling back to Washington from the G7 summit in Canada, Trump was asked how close Iran was to building a nuclear bomb, to which he answered, "Very close." When told that Gabbard had told Congress in March that the US intelligence community believed Iran was not working on a nuclear warhead, Trump replied, "I don't care what she said. I think they were very close to having one."This is not the first instance Trump clashed with US intelligence agencies. During his first term, he often questioned their findings, including reports that Russia tried to influence the 2016 election in his favour. Trump also accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of the office of the Director of National Intelligence did not provide any VIEWS DIFFER ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PLANSadvertisementTulsi Gabbard told Congress that US spy agencies believe Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not ordered the restart the nuclear weapons program. According to US and international experts, Iran's nuclear weapons program was put to an end in Iran denied claims to build nuclear weapons. The country says its uranium enrichment is only for peaceful to Reuters, Gabbard's assessment has not changed. US intelligence still believes Iran would need up to three years to build a nuclear warhead that could hit any target it inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
Ya Libnan
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Panic in Tehran: Exodus as Israel strikes for a fourth day
Panic-stricken residents began fleeing Tehran on Sunday as Israeli strikes and air defense fire rocked the city, sending thick plumes of smoke into the skyline of a capital unprepared for war. The latest wave of Israeli airstrikes, which began at midday, followed hours after a warning from Israel's Ministry of Defense urging civilians to avoid areas near military and weapons facilities. The attacks have sparked deep anxiety across Tehran, a city already struggling under energy shortages and economic malaise before the conflict. 'I can't think straight. I'm packing as we speak. The whole city is under attack and the roads out are jam-packed with cars,' said Neda, a 37-year-old mother of two, struggling to hold back tears. 'My elderly parents are reliving the traumas of the Iran-Iraq war every time a missile lands,' she added. 'I have very little hope that the Islamic Republic and Israel will stop anytime soon. I just hope our home is still standing when and if we return.' Reported targets included the Justice, Intelligence, and Oil ministries located in densely populated residential and commercial districts. Multiple residential buildings were also struck during the ongoing daytime raids. 'The first two days were incredibly terrifying because there are so many military facilities near my home. A missile could land on us with no warning any minute. I'm praying for all this to end soon,' said Ladan, a 46-year-old housewife who lives in northeast Tehran, after reaching Mazandaran in the Caspian region. A video shared by @Vahid shows the moment an Israeli missile hits a building in Tehran's Sabounchi street, where the IRGC Intelligence Organization's building is located. Netanyahu earlier confirmed the deaths of the IRGC intelligence chief and his deputy in an Israeli attack. Bazaar shuttered Tehran's Grand Bazaar and many other businesses shuttered quickly as queues outside petrol stations grew longer. Authorities have now capped fuel purchases at 15 liters per private vehicle per day. While Iran's government has not released overall casualty figures, state media reported that ten children were killed overnight in a residential building in northeast Tehran. Arash, a 48-year-old engineer, said his entire family is preparing to flee. 'Israel struck several places near our neighborhood this morning. One explosion blew the windows open. We're heading to my parents' home in the Caspian region—but I'm not sure it's safe there either.' Ali, a 38-year-old teacher, said he was still looking for somewhere safe to take shelter. 'People with money have already left. For people like us, it's hard to survive more than a few days away from home.' Online, confusion and fear are spreading. 'Every [Telegram] channel that I check says to leave Tehran — but where exactly should we go when we don't have anyone [to stay with] or know any places [that are safe]?' @stillwjm97 posted on X. A large explosion shook Tehran's Mirdamad district in the city's north on Sunday, with thick plumes of smoke seen rising from the site, according to a video received by Iran International. Shelters, human toll Outspoken former lawmaker Mahmoud Sadeghi echoed the urgency in a post on X. 'The war has truly begun. Declare a state of war. Prioritize protecting people's lives. Let's minimize human casualties by preparing shelters and issuing warnings,' he addressed the authorities. 'So many missiles are landing in Tel Aviv and Haifa, but the human toll is not comparable to Iran.' Tehran has no dedicated, fully stocked public bomb shelters like those in Israel. Some neighborhood bunkers built during the Iran-Iraq War remain unused and unprepared, and no sirens have been sounded ahead of the recent attacks. The government on Sunday announced metro stations, mosques and schools would stay open overnight for shelter. But residents say that metro stations are not equipped as bomb shelters and lack basic amenities such as toilers. Some social media users are expressing concern that most mosques and schools may be as vulnerable to bombs and missiles as their homes. Iran Intl
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Reddit unveils AI tools to boost ad performance through real-time community insights
Reddit has introduced two new artificial intelligence-powered advertising features aimed at enhancing campaign effectiveness and engagement by leveraging real-time user conversations on its platform. The social media company announced the launch of "Reddit Insights powered by Community Intelligence", an AI-driven tool designed to provide advertisers with timely and data-rich insights for campaign planning. By analysing trending discussions across Reddit's diverse communities, marketers will be able to identify emerging topics, test ideas, and shape more responsive ad strategies. In a move to further strengthen ad relevance, Reddit is also rolling out "Conversation Summary Add-ons", a feature that allows brands to highlight favourable user comments directly beneath promoted posts. This aims to create a more organic ad experience by showcasing genuine, positive sentiment from the Reddit community. The features are part of Reddit's broader strategy to attract advertisers at a time when economic uncertainty is prompting brands to seek more flexible, efficient solutions. Competitors such as Snap and Pinterest are also investing in AI to sharpen ad targeting and performance. Jen Wong, Reddit's Chief Operating Officer, revealed that France-based advertising giant Publicis Groupe is already making use of Reddit Insights. The platform will open up access to additional agencies starting in July. Reddit's latest initiative follows a downward revision by WPP Media of its global advertising growth forecast—from 7.7 per cent to six per cent citing concerns over shifting U.S. trade policies. According to WPP's media investment division, brands are increasingly opting for adaptable contracts and turning to AI tools to streamline ad production and improve targeting accuracy. Although Reddit projected better-than-expected revenue for the second quarter last month, CEO Steve Huffman cautioned that a decline in traffic from Google search could present short-term challenges. In March, Reddit also rolled out new moderation and analytics capabilities, designed to help users follow community standards and track content performance more effectively. (With inputs from Reuters)
