No political content will be promoted from candidates, parties, governments or officials, public accounts committees and certain political non-profit groups.

SAN FRANCISCO: Putting pressure on Facebook to follow suit, Twitter has officially banned all kinds of political ads from its platform, weeks after CEO Jack Dorsey announced that the micro-blogging site would no longer allow those ads.

No political content will be promoted from candidates, parties, governments or officials, public accounts committees (PACs) and certain political non-profit groups.

“Twitter globally prohibits the promotion of political content. We have made this decision based on our belief that political message reach should be earned, not bought,” the micro-blogging platform said on Friday.

It defines political content as content that references a candidate, political party, elected or appointed government official, election, referendum, ballot measure, legislation, regulation, directive or judicial outcome.

“Ads that contain references to political content, including appeals for votes, solicitations of financial support, and advocacy for or against any of the above-listed types of political content, are prohibited under this policy,” said Twitter.

On October 31, Dorsey tweeted: “While internet advertising is incredibly powerful and very effective for commercial advertisers, that power brings significant risks to politics.”

News of the ban divided America’s political camps for the 2020 election. Brad Parscale, manager of President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, said the ban was “yet another attempt by the left to silence Trump and conservatives”.

Twitter said it also does not allow ads of any type by candidates, political parties, or elected or appointed government officials.

“News publishers who meet our exemption criteria may run ads that reference political content and/or prohibited advertisers under our political content policy, but may not include advocacy for or against those topics or advertisers,” it elaborated.

Dorsey had explained his position in a thread of tweets.

“We’ve made the decision to stop all political advertising on Twitter globally. We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought. Why? A few reasons…” he tweeted.

Internet political ads, he said, presented “entirely new challenges to civic discourse”. These challenges included “machine learning-based optimization of messaging”, “micro-targeting, unchecked misleading information, and deep fakes”.

Experts said the onus is now on Facebook which has become a platform for spreading misleading and fake political ads.

Paytm expects to employ technology across the growing internet to become the dominant player in artificial intelligence, it added.

One of India’s biggest start-up success stories, Paytm, has announced that it will start investing in early-stage deep technology start-ups which are building technologies and solutions that can complement the digital payments ecosystem. According to a statement from the firm earlier this week, Paytm is planning to invest as much as Rs 500 crore into such companies over the next few years.

“The company has set aside ₹500 crore to invest in early-stage companies that build complementary technologies augmenting the digital ecosystem,” Paytm said in a statement, adding that it will focus companies that are working on artificial intelligence-based technology and big data solutions to make its investment, in order to acquire or develop innovative solutions that can generate large scale employment.

“We are well aligned with our country’s mission to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution reach the last mile,” said Paytm Deputy Chief Financial Officer Vikas Garg, “We partner with startups who have capabilities that augment the digital ecosystem for the next wave of growth. These investments are also an indication that Paytm believes India’s entrepreneur ecosystem is innovative”.

Paytm expects to employ technology across the growing internet to become the dominant player in artificial intelligence, it added. Over the recent past, Paytm has typically invested around Rs 200-250 crore every year in intellectual properties or companies building complementary technologies. A few such firms Paytm has chosen to invest in include names like Insider, Nearbuy and Loginext.

The whole priority will now shift to mergers and bad loan recovery will become the casualty,” General Secretary of All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) C H Venkatachalam said. 

MUMBAI: The all India bank strike against the merger of 10 public sector banks saw more than three lakh employees participate throughout the country has hit banking service across the country, General Secretary of All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) C H Vekatachalam said. 

Eastern part of the country saw virtually all the branches being closed, and in other states where the branches were open also had an impact on transactions according to AIBEA. More than 20 lakh instruments worth over Rs 15,000 crore were not collected due to the strike, it said. 
 
Functioning of the ATMs, online transfers and remittances mitigated the all India bank strike, bankers to a great extent, officials at some of the public sector banks said. Except for rural and branches with fewer staff, there should may not have been a major impact on customers from Tuesday’s bank employees’ strike, the officials added. City branches to a greater extent have been able to keep their functions on, they further said. 
 
AIBEA and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) had given a call for strike mainly to protest against the merger of ten public sector banks announced recently – they had termed consolidating 10 banks to 4 as shutting down 6 important nationalised banks. 
 
“Merger is unwarranted in the present moment. Branches will be closed, services will be affected. Big banks will take big risk, giving big loans. There is no tangible benefit to banks, we have seen SBI merger, no tangible real problem is in bad loans, priority to recover. Now, the whole priority will shift to mergers, bad loan recovery will become the casualty,” Venkatachalam said. 
 
He said the meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner in which the finance ministry officials also participated did not have any meeting points over the issue of merger ahead of the strike. Finance ministry officials had indicated that the merger is beneficial and any issues arising out of merger would be addressed after the merger, he said. 
 
State Bank of India had last week said it expected minimal impact of the strike. In a filing with the stock exchanges it said, “the membership of our bank employees in unions participating in strike is very few, so the impact of strike on Banks operation will be minimal”

According to the government plan, United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce are to be merged with Punjab National Bank, making the proposed entity the second largest public sector bank (PSB). Syndicate Bank is to be merged with Canara Bank, while Allahabad Bank will be merged with Indian Bank. Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will amalgamate with the Union Bank of India.

Flipkart says that it will offer mobile protection plans at compelling prices alongside the purchase of these phones.

Redmi K20 Pro is the most expensive of the lotHIGHLIGHTS

• Realme X is priced starting at Rs. 16,999, Realme 3i at Rs. 7,999
• Redmi K20 Pro is priced starting at Rs. 27,999
• The Redmi phones will go on sale on Mi.com as well

Flipkart today announced its Super Flash Sunday, where as many as five phones will be up for grabs in a flash sale. The five phones are namely Redmi K20 Pro, Redmi K20, Realme X, Realme 3i, and Redmi 7A. The phones will go on sale in a flash sale on July 28 i.e., this Sunday at 12pm IST. Flipkart will provide Complete Mobile Protection plans at best prices alongside these phones during the flash sale. The phones will be available till the stocks last, and we recommend interested buyers to be online a few minutes before the flash sale begins, and fill in payment and address details beforehand.

As mentioned, the Redmi K20, Redmi K20 Pro, Redmi 7A₹ 5,799, Realme X, and Realme 3i will all go on sale at the same time at 12pm IST. The sale will go on till stocks last, and Flipkart says it will be offering mobile protection plans at best prices alongside the purchase of these phones.

Xiaomi had already announced that the Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro phones will go on sale this Sunday. The Redmi K20 price in India is set at Rs. 21,999 for the 6GB RAM + 64GB storage variant, while its 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at Rs. 23,999. However, the Redmi K20 Pro price is set at Rs. 27,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. There is also the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant at Rs. 30,999. While the flash sale will be held on Flipkart, you can also purchase the phones through Mi.com and Mi Home stores as well, at the same time.

Apart from the mobile protection plan best price benefit, sale offers on both the Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro include double data benefits for Airtel customers using the Rs. 249 or Rs. 299 prepaid plan. There will be Airtel Thanks Gold tier benefits for the customers. Also, Xiaomi is offering Rs. 1,000 discount on ICICI Bank credit cards and credit card EMI transactions.

The Redmi 7A price in India is set at Rs. 5,999 for the 16GB storage variant, while its 32GB storage model is priced at Rs. 6,199. Both options come in three colour variants, namely Matte Black, Matte Blue, and Matte Gold. Throughout July, Xiaomi is offering a Rs. 200 discount on both Redmi 7A variants in India. This means the smartphone can be purchased at as low as Rs. 5,799. Alongside Flipkart, the phone will also be available on Mi.com.

Sale offers on the Redmi 7A include a Rs. 2,200 worth of cashback along with 125GB of additional data on Reliance Jio. The cashback will be credited in the form of 44 discount vouchers of Rs. 50 each in the MyJio app. Also, customers will need to recharge their Jio connection with Rs. 198 or Rs. 299 prepaid plan to avail the cashback offer.

Coming to the Realme phones, Flipkart says that the Realme X will also go on sale at 12pm IST on Sunday. The Realme X price in India starts at Rs. 16,999 for the base 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The phone’s 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model has been priced at Rs. 19,999. The Realme X will be available for purchase in Polar White and Space Blue colour options. The sale will only happen on Flipkart, and the next sale on Realme online store will be held on July 31.

Lastly, the Reame 3i will also be made available in Flipkart’s Super Flash Sale Sunday, and the phone is priced at Rs. 7,999 for the base 3GB RAM + 32GB storage variant, while the higher-end 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant of the phone carries a price tag of Rs. 9,999. One can choose between Diamond Black, Diamond Blue, and Diamond Red colour options. The sale will only be held on Flipkart, and the next sale on Realme online store is on July 30.

9to5Mac reported that Apple will release successors to previous year’s iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR with A13 chip, lightning port, improved Taptic Engines, a wide-angle lens, new camera features and more.

Apple’s iPhone 11 lineup is expected to be launched in the month of September and thanks to various leaks and rumours, we know that the California based company will unveil a total of three devices this year, which will succeed last year’s iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. A 9to5Mac report reveals some new information about this year’s Apple devices and confirms some already leaked information as well.

The report mentions the chipset used in the new iPhone models as well as the display, charging port, Taptic Engine, and some information about the camera tech on the upcoming devices. It also confirmed that Apple will have three iPhone 11 models. The D43 (internal name) will replace the iPhone XS Max, the D42 (internal name) will replace the iPhone XS, and the N104 (internal name) will replace the iPhone XR.

Apple iPhones 2019 to have A13 chip and Lightning port

As per the report, the new iPhone models will be powered by the new Apple A13 chip, which is internally known by its platform codename Cebu, model T8030. The report also mentions that the new devices will not have the USB Type-C port as suggested by various rumours. Instead, Apple will continue to feature a Lightning port in the iPhone.

Triple rear cameras with a wide-angle lens

The report confirms the earlier leaks suggesting a triple rear camera setup on the iPhone XS models placed in a square-shaped camera bump. While other reports suggest that the iPhone XR successor will have a similar bump carrying dual cameras at the back, the 9to5Mac report doesn’t confirm this information.

The new Redmi K20 series phones are with powerful big displays, available at an affordable price and can be regarded as successors to the Note series in a way.

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi’s Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun has revealed that the company currently has no plans to launch new phones in the Mi Max and Mi Note lineups this year.

In a Weibo post, Lei stated the company will rather be focusing its energies on the Redmi, Mi MIX series, Mi 9 and the new CC series of smartphones, the GSM Arena reported on late Friday.

The new Redmi K20 series phones are with powerful big displays, available at an affordable price and can be regarded as successors to the Note series in a way.

With the Mi Max series smartphones, the compaany was focused on giving users a large screen experience with larger than 6-inch screen.

In addition, the company has posted many teasers about the upcoming CC series in association with Meitu mobiles. As per the company, the CC series phone will be trendy mobile phones aimed for youth around the world.

As per reports, the company is expected two smartphones launch under its upcoming CC series, dubbed as Mi CC9 and Mi CC9e.

Kia Motors already has some products for hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicles which are being sold globally.

South Korean auto major Kia Motors Corporation is considering a low-cost electric vehicle (EV) for India in collaboration with group firm Hyundai Motors and wants personal usage for EVs to be included for government support under the FAME II scheme in India, according to a top company official.

The company, which is a part of the Hyundai Motor Group, plans to launch four new models, including its upcoming SUV Seltos, in the next two years in India but said the low-cost EV would be a separate project.

“We are still working on how to make low cost EV. I am considering to develop EV for Indian market together with Hyundai,” Kia Motors Corporation President and CEO Han-Woo Park told PTI.

When asked if the low-cost EV would be one of the four models lined up for introduction in India in the next two years, he said, “This is separate. This is not one of them.”

At the 2018 Auto Expo, Kia had announced that it planned to introduce a diverse range of vehicles in India, including an India exclusive compact electric vehicle between 2019 and 2021.

He said Kia Motors already has some products for hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicles which are being sold globally.

“We are ready to introduce EV car in India but it depends on infrastructure and government support policy. When the market is opportune, we will introduce the EV anytime to India,” Park said.

Hyundai, on the other hand, is gearing up to launch its electric SUV Kona in India next month.

Park said at present the cost of EV is very high, especially for the Indian market and without government support it will be a big challenge to sell EVs here.

“Last year, FAME II scheme was announced, supporting mainly two-wheeler and three-wheelers…That doesn’t include four wheelers for personal usage,” he added.

When asked if Kia wanted EVs for personal usages to be considered for government support, he said, “Yes, without government support it is not possible. The price is too high. Nobody wants to buy EVs.”

The Rs 10,000 crore FAME II scheme envisages subsidy on two-wheelers that includes personal usage.

For three and four wheeler segments, incentives will be applicable on vehicles used for public transport or registered commercial purposes.

Through the scheme support 10 lakh electric two-wheelers, five lakh three-wheelers, 55,000 four-wheelers and 7,000 buses would be provided.

The Kia Seltos has been unveiled in India, is filled with features and looks similar to the Kia Sp2 concept. The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV and will launch in India soon.

Kia has unveiled their highly anticipated Seltos compact SUV which, as per the company, has been designed keeping the Indian road conditions and the Indian customer in mind.

The Seltos sports a stylish design with its signature tiger-nose grille along with LED headlamps and DRLs, giving the compact SUV a bold look. At the back, the company has also given a metallic muffler effect to the rear bumper. The Kia Seltos also sports a contrast roof, slim LED fog lamps, pull-type door handles and a chrome strip on the A-pillar. The Seltos can also be seen with a chrome-finished window line that rises sharply towards the rear. The car will boast of prominent roof rails and a heavier chrome bar as well. The production version remains largely similar to the SP Signature concept as we first saw during the 2018 Auto Expo.

The car comes equipped with the UVO connect, a connected car technology which offers an array of convenience and safety features. The UVO boasts 37 smart features under five distinct categories i.e. Navigation, Safety and Security, Vehicle Management, Remote Control and Convenience. It will be free for the first three years for its users. A few of its notable functionalities include AI Voice Command, Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization, Auto Collision Notification, SOS-emergency assistance, Remote engine start & stop, Remotely operated Air Purifier and In-Car Air Quality Monitor, Safety alert (Geo fence, Time Fence, Speed, Valet, Idle).

On the inside, the car sports a segment-first 8-inch head-up display. It also sports notable features such as 360-degree camera, wireless charging, push-button start and in-car WiFi. The car will also include a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, push-button start and in-car WiFi.

On the safety front, the Seltos gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, HAC, VSM with high usage of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) that fortifies the Seltos’s core and keeps the occupants safe in an event of a crash. The car also sports front and rear parking sensors and blind view monitor as well. Working in tandem with the safety tech, the Seltos comes equipped with an array of advanced UVO connected car technology features. The car is fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a Traction Control System, a Brake-Assist System and Hill-start Assist Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors, sensing wipers and auto headlamps.

The Kia Seltos is expected to launch in India soon and could be priced between Rs 11-15 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kolkata, May 27 : State Bank of India will organise a ‘Mega Customer Meet’ nationally tomorrow with an objective to engage with customers to further enhance their experience and provide better service delivery.

SBI customers of West Bengal can attend this programme in 33 locations of the state. Through this initiative the bank aims to engage with over one lakh customers through over 500 locations from 17 Local head offices (LHOs) of SBI across the country. Meetings will be attended by senior functionaries of the Bank.

Under this initiative, customers can interact with Bank staff to discuss their concerns and share feedback and suggestions on the banks’ products and services. During this session, SBI officials and employees will educate customers about the use of alternative banking channels for secured and seamless banking experience.

Employees of the bank will also inform/educate customers about the features and convenience of using YONO SBI ? an omni-channel digital banking and lifestyle platform. YONO SBI which was launched in November 2017 has achieved over two crore downloads has continued to witness overwhelming responses from its users.

Mr. P. K. Gupta, MD ? Retail & Digital Banking, SBI said, “We are happy to announce this initiative with a purpose to nurture customers’ trust in the bank by engaging with them at the ground level. We look forward to our customer participating in this Mega Customer Meet and help us in meeting their expectations through an enhanced experience at our branches. SBI is always committed to provide utmost value, satisfaction and experience to its customers.”

Mumbai, May 23 : The stock market closed on lower note after hitting a record high in the morning trade due to clean sweep of the BJP in the 2019 General Elections.

At the time of closing, the Sensex fell by 298.82 points at 38,811.39 points while the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty declined by 80.85 points at 11,657.05 points.

Earlier when the market opened for the trade, the Sensex rose by 891.16 points and was trading at the 40,001.37 points. The Nifty climbed as much as 267.60 points and was trading at 12005.50 points.

In the noon, investors started earning profits, making pressure on the Sensex and in the last phase, it fell to a lower level of 38,651.61 points. Finally, it was 0.76 per cent lower than Wednesday and closed at 38,811.39 points.

Of the 30 Sensex companies, 15 were in green mark and 15 were in red marks.

During the day, the Nifty also managed to create a new record level of 12,041.15 points. However, under the profit pressure, it rolled down to 11,614.50 points and closed at 11,657.05 points, down by 0.69 per cent compared to Wednesday.

Of the 50 Nifty companies, 23 were in the lead while 27 were down.

About 1182 shares have advanced, 1303 shares declined, and 170 shares remained unchanged.
IndusInd Bank, Zee Entertainment, Adani Ports, Grasim Industries and Cipla were among major gainers the Nifty, while losers were Vedanta, Eicher Motors, ITC, Hindalco and Bajaj Finserv.

In a landslide victory in elections to the 17th Lok Sabha, the ruling BJP is all set begin its second five-year innings under the captaincy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi guiding the destiny of the nation. The BJP won 14 seats and was leading in 289 seats.