Latest news with #Government-issued
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Hans India
Delhi airport operations smooth
New Delhi: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said on Monday that operations at the airport are 'currently smooth', however, due to changing airspace conditions and increased security measures, some flight schedules and security checkpoint processing times may be affected. The airport management has advised passengers to follow updates and instructions from their airlines, allow extra time for security checks due to heightened measures, and adhere to hand baggage and check-in luggage regulations. Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight status through their airline or the official Delhi Airport website. 'We strongly encourage passengers to rely only on official channels for accurate updates. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work closely with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains safe and efficient,' Delhi airport said. Enhanced security measures that were put in place due to the tensions between India and Pakistan are continuing as a precautionary measure. Although an agreement for a ceasefire was reached on Saturday, the government is not taking any chances on the security front. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Sunday with the three service chiefs and the CSD to take stock of the latest situation. Air India said that in view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure. Meanwhile, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has also issued an advisory asking passengers to arrive well in advance of the scheduled departure time due to enhanced security measures that are in place. Passengers have been advised to carry Government-issued photo IDs keep their passport, visa, ticket/boarding pass ready and easily accessible for inspection. Flyers have also been advised to pack smart and light -- according to security guidelines and to check the airline or airport's website before packing so that prohibited items can be excluded. Liquids are limited to 100ml containers in carry-on bags, placed in a clear zip-lock pouch; electronic goods such as laptops and tablets must be placed separately in trays during screening, the advisory states. It has also urged passengers to stay close to their luggage, as unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious and may lead to emergency procedures being implemented. Besides, passengers have been advised to monitor announcements via airport social media handles, airport displays, airline apps/websites to stay informed and report anything unusual immediately to the nearest CISF officer or airport.
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Hans India
Delhi, Mumbai airport operations normal; security checks taking longer
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said on Sunday that operations at the airport are normal, but some flights may be affected due to airspace restrictions, and the processing time at security checkpoints may take longer on account of more stringent security protocols. Passengers have been advised to arrive well ahead of the scheduled departure time of the flight to take care of potential delays at security checkpoints. Flyers have also been urged 'to rely solely on official sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content on social media.' Enhanced security measures that were put in place due to the tensions between India and Pakistan are continuing as a precautionary measure. Although an understanding for a ceasefire was reached on Saturday following a call from the Pakistan Director General of Military Operations, there is some lingering uncertainty as Islamabad breached the ceasefire soon after declaring it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Sunday with the three service chiefs and the CSD to take stock of the latest situation. "Delhi airport operations continue to remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and enhanced security measures, as per the orders of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules may be impacted and security checkpoint processing times may take longer," DIAL said in a post on X. Air India said that in view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure. Meanwhile, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has also issued an advisory asking passengers to arrive well in advance of the scheduled departure time due to enhanced security measures that are in place. Passengers have been advised to carry Government-issued photo IDs keep their passport, visa, ticket/boarding pass ready and easily accessible for inspection. Flyers have also been advised to pack smart and light, according to security guidelines and to check the airline or airport's website before packing so that prohibited items can be excluded. Liquids are limited to 100ml containers in carry-on bags, placed in a clear zip-lock pouch; electronic goods such as laptops and tablets must be placed separately in trays during screening, the advisory states. It has also urged passengers to stay close to their luggage, as unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious and may lead to emergency procedures being implemented. Besides, passengers have been advised to monitor announcements via airport social media handles, airport displays, airline apps/websites to stay informed and report anything unusual, immediately to the nearest CISF officer or airport. The government on Friday extended the closure of 24 airports across the country, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot till 0529 hours on May 15. The airports are located close to the Pakistan border in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Air India said that its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are being cancelled till 0529 hours on May 15. However, this is an evolving situation, and we request customers to check our official social media handles for the latest updates.' 'Customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations,' the airline added. Low-cost carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have also issued similar advisories.
Metro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Radio station slammed for pretending show is hosted by Asian woman
A radio station has come under fire after it was uncovered that a show it claimed was being hosted by an Asian woman was actually an AI-generated persona. This week it was revealed that for six months a show on Sydney's CADA station, which is owned by the Australian Radio Network (ARN), was being hosted by artificial intelligence. Up until then, the station had claimed the four-hour weekday show Workdays with Thy was being hosted by a woman called Thy, sharing images of her to promote the programme too. According to the CADA website, listeners can tune into Thy's show from 11am to 3pm during the working week. However, it turns out that wasn't the case at all and Thy is not real. The deception was first uncovered by journalist Stephanie Coombs, who wrote about her suspicions in her newsletter The Carpet. In her article, Coombs detailed how after receiving a tip-off about 'Thy' she did some digging and discovered that there were no additional details about her, only one image could be found of her and that she had absolutely no social media presence. Several sources at the station also confirmed they'd never even heard of Thy. Coombs' suspicions were later confirmed by ARN, who said in a statement to Mediaweek they were 'always exploring how new technology can support great content and enhance the listener experience'. It continued: 'As part of this, we've been trialling AI audio tools on CADA using the voice of Thy, an ARN team member. 'This is a space being explored by broadcasters globally, and while the trial has offered valuable insights, it's also reinforced the unique value that personalities bring to creating truly compelling content.' Speaking to Metro, Coombs said she was 'deeply concerned about the use of Generative AI in the media, particularly when it's not disclosed to the audience'. 'The public shouldn't have to become detectives in order to determine whether the personality on their radio or television is human. Especially when those stations have a Government-issued broadcast licence.' She went on to share this felt like a 'watershed' moment for media and called for 'urgent reform' to ensure audiences are adequately informed about what is, and isn't, AI. Coombs also slammed the station for appearing to have a woman of colour as part of its on-air talent. After going on to look into ARN's three major radio brands across Australia – KISS, GOLD and CADA – she discovered that across nine stations there was 'only one person who outwardly presents as diverse' and that was Thy. 'You'd think that, along the line of this being okayed, at least one highly-paid person would point out that it's pretty bad optics if the only multicultural host on your entire network is actually AI. Moreover, giving this avatar a name which rhymes with AI is not clever, and people would likely be very angry or very offended if they found out,' she wrote in her initial report. 'It's hard to imagine how any company – let alone a media company – could be this out of touch.' Coombs was also told that Thy's voice and likeness were based on a real ARN employee who works in the company's finance department. Teresa Lim, the vice president of the Australian Association of Voice Actors, also called out ARN for its actions. 'I felt deceived that CADA had been broadcasting for six months, when she was actually a synthetic text-to-speech voice the entire time,' she explained. 'There was no transparency from ARN the entire time that it was a trial program, with no real host presenting the show.' Speaking about the fact the station also used an image of an Asian woman, she called the move 'extremely disappointing'. 'She is currently the ONLY Asian presenter on their entire national network… and she's not even real. There is a minority of many real, Asian female broadcasters who are available for this role in person,' she said. More Trending 'This move by ARN is offensive to our Asian community. Further, the actual girl's name is a normal, English name. The fact that they deliberately chose to give her a Vietnamese on-air name was a tokenistic grab for diversity.' Addressing the ethics of using AI and not making audiences aware of the decision, Lim said a lack of rules being implemented could result in 'entire airwaves of unregulated AI voices, with no transparency across the board'. 'This case should mark a point of change in radio broadcasting, where we start correctly disclosing use of AI personas, voice doubles and clones,' she added. Metro has contacted ARN for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: British tourists who drowned near Great Barrier Reef named as father and son MORE: Identical twins who speak in perfect unison witness crime and the interview haunts us MORE: Ace Hotel Sydney review — Metro checks in to five-star luxury for £113 a night
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Second homes raid is taxation without representation – it can't be legal'
Second home owners stung by the double council tax raid could challenge the new law in court, lawyers have said. Many Telegraph readers were 'blindsided' by increased council tax bills landing on their doorsteps after local authorities were given the power to add a 100pc premium on second home owners from April 1. But legal experts and campaigners said 'serious question marks' loom over how councils interpreted Government-issued guidance – meaning some could be forced to reverse the charges. The Telegraph is campaigning to abolish the second home council tax raid after readers told us: The policy amounted to 'taxation without representation' as they have no right to vote in their local elections. They were not consulted on the changes or given any notice beyond an advert in the local paper. They are effectively being billed twice for services that they do not use. Jenny Wigley KC, of Landmark Chambers, said: 'Depending on the circumstances, what the council did, the reasons it set out and what they took into account before implementing the premium could be scope for judicial review. 'While the cost might be prohibitive, if a few owners club together it might be a viable option to challenge it in the court.' Prior to a law change in 2013, second home owners in England were given a 10pc discount on their council tax bills. The deduction was based on the premise they use council services less than somebody whose main home is in the region. But in recent decades, concerns have grown that second home owners push up house prices and block first-time buyers from getting on the property ladder. In 2023, the then-Conservative government brought in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act which gave councils the power to add a 100pc premium to the tax bill of second home owners. Over two thirds have since taken advantage of the policy, which came into effect on April 1. Royston Davis, a retired lawyer, accused his local authority of 'breaching its duty of care' after he was slapped with a double council tax bill. The 57-year-old lives in Aylesford, Kent, with his wife, Alison. They have a second home in Broadstairs, a seaside town they have known and loved since childhood. His council tax bill on the Broadstairs home has now doubled to £313 a month. He only knew the change was coming after chancing upon a 'tiny' clipping in the local paper – but added many of his fellow second home owners did not know about it. He said: 'One friend thought the council tax bill was a scam because he had no idea the change was coming. 'But there was no communication whatsoever with local communities, local businesses or second home owners. This must be unlawful.' Other second home owners have pointed out the premium is especially unfair, as they have no representation in local politics. One Telegraph reader said: 'The most annoying part of the legislation is that I have no right to vote in local elections to influence where the council spends my taxes. Essentially this amounts to a situation of taxation without representation.' Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, councils were told they 'must make its first determination to charge a second homes premium at least one year before', and ensure owners have 'sufficient notice' to make any changes. Controversially, the legislation deemed 'at least one' local newspaper advertisement enough notice. This is despite the fact many second home owners do not live permanently in the areas where their properties are, and so are unlikely to read the local newspaper regularly. A footnote in the guidance also said a council's failure to meet these criteria would not render the charge invalid. Parminder Sidhu, property solicitor at Wedlake Bell, said: 'There is a responsibility on councils to take reasonable steps to notify second home owners at least a year in advance and conduct proper impact assessments as well as carry out consultations. 'Failing to fully comply with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act could leave councils facing legal challenges, scrutiny from oversight bodies, and potentially pressure to review their processes. 'Councils can expect to face judicial reviews, reputational damage, and potential reversals of the tax increase if found to have acted unlawfully.' John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Serious question marks loom over how well councils communicated the recent changes to rates on second homes. 'Households in every corner of the country are now being hit with devastating hikes on their bills, and anecdotal evidence is suggesting that many were completely unaware of the measures.' A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: 'We are clear that local authorities must give residents appropriate notice before introducing this.' Thanet Council and the Local Government Association were also contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
13-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘Second homes raid is taxation without representation – it can't be legal'
Second home owners stung by the double council tax raid could challenge the new law in court, lawyers have said. Many Telegraph readers were 'blindsided' by increased council tax bills landing on their doorsteps after local authorities were given the power to add a 100pc premium on second home owners from April 1. But legal experts and campaigners said 'serious question marks' loom over how councils interpreted Government-issued guidance – meaning some could be forced to reverse the charges. The Telegraph is campaigning to abolish the second home council tax raid after readers told us: The policy amounted to 'taxation without representation' as they have no right to vote in their local elections. They were not consulted on the changes or given any notice beyond an advert in the local paper. They are effectively being billed twice for services that they do not use. Jenny Wigley KC, of Landmark Chambers, said: 'Depending on the circumstances, what the council did, the reasons it set out and what they took into account before implementing the premium could be scope for judicial review. 'While the cost might be prohibitive, if a few owners club together it might be a viable option to challenge it in the court.' Prior to a law change in 2013, second home owners in England were given a 10pc discount on their council tax bills. The deduction was based on the premise they use council services less than somebody whose main home is in the region. But in recent decades, concerns have grown that second home owners push up house prices and block first-time buyers from getting on the property ladder. In 2023, the then-Conservative government brought in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act which gave councils the power to add a 100pc premium to the tax bill of second home owners. Over two thirds have since taken advantage of the policy, which came into effect on April 1. 'A neighbour thought the bill was a scam' Royston Davis, a retired lawyer, accused his local authority of 'breaching its duty of care' after he was slapped with a double council tax bill. The 57-year-old lives in Aylesford, Kent, with his wife, Alison. They have a second home in Broadstairs, a seaside town they have known and loved since childhood. His council tax bill on the Broadstairs home has now doubled to £313 a month. He only knew the change was coming after chancing upon a 'tiny' clipping in the local paper – but added many of his fellow second home owners did not know about it. He said: 'One friend thought the council tax bill was a scam because he had no idea the change was coming. 'But there was no communication whatsoever with local communities, local businesses or second home owners. This must be unlawful.' Other second home owners have pointed out the premium is especially unfair, as they have no representation in local politics. 'I have no right to vote, but they can spend my money' One Telegraph reader said: 'The most annoying part of the legislation is that I have no right to vote in local elections to influence where the council spends my taxes. Essentially this amounts to a situation of taxation without representation.' Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, councils were told they 'must make its first determination to charge a second homes premium at least one year before', and ensure owners have 'sufficient notice' to make any changes. Controversially, the legislation deemed 'at least one' local newspaper advertisement enough notice. This is despite the fact many second home owners do not live permanently in the areas where their properties are, and so are unlikely to read the local newspaper regularly. A footnote in the guidance also said a council's failure to meet these criteria would not render the charge invalid. Parminder Sidhu, property solicitor at Wedlake Bell, said: 'There is a responsibility on councils to take reasonable steps to notify second home owners at least a year in advance and conduct proper impact assessments as well as carry out consultations. 'Failing to fully comply with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act could leave councils facing legal challenges, scrutiny from oversight bodies, and potentially pressure to review their processes. 'Councils can expect to face judicial reviews, reputational damage, and potential reversals of the tax increase if found to have acted unlawfully.' John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Serious question marks loom over how well councils communicated the recent changes to rates on second homes. 'Households in every corner of the country are now being hit with devastating hikes on their bills, and anecdotal evidence is suggesting that many were completely unaware of the measures.' A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: 'We are clear that local authorities must give residents appropriate notice before introducing this.' Thanet Council and the Local Government Association were also contacted for comment.
