PM Modi praises controversial film ‘Sabarmati Report’ on Godhra riots

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The film ‘The Sabarmati Report, released theatrically on November 15, has quickly garnered attention, particularly from Prime Minster Narendra Modi for its portrayal of the Godhra train burning incident that took place on February 27, 2020. The tragic event involved the burning of the Sabarmati Express in which 59 people were killed, most of whom were Hindus on their way to perform the ‘Kar sevya’ in Ayodhya city of Uttar Pradesh. The incident sparked one of the worst outbreaks of fatal communal violence in India’s recent history that claimed over 1,000 lives, predominantly among the Muslim community. PM Modi’s praise Narendra Modi who was the then chief minister of Gujarat at the time of the riots shared a trailer of the movie on X and praised it. He remarked, “Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it,” highlighting his belief that the movie presents a narrative countering what he termed a “fake narrative” surrounding the riots and him. Modi further mentioned “A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out!.” The endorsement from PM Modi has boosted the movie’s visibility among the public, besides propelling it to the box office. Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it.A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out! https://t.co/8XXo5hQe2y— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2024 The film’s narrative Directed by by Dheeraj Sarna, The Sabarmati Report features main actors including Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Riddhi Dogra. The movie’s main narrative focuses on an investigative reporter from “The Globe” newspaper who arrives in the riot-hit town to uncover the cause of the train burning and thus touches on issues of media non-partisanship, truth and political spin. The facts, which the film discusses, hope to reveal a variety of aspects concerning the event and every accusation targeting Modi regarding the riots during his term as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. The movie has received mixed reviews, while some find enthusiasm in the film’s attempts to rewrite history, others criticize it for potentially fueling more controversy and sentiments related to one of India’s most polarizing events. Historical context The Godhra train burning and Gujarat pogrom of 2002 have always been focal points for discussions about communal violence in India. As a consequence of the event, widespread riots erupted in Gujarat, leading to significant loss of life and property, particularly affecting Muslim community members in the state. The violence, especially in the form of riots, stirred up severe criticism and even accusations of complicity against Modi and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. Accusation against Modi Modi was accused of allowing and even encouraging right-wing Hindu members and others to violence against Muslims following the Godhra incident. Several human rights organisations have also accused Modi of failing to condemn the violence and even of inciting Hindus to attack Muslims. A senior police officer, Sanjiv Bhatt who is currently languishing in Palanpur sub-jail in Gujarat claimed in a sworn statement to the Indian Supreme Court that Modi had instructed officials to allow Hindus to “vent their anger” on Muslims. Despite the severity of the accusations, Modi denied any wrongdoing. In 2012, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which was formed under the order of the Supreme Court of India gave the clean chit to Modi and denied allegations that the state government did not provide enough efforts to prevent the riots. But the controversy did not end, a new allegation which emerged in 2013, accused the SIT of having concealed evidence.

What travelers need to know about Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy

Travel

Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The budget-travel icon said it will continue to fly.
Spirit Airlines will have time and protection to restructure so it can continue flying and bringing in needed cash.

A passenger waits for assistance at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on November 13, 2024 in Austin, Texas. 
Brandon Bell | Getty Images

Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, becoming the first major U.S. passenger carrier to do so since American Airlines 13 years ago.
The budget-travel icon is not shutting down, however. The filing will buy Spirit time and protection to restructure so the carrier can continue flying and bringing in sorely needed cash.

CEO Ted Christie wrote to customers on Monday to reassure them that they can continue to book flights and use loyalty points or credits normally.
Here’s what travelers need to know:

Why did Spirit file for bankruptcy?

Spirit Airlines has been losing money since 2019, but its financial woes worsened after the pandemic, when industry costs climbed, dozens of its Airbus jets were grounded because of an engine recall and a federal judge blocked Spirit’s planned acquisition by JetBlue Airways.
The airline had struggled to renegotiate its $1.1 billion in debt payments due next year. A deadline at the end of the year tied to its credit-card processing agreement was fast approaching.
Spirit said Monday that it has reached a prearranged deal with the majority of its bondholders for a “streamlined” Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection plan. It expects to exit that process in the first quarter of 2025.

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Is my flight still happening?

Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection doesn’t mean the airline will cease operations. Rather, it gives the airline protection to reorganize its business, which often means shedding assets or parts of its operation.
“From a consumer standpoint, you’ll need to pay attention if Spirit makes any schedule changes or if they’re going to get rid of any aircraft, lay off any pilots and flight attendants — that will affect the traveling public,” said Henry Harteveldt, founder of travel consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group.
The carrier is likely to keep as much of its schedule as possible in place for the holiday season, when airlines generate a lot of revenue during the popular travel period, but additional cuts are likely not far behind.

What am I entitled to if Spirit cancels my flight?

Under U.S. rules, airline customers are entitled to a cash refund if the airline cancels their flight and they’re not rebooked. Spirit Airlines said Monday that plans to continue flying and CEO Ted Christie tried to reassure customers, whose bookings will bring in needed cash during the peak holiday season.
However, the DOT warns that bankruptcy protection could make getting a refund harder.
“If the airline or ticket agent has filed for bankruptcy, the company may be temporarily prohibited from providing refunds and/or vouchers — for example, to conserve assets,” according to its website.
The agency says that if an airline that has filed for bankruptcy protection refuses to refund you for a canceled or significantly changed flight, your credit card could provide one under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Even if you get a refund, however, buying a ticket last minute to replace your original flight could be costly due to high demand and scarce seats. Harteveldt recommends always buying airline tickets with a credit card, which affords customers more cancellation protections than debit cards or cash. Travelers can also book a refundable ticket on another carrier if they are worried, though that can be very costly, too.
Travel insurance might also cover pre-paid expenses if bankruptcy alters airline flights.

What happens next?

This remains to be seen. Spirit expects to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the first quarter of next year. Airlines can emerge from this process smaller, more cost-efficient airlines. Other airlines, short on airplanes, could scoop up some of Spirit’s assets.
Spirit had a deal to merge with fellow discounter Frontier before JetBlue swooped in with a rival bid. Frontier and Spirit could attempt a combination again, especially since some industry members think the incoming Trump administration will be relatively friendly toward deal-making.

Christmas travel chaos for millions as the UK’s two busiest train stations to shut

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreThe two busiest railway stations in Britain, London Liverpool Street and London Paddington, will close down for days after the last trains on Christmas Eve – disrupting journeys for millions of passengers.In addition, the main line from London St Pancras to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield will shut for nine days over Christmas.This year’s festive season will be the first since 2019 in which train passengers have not been afflicted by Covid travel restrictions, rail strikes or both. But key rail stations and intercity lines will be closed due to engineering work – including three hubs in the capital.London Liverpool StreetThe hub for East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and the airports at Stansted and Southend handles the highest number of passengers in the UK. In 2022-23 the average was 221,000 passengers per day. When the next figures are published later this week, the total is expected to be significantly higher.But from the last departures on 24 December the station will close for the rest of the year, reopening only on Thursday 2 January.Network Rail says the work is necessary to renew the roof panels, allowing more natural light while reducing leaks in heavy rain.Emily Heria, Network Rail Anglia sponsor for the roof renewal programme said: “London Liverpool Street is the jewel in the crown for the Anglia rail network and our passengers deserve to have a bright, dry and welcoming station.”The Elizabeth Line, which runs beneath the station, will continue to operate. Stansted airport journeys will take half-an-hour longer than normal, with changes of train needed at Stratford and Bishop’s Stortford.Journey times between Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and London will typically take twice as long as normal because of work elsewhere on the line. A typical journey will involve a train to Witham in Essex; a rail replacement bus to Billericay; a train to Stratford and the Elizabeth Line from there.London PaddingtonThe terminus for Great Western Railway (GWR) to and from South Wales and the west of England is second-busiest in the UK, with an average of 163,000 passengers a day during 2022-23.But work on the controversial HS2 project will lead to the closure of London Paddington station for a five-day spell beginning on Christmas Day. Network Rail will use the opportunity to improve track, signals and overhead wires between Paddington and Reading.Dream work: Artist’s impression of Old Oak Common Station in west London, on the controversial HS2 route

The outlook for tech policy in 2025

Technology

The GOP Congress and administration should advance policies that unleash innovation and promote freedom in the digital age.
In the 2024 election, Americans voted for a Republican president and Republican majorities in Congress, giving the GOP full control of Washington. This presents an opportunity for Republicans to shape the future of technology policy.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the United States must continue to build on its global leadership in emerging technologies by fostering an environment that supports innovation. Republicans can advance our country’s leadership in this area through policies that emphasize free-market principles, reduce regulatory burdens, and safeguard American values in the face of growing technological challenges. Here are some key areas a Republican government should focus on in the realm of tech policy.

Promoting Innovation and Free Markets

One of the tenants of the GOP’s party platform this year is to “champion innovation.” At the heart of any Republican tech policy agenda should be a commitment to promoting innovation through free-market mechanisms. Republicans have traditionally supported a light-touch regulatory approach that empowers innovators, especially in the tech sector, to thrive without excessive government intervention. Republicans should focus on identifying and reducing barriers to entry for startups, while ensuring that tech companies have the freedom to experiment, grow, and innovate.
While President Trump has articulated his intention to repeal President Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence, there remains work to be done to support AI and its continued development in the U.S.. Simplifying and clarifying the regulatory environment will enable American tech firms to stay ahead of global competitors while encouraging entrepreneurship.
But AI is not alone in emerging technologies that are ripe for consideration. Congress can help unleash the next wave of great innovations by supporting the burgeoning crypto industry and taking the lead on the new space race. Proposals like Senator Mike Lee’s PIONEER Act will go a long way toward ushering in an era of innovation grounded in free market principles.

Strengthening Data Privacy Protections

As Americans continue to live in an ever-increasing digital world, the importance of getting legislation across the finish line concerning data privacy continues to grow. Republicans can lead on tech policy by crafting comprehensive data privacy legislation, ideally with federal preemption, that strikes a balance of protecting consumers without burdening businesses with unnecessary regulations or exposing them to increased liability.
A federal data privacy law should focus on giving companies that handle data a clear, universal and enforceable standard instead of the current patchwork that will lead to 50+ state laws. Doing so can help inform consumers on how their data is getting used while also ensuring that tech companies are clear about how they collect, store, and use data. This would protect consumers while preventing the kind of regulatory fragmentation that can hamper business innovation and growth that comes with the state patchwork approach.

Ensuring National Security in the Digital Age

Cybersecurity is an increasing concern. Republicans are well-positioned to identify solutions that can help strengthen national security through comprehensive cyber defense policies. The growing threat of cyberattacks from foreign actors, particularly from adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea, requires a robust and coordinated federal response. Protecting U.S. infrastructure, businesses, and citizens from cyber threats should be a key focus for Republicans.

Fostering U.S. Tech Leadership in Emerging Technologies

To maintain global leadership, the U.S. must continue to be at the forefront of developing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G networks. Republicans should prioritize investments in general research and development (R&D) to ensure that America remains a leader in innovation.
In the race for 5G, for example, Republicans can advance policies that continues closing the digital divide, restore the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, and ensure that companies are not left behind in the development and deployment of next-generation networks. Expanding broadband access, especially in rural areas, should also be a priority, as it promotes economic growth and equal opportunity in the digital age.
Additionally, launching more “Operation Warp speed” style programs can spur more innovation and save money by streamlining the process to bring goods to market.

Tech Trade and Global Competitiveness

The global tech race is fiercely competitive, with countries like China aiming to surpass the U.S. in key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Republicans should pursue policies the Biden administration abandoned that foster digital trade on the international stage. GOP lawmakers should also push back on blatant attempts by the European Union to unfairly target American technology firms.
Republicans can turn the page on Biden’s abysmal record on tech by reaffirming America’s commitment to lead on emerging technology development and exporting it with American values around the globe. Engaging in trade also encourages the exchange of ideas, which helps spur innovation as companies and individuals engage in a robust feedback process needed to solve new problems in technology.

Encouraging Tech Workforce Development

The GOP should future-proof the American workforce. Connecting Americans to technical education, apprenticeships, and training in areas like coding, cybersecurity, and data analysis will help prepare the next generation of American workers for the jobs of the future.
Republicans should identify opportunities to integrate AI into the education system, empowering the leaders of tomorrow by connecting them with this powerful technology. In doing so, the future workforce will become adept at leveraging the promise and power of Artificial Intelligence technologies to help businesses succeed and improve society.
Finally, Republicans should unapologetically support policies that encourage legal immigration of highly skilled tech workers. This will ensure that U.S. companies have access to the best talent they need to remain competitive on the global stage. It will also enable the U.S. to continue attracting the best and brightest minds in their respective fields, thereby cementing America’s status as a leader in producing many of the most successful and innovative companies in the world.
2025: A unique opportunity to advance good tech policy
The GOP has a unique opportunity to make good on its party platform by advancing tech policy that fosters innovation, promotes free speech, and protects national security. A unified Republican government has a unique opportunity cement a framework that supports both the tech industry and the American people. Emphasizing free-market solutions, light-touch regulation, and national competitiveness will create mutual benefit for both the tech industry and the American public, while positioning the U.S. as a global leader in the digital age.

by James Czerniawski