Academy's Oscars ban on Smith can't stop his future noms, wins

by Argus News

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Best Actor Oscar winner Will Smith on Friday (U.S. Pacific Time) accepted the decision of the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.

Los Angeles, April 9: Best Actor Oscar winner Will Smith on Friday (U.S. Pacific Time) accepted the decision of the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences to ban him from all Academy events, including the Oscars, for 10 years, reports 'Variety'.

Smith, who resigned from the Academy last week, replied soon after in a statement, saying: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."

In a statement issued after its 54-member Board of Governors took the call, the Academy noted: "The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage."

Apologising for the way it came across as unprepared, the Academy said: "During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short -- unprepared for the unprecedented."

The statement also hailed comedian Chris Rock, the recipient of Smith's infamous slap. It said: "We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast."

Reporting on the Academy's action, 'Variety' observed: "The organisation did not have too many other options to impose, especially with Smith's membership now no longer active following his resignation."

It added: "His resignation and barring from future telecasts does not preclude him from being nominated or even winning future Academy Awards during that time."

There have been calls from industry insiders and moviegoers for Smith's Oscar to be taken back, which the Academy has no legal authority to claim, 'Variety' noted. "To compare, convicted criminals Harvey Weinstein and director Roman Polanski still hold their Oscars following their expulsions," it added.

Smith assaulted Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Pinkett Smith, also a Hollywood star, has spoken publicly about her struggles with hair loss due to the condition known as alopecia. Smith later apologised to Rock in an Instagram post the day after the incident.

The Oscars have struggled with their messaging and fallout after the incident. Criticism was heated from Academy members and Hollywood industry professionals regarding the decision to allow the 'King Richard' actor and producer to accept his statuette and speak for several minutes uninterrupted.

When the disciplinary proceedings were announced, the Academy said in a statement that Smith had refused to leave the ceremony, something multiple sources have refuted.
(IANS)

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Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Progress On Metro Rail Phase-2 Project

by Manisha Das

Gandhinagar, Dec 9: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing operations related to the 6.5 km stretch of the C-2 project on the Metro Rail Phase-2 route from Motera to Gandhinagar.

This crucial phase of the project holds significance for the state's transportation infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity between Motera and Gandhinagar.

Accompanied by Chief Advisor Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of Metro Rail Corporation SS Rathore, and other senior secretaries, CM Patel meticulously examined various aspects of the railway route and stations currently under construction.

During the inspection, the Chief Minister's visit covered a span from Bhaijipura to Ch-2, focusing on key areas including Dholakuwa, Randesan, Gift City, and other strategic locations along the route.

In addition to assessing the Metro Rail developments, CM Patel extended his scrutiny to the construction work underway on the Visat to Narmada to Koba Circle road.

The Chief Minister engaged with project stakeholders, obtaining technical insights into the ongoing construction activities.

The Metro Rail Phase-2 project is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat's modernised and interconnected urban landscape.

(ANI)

Also Read: National News

EU Lawmakers Agree On Artificial Intelligence Laws

by Manisha Das

Washington DC, Dec 9: European Union lawmakers on Friday agreed to one of the world's first major comprehensive artificial intelligence laws, CNN reported. The legislation called AI Act set up a regulatory framework to promote the development of AI while addressing the risks related to the rapidly evolving technology.

The legislation imposes a ban on harmful AI practises "considered to be a clear threat to people's safety, livelihoods and rights." The EU lawmakers' decision comes amid growing concerns over the disruptive capabilities of artificial intelligence, according to CNN report.

While addressing a news conference, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola termed the law a "balanced and human-centred approach" that she stressed will "no doubt be setting the global standard for years to come."

The regulatory framework, which categorises AI applications based on risk and tightens regulation on higher risk levels, was initially proposed in 2021, according to CNN report.

The risksy uses of Artificial Intelligence have been banned. According to the law, those include systems that target certain vulnerable groups, biometric identification systems for law enforcement uses and artificial intelligence that employs manipulative "subliminal techniques."

Limited-risk systems, such as chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, or technology that generates images, audio or video content, will face new transparency obligations under the law.

Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market, stressed that AI Act is much more than a rulebook.
Taking to X, Breton stated, "Historic! The EU becomes the very first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI The #AIAct is much more than a rulebook -- it's a launchpad for EU startups and researchers to lead the global AI race. The best is yet to come!"

Artificial intelligence entered the mainstream after the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot in November 2022. Generative AI technology gained popularity and led to an AI arms race, according to CNN report.

AI's disruption extends well beyond the world of big tech: educators have struggled with generative AI's ability to complete schoolwork assignments; artists and musicians have grappled with the possibility of AI-fueled imitation. (ANI)

PM Modi Lauds Uttarakhand CM Dhami On Launching 'House Of Himalayas' Brand

by Manisha Das

Dehradun, Dec 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on launching the 'House of Himalayas' brand during the Global Investors Summit in the state on Thursday.

Speaking during the main event of Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit-2023 today, PM Modi said that the 'House of Himalayas' brand strengthens the concept of 'Vocal for Local and Local for Global.'

Highlighting the 'Vocal for Local and Local for Global' campaign, PM Modi said, "India's special development has happened in the last few years. There was a population of the country that was deprived of everything. Now, due to the government's schemes, more than 13 crore people have come out of poverty in just 5 years. All these have given a boost to the economy. Today the country's consumption-based economy is moving forward rapidly.

We have to become 'Vocal for local and local for global."

He further said that the major development projects in the state have opened the doors for every investor.
"Today in Uttarakhand, work on village roads is going on at a very fast pace. That day is not far when the Delhi-Dehradun expressway travel time is about to be two hours. The rail line here is about to be strengthened. All these paths have brought golden opportunities for every investor," he said.

"Areas that have lagged in development are being brought forward, which means Uttarakhand has unmatched potential for every investor to reap maximum benefits. The state is going to emerge as a new brand of empowerment. There are possibilities here like nature, culture, heritage, Ayurveda, Yoga," PM Modi said.

He asserted that the third decade of the 21st century is the decade of Uttarakhand and all of you are also getting a huge opportunity to join this development journey of the state.

PM Modi also emphasized, "In my 3rd term as PM of the country, India will be listed in the top 3 economies in the world."

Before inaugurating the summit, PM Modi held a roadshow in Dehradun and also inspected an exhibition at the venue of the Global Investors Summit 2023 in Dehradun.