Delhi Liquor Policy Case: Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal skips another summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday on the connection of the Delhi Liquor Policy Case, as per the sources of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The summons is illegal as the matter of the validity of the summons is now in the court, said the Aam Aadmi Party. The party further said the Enforcement Directorate itself presented the matter before the court, and rather than sending summons again and again, ED should wait for the court’s order, said the party sources.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister, would not appear before the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for interrogation concerning an excise policy issue relating to money laundering, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials said Monday.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister, would not appear before the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for interrogation in connection with an excise policy issue relating to money laundering, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials said Monday.

In the ongoing protest in North India, farmers have called for a Bharat Bandh on Friday, urging the people of this region to go on an industrial strike and shut down rural India. Two consecutive meetings between the Union Cabinet and farmer leaders have not been conclusive about why they have taken this step.

Holding the Indian government responsible for the start of Farmers Movement 2.0, the farmers said that the Modi government has not fulfilled their demands. In fact, in 2020, the government passed three new laws related to agriculture, which they demanded to withdraw, calling them black laws. However, when the government did not do this, the farmers surrounded Delhi from all sides in September 2020; this protest ended in November 2021, when the Prime Minister withdrew these laws and requested the farmers to end the protest. While completing the protest, the farmer leaders had made some demands from the government, among which the law on MSP was the most important.

Farmers started protests demanding MSP from the Union government in Delhi

What is the demand of farmers?

• According to the Swaminathan report, the government should make a permanent law on MSP for all crops according to the A2+FL+C2 formula.

• The government should forgive all the farmers in the country and all their debts.

• Farmers above 60 years of age should be given a pension of Rs 10,000 per month so that they can secure their future.

• Restore the Land Acquisition Act 2013 at the national level, require written consent from farmers and provide compensation four times the collector rate.

• The government of India must ensure a legal punishment for the culprits who were responsible for the farmer’s death in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the families of the farmers should get justice.

• India should exit the World Trade Organization and stop all free trade agreements to protect domestic agriculture.

• The government should compensate the families of the farmers who lost their lives during the Delhi agitation and also provide employment opportunities to one member of their family.

• To protect their interest and ensure equal access to electricity, the government should reject the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.

• Extend the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to provide 200 days of employment annually with a daily wage of Rs 700 and integrate it with agricultural activities.

• Enforce stringent penalties on companies producing spurious seeds, pesticides and fertilisers while improving seed quality standards.

• Establish a national commission dedicated to supporting and promoting the cultivation of spices such as chilli, turmeric and other aromatic crops.

Ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) nominated candidates from Maharashtra, including former CM Ashok Chavan and former Kothrud MLA Medha Kulkarni. Ajeet, whose photo is now viral all around social media, was there in Kar Seva during the Babri Masjid demolition in December 1992. Ajeet Gopchade participated in the Kar Seva in Ayodhya. The event, which is known as the Ram Janmabhoomi moment, took place in Ayodhya Nagri to demolish the unfairly and forcefully built Babri Masjid by the Mughals.

Ajeet Gopchade was pictured with an army of Karsevaks standing atop the Babri Masjid, a photograph that eventually became a symbol of the event. Following his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, identical photographs of Gopchade have resurfaced on social media.

Who is Dr. Ajeet Gopchade

Dr. Ajeet Gopchade has been a dedicated Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker who is well-known for his unwavering commitment to the organisation. He had been given the role of Maharashtra BJP’s vice-president. His name is commonly mentioned in connection with Nanded’s Lok Sabha seat and the Nanded and Naigaon assembly constituencies. He is noted as being proactive in social and educational pursuits.

Educational Background

While in college, he took the lead in organizing several student movements. He served with the BJP’s student wing ABVP alongside BJP stalwarts such as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, and Nitin Gadkari. His contributions to health and medicine are also notable. Dr. Ajeet Gopchade specializes in pediatric disorders and holds MBBS and MD degrees.

On Wednesday, February 15, the SC gave a historic verdict and rejected the recognition of Electoral Bonds, declaring them unconstitutional. A bench of 5 judges led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud gave this decision. There has been a long-standing demand from opposition parties to quash these. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by the Chief Justice of India highlighted that “a voter must effectively exercise his freedom to vote. “Requires information about the financing a political party receives”.

CJI DY Chandrachud said that the changes made in the laws to implement the scheme are unconstitutional. Holding the scheme to be a “violation” of the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and right to information, the court did not agree with the Centre’s contention that it aimed to bring transparency and curb black money in political funding.

What are Electoral Bonds?

Electoral Bonds are promissory notes that any Indian citizen and company can buy from some State Bank of India branches. A citizen or a private company can donate these bonds to his favourite political party.

When and who started these bonds?

The NDA coalition government introduced it in 2018, along with the Finance Bill 2017 and implemented them on January 29, the same year.

What was its motive, and how did these electoral bonds benefit political parties?

The government cited the reason behind implementing this: it can bring transparency to political funding. The government used to withdraw money from the bank by selling the bonds purchased by an Indian citizen or company in the party’s name, which they benefited from during elections. The bank also had rules in this process, such as only those whose accounts were KYC verified could buy bonds from the bank, and the bank leaders could give information about those buying the bonds at any time.

Did bond buyers get any benefit from it?

Investors who invested in electoral bonds have yet to get any official returns. This bond was similar to a receipt. The bonds were purchased in the name of the party you wanted to donate to, and the money was provided to the concerned political party.

Do those who buy electoral bonds get tax exemption?

There is a provision to give exemption under sections 80GGC and 80GGB of income tax on the amount donated through electoral bonds instead of donating directly to the political party.

Paytm FASTag: RBI imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank earlier this month, and people are worried about it. We all are curious: if not Paytm, then what else? Paytm was undoubtedly one of the most loved and used apps among Indians. In this article, we will tell you about the list of Banks offering FASTags and the notice that the Reserve Banks of India are issuing.

According to media reports article, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a warning encouraging highway users to obtain FASTags from recognised banks rather than Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL). The directive comes as Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) experiences operational disruptions, with only 32 listed banks authorized to issue FASTags, excluding PPBL.

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) directive, Paytm FASTags would cease to operate after February 29, after the ban placed on PPBL from supplying services beginning next month.

Authorised Banks, as per RBI

The NHAI has identified several banks for FASTag services, including Airtel Payments Bank, Allahabad Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharastra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, City Union Bank, Cosmos Bank, Equitias Small Finance Bank, and Federal Bank.

The list also includes Fino Payments Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Indian Bank, IndusInd Bank, J&K Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank, Punjab National Bank, Saraswat Bank, State Bank of India, Thrissur District Cooperative Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India, and Yes Bank.

According to the RBI’s January 31 release, while withdrawals or utilisation of balances from Paytm customer accounts, including savings and current accounts, prepaid instruments, FASTags, and National Common Mobility Cards, will be permitted until the available balance is depleted, other banking services will be discontinued after February 29, 2024. According to the RBI, this action against PPBL was taken in response to a detailed system audit report and compliance validation by external auditors.

The match starts with the debut of two hardworking youngsters (Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel) who knocked on the door of the Indian cricket team for a long time. After winning the toss, the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma decided to bat first. However, the visitors haunted the pitch for the host’s top order. In the first hour of play, India struggled to get off the mark with 33/3, but their captain, Rohit Sharma, stood firm with the local boy Ravi Jadeja and ended the day on a happy note. 

On Rajkot’s flat deck, Rohit-Jadeja, the Indian veterans, displayed their experience and put up a mammoth partnership of 204 runs for the 4th wicket. After being reduced to 33/3, India could have dropped further down, with the pressure beginning to show at the other end. A watchful Rohit began to change his arm after spending time on the pitch. However, this also resulted in a chance, but Joe Root missed a sharp one at slip when Rohit, on 27, was trying to take on Hartley. He also survived another nervous moment when he was convicted LBW against James Anderson but had it overturned on review where an inside edge was spotted.

Top 5 most expensive purchases made in the history of the Indian Premier League Auction 2024 

Rohit-Jadeja saw through the second season unbeaten, giving India some much-needed stability. The third session began with much promise for India as the duo pressed on the accelerator, with Rohit getting to his 11th Test ton.

However, just as the partnership threatened to push England out, they struck with Rohit falling to the short-ball trap and mistiming a pull-off Wood to midwicket. As England sensed an opening with two debutants slotted to follow, their hopes were trashed with Sarfaraz Khan hitting a sprightly fifty. 

The debutant was particularly aggressive against the spinners, sweeping and lofting with confidence; he scored 62 in a 77-run stand with Jadeja, with the latter nearing a hundred. The milestone played a part in Sarfaraz’s dismissal, with Jadeja calling for a quick single but then sending his partner back late. Wood, from mid-on, did not miss the direct hit and left the Indian camp frustrated even as Jadeja brought up his ton a ball later.

Who is Mimi Chakraborty, who recently resigned from Lok Sabha as a parliamentarian? Know her full story here.

Mimi Chakraborty is an actress, a singer and a politician. She is known for her work in Bengali cinema and television as well. She was the first-time member of parliament (MP) from the Jadavpur constituency representing Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the lower house, Lok Sabha. She resigned from her post on Thursday, as per the media reports.

Politician cum actress Mimi Chakraborty also alleged mental torture within the party as the reason for her resignation. After meeting with the party leader and Chief Minister of West Bengal in the assembly, she said, “I resigned as Member of P two days ago. I sent it to Didi, but she has not accepted it yet. Let’s see what steps she takes. I don’t want to contest the Lok Sabha elections.”

Mimi Chakraborty further added that “Politics are not for me. Promoting someone in politics is necessary for assisting others. Aside from being a politician, I am also an actor. I have equal obligations. If you join politics, you will be criticised whether you work or not. I spoke with Mamata Banerjee about the difficulties I had. I had also informed her in 2022 of my departure from the position of MP. “She had rejected it at the time.”

Footwear is one fashion accessory that has endured over time, where trends come and go quicker than a carousel. Each piece of footwear embodies the individuality and enthusiasm of its designers. Footwear is a powerful way to express personal style beyond simple accessories, as it reflects the changing trends and cultural influences shaping our current fashion scene.

The footwear industry has experienced a significant shift in the past few years, shifting its focus towards sustainability to satisfy the growing needs of customers who care about the environment. Incorporating the same ideas or beliefs, NoStrain’s Founder talks about the whole concept and provides insights into his brand that emerges as a catalyst for change. 

Q1. Can you share the inspiration behind starting NoStrain and the passion that drives your brand?

NoStrain was born out of the madness of fads and uncomfortable shoes. Like many, I yearned for the ability to express myself through my sense of style freely—but not at the expense of my feet. This desire for fashionable comfort served as NoStrain’s inspiration.

Footwear ought to reflect your individuality rather than be a test of your ability to tolerate discomfort. We ensure that every step you take is a confident step towards a more sustainable future by designing with an unwavering focus on cutting-edge comfort technologies and stylish silhouettes.

Q2. How is NoStrain bringing a revolution in the footwear industry?

NoStrain is a modern Indian brand designed to satisfy the discriminating and aspirational Indian consumer’s need for open footwear. We manufacture our products with the best Vietnam, Thailand & India factories. NoStrain focuses on four pillars: sustainability, comfort, quality, and design. We decided to source our products from the top footwear factories worldwide due to shifts in sustainability and design. Before releasing the product, we ensure we give the best by wearing it for at least six months. It is customary to take a long time to find the best quality while keeping sustainability in mind.

Redefining Open Footwear: NoStrain’s Mission for Modern India

Q3. NoStrain prioritises comfort. How can this important detail be incorporated into the design without sacrificing style?

When it comes to footwear, comfort is the key. At NoStrain, we seamlessly combine comfort and style, ensuring our designs meet our customers’ needs. Every element of our designs, such as Rubber, cork, and recycled plastic, are just a few of the natural and recycled materials we use in our sandals. Our designs put comfort first by emphasising breathability and ease of movement. Every piece reflects our commitment to offering a cutting-edge, visually stunning, and comfortable experience without sacrificing style. It also demonstrates our commitment to aesthetic harmony.

Q4. Over the years, there have been a lot of shifts in the footwear industry. What are your thoughts on the same?

As the Founder of our Nostrain, I have seen the industry undergo dynamic changes. It has been crucial to embrace innovation, sustainability, and customer preferences. We put comfort, style, and environmentally friendly materials first to stay ahead. Our main tactic is to adjust to market trends while preserving our brand identity. The path entails constant evolution and a dedication to satisfying our discriminating customers’ ever-changing needs.

Q5. Can you tell us about a pair in particular from your collection that you adore and why?

Indeed, One of my favourite pairs from Nostrain is the Cork Sandals. This design perfectly captures the brand’s essence with its unmatched comfort and sleek, minimalistic aesthetic. One thing is guaranteed: it is a luxury feel by the combination of premium materials made of cork, and our dedication to craftsmanship is evident in our meticulous attention to detail.

Q6. Given the constantly shifting dynamics of the fashion industry, how do you see NoStrain developing over the coming years?

As the company founder, I see NoStrain growing by remaining flexible in response to changes in the shoe market. We’ll use technology to support creative designs, implement eco-friendly procedures, and promote a community-focused attitude. Following current trends while maintaining moral principles and environmental responsibility will be essential. NoStrain’s leadership in fashion will persist due to collaborations, data-driven perspectives, and client involvement. NoStrain’s steadfast adherence to its fundamental principles, tenacity, and never-ending education have made it a significant and moral player.

Get ready for a charged-up future! Urbn, your one-stop shop for stylish and accessible charging solutions, has just teamed up with Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador.

This electrifying partnership isn’t just about celebrity faces – it’s about Urbn’s mission to connect with Gen-Z tech enthusiasts and push the boundaries of innovation.

“Urbn and Kartik are a power-packed combo,” says founder and CEO Sagar Gwallani. “His personality and Urbn’s dynamic approach create a synergy that will resonate with our audience.”

Here’s what to expect from Urbn & Kartik Aaryan Partnership:

• Authentic Gen-Z Connect: Kartik’s not just a pretty face – he’s a busy bee who understands the struggle for on-the-go charging. His relatable persona adds a dash of charm to brand’s message.
• Amplified Vision: It wants to make innovative charging solutions accessible to everyone, and Kartik helps amplify that message across new product launches and campaigns.
• Social Media Blitz: Get ready to see Kartik rocking gears across your favourite social channels!

This partnership doesn’t come out of the blue. Urbn has been making waves recently with their Ultra compact wireless Power Bank, MagTag and the World’s smallest Power Bank, Urbn Nano. So, buckle up for a journey of innovation, style, and convenience with Urbn and Kartik Aaryan!

Deepika Padukone Takes Center Stage as Tecno’s New Smartphone Queen

Scrolling short videos has become a hobby for many as the rise of TikTok in India. People enjoy watching funny, relatable and dancing short videos on this particular app named Tiktok and due to several controversies, the app has been banned in India. Native players for short videos due to TikTok’s ban in India, ShareChat’s Moj, MX Player-owned TakaTak, and DailyHunt’s Josh have all made early gains, according to SimilarWeb data that compiles online traffic statistics and analytics.

Shortly after India banned TikTok, Indian apps like Moj, Josh and Sharechat saw a surge in downloads and people gave their full support to start making relatable videos in the Indian app only, propelling it to become the country’s most popular social media app and surpassing TikTok in global downloads by the fourth quarter of 2021.

Indian Short Video Apps that rose to popularity After TikTok Ban

1. Sharechat 

Similar to other social networking sites, ShareChat enables its users to produce, find, and exchange content. Users of Sharechat can also follow other users on the same platform, be it friends, fellow content creators, or anyone else they find interesting, and follow their updates regularly. In addition to being enthusiastic about consuming the content that they come across on ShareChat, users are also actively involved in its creation. 

2. Moj 

Moj is a feature-rich online video-sharing platform available in India. Special effects, emoticons, stickers, and 15- to 1-minute-long short films in categories like dancing, singing, acting, comedy, and education are all included.

With 59 Chinese apps, including Bytedance’s TikTok and Helo, banned by the government on July 1 due to purported threats to the nation’s “sovereignty and security,” all of these short-video platforms are vying for a share of the estimated 100–120 million daily active users market. The apps included, among other things, UC Browser, Club Factory, SHAREit, and popular social media platforms.

How do YouTube and Instagram leverage this existing user base of short Videos? 

In recent years short videos have become extremely popular ignoring other short video platforms like Moj, Takatak, and share chat, the most popular social media YouTube and Instagram have taken the place at the top, in the priority lists of users. Watching reels on Instagram and shorts on YouTube is famous among every generation in India.   

YouTube 

YouTube’s answer to the growing demand for short-form video content was the September 2020 launch of YouTube Shorts. Being a Google subsidiary, Shorts benefits from YouTube’s vast user base and resources, which makes it a strong competitor in the short-form video market.

Opportunities for Monetization: YouTube Shorts’ integration with YouTube’s more extensive monetization features is a major benefit. With the help of the YouTube Partner Program, content producers can monetize their work by running advertisements, selling memberships, and offering Super Chat during live streams.

Broad Audience Reach: YouTube offers a massive audience for Shorts creators, with over 2 billion monthly logged-in users. Those who want to maximise their visibility and grow their following quickly may find this built-in user base beneficial.

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Instagram 

In August 2020, Instagram introduced Instagram Reels, a feature that sits inside the Instagram app and directly challenges TikTok. Reels, which makes use of Instagram’s enormous user base, has emerged as the preferred platform for brief but interesting videos.

With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is a popular app, and Reels fits right in with it. This implies that users won’t need to download any additional software to view your Reels on a large scale. Customers can see Reel content from accounts they follow and even recommended accounts by just scrolling through their feed; this is as close to TikTok’s “For You Page” on Instagram as it gets.

Instagram Reels provides a range of artistic tools, such as text options, music, and augmented reality effects. This enables producers to infuse their style into videos, giving them a visually appealing and captivating quality.

Bottom line 

Shorts and Reels are being considered by both YouTube and Instagram as viable TikTok substitutes. Before releasing them globally, they tested these features in India following the ban on TikTok in that nation. In 2020, a YouGov India survey asked which social media platform Indian users and content creators would prefer over TikTok. The winner was Instagram.

Many TikTok imitators, such as Josh, Roposo, and Moj, have appeared in India with varying degrees of success; however, due to Instagram and YouTube’s widespread user base, many creators have chosen to utilise it instead. These apps seem to crush apps like Moj, Share Chat and Takatak. Instagram’s reel and YouTube shorts algorithm-driven, infinitely scrolling vertical video feed that resembles TikTok’s For You Page and other TikTok knockoffs.