🛕RSS Chief says, don't rake up Ram temple-like issues | 🤔Putin has a problem with porn

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Market Watch

🔻Today, the Sensex was down 1,176.46 points and closed at 78,041.59, while the Nifty was down 364.2 points and closed at 23,587.50.

🔻Sectorally, all the sectoral indices ended in the red with the realty index shedding 4%. In the broader market, the midcap and smallcap indices shed over 2% each.

India's benchmark indices shed more than 5% this week, the sharpest weekly loss since June 2022.

ICYMI

🕊️🙏Om Prakash Chautala, a significant figure in Haryana politics and former CM, passed away at 89.

🏛️🚫The House rejected a Trump-backed plan to avert a government shutdown, leaving future steps uncertain.

👰India's opulent weddings, known for their extravagance, are being scrutinized for unaccounted cash by the Income Tax Department.

⛴️💔Mumbai Ferry Collision: The tragedy resulted in 14 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing to locate a missing child.

🛰️🚀Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missile technology is seen as an “emerging threat” to the United States.

🚛🔥A tragic collision involving a gas tanker on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway led to a deadly fire, killing eight and injuring over 40 people.

⚖️⛓️Asaram Bapu, serving life in Jodhpur Central Jail for raping a minor, has been released on 17-day parole.

🥊Rahul Gandhi has been accused of physically assaulting BJP MPs during a Parliament scuffle, leading to an FIR by Delhi Police.

👩⚖️🤝The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of laws for women's welfare, emphasizing that they should not be used to harass or extort husbands.

Don't rake up Ram temple-like issues elsewhere: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged against raking up new temple-mosque disputes, emphasizing harmony and inclusivity.

• Mohan Bhagwat criticized aspiring Hindu leaders for stirring up disputes similar to the Ram Temple issue, which he deemed unacceptable,

What Mohan Bhagwat said: Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram Temple and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus...But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony so we should have a little experiment in our country...We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country.

Why? His statement comes against the backdrop of 18 pending suits before various trial courts in India concerning the reclamation of temples that were allegedly converted into mosques during the Mughal era.

• The Supreme Court is also reviewing petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act, of 1991. It has prohibited all trial courts from passing interim or final orders, including survey orders, in pending suits against masjids/dargahs.
• Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid, contested by claims of a demolished temple at the site. This resulted in five deaths.

Clip du jour

Parliament ❌ Boxing Ring ✅

Putin calls for ‘more interesting‘ alternatives to porn

During his annual 'Direct Line' event, Vladimir Putin addressed the global issue of online pornography, calling it a "scourge" and advocating for cultural alternatives to reduce its appeal.

Putin suggested creating alternatives to pornographic content that are “more interesting and passionate,” highlighting a global concern. Putin emphasized providing positive, engaging content rather than outright bans.

Why? The Russian President acknowledged the worldwide popularity of adult content and the importance of providing better alternatives.

• In September 2024, Putin proposed an unconventional solution to Russia's declining birth rate (1.5 children per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement level). He encouraged workers to use lunch and coffee breaks for intimacy, a suggestion echoed by Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov.
• A Statista report highlights the vast reach of adult websites, with Pornhub recording 5.49 billion monthly visits and Xvideos 4.02 billion as of May 2024.

The history: In 2016, Russian media regulator banned two of the biggest porn sites in the world—YouPorn and Pornhub, and asked its citizens to meet people in real life.

What’s happening | Proposal to reduce GST

The GST Council may reduce tax rates on life and health insurance premiums but maintain an 18% tax on policies over Rs.5 lakh.

• Food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato may benefit from a reduced GST rate of 5%, down from 18%, improving consumer affordability.
• A proposal suggests introducing a 35% tax for sin goods like tobacco and aerated beverages, up from the current 28%.

Hi, I’m Sai Deepthi, the editor of this newsletter. I’d love to hear some feedback on the newsletter. WhatsApp me directly and tell me what you think.