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P Chidambaram writes: A test for Congress and BJP

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The schedule of elections in five states was announced by the Election Commission on Monday, October 9. That put paid to the speculation that Mr Narendra Modi may seize the opportunity to play the One Nation One Election card (ONOE). I have long held the view that ONOE was a non-starter and, certainly, not feasible in the elections in 2023 or 2024.

Some commentators have portrayed the impending 5-states elections as a test of strength between NDA and I.N.D.I.A. I take a different view. The old NDA no longer exists after the exit of significant political parties such as the JD(U), Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and AIADMK. What is left of the NDA is the BJP and, according to Wikipedia, 34 other parties of which most people cannot name more than one. The NDA is simply another name for BJP!

On the other side, there is I.N.D.I.A., but in the five states that will go to elections in November, the Congress is the party with real stakes. In Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the contest is a straight fight between Congress and BJP. In Telangana, there is a third player, BRS, the ruling party, which claims it is opposed to both Congress and BJP. In Mizoram, it is a four-way contest involving three regional parties and Congress; the BJP is a non-player.

Rival Strategies

My view, therefore, is that the forthcoming 5-states elections amount to a test of strength between the BJP and Congress. The BJP was first off the block. It has drawn from its playbook: first to announce candidates, no declared candidate for chief minister, Mr Modi everywhere, multiple Modi rallies, unlimited money and the misuse of investigative agencies to intimidate the Opposition.

Festive offer

On the other side, the Congress had not released any list of candidates by the time the EC announced the schedule. This has been a weakness of the Congress. However, this time, the Congress will go into elections in three major states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and also perhaps Mizoram — with a ‘CM face’, although undeclared officially. Following Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, the campaign will be steered by the leaders of the states and the national leadership will play a supportive role.

The one common feature of the 2018 elections in these five states was that the BJP lost in all the states. Today, in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Congress is in the government. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP seized power through defections. In Mizoram and Telangana, a state party is in government. Therefore, there is no uniform situation in the five states and the prospects of each party in each state have to be assessed separately.

I do not wish to make any predictions. Putting together information and various reports, here is a cautious preliminary assessment:

Chhattisgarh: The state has seen three chief ministers, the late Ajit Jogi (2000-2003), Mr Raman Singh (2003-2018) and Mr Bhupesh Baghel (from 2018). There is no reason to fear that anti-incumbency will come into play. Chhattisgarh has become a leading rice producer and its farmers are more prosperous than ever before. Add the numerous welfare schemes implemented by the Baghel government and the surge in tribal pride. Power will shift to the tribals and OBCs, but it is generally believed that the Congress will return to power. Privately, even the BJP does not challenge this conclusion.

Madhya Pradesh: Mr Kamal Nath will not let the people forget that the BJP seized power through defections. Nor do the people seem to have forgotten the treachery of 2020. Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan is an old, but tired, face and the BJP leadership has signaled in many ways that it has lost confidence in Mr Chouhan. As a result, the BJP has lit the fire of ambition in too many hearts including serving Union ministers. The BJP has been in power since December 2003 except for a brief period of 15 months. Indications are that the bell has tolled for a change.

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Rajasthan: The state has a history of alternating party-governments since 1990. The Congress seems to have put its house in order and united under Mr Ashok Gehlot who has implemented an array of welfare schemes. The BJP is in disarray because, as of today, Ms. Vasundhara Raje and her group have been sidelined. This is the state to watch.

Telangana: The state has thrown a surprise by pushing the BJP to a distant third place. The Tukkuguda rally on September 17, 2023 after the CWC meeting was the largest I have seen in many years. More than the size, roughly 40 per cent of the massive gathering was made of young people (15-29 years). There is near unanimity among political observers and journalists that the Congress has regained its place and the contest is between BRS and Congress. Another surprise may be around the corner.

Mizoram: The contest is among regional parties. Congress has a new leader, Mr Lalsawta. BJP is not in the picture. Mr Zoramthanga, chief minister, and his party have cleverly used the Manipur crisis and the migration of Kukis to Mizoram to kindle Kuki-Zomi affinity and pride. The votes will be split and another coalition government seems to be the likely outcome. ‘Never make predictions, especially about the future’ is never more true than when predictions are made about future elections!





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Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

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According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.

This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.

Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.

Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.

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Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.

The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.

When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)

The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.

On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features

Display:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Processor and Performance:

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.

Operating System:

The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Camera:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging:

Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.

Connectivity:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.

Security:

For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.

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Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

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In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.

The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.

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