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Reeling from Maratha quota row, Maharashtra govt faces fireworks: MVA ‘trust deficit’ to stir ‘botch-up’ | Political Pulse News

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The intensifying agitation in Maharashtra to demand reservation for the Maratha community, which has also turned violent with protesters targeting some NCP and BJP MLAs and indulging in arson, vandalism and stone-pelting, has thrown the coalition government – led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP and Ajit Pawar NCP – off guard.

The spreading Maratha quota agitation, largely unorganised, has also reflected the fragmented and weakened state of the ruling camp as well as the Opposition parties.

The ruling side is led by two Maratha leaders, Shinde and Ajit, and an experienced Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had been the CM during 2014-19. Yet, it is struggling to deal with the Maratha agitation led by an activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who was virtually unknown in the state a few months ago.

Jarange-Patil has continued his indefinite hunger strike seeking reservation for Marathas since October 25 at his village in Jalna district. Although the Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) is backing his campaign, the organisation is split in multiple groups.

It is a different matter that the MKM had spearheaded the community’s quota campaign from 2016 to 2018, which was spread across 355 talukas in 36 districts.

Festive offer

On Monday, with Fadnavis engaged in campaigning for his party in Chhattisgarh and Ajit indisposed, the onus fell on CM Shinde to tackle the violence that erupted during the Maratha quota stir.

The day also coincided with the Supreme Court directing Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to decide the disqualifications petitions related to the Sena split by December 31, and the matter related to the NCP split by January 31, 2024.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “Maratha agitation is a sensitive issue given its complexities. So it has to be tackled patiently. The three parties are working as a team.”

What remains unexplained, say observers, is the question, why the government could not resolve the issue by taking it up with the quota activists in the 40-day deadline set by Jarange-Patil when he ended the first phase of his stir on September 14.

“The state with multiple political parties presents a vulnerable picture. Whether it is ruling combine or Opposition, they are divided and weak,” Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar said. “When neither ruling side nor Opposition is strong politically, unorganised groups emerge stronger and overpower the established leaders and parties.”

During 2016-18, the statewide rallies held in support of Maratha quota had caused a huge impact. Every such rally saw a gathering of at least 50,000 people, while in Mumbai lakhs of people took to streets. Yet, the then BJP-Sena government led by Fadnavis had seemed to be in control of the situation, with even the then Congress-NCP Opposition appearing to be on board.

In sharp contrast, this time the usual political channels of communication do not seem to be operating smoothly given the prevailing bitterness and hostility between the ruling coalition and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Uddhav Sena, Sharad Pawar NCP and Congress. The MVA has been blaming the BJP for causing splits in both the Sena and the NCP.

Senior Congress leader and ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan said: “Given reservation is complex issue, government should take initiative to take Opposition into confidence. BJP has lost trust of its own allies who are not sure about their standing with sword of disqualification hanging over its head. Not to speak about Opposition who are being subjected to constant harassment through splits and cases etc.”

In 2018, when the then CM Fadnavis brought the Maharashtra Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) legislation to give quota to Marathas, all parties had unanimously supported it in the Assembly.

While the Bombay High Court upheld the Maratha quota law, it asked the state government to reduce the quota from 16 per cent it stipulated. This led to the quota of 12 per cent in education and 13 per cent in jobs being approved. Subsequently, the matter was challenged in the apex court, which stayed the reservation in September 2020, quashing it on May 4, 2021 as it breached the 50 per cent cap.

Jarange-Patil revived the Maratha quota agitation, going on hunger strike on August 29 this year at his Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district. He had then just a handful of supporters rallying around him. The police lathi-charge on the protesters on September 1, which left some people injured, galvanised Jarange-Patil’s stir and he overnight became a prominent Maratha face in the state. His fast had then continued for 17 days.

Senior BJP minister Girish Mahajan, who has played the role of a mediator, says,”Jarange-Patil is sincere for the Maratha reservation cause. The hunger strike for so many days is not easy. Nobody doubts his integrity. But our concern is related to his failing health.”

Seizing on the Maratha quota stir, which has put the ruling coalition on the defensive in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, the MVA has gunned for the government for its alleged mishandling of the issue resulting in violence and strife.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Vijay Waddetiwar, said, “The state government is responsible for everything. When Jarasange-Patil was silently protesting, police lathicharge took place which was uncalled for. He had given government 40 days to come up with a solution. They did not take his warning seriously.”

NCP working president Supriya Sule has attacked Fadnavis for the deteriorating law and order situation. “What was your intelligence department doing. How can houses of MLAs be burnt. It is total failure. Fadnavis should resign,” she said.

While Antarwali Sarati remains the epicenter of agitation, Maratha activists, in departure from their past campaigns, have taken to streets holding candles across Sangli, Beed, Nanded, Jalna, Indapur, Pandharpur, Kolhapur, Parbhani, among other places. Instead of seeking separate reservation, they are now demanding inclusion within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to avail quota benefits.

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Jarange-Patil says, “All Marathas should get Kunbi certificates. They should be entitled to reservation within the OBC category.”

However, OBC leaders are opposed to their demand for inclusion within their category. Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh president Babanrao Taywade has warned of statewide protests if the Marathas’ demand is accepted. “Let Marathas get separate quota. If they are included within OBC we will fight tooth and nail,” he said.

Ahead of the 2014 Assembly polls, then Prithviraj Chavan-led Congress-NCP government had brought an ordinance to provide 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and five per cent quota for Muslims. The Congress-NCP lost that election which saw the BJP-Sena coalition’s return to power, even as the ordinance lapsed.

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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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