Dibrugarh Today

05/01/2024

: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant investment proposal exceeding Rs 11,000 crores for 2023, marking a historic leap in Assam's industrial landscape.

The record investment is set to create over 10,000 jobs, showcasing Assam's commitment to economic growth.

This achievement is attributed to the recently revised Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (Amendment), 2023, which has effectively cultivated an investor-friendly climate, particularly for Mega Projects.

The state's focus on Mega Projects, necessitating a min- imum investment of Rs 100 crores and the generation of at least 200 permanent jobs, has proven to be a pivotal aspect of its visionary policy.

In 2023, Assam witnessed 17 investors committing to a total proposed investment of Rs 11,753.7 crores, with Rs 8,775.5 crores allocated to capital investment. The pro- posed employment generation stands at an impressive 10,906 jobs, both direct and indirect.

These remarkable figures underscore the success of Assam's innovative incentive policy, strategically crafted to attract major players in the industrial sector.

05/01/2024

: Team India avoided a series defeat away from home as Rohit Sharma’s side beat South Africa by 7 wickets.

The Test win marks Team India’s first win after 31 years in Cape Town. India were without a win in 6 previous Tests on the venue.

Chasing the 79-run target, openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to give the team a decent start after which the Rohit-Iyer duo steered India to the finish line after what was a superb display by the Indian pacers in Cape Town.

Pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar starred for the visitors as they demolished The Proteas batting lineup to a low total in both their innings despite of a 2nd innings century by South Africa’s Aiden Markram.

With Day 1 starting off on the wrong foot for the home side, Mohd Siraj’s 6-wicket haul bamboozled the batters as they got restricted at just 55 runs in the first 2 hours of the Test.

However, it wasn’t easy for the Indian batters as well who struggled to tackle the Protea pacers. Virat Kohli again stood out with the bat and top scored for the side with 46 runs.

South Africa did come back with a flurry of wickets in the latter end which saw 5 batters get dismissed in a row, making it 6 in a single innings.

05/01/2024

: The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union, affiliated with AITUC, has declared a boycott of loading and unloading activities for petroleum products.

The decision comes in response to the recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act by the Central Government, imposing severe penalties on drivers in the event of accidents.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Joint Platform of Motor Sramik Union of Assam, held on January 2, 2024, in Guwahati.

The amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act, which include substantial fines and ten years of imprisonment for drivers involved in accidents, were vehemently opposed by the union members.

They expressed concerns about the harsh repercussions on driver: and demanded the withdrawal of the Act, emphasizing the need for better security measures for drivers.

Munin Mahanta, the President of the North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that the union members had decided to cease their duties across the state for 48 hours, starting from 5 AM on January 5, 2024, to 5 AM on January 7, 2024.

This work stoppage is expected to affect loading and unloading operations at all petroleum oil depots, loading locations, and LPG bottling plants.

04/01/2024

: 12th Fail, directed by legendary Bollywood filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has become a rage since its OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar on December 29. The movie, made with around ₹20 crore, minted ₹66.5 crore worldwide in its 52 days of theatrical run, as per Sacnilk. Actor Vikrant Massey plays the protagonist Manoj Kumar Sharma. The story deals with Sharma’s rise to becoming an IPS officer from being a “12th fail".

The movie, despite having restricted promotion during its theatrical release, became massively successful at the Box Office, thanks to highly-positive word-of-mouth. However, not many people could watch the movie as it was released in a limited number of theatres, around 600 screens. The movie’s OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar made it accessible to millions of viewers who had been eager to watch it.

The numbers say it all! The movie became the most-watched film of 2023 on Disney+ Hotstar within just three days of its release on the platform.

Other popular Hindi movies on Disney+ Hotstar of the year included Gaslight, Gulmohar, Apurva, IB71 and The Vaccine War.

04/01/2024

: Dibrugarh police and transport department has been directed not to provide petrol pumps to drivers without helmet injuries amidst continuing intense operations against liquor drivers and vehicle law violators.

Also, instructions to install signboards on pumps to create awareness in this case.

04/01/2024

: IPS officer Sizal Agarwal appointed as Additional SP (Crime) of Dibrugarh.

Sizal Agarwal who belongs to Jorhat, Assam had secured the 112th rank in UPSC exam 2019.

The Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officer was currently serving as the SDPO of Rangia in Kamrup district before she was promoted as ASP Dibrugarh.

04/01/2024

: In the wake of Wednesday morning's horrific road accident in Dergaon, Assam's Golaghat district, the Assam police have issued stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) and asked picnickers to follow them to prevent any mishaps and the loss of precious human life.

It is generally observed that picnic parties are organised during the month from November to March in the state. This period is conducive for picnic and people in Assam in large numbers organise such picnics in various picnic spots. In this atmosphere of pomp and gaiety, sadness struck because of road traffic accidents during the vehicular movement of these picnic parties.

Hence, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been put in place to regulate the movement etc. of these picnic parties.

1. It is to be ensured that there is no overcrowding in the picnic going vehicles.
2. No trading of illicit liquor to be allowed in or around the picnic spots.
3. Drivers of the vehicles are not to be allowed to consume any intoxicant before driving.
4. No loud music on the vehicles to be allowed.
5. The local Police is to conduct continuous raids on the dhabas where illicit liquors are sold.
6. There should not be any movement of picnic parties before sunrise and after sunset.
7. The local Police station should be informed of the origin and destination of travel.
8. The local Police should have one surveillance group, if required in assistance with VDPs in every picnic spot which will help to detect any illicit or illegal activity in or around picnic spots.
9. Sufficient lighting facilities should be provided in and around the vulnerable picnic spots.
10. Sufficient parking area should be earmarked in every picnic spot.
11. The bus drivers responsible for transportation of picnic parties should be properly briefed and should be in proper footwear.
12. Picnic parties should ensure that no movement takes place during fog.

03/01/2024

: All Dibrugarh Students Union pays homage to the souls that lost lives in the tragic accident that took place at NH 37 in Dergaon, by lighting earthen lamp at Chowkidingee in Dibrugarh.

A bus, carrying passengers, collided with a truck on Wednesday morning resulting in the death of at least 12 lives and leaving 25 others injured in the Balijan area near Dergaon in Golaghat district of Assam.

The bus was on its way to Tinsukia's Tilinga Mandir when the incident took place in Dergaon. Currently, 25 passengers are getting treated at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.

03/01/2024

: Zomato, the publicly listed food delivery platform, has raised its platform fee from ₹3 to ₹4 per order in major markets, as per details on its app.

The new rates were effective from January 1.
New Year’s Eve saw Zomato temporarily increasing its platform fee as high as Rs 9 per order in certain markets.

The company’s shares opened high (were hovering around Rs 126 in morning) on Tuesday after international brokerage firm CLSA remained bullish on its stock.

In August last year, Zomato introduced a Rs 2 platform fee to improve its margins and become profitable.

The company later increased the platform fee to Rs 3 before raising it again on January 1 to Rs 4. The new platform fee is levied on all customers, including Zomato Gold.

Zomato and its quick commerce platform Blinkit saw highest-ever orders and bookings on the New Year's Eve, compared to previous years.

“We have delivered almost as many orders on NYE 23 as we did on NYE 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 combined. Excited about the future!” Zomato Founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal posted on X.

Albinder Dhindsa, CEO, Blinkit said they crossed the total number of orders they did on NYE 2022 in the evening only.

03/01/2024

: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased in the bus accident in Assam's Dergaon.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to a road mishap in Golaghat, Assam. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the tweet from PM Modi reads.

Expressing grief over the horrific Dergaon accident that killed 11 people on January 2, Assam Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya has ordered probe into the incident.

02/01/2024

: In a shocking incident, a student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati died due to overdose of alcohol at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).

Police said that the girl identified as Aishwarya and three of her friends, all from IIT Guwahati were partying at a pub in Guwahati's Paltan Bazar on December 31. They later booked into a hotel room in the same area while inebriated.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Police District, Amitabh Basumatary told reporters, "After partying at Paltan Bazar, the girl and her companions checked into a hotel in the middle of the night. She was suffering from breathing difficulties in the morning, so her friends took her to GMCH for medical attention. However, the resident physicians pronounced her dead."

Informing that authorities at IIT Guwahati have been informed about the incident the DCP said that following the routine procedure, the body of the deceased was sent for a post mortem.

Police said that family members of the deceased IIT-G student have not yet filed any case. The girl hails from Telangana.

Police said that they are awaiting the official autopsy result. The students accompanying the deceased were allowed to go back to IIT Guwahati campus. No one has been detained in connection with the case so far, police said.

02/01/2024

: Dibrugarh’s talented batsman Jay Borah got selected to represent the Assam State Team for the Men’s U-23 match of Colonel C.K Nayudu Tournament against Jharkhand and Chandigarh.

The matches are scheduled to be held from 7th January 2024 at Guwahati.

02/01/2024

: Dibrugarh’s pride, speedsters Mukhtar Hussain and Sunil Lachit got selected to represent the Assam State Team in two matches of Ranjhi Trophy Tournament against Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

The matches are scheduled to be held at Chhattisgarh from January 5-8, 2024 and at Guwahati from 12th-15th January,2024.

02/01/2024

: All 379 passengers and crew of a Japan Airlines plane escaped a devastating fire that erupted after it collided with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday.

However, five out of the six crew of the coast guard aircraft are unaccounted for, while the captain escaped, a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

Media later reported that the five crew had been found dead.

Live footage showed the Japan Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft bursting into flames as it skidded down the tarmac after landing. It was later overwhelmed by the blaze despite feverish efforts by rescue crews to control the fire.

Miraculously, all 367 passengers and 12 crew were evacuated.

Footage and images shared on social media showed passengers shouting inside the smoke-filled cabin and running across the tarmac away from the blaze.

The Coast Guard said the collision involved one of its planes that was headed to Niigata airport on Japan’s west coast to deliver aid to those caught up in a powerful earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, killing at least 48 people.

A spokesperson at Japan Airlines said its aircraft had departed from Shin-Chitose airport on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Haneda has closed all runways following the incident, a spokesperson for the airport said.

02/01/2024

: In a significant move to preserve the sanctity of the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced the enforcement of a mandatory dress code for devotees. The administration has also implemented a ban on chewing gutkha and pan, as well as the use of plastic and polythene within the temple premises, starting from the first day of the New Year in 2024.

According to an SJTA official, the dress code requires devotees to wear "decent clothes" when entering the shrine. This includes prohibiting half pants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts, and sleeveless dresses. The new regulation took effect on New Year's Day, and male devotees were observed wearing traditional attire such as dhoti and towels, while women adorned sarees or salwar kameez as they gathered for the darshan of the deity.

The SJTA's decision aligns with their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the sacred shrine. To enforce these guidelines, the temple administration has sought the support of local law enforcement agencies. Devotees found violating the dress code or engaging in the consumption of gutkha and pan are subject to fines.

As the temple doors reopened for devotees on New Year's Day, a large number of pilgrims flocked to the seaside city to seek the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Over 180,000 devotees visited the temple by noon on Monday, demonstrating the widespread appeal and devotion to the deity. To ensure a smooth darshan experience, the SJTA and the police have implemented comprehensive arrangements, including an air-conditioned tensile fabric structure equipped with CCTV cameras, public announcement systems, drinking water facilities, and public toilets.

Samarth Verma, a spokesperson for the Puri police, highlighted their commitment to facilitating specially-abled devotees. He stated, "Along with ensuring hassle-free darshan, police are ensuring the facilitation of specially-abled devotees."

02/01/2024

: Residential Training Programme of Upper Assam Secondary School teachers has started at Dibrugarh University.

This program was officially inaugurated by the respected education minister of Assam Dr. Ronoj Pegu. 853 teachers from Dhemaji, Majuli, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts participated in this first phase training program which is going to be concluded on 7th January.

02/01/2024

: Union Minister for AYUSH and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, undertook a meaningful visit to an old age home in Assam's Dibrugarh on Monday, where he shared the New Year's Day with the esteemed senior citizens of the community.

Engaging with the residents, he sought their blessings for the upcoming year, expressing gratitude for the guidance he has always received from blessings, affection, and advice.

"Blessings, affection, and advice have always guided me in my life. The blessings and warmth of their (elderly residents) company have always inspired me. After I took their blessings, I wished them a happy new year, paid my respects to them, and prayed for their healthy and long lives,” he said while speaking to reporters.

Acknowledging the commendable efforts of all involved in the old age shelter home, the Union Minister commended their continuous support for the elderly, homeless, and helpless individuals.

Accompanied by Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, Sonowal's visit demonstrated a shared commitment to fostering a caring environment for the elderly.

Post his visit to the old age home, Sonowal paid a visit to his native village, Mulukgaon, where he paid homage and showed respect at the sepulcher of his parents. Despite their physical absence, he emphasized preserving the rich value system and sense of purpose instilled by his parents, expressing a dedication to nation-building and purposeful work for the upliftment of his community.

01/01/2024

01/01/2024

: The Indian Space Research Organisation, following a landmark 2023, will ring in the new year with the launch of the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1, 2024.

The PSLV will launch XPoSat and 10 more payloads. The rocket will lift off at 9.10 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

“ISRO’s PSLV-C58 Mission is to launch XPoSAT Satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit. After injection of XPoSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice to reduce the orbit into a 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform experiments. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 experiment will be executed meeting the objective of 10 identified payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe,” states ISRO on the upcoming mission.

XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. It carries two payloads, namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing). POLIX has been developed by Raman Research Institute and XSPECT is by Space Astronomy Group of URSC, Bengaluru.

The PSLV will also launch 10 payloads developed by start-ups, education institutions and ISRO centres.

They are the Radiation Shielding Experimental Module (RSEM) by TakeMe2Space, Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT) by LBS Institute of Technology for Women, BeliefSa-t0 Amateur radio satellite by K.J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Green Impulse TrAnsmitter (GITA) by Inspecity Space Labs Private Limited, Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Technologies -Technology Demonstrator (LEAP-TD) by Dhruva Space Private Limited, RUDRA 0.3 HPGP by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, ARKA-200 by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, Dust Experiment (DEX) by PRL, ISRO Fuel cell Power System (FCPS) by VSSC, ISRO and Si-based High Energy cell by VSSC, ISRO.

01/01/2024

: David Warner announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, January 1. Two days before his final Test match against Pakistan at the storied Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the veteran announced his decision.

Warner stated that he contemplated calling it quits on the 50-over format in 2023, the year Australia won the World Cup.

The southpaw claimed he needs to spend more time with his three daughters, Ivy, Isla, and Indi, as well as his wife Candice.

"I must return the favor to the family. At a press conference in Sydney, Warner was cited as stating, "That (ODI retirement) was something I had said through the World Cup, get through that and winning that in India is a massive achievement."

Nevertheless, Warner said that if Australia required a top-order batsman for the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host in 2025, he would come out of retirement.

He stated, "I'm aware that the Champions Trophy is approaching, and if I'm still playing good cricket in two years and they need someone, I'll be available."

Warner led his squad in runs scored during the World Cup after an incredible performance. With two hundreds and one fifty to his credit, the left-handed batsman amassed 535 runs at an average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 108.29 in 11 games. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, he scored his highest score of 163 against Pakistan.

Warner has achieved 22 hundreds and 33 half-centuries while amassing 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 and a strike rate of 97.26 in 161 ODIs played thus far. Before Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Michael Clarke, and Steve Waugh, Warner scored the sixth-most runs in an ODI match against South Africa in Hobart in January 2009.

01/01/2024

: On his superannuation, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command and his wife Nisha Kalita were warmly welcomed in Guwahati by the fraternity of Assamese Military Officers at the Lavanya Complex in Borjhar.

He was felicitated for his distinguished service towards the nation. The general officer gave a small speech urging the youths from Assam to join the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the occasion, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita (Retired) said, “After four decades in Olive Green, I hang my uniform today, with a lot of pride and a sense of achievement. I thank The Almighty for having given me the opportunity to serve the nation as a foot soldier of the Great Indian Army. I thank my parents and teachers who instilled in me honesty, integrity and sincerity. I thank all my superiors, peers and subordinates without whose guidance and support, I couldn't have risen to the rank of Army Cdr. Special thanks to all ranks of 9 KUMAON where I was commissioned and 13 RR which I commanded for their contribution towards my professional growth. As I step into the second innings, I continue to seek guidance and support from all my well-wishers and friends. All these couldn't have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my companion for thirty five years, Millie and the children, Ruchi, Nishant and Prerna.”

01/01/2024

: In January of last year, Shah Rukh Khan made his big-screen comeback with Siddharth Anand's Pathaan, his first film appearance in nearly four years. At the box office, it brought in over Rs 500 crore and gave Khan a much-needed hit film. He then released Jawan, a larger behemoth that eventually brought in Rs 600 crore at the box office.

Even though Rajkumar Hirani's film Dunki, his final release of the year, wasn't a huge smash, it was definitely headed toward becoming one. Given the absence of strong competition, it should join the Rs 200 crore club in the upcoming weeks.

Shahid Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, and Boman Irani are among the actors in major parts of Rajkumar Hirani's film Dunki. A group of pals who utilize a backdoor to enter a foreign nation and then struggle to return is the central plot point of the movie.

With three successful films under his belt, Shah Rukh Khan has become the only actor in Hindi cinema history to earn an incredible Rs 2500 crore in a single year. Commerce analyst Ramesh Bala announced the news.

31/12/2023

Happy New Year 2024 🥳

31/12/2023

| Cristiano Ronaldo's goal tally for 2023 reached an impressive 54, securing his position as the world's leading scorer this calendar year. The Portugal forward achieved this milestone during his 59 appearances for club and country, outshining competitors like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.

Ronaldo marked the first anniversary of his controversial move from Manchester United to Saudi club Al Nassr with his latest goal against Al-Taawoun on Saturday. The 38-year-old acknowledged the achievement on Instagram, hinting at more to come. This marks Ronaldo's fifth time as the year's top scorer, emphasizing his enduring prowess. His 54 goals in 2023 surpass his previous best of 55 in 2016, a year of individual accolades with the Ballon d'Or.

31/12/2023

: The Gujarat government is set to introduce India's first submarine tourism. It has joined hands with the Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL) in a project to explore the marine life surrounding Bet Dwarka, a small island off the coast of Dwarka city, which has a mythological significance in the Hindu religion.

The tourism facility is likely to be operationalised before Diwali 2024. It will enable tourists to dive 100 metres below the sea in a submarine to experience the marine life around the island.

The place is believed to have a submerged city, which was created by Lord Krishna, according to mythological texts.

An official project announcement will be made in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, according to a report.

The submarine will reportedly weigh around 35 tonnes and have a capacity to carry 30 passengers. At once, 24 tourists will be made to sit in two rows adjacent to window seats, where they will conveniently experience the view from inside.

Speaking to media, managing director of Gujarat Tourism Saurabh Pardhi said it is a “different project” that will give a significant boost to tourism in the city.

Dwarka is thronged by tourists every year due to its religious significance. The famous Dwarkadhish Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site for the Hindus.

31/12/2023

: A road safety awareness programme was organised by the Dibrugarh district administration at the Bogibeel picnic site in Dibrugarh on Sunday.

The awareness program highlighted that the consumption of alcohol at the picnic sites was identified as a contributing factor to an increase in cases of drunk driving within the district.

The order aims to curb such incidents and promote road safety by prohibiting drunk driving or riding on two-wheelers.

30/12/2023

: Mahindra & Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindra on Thursday took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma after the latter's video strumming a guitar to a song by the band Iron Maiden went viral.

Sharing the video on X, Mahindra asked Sangma to perform at the Mahindra Blues music festival.

Mahindra wrote, “Uber cool… we need you out here at the in Feb !”

Social media was buzzing after Sangma shared the video on Instagram, where he is seen showcasing his guitar skills, playing Iron Maiden's 'Wasted Years'.

As reported by PTI, Sangma's performance, at the Roof Top Cafe cafe in Tura on December 26, was part of a reunion of his rock band ‘Saga’. Meghalaya CM was once a member of the band during his college days in Delhi.

Sharing the video, Sangma wrote, “Another rocking night ... iron maiden this time...”

Iron Maiden's 'Wasted Years' marked the 14th single release from the English heavy metal band. It served as the inaugural track from their 'Somewhere in Time' album, which made its debut in 1986.

This is not the first time that Sangma has picked up his guitar. Earlier this month, he posted a video on Instagram where he was jamming with rock band Colours. He said it was “one of the best bands I have played with”.

Mahindra Blues is a music festival that has been running for nearly 13 years now. With an event every year, the festival “has put the blues genre on the global map and is one of the largest blues festivals in Asia”, the Mahindra Blues website says.

The festival's website states, “An iconic 70-year Bollywood Studio is the home of The Mahindra Blues Festival and is held annually in the second weekend of February.” The next event is set to be held on February 10 and 11, 2024.

30/12/2023

: Zomato, the popular food delivery platform, has encountered a financial challenge as it received a show cause notice from the goods and services tax (GST) authorities for an unpaid amount of Rs 402 crore. This notice pertains to the period from October 29, 2019, to March 31, 2022. The central issue revolves around the government's demand for GST on delivery charges collected by Zomato from its customers.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) issued pre-demand notices in November to leading food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy, seeking a total of Rs 750 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments. Zomato has firmly apposed its liability to fulfill these tax obligations, asserting that it functions merely as a fee collector on behalf of its delivery partners.

Zomato's official response, as disclosed in its filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), outlines the company's intention to submit a comprehensive reply to the notice. The company's argument rests on the mutually agreed contractual terms and conditions, emphasizing that delivery partners are the direct service providers to customers, absolving Zomato from direct tax responsibility.

The crux of the disagreement lies in the government's expectation that food delivery platforms should remit GST on the delivery fees collected from customers. Zomato and its industry counterparts maintain that these charges are collected exclusively on behalf of their delivery partners, who are the actual service providers responsible for order deliveries.

Effective January 1, 2022, food delivery platforms bear the obligation to collect and deposit GST on behalf of the restaurants for sales facilitated through their platforms. However, the government has yet to provide clear guidelines regarding the GST implications on the delivery fee component, adding complexity to the matter.

30/12/2023

30/12/2023

: Grammy-winning Colombian singer Shakira, one of the world's top-selling musicians, has been immortalized in her famous belly-dancing pose in a giant bronze statue in her home city of Barranquilla.

The city's Mayor Jaime Pumarejo unveiled the 6.5 meter (21 foot) sculpture in a park along the banks of the Magdalena River on Tuesday in the company of the singer's parents.

The statue by artist Yino Marquez "shows millions of girls that they can, that they can pursue their dreams and any of them can achieve what they want," said Pumarejo, noting that he used to see Shakira sing at local children's concerts.

The sculpture shows the long, curly haired singer belly dancing with her arms overhead, in a sheer skirt with shiny aluminum decoration.

A plaque praises the singer, who won three 2023 Latin Grammy Awards, and cites her charity "Pies descalzos," Spanish for "bare feet," for early childhood development.

"A heart that composes, hips that do not lie, an unmatched talent, a voice that moves masses and feet that march for the good of children and humanity," it reads.

Shakira, who lives in Miami, said in a statement from the mayor's office that she was honored by the statue and that Barranquilla will always be her home.