WhatsApp Shuts Down 6.5 Million Troublesome Accounts 📱

Good Morning ☕

Well, it looks like WhatsApp's been doing some serious spring cleaning in India! No room for cobwebs in the digital world, it seems. With 6.5 million accounts shown the digital door, they've really been in 'banzilla' mode. And that QR code chat transfer? Now that's the cherry on top of this tech-tidying sundae! Who knew housekeeping could be so tech-savvy?

1. Anil Ambani questioned by Enforcement Directorate in FEMA case

Anil Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance ADA Group, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with an investigation related to the alleged contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Ambani, who is 64 years old, was questioned by the federal agency officials at their office in the Ballard Estate area and recorded his statement in the case registered under various sections of FEMA.

2. WhatsApp bans over 6.5 million accounts in India, suggests report

WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform, took action against over 6.5 million problematic accounts in India in May, in compliance with the new IT Rules 2021. Over 2.42 million of these were banned proactively, before any user reports were received. The platform addressed 297 cases out of 3,912 reports related to grievances, including "ban appeals." The term "Accounts Actioned" refers to accounts either banned or restored based on received reports.

3. RBI says 76% of ₹2,000 notes returned since withdrawal

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on Monday that 76% of the Rs 2,000 notes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been returned, with 87% being deposited and 13% exchanged. According to data collected from major banks, the total value of Rs 2,000 banknotes received back from circulation after the announcement on May 19 is Rs 2.72 lakh crore up to June 30, 2023. Consequently, Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation as at the close of business on June 30 stood at Rs 0.84 lakh crore. The RBI also stated that the Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL challenging RBI's decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 banknotes.

4. India's Manufacturing PMI in June shows steady growth, marks second-fastest expansion of the year

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) indicates significant growth in India's manufacturing sector in June, marking it as the second-fastest expansion of the year, though slightly slower than May. The PMI has stayed over the 50-mark, indicating sector expansion, for two years straight. Despite a moderate decrease from May, new orders and output increased significantly, fueled by domestic and international demand. Foreign demand increased for the 15th consecutive month, boosting business confidence and optimism about future business activity to its highest level this year.

5. Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav named accused in land-for-job scam chargesheet

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, his parents Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, and others in the "Land for Job" scam. The charges allege that Lalu Prasad Yadav, as Union Railway Minister from 2004-2009, provided jobs in exchange for lands either gifted or sold cheaply. This led to the Yadav family acquiring over 1,05,292 sq. feet of property in Patna, often under the names of Rabri Devi and daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav.

Interesting Story of the day 🤔

Karnataka Bitcoin case: Congress govt orders SIT probe into ‘scams of BJP government’

The Congress-led Karnataka government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine an alleged Bitcoin scam that reportedly took place under the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara announced the investigation, which will be led by ADGP Manish Karbikar. The Congress Party alleges involvement of numerous BJP leaders in the scam.

The case revolves around an individual known as Srikrishna (or "Sriki"), who was arrested in November 2020 for drug peddling, reportedly purchasing drugs with Bitcoins on the dark web. During his interrogation, it was discovered that Sriki, a software engineer turned hacker, was involved in several online crimes. He allegedly hacked websites, stole their data, and demanded Bitcoin payments to unlock the sites. Sriki also confessed to creating fraudulent payment portals to steal credit or debit card information. Furthermore, he reportedly stole Rs. 11.5 crore from the e-procurement cell of the Karnataka e-governance centre and hacked Bitcoin exchanges.

The Congress vs BJP controversy arises from allegations by the Congress Party that several BJP ministers were involved in the Bitcoin scam. The former chief minister, Basavaraj Bommai, denies these accusations. Parameshwara alleges that the BJP attempted to suppress the investigation, but the Congress government intends to pursue it. The case is suspected to involve a network at the national and international level, and further investigation is needed to uncover the full extent of the crime.

6. Supreme Court to hear petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370 on 11 July

India's Supreme Court will hear petitions on July 11 challenging the removal of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and split the state into two Union Territories. The case will be heard by a five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. Additionally, they will consider IAS officer Shah Faesal's request to withdraw his petition following his reinstatement in April 2022. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti recently called for a swift hearing on the matter.

7. EC asks political parties to make financial declarations online to improve transparency

The Election Commission (EC) of India has introduced a web portal enabling registered political parties to submit their financial statements online. The portal is designed to enhance transparency and compliance, and includes reminder notifications to ensure timely filings. Parties resistant to online filing must provide reasons in writing to the EC, or they may continue to submit hard copy reports. To aid in this transition, the EC has distributed a user manual and will conduct training sessions for party representatives.

8. India coal production rises 8.4% to 223 million tonne in April-June

India's coal production grew by 8.4% during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24 to 222.93 million tonnes (MT), according to the Ministry of Coal. Coal India Limited (CIL) contributed the most to this growth, producing 175.35 MT coal in the first quarter of financial year 2023-24, a 9.85% increase from the same period the previous year. Cumulative coal dispatches during Q1 of FY 2023-24 reached 239.69 MT, showcasing a growth rate of 6.97% compared to Q1 of FY 2022-23. The total coal stock as of June 30, 2023, reached 107.15 MT, reflecting a growth of 37.62% compared to the same period the previous year.

9. Saudi Arabia extends extra 1 million bpd oil output cut to August; check details

Saudi Arabia has announced that it will extend its voluntary oil output cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include August, according to reports. The move is aimed at supporting oil prices and reducing inventories, and comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, including Russia, are set to meet on July 7 to discuss output policy. The cuts will take the kingdom’s production to the lowest level in several years, sacrificing sales volumes for what has so far been little reward in terms of higher prices.

10. PM Narendra Modi to chair meeting of Council of Ministers today amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Monday amid speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle following a series of meetings of the ruling BJP's top brass. The meeting was held at the newly built convention centre at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. Any Cabinet reshuffle will factor in the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram later this year. The political upheaval in Maharashtra on Sunday, with NCP leader Ajit Pawar joining the BJP-Shiv Sena government, has strengthened the view that a Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards

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