Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): The discussion on the <keyword id="6360189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="Orion">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both <keyword id="244400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Houses-of-Parliament" source="Orion">Houses of Parliament</keyword> on Thursday. The discussion on <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword> of <keyword id="17605" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jammu-and-kashmir" source="Orion">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>, 2024-25, which was also presented on Tuesday, will also continue today. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is likely to make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Both Houses of <keyword id="19895397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Parliament" source="keywords">Parliament</keyword> took up discussion on the <keyword id="15626720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget-2024" source="Orion">Union Budget 2024</keyword> on July 24, with opposition parties accusing it of being "discriminatory" to most states and lacking vision. The discussion was initiated by former Finance Minister and Congress MP P Chidambaram in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Kumari Selja initiated the discussion in Lok Sabha. Raising four major challenges, Chidambaram said the most significant challenge is unemployment and data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates that the unemployment rate for June 2024 is 9.2 per cent . Chidambaram emphasised that the primary challenge for the economy is creating sufficient employment opportunities. He pointed out that the budget's announcement of the employment-linked incentives (ELI) scheme suggests that the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme is not generating the expected employment. He urged the finance minister to disclose the number of jobs created by the PLI scheme. Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal of the BJP highlighted the achievements made by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last ten years. He said the Jan Dhan Yojana has provided banking services to crores of people in the country. Biplab Kumar Deb of the BJP said the Economic Survey has estimated real GDP growth of 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent in 2024-25. He highlighted the provisions in the budget for various sections, including farmers and the education sector. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a strong attack on the Modi government, alleging that the Union Budget lacks clarity or vision, that it has been rolled out to satisfy the coalition partners of the BJP and that it "was planned by two individuals to keep another two in good faith." The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.

Discussions on Union Budget, Budget for Jammu and Kashmir to continue in Parliament today

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sean "Diddy" Combs' "white parties" were known for extravagance and celebrity attendance.</li><li>The famed parties held throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s also regularly featured nude women.</li></ul>Endless Champagne, celebrities galore, and naked women hanging out in the sprawling pool.This was a common sight at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-grand-jury-indictment-2024-9">Sean "Diddy" Combs'</a> famed annual "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-sean-diddy-combs-parties-lawyer-indictment-charges-2024-10">white parties</a>" throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, said a veteran celebrity photographer who attended at least five of the bashes hosted by the now indicted hip-hop mogul."His parties were always over the top — the best food, the best drinks," Selma Fonseca, who has made a career out of photographing and writing about the rich and famous, told Business Insider.It was not unusual to find nude women at Combs' soirees, the photojournalist said.At the time, though, Fonseca said, that was pretty typical at elite affairs, especially in ritzy locales like the Hamptons, where the "I'll Be Missing You" rapper held many of his summertime white parties."It's the summer, and people are at the white party with Diddy, and I guess, you know, they get naked in the pool," Fonseca said."They were beautiful," she said, "but I'm not sure if they were getting paid to entertain people or if they were guests."<div type="image" title="Sean &quot;Diddy&quot; Combs surrounded by other celebrities at one of his white parties." height="2053" width="3000" msid="114284746" hostid="261" sizebytes="490188"></div>Combs' lavish shindigs, held mostly at the East Hampton, New York, mansion he owned at the time or in Beverly Hills, are now being looked at in a new light after the entrepreneur was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-bond-court-jail-trial-2024-9">indicted by a Manhattan grand jury</a> last month on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for the purposes of prostitution.Combs, 54, has vehemently denied the charges, as well as any sexual-misconduct accusations that have been lodged against him in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-sean-diddy-combs-sexual-misconduct-timeline-2024-2">civil lawsuits</a>.At least three civil lawsuits against Combs focus on the rapper's white parties. In one, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-lawyer-nyc-sex-trafficking-charges-2024-7">Adria English</a>, a former adult-film actor, alleges she was forced to have sex with guests at the white parties, while another alleges that a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-combs-diddy-new-allegations-lawsuits-2024-10">then-16-year-old boy was molested by Combs</a> at his 1998 white party. In another lawsuit, a man alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs while working as a security guard at the music mogul's 2006 white party.Fonseca, who said she'd attended and photographed as many as 30 events where Combs was also present, can't speak to what may have happened behind closed doors on the nights of the parties but said nude women were a common occurrence at high-profile events during her two-decade career.The nudity alone didn't raise concerns at the time, she said, adding that it was a common site when she photographed A-list parties in the Hamptons."Especially at that time when there was no social media," she said. "It's not like people are taking pictures and posting them on Instagram."David Allen, another celebrity photographer who attended Combs' 1999 white party in the Hamptons, told BI he remembered seeing topless women "in and around" Combs' in-ground pool."But to me, it wasn't a big deal," Allen said.Attorneys for Combs did not respond to a request for comment for this story, but a Combs spokesperson previously called the white parties "a true convergence of hip-hop, Hollywood, and Black excellence.""It's disappointing to see the media and social commentators twist these cultural moments into something they were not," the spokesperson said.In response to the recent barrage of lawsuits against Combs, his attorneys said in a statement: "In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman."<div type="image" title="Sean &quot;Diddy&quot; Combs held many of his white parties at his East Hamptons mansion." height="1968" width="3000" msid="114284986" hostid="261" sizebytes="443660"></div><h2 id="08a93f7d-7036-493a-b76d-70cdc4e4879c">At one white party, bikini-clad women swung</h2>Combs' white parties had a reputation for being <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-glad-he-never-hung-out-with-diddy-2024-9">ultraextravagant events</a> that attracted A-list celebrities across the worlds of music, movies, and sports.Federal prosecutors have alleged that behind the scenes, Combs was holding a much more nefarious type of party — <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-indictment-allegations-freak-off-sex-performances-2024-9">drug-fueled sex sessions called "freak-offs"</a> where they say Combs "used force, threats of force, and coercion" to get female victims to engage in sex acts with male commercial sex workers.The indictment said these freak-offs were "elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded."For decades, prosecutors allege, Combs "abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct."Aside from naked women, Fonseca told BI that she never saw anything that raised red flags at Combs' parties that she attended.Business Insider has seen dozens of the photographs and videos taken by Fonseca at white parties."I never saw people having sex, like intercourse, but people do make out," she said. "They're making out on the couch and maybe touch a little."At Combs' 2009 Beverly Hills white party, Fonseca recalled women clad in bikinis on swings that were suspended above a vast pool. At one point, a white-sunglasses-wearing Ashton Kutcher also swung across the pool.Combs "had girls in the swings, in a bathing suit swinging back and forth, and just people like sexy girls swimming," Fonseca said, adding: "There's always sexy girls around when there is rich people, celebrities. That's just the way it is."<div type="image" title="Actor Ashton Kutcher pictured on a swing above a pool at one of Sean &quot;Diddy&quot; Combs' white parties." height="2152" width="3000" msid="114284984" hostid="261" sizebytes="444858"></div><h2 id="5edcef42-89c1-412b-88da-e75f55f2e2dc">Combs was always dancing, drinking, and posing for pictures, photog says</h2>Fonseca, who has authored two photo books, including "Partying With Selma: Inside the Life of Rock Stars," said she never went inside the house at any of Combs' parties."There was bodyguards at the door to get inside of the house, so you had to be invited or a celeb, I guess," Fonseca said, adding that Combs' Hamptons home was full of large windows, "so everyone could see what was happening in the living room from the outside."She described the events as "well organized," with Combs' expansive backyard transformed into something like a giant living room filled with couches and pillows.There was exceptional service, an extensive array of foods like salmon, steak, and corn, fire-spitting entertainers, and "celebs everywhere," the photographer said.<div type="image" title="Sean &quot;Diddy&quot; Combs poses with waiters at one of his white parties." height="2000" width="3008" msid="114284978" hostid="261" sizebytes="429204"></div>Fonseca recalled seeing stars like Busta Rhymes, Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Simmons, Tyson Beckford, Tommy Lee, Mariah Carey, Lindsay Lohan, Lil' Kim, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, and Chris Brown at Combs' extravaganzas over the years."I think that's why his parties were so popular besides the food and drink and everything," Fonseca said. "If you want to meet someone, or if you want to do business with someone, it was a way to meet the celebs."The celebrities have been photographed at Combs' white parties over the years but have not been accused of wrongdoing.A representative for Beckford confirmed he attended one white party, but "remained outdoors where the festivities were held." Representatives for the other celebrities seen by Fonseca didn't immediately return requests for comment from BI.Fonseca — who captured a photo of Combs and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-received-warnings-over-sponsored-instagram-posts-2017-5">Jennifer Lopez</a> kissing on the balcony early on in their then-relationship at the 1999 party — said she remembered Combs "always walking around, dancing, drinking Champagne, talking to people, posing for photos, having fun always."Allen said Combs was a "regular, normal gentleman.""What I saw was a regular party with a white theme, with people doing their own thing all around," he said. "Some were smoking pot, keeping it semihidden. Others were around and in the pool being served Champagne, some topless."At one white party, Combs issued a warning to guests from atop his balcony about children needing to leave the event."I think I made my point clear, so if child welfare come in here in 30 minutes — that's on y'all," he said into a microphone, according to a video viewed by BI. "My kids are downstairs. Fifteen minutes, the kids have to go, thank you very much."Fonseca said that it was common knowledge for those in attendance that once it got darker, kids would leave the party, so it was "more like an adult party."While giving tips for what makes a good party during a now resurfaced <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXhXi81yDg">2002 appearance</a> on Conan O'Brien's late-night show at the time, Combs said locks on the doors were a must."This is what you need to do," Combs told O'Brien before saying a party needed "beautiful women" and "beautiful men for the ladies.""We need alcohols," Combs added. "You need some water.""A lot of ladies drink water at parties, so if you don't have what they need, they're going to leave. Got to keep them there. You need locks on the doors," Combs said, adding, "It's a little kinky."

At Diddy's A-list 'white parties,' naked women were a staple — but that didn't seem to raise eyebrows at the time

<ul><li>India's real GDP grew at around 8.2% in real terms in Fy24: Economic Survey </li><li>Retail inflation dipped to 5.4% in FY24, notes Economic Survey</li><li>Unemployment dipped to 3.2% in FY24</li></ul><keyword id="19912360" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister-Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> is set to present the union budget on 23rd July, at 11 am. The budget session is scheduled to last between 22nd July and 12th August. This will be <keyword id="19956941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FM-Sitharaman" source="keywords">FM Sitharaman</keyword>'s seventh consecutive budget presentation under the third term of <keyword id="20205025" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhartiya-Janata-Party" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bhartiya Janata Party" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bhartiya Janata Party">Bhartiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP). All budget-related documents will be available at indiabudget.gov.in. You can watch the presentation live on Doordarshan, Sansad TV, and also on various official government YouTube channels. With this budget, Sitharaman will only precede former PM <keyword id="20342248" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Morarji-Desai" source="keywords">Morarji Desai</keyword>, who has presented the highest number of budget (10) till date, followed by <keyword id="22330828" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="P-Chidambaram" source="keywords">P. Chidambaram</keyword> with 9 budgets, and Pranab Mukherjee, who has 8 budgets to his credit. In her recent address in parliament, Sitharaman noted that significant social and economic decisions will be a highlight of this budget. Notably, she concluded <keyword id="901788" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pre-budget-consultations" source="Orion">pre-budget consultations</keyword>, which began on June 19th, on July 5th, where she met 20 invitees across 10 groups, including representatives from agriculture, skill development, finance and banking, energy, <keyword id="17408" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Infrastructure" source="Orion">infrastructure</keyword> sector and more. <h2>Key expectations from Budget 2024</h2>Experts note that this budget will mainly focus on improving consumption, and boosting <keyword id="174143" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infrastructure-development" source="Orion">infrastructure development</keyword>. Per reports, the government is also mulling raising the threshold of standard deduction under income tax regimes from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, to boost healthcare accessibility for the underserved in the country, the government is also contemplating to double the annual coverage offered under the <keyword id="20097876" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat-health-insurance-scheme" source="keywords">Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme</keyword> from the present Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh over the next 3 years, along with also covering individuals aged over 70. Mr. Tashwinder Singh, CEO &amp; MD, Niyogin Fintech Limited, which offers credit to MSMEs, noted that upcoming regulatory changes should focus on simplifying compliance, taxation policies that encourage entrepreneurship, and incentivise innovations that drive R&amp;D investments. "We hope that the government takes measures to support the lending industry through access to capital and affordable interest rates, enabling entrepreneurs to realize their vision. Furthermore, we look forward to relaxed norms for NBFCs, allowing them to contribute more substantially to the economy. These measures will collectively propel India's economic growth, boost job creation, and position the Indian fintech industry as a strong contender in innovation and entrepreneurship", he continues. As for bolstering green infrastructure and clean energy production, Ms Aditi Balbir, Co-founder, EcoRatings notes that the 2024 union budget should prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure projects and clean energy solutions, as 70% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from energy, industry, and buildings. "This will create a future-proof foundation for economic growth and help in achieving net-zero targets. Infrastructure is crucial in addressing climate change and meeting diverse societal needs. A transformative overhaul of our current and future infrastructure assets is essential. The budget should introduce financial incentives, such as lower interest rates on loans and dedicated grants, for companies committed to ESG compliance. This will create a clear link between sustainability efforts and economic benefits", she continued. <h2>Focus on Agri-credit, Real Estate in Budget 2024</h2>The government could also raise the target for agricultural loans disbursed during the year by up to 25%, setting the target at Rs 25 lakh crore. The government will also have to revamp the MSP (minimum support price) system in this space, focusing on challenges such as narrow coverage, dipping export competitiveness, discouraging private investment in this space and more. Another area that demands significant attention is real estate. Shubhi Jain, Principal Partner &amp; Head of CRM, Square Yards anticipates significant reforms in the upcoming budget under the new government. Securing industry status will unlock a plethora of legal and administrative benefits, along with much-needed tax incentives. "Also, while government’s focus on affordable housing under PMAY is commendable, recalibrating strategies in light of escalating construction costs is imperative for sustained inclusiveness and effectiveness. Moreover, enhanced tax reliefs and increased deductions on home loans, currently capped at INR 2 lakhs, are pivotal in stimulating demand and supporting prospective buyers", she says. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111946291" title="Union Budget 2024-25 key highlights: Assistance for Nalanda's development as a tourist center" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Short-term outlook positive, notes Economic Survey </h2>FM Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-24 in the parliament today, ahead of the budget. The survey noted that the Indian economy had managed to recover and expand in an orderly fashion post the pandemic, with the real GDP growing by 8.2% in FY24. Going ahead, prospects for continued strong growth in FY25 remain robust. India also managed to bring down its current account deficit (0.7% of GDP in FY24), while projecting a 7%+ growth rate in the medium term. On the employment front, the survey noted that AI might moderate India's services export growth by as much as 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points annually over the course of the next decade. As such, greater emphasis and focus is needed on areas like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data analytics, augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, and web and mobile development. The Indian labour market indicators have significantly improved over the past 6 years, with unemployment rates dipping to 3.2% in 2022-23. However, even as net payroll additions to EPFO have doubled over the last 5 years, signaling a healthy formal employment market, job creation and increasing women participation in workforce remain key areas of concern. For all updates and latest information related to the budget, don't forget to follow <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Budget Insider</a>! SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces internships for 10 million youth in 500 top companies</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/loan-limit-under-mudra-scheme-to-be-doubled-to-20-lakh-sitharaman/articleshow/111950024.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Loan limit under MUDRA scheme to be doubled to ₹20 lakh: Sitharaman</a>

Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?

<ul><li>As the restrictions on the AlcoBev category grew stronger, there was an upsurge in music associations</li><li>Bacardí was among one of the first brands to marry music into its marketing strategy and in the last 20 years, the way it has used music has also evolved</li><li>The last song released under <keyword id="8065961" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bacardi-House-Party-Sessions">Bacardi House Party Sessions</keyword> was Sage by Ritviz, which gained a lot of love from millennials and we asked <keyword id="7306339" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anshuman-Goenka">Anshuman Goenka</keyword> how much it helped the brand</li></ul> Bacardí India has leveraged music since its inception in India, forming a strong brand identity for its rum portfolio. The brand’s journey from the beginning of <keyword id="20541" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="bacardi-blast">Bacardi Blast</keyword> in the early 2000s to <keyword id="497469" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="NH7-Weekender">NH7 Weekender</keyword>, to <a href="https://youtu.be/qnAo7OgHfi8" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bacardí House Party Sessions</a> (BHPS) proves how music was the anchor to its growth, as if its inseparable from its brand identity. In the last four to five years, as the restrictions on the AlcoBev category grew stronger, there was an upsurge in music associations. However, Bacardí was among one of the first brands to marry music into its marketing strategy and in the last 20 years, the way it has used music has also evolved. Anshuman Goenka, Head of Marketing, Bacardí India shared how music has helped <keyword id="15277" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="bacardi">Bacardi</keyword> maintain a strong brand recall, surf through the restrictions on alcobev brands in our country, and how it has pushed the brand to come up with innovative solutions every time. Out of all their properties, Goenka holds Bacardí NH7 Weekender closest to his heart. As he feels nostalgic for the golden days and excited for their on-going campaign called ‘<a href="https://youtu.be/uL-aOQD2CQQ" data-type="tilCustomLink">Do What Moves You</a>,’ we are bringing to you some excerpts from our interview: Q. Can you walk me through Bacardí's music journey? Which musical property do you place close to your heart? In its 20 odd years in India, Bacardí has gone from being famous for hosting parties way beyond it’s time like the Bacardí Blast campaign and that one early jingle “Be what you wanna be”, to associating with iconic music festivals and content creators. In 1999, when we launched the Bacardí Blast campaign, we literally took the concept of nightclubs out in the open, pioneering the idea of open-air music experiences. For the last couple of years, we have used every platform possible to give our artists a bigger and better stage to create the music that moves them and showcases their talent. Continuing to work with music, we realized that there seemed to be no platform where music-lovers could just spend a few days in the company of what they enjoyed the most. That is when the brand along with OML created Bacardí NH7 Weekender to bring the best of music - independent artists, local and international to perform to the cheering crowds in India, a few days of pure music bliss. This platform helped us create several new relationships with the indie scene and we slowly came to understand the gaps these talented artists face leading to the culmination of Bacardí House Party Sessions, an avenue for independent artists to create, develop and promote their music with the benefit of every resource possible and mentorship. Yet, of all of our properties, the one that remains closest to our hearts, will have to be Bacardí NH7 Weekender. We take immense pride in having built one of the most anticipated music festivals in the Indian calendar, or better yet, one of the happiest music festivals. This year, we’re celebrating a decade of Bacardí NH7 Weekender, one of the first, large scale music festivals India had ever seen. When we see the online excitement leading up to the Weekender, the crowds lining up to enter and audiences singing along to indie artists, it’s worth far more than any measurable outcome. Q. Bacardí was one of the first few brands in our country to leverage music as a marketing strategy. Tell me how has this played out – how has using music benefited the brand so far? From Bacardí Blast to Bacardí NH7 Weekender, music is truly entrenched in Bacardí’s DNA and we understand that building equity takes years of both consistent interest and investment, and seeing real impact requires long-term assessment. When we look at the benefits from campaigns such as Bacardí House Party Sessions, we see the rise in brand uplift scores and based on our brand surveys, over 80% of Bacardí NH7 Weekender attendees have a strong brand recall and resonate with the fact that Bacardí stands for great musical experiences. The increase in engagement that we’ve been garnering on digital platforms, the artist’s familiarity across regions and sheer audience love at BNH7 Weekender, where these songs are sung along within a week of their release, are a testament to our efforts and investments. Q. Do you think music has been a great alternative for AlcoBev brands in India? How do you see the category using it now v/s when you began? In the last 5-6 years, there has been a surge of AlcoBev brands in India associating with music. Music knows no boundaries and increasingly, brands are starting to latch on to this emerging trend because it allows them to communicate to a wider target audience. This began in the late 2000s with the outbreak of several sponsored music festivals and events cropping up across the region. However, brands have long moved beyond mere sponsorships and are now engaging with the community by curating meaningful experiences. Workshops, panel discussions and intimate house gigs are a few of the prominent mediums that brands have employed. Some have even gone further to facilitate long-term collaborations directly with artists building creative brand narratives through these artists’ voices. For Bacardí itself, music was never just a tool, but a means for us to give back to our audiences. Our approach has consistently been to engage and uplift the music community and our consumers, leading up to our most recent and focused campaign BHPS. It is a platform that identifies artists with a unique sound, followed by a dedicated team that works with them right from production to marketing. From our experience, right from Bacardí Blast and Bacardí NH7 Weekender, to Bacardí House Party Sessions, we have realised that music opens avenues for brands to own a space and host global platforms that resonate with consumers over a long time. Q. Do you think Bacardí was able to create a niche by focusing specifically on independent music? While we’re not the only brand to work with independent musicians, with Bacardí House Party Sessions, we are unique in the way that we help artists scale their careers. We work only with emerging artists year on year, giving them the right exposure and opportunity, allowing them to break through in a much shorter time frame. We identify artists who we feel have a unique sound, followed by a dedicated team that works with them to create, curate and promote their music. We also give them an opportunity to work with and learn from the best in the industry. This year, we had mentors like Amit Trivedi, Benny Dayal and Mohini Dey on board, who help the artists craft their music better. Bacardí supports the artist from the moment the music is penned, to the point where people sing along to their songs, from the production of their music to the promotion of the videos we helped create. This approach has helped us create a niche not only within independent music but also as an enabler of a community that requires resources, recognition and mentorship. That’s where we feel that we have bridged the gaps just nudging the undeniable talent that already exists in our country. Q. How are these associations being leveraged digitally, considering the restrictions placed on alcohol marketing in India? India is a challenging market, one that encourages us to find innovative and interesting ways to connect with our consumers. Bacardí functions on a unique content-creator model wherein we work with artists like comedians, dancers and musicians, and allow them to curate their content while keeping our brand ethos in mind, which is ‘Do what moves you’. This encourages the artists to do their thing, without fear of interference from the brand. Digitally, this approach works well with audiences who identify with our campaigns much more, when the artist is the hero of the story. It ensures that our content is original and more relevant, especially for millennial viewers. BHPS itself has taken off entirely through a digital approach lately. A combination of both mediums (digital and on-ground) is what we believe will really sustain our work.

How Keeping Music at the Heart of Bacardi’s Identity Helped it Create Strong Brand Recall

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The GOP majority in the House is hanging by a thread as another lawmaker leaves early.</li><li>Several departing members have cited GOP dysfunction and infighting as their last straw.</li></ul>The narrow majority House Republicans have enjoyed this session is dwindling by the day.Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, one of the few Republicans to object to the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mayorkas-biden-immigration-migrants-us-mexico-border-trump-gop-impeachment-2024-2">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, announced on Friday that he'd leave Congress before his term is complete, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://pressgallery.house.gov/member-data/casualty-list">House Press Gallery</a>. In a statement, Gallagher said he'd leave office on April 19.In recent months, several other Republican House members have also announced that they'd be leaving. Some cited dysfunction within the Republican Party as the reason for their decision."This place just keeps going downhill, and I don't need to spend my time here," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ken-buck-house-downhill-retirement-gop-turmoil-congress-2024-3">Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado</a> said earlier this month following his announcement that he was stepping down effective March 22. The representative was elected to office in 2014.Buck's departure followed announcements from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-republican-retirements-mark-green-majority-chaos-2024-2">multiple Republican committee chairs</a> — Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, and Rep. Kay Granger of Texas — that they, too, were leaving Congress.Remaining and departing members have complained about political gridlock and a lack of productivity this session. The Republican majority <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-republicans-made-history-motion-vacate-censure-expulsion-2023-12#the-most-censures-in-one-year-since-1870-2">censured three Democratic lawmakers</a> and saw <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-motion-to-vacate-threat-republicans-2024-3">upheaval</a> with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-republicans-made-history-motion-vacate-censure-expulsion-2023-12#the-first-time-a-speaker-has-been-successfully-removed-by-a-motion-to-vacate-1">ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>. There was also a fair amount of political theater around the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-santos-expelled-congress-what-happens-next-2023-11">expulsion of GOP Rep. George Santos of New York</a>, whose departure opened a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-santos-special-election-tom-suozzi-mazi-pilip-santos-2024-2">potential seat for Democrats</a> in 2024.After the 2022 election cycle, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/election-results-republicans-blaming-trump-2022-midterm-no-red-wave-2022-11">GOP expected a</a> "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/election-results-republicans-blaming-trump-2022-midterm-no-red-wave-2022-11">red wave</a>" but only <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-results-us-house-of-representatives-midterm-elections-2022-11">won the House majority</a> by nine seats. While both parties have seen departures this session, Republicans are now just one seat away from losing that majority altogether.

The Republican majority in the House will soon be down to just 1 vote

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Kat Torres, an Instagram influencer, was sentenced to 8 years in prison, according to the BBC.</li><li>Torres posed as a wellness guru, but over 20 women claim to have been scammed or exploited by her.</li></ul>Kat Torres, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-do-instagram-influencers-make-money">an Instagram influencer</a>, was sentenced to eight years in a Brazilian prison for the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/human-trafficking-in-the-us-facts-statistics-2019-7">human trafficking</a> and slavery of a woman, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cydvj6951dyo">according to the BBC.</a>An investigation by BBC Eye and BBC News Brasil also revealed additional charges against her concerning a second Brazilian woman.Both women were reported missing in September 2022, prompting an FBI search that ultimately led to the downfall of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/creator-economy-social-media-platforms-meta-youtube-instagram-tiktok-2022-12">social media star,</a> the BBC reported.According to the BBC, Torres had gone from living in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-rio-favelas-beyond-the-map-2016-8">Brazillian favela</a> to partying with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leonardo-dicaprio-most-trusted-climate-authority-2023-7">Leonardo DiCaprio</a> and other A-listers.She had more than a million Instagram followers.However, beneath the glitz and glamour of her social media presence, her victims claim they were subjected to coercion and sexual exploitation.Ana, a victim of Torres who was not one of the missing women, told the BBC: "She was on the cover of magazines. She was seen with famous people such as Leonardo DiCaprio. Everything I saw seemed credible."In her biography, Torres said she had suffered a violent childhood, had been in an abusive relationship, and moved to the US alone, the BBC reported. There, she built a life for herself as a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/signs-wellness-influencer-is-shady-untrustworthy-2022-9">wellness influencer.</a>According to the BBC, her wellness website and subscription service promised customers the "love, money, and self-esteem that you always dreamed of," with self-help videos offering advice on relationships and spirituality.But according to the BBC, Ana and other followers said taking Torres' advice led to them becoming increasingly isolated from family and friends.The outlet reported that Torres asked Ana to move to New York in 2019 and work as her live-in assistant, helping with her animals, cooking, laundry, and cleaning.When she arrived, however, she told the BBC that the apartment didn't match the glamour of the influencer's online presence.She claimed to the news outlet that she slept on a couch covered in cat urine and was only allowed to sleep for a few hours at a time so as to be available for Torres."Now, I see that she was using me as a slave… she had satisfaction in it," Ana told the outlet, adding that she was never paid for her work.According to the BBC, Torres is also accused of convincing Letícia Maia, also from Brazil, who was 14 when she first started sessions with Torres, to move to the US for an au pair program before dropping out to live with her.Desirrê Freitas, a Brazilian woman living in Germany, also went to live with her.Freitas says Torres bought her plane ticket to the US from Germany. She told the outlet that she was pressured into <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/exotic-dancers-sue-strip-club-100k-forced-give-up-tips-2024-4">working in a strip club,</a> and was threatened with needing to repay Torres for the flights, accommodation, and other expenses if she didn't comply.According to the investigation, Freitas and a third Brazilian woman, identified only as Sol, said Torres kept their money, banned them from speaking to each other, and required them to seek permission to leave their rooms, even to use the bathroom.Freitas told the BBC that Torres later tried to persuade her to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sex-work-linkedin-arielle-egozi-essay-2022-10">become a sex worker.</a> Though she initially refused, she said she eventually gave in, per the new outlet.In an interview with the Brazilian news outlet <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://oglobo-globo-com.translate.goog/brasil/noticia/2023/10/28/experiencia-aterrorizante-vitima-da-coach-kat-torres-diz-que-era-obrigada-a-fazer-programa-com-ricacos-nos-eua-e-revela-como-era-ameacada-e-manipulada.ghtml?_x_tr_sl=pt&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=sc">O Globo</a>, Freitas claimed Torres convinced her to remove her IUD so she could get pregnant with a wealthy client.She also said she was told to do whatever was necessary to make money, which included using drugs to satisfy clients, per O Globo.According to the BBC, the women said they weren't allowed into the house if they didn't meet Torres's earning quotas, which rose from $1,000 to $3,000 daily, leading Freitas to sleep on the street several times.Bank statements reviewed by the BBC showed Freitas transferred more than $21,000 to Torres's account in June and July 2022. She said she paid even more in cash.In September 2022, friends and family of Freitas and Maia in Brazil launched social media campaigns to find them, fearing they might have been murdered.The Instagram page @searchingDesirrê started to gain attention, including coverage in the Brazilian media.According to the BBC, Ana saw the news stories and contacted law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.In November 2022, police convinced Torres and the other women to attend an in-person welfare check, per the BBC.The detective who questioned them told the outlet that he and his colleagues spotted a number of red flags immediately. By December 2022, the women were safely returned to Brazil.When the BBC interviewed Torres in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brazil-prison-riot-kills-52-with-16-decapitated-2019-7">a Brazilian prison</a> in April, she was adamant that she had never coerced anyone."You choose to believe whatever you choose to believe," she told the outlet. "I can tell you I'm Jesus. And you can see Jesus, or you can see the devil, that's it. It's your choice. It's your mind."According to the BBC, more than 20 women have reported being scammed or exploited by Torres.

An Instagram influencer who partied with Leonardo DiCaprio got 8 years in prison for human trafficking: report

New Delhi [India], September 18 (ANI): The five-day special session of Parliament is all set to begin on Monday during which the parliamentary proceedings will shift from the old to the adjacent new state-of-the-art building on September 19. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs <keyword id="221548" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pralhad-joshi" source="Orion">Pralhad Joshi</keyword> on Sunday stated that the Session will provide 5 sittings spread over a period of 5 days, besides informing that eight legislative items are likely to be taken up during this session. "Parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha - achievements, experiences, memories and learnings" will also be discussed. On Sunday, Vice President <keyword id="7889551" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jagdeep-dhankhar" source="Orion">Jagdeep Dhankhar</keyword> hoisted the national flag atop "Gaja Dwar" of the new Parliament building. <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword> Speaker Om Birla was also present on the occasion. The Special Session of the Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22. After weeks of no information about the agenda, the government last week announced an agenda that included bills to be taken up for consideration and a discussion on "Parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha - achievements, experiences, memories and learnings". Earlier, on Sunday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Joshi requested all parties for active cooperation and support for the smooth functioning of the two Houses of Parliament. The meeting of all the floor leaders of political parties in the Parliament was attended by various ministers including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also Leader of the House in <keyword id="48510" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="Orion">Rajya Sabha</keyword>, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Union Minister V Muraleedharan and 51 leaders from 34 parties. Joshi shared with leaders that there would be a photo session from 10.00 am to 10.45 am on September 19, 2023, followed by a function in the Central Hall starting at 11.00 am which will be graced by the Vice-President/Chairman, Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Leader of Largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha and the Members of both the Houses of Parliament. After the conclusion of the function in the Central Hall, both Houses will meet in their respective Chambers in the New Parliament House. The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. Meanwhile, four bills including a bill to regulate the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are part of the legislative business of the government for the session. Apart from the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, introduced in Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session on August 10, the list includes 'The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023' and 'The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023', already passed by Rajya Sabha on August 3. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 amends the Advocates Act, 1961, while the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 repeals the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. Besides, 'The Post Office Bill, 2023' has also been listed in the Lok Sabha business. The bill was earlier introduced in Rajya Sabha on 10 August 2023 and it repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. (ANI)

Special session of Parliament set to begin today

<ul><li>Four bills including a bill to regulate the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner are part of the legislative business.</li><li>The list includes ‘The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023’ and ‘The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023’.</li><li>The announcement of the <keyword id="470217" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="special-session" source="Orion">Special Session</keyword> came as a surprise in political circles</li></ul> Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> said on Monday that this <keyword id="6354721" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="parliament" source="Orion">Parliament</keyword> session may be short in duration but is big on occasion, and is of "historic decisions". He urged all lawmakers to give maximum time to the special session of Parliament. "I urge all members to give maximum time to this special session of Parliament." "This Parliament session may be small in duration but is big on occasion, it is a session of historic developments," he added. In his remarks to the media ahead of the five-day session, Modi highlighted India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, the "unprecedented" success of its G20 presidency, the launch of 'PM Vishwakarma Mission' and inauguration of convention centre Yashobhoomi, asserting that many developments which have inspired the country and filled it with pride have taken place. There is an atmosphere of festivity and enthusiasm, and the country has been filled with renewed self-confidence, he said, asking parliamentarians to give maximum time to the short session. In an apparent reference to frequent protests by opposition members during previous sessions, often leading to disruptions of proceedings, Modi hoped everyone will shed shortcomings and carry the goodness as they move into the new building of Parliament on Ganesh Chaturthi on Tuesday. The Parliament session begins Monday and will end on Friday. On the Parliament's agenda On Sunday, the meeting of all the floor leaders of political parties in the Parliament was attended by various ministers including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also Leader of the House in <keyword id="48510" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="Orion">Rajya Sabha</keyword>, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Union Minister V Muraleedharan and 51 leaders from 34 parties. There is a photo session scheduled from 10.00 am to 10.45 am on September 19, 2023, followed by a function in the Central Hall starting at 11.00 am which will be graced by the Vice-President/Chairman, Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, Speaker, <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword>, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Leader of Largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha and the Members of both the Houses of Parliament. After the conclusion of the function in the Central Hall, both Houses will meet in their respective Chambers in the New Parliament House. The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. Bills that may come up Meanwhile, four bills including a bill to regulate the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are part of the legislative business of the government for the session. Apart from the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, introduced in Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session on August 10, the list includes ‘The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023’ and ‘The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023’, already passed by Rajya Sabha on August 3. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 amends the Advocates Act, 1961, while the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 repeals the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. Besides, ‘The Post Office Bill, 2023’ has also been listed in the Lok Sabha business. The bill was earlier introduced in Rajya Sabha on 10 August 2023 and it repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. (With text inputs from IANS, PTI and ANI)

PM Modi says Parliament's session may be short but 'big on occasion' — schedule and what's on the agenda

New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): The Monsoon session of <keyword id="6354721" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="parliament" source="Orion">Parliament</keyword> begins on Thursday amidst outrage over the situation in <keyword id="6359754" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manipur" source="Orion">Manipur</keyword> with the Opposition demanding a statement from the Prime Minister of India. Parliamentary Affairs Minister <keyword id="145705" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="prahlad-joshi" source="Orion">Prahlad Joshi</keyword> has said that 31 bills will be taken up in the monsoon session. Among these include the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. Other important legislations that are expected to be taken up in the Session are the Bill to replace the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, promulgated in May this year. The ordinance deals with the control of services in Delhi and was promulgated after the Supreme Court verdict on an appeal by the Delhi government. Parliamentary Affairs Minister yesterday said that 34 parties and 44 leaders participated in the all-party meeting convened by the government for smooth conduct of the monsoon session which will continue to till August 11 and will have 17 sittings. Other Bills on the agenda of the government include Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019; DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019; Mediation Bill, 2021; Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 ; Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022; Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022; Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023; Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023; Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Himachal Pradesh); Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Chhattisgarh); Postal Services Bill, 2023; National Cooperative University Bill, 2023; and Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The list also includes International Monetary Fund and Bank Bill, 2023; Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023 18; the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023; National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023; Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill, 2023; Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023; <keyword id="6357972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jammu" source="Orion">Jammu</keyword> and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023; Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023. Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2023; National Research Foundation Bill, 2023; Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 are also among the 31 bills on the agenda of the government. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, was approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this month. This government had withdrawn Personal Data Protection Bill from Parliament in August last and said that it will come up with a fresh bill. Supreme Court had ruled in 2017 that privacy is a fundamental right and the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, is a crucial pillar of the overarching framework of technology regulations being framed by the Centre. The previous version of the bill had come after an extensive consultation process with a Joint Parliamentary Committee also examining it. The government has held another round of consultations to frame the new bill. The Bill to replace the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, seeks to establish the National Capital Civil Services Authority, which consists of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Principal Home Secretary of Delhi. The Authority will make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) regarding transfers and postings of officials and disciplinary matters. While the government is expected to give push to its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties have planned to raise several issues including Manipur violence, railway safety, unemployment, inflation, India-China border standoff and trade imbalance between the two countries. Pralhad Joshi said the government has sought the Opposition's support in the smooth functioning of the Parliament during the Monsoon Session. "The government is ready to discuss all issues in the Monsoon Session. We have appealed to the Opposition parties to support in the smooth functioning of the Parliament," Joshi said after the all-party meeting yesterday. Some of the parties have planned to move an adjournment motion over Manipur violence among other issues on day one of the Parliament's Monsoon Session today. The opposition insisted that the discussion should take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress on Wednesday said that the party will raise Manipur violence during the session. "Today, in the beginning (of the meeting), I kept my point. Our first issue is the violence in Manipur. Prime Minister should come and answer in Parliament. We will bring adjourment motion over the matter tomorrow," Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary said after attending the all-party meeting. <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword> Speaker Om Birla also chaired a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee ahead of the session. He said, leaders of all parties have assured cooperation in the proceedings of the House. (ANI)

Parliament Monsoon session begins today; 31 bills likely to be taken up

The government is expected to propose amendments to the competition law after taking into consideration various suggestions of a Parliamentary panel, in the upcoming <keyword id="105431" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget-session" source="Orion">Budget session</keyword> of <keyword id="6354721" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="parliament" source="Orion">Parliament</keyword>, according to a senior official. Besides, discussions are going on with respect to amendments to the <keyword id="6354456" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code" source="Orion">Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code</keyword> (<keyword id="192838" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ibc" source="Orion">IBC</keyword>) as well as the Companies Act, 2013. The official also said that the corporate affairs ministry is examining a Parliamentary panel's suggestions for having a new digital competition law. The ministry is implementing the Competition Act, IBC and the Companies Act, and amendments to these laws are expected this year. A bill to amend the competition law was introduced in Parliament on August 5 last year and was later referred to the <keyword id="403206" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="parliamentary-standing-committee-on-finance" source="Orion">Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance</keyword>. The panel tabled its report on December 13 last year and the ministry will now be coming up with an amendment bill after taking into consideration various recommendations of the committee. The senior official said the bill to amend the competition law is expected in the <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword> session of Parliament. The introduction of a 'Settlement and Commitment framework to reduce litigations' and incentivising parties in an ongoing cartel investigation in terms of lesser penalty to disclose information regarding other cartels were among the proposals in the bill that was introduced in August last year. In its report, the Parliamentary panel recommended various changes to the bill to amend the competition law, including bringing cartels under the scope of settlements as a "pragmatic recourse". The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 with President <keyword id="2848422" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="droupadi-murmu" source="Orion">Droupadi Murmu</keyword>'s address to the joint sitting of <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword> and <keyword id="48510" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="Orion">Rajya Sabha</keyword>. The session will have 27 sittings and will continue till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on February 14 and after a break, reconvene on March 12. In another report on 'Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech Companies', the Parliamentary panel, on December 22, proposed a new digital competition law, ex-ante regulations and the creation of a category of systemically important digital intermediaries to curb anti-competitive practices in the digital market. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/i-belong-to-middle-class-understand-their-pressures-sitharaman-before-budget/articleshow/97031282.cms">I belong to middle class, understand their pressures: Sitharaman before Budget</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/over-5-4-lakh-housing-units-to-be-completed-across-top-7-cities-in-2023-anarock-report/articleshow/97029912.cms">Over 5.4 lakh housing units to be completed across top 7 cities in 2023: Anarock report</a>

Amendments to competition law likely in Budget session

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tennessee House GOPs are trying to expel Democrats who protested gun violence during a session.</li><li>One of the Reps called out past legislator who have done worse but were not immediately punished. </li></ul>Tennessee House Republicans have begun the process of kicking three Democratic House members out of their positions for "disorderly behavior" after the trio led an anti-gun protest on the House floor last week. One of the lawmakers facing expulsion told Insider that past legislators in the Tennessee House have done much worse than what they did but were not immediately punished for their actions. "It's unprecedented because we have had disruptions bigger than that where no one was even reprimanded," Rep. Gloria Johnson told Insider Tuesday.Johnson brought up the case of <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2019/02/20/david-byrd-tennessee-allegations/2927612002/">former Rep. David Byrd, who was accused by three adult women of sexually assaulting them when they were teenagers</a>. <a href="https://fox17.com/news/local/accused-tennessee-lawmaker-david-byrd-reverses-will-seek-reelection">The Associated Press reported in 2020</a> that Byrd apologized to one accuser in a 2018 phone call, but denied accusations from other women.Johnson said House legislators "helped re-elect" him "for years," despite the accusations."I had a resolution to oust him, and they said, 'Well, we really can't support that because his voters sent him here knowing that,'" she said.She also called out a lawmaker <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/22/tennessee-house-gop-anonymous-twitter-account-pee-on-chair-andy-holt-rick-tillis-chbmole/2066321001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who was accused of peeing in the seat of another legislator</a>, saying that no one was punished. The lawmaker accused of urinating on the seat has denied the allegations.Johnson said that before showing up to the Capitol on Monday, Johnson, along with Democratic Reps Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, had their badge access to the building and the garage cut off."I knew we were breaking a House rule, and I know there is a consequence for breaking a House rule," Johnson told Insider. "But the idea that it would be expulsion when the only two expulsions in modern history were people who committed serious crimes is just outrageous."<div type="image" title="Rep. Justin Pearson, Rep. Justin Jones, Rep. Gloria Johnson People hold their hands up as they exit the House Chamber doors at the Tennessee State Capitol Building, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. April 3, 2023." height="3708" width="4944" msid="99250308" hostid="261" sizebytes="1907080"></div>Tennessee's speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.When asked why Johnson thought she, Jones, and Pearson were being targeted, Johnson said it was because "I broke a house rule and spoke without permission." "We are the three most vocal and progressive members in the caucus, I would imagine. That's exactly why," Johnson said. <h2>Three Democratic representatives protested gun violence in the wake of a school shooting </h2>During Thursday's House session, Johnson, Jones, and Pearson approached the floor's podium between bills and began shouting without getting permission to speak, which is prohibited in the House, <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/03/tennessee-republicans-file-resolutions-to-expel-three-democrats-who-led-gun-reform-chants-on-house-f/70078002007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Tennesseean reported</a>. They also led protestors in the chamber's galleries in chants demanding gun reform.The House floor protest came just three days after a shooter opened fire at The Covenant School in Nashville, killing three elementary school students and three adult faculty members. At a Monday evening session, House Republicans <a href="https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HR0065.pdf">introduced three</a> <a href="https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HR0063.pdf">nearly identical</a> <a href="https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HR0064.pdf">expulsion resolutions</a> to remove Johnson, Jones, and Pearson from their House seats, with the support of the state's Constitution, which states that "Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member," according to the text of the resolutions. The resolutions argued that Johnson, Jones, and Pearson "did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions." The resolutions said the trio "gathered" and began "shouting without resolution" at 10:49 a.m. and carried on until 11:42 a.m.Johnson told Insider that she and her colleagues only spoke on the floor during the session for about 20 seconds, at which point the House leadership quickly called a recess. She said they remained standing at the well for approximately 10 minutes while the House remained in recess. She said that her group was prepared to take their seats when leadership called them into the clerk's office to talk. At that point, rumors were already flying that leadership wanted to expel the trio, Johnson said. The resolutions argued that Johnson, Jones, and Pearson "shouted, pounded on the podium, led chants with citizens in the gallery, and generally engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, including refusing to leave the well, sitting on the podium, and utilizing a sign displaying a political message." The resolutions also accused Jones and Pearson of using a bullhorn to "amplify their protestations." The three resolutions passed along party lines with a 72-23 vote, the Tennesseean reported.<div type="image" title="Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, standing with Rep. Justin Pearson and Rep. Gloria Johnson, calls on his colleagues to pass gun control legislation from the well of the House Chambers during the legislative session" height="3333" width="4444" msid="99250309" hostid="261" sizebytes="2780144"></div>"Every expulsion has been overwhelming bipartisan with a majority of the votes on both sides. This will be a partisan vote," Johnson said.Final votes on the decision to remove the three representatives will occur at Thursday's session, and each will have the opportunity to defend their actions. <h2>Johnson thinks there are 'common sense things we can do to prevent some of this gun violence'</h2>Johnson told Insider that she believes more gun safety laws need to be in place. She said that she has twice introduced legislation for red flag laws in the state, but she was unsuccessful both times.She has also brought a bill on the safe storage of guns because "many of these shooters have gotten guns from someone else who didn't store them safely." "There needs to be consequences for that," Johnson said. She wants universal background checks — "perhaps enhanced background checks," she said — for all gun buyers "so that we are certain guns are not getting in the hands of people that don't need them." Johnson said that "beefing up security" at schools isn't the solution. They have to stop the guns from getting to the schools to begin with, she said. "I want to stop the guns before they ever get to the schoolhouse doors," Johnson told Insider. "I want to prevent guns from getting into the schoolhouse doors. Not ready for a war when they get there. Let's keep them from ever getting there. We can do that."

A Tennessee legislator facing expulsion from the House for protesting gun violence during a session says other lawmakers have done much worse and weren't immediately punished

<ul><li>As alcohol brads cannot advertise on traditional mediums, many of them have heavily depended on on-ground activations, comedy gigs or music shows to connect with their audiences.</li><li>Bacardi is one brand that has built a lot of its <keyword id="6354839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marketing" source="Orion">marketing</keyword> around these live events in the past.</li><li>So how did the brand re-calibrate, once the pandemic hit? <keyword id="11121509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="zeenah-vilcassim" source="Orion">Zeenah Vilcassim</keyword>, Marketing Director, <keyword id="300876" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bacardi-india" source="Orion">Bacardi India</keyword> tells us.</li></ul>As live events came to a screeching halt after 2020’s pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, brands that depended on live events and on-ground activations needed to completely re-think their <keyword id="852798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marketing-strategies" source="Orion">marketing strategies</keyword>. Bacardi is one brand that has, in the past, heavily depended on live events and music shows. With the pandemic, the brand, like many others, had to transform the way it reaches out to its consumers. From lively offline events, the brand pivoted to offline events, adding innovation and technology to create <keyword id="9084093" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="virtual-events" source="Orion">virtual events</keyword> that could make a similar impact like the old, physical events. We speak to Zeenah Vilcassim, Marketing Director, Bacardi India to understand how the brand re-calibrated its marketing to stay relevant in this new world order and what its areas of focus will be, to continue being an important part of its consumer’s lives. Excerpts: Q) How have the last 1.5 years been for you as a brand? The past 1.5 years hasn’t been easy on any of us but it has helped us refocus on our priorities. Being a family-owned company, our priority during such a challenging time was, and is, the health, safety, and well-being of our employees and the people within the communities we operate in. When the pandemic initially hit, we supported the supply of sanitizers, producing 400,000 gallons through our local productions facilities in India and around the world. Whilst it seems like there might be light at the end of the tunnel we know that mental health issues can lag and hit you at any time so we continue to support our primos (the Spanish word for cousinsm), and their families, with free access to confidential counselling, an informational service helpline, and an internal emergency helpline. Whilst this base was so important for us to support and cover we also continued to try and innovate within the marketing space. In the face of the pandemic restrictions and rapidly changing consumer behaviour, we’ve had to rethink our marketing strategies and alter our brand-led properties at an equal pace. In many cases we had to completely rethink our marketing models but more on that later… Q) For a brand that has relied so much on live events, how did you need to recalibrate, rethink your strategies? How were you communicating with your consumers during the initial months of the pandemic? With safety as our top priority, live events were obviously out of the question. Interestingly, consumer behaviour changed significantly, and they were keen to explore new avenues and platforms for experiences. We explored new consumption trends and innovative formats to stay relevant. At-home leisure activities expanded and covered a whole gamut of entertainment and learning new skills. At the same time, virtual became the mainstay for all of us, and we were keen to recreate pre-COVID experiences on digital platforms. We understood evolving consumer needs and helped them creatememorable moments. We listened to what our consumers wanted and delivered that, during the first year of the lockdown consumers were really missing the bar experience so we launched the Doers Home Edit, bringing the bar cocktail experience to consumers’ homes with a bartender and everything that is expected in a bar. Keeping our consumers curious and engaged. We pride ourselves on being leaders in creating culturally relevant experiences so there came a point where we knew we had to go further than ‘just another’ virtual experience. To take things to the next level we created an AP virtual immersive 3D island. We transported people across 25 different countries to our Caribbean paradise – an ode to brand BACARDI’s roots. The highlight for the fans was the ability to enjoy a complete sensory experience through spatial audio and personalized avatars. The pandemic has brought drastic shifts in our lives, some trends and platforms might be quick fads and some might be here to stay. We will continue listening to the consumers, anticipatetheir needs, and truly adding value – all with a little bit of creative rebellion of course! Q) What are some new formats you've explored to engage with your audience? During the initial days of the lockdown, we started with virtual mixology sessions across brands such as BACARDÍ, DEWAR'S and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, helping consumers indulge in some of their favourite cocktails from the comfort of their homes. Then proceeded to virtual concerts and weekend gigs such as BACARDÍ #HappyAtHome Sessions. We also encouraged consumers to add a dance twist to their daily chores through BREEZER'S #BreezerShuffle Campaign. Eventually, we shifted large-format activations to the digital realm, like Casa BACARDÍ moved to Lemonade Social last year and then came alive in a 3D virtual avatar this year. The happiest music festival, BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender, also went live digitally. BREEZER Vivid Shuffle, India's biggest hip-hop league, was held virtually too. In its milestone 5th season, it was launched online this August but as a hybrid model where online and on-ground will merge seamlessly together. Q) Things are slowly opening up now. What is your revival plan? We’ve been extremely agile through these changing and challenging times, continuously tuned in to consumer needs and preferences. It has helped us maintain our human connect. Since we’ve been very active across our brands it mitigated the need for a drastic revival plan. Apart from hosting content and campaigns digitally, we’ve also held some on-ground experiences where possible. For instance, last year, the Casa BACARDÍ – Halloween Staycation was curated at Abode Bombay for select guests by following all COVID safety protocols. We were able to host a quintessential BACARDÍ experience with no holds barred and curated fun content. Our platforms remain the same it’s just the channel in which we communicate will be fluid. We will continue to work this way and cater to the dynamic consumer demands and explore newer innovative formats. Q) Has content marketing become a more important tool for you as a brand in these last 1.5 years? Content has always been a core marketing tool for us at Bacardi and even more so lately as it transcends geographical and physical boundaries. We've consistently built culturally relevant conversations across our brands with influential and passionate people. It’s important for us to not overly invest in one specific channel or mode of communication as we know real people have multiple media touchpoints throughout the day. It’s important to understand this journey, what is the most effective channel mix, and how do we adapt our messaging or content to add value in each channel. Multi-channel media marketing can be hard in a dark market but we will always work with the regulation to be both responsible and effective at the same time. Q) BACARDÍ and music have gone hand-in-hand for years. Apart from the properties that you have built over the years, are there plans of coming up with more music properties? Brand BACARDÍ has earned the right to participate within the music space in the country with its dedicated efforts. BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender has been the happiest music festival for over a decade now. BACARDÍ Sessions, launched as BACARDÍ House Party Sessions, has also provided a platform for many budding artists and opened up avenues for artists across dance and art last year. It has also curated fun content and weekend concerts like #HappyAtHome Sessions and #PassTheBeat, where artists across 4 countries literally passed a beat virtually. Globally, the brand launched an exciting new edition of ‘Conga’ earlier this year, enabling consumers across the world to participate. We take great pride in each of these platforms and the way they’ve supported artists and brought new experiences to audiences, and we’ll keep building more such avenues across cultural pillars, keeping our consumers at the core. Q) From a marketer perspective, are there a few things that have changed forever for brand Bacardi in this new world order? Going ahead, what will be your broad marketing strategy to build a deeper connect with your consumers? It is indeed a new world order, but it hasn’t changed our core pillars; instead, it has instilled more faith in our purpose and human-centric approach. Brand and businesses tend to panic in crisis and make drastic changes. True brands that can stand the test of time should have courage in their convictions and believe in what they have always communicated. Sure, you’ll always have to adapt to your context, but for Bacardi it’s about staying the course and in moments of uncertainty. People will remember brands for being true to what they have always stood for. Going ahead, we’ll continue to focus on real people, their preferences and aspirations, and strengthen our brands’ stronghold in culture.

We continuously tuned in to our consumer needs and preferences, it helped us maintain our human connect during the tough times: Zeenah Vilcassim, Bacardi India

You Searched For "Bacardi House Party Sessions" and got 12 results

Discussions on Union Budget, Budget for Jammu and Kashmir to continue in Parliament today

ANI

At Diddy's A-list 'white parties,' naked women were a staple — but that didn't seem to raise eyebrows at the time

Natalie Musumeci

Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?

Ira Alok Puranik

How Keeping Music at the Heart of Bacardi’s Identity Helped it Create Strong Brand Recall

Karuna Sharma

The Republican majority in the House will soon be down to just 1 vote

Katie Balevic

An Instagram influencer who partied with Leonardo DiCaprio got 8 years in prison for human trafficking: report

Joshua Nelken-Zitser

Special session of Parliament set to begin today

ANI

PM Modi says Parliament's session may be short but 'big on occasion' — schedule and what's on the agenda

BI India Bureau

Parliament Monsoon session begins today; 31 bills likely to be taken up

ANI

Amendments to competition law likely in Budget session

PTI

A Tennessee legislator facing expulsion from the House for protesting gun violence during a session says other lawmakers have done much worse and weren't immediately punished

Rebecca Cohen

We continuously tuned in to our consumer needs and preferences, it helped us maintain our human connect during the tough times: Zeenah Vilcassim, Bacardi India

Samarpita Banerjee

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides