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CM Himanta takes note of Assam Pollution Control Board’s blanket ban on firecrackers, says it is under review afresh

OpIndia Staff
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CM Himanta takes note of Assam Pollution Control Board’s blanket ban on firecrackers, says it is under review afresh

On October 25, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took note of the recent order of the Assam Pollution Control Board in which it has imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers and allowed only green fireworks, that too for two hours, on Diwali.

In a Tweet, Sarma said, “Assam Pollution Control Board has, reportedly, suo motu, without any consultation with Govt, issued an order banning the sale of firecrackers & other restrictions. We’ve taken note of this. The entire issue is being reviewed afresh, holistically, keeping people’s sentiments in mind.”

The ban imposed by Assam Pollution Control Board

The Pollution Control Board of Assam had passed an order on October 22 in which it has imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers on Diwali. Notably, as per the orders, only green fireworks were allowed to be burst, that too in the time frame of two hours set by the board. As per the orders, the festivities could run between 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali. Similarly, for Chatt Puja, firecrackers were allowed between 6 AM to 8 AM and for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.

The board used the powers conferred under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, along with Rule 35 of Air (Prevention & Control Pollution) Assam Rule, 1991. The order stated, “Keeping in view the need of public interest to curb high air pollution, Pollution Control Board, Assam directs that a complete ban has been imposed on bursting and sale of all kinds of firecrackers except green crackers in the state till further orders.”

The order further read, “Only green crackers can be sold, and bursting is allowed only for two hours during Diwali from 8 PM to 10 PM, during Chhath Puja from 6 AM to 8 AM and during Christmas and New Year’s Eve from 11:55 PM to 12:30 PM. Other than the above-specified festivals, prior permission of the concerned Deputy Commissioners of the districts will be required for the use of only green crackers for a limited period (not more than two hours) in the state of Assam.” As per the orders, if anyone wants to burst firecrackers other than the specified festivals, they would have to take permission from the concerned Deputy Commissioners of the districts.

The continuous attack on Hindu festival Diwali

For the last few years, governments, pollution boards, NGT and judiciary have taken extreme steps against Diwali on the pretext that fireworks cause maximum pollution on the day of the festival and allegedly cause health problems. Several so-called celebrities and intellectuals have asked their followers not to burst fireworks.

However, according to studies, fireworks are not the main cause of pollution, especially in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and other states. Studies blamed construction dust, vehicular pollution and stubble burning as top causes of pollution. Interestingly, one of the studies that was conducted by IIT refusing to blame fireworks for pollution in Delhi was categorically refused by the Supreme Court even though the study was conducted by the experts.

Delhi govt sold 635 MW of power in the day-trade market while crying coal and power shortage in October

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi govt sold 635 MW of power in the day-trade market while crying coal and power shortage in October

Amidst all the hue and cry over power shortage in the past few weeks, the Delhi government sold electricity days after making a scene over alleged coal and power shortage in the national capital. As per the data on power trading at two power exchanges, it was revealed that on October 20, Delhi sold 635 mW of power on the day-trade market.

While other large sellers like Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal have their own significant thermal power capacities, Delhi is the only state that made a large sale without a notable production capacity. It is noteworthy that the Union power ministry had issued a warning to the states to ensure they have enough power surplus before making any sale on the power exchange.

State governments, including Delhi, had alleged that they were heading towards a massive power blackout and the Union government was not able to prevent it.

As per a report in Business Standard, in response to the allegations, the ministry issued a warning in which it said, “It has been brought to the notice of (the) Ministry of Power that some States are not supplying power to their consumers and imposing load shedding. At the same time, they are also selling power in the power exchange at a high price.” The ministry was expressed displeasure with the states that were complaining of shortage but appeared to be selling power at the power exchange.

Delhi has less than 2 GW power generation capacity, one of the lowest in India the Business Standard report added. Despite low power generation, it was the seventh-largest seller of electricity in the all India league in August. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission released the data which says that in the month of October, Delhi was again among the top ten sellers. Though the average price at a day-ahead market is Rs.5.32, on October 20, it shot up to Rs. 20 per Kilowatt/hour.

Kejriwal’s ballooned up ‘power crisis’

In the first two weeks of October, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal made worrisome statements that the national capital might face massive power outage owing to alleged coal shortage. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. However, the union power ministry denied any such shortage of coal and said there was ample coal supply for the states. Deputy CM claimed it would be like the ‘oxygen shortage’ during Covid.

The power ministry has also stated that Delhi’s required amount of power was supplied to them and there was no shortage due to inadequate supply.

Though Sisodia categorically mentioned the oxygen crisis during Covid, he forgot the fact that SC appointed audit panel had found that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had exaggerated the oxygen requirement in the national capital by more than four times during the April-May peak period of the Covid-19 second wave.

Elon Musk’s Macrohard vs Microsoft tweet leaves Indians amused, here is what it could mean

OpIndia Staff
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Elon Musk’s Macrohard vs Microsoft tweet leaves Indians amused, here is what it could mean

On October 25, tech billionaire Elon Musk tweeted a somewhat cryptic tweet in which he wrote “Macrohard >> Microsoft” while mocking the tech-giant Microsoft. In a follow-up Tweet, he then praised the video conferencing app by Microsoft, i.e. Teams and said, “Although Teams is pretty good”. Though Elon Musk has been posting such tweets for a long time, this particular tweet cracked up the microblogging platform, especially from India.

As it sounds like the abuse word in Hindi/Punjabi, many Indians found it funny as, at first glance, they thought Musk used the cuss word. Twitter user MadBadMax wrote, “First lesson in Hindi for your firang friends be like…” He was pointing out the fact that when a foreigner tries to learn Hindi from an Indian, there is a possibility that he or she may teach them a cuss word pretending it means something innocent.

Another Twitter user, 9_t_8, called out people with a dirty mind who assumed Musk wrote a cuss word.

Twitter user Navneeth wrote with ROLF emoji that he thought Musk wrote ‘something else.

Twitter user Gautam Dayal did not hesitate in telling that what he mistook the word ‘Macrohard’ for.

Fresh Founder, another Twitter user, wondered how many people other than him thought it was a cuss word.

But what is Macrohard anyway?

There can be several references that one can see over the internet where Macrohard has been mentioned. In general, it is used as the opposite of the word Microsoft. Its usage dates back couple of decades ago. According to Urban Dictionary, it was added by a user in 2003 as opposed to the word Microsoft.

There have been numerous jokes based on the word that revolves around Microsoft. For example, a post on Reddit described Macrohard Onfire as the opposite of Microsoft Office. A bully wiki board wrote a semi-detailed version of the jokes that have been happening around Microsoft that included Macrohard Doors, Macrohard Doors Ex-Pee, Macrohard Doors Servant and more. It described Macrohard as a parody of Microsoft.

The explicit meaning

According to Urban Dictionary, the word Macrohard also has an explicit meaning. It can be referred to as ‘a large penile erection’. Interestingly, Microsoft, in urban slang terms, also means ‘a a flaccid penis’.

Musk’s ex-girlfriend used the tech joke a week ago

The former girlfriend of Musk, Claire Elise Boucher, professionally known as Grimes, had shared two photographs on Twitter with the tech joke saying, “Why to be Microsoft when u can be Macrohard?” referring to the explicit meaning of the company’s name.

Ex-girlfriend of Musk, Grimes made the tech joke on Twitter. Source: Twitter

The anniversary of Microsoft Windows XP

Twenty years ago, on October 25, 2001, Microsoft launched the very famous and long-running operating system Windows XP. It is possible that Musk might be mocking Microsoft in connection to the now-dead operating system. It has to be kept in mind that Musk joined hands with Microsoft last year. In October 2020, it was reported that Microsoft and SpaceX would be working together to expand cloud computing platforms into space.

Musk continues to be cryptic

Elon Musk, in subsequent tweets tweeted more amusing things, like the British surreal comedy troop Monty Python skit.

Followed by some more cryptic tweets.

However, it is still unclear why the eccentric businessman inadvertently sent Indians in a tizzy over Macrohard tweet.

Karnataka govt says ‘no plans to deport Rohingyas,’ seeks dismissal of PIL filed by adv Ashwini Upadhyay

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka govt says ‘no plans to deport Rohingyas,’ seeks dismissal of PIL filed by adv Ashwini Upadhyay

Responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, the Karnataka government stated that they have ‘no immediate plans to deport Rohingyas’ from the capital city of Bengaluru. 

Upadhyay had filed a writ petition seeking the Central and the state government to identify, detain and deport all illegal immigrants including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas within one year, amending laws to make illegal immigration and infiltration a cognizable non-bailable offence and declaring the making of fabricated identity cards a non-bailable offence.

‘No immediate plans’

The Karnataka government in its response to the Supreme Court has sought dismissal of the petition citing it to be ‘devoid of merits.’

It further clarified that the Bengaluru Police has ‘not housed Rohingyas in any camp or detention centres in its jurisdiction nor do they have any immediate plans to deport them.’

Karnataka government’s reply filed in SC in response to a petition. Image Source: Utkarsh Anand via Twitter

Attaching a list of the Rohingyas residing in the city limits, the state informed that as many as 72 Rohingyas have been identified who are working in various fields, however, no action has been taken against them by the police. 

‘Central govt yet to issue clear guidelines’

Responding to a question by BJP MLC Munirajugowda, the state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra in September had stated that the Central government is yet to issue clear guidelines on deporting Rohingyas settled in different parts of the country.

He further stated that the Internal Security Division has been carrying out a special campaign to identify illegal migrants from Bangladesh and that the police stations have been directed to maintain accurate details of them. 

“The government will not allow any illegal activity by foreign nationals. Police has carried out a special campaign to identify foreigners who are overstaying beyond their Visa period,” the minister had said further. 

Reportedly, a special task force has been constituted at the district level to keep a check on illegal immigrants and people offering them support. 

NDTV reports that Kashmir students were ‘attacked’ at Punjab college after India-Pak match but skips one essential detail

OpIndia Staff
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NDTV reports that Kashmir students were ‘attacked’ at Punjab college after India-Pak match but skips one essential detail

On Sunday, October 24 when India lost their first World Cup match to Pakistan, some Kashmiri students at the Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology in Sangrur, Punjab were found celebrating Pakistan’s victory. As per reports, some of them were later thrashed by students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. NDTV, like many other news outlets, reported the same but with essential details missing.

The news organisation conveniently avoided mentioning the underlying cause of the students’ brawl. The archived version of the NDTV report can be viewed here.

The headline of the NDTV report published on October 25 read: “Kashmiri Students Allegedly Attacked At Punjab College After India vs Pak”.

NDTV report published on October 25

The media house began its report by saying: “Several Kashmiri students at an engineering college in Punjab’s Sangrur alleged that they were assaulted late last night moments after India lost its opening T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.”

In the subsequent paragraphs, NDTV mentions the version of a Kashmiri student, and writes about videos showing broken chairs, upturned beds in the hostel rooms of the Kashmiri students and also the hits taken on their bodies. The report read: We were watching the match here. UP waale barged in. We came here to study. We are also Indian. You can see what was done to us. Are we not Indians? So what does Modi say?” one of the Kashmiri students said, while showing around the damage done to a room.

Excerpt from the report published by NDTV on October 25

The report also mentioned how the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident and appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to look into the matter and reassure Kashmiri students.

Excerpt from the report published by NDTV on October 25

The NDTV report has almost all the details pertaining to the brawl at the Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology in Sangrur, Punjab, except the statement by Punjab police which confirmed that the Kashmiri students had, during the match, cheered for Pakistan, which led to the scuffle.

Police had revealed that the Kashmiri students chanted Pakistan Zindabad following the team’s victory over India in a T20 World Cup match. OpIndia had reported the same.

Indian Express also quoted a senior police official from Sangrur as saying, “There are about 90 Kashmiri students and around 30 students from UP and Bihar in the college. Kashmiri students stay in 2 wings of the hostel. While the match was on, the students cheered when Pakistan was hitting runs. They also raised azadi slogans.”

“After match ended, students from UP and Bihar went inside the rooms of Kashmiri students and had a scuffle with them. Later, the Kashmiri students also had a scuffle with the students from UP and Bihar. The police and college authorities pacified things overnight,” the police official added.

A report by Times Now also mentioned that while talking to the media, Punjab Police revealed that the incident took place after some slogans were raised after the match on Sunday night.

The NDTV report, however, conveniently skipped the Punjab police’s statement and in what appears to be an obvious attempt to insinuate that Kashmiri students were assaulted because India lost to Pakistan and hence the anger was directed towards them.

NCB directs vigilance inquiry against Sameer Wankhede after extortion charges

OpIndia Staff
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NCB directs vigilance inquiry against Sameer Wankhede after extortion charges

NCB has initiated a vigilance inquiry against Sameer Wankhede after extortion charges were levelled against him.

Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik had earlier called for a SIT probe into the Aryan Khan drug bust case and informed that he would meet Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and state Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on the matter.

Malik had called for the SIT probe after an independent witness in the case, Prabhakar Sail, claimed that NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede who led the arrest of Aryan Khan in the drug bust case demanded Rs. 8 crore for the release of Aryan Khan.

Prabhakar Sail stoked a massive controversy recently when he made extortion allegations against the NCB in connection to the cruise rave party drug bust case. He had claimed that NCB demanded Rs. 25 crore from Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan and Rs. 8 crore out of the 25 crore was to be paid to the NCB Zonal director Sameer Wankhede.

Malik had also said that an organized crime was being carried on in the city. He said, “Two cases are open and not even one arrest has been made in a year. People were being called and money was being collected from them. False cases were being raised. If probed, there will be more revelations. We will demand CM for this SIT probe.”

Nawab Malik had also alleged that Sameer Wankhede was involved in “extortion and terrorising the Mumbai film industry”.

After Sehwag, liberals target Gautam Gambhir for condemning those celebrating Pakistan’s victory against India in T20 World Cup

OpIndia Staff
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After Sehwag, liberals target Gautam Gambhir for condemning those celebrating Pakistan’s victory against India in T20 World Cup

Former Indian Cricketer Gautam Gambhir has slammed those celebrating Pakistan’s victory against India in T20 World Cup Match. Gambhir stated that people bursting crackers for a Pakistan win cannot be Indians.

He said, “Those bursting crackers on Pak winning can’t be Indian! We stand by our boys! #Shameful”. Consequently, he was attacked for his comment by liberals on social media.

Virender Sehwag had also raised questions about the celebration of Pakistan’s victory in parts of India. Sehwag had tweeted, “Firecrackers are banned during Diwali but yesterday in parts of India there were firecrackers to celebrate Pakistan ‘s victory. Achha they must have been celebrating victory of cricket. Toh, what’s the harm in fireworks on Diwali. Hypocrisy kyun ,Saara gyaan tab hi yaad aata hai.”

In his tweet, Sehwag had also mocked the banning of firecrackers during Diwali when people in parts of India celebrated Pakistan’s victory.

It should be noted that Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had termed Pakistan’s victory over India in the T20 World Cup Match as ‘victory for Islam’. Rasheed had pointed out that Muslims all over the world including those in India supported Pakistan in the match. He said,”For Pakistan, today’s India-Pakistan match was the final.”

Pakistan: Deadly clashes between Tehreek-i-Labbaik supporters and police, 10 killed

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Deadly clashes between Tehreek-i-Labbaik supporters and police, 10 killed

Violent protests again gripped Pakistan as more than 8,000 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists began a procession to Islamabad from Lahore on Friday, October 22, to stage a sit-in for the release of their party chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and the ouster of the French ambassador from Pakistan.

As police forces intervened, fatal clashes erupted which continued and increased the death toll to 10 on Saturday. Among those killed are three policemen and seven TLP workers.

“A total of seven TLP activists have been killed by the direct firing of police and over 700 suffered injuries in Lahore so far,” news agency PTI quoted Ibn-i-Ismail, a TLP official as saying.

The condition of many injured workers was critical, he added.

The Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar confirmed that three officers had been killed in the overnight clashes in Lahore. “The policemen were accorded the highest degree of martyrdom in the line of duty,” he said, and warned that the rule of law must be ensured “at all costs.”

Soon after the incident, the blame game started. Pakistan police spokesperson claimed that the TLP members hurled petrol bombs on officials compelling the latter to take action to prevent them from damaging public property. “The angry mob also used sticks and pelted stones,” he said. Another spokesperson told the Reuters news agency that officials had resorted to firing teargas at the protesters after they attacked a police checkpoint.

Meanwhile, the members of the banned radical Islamist party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) alleged that police instigated the violence by targeting its workers while they were trying to leave Lahore for Islamabad. A spokesperson, in a statement, alleged that TLP workers had experienced the “worst shelling in history”. He added that hundreds of party workers had been injured and several killed.

Videos of the violence emerge on social media

Many videos of the incident that have emerged on social media show heavy shelling and the use of tear gas during the violent protest. Hundreds of TLP members raised slogans against the authorities while demanding the immediate release of their 23-year-old leader Saad Hussain Rizvi and the expulsion of the French Ambassador.

Warning: This video contains scenes that may be disturbing. Viewers discretion is advised.

Videos of the clashes between TLP workers and Pakistan police

These clashes are, however not new. In fact, it had begun in November last year after Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Saad Hussain Rizvi was apprehended by security personnel.

The background of dispute between TLP workers and Pakistan authorities

TLP is a banned radical Islamist group that was created in 2015 in order to block any modifications to the country’s current blasphemy law. A fundamentalist Islamic cleric named Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi founded the hardline party. His son Saad Hussain succeeded him as the Ameer of TLP after his death in November 2020.

According to sources, Saad Hussain was arrested as a result of the party’s ultimatum to the Imran Khan government to meet its four demands by April 20. The requests were first made in November of last year, following the execution of 46-year-old Samuel Paty in France by a young Jihadi terrorist and French President Emmanuel Macron’s subsequent denunciation of radical Islamists. TLP was also offended by the public display of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in one French city.

On November 15, 2020, violence between TLP workers and police escalated to the point where the Pakistan government had to give in to their demands the next day. The Imran Khan government, through its Interior Ministry, issued a notification to release all TLP workers. On January 3 this year, the new successor of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan Saad Hussain Rizvi threatened to launch countrywide protests if its demand of expelling the French ambassador is not met by February 17.

“If you have forgotten the promise, see our history… You have got time until Feb 17 to expel the French ambassador,” he had earlier warned. On February 11, the Imran Khan government reached a new agreement with TLP and assured that their demands will be tabled before the Parliament on April 20. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had told TLP that no other PM had raised the issue of blasphemy on international platforms more than him. However, in his signature U-turn, Imran Khan failed to implement the agreement ahead of the April 20 deadline.

Pakistani Journalist takes madness to next level, claims Kohli made Shami bowl last over to direct hate towards Muslims

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani Journalist takes madness to next level, claims Kohli made Shami bowl last over to direct hate towards Muslims

On Sunday (October 24), Pakistani journalist Mubasher Lucman sparked controversy after he alleged that fast bowler Mohammed Shami was made the ‘scapegoat’ by Indian skipper Virat Kohli during the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. He made the remarks on his Youtube channel after Pakistan chased down the target (152 runs) set by India comfortably without the loss of a single wicket.

At about 8 minutes and 20 seconds into the video, Lucman claimed, “I was listening to the commentators and they were saying that Virat Kohli made Shami bowl the critical over. I began thinking as to why the Indian skipper did such a thing. I mean he had a lot of other bowling options. I was watching the match with my wife when I realised that it was done to make a Muslim player the target.”

He added, “I understood that Shami is a Muslim by his name. Kohli wanted him to bowl the last over so that he is targeted by the Indian media and its public. This will also ensure that the other top players are not questioned.” Mubasher Lucman had also dubbed the Indian cricket team as ‘Modi ki team.’

Mubasher Lucman had also claimed that Pakistan’s victory was significant for Indian Muslims. “The victory is important in the context of the persecution, killings and atrocities on Indian Muslims. For them, the Pakistani flag is a ray of hope and freedom. The Indian Muslims, who did not migrate to Pakistan during the Partition, will today realise that the value of the victory of this Muslim-majority nation,” the Pakistani journalist had also claimed in his Youtube video.

It must be mentioned that Mohammed Shami bowled the 17th over of the match during which the Pakistan team managed to secure the win, with 13 balls to spare. Compared to other bowlers, Shami conceded the most runs (43) at an economy rate of 11.21.

It is also notable here that Md Shami is one of the most experienced and successful bowlers in the current Indian team. Also, Pakistan had not lost a single wicket through the 16 previous overs and was already looking for a comfortable win with enough balls to spare. Any cricket fan would understand that it is utterly stupid to suggest that that single over by Shami would have made any difference to the outcome of the match.

‘This was our final, Indian Muslims are also with Pakistan’: Pakistani minister 

Earlier, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad claimed that the victory of the Pakistani team in the cricket match against India was a victory for the entire Muslim world. “The Pakistani team had the emotional support of all Muslims of the world, including Muslims of India. This is the victory of the Muslim world. Pakistan Zindabad. Islam Zindabad,” he had concluded.

Dabur withdraws lesbian Karwa Chauth ad, apologises for hurting religious sentiments: Read their full statement

OpIndia Staff
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Dabur withdraws lesbian Karwa Chauth ad, apologises for hurting religious sentiments: Read their full statement

Dabur has issued an apology over the lesbian Karwa Chauth ad after it was condemned both by Hindus, for hurting their religious sentiments, and the woke camp, for using pride to promote a ‘regressive’ festival and product.

Dabur said in a statement on social media, “Dabur and Fem as a brand strive for diversity, inclusion and equality, and we proudly support these values in our organisation and within our communities. Our campaigns too reflect the same. We understand that not everyone will agree with our stance, and we respect their right to hold a different point of view. Our intention is not to offend any beliefs, customs and traditions, religious or otherwise. If we have hurt the sentiments of any individual or group, it was unintentional, and we apologise. We are also humbled by everyone who have showered their support for the brand and the campaign.”

Source: @DaburIndia/Twitter

In another statement hours later after the first, Dabur said, “Fem’s Karwachauth campaign has been withdrawn from all social media handles and we unconditionally apologise for unintentionally hurting people’s sentiments.”

Source: @DaburIndia/Twitter

The commercial had not gone down well with the LGBT community who accused the brand of promoting ‘regressive traditions’ such as Karwachauth. The ad was also condemned for glorifying fair skin and indulging in ‘colourism’. Hindus had opposed the ad for once again making a Hindu festival a platform for preaching moral sermons and social justice instead of conveying best wishes to people.

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