Top Events of the Day: On February 23, a myriad of events is poised to unfold, spanning politics, global affairs, and business. In response to the tragic death of farmer Shubkaran at the Khanauri border, the farming community is set to observe a ‘Black Friday’ today. On the political front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate numerous projects in Varanasi. Simultaneously, in the realm of global affairs, the United States is gearing up to impose sanctions on over 500 targets implicated in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This impactful action is slated to be implemented on Friday.
Farmers Declare ‘Black Friday’ in Protest of Shubkaran’s Tragic Death
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait announced that the farmers, under the guidance of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), will be observing a ‘Black Friday’ in response to the unfortunate death of a farmer at the Khanauri Border crossing in Punjab’s Sangrur district during the ongoing protests.
Additionally, the protesting farmers have temporarily halted their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march for two days to assess the ongoing situation at the Shambhu border in Haryana. The general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee stated that further decisions will be made based on this evaluation.
“On February 26, we will take tractors to the highway, and towards the way that goes to Delhi. It will be a one-day program, and then we will return. Then, all across India, our meetings will go on,” Tikait told ANI.
However, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra expressed optimism on Thursday, stating that the government is hopeful of reaching a resolution on the farmers’ protest well before the commencement of the wheat procurement season in March.
Development Unleashed: PM Modi Set to Inaugurate Multiple Projects in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on Thursday evening and is set to launch various development projects on Friday, accompanied by public addresses.
According to PTI, PM Modi is scheduled to participate in a prize distribution program on Friday, honoring the winners of Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita at the Banaras Hindu University. At 11:15 am, he will perform a ‘pooja’ and have a ‘darshan’ at the Sant Guru Ravidas Janmasthali. Subsequently, at 11:30 am, he will attend a function to commemorate the 647th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas.
“Upon landing in Kashi, inspected the Shivpur-Phulwaria-Lahartara Marg. This project was inaugurated recently and has been greatly helpful to people in the southern part of the city,” the Prime Minister mentioned in a post on social media late on Thursday night.
NCLAT Halts NCLT Order in Dream11 Case, Extends Stay Until February 23
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Wednesday stayed the NCLT Mumbai bench order to initiate a corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Sporta Technologies, which operates the fantasy sports platform Dream 11, PTI reported.
However, it has also directed the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP), appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after suspending the board of Dream 11, not to take any further steps till the next date of hearing, scheduled for February 23.
A three-member bench of the appellate tribunal also issued notice to the IRP of Sporta Technologies and Resolution Professional of Reward Business Solution, directing them to file a reply within a week.
Major Escalation: U.S. Announces Sanctions on Over 500 Targets in Russia
As of the latest available information, the United States is planning to impose sanctions on more than 500 targets involved in Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions, set to be rolled out on a specified Friday, aim to impact “Russia, its enablers, and its war machine,” according to a Treasury spokesperson. This is described as the “largest single tranche since the start of Vladimir Putin’s further invasion of Ukraine,” as stated by the Treasury.
The sanctions package is part of a broader strategy involving thousands of sanctions announced by the United States and its allies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The measures target various aspects of Russia, including its revenue and military-industrial complex.
Efforts to cripple and isolate Russia’s economy have been ongoing, with sanctions focusing on its financial sector and sources of revenue, such as oil sales. Despite these sanctions, Russia, with support from partners like Iran, has sought to mitigate the impact, and reports from the International Monetary Fund suggest unexpected growth in Russia’s economy. The situation is dynamic, and for the most current and accurate information, it is advisable to refer to the latest news updates and official statements.
Investor Concerns: BYJU’S Shareholders Rally for EGM, Set for Today
Edtech company Byju’s is set to conduct an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for investors on Friday.
Previously, the founder family of Think & Learn, the parent company of Byju’s, declared an EGM called by investors as “procedurally invalid.” The founder and CEO, Byju Raveendran, and other board members stated they would not attend it.
However, sources with knowledge of the consortium of investors’ plans have indicated that the EGM will proceed. The meeting, scheduled for February 23, has been called by key shareholders to assess the liquidity situation and discuss the potential removal of Byju Raveendran as CEO.
Jharkhand Set to Kick Off Budget Session Today
The budget session of the Jharkhand assembly is scheduled to be held from February 23 to March 2. The Champai Soren government plans to present its first budget on February 27 during this session, which will have seven working days, according to an official communiqué.
“The 15th session (budget) of the fifth Jharkhand Legislative Assembly will take place from February 23 to March 2. The third supplementary budget of the current fiscal of 2023-24 will be tabled on February 23,” as stated in the communiqué.
As reported by PTI, Chief Minister Champai Soren mentioned during the session that, “We have to do the things as per the situation. Given the upcoming general elections, we have to keep it short.” The decision to keep the session brief is influenced by the upcoming general elections.
Cinematic Treat: Yami Gautam’s ‘Article 370’ Hits Screens on Feb 23
“Article 370,” starring Yami Gautam, is scheduled to be released on Friday, February 23. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film revolves around the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) decision to revoke the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Central Board of Film Certification has given the movie a U/A rating, and it has an approved run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film promises a “powerful narrative inspired by true events that shaped the fate of Kashmir.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the Yami Gautam-starrer film, ‘Article 370’, during an address in Jammu on Tuesday, February 20. He remarked, “I have heard that a film on Article 370 is going to be released this week… It is a good thing as it will help people in getting correct information.”
In response to PM Modi’s statement, Yami took to Instagram, expressing her honor and stating, “It is an absolute honour to watch PM @narendramodi Ji talk about #Article370Movie. My team and I really hope that we all exceed your expectations in bringing this incredible story to the screen!”
Jaipur Court Takes Up Case: Complaint Filed Over Rahul Gandhi’s PM Remark, Hearing Scheduled Today
A legal complaint has been filed in Jaipur’s Raj Court seeking action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste. The Metropolitan Magistrate’s court-11 of Jaipur Metro-II has scheduled the hearing for February 23, according to media reports. The complaint presumably alleges that Rahul Gandhi’s comments warrant legal action, and the court will assess the matter during the scheduled hearing.