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Tag: Store

  • Viral: Blinkit Sets Up Temporary Store At Maha Kumbh Mela, Internet Is Impressed

    Viral: Blinkit Sets Up Temporary Store At Maha Kumbh Mela, Internet Is Impressed

    The Maha Kumbh Mela is creating a buzz across the country. Devotees from around the globe are participating in the sacred event. In a unique initiative, quick-commerce service Blinkit has set up a temporary store at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This initiative makes it easier for attendees to access essentials. Blinkit CEO, Albinder Dhindsa, made the announcement by sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Today we’ve opened a temporary Blinkit store in Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj to serve pilgrims and tourists. This one is a 100 sq ft store which will be delivering in Arail Tent City, Dome City, ITDC Luxury Camp, Devrakh, and other key areas of the Maha Kumbh Mela.”

    Albinder Dhindsa added, “Our teams are ready to deliver specially curated assortment like pooja needs, milk, curd, fruits & vegetables (for self consumption as well as for daan), chargers, power banks, towels, blankets, bedsheets and more. We’ve also got Triveni Sangam Jal bottles in stock.” Take a look at the post below:

    The post went viral and received a lot of attention online. Here’s how X users reacted to Blinkit’s initiative: 

    A user wrote, “Impressive! Bringing convenience to Kumbh Mela pilgrims… Thoughtful use of technology to serve the community.” 

    Another one added, “What a thoughtful initiative! Pilgrims now have one less thing to worry about with Blinkit delivering all the essentials, right where they need it.” 

    “Amazed by the constant innovation and speed of execution,” read a comment.  

    An X user said, “Wow this is so awesome.”  

    A person commented, “Incredible initiative by Blinkit! Making essentials easily accessible at the Maha Kumbh Mela is a game-changer for pilgrims and tourists.” 

    Someone posted, “A very good initiative. Kudos to the team Blinkit.” 

    “Incredible initiative! Making essentials accessible for pilgrims—Blinkit truly delivers where it matters most,” praised a person.

    Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: UP Government Launches Mobile Labs For Food Quality Checks



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  • What will happen to TikTok on Apple and Google’s app store on Sunday?

    What will happen to TikTok on Apple and Google’s app store on Sunday?

    With President-elect Donald Trump adding uncertainty around whether a TikTok ban will go into effect, the focus is now turning to companies like Google and Apple that are expected to take the popular video sharing app off their platforms in just two days.

    Though the Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a federal law that could ban TikTok nationwide, it’s unclear how a shutdown of the popular social media platform will play out and what Americans will see when the clock strikes midnight on Sunday.

    The court decision comes against a backdrop of unusual political agitation by Trump, who vowed that he could negotiate a solution after he takes office, and the administration of President Joe Biden, which has signaled it won’t enforce the law beginning Sunday, his final full day in office. Now, tech observers — and some users — are intently watching to see what happens over the weekend and beyond.

    “We’re really in uncharted territory here in terms of tech policy,” said Sarak Kreps, the director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute.

    Under the law, mobile app stores — like the ones operated by Apple and Google — and internet hosting services will face major fines if they continue to distribute the platform to U.S. users beyond the deadline for divestment from ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company. The companies could pay up to $5,000 for each user who continues to access TikTok, meaning penalties could total to a large sum.

    A lawyer representing TikTok told Supreme Court justices last week that the platform will “go dark” on Jan. 19 if the law isn’t struck down. But TikTok, which is not required to block its own platform under the statute, has not said whether it will limit access to the app, or its website, on Sunday. Experts have noted TikTok’s app should remain available for current users, but existing ones will no longer be able to update it, making it unusable in the long term.

    Trump’s national security adviser has signaled this week that the incoming administration may take steps to “keep TikTok from going dark,” though what that looks like — and if any of those steps can withhold legal scrutiny — remains unclear.

    “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future, but I must have time to review the situation,” Trump said Friday in a post on Truth Social after the court’s ruling. Earlier in the day, he said in another post that TikTok was among the topics in his conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

    In the meantime, some of the attention has turned to tech companies, such as Apple, Google and Oracle, who currently offer TikTok on their app stores or host company data on their servers.

    Tech CEOs have been attempting to forge friendlier ties with Trump, who wants to put the TikTok ban on hold, since he was elected in November. But Kreps said it would “defy credulity” for them to continue to offer TikTok, even if they want to please Trump, since it would open them up to punitive fines.

    Tech companies are also used to removing apps at the behest of governments. In 2023, Apple says it removed nearly 1,500 apps globally. Nearly 1,300 of the apps were taken down in China.

    “Penalties for companies like Apple and Google could run as high as $850 billion,” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wrote on X on Thursday, while referring to the U.S. TikTok law. “Not sure I’d take a politician’s word if I ran those companies.”

    Meanwhile, David Choffnes, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute at Northeastern University in Boston, said he believes there’s a “small chance” that nothing happens to TikTok, but acknowledged that would require “enormous risk on the on the part of the companies that support them.”

    Apple, Google and Oracle did not respond to questions sent this week about their plans on TikTok.

    In a video after the court ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Chew, who is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and be granted a prime seating location on the dais, thanked the president-elect for “his commitment to work” with TikTok to “find a solution” that keeps the platform available.

    “We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform — one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process,” Chew said.

    Earlier this week, TikTok told its U.S. employees that its offices would remain open for work even if the “situation” won’t be resolved by Sunday. In the memo, which was first reported by The New York Times and confirmed by the company, TikTok told workers that their “employment, pay and benefits” were secure, adding that the law was written in a way that impacts the U.S. user experience, not the entities that employ them.

    Meanwhile, in a letter sent Friday to Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland, an attorney for TikTok creators who sued the government asked the administration to pause enforcement of the law “until there is further definitive guidance.”

    “In addition, we request that you clarify that no app store, internet hosting service, or other provider faces any risk of enforcement or penalties with respect to TikTok, CapCut, or any other ByteDance apps, until such further guidance has been issued,” said the letter by attorney Jeffrey Fisher.

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  • 5 Genius Ways to Store Dry Coconut and Keep It Fresh for Months

    5 Genius Ways to Store Dry Coconut and Keep It Fresh for Months

    Coconut is one of those ingredients that can totally transform a dish, whether it’s in a savoury curry or a sweet dessert. It’s a staple in many Indian kitchens, but storing it can be a challenge. After all, dry coconut tends to go bad pretty quickly – either it gets mouldy, wormy, or just loses that delicious flavour. But don’t worry! With these easy tips, you can store dry coconut for months and still enjoy its amazing taste in your cooking. Let’s dive in!
    Also Read: Why Coconut Rasam Is The Perfect Winter Soup (And How To Make It)

    Here Are 5 Simple Ways To Store Dry Coconut And Never Worry About Spoiling Again:

    1. Store in a Rice Container

    Here’s a simple trick: store your dry coconut in a rice container. First, wipe down the coconut with a wet cloth, then leave it out in the sun for a while to dry it completely – moisture is the enemy here. Once it’s dry, cut the coconut in half, place it in the middle of the rice, and close the lid. This will keep the coconut fresh and free from spoilage for a long time!

    2. Use an Airtight Container

    For long-lasting freshness, store your coconut in an airtight container. Just chop the dry coconut into small pieces, making sure there’s no moisture left on them, and seal them up in the container. The airtight seal will keep it from going stale or losing flavour.

    3. Grate Coconut

    If you like to use dry coconut often, grating it before storing is a game-changer. Grate the coconut, then pop it into an airtight container for easy access whenever you need it. You can also chop it into smaller pieces if you prefer, but grating is great for curries, desserts, or any recipe that calls for coconut.

    4. Store Coconut in a Glass Jar

    Glass jars are perfect for storing dry coconut. After cutting it in half and cleaning it with a cloth, dry it in the sun for a bit – just don’t leave it out too long since it’s already dry. Rub a little coconut oil on the surface and store it in a glass jar. This method keeps it fresh and adds a nice touch of flavour!

    5. Select the Right Coconut

    The key to keeping your coconut fresh starts with choosing the right one at the store. Look for coconuts that are free of cracks, yellow spots, or any other damage. A fresh coconut should be smooth and free from blemishes. Choosing a good coconut will help ensure that it stays fresh and flavourful for longer.

    Next time you’re buying or storing dry coconut, just keep these tips in mind! That way, you can keep your coconut fresh and ready to add delicious flavour to all your dishes.

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  • How To Store Methi Leaves And 5 Delicious Ways To Cook Them

    How To Store Methi Leaves And 5 Delicious Ways To Cook Them

    Methi (fenugreek) is a winter wonder veggie known for its flavour and aroma. During chilly months, dishes like methi paratha and aloo methi ki sabzi are a total hit! But methi isn’t just tasty-it’s also packed with health benefits. The fibre in methi helps keep your digestive system on track, and it’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. The best part? You can enjoy methi long after the season ends if you store it properly. Here’s how to store methi and enjoy it whenever you want!

    Also Read: Cook Methi Leaves Or Have Them Raw? Here’s What The Experts Have To Say

    Here Are 3 Easy Ways To Store Methi Leaves

    1. Dry and Store

    Want to keep methi for the long haul? Drying it out is your best bet! Simply separate the leaves from the stems and wash them thoroughly (3-4 times to get rid of dirt). Lay them out on a cotton cloth to dry, then store them in an airtight container. You’ll have fenugreek leaves on hand to use in your favourite dishes whenever you’re craving them.

    2. Store in the Freezer

    Freezing methi is another smart way to store it. First, wash the leaves 3-4 times to remove any dirt. Let them dry completely, then chop them finely and separate the stems. Pack the chopped leaves in a ziplock bag, seal it up, and pop it in the freezer. Take them out only when you’re ready to cook!

    3. Wrap in Paper Towel

    If you want to keep methi fresh for up to 12 days, wrap it in a paper towel. Don’t wash the leaves before storing them; wash them only when you’re ready to use them. Once wrapped, place the leaves in a plastic bag, squeeze out the air, seal the bag, and refrigerate. You’ll have fresh methi on hand for over a week!

    Here Are 5 Recipes You Can Make With Methi

    1. Methi Thepla

    A popular Gujarati snack, thepla is made by kneading dough with methi leaves, ginger, chilli, herbs, and yogurt. It’s perfect for breakfast!

    2. Methi Paratha

    This flavour-packed paratha is great for any meal-breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with some curd or pickles for a total treat.

    3. Methi Puri

    Methi puri is a must-have in Indian homes, especially during festivals. These crispy delights taste best when served with a spicy aloo curry or masala!

    4. Methi Kadhi

    This twist on the classic kadhi recipe adds methi leaves for extra flavour. It’s comforting and perfect for a cosy meal.

    5. Methi-Malai Matar

    This rich dish features methi leaves, peas, cream, and a blend of spices. It pairs beautifully with naan and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

    So, this winter, try these delicious methi recipes and bring some variety to your meals!

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  • Parah Bows Milan Store After Acquisition by Blackwood Fashion Investment

    Parah Bows Milan Store After Acquisition by Blackwood Fashion Investment

    MILAN — As innerwear brands struggle to find their footing in a multifaceted market, Parah, the storied Italian hosiery and swimwear company, is undergoing a total revamp under a new owner, which is betting on a lifestyle approach.

    Last June, London-based Blackwood Fashion Investment acquired Parah’s IP rights from its previous owner Parahsol. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

    “As a storied brand established in the ‘50s, Parah has strong opportunities, but its positioning was unclear,” said Leonardo Cantagalli, managing director at Parah Group. “It was largely perceived as a swimwear brand, whereas consumers today want continued injection of newness. We are also aiming to ramp up the brand’s positioning in the entry luxury space, with premium prices.”

    The first steps in relaunching the 71-year-old company, which had lost some of its zing, include the development of a product assortment embracing a lifestyle-leaning approach and distribution.

    The brand recently unveiled its first flagship in Milan, debuting a new store concept hinged on natural materials such as stone and wood, and nature-derivative decor, including life-size, stone-shaped poufs.

    The new Parah flagship store in Milan.

    The new Parah flagship in Milan.

    Courtesy of Parah

    The unit, located on Corso Como 11, opposite the famed 10 Corso Como retail emporium, covers 753 square feet and displays the new offer, which encompasses activewear, loungewear and knitwear, in addition to the core swimwear and lingerie categories.

    The Milan concept also will be used at Parah’s second retail outpost in Rome, slated to open on Via Frattina by the end of the year. A third directly operated unit is to bow in Paris in 2026.

    The new stores hint at the brand’s market strategy.

    In reassessing distribution priorities, the new owner shuttered the brand’s existing flagships in Italy and cut ties with smaller stockists, mainly multibrand lingerie stores scattered across Italy’s first- and second-tier cities.

    The future business model will rely instead on select direct retail, franchised stores for a wider footprint, and flashy wholesale partnerships.

    Cantagalli said Italy and France, which historically were relevant markets, represent the first targets. In addition to flagship openings, the executive plans to debut around 13 franchised doors in Italy over the next 24 months.

    Parah’s wholesale model will rely on high-scale linkups with premium shopping destinations. Rinascente in Italy, Galeries Lafayettes in Paris and El Corte Inglés in Spain, among others, have already inked deals with the brand to open corners.

    The new product mix will help fuel desirability for the brand at these shopping destinations, Cantagalli said. Leveraging a network of high-end suppliers, which include Italy’s Eurojersey for swimwear, Parah is aiming to boost its credentials as a high-end, high-quality brand.

    “We try to design our products with evolution in mind,” said Gabriele Botto, senior executive manager at Parah Group. He shared that the brand will also introduce a small men’s capsule for spring 2025, anticipating a broader rollout of the line in 2026.

    The new Parah flagship store in Milan.

    The new Parah flagship in Milan.

    Courtesy of Parah

    After consolidating the Italian and French markets, Cantagalli plans to scale up the brand’s overseas footprint, starting in 2026 from what he billed as the Greater Asia region, which includes China, Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East.

    “I believe that in the five-year term, Greater Asia will account for 70 percent of the Parah business. Just look at these countries’ GDP in comparison with the Western world; theirs is growing faster,” Cantagalli said.  

    “The old Parah was Italy-centric while I have an international background and approach,” the executive added.

    Cantagalli’s business plan for the company is to reach sales of 40 million euros in five years, also thanks to a new e-commerce platform and more investments channeled into digital marketing.

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  • Parah Bows Milan Store After Acquisition by Blackwood Fashion Investment

    Parah Bows Milan Store After Acquisition by Blackwood Fashion Investment

    MILAN — As innerwear brands struggle to find their footing in a multifaceted market, Parah, the storied Italian hosiery and swimwear company, is undergoing a total revamp under a new owner, which is betting on a lifestyle approach.

    Last June, London-based Blackwood Fashion Investment acquired Parah’s IP rights from its previous owner Parahsol. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

    “As a storied brand established in the ‘50s, Parah has strong opportunities, but its positioning was unclear,” said Leonardo Cantagalli, managing director at Parah Group. “It was largely perceived as a swimwear brand, whereas consumers today want continued injection of newness. We are also aiming to ramp up the brand’s positioning in the entry luxury space, with premium prices.”

    The first steps in relaunching the 71-year-old company, which had lost some of its zing, include the development of a product assortment embracing a lifestyle-leaning approach and distribution.

    The brand recently unveiled its first flagship in Milan, debuting a new store concept hinged on natural materials such as stone and wood, and nature-derivative decor, including life-size, stone-shaped poufs.

    The new Parah flagship store in Milan.

    The new Parah flagship in Milan.

    Courtesy of Parah

    The unit, located on Corso Como 11, opposite the famed 10 Corso Como retail emporium, covers 753 square feet and displays the new offer, which encompasses activewear, loungewear and knitwear, in addition to the core swimwear and lingerie categories.

    The Milan concept also will be used at Parah’s second retail outpost in Rome, slated to open on Via Frattina by the end of the year. A third directly operated unit is to bow in Paris in 2026.

    The new stores hint at the brand’s market strategy.

    In reassessing distribution priorities, the new owner shuttered the brand’s existing flagships in Italy and cut ties with smaller stockists, mainly multibrand lingerie stores scattered across Italy’s first- and second-tier cities.

    The future business model will rely instead on select direct retail, franchised stores for a wider footprint, and flashy wholesale partnerships.

    Cantagalli said Italy and France, which historically were relevant markets, represent the first targets. In addition to flagship openings, the executive plans to debut around 13 franchised doors in Italy over the next 24 months.

    Parah’s wholesale model will rely on high-scale linkups with premium shopping destinations. Rinascente in Italy, Galeries Lafayettes in Paris and El Corte Inglés in Spain, among others, have already inked deals with the brand to open corners.

    The new product mix will help fuel desirability for the brand at these shopping destinations, Cantagalli said. Leveraging a network of high-end suppliers, which include Italy’s Eurojersey for swimwear, Parah is aiming to boost its credentials as a high-end, high-quality brand.

    “We try to design our products with evolution in mind,” said Gabriele Botto, senior executive manager at Parah Group. He shared that the brand will also introduce a small men’s capsule for spring 2025, anticipating a broader rollout of the line in 2026.

    The new Parah flagship store in Milan.

    The new Parah flagship in Milan.

    Courtesy of Parah

    After consolidating the Italian and French markets, Cantagalli plans to scale up the brand’s overseas footprint, starting in 2026 from what he billed as the Greater Asia region, which includes China, Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East.

    “I believe that in the five-year term, Greater Asia will account for 70 percent of the Parah business. Just look at these countries’ GDP in comparison with the Western world; theirs is growing faster,” Cantagalli said.  

    “The old Parah was Italy-centric while I have an international background and approach,” the executive added.

    Cantagalli’s business plan for the company is to reach sales of 40 million euros in five years, also thanks to a new e-commerce platform and more investments channeled into digital marketing.

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  • Tips To Store Jaggery And Easy Ways To Add It To Your Winter Diet

    Tips To Store Jaggery And Easy Ways To Add It To Your Winter Diet

    Winter is that magical time when food tastes just a little better. While fresh veggies are the stars of the season, there’s one ingredient that quietly steals the show-jaggery. Known for its natural sweetness and cosy vibes, jaggery is a go-to for many after meals, thanks to its health benefits and its ability to keep the body warm. Whether it’s jaggery tea or halwa, this sweetener has a special place in our hearts. But here’s the catch-if you don’t store it right, it can go bad. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some super easy tips to store jaggery and keep it fresh, plus some fun ways to include it in your winter diet.

    Also Read: How To Make Jaggery Paratha: The Sweet, Nutritious Winter Comfort You Have Been Missing

    Here Are 3 Easy Tips To Store Jaggery:

    1. Use a Zip Lock Bag

    Ziplock bags are your BFF when it comes to keeping jaggery fresh. Before storing, wrap the jaggery in a paper towel and then pop it into the bag. Here’s the key: make sure there’s no air trapped inside. Press out all the air, seal it tight, and you’re good to go. If you don’t have a zip lock bag, a regular plastic bag works too-just be extra careful about sealing it.

    2. Store in The Fridge

    Skip the countertop and keep your jaggery in the fridge. Pro tip: ditch the plastic containers and use steel ones instead. Steel helps preserve both the taste and colour of jaggery better than plastic ever could.

    3. Add Bay Leaves to the Container

    Want to keep jaggery fresh and bug-free? Toss a few bay leaves into the container. Bay leaves have natural antibacterial properties that keep fungus and insects at bay. Just remember to swap them out every now and then for best results.

    4 Delicious Ways to Add Jaggery to Your Winter Diet:

    1. Jaggery Tea

    This one’s a classic! Replace sugar with jaggery in your tea for a warm, naturally sweet treat. Perfect for those chilly mornings.

    2. Halwa

    Winter means hot bowls of atte ka halwa, and trust us, jaggery takes it to the next level. Swap sugar for jaggery, and you’ll never look back.

    3. Pumpkin Curry

    Sweet and tangy pumpkin curry is a staple in many Indian households. Adding jaggery gives it that perfect balance of flavours.

    4. Jaggery Roti

    Punjabi households swear by jaggery roti during winter. It’s simple, delicious, and gives you all the cosy feel. Give it a shot this season!

    Winter just isn’t complete without jaggery, right? With these easy storage hacks and fun recipe ideas, you can enjoy this natural sweetener all season long. Try them out and keep those winter vibes going strong!

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  • Judge delays order in antitrust case requiring Google to open up its app store

    Judge delays order in antitrust case requiring Google to open up its app store

    SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge on Friday delayed an order requiring Google to open up its Android app store to more competition until an appeals court decides whether to block the shake-up because of legal questions surrounding a jury’s verdict that branded Google as an illegal monopolist.

    The delay granted during a court hearing in San Francisco comes less than two weeks after U.S. District Judge James Donato issued a decision that would have forced Google to make sweeping changes to its Play Store for Android smartphones starting Nov. 1.

    The mandated changes included a provision that would have required Google to make its library of more than 2 million Android apps available to any rivals that wanted access to the inventory and also distribute the alternative options in its own Play Store.

    Google requested Donato’s order be stayed until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could examine the handling of a month-long trial that led to the December 2023 verdict, which framed the Play Store as an illegal monopoly that stifles innovation and drives up consumer prices.

    In Friday’s hearing, Donato scoffed at the notion that Google could succeed in overturning the trial verdict. “The verdict in this case was amply supported by a mountain of evidence about Google’s anti-competitive conduct,” the judge said.

    But he decided the Ninth Circuit should be given a chance to consider a postponement until a panel of judges can decide can consider Google’s appeal of the 2023 trial focused on antitrust claims lodged by video game maker Epic Games.

    Donato said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Ninth Circuit imposes an even longer delay on his ruling, “but that is for someone else to decide.”

    In a statement, Google said it was pleased Donato hit the pause button while it tries to extend the delay even further. “These remedies threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience and we look forward to continuing to make our case to protect 100 million U.S. Android users, over 500,000 U.S. developers and thousands of partners who have benefited from our platforms,” Google said.

    Epic declined to comment.

    It’s unclear how long the Ninth Circuit will take to decide on Google’s request for a permanent stay of Donato’s ruling while its appeals unfolds — a process that could take more than a year.

    In 2021, the Ninth Circuit delayed a provision of another federal judge’s order mandating that Apple allow links to alternative payment systems with apps made for the iPhone as part of another antitrust case brought by Epic.

    Although Apple avoided being labeled an illegal monopolist in a trial involving the iPhone app store, it unsuccessfully fought the provision requiring the company to allow alternative payment links within apps. But delaying that requirement preserved Apple’s exclusive control of a payment system that has generated commissions ranging from 15% to 30% on some e-commerce occurring within apps. Apple exhausted its avenue of appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year.

    Google also pockets billions of dollars annually from a similar commission system within its Play Store for Android phones — a setup that is allowed to continue as long as Google can prevent Donato’s ruling from taking effect.

    In its arguments for delaying Donato’s order, Google said it wasn’t being given enough time to make the drastic changes it framed as “a Herculean task creating an unacceptable risk of safety and security failures within the Android ecosystem.”

    Google also argued the shake-up would saddle it with unreasonable costs, a contention Donato also brushed aside during Friday’s hearing.

    “I don’t want to be glib about it, but the expense that Google might incur appears to be a drop in the bucket compared to the profits it reaps annually from the Play Store,” Donato said.

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  • Federal judge orders Google to open its Android app store to competition

    Federal judge orders Google to open its Android app store to competition

    SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge on Monday ordered Google to tear down the digital walls shielding its Android app store from competition as punishment for maintaining an illegal monopoly that helped expand the company’s internet empire.

    The injunction issued by U.S. District Judge James Donato will require Google to make several changes that the Mountain View, California, company had been resisting. Those include a provision that will require its Play Store for Android apps to distribute rival third-party app stores so consumers can download them to their phones, if they so desire.

    The judge’s order will also make the millions of Android apps in the Play Store library accessible to rivals, allowing them to offer up a competitive selection.

    Donato is giving Google until November to make the revisions dictated in his order. The company had insisted it would take 12 to 16 months to design the safeguards needed to reduce the chances of potentially malicious software making its way into rival Android app stores and infecting millions of Samsung phones and other mobile devices running on its free Android software.

    The court-mandated overhaul is meant to prevent Google from walling off competition in the Android app market as part of an effort to protect a commission system that has been a boon for one of the world’s most prosperous companies and helped elevate the market value of its corporate parent Alphabet Inc. to $2 trillion.

    Google said in a blog post that it will ask the court to pause the pending changes, and will appeal the court’s decision.

    Donato also ruled that, for a period of three years ending Nov. 1, 2027, Google won’t be able to share revenue from its Play Store with anyone who distributes Android apps or is considering launching an Android app distribution platform or store. It also won’t be allowed to pay developers, or share revenue, so that they will launch an app in the Google Play Store first or exclusively, and can’t make deals with manufacturers to preinstall the Google Play store on any specific location on an Android device. It also won’t be able to require apps to use its billing system or tell customers that they can download apps elsewhere and potentially for cheaper.

    The Play Store has been earning billions of dollars annually for years, primarily through 15% to 30% commissions that Google has been imposing on digital transactions completed within Android apps. It’s a similar fee structure to the one that Apple deploys in its iPhone app store — a structure that prompted video game maker Epic Games to file antitrust lawsuits four years ago in an effort to foster competition that could help drive down prices for both app makers and consumers.

    A federal judge mostly sided with Apple in a September 2021 decision that was upheld by an appeals court. Still, a jury favored Epic Games after the completion of a four-week trial completed last year and delivered a verdict that tarred the Play Store as an illegal monopoly.

    That prompted another round of hearings this year to help Donato determine what steps should be taken to restore fair competition. Google argued that Epic Games was seeking some extreme changes, saddling the company with costs that could run as high as $600 billion. Epic contended Google could level the playing field for as little as $1 million. It’s unclear how much the changes ordered by Donato will cost Google.

    Although Epic lost its antitrust case against Apple, Donato’s ruling could still have ripple effects on the iPhone app store as another federal judge weighs whether Apple is making it easy enough to promote different ways that consumers can pay for digital transactions. Apple was ordered to allow in-app links to alternative payment systems as part of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ decision in that case, but Epic contends the provision is being undermined with the creation of another commission system that stifles consumer choice.

    The forthcoming Play Store shakeup could be just the first unwelcome shock that antitrust law delivers to Google. In the biggest antitrust case brought by the U.S. Justice Department in a quarter century, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in August declared Google’s dominant search engine to be an illegal monopoly, too, and is now getting ready to start hearings on how to punish Google for that bad behavior. Google is appealing Mehta’s ruling in the search engine case in hopes of warding off a penalty that could hurt its business even more than the changes being ordered in the Play Store.

    “Provided the ruling survives the appeals process, Google will almost certainly take a revenue hit,” said Emarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf. “No doubt some of the largest app developers like Epic Games will start encroaching on Google Play Store’s market share, meaning Google will lose out on its usual cut of subscription and in-app purchases.”

    The analyst added that, while the Google Play Store will likely continue to benefit from brand recognition since it was the default Android app store for so long, “some consumers may defect if they can get better deals on their favorite apps elsewhere.” And app developers will likely take advantage of the opportunity to let consumers know about direct downloads.

    “So Google may see fewer Play Store revenues even among the Android users that stick to the default,” Mitchell-Wolf said.

    Alphabet’s shares fell $4.08, or 2.4%, to close Monday at $162.98.

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  • Luxmi Tea opens its first holistic bungalow luxury lifestyle store Makaibari Bungalow at Taj Bengal- The Week

    Luxmi Tea opens its first holistic bungalow luxury lifestyle store Makaibari Bungalow at Taj Bengal- The Week

    Inside Taj Bengal, Kolkata, a bungalow thrives – the home of tea lovers, the keeper of carpets. The 160-year-old heritage of crafting fine organic teas has culminated into Makaibari’s first experiential store, presenting as a holistic lifestyle experience. From exquisite teas to one-of-a-kind carpets (Luxmi Tea-owned Obeetee carpets), silver teapots, plantation furniture, a living room that exudes old-world charm to nature-meets-luxury dining experience, the bungalow has all elements of a typical heritage luxury property.
     
    Its walnut wood tones, brass accents, handcrafted furnishing, fireplace, tea library radiate warmth and a homely experience.  At the experiential store, one can try the handcrafted tea cocktails curated by mixologist Yangdup Lama. Adding a touch of culture to the store, commissioned Kalighat paintings by Anwar Chitrakaar, son of the renowned Amar Chitrakaar adorn the walls, offering a tribute to the Makaibari estates.
     
    Rudra Chatterjee, chairman of Obeetee and managing director of Luxmi Tea Group, says Makaibari is more than just a tea estate; it embodies a philosophy of living in harmony with nature and heritage. “This store reflects our vision of creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of handcrafted luxury, from tea to textiles and furniture. We invite everyone to experience the essence of the Luxmi Group through this cohesive environment — where heritage, craftsmanship, and community come together.”
     
    Makaibari Tea Estate was acquired by Luxmi Tea Group in 2014 and is one of the few brands wherein workers hold a stake. Rudra Chatterjee says it was the first tea to be certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Plucked on a moonlit night on June 22ndsummer solstice, it makes for the world’s most expensive tea, selling at Rs 1.1 lakh a kilo. Rudra Chatterjee explains that the right environment to pluck it is on June 22, the longest, rainiest, and hottest day in Darjeeling when the plants are resting. The moonlit night also makes it easier for planters to pluck the tea, he says.
     
    His grandfather P.C. Chatterjee was one of the early Indian tea cultivators, a movement by independent farmers to regain control through tea cultivation. With a tract of land in Tripura to his name, he began to cultivate tea independently, without management agencies or advisors from London. This vision brought Luxmi Tea to life.

    Other members of the Indian freedom movement – Assamese and Bengali students who also rebelled against British rule, joined his company, then called Indian Tea and Provisions.

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