Nivedita

Zomato Ltd has approved the granting of nearly 12 million stock options, totaling 11,997,768 shares, to eligible employees under its employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). The overall value of the scheme is approximately ₹330.17 crore, based on Zomato's share price of ₹275.20 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Of the total options, 11,997,652 will be under the ‘ESOP 2021’ scheme, while 116 will fall under the ‘ESOP 2014’ scheme, collectively named the “Foodie Bay Employee Stock Option Plan.” These stock options can be exercised within 10 years from the date of vesting or 12 years from the date of listing, without a lock-in period.

IndiGo is currently experiencing a temporary “system slowdown” affecting its network, impacting its website and booking system. Passengers may face increased wait times, slower check-ins, and longer queues at airports. The issues began around 12:30 PM, disrupting flight operations nationwide and leaving many unable to board flights or book tickets. IndiGo has assured customers that its airport team is dedicated to assisting passengers during this time and is working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Social media users have voiced their frustrations, highlighting the need for improved ground services amid the delays.

Violence has erupted in Bengal following the murder of a minor girl, with claims of rape surfacing. The girl was reportedly kidnapped while heading to a coaching center, and her body was discovered after her family filed a missing persons report. Protests ensued outside a police station, leading to vandalism and arson. BJP leaders joined the demonstrations, asserting that the case involves both rape and murder. This incident comes amid ongoing criticism of the West Bengal government over a separate rape case, intensifying scrutiny on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration. Police are investigating the case and have confirmed multiple signs of injury on the victim’s body.

Voting for the Haryana Assembly elections is currently underway, with over 2 crore voters participating in the contest for all 90 seats. The BJP seeks a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to return to power after a lengthy absence. As of 1 PM, voter turnout is at 36.69%. Notably, former Home Minister Anil Vij expressed confidence in the BJP's victory, while Savitri Jindal, mother of BJP MP Naveen Jindal, has been expelled from the party and is running as an independent. The election features 20,629 polling stations and high-stakes candidates, including wrestler Vinesh Phogat representing Congress from Julana. Voting began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM.

Junior doctors in West Bengal have alleged police brutality during a rally demanding justice for a deceased colleague from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. While peacefully protesting at Dharmatala in Kolkata, they claimed that several doctors were assaulted by police. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video, criticizing the police's actions and labeling the situation as "deeply troubling." This unrest follows a previous 42-day strike triggered by the rape and murder of a junior doctor, which had recently ended. The junior doctors have suspended their "total cease work" but threatened a hunger strike if their demands are not met within 24 hours.