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Zepto becomes world’s second most downloaded mobile app in 2024
- Indian quick commerce startup Zepto became the world’s second most downloaded mobile app in the foods and drinks category in 2024, according to data from Sensor Tower. The company saw a 300% growth in India in the second half of 2024 and introduced a ‘buy now, pay later’ feature, further strengthening its position in India’s quick commerce market.
- Zepto, an Indian quick commerce startup, secured the second spot globally in mobile app downloads in the foods and drinks category, with McDonald's taking the first position. Other Indian apps in the category included Zomato (5th), Swiggy (9th), and Blinkit (10th).
- The rankings were based on global downloads, but India played a significant role in Zepto’s success. India contributed 16% of global downloads in the category and witnessed a 43% growth in food and drink app downloads compared to the previous year.
- The report analyzed data for the year 2024, particularly highlighting Zepto’s growth in the second half of the year when its downloads surged by 300%.
- Zepto’s rise can be attributed to its rapid expansion, increased adoption of quick commerce, and innovative features like ‘buy now, pay later.’ It also overtook Blinkit in average monthly users for the first time in the last quarter of 2024. Additionally, the broader Indian market saw significant growth in app downloads and user engagement in the food and retail sectors, contributing to Zepto’s success.
BJP Deploys Veteran Strategists As Poll Chiefs For Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu
- BJP appoints Dharmendra Pradhan for Bihar, Bhupender Yadav for Bengal, and Baijayant Panda for Tamil Nadu as election in-charges.
- Pradhan and Yadav are supported by experienced co-incharges including CR Patil, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Biplab Deb, and Murlidhar Mohol.
- The move boosts central control over local campaigns and enhances organization ahead of high-stake elections.
- Bihar polls are in November 2025; Bengal and Tamil Nadu go to polls in early 2026.
- BJP aims to minimize factionalism and maximize central alignment in these states.
Zelensky Ready to Leave Presidency After War, Focused on Peace and Elections
- Zelensky is ready to leave the presidency once the war with Russia is over; his main goal is to finish the war, not hold elections during conflict.
- The 2024 presidential election was suspended due to martial law after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
- Zelensky will ask parliament to hold elections if a ceasefire and security conditions allow.
- His focus remains on helping Ukraine in wartime rather than clinging to power amid ongoing conflict.
- Ukraine’s constitution allows Zelensky’s term extension under martial law until elections can be safely held.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years for Libya Campaign Funds Case
- Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years for criminal conspiracy linked to accepting campaign funds from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential run.
- The Paris court found he allowed aides to seek financial support from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors, though it could not prove direct use of Libyan money in the campaign.
- Sarkozy was acquitted of other charges like passive corruption and illegal campaign financing due to lack of conclusive evidence.
- The case originated from 2013 allegations by Gaddafi’s son about Libya funding Sarkozy’s campaign with €50 million through intermediaries.
- Sarkozy denies wrongdoing, calling the verdict politically motivated, but the conviction marks the first for a former French president for such charges.
Archana Puran Singh’s Beloved Pet Dog Drama Dies at 9
- Archana Puran Singh’s pet dog Drama passed away suddenly at age 9 due to jaundice.
- Drama was a joyful presence, regularly featured in the family’s YouTube content, bringing happiness to all.
- Archana’s son, Aaryamann Sethi, shared an emotional tribute explaining how quickly Drama fell ill and died.
- The family took time off from vlogging to grieve but returned with a message of positivity and sustainability.
- Fans extended condolences, recognizing the special bond between Drama and the family.
Sameer Wankhede’s Wife Praises His Anti-Drug Work; He Files Defamation Suit Against “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood”
- Sameer Wankhede’s wife posted on Instagram praising his dedication to anti-drug awareness and his work against drug abuse in Bollywood.
- Sameer Wankhede filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against the Netflix series “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood,” produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment.
- He alleges the show falsely and maliciously portrays him in a damaging light, harming his reputation during ongoing legal cases.
- The suit objects to a scene showing a character making an obscene gesture after saying “Satyamev Jayate,” calling it a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
- Wankhede seeks Rs 2 crore damages, to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, and requests the show be restrained from distribution for defamation.