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Archives for July 2017

Vande Mataram now mandatory in all schools, universities, offices in TN

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Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday ruled that the national song Vande Mataram will now have to be ‘played and sung’ in all educational establishments and offices across Tamil Nadu.

Stating that “Patriotism is an essential requirement for every citizen of this country,” the court ordered all schools, colleges, institutions and universities to play and sing the national anthem at least once a week, preferably on Monday or Friday, while all government offices, private companies, factories and industries must play or sing Vande Mataram at least once a month, reported news agency.

However, if in anyone has difficulty in singing the national song, “he/she shall not be compelled or forced provided there are valid reasons,” the court added.

A translated version of ‘Vande Matharam’ in Tamil and English will be uploaded by the Director of Public Information on government websites and social media.

In its order, the court said, “The fact that this country is our Motherland should always be remembered by every citizen of this country. Several people have sacrificed their lives and families to the independent struggle that prolonged for several decades. In these tough times, it was songs like our national song ‘Vande Matharam’ which created a sense of belief and confidence in the people.”

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition asking Centre to make the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools on August 25.

Last year, to instill “committed patriotism and nationalism”, the Supreme Court ordered all movie theaters to play the National Anthem before the start of a film, with all present in the hall must stand up to pay respect.

In 2014, a radical outfit in Kerala had allegedly forced a private school to stop singing Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations, claiming it will hurt the religious sentiments of certain sections of students.

(Agencies)

Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as India’s 14th President

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New Delhi: Ram Nath Kovind was today sworn in as India’s 14th president, the first BJP leader and the second Dalit in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kovind was administered the oath of office to “preserve, protect and defend the constitution and law” by Chief Justice of India J S Kehar in an impressive ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament.

The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to thunderous applause and thumping of desks by the gathering, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and former president Pratibha Patil.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, former deputy prime minister L K Advani as well as Union ministers and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

After he took oath, Kovind was given a 21-gun salute to mark the assumption of office of the highest constitutional post in the country.

Once the oath taking was over, Kovind and Mukherjee exchanged seats on the dais after which the new president delivered his maiden speech as president.

Kovind was elected with 65 per cent of votes defeating Meira Kumar to occupy the top post.

The 71-year-old leader born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had also earned the support of the JD(U), which broke ranks with the “mahagathbandhan” because of his non-confrontational approach as governor of the state.

A commerce graduate, Kovind studied law at the Kanpur University, practised in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. He was also the central government’s standing counsel in the apex court from 1980-93.

Kovind, who headed Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002, also led the All-India Koli Samaj.

Elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 1994 from Uttar Pradesh, he served two consecutive terms till March 2006.

Outgoing Mukherjee bows out of public life after a five- decade political career.

(Agencies)

Palestinian hospitals stretched with influx of wounded

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Israeli forces have injured more than 900 Palestinians since clashes over al-Aqsa Mosque compound erupted on July 14.

by Al Jazeera

More than 900 Palestinians have been injured in confrontations with Israeli forces in the last 10 days over the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Palestinian hospitals, already overstretched, fear a large influx of injured if tensions, which erupted on July 14 after Israel closed the sensitive site in occupied East Jerusalem, continue.

They also highlighted that most of the injuries inflicted by the Israeli forces were from rubber-coated steel bullets.

International human rights groups have long condemned Israel’s use of such bullets.

The 39-year-old Mohammed Ismeal, currently being treated at Al Maqassid hospital in East Jerusalem, was apparently shot with a stun grenade in the head, which left him drifting in and out of consciousness.

“He wasn’t disabled. But now look at him. He can’t recognise anyone. It’s like he’s lost his memory,” Muataz Ismeal, the patient’s brother, told Al Jazeera.

Suleiman Turukman, the doctor in charge of Mohammed’s case, said he feared for his patient’s life.

“His condition was serious. He was about to die. He is now improving slowly. But is disoriented and cannot recognise his family due to the trauma.”

The clashes with the Israeli forces that started with the closure of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound have continued since its reopening as Israel introduced metal detectors as a security measure at the entrances of the site.

The Palestinians see the move an attempt by Israel to expand its control at the Muslim-administered compound.

On Sunday, Israel installed new security cameras at the site which also angered the protesters.

Hussein Da’na, a 76-year-old Palestinian, told Al Jazeera that he “rejects” the cameras because they disadvantage Palestinians further.

“These cameras are made to identify the faces of people who are barred from entering al-Aqsa Mosque,” Da’na said.

“We pray each morning here and the police assaults us. I intend to keep praying here until Israel removes all what is new,” he added, referring to the security measures.

Major General Yoav Mordechai, who heads the Israeli defence body for Palestinian civilian affairs, said Israel was open to alternatives to lower the tensions.

“The only thing we want is to ensure no one can enter with weapons again and carry out another attack,” he said. “We’re willing to examine alternatives to the metal detectors as long as the solution of alternative ensures the prevention of the next attack.”

However, the Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, told the Voice of Palestine he demands a complete return to procedures that were in place before the initial attack at the shrine.

In a statement on Sunday, the Islamic institutions in Jerusalem, of which he is a part, said they “affirm the categorical rejection of the electronic gates and all the measures of occupation”.

A top adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said a series of consultations are under way with various countries to try and lower tensions in Jerusalem.

Abbas’s diplomatic adviser, Majdi Khaldi, said the Palestinians are coordinating with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and others.

Venkaiah Naidu Warns Pakistan On Terror, Says ‘Recall What Happened In 1971’

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New Delhi: Hitting out at Pakistan for “aiding and abetting terror”, NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday reminded it not to forget what happened in 1971 in a reference to the Bangladesh War in which it faced a humiliating defeat.

Naidu was addressing the annual Kargil Parakram Parade here, held in remembrance of soldiers killed in a war with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil sector in 1999.

“Our neighbour should understand that aiding and abetting terror will not help them, they should recall what happened in 1971… Terrorism is the enemy of humanity, it has no religion,” he said.

Criticising Pakistan for “mixing terrorism with religion” as its state policy, the former Union Minister asserted that Kashmir is an integral part of India and “not an inch” of it will be ceded.

He also urged Pakistan to shun the path of confrontation.

“We are a peace loving people. We never attacked any country. We don’t want war, we don’t want confrontation. We want to have peace and good relations with our neighbours, but they should also reciprocate,” Naidu said.

(IANS)

Govt launches ‘SHe-box’ portal for sexual harassment complaints

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New Delhi: The Women and Child Development ministry today launched an online platform to enable women employees of the central government to file complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace.

“We are also going to soon conduct a national survey to assess the nature and magnitude of sexual harassment at the workplace,” Union minister Maneka Gandhi said after launching the portal at her office here.

The WCD minister also instructed officials to make the ‘SHe-box’ (sexual harassment electronic box) as “interactive” as possible.

“To begin with, central government women employees can file complaints, but we are going to widen the ambit to include the private sector as well,” she said.

“We just need to make a few changes in our online interface. Once it is done, employees from private companies would also be able to lodge complaints,” Gandhi added.

The decision to host an online platform for sexual harassment cases was taken by the WCD ministry last October after the minister received complaints from women employees in various ministries.

(Agencies)

India lose Women’s World Cup final by 9 runs in a thriller

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London: The Indian women’s cricket team let slip a historic title triumph with nerves getting the better of it in a tense summit clash against England, leaving Mithali Raj’s giant-slaying side with the runners-up tag for a second time in the ICC World Cup.

It was an anti-climactic result for India since they were well on course for a memorable triumph, sitting pretty at 191 for three in 42.5 before a batting collapse saw them bowled out for 219 in 48.4 overs.

Needing just 38 runs off 43 balls, the Indian lower middle order lost seven wickets for 28 runs in 6.5 overs.

Opener Punam Raut (86) and Harmanpreet Kaur’s (51) steady half centuries had set the platform but once they departed it was far from a smooth ride as England’s consistent strikes turned it into a cliff-hanger.

Veda Krishnamurthy (35 off 34 balls), Sushma Verma’s (0) and Jhulan Goswami (0) were dismissed in space of nine balls.

Krishnamurthy had raised hopes with a cameo but her sloppy shot selection off Anya Shrubsole in the 45th over changed the script as it exposed the tailenders to a pressure situation which they could not cope with.

Nevertheless, Indian women team emerged as a force in world cricket with some inpsiring peformances such as Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless strokeplay.

However, it was one last chance for captain Mithali Raj and veteran Jhulan Goswami to have a World title in their cupboards. India were making their second appearance in a World Cup final. They lost their previous final, against Australia in Centurion, by 98 runs in 2005.

A proven performer for far too long, Jhulan delivered with three wickets in the most widely watched game in the history of women’s cricket as India restricted the hosts to 228 for seven.

Smriti Mandhana (0) must have been desperate to break her run-less streak but a four-ball duck ended her campaign in the tournament as Anya Shrubsole crashed through her defence in the second over of the Indian innings.

Mithali Raj (17 off 31) and Punam Raut added 38 runs for the second wicket before the captain trudged back to pavilion following a lazy run out. Surprisingly, Raj gave up half way after Raut called her for a run.

India were steady, going little under four an over, but England were fielding well to ensure there were no freebies.

Harmanpreet came to the crease with a bag of burden on her shoulder and batted with maturity.

In company of Raut, she kept the scoreboard ticking and twice lofted left-arm spinner Alex Hartley over the ropes, signalling that things were very much under control.

India reached 100 in the 27th over and Raut raised her half-century with a single off Shrubsole. Harmanpreet too got to the milestone soon when she glanced Brunt to fine leg.

With two batswomen going about their business untroubled, India had a firm control over the proceedings. But England got exactly what India did not want to lose at that time: Harmanpreet’s wicket.

The Moga girl swept Hartley straight to Beaumont at deep square leg when even England had not expected a wicket and that too of the most dangerous batter in Indian line-up.

She did not set the field on fire like the way she batted against Australia but it was a significant knock, although it did not prove to be enough in the end.

Earlier, the coin landed in the opponents’ favour at the toss was hardly a deterrent as India went about the task in a professional manner.

Leading the show was the redoubtable Goswami, who scythed through the English middle-order.

The highlight of the lanky Bengali’s outing was the back-to-back dismissals of Sarah Taylor and Fran Wilson, which pegged England back.

Taylor is a legend of the women’s game and Sciver entered the marquee match on the back of two centuries, and Jhulan had them caught behind and trapped in front of the wicket.

In what could be her last match, Taylor walked off to an ovation from the almost sell-out Lord’s crowd after scoring 45 off 62 balls. The veteran English batswoman, surprisingly, could not hit a boundary in her innings.

The in-from Sciver struck 51 off 68 balls, hitting five boundaries in the process, before her recovery act was cut short by Jhulan in the first ball of the 38th over.

A former ICC Player of the Year, Jhulan finished her spell with impressive figures of 3/23 in the allotted 10 overs, which included three maidens.

The end of Jhulan’s spell proved to be a boon for England, who rode on Katherine Brunt’s 42-ball 34 and Jenny Gunn’s 25 off 38 balls towards the end to sign off with a respectable total.

After Jhulan, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav was the most impressive bowler, finishing with two 2/36 in her quota of 10 overs.

England were off to a decent start with openers Lauren Winfield (24) and Tammy Beaumont (23) putting on 47 runs in a little over 11 overs. Rajeshwari Gayakwad gave the spirited visitors their first breakthrough when she removed Winfield.

Yadav dismissed the other opener and skipper Knight in a span of two overs to leave England in a spot of bother at 63 for three in the 17th over.

Taylor and Sciver steadied the ship with a partnership before spearhead Jhulan returned and removed Sciver.

The hosts then got some useful runs from the willows of Brunt and Gunn.

(IANS)

Sanjana’s Half Nude Video Goes Viral

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Sanjana’s Half Nude Video Goes Viral

The censor seized portions of “2” of Sanjana Galrani, a severe punishment in which she is made nude revealing the back portion of the actress, tying her with a rope and the cop character Ravishanker hitting her from a marble with caterpillar on the back of Sanjana had exit in this “A” certified film “2” a sequel of Dandupalya. After the film’s release somewhere the censor portions of Sanjana’s torture has got leaked. The photographs make it horrible and the video that is out in the social media is a case of further worry. Actress Sanjana expressed unhappiness on director Srinivasa Raju for not keeping this portion but it was censored is what she had not taken note of.

Regina Cassandra & Haripriya In Kurukshetra

The biggest film in the coming days is Kurukshetra in Munirathna Naidu’s massive production and ace director Naganna’s leadership is slowly getting ready to go on the floors. The confirmed actors are challenging star Darshan as Duryodhana & V Ravichandran as Sri Krishna. The latest addition to the list is the lovely looking Regina Cassandra who made her debut in Suryakanthi Kanada Cinema a few years ago. Haripriya also adds to the list for an important role. Is Regina taking on Draupadi role or not is not confirmed yet. The film is ready to begin in Aug, says director Naganna who has given the biggest venture Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna starring Darshan in the title role of that historical cinema. As of now the costumes selection for Darshan & V Ravichandran is in the final stages, Bahubali team is adding up for the technical team. For the huge sets the support from Mumbai has been sought by the art director of the film.

Shruthi Hariharan’s Short Film In Progress

Learning is earning. From earning to spending from where you have earned is the very good gesture indeed. This is what a very beautiful actress Shruthi Hariharan is doing. With no crores of bank balance in her name Shruthi Hariharan has taken up 2ndhome production of a short film. The 1st one Last Kannadiga was well received although not a monetary gain. Look at the zeal of this actress. The new avenue is also good method of progressing in profession. Shruthi Hariharan ABC short film is also richly popular on YouTube Channel. Shruthi Hariharan is already in her 2nd short film in Kalathmike banner. It is Reeta. Rachan is directing this film with Shreya Anchan, Roopa Nataraj & Abhinav in lead roles. The concept is based on marital rape. Such a situation rises what is the remedy in the books of law. How does the Indian law reciprocate for such a situation? The shoot has been completed by Vinod & team. There are 5 different get ups. It is new & interesting. Getting hold of new concept & participating in making of it is my interest says Shruthi Hariharan.

Sony Max To Host World TV Premiere Of Rowdy Hero 2

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Hindi movie channel Sony Max is all set to host the world television premiere of the action thriller Rowdy Hero 2 at 8 pm on 22nd Jul, 2017. The movie is based on the lives of 2 identical brothers. This South Indian blockbuster is directed by R. S Durai Senthilkumar and features superstars Dhanush, Trisha Krishnan & Anupama Parameswaran in pivotal roles in the movie.

Son Of Satyamurthy 2 Premiere Fetches 4.81 Mn Impressions

The TV premiere of Son Of Satyamurthy 2 was the 4th – most – watched Hindi movie in urban + rural Hindi – speaking market (HSM) with 4.81 million impressions, as per BARC India ratings for Week 28. Son Of Satyamurthy 2, the Hindi – dubbed version of Telugu romantic comedy -action film Hyper, had premiered on Sony Max on 8th Jul, 2017. Salman – Shah Rukh’s 1995 action thriller Karan Arjun was the top film with 5.24 million impressions.

Cauvery News To Be Launched On

The crowded Tamil news space will see a new player in Cauvery News, which is slated for its official launch on 25th Aug, 2017. The free – to – air (FTA) channel is promoted by S Elangovan, the promoter of Cauvery Power Trading Chennai, Elango Industries, Kaveri Gas Power, Cauvery Solar Power & Cauvery Power Generation Chennai.

Aarambh’ To Take A 200 – Year Leap

Star Plus’ fantasy series Aarambh is all set to take a 200 – year leap in its storyline, almost after a month of its launch. With the 200 – year leap, the series will introduce a plethora of new characters, along with a new storyline. The show will also be renamed as Kahani Devsena Ki: Aarambh.

KBC Season 9 Gets 3 Sponsors

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is all set to bring back the 9th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) after a gap of 2 years. The channel is planning to air the show by Oct, 2017 and it will run on weekdays for 6 weeks. KBC being one of the oldest & popular properties, SET has been able to lock in 3 sponsors even before the launch of the show. The channel has got on board Reliance Jio as the presenting sponsor while the series is being co – powered by Vivo Cameras & Mobile & Ching’s Secret.

Sun Direct Turns Profitable

Sun Direct, the DTH arm of the Kalanithi Maran – promoted Sun group, has turned profitable at the net level for the full fiscal for the 1st time. For the financial year ended 31 Mar, 2017, Sun Direct posted a net profit of Rs 32.21 crore compared to a loss of Rs 35.30 crore a year ago. Total income stood at Rs 1,211.04 crore, up 8.46% from Rs 1,116.61 crore in FY16. The FY17 figures are provisional. Sun Direct does not officially announce its financial performance as it is not a listed company.

Colors To Launch Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 & Dev Anand

Hindi GEC Colors is all set to air the 8th season of its popular reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi from 22nd Jul, 2017 at 9 pm, every Sat & Sun. Produced by Endemol Shine India, the new season is built on the theme of Pain In Spain and marks the return of Bollywood director Rohit Shetty as the host of the show. On 29 Jul, 2017, Colors will add one more show, completing its weekend line – up with the crime thriller Dev Anand, which will air at 10 pm. Produced by Peninsula Pictures, the detective series will feature Ashish Chowdhry in lead role.

Dishum Broadcasting To Launch Bhojpuri GEC

Founded by Vishal Gurnani and backed by other undisclosed investors, newly incorporated Dishum Broadcasting is gearing up to launch its 1st channel in the form of Bhojpuri GEC Dishum. The free – to – air (FTA) channel will launch on 15th Aug, 2017. After incubating Dishum, the company has plans to launch 2 more channels in the movie & news genres. It also plans to start a movie theatre chain across the Bhojpuri -speaking belt of Bihar & Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Stage Set For A Bidding War

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued tender notice for Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights. The BCCI has broken the IPL media rights into 3 packages, India sub – continent TV rights, India sub – continent digital rights & rest of the world (ROW) media rights. The rights cycle is for 5 years 2018 – 2o22. The India sub – continent TV & digital rights are expected to witness fierce battle between Star India & Sony Pictures Networks India. Amazon India, Twitter, Facebook & Reliance Jio are also interested in the India sub – continent digital rights.

MTV Ropes In 12 Sponsors

Viacom18’s youth GEC MTV has roped in 12 sponsors for the 10th season of its popular show Splitsvilla. The 10th season kicked off on 23rd Jul, 2017 at 7 pm. The channel has got on board Vivo as the presenting sponsor whereas the latest season is powered by Denver Deodorants, Syska Personal Care, PC Jeweller & Manforce.

Star Plus To Launch Rishton Ka Chakravyuh

Hindi GEC Star Plus is all set to premiere a new show titled Rishton Ka Chakravyuh on 7th Aug, 2017. It will air at 6 pm, Mon – Fri. Rishton Ka Chakravyuh will replace the channel’s existing show Mere Angne Mein, produced by Sphere Origins.

Republic TV & Times Now See A Spike

Arch rivals Republic TV & Times Now both saw their viewership grow significantly in Week 28. According to BARC data, Republic TV, which continued its run as the top English news channel, saw a 60.13% jump in weekly impressions to 1.39 million. Times Now’s weekly impressions expanded by a whopping 85.64% to 1.12 million.

Zee Cafe Reclaims Top Position

Zee Cafe reclaimed its leading position from Comedy Central with 406,000 impressions in Week 28, a growth of 20.83% over the earlier week. Comedy Central slipped to the 2nd position with 323,000 weekly impressions, a drop of 4.02%. Star World moved up to the 3rd place with 202,000 weekly impressions, as Colors Infinity SD dropped to the 4th place with 184,000 weekly impressions.

Hotstar Takes Aim At Piracy

Hotstar, which is Star India’s video – on – demand platform and the exclusive online destination for HBO content in India, launched Game Of Thrones’ Season 7 on 17 Jul, 2017. The 1st episode of the new season was available for audiences to view within minutes of its US telecast, under the Hotstar Premium service. Game Of Thrones, the broadcaster said, is the world’s most avidly watched & anticipated show, with immense excitement & conjecture preceding every season premiere. Unfortunately, it is also the most illegally downloaded show in the world, despite the content being legally distributed, globally, by its creators.

Sony Le Plex Hd To Premiere Trumbo

Sony Le Plex HD is all set to showcase the real life story of Hollywood’s Academy Award winning writer Dalton Trumbo as he deifies all odds to keep up with his passion of writing with the India TV premiere of Trumbo on 23rd Jul, 2017 at 1 pm & 9 pm. Directed by American filmmaker Jay Roach, the movie stars actors like Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane & Helen Mirren.

Zee Anmol To Add A Hindi – Dubbed Marathi Show

Following its success with the Tamil show Naagkanya, Hindi free – to -air general entertainment channel (GEC) Zee Anmol is introducing more regional content into its programming. Accordingly, the channel is adding a Marathi mythological series entitled Jai Malhar on 24th Jul, 2017. Considering that Jai Malhar is one of the most popular shows on Zee Marathi (ZEEL’s Marathi GEC), the channel has decided to add the Hindi – dubbed version of the show to its line – up.

Star Plus Reclaims Top Spot

After slipping to the 3rd position the previous week, Hindi GEC Star Plus reclaimed the Hindi GEC throne from Zee TV in the week ended 14th Jul, 2017 according to BARC data in the urban + rural Hindi – speaking market (HSM). Star Plus registered 62.91 crore weekly impressions, marking a growth of 3.82%. Zee TV dropped to 2nd place as impressions declined by 1.74% to 62.36 crore.

Zee Café To Premiere The Kettering Incident

After launching BBC 1st block, English Entertainment Channel Zee Café is all set to premiere The Kettering Incident on 25th Jul, 2017 at 10 pm. Directed by Rowan Woods & Tony Krawitz and starring Elizabeth Debicki, Matthew Le Nevez & Henry Nixon, the show revolves around Dr. Anna Macy, who finds herself inexplicably linked to the disappearance of 2 girls, 15 years apart.

Viacom International Media Networks To Expand

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom & HyppTV, a IPTV service by Telekom Malaysia Berhad, have announced their collaboration to launch Paramount Channel for the 1st time in Malaysia. As part of the same agreement, 2 more Viacom channels, MTV Asia & Nickelodeon, will also join HyppTV service from 1st Aug, 2017.

Star Utsav Sets A New Record On DD Freedish

Star India’s free – to – air (FTA) Hindi GEC Star Utsav was the highest bidder for a non – news slot in the 36th e – auction of vacant slots on Doordarshan’s free direct – to – home (DTH) platform Freedish. The channel had bid Rs 8.4 crore to renew its slot on the DTH platform. Star India had acquired more slots in that same auction for Rs 8.3 crore & Rs 8.2 crore respectively.

Doordarshan Invites Proposals

In an effort to revamp its content, Doordarshan has invited proposals for programmes in different genres under the sponsored category for mid prime time band. There are a total of 8 genres – Youth / Women Magazine, Family Drama / sitcom / Suspense Thriller, Mythological, Film based series, Chat shows / Game shows / Quiz Shows, Musical shows / Reality shows / Travel shows / Cookery shows, Celebrity Chat shows & Telefilm series.

ITAT Upholds I – T Dept’s Rs 450 Tax Demand

News broadcaster NDTV’s problems have compounded with the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) upholding the Income Tax Department’s tax demand of Rs 450 crore on an investment by American media company NBC Universal in NDTV Networks. NBC had invested $150 million in NDTV Networks, which is the holding company for NDTV’s entertainment & lifestyle channels, digital media & other interests, including media products & services in 2008. The tax demand is for the assessment year 2009 ­– 2010.

Dsport Partners Nodwin

DSport, the sports TV channel launched by Discovery Communications India, has partnered Nodwin Gaming to showcase the flagship e – sports tournament in the country – ESL India Premiership. As a part of the partnership, DSport will telecast 90 minutes of action everyday starting 19 Jul, 2017 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm and will continue until Dec, 2017. E – Sports, the broadcaster said, has revolutionised the concept of sports and recently has been added as a medal event in 2022’s Asian Games.

BBC Earth Branded Block Launches

BBC Worldwide has inked a deal that sees for the 1st time a BBC Earth branded block in South Korea. The block is now available on leading Korean cable channel KMH’s newly launched documentary channel, DocuOne. It launched together with DocuOne on 18th Jul, 2017 and will be available for 6 hours a day, in 2 – hour prime time slots, as part of a basic cable package to over 12 million households. Programmes on the block are subtitled in Korean.

Epic Channel Awards Creative Duties

Makani Creatives has bagged the creative mandate of Hindi infotainment channel Epic. Epic channel has broadened its vision from its initial history & mythology focus. It will now showcase a wide array of original content across varied genres. The channel recently announced its plan to expand the scope of its offerings by including within its programming an eclectic mix of non – fiction content that aspires to imbibe the diversity of India.

BBC Serves Its Most Streamed Wimbledon

BBC served 24.1 million stream requests during the tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon this year via BBC Sport & BBC iPlayer, making it the most streamed Wimbledon to date. The most popular match was Rafa Nadal & Gilles Muller’s 66 – game epic with 1.4 million requests.

Sony To Power Sports Biz

After completing the 1s phase of acquisition of Ten Sports Network from ZEEL in Mar, 2017, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has re -branded the Ten Sports channels as Sony Ten to unify the sports network under the mother brand, and has dedicated a channel each for cricket, football, fight sports & best of international sports.

Epic To Launch Inspiring Series Umeed India

After changing its positioning as an infotainment channel, Epic launched on 20th Jul, 2017 a show that will narrate the story of 13 top athletes who are preparing for the next Olympics. The show will mark the debut of ace cricketer Virender Sehwag as host. Highlighting the struggle & hard work of India’s non – cricket sportspersons, infotainment channel Epic started airing a new show titled Umeed India from 20th Jul, 2017 every Thurs, at 8 pm.

ZEEL Acquires Remaining 51%

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has completed the acquisition of Bengaluru-based charter plane services firm Fly By Wire (FBW) by acquiring the remaining 51% stake in the company after getting clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA). ZEEL acquired 49% stake in FBW in May this year. In March last year, the company had announced that it would fully acquire FBW for Rs 61.25 crore.

Colors Channel Extends Its Support

Hindi GEC Colors has extended its support to the 5th edition of the women – only marathon event Pinkathon, which will be held in Delhi on 17th Sept, 2017. The channel has associated with the cause for the 23rd time as a presenting sponsor, spreading the message of “wellbeing of women” through this initiative. The focus of this event is to encourage an active lifestyle & overall fitness amongst women, while creating a much -needed awareness about breast cancer & bone health and encourage thousands of new or 1st – timer women to take up running.

Hotstar Continues To Be #1

For the 1st half of this year, Hotstar continues to be in the #1 spot in terms of monthly active usage. Star India’s video streaming app is thus ahead of JioTV & JioCinema from Reliance Jio Infocomm, according to data from app analytics firm App Annie Inc. While JioTV stood in the 2nd place, JioCinema was ranked 3rd. Hotstar offers a free as well as a premium subscription service. It recently scaled up its premium subscription – based offering to maintain its dominance in India over global giants Amazon Prime Video & Netflix. After HBO, ABC & Fox shows, Hotstar bolstered its premium offering by bringing the US cable brand Showtime to the country through a deal with media conglomerate CBS.

MIB Withdraws 6 TV Channel Licences

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has cancelled 6 TV channel licences in Jun,2017. With 7 TV channel licences being given in the same month, the total number of permitted of TV channels grew by just 1 to 883, as of 30 Jun, 2017. The ministry has cancelled 4 uplinking & 2 downlinking licences in Jun, 2017. Bangla Entertainment’s uplinking licence under the name Aath has been cancelled as the company had procured a downlinking licence under the name Sony Aath in Mar, this year.

Hinduja Group’s NXT Digital Enters Punjab

The Punjab cable TV market, dominated by Fastway Transmission, will have a new competitor. The Hinduja Group – owned headend – in – the -sky (HITS) platform NXT Digital has entered the market. NXT Digital’s aim is to get in local cable operators (LCOs) to migrate to the HITS platform. Punjab has around 34 lakh TV households. While around 28 lakh households have cable TV, the rest have direct – to – home (DTH) connections.

Shankarsinh Vaghela jolts Congress, quits party

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Shankarsinh Vaghela

Gandhinagar: In a body blow to the Congress in Gujarat, one of its tallest leaders Shankarsinh Vaghela, Friday announced he was quitting the party but ruled out joining BJP.

The dramatic announcement By Vaghela, a former RSS and BJP member, was made at a public event organised to celebrate his 77th birthday. It came a day after the disunity in the state Congress came out in the open when it transpired that at least eight of its 57 MLAs had not voted for the joint opposition’s presidential Meira Kumar.

Vaghela, the Kshatriya strongman whom his supporters fondly address as ‘Bapu’, said: “I am not going to join BJP. I will not join any political party”.

He, however, said he was not going to retire from politics, triggering speculation he may float his own party and then cobble together an anti-Congress, anti-BJP front ahead of the Assembly elections likely in November or December.

“Today, I free myself from Congress and I set Congress free,” he said.

Vaghela’s decision to quit the Congress is a cause of concern for the party, which has been out of power in the state for close to two decades. He enjoys considerable support in North Gujarat

Congress would, however, draw some comfort from the fact that only two of its MLAs, including Vaghela’s son, Mahendrasinh, attended the event.

Vaghela is reported to be upset with the party high command for not being declared the chief ministerial candidate for the Assembly elections.

He had stopped attending state Congress meetings for some time, and had even unfollowed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Twitter to register his protest.

Vaghela said he was left with no option, claiming that state Congress leaders “got together to push me out of the party” after he told them to do their homework to take on the BJP in the upcoming polls.

He also accused the party of taking “supari”, a common term in some states for contract killing, from the BJP to let it win Gujarat, once dubbed the BJP’s laboratory for testing its Hindutva politics.

“You don’t fight the BJP and won’t allow those who do to fight them”, said Vaghela who had a long association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his RSS days.

The elections will also be seen as a prestige fight for Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

Vaghela also claimed that Congress had expelled him yesterday. But the party denied that it had expelled Vaghela or initiated disciplinary action against him.

“Both these claims are entirely incorrect,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi.

Surjewala said the party respected Vaghela which was reflected in him being given important responsibilities and positions. He hoped Vaghela would continue to work for the party despite quitting his posts.

“Vaghela wanted that present PCC president (Bharatsinh Solanki) should be replaced and he be appointed in his place.

This is a decision of the party and its leadership and no individual can decide it.

Vaghela, currently the leader of the opposition in the Assembly, had quit BJP over 20 years ago and formed Rashtriya Janata Party. He headed the RJP government in 1996 before merging his party with Congress.

“Party is bigger than individuals. Each one of us needs to understand that interests of the party and its ideals are bigger than the ambition of one person”, Surjewala said.

Vaghela, a former Union minister, claimed some Congress leaders had issued a “diktat” to partymen to not attend his birthday celebrations.

(PTI)

Hurriyat calls for ‘Kashmir Bandh’ on Tuesday against NIA arrests

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Bandh-Kashmir

Srinagar: Calling the Monday arrest of seven of its leaders “revengeful and arbitrary”, the Hurriyat leadership has called for a shutdown in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday.

Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik gave the call for a ‘Kashmir Bandh’ to condemn what they called were the “revengeful, arbitrary, and illegal arrests”.

Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah and Raja Mehrajuddin Kalwal were arrested by the National Investigation Agency on charges of receiving funds from Pakistan to sponsor terrorist activities and stone-pelting in the Valley.

While six separatist leaders were arrested in Srinagar, Bitta Karate was arrested in Delhi.

Nayeem Khan and Ayaz Akbar were taken to Delhi from Srinagar on a Monday afternoon flight by NIA while the other arrested men would be flown in the evening.

(IANS)

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