Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala on Thursday launched India’s first government-owned OTT platform ‘CSpace’ with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan terming it as a decisive step in the onward journey of Malayalam Cinema.

Inaugurating CSpace, managed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), at a function at Kairali Theatre here, the chief minister said this is a pioneering initiative that gives prominence to films with artistic and cultural value without hurting the mainstream film industry.

Noting that earning profit is the prime motive of the private-sector OTT platforms that mostly go for commercial movies, CSpace is set to make a mark as a medium that brings home quality films, he said.

“Private OTT platforms give prominence to films in the most widely spoken language since their prime motive is to maximise profit. The priority of CSpace, on the other hand, is to onboard and stream contents with artistic and cultural values. This will also help the promotion of the Malayalam language and culture,” Vijayan said.

The launch of CSpace also signifies leveraging of the cutting-edge technologies which will define Malayalam Cinema in the future, he said.

The decision that CSpace will only stream films that are already released in theatres signifies that this is not a move that will harm the interests of the film industry. Its aim is to promote good cinema without hurting the interests of the producers and exhibitors, the chief minister said.

Presiding over the function, Culture Minister Saji Cherian said the launch of CSpace aligned well with the government’s policy of supporting art and artists representing diverse traditions, he said.

The films that win state, national and international awards will be streamed on the platform, he said.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, Antony Raju, MLA, and Mayor Arya Rajendran were also present at the function.

KSFDC Chairman and eminent director Shaji N Karun said CSpace is a novel initiative that seeks to help producers to get back their investment through crowd-funding route.

Total transparency in profit it earns and the number of viewers it attracts are the distinguishing features of the platform, he said.

KSFDC is a state-owned company entrusted with the promotion of Malayalam Cinema and industry, under the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala.

For selection of the content, KSFDC has constituted a 60-member curator panel including eminent cultural personalities like Benyamin, OV Usha, Santhosh Sivan, Shyamaprasad, Sunny Joseph, and Jeo Baby.

Every content that is submitted will be evaluated by the curators considering its artistic, cultural and infotainment merit, before showcasing it on the platform.

A total of 42 films have been selected in the first phase for streaming on CSpace, including 35 feature films, six documentaries, and one short film. Films that have won national or state awards and those exhibited at major film festivals will also be streamed.

Another distinctive feature of CSpace is transparency in its operations and the overall earnings and the revenue share.

The platform, which operates on a pay per view basis, allows viewers to watch a feature film for Rs 75 and shorter contents for a much lesser price. Exactly half of the amount charged goes to the content provider.

Viewers can download the CSpace app from the PlayStore and the App Store from today onwards.

New Delhi: A court here directed online media platform “The Bloomberg”on Friday to take down an allegedly defamatory news article against “Zee Entertainment”.

Additional District Judge Harjyot Singh Bhalla was hearing the Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s plea against two private limited companies that operate and manage “The Bloomberg” portal for allegedly publishing a defamatory article against it on February 21.

“The said article is defamatory qua the plaintiff (Zee) and has been published in order to malign and defame the plaintiff, with a pre-meditated and malafide intention,” the plea said.

Taking note of the evidence before it, the court said Zee had established a “prima facie case for passing ad-interim ex-parte orders of injunction”.

It said the balance of convenience is in Zee’s favour and irreparable loss and injury might be caused to the company if the injunction was not granted.

“In view thereof, defendant no.1 and defendant no.2 (the companies operating and managing ‘The Bloomberg’) are directed to take down the article dated February 21, 2024 from the online platform within one week of the receipt of this order,” the court said.

“The defendants are further restrained from posting, circulating or publishing the aforesaid article in respect of the plaintiff on any online or offline platform till the next date of hearing,” it added.

The other defendants in the case include the authors and researchers of the article.

New Delhi: Vijay Shekhar Sharma has stepped down as part-time non-executive Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), and the board of the bank has been reconstituted.

The Reserve Bank has barred the PPBL from accepting deposits and credits from any customer post-March 15 for persistent non-compliances and continued material supervisory concerns in the bank.

PPBL has reconstituted its Board of Directors with the appointment of Ex-Central Bank of India Chairman Srinivasan Sridhar, retired IAS officer Debendranath Sarangi, former Executive Director of Bank of Baroda Ashok Kumar Garg, and former IAS officer Rajni Sekhri Sibal, Paytm said in a regulatory filing on Monday.

These persons had recently joined as Independent Directors, it said.

One 97 Communications Ltd (OCL) is the owner of the Paytm brand.

“The company has been separately informed that Vijay Shekhar Sharma has also resigned from the Board of Paytm Payments Bank to enable this transition. PPBL has informed us that they will commence the process of appointing a new Chairman,” the filing said.

OCL supports PPBL’s move of opting for a board with only independent and executive directors by removing its nominee, it added.

“PPBL’s future business to be led by a reconstituted Board,” the filing stated.

Mumbai: The RBI on Friday advised customers as well merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to shift their accounts to other banks by March 15, giving 15 more days to the beleaguered entity to close most of its operations, including deposit and credit transactions.

The earlier deadline was February 29, 2024, which the RBI has extended by 15 days keeping in view the interest of customers (including merchants) of PPBL who may require a little more time to make alternative arrangements and in the larger public interest.

The RBI also said withdrawal or utilisation of balances by PPBL customers from their accounts, including saving bank accounts, current accounts, prepaid instruments, FASTags, National Common Mobility Cards will be permitted without any restrictions, up to their available balance even beyond March 15.

The central bank has also issued a list of 30 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), for the convenience of customers of PPBL, and the general public at large.

“After March 15, 2024, you (PPBL customers) will not be able to deposit money into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. No credits or deposits other than interest, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or refunds are allowed to be credited,” the FAQs said.

It further said: “It is suggested that you make alternative arrangements with another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid inconvenience”.

The existing deposits of PPBL customers maintained with partner banks can be brought back (sweep-in) to the accounts with PPBL, subject to the ceiling on balance (Rs 2 lakh per individual customer at the end of day).

Such sweep-ins for the purpose of making available the balances for use or withdrawal by the customer will continue to be allowed. However, no fresh deposits with partner banks through PPBL will be allowed after March 15, 2024.

Salaries and pensions too will not be credited in PPBL accounts after March 15. Those customers paying EMIs or OTT subscriptions through PPBL too need to make alternative arrangements.

According to the FAQs, those having wallet with PPBL can continue to use money from the wallet after March 15, 2024 up to the balance available in the wallet.

On FASTags, the RBI’s FAQs said one can continue to use them to pay toll up to the available balance.

“However, no further funding or top-ups will be allowed in the FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024,” it said, and advised the customers to procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience.

For merchants who accept payments using Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, Paytm POS terminal linked to PPBL account or wallet, the RBI said they will not be able to avail the service after March 15, and should look for other alternatives.

“In order to avoid any inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you (merchant) may obtain a fresh QR code linked to an account with another bank or wallet to receive payments,” it said.

They may also change your bank account details (in which you receive payments) through your service provider.

However, it said if the Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox or Paytm POS terminal are linked to another bank account, the arrangement will continue even after March 15.

“If your receipt and transfer of funds is linked to any bank account other than Paytm Payments Bank, you can continue to use this arrangement even after March 15, 2024,” the RBI said.

Meanwhile, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm founder and CEO, in a post on X said: “Paytm QR, Soundbox and EDC (card machine) will continue to work like always, even after March 15…Do not fall for any rumour or let anyone deter you to championing Digital India!”.

In March, 2022, the RBI had barred PPBL from onboarding new customers with immediate effect.

One97 Communications Ltd (OCL) , which owns Paytm brand, holds a 49 per cent stake in PPBL, but classifies it as an associate and not as a subsidiary.

The central bank further said settlement of all pipeline transactions in nodal accounts (in respect of all transactions initiated on or before February 29, 2024) will be completed by March 15, 2024 and no further transactions will be permitted thereafter.

However, the RBI added the nodal accounts of OCL and Paytm Payments Services Ltd maintained by PPBL are to be terminated at the earliest, in any case not later than February 29, 2024.

Bengaluru: Cartosat-2, ISRO’s first satellite in the second generation of high-resolution imaging satellites launched 17 years ago, has been brought down from space to the earth’s atmosphere, an official of the space agency said on Friday.

“The satellite entered the earth’s atmosphere at 3.48 pm IST on February 14 over the Indian ocean. Either it would have burnt out or its leftovers might have fallen in the sea, which we may not be able to find,” the official said.

According to ISRO, the satellite was launched on January 10, 2007. It weighed 680 kg at launch and operated in a sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 635 km.

Until 2019, it provided high-resolution imagery for urban planning, ISRO said in a statement.

“Initially, Cartosat-2 was expected to take about 30 years to naturally de-orbit. However, ISRO opted to lower its perigee using leftover fuel to comply with international guidelines on space debris mitigation,” it said.

“This exercise involved reducing collision risks and ensuring safe end-of-life disposal, following recommendations from organisations like the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPOUS) and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC),” ISRO said.

ISRO said its System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations (IS4OM) team at ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) predicted Cartosat-2’s atmospheric re-entry for February 14.

“Electrical passivation was completed on February 14th, and tracking continued until re-entry. The final telemetry frames confirmed successful passivation, with the satellite reaching about 130 km altitude,” ISRO said.

This exercise provided an opportunity to assess indigenous tracking capabilities, with the multi-object tracking radar at the spaceport of Sriharikota utilised for tracking.

“The final prediction placed Cartosat-2’s re-entry over the Indian Ocean at 10:18 UTC / 3:48 pm IST on February 14, 2024. Analysis indicated that all major spacecraft components would demise (sic) during atmospheric re-entry,” ISRO said.

According to the space agency, Cartosat-2’s successful de-orbiting at its end-of-life represents a significant step for ISRO in ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

NEW DELHI: India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services will be launched virtually in the two island nations of Sri Lanka and Mauritius on Monday.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth will witness the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, and also RuPay card services in Mauritius on February 12 at 1 PM via video conferencing,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The UPI — developed by the National Payments Corporation of India — is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. RuPay is a global card payment network from India accepted at shops, ATMs and online.

India has emerged as a leader in fintech innovation and digital public infrastructure.

The Prime Minister has placed a strong emphasis on sharing our development experiences and innovation with partner countries, the statement added.

Cupertino, California: Apple has officially unveiled its latest offerings, the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9, during a much-anticipated event. Alongside these, the company also introduced the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 model.

The iPhone 15 comes with notable updates, including the introduction of a Dynamic Island notch and an impressive 48-megapixel camera. This enhancement is expected to deliver an even more immersive and visually stunning experience for users. However, it’s worth noting that the event did not announce the incorporation of a 120Hz refresh rate, which some had hoped for.

In addition to the iPhone 15, Apple showcased the iPhone 15 Plus, which will feature the same advancements but with a larger 6.7-inch display. This move aims to cater to consumers who prefer a more spacious screen for their mobile experience.

On the smartwatch front, the Apple Watch Series 9 promises to offer better battery backup, ensuring that users can stay connected and enjoy their favorite features throughout the day. Among the key features highlighted is the double tap function, which enhances user interaction and convenience.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 model boasts improvements in both battery life and display brightness, providing users with an enhanced wearable experience. These enhancements are expected to make the device even more attractive to those looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch.

BHUBANESWAR: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday exhorted chartered accountants (CAs) to leverage technology to promote financial literacy among common people to enable them to make informed decisions on their present and future needs.

Inaugurating a three-day national CA conference with the theme ‘Samvabana: CA Profession in Digital Era’, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) here, Sithraman said people realised the real strength of digital platform during the Covid-19 pandemic while staying at home.

With financial details of registered companies available in public domain, even small retailers who found that the rate of interest offered by banks and other financial institutions on their deposits was not encouraging started investing in the stock market and mutual funds despite being aware of the risks involved.

Appreciating the financial and tax literacy drive, launched by ICAI from July 1, 2022 to educate the common man about financial planning and tax-related matters, the Finance Minister said the “Vittiya Gyan” launched in 12 different languages is not enough as a vast majority of the population of the country still speaks in multiple dialects.

Referring to the two primer books on Kui and Desia she released before attending the conference, Sitharaman said words like ‘Vittiya Gyan’ are too tough to understand for south Indians. She urged ICAI to run its financial literacy campaign in more regional languages so that the campaign can reach wider sections of the population which plays a major role in fostering economic growth of the country.

“Align your students with global practices especially in their own languages in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) to enable them compete at international level. You better know how to set up standards for the future generation,” she said. The Finance Minister appreciated the measures taken by ICAI through its various committees for capacity building of vast number of enterprises in the sector.

Describing CAs as catalysts in economic growth of the country, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed them to assist the state government for better utilisation of funds received from the Centre. He said the state has received over Rs 18 lakh crore during the NDA government in the last nine years as compared to Rs 3 lakh crore during the UPA government.

Chairman of the organising committee Rajib Sekhar Sahoo made an appeal to ICAI president Aniket Suni Talati to open a centre of excellence of the institute in Odisha to which the later said he will take up the matter with the ICAI council.

New Delhi: Meta-owned social media messaging application WhatsApp has rolled out screen sharing and landscape mode features for video calls, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday.

”We’re adding the ability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp,” Zuckerberg posted on Facebook.

Screen sharing allows users to share a live view of their screen during a call. The feature can be initiated by clicking on the ‘share’ icon and choosing between sharing a specific application or sharing the entire screen, the company said in a release.

”You can now also enjoy video calls in Landscape mode for a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience on your phone,” Meta said.