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Bengaluru: Mr. Masood Foujdar, Chairman Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, has been conferred a Honourary Doctorate in Minorities Empowerment with Specialization in Social Concern today in Bengaluru by the Indian Virtual University for peace and Education.
The university is registered under Niti Ayog, Govt of India and United Nations Geneva.
Mirpur: Bangladesh produced a superb all-round performance to outclass Lasith Malinga-less Sri Lanka by 23 runs in their Twenty20 International clash of the Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Sunday (February 28).
Batting first, the hosts posted 147/7 in 20 overs, thanks to Sabbir Rahman’s 54-ball 80. In reply, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and managed only 124/8 in 20 overs.
Al-Amin Hossain (3-34) and Shakib Al Hasan (2-21) were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers.Chasing a challenging target of 148, the defending World T20 champions didn’t start well as they lost experienced batsman and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (12) in the fourth over itself. His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal (37) and incoming batsman Shehan Jayasuriya (26) held on to help team’s score past the 70-run mark. But Mahmudullah and Shakib claimed the wickets of Chandimal and Jayasuriya respectively in two successive overs to have them in trouble at 78/3 in 12th over. From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent. Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs. But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported
Chasing a challenging target of 148, the defending World T20 champions didn’t start well as they lost experienced batsman and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (12) in the fourth over itself.His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal (37) and incoming batsman Shehan Jayasuriya (26) held on to help team’s score past the 70-run mark. But Mahmudullah and Shakib claimed the wickets of Chandimal and Jayasuriya respectively in two successive overs to have them in trouble at 78/3 in 12th over. From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent. Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs. But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported
His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal (37) and incoming batsman Shehan Jayasuriya (26) held on to help team’s score past the 70-run mark.But Mahmudullah and Shakib claimed the wickets of Chandimal and Jayasuriya respectively in two successive overs to have them in trouble at 78/3 in 12th over. From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent. Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs. But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported
But Mahmudullah and Shakib claimed the wickets of Chandimal and Jayasuriya respectively in two successive overs to have them in trouble at 78/3 in 12th over. From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent. Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs. But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported
From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent.Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs. But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported
Earlier opting to bat, Bangladesh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs.But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported in the other end by Shakib (32).But with the wicket of both Sabbir and Shakib, Mahmudullah (23 not out) came
But with the wicket of both Sabbir and Shakib, Mahmudullah (23 not out) came
But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten boundaries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported in the other end by Shakib (32). But with the wicket of both Sabbir and Shakib, Mahmudullah (23 not out) came in to notch up couple of boundaries to help team cross 145-run mark. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera (3-30) was the pick of the bowlers. The Islanders were led by Angelo Mathews in the absence of paceman Malinga.
(IANS)
Producers: Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley and Christine Vachon
Director: Todd Haynes
Star Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacey, Cory Micheal Smith, John Magaro and Carrie Brownstein
Genre: Drama
Verdict: GOOD
Todd Haynes is an American Independent film director, often identified with the New Queer Cinema movement of filmmaking that originated in the early 1990’s. His latest directorial outing Carol is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novella named “The Price Of Salt”.
Plot: In this adaptation of the novel “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith, Therese (Rooney Mara), a young department – store clerk in 1950’s Manhattan, meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), a beautiful older woman stuck in a depressing marriage of convenience. As their bond deepens and they become romantically involved, Carol finds the strength to leave her husband (Kyle Chandler). Unfortunately, her spouse starts to raise questions about her fitness as a mother when he realizes that Carol’s relationships with her best friend Therese is getting stronger day by day.
Aces: The scene stealers of Carol are definitely its two main actresses namely Cate Blanchett as Carol the older woman and Rooney Mara as Therese the younger woman. While the male actors Kyle Chandler as Carol’s husband and Jake Lacey, as the man in love with Therese, also shine in their brief roles under the deft direction of Todd Haynes.
Minuses: Some of the scenes are too tacky and literally sounds unconvincing.
Last Word: It’s raining films based on alternate sex, both in Bollywood and Hollywood. And believe me all such films like Aligarh based on Homosexuality, The Danish Girl based on the life of a transgender character and now Carol based on Lesbianism are some brilliantly made films.
2 Heroines In Vikram Prabhu’s Next
Vikram Prabhu is presently acting in Veera Sivaji directed by Ganesh Vinayak of Thagararu fame and Shamli is acting as the heroine in this film. The young actor has also completed Wagah directed by GNR Kumaravelan.
Apart from these 2 films, Vikram Prabhu has also signed up for another movie to be produced by the prestigious Sathya Jothi Films banner. This yet to be titled film will be directed by S. R. Prabhakaran of Sundarapandian fame. The film has been launched last month with a formal pooja.
Vikram Prabhu will get to romance 2 heroines in this flick. 1 amongst them will be Manjima Mohan who is presently acting in Gautham Menon’s Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada with Silambarasan and has singed up for the heroine’s role in director Suseenthiran’s film with Udhayanidhi Staling. And another heroine will be Aishwarya Dutta of Tamizhukku En Ondrai Azhuthavum & Aarathu Sinam fame.
Vijay Sethupathi’s Next Film Wrapped up
Vijay Sethupathi’s latest release Sethupathi is holding on strongly in the theaters in its 2nd week of release. His next release will be Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, which will be hitting the screens on 11th Mar, 2016. The 3rd release in this year, for the versatile actor will be Dharmaduai which has been directed by his mentor Seenu Ramasamy. The film is set in Theni and a few other towns in Madurai districts. Vijay Sethupathi has acted as a doctor in this film while Tamannah who is acting as his heroine for the 1st time ever will be seen as a teacher. The film also stars Aishwarya Rajesh, Shrushti Dange & Shivada as other female leads.
Samantha Completes Her Work For Theri
Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s Theri is fast gearing up to release on 14th Apr, 2016 as a Tamil New Year treat and the team headed by director Atlee is working day & night to complete the post production work on time.
Samantha plays one of the female leads in the film and her fans can get to listen to the voice of the pretty actress for the character she plays in the film, Yes. Sammu has completed dubbing for her character in the film and she has confirmed the same in her official Twitter handle She has also thanked director Atlee for giving her a “role close to heart”. It is worth recalling that Samantha after completing her last day shoot for the shoot bid an emotional adieu which is a sign that she really enjoyed shooting for the film.
A. R. Murugadoss Appreciates Atharvaa’s Kanithan
Atharvaa’s action thriller Kanithan has been released recently and gets positive responses all over from the audiences. The film stars Atharvaa & Catherine Tresa in the lead and has been directed by T. N. Santhosh, a former assistant of A. R. Murugadoss, who in turn is busy working for his upcoming film Akira but he took time off to watch Kanithan amidst his tight schedule. The legendary director in his social media page has appreciated the film with a positive note.
Charan’s Film Done With 1st Schedule
The 1st schedule of Ram Charan. starrer Surender Reddy’s film has been wrapped up. Aravind Swamy took part in this schedule. He is playing the villain’s role. The 2nd schedule will begin from 10th Mar, 2016 and go on till 21st Mar, 2016. Cherry will join the crew from 14th Mar, 2016.
Produced by Allu Aravind & NV Prasad, the film has Charan playing an IPS officer for the 1st time ever after his Bollywood debut Zanjeer (Thoofan in Telugu). While the makers are tight lipped about the release date, it has been rumoured that the film will hit the marquee on 12th Aug, 2016 or a bit later. For all the speculation that the title is Dhruva, the title has been kept under the wraps. It will be announced soon. Hip Hop Adi (Hip Hop Tamizha) is scoring the music.
A Few More Theatres Earmarked For Kshanam & Terror
Kshanam, the suspense thriller released on 26th Feb, 2016 has been received to almost unanimous critical acclaim. Following the positive response, PVP Cinemas has decided to add a few more number of theatres this weekend. Notably, the other hit of the weekend namely Srikanth starrer Terror, too, has been on a spree. Satish Kasetty has announced that more number of theatres have been added following the positive reviews. Critics have raised a thumbs up to both Kshanam & Terror, calling them ‘hatke’ stuff.
Interestingly speaking, both were made on a shoestring budget. While Kshanam looks visually rich, the film actually was made on a budget of Rs. 1 to 1.25 crore, nothing less than a feat. On the other hand, Terror, too, is a small budgeted film.
The return of Srikanth
Srikanth was all but written off. With even the big ticket films, Shadow & Govindudu Andarivadele, not redeeming him as was expected, one thought that Sarrainodu is the only hope that he has to revive his sagging career. Then came Terror. Receiving unanimous appreciation for his studied portrayal of a temerous cop in Satish Kasetty’s Terror, Srikanth is touted to have a good year ahead. Come Apr, 2016 he will have a big ticket release. Although that’s not a lead role, it will be a most visible one for Srikanth, given that he is playing Allu Arjun’s babai. For a long time now, Srikanth had no remarkable character that he could claim to be a memorable one. A talented & choosy character artiste that Srikanth has always been, films like Mahatma & Operation Duryodhana didn’t happen often.
NTR Is Back As Student No: 1
When you hear the name of Young Tiger NTR, the things that flash in your mind are him holding a sword or a gun. You never expect him to hold a few books and walk into the college as a student. And now, director Koratala Shiva is going to break the jinx and is set to showcase NTR in a new avatar, as a student. It’s been a while we have seen NTR as a student and if the reports are anything to go by, the Temper actor will be sporting student look for a couple of scenes in his upcoming movie Janatha Garage.
Vineeth & Namitha Team Up Again
Om Santi Oosana director Jude Anthany is ready to roll his new film, Oru Muthasi Gadha. He has roped in Vineeth Sreenivasan to do a pivotal role. He has also cast popular actress Namitha Pramod to do a very prominent role. Vineeth & Namitha had paired up for Ormayundo Ee Mugham in which their romantic combination was well accepted. It is not clear if they will be playing a couple in Oru Muthasi Gadha. The movie is an inter – generational story of 3 women. A grandmother, her daughter & granddaughter forms the 3 pivotal characters in the movie. Namitha plays one of the granddaughters named Alice, who is an 18 year old college going student.
Ace Writer N S Madhavan Also Critiques Mohanlal After Benjamin
Mohanlal’s recent blog about the current political issues concerning JNU & nationalism had received mixed responses. Many prominent people had reacted against the blog raising doubt over the way he has presented his argument against the JNU students, mixing nationalism & freedom of expression as well as talking about soldiers fighting to protect the country. Director Vinayan had talked about it. Recently, popular novelist Benjamin had also reacted against the blog. Now, ace writer N S Madhavan has also sarcastically asked “Neelakandan to resign” in his short tweet. He has also referred to Mohanlal’s liquor ad.
Yash & Radhika To Pair Up Again
The rocking star Yash & dream girl in Kannada cinema Radhika Pandit yet another combination for K Manju production is titled as Maanja. This film went on the floors in the absence of Radhika Pandit. Mahesh Rao is director of this film was looking for a catchy title to suit the masses & fans of Yash. The super success of Mr & Mrs Ramachari with Yash & Radhika is continued in this Maanja. The popular screen pair commenced from Moggina Manasu and later acted in Drama a runaway hit film in Yogaraj Bhat’s direction. One of the senior producers in Lakshmi Art Combines, K Manju is roping in Yash after Raaja Huli. It is commencing shoot soon says K Manju.
Maja Talkies Hits A Century Mark
One of the popular comedy television serials in Colors Kannada Maja Talkies on the lines of Comedy Time with Kapil in Hindi has hit a century mark. For the century episode telecast on 7th Feb, 2016 century star Dr Shivarajakumar was the guest. Dr Shivarajakumar, noted director P Vasu & producer KA Suresh were utilising the opportunity for Shivalianga promotion. Shivalinga was released on 12th Feb, 2016 in over 200 theatres. V Manohar & Mandya Ramesh were also a part of this episode as addition to create funny moments. In the past for Maja Talkies dream merchant V Ravichandran, Upendra, Kichcha Sudeep, Darshan and others also took part in the comedy television serial.
New Delhi: The government on Monday described as “unfortunate” a letter written by 34 US lawmakers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over violence against religious minorities in India.
“It is unfortunate that these members of Congress while applauding India as a pluralistic society with a longstanding commitment to inclusion and tolerance have chosen to focus on just a few incidents,” external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement.
“India is proud of its status as the world’s largest democracy. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including minority communities. Aberrations, if any, are dealt with by our internal processes which include our independent judiciary, autonomous National Human Rights Commission, vigilant media, and vibrant civil society,” he said.
In the letter dated February 25 and released to the media by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the 34 US lawmakers said that their strong support for the US-India partnership has encouraged them “to relay our grave concerns about the increasing intolerance and violence members of India’s religious minority communities experience”.
“We urge your government to take immediate steps to ensure the fundamental rights of religious minorities are protected and the perpetrators of violence are held to account,” the letter stated.
“Of particular concern is the treatment of India’s Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities. On June 17, 2014, more than 50 village councils in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh adopted a resolution banning ‘all non-Hindu religious propaganda, prayers and speeches’ in their communities,” it said.
According to the US lawmakers, the ban “effectively has criminalised” the practice of Christianity by around 300 families in the region a day after a mob, including members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal, attacked and injured six Christians at the village of Sireiguda.
“Since the ban was implemented, Christians in the Bastar district reportedly have been subjected to physical assaults, denial of government services, extortion, threats of forced expulsion, denial of access to food and water, and pressure to convert to Hinduism,” they alleged.
Stating that they were also concerned about the “nearly country-wide beef ban”, the US lawmakers referred to the killing of Mohammad Hasmat Ali in Manipur in November for stealing a cow and the murder of Mohammad Saif in Uttar Pradesh in September.
The letter also called for recognition of Sikhism as a distinct religion as not doing so prevented practitioners of the religion “from accessing social services and employment and educational preferences available to other religious communities”.
“Mr. Prime Minister, we applaud India as a pluralistic society with a long-standing commitment to inclusion and tolerance,” it stated.
“We also applaud your statements about religious freedom and communal harmony, including your promise in February 2014 that your government would ‘ensure that there is complete freedom of faith… and not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or minority, to incite hatred against others’. We urge you to turn these words into action by publicly condemning the ban on non-Hindu faiths in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, and the violent assaults and other forms of harassment against religious minorities throughout India,” it stated, adding that steps should be taken against activities of groups such as the RSS.
The letter was signed by Senators Roy Blunt, Amy Klobuchar, James Alankford, Al Franken, Tim Scott, Ben Sasse, John Boozman and Steve Daines and 26 members of the House of Representatives, including Joseph R. Pitts, Keith Ellison, Brad Wenstrup, Jim Costa, Trent Franks, Ted Poe and Mark Walker.
In his statement on Monday describing the US lawmakers’ letter as unfortunate, Swarup reiterated that the Indian government was “fully committed to the constitutional principles which underpin the nation of 1.25 billion people as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society”.
(IANS)
Ludhiana: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had a narrow escape on Monday when some men armed with iron rods attacked his car here, coming “within an inch of grievously injuring” him, the AAP said.
Kejriwal, whose five-day tour of Punjab ends later in the day, tweeted that his car was attacked with sticks and stones, breaking the front glass pane.
“Badals and Congress nervous? They can’t break my spirits,” the Aam Aadmi Party leader added.
AAP leader Ashish Khetan called it a “well orchestrated attack” and said the “goons sent by Badals attacked Kejriwal’s car with stones and rods as police stood by.
“The attackers came within an inch of grievously injuring Kejriwal. It was only by god’s grace that he escaped unhurt,” Khetan added.
The AAP gave no further details. It was not immediately clear if Kejriwal, who usually sits to the left of the driver, continued with his journey or not.
The AAP put out a photograph showing the shattered front glass pane with a visibly worried Punjab police officer standing close by. The car appeared to be stranded on a rural road, with a police vehicle in the front.
The AAP has emerged as a major player ahead of assembly elections in Punjab due next year.
(IANS)
New Delhi: The Budget for 2016-17 today offered sops for small and marginal income tax payers, hiked the surcharge by 3 per cent on earnings above Rs 1 crore, levied a pollution cess on petrol, diesel cars and SUVs and offered a one-time compliance window for domestic black money holders slapping a tax and penalty of 45 per cent.
Presenting the third Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also proposed a ‘Krishi Kalyan’ cess of 0.5 per cent on all taxable services to improve agriculture and reduction of duties on project imports for cold room for cold chain, refrigerated containers and a number of other items.
Cigarette and tobacco products will become costlier with the hike in excise duty by 10 to 15 per cent.
While the revenue loss on direct taxes will be Rs 1060 crore, his indirect tax proposal will mobilise an additional Rs 20,670 crore. Net revenue gain will be Rs 19,610 crore.
In a bid to shore up the economy hit by global slowdown, the Budget proposes a 15.3 per cent higher expenditure at Rs 19.78 lakh crore in 2016-17, consisting of Rs 5.50 lakh crore under Plan and Rs 14.28 lakh crore under non-Plan.
The Budget provides an outlay of Rs 162,759 crore for defence in 2016-17, up by 13 per cent from Rs 143,236 crore in the revised estimates for the current year. Capital expenditure on defence has been put at Rs 86,340 crore against Rs 81,400 crore in the current year’s revised estimates.
Interest payment will account of Rs 492,670 crore against Rs 442,620 crore. Subsidies will marginally lower at Rs 250,433 crore as opposed to Rs 257,801 crore in the revised estimates.
In relief to small tax payers, the Budget proposes to raise the ceiling of tax rebate under Section 87(A) from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 for incomes not exceeding Rs 5 lakh per annum. There are two crore tax payers in this category who would get a relief of Rs 3000 in their tax liability.
Those who do not have house of their own and do not get house rent allowance from employers will get a deduction of Rs 60,000 per year as against existing Rs 24,000.
First time home buyers will get a deduction of an additional interest of Rs 50,000 per annum for loan upto Rs 35 lakh, during 2016-17, provided the house value does not exceed Rs 50 lakh.
The Budget proposes to extend the presumptive taxation scheme to professionals with gross receipt up to Rs 50 lakh with the presumption of profit being half of the gross receipt.
After pursuing blackmoney abroad, Jaitley today offered a limited period compliance window for domestic holders of unaccounted income and assets to declared their undisclosed income and assets and clear past transgressions by paying tax at 30 per cent plus 7.5 per cent penalty and 7.5 per cent of interest, a total of 45 per cent.
For the foreign blackmoney holders, the total tax and penalty was 60 per cent for those came clean.
In the domestic scheme, the Minister declared that there will be no scrutiny or inquiry regarding income tax declared under the scheme under I-T and Wealth Tax Act and they will have immunity from prosecution.
Immunity from benami transaction act of 1998 is also proposed subject to certain conditions.
The 7.5 per cent surcharge will be called Krishi Kalyan Surcharge to be used for agriculture and rural economy.
“We plan to open the window under this Income Disclosure Scheme from June 1 to September 30, 2016 with an option to pay amount due within two months of declaration,” he said.
A Krishi Kalyan Cess of 0.5 per cent would cover all services, proceeds of which will be used for financing incentives for improvement of agriculture and welfare of farmers. The cess will come into effect from June 1.
Raising concern over pollution and traffic situation in cities, Jaitley said he propose to levy infrastructure cess of 1 per cent on small petrol, LPG, CNG cars, 2.5 per cent on diesel cars of certain capacity and 4 per cent on higher engine capacity vehicles and SUVs.
Recalling his last year’s promise of reducing corporate tax from 30 to 25 per cent over a period accompanied by rationalisation and removal of exemptions and incentives, Jaitley today limited accelerated depreciation provided under I-T Act to a maximum of 40 per cent from April 1, 2017.
The benefit of deduction for research would be limited to 150 per cent from April 1, 2017 and 100 per cent from April 2020.
To boost domestic manufacturing and job creation, he allowed new units incorporated on or after March 1, 2016 an option of being taxed at 25 per cent plus surcharge and cess provided they do not claim profit linked or investment linked deductions.
He also proposed lower corporate income tax rate for next financial year of relatively small enterprises with a turnover not exceeding Rs 5 crore in fiscal 2016 to 29 per cent plus surcharge and cess. At present they pay 30 per cent plus surcharge and cess.
In a bid to promote employment through startups under the Make-in-India programme, the Budget proposes to assist their propagation through 100 per cent deduction of profit for three out of five years for companies set up between April 2016 and March 2019.
Minimum Alternate Tax will apply in such cases. Capital gains will not be invested in regulated/ notified fund or funds and by individuals in notified startups in which they hold majority shares.
As part of an attempt to incentivise domestic value addition in the Make in India campaign, he proposed to suitable changes in customs and excise duty rates on certain inputs, raw material, intermediaries and components to reduce cost and improve competitiveness of domestic industry in various sectors including IT, IT hardware, capital goods, defence production, MRO of aircrafts and ships, and textiles.
The period of getting benefit of long term capital gain regime in case of unlisted companies is proposed to be reduced from 3 to 2 years.
The controversial General Anti Avoidance Rules or GAAR will be implemented from April 1, 2017, he said.
The 12 per cent surcharge on personal income above Rs 1 crore has been raised to 15 per cent.
The Budget also proposes to collect tax at source at the rate of one per cent on purchase of luxury cars exceeding value of Rs 10 lakh and purchase of goods and services in cash exceeding Rs 2 lakh.
It also seeks to impose an excise duty of 1 per cent without input tax credit or 12 per cent with input tax credit, on articles of jewellery excluding silver other than studded with diamond or some other precious stone with a higher exemption and eligibility limit of Rs 6 crore and Rs 12 crore respectively.
As an additional resource mobilisation for agriculture and rural economy, the Finance Minister proposed a 10 per cent additional dividend distribution tax on individuals, HUFs and firms receiving dividend in excess of Rs 10 lakh per annum.
He also proposed a number of measures as part of financial sector reforms that includes enactment of a comprehensive Code on Resolution of Financial Firms to provide with a mechanism to deal with bankruptcy situations in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities.
This Code together with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2015, when enacted, will provide a comprehensive resolution mechanism for the economy.
The other steps include amendment of RBI Act to provide statutory basis for a Monetary Policy Framework and a Monetary Policy Committee through the Finance Bill 2016.
He also announced that a comprehensive central legislation will be brought to deal with the menace of illicit deposit taking schemes.
Jaitley proposed Rs 25,000 crore for bank recapitalisation and said the government will also consider the option of reducing its stake to below 50 per cent.
(PTI)
Dhaka: Sub-continental giants India and Pakistan meet in a crunch match in the Asia Cup Twenty20 tournament in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Saturday, renewing their bitter rivalry in cricket after a year.
Showdowns between the neighbours, who last played in the 50-over World Cup in Australia-New Zealand in February 2015, usually draw hundreds of millions of television viewers, making the contests the biggest box office attraction in the sport.
But diplomatic tensions have meant that the two teams have not played any series for more than three years and their rivalry is restricted to multi-national tournaments.
Pakistan, furious that India has rebuffed repeated pleas to play a series at a neutral venue, will be desperate to cause an upset against their giant neighbour.
But ahead of the match, Pakistan’s captain Shahid Afridi sounded diplomatic, saying the game could be an opportunity to improve relations between the two nations, which have fought three wars since their independence some seven decades ago.
“Sport can always develop good relationships between countries,” Afridi told reporters at Fatullah, outside Dhaka, on Friday.
“I think Pakistani people want to see the Indians in Pakistan while Indians would also like to see the Pakistanis playing over there.
“We should not give sports a political colour. We should consider the public demand and we always try to give this message.”
Afridi’s Pakistan will start as underdogs having lost five of their six previous Twenty20 internationals to India.
India favourites against Pakistan in Asia Cup, says Wasim
India came into the tournament on a string of good performances after defeating Australia and Sri Lanka in back-to-back series.
They carried their success into the Asia Cup opening match against hosts Bangladesh this week, registering a crushing 45-run win to give themselves the perfect boost before the Pakistan match.
Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who played a match-winning knock of 83 from 55 balls against Bangladesh, still chose to be cautious.
“Pakistan have a formidable bowling attack, no doubt,” he said.
“But we would want to concentrate more on our strengths and prepare our plans accordingly. Our strength is batting and depending on the wicket we will have to focus on that,” he said.
The Asia Cup, a biennial 12-day tournament, is being held in Twenty20 format for the first time in view of next month’s World Twenty20 in India.
(ANI)
Belgaum: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will address the Kisan rally in Belgaum to talk about the new crop insurance scheme launched by his government. He will be arriving in Belgaum, as part of his tour to address the needs of farmers and tell them about Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana.
Elaborate security arrangements are made to coincide with this visit of Prime Minister to the city.
The venue near Shigoan in Angadi Technical Institute College grounds will be secured by around 6000 police personnel and watch will be kept with the help of CCTV cameras.
Meanwhile, various organizations working in the field of agriculture and drinking water have organized protests in Belgaum on Saturday seeking various relief from the Centre.
(Agencies)
Kanpur: Congress workers today tried to stop the cavalcade of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy here and allegedly threw eggs, tomatoes and ink on it.
Police used mild force to disperse the protesters in which some of them received minor injuries.
BJP district President Surendra Maithani said Swamy’s cavalcade was on its way to VSSD college from circuit house around 11 AM for a seminar on global terrorism when protesters threw eggs, tomatoes, ink and garbage on it at Narwana Chowk.
Congress district President Harprakash Agnihotri led the protest of his party workers.
Maithani alleged that police and the district administration were informed prior to Swamy’s visit but no security arrangements were made.
(Agencies)