Mumbai: TV viewership rating agency BARC India has charged Republic TV of misrepresenting its private and confidential communication, saying it has not commented on the ongoing investigation into the alleged manipulation of ratings.

In a statement, Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) said it was cooperating with the law enforcement agencies in their ongoing investigation in the Television Rating Points (TRP) manipulation case.

Responding to claims by Republic TV that an email from BARC gives proof of the channel not being involved in any alleged malpractices, the agency said it was “highly disappointed” with the broadcaster’s actions.

“BARC India is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic Network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same.

“BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India’s rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network,” it said.

Mumbai police, on a BARC complaint, is investigating allegations of manipulation of TRP ratings. Republic TV is one of the four channels being investigated.

The BARC statement came after Republic TV disclosed what it said was an email conversation between the agency’s CEO Sunil Lulla and Republic Media Network CEO Vikas Khanchandani.

As per the TV network’s website, Khanchandani wrote an email to BARC on October 16, to “confirm in public domain” that the body has found no infringement by Republic.

“In response to Khanchandani’s email, BARC responded on October 17, by thanking the network for their ‘faith in the internal mechanisms of BARC’ and said that ‘if there was any disciplinary action initiated against ARG Outlier Media (Republic’s owner), then BARC India would have communicated the same to you along with necessary documents for your response”,” the website said.

“Thus, this e-mail proves that BARC did not allege any malpractice against the Republic Media Network,” it added.

Reacting to BARC’s statement, Republic TV owner Arnab Goswami told PTI, that the email of BARC confirms that the police commissioner lied. (Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh) should immediately quit, Goswami said.

BARC did not elaborate on the exact parts of the email which makes it feel that the communication was “misrepresented”.

Six people have been arrested by the police in the scam, which allegedly involves inducing homes which form the sample set whose TV viewing is monitored to ensure that certain channels get higher ratings. The ratings are a key influencer of advertiser preferences while placing commercials. The police claim this is a “multi-crore” scam.

Aurangabad: A musician out of work due to the coronavirus-induced restrictions has appealed to the Maharashtra government to allow artists to hold live concerts and shows to sustain their livelihood.

Amar Wankhede, who used to earn his living by playing synthesizer in orchestra shows, stood in a market place in Aurangabad city for 12 hours on Saturday carrying a placard with the message: ‘Don’t let us beg, save artist, save art’.

Since the lockdown came into force, live concerts and musical performances are prohibited across the state.

As Wankhede is left with no other means of earning, he came out on a road in Cannought area here to make people understand the plight of artists like him.

“Live shows and musical events are not being held since the past seven months. Many people are dependent on this profession for their bread and butter,” he told PTI.

“We don’t want any incentives or aid from the government. We only need permission to resume our work,” the artist said.

Wankhede said he also came to know that an artist from Pune committed suicide 10 to 15 days ago.

“The government is chalking out standard operating procedures (SOP) to resume activities in many sectors. We will also follow the norms and take all care if we are allowed to resume our work,” he said.

Wankhede also appealed to people to run a online campaign for saving artists like him.

“We expect to get permission to resume work from next month, otherwise will have to agitate for our demands,” Wankhede said.

Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area, likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by Monday, is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in many parts of Odisha in the next four days, the Meteorological Centre here said.

A cyclonic circulation lies over east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, and under its influence, the fresh low-pressure area is likely to develop over the same region, it said on Sunday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur mainly in southern and coastal parts of Odisha till October 22 due to the system, Meteorological Centre Director H R Biswas said.

There will be a moderate downpour in other parts of the state during this period, he said.

Nine low-pressure systems have been formed over the Bay of Bengal since August.

Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the deep sea from October 19 to 22 as the Meteorological Centre has forecast squally weather conditions with wind speed likely reaching 40-50 kmph over the Bay of Bengal.

In view of the weather forecast, the Odisha government has geared up its preparation to deal with any flood-like situation and landslides in the hilly region.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena issued a fresh advisory and asked district officials to be prepared to manage any exigency.

Water Resources department engineer-in-chief Jyotirmay Rath said water levels of all major rivers such as Vansadhara, Nagavali, and Rushikulya are being constantly monitored in view of the heavy rainfall forecast in south Odisha.

He said rivers in the southern region are flowing below the danger mark.

Senior and experienced officers are being sent with adequate flood-fighting materials to keep a close watch on the river embankments, he said.

Nodal officers have also been appointed in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Balasore, and Bhadrak to deal with any situation, the official said.

The Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy rainfall in some places of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts on Monday.

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday launched a scathing attack on the government over the three farm laws, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic slowdown, and alleged atrocities against Dalits while claiming that Indian democracy is passing through its “most difficult phase”.

A “conspiracy” has been hatched to defeat the gains of the green revolution’, she alleged, slamming the government over the three “anti-agriculture black laws.

Addressing a meeting of AICC general secretaries and state-in-charges which she presided over, Gandhi also alleged that the country was being ruled by a government that was “systematically” handing over the rights of citizens to a handful of crony capitalists.

This was the first meeting of general secretaries and state in-charges Sonia Gandhi chaired after a major organizational reshuffle last month.

Hitting out at the government over the recently passed farm laws, she said the BJP-led dispensation has attacked the very foundation of India’s resilient agrarian economy by bringing in “three anti-agriculture black laws”.

“A conspiracy has been hatched to defeat the gains of the green revolution’. Lives and livelihoods of crores of farm laborers, leasehold farmers, small and marginal farmers, toiling laborers, and small shopkeepers are under attack. It is our solemn duty to join hands to defeat this sinister conspiracy,” Gandhi asserted.

The three farm bills — the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, the Farmer’s (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 — were passed by Parliament recently. Subsequently, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the bills.

Congress, many other opposition parties, and several farmers organizations have been protesting against these legislations, claiming that these will harm the interests of farmers and benefit corporates, a claim denied by the government. The Centre has asserted that these new laws will be beneficial for farmers and will increase their income.

Alleging that the country’s democracy is passing through its “most difficult phase”, Gandhi claimed there is a “designed attack” on the Constitution and democratic traditions.

The country was pushed into the “abyss” of coronavirus pandemic by “sheer ineptitude” and “mismanagement” of the Modi government, Gandhi alleged in her opening remarks at the meeting.

“All this happened as we witnessed the biggest unplanned and cruel migration of crores of migrant laborers as the government remained a mute spectator to their miseries.

The stark truth is that a prime minister who promised to defeat corona within 21 days has abdicated his and his government’s responsibility towards the citizens,” Gandhi said.

There is neither a plan nor strategic thinking, solution, or a way ahead in the fight against the pandemic, she alleged in her address in Hindi.

Gandhi claimed that the government has simultaneously “demolished” the economy, built painstakingly by the hard work of fellow Indians, and the vision of successive Congress governments.

“Never has the country witnessed such a free-fall in GDP as also all other economic indices. Today, the young have no jobs. Nearly 14 crore jobs have been lost. Small and medium businesses, small shopkeepers and other small enterprises are shutting at an unprecedented pace, yet an uncaring government remains a mute spectator,” the Congress president said.

She also accused the government of failing to honour even its Constitutional responsibilities, saying the share of GST compensation is being denied to states.

“How will the state governments help our people, if the government of India was to renege on its Constitutional obligations? This must be a first example of economic anarchy being spread by the central government,” Gandhi said.

Alleging that atrocities against Dalits have reached a “new zenith”, she said that instead of honouring the law and granting adequate protection to India’s daughters, BJP governments are siding with criminals.

“The voice of oppressed families is being suppressed by the agencies of the state. Is this the new Raj Dharma’?” Gandhi asked.

She exhorted the general secretaries and state in-charges to take on these challenges and stand with the people, saying this is what defines the Congress organization.

“I am confident that all of you would toil hard and stand up to the forces attacking India and its people. Let us join hands to defeat the anti-democracy and autocratic designs of the ruling BJP,” she said.

“Persistent and determined struggle for the cause of people is the heart and soul of the Indian National Congress. Even today, dedicated service of fellow citizens and determined fight against the injustice, inequity, and discrimination in all spheres is the guiding light for every Congress men and women,” Gandhi said.

victims are seen struggling for basic essentials including food and water rescue and relief operations underway

By : Husna Rizwan

hyderabad has been battered by incessant rains since last few days throwing normal life out of gear and flood like situation in most parts of city with water logging in residential areas and damaging property & vehicles worth crores of rupees more than 10 people have died so far and the city is under yellow alert and the authorities have requested the public to stay indoors.

Rescue and relief operations are underway by NDRF and other local organisations

Amid this misery and loss, several good samaritans not only from Telangana but also from other states have been coming forward to help those affected in the Hyderabad floods.

Salma Kausar a bangalore mom influencer@boombat mumma an entrepreneur from Bengaluru and Nausheen from Hyderabad collaborated to raised funds providing some relief to the flood victims in the city.

“After watching the viral heart-wrenching videos of people, we just couldn’t stay back and came together to help them the best possible way,” said Salma kausar

“Being women, helping victims on the ground was difficult so we are helping them indirectly by raising funds for those NGOs and foundations who are working on ground,” she added.

This trio are raising funds from Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which are then sent to two NGOs named Humanity First Foundation and Feed Saturday, which are aiding the affected ones.

Mohammed Shuja Ullah, founder of Humanity First Foundation, Hyderabad, who is helping people on the field said, “We tried arranging float boats and went to the areas including Falaknuma and Bandlaguda to provide the victims with essentials. By the Grace of God, we distributed nearly 500 packets of food, 500 water bottles, 200 milk packets, candles and matchboxes as there is no power since the rains have started.

This is the first time in 120 years so much rain fall have been recorded and parts of hyderabad continue to remain flooded following incessant downpour.

inputs by lubna Rizwan @whatwomenlovebylubnarizwan

“The incident took place a week back, but the police were informed about the alleged gang-rape on Sunday,” Superintendent of Police (Kanpur Dehat) Keshav Kumar Choudhary said.

KANPUR: A Dalit woman was allegedly raped at gunpoint by two men, including a former village head, in Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, police said on Sunday.

“The incident took place a week back, but the police were informed about the alleged gang-rape on Sunday,” Superintendent of Police (Kanpur Dehat) Keshav Kumar Choudhary said.

According to a complaint filed by the victim’s parents, the accused duo barged into their house when the 22-year-old woman was alone and raped her one by one at gunpoint.

They then left after threatening her of dire consequences if she dared to speak about the incident to anyone.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of IPC and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 in the matter, Choudhary said.

Three police teams headed by SHO Derapur, circle officer and additional SP apart from SWAT team have been formed to arrest the absconding accused, he added.

The incident comes close on the heels of the gangrape-murder of another Dalit woman in Hathras that had drawn intense outrage after alleged apathy of the administration.

CHENNAI: For the first time since July 11, Tamil Nadu reported less than 4,000 new Covid-19 cases, with 3,914 cases and 56 deaths being recorded on Sunday, taking the tally to 6,87,400 and toll to 10,642.

On July 11, Tamil Nadu reported 3,965 cases from testing 36,629 people with a test positivity rate of 10.8 percent.

Subsequently, cases started to soar in the State as over 5,000 and 6,000 cases came to be reported.

On Sunday, the 3,914 cases came from testing 88,643 people with a positivity rate of 4.4 percent. 

Chennai reported 1,036 cases against 1,132 cases on Saturday while its neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur reported 174 cases, 130 and 195 cases respectively.

Together the region accounted for 39 percent of new cases. 

In the Western region,the following districts continued to add a significant number of cases to the daily tally with Coimbatore recording 319 cases, Erode 111, Namakkal 117, Salem 188 and Tiruppur 166 cases. The region accounted for 23 percent of new cases.

According to the media bulletin issued by the Directorate of Public Health, 4,929 people were discharged after treatment.

The total number of people discharged now stands at 6,37,637, leaving 39,121 active cases, including people in isolation.

Meanwhile, only one among the deceased did not have comorbid conditions. A 55-year-old man from Nilgiris was admitted in the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on October 14. He tested positive the next day.

The patient died on October 16 due to bilateral bronchopneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The meeting comes ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections and Karnataka bypolls.

BENGALURU: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar played host to Congress Lok Sabha MP from Sivaganga Karthi Chidambaram on Sunday morning. The meeting comes ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections and Karnataka bypolls.

Karthi also met AICC incharge for Tamil Nadu and former KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao, to discuss the upcoming assembly polls in that state. “Had a very productive discussion with about the upcoming TN assembly elections.

He added that data clearly showed that Congress was not a mere addition but a multiplier when part of an alliance in Tamil Nadu.

While sources suggested that his meeting with Shivakumar was centred around alleged witch-hunting of opposition leaders using central agencies in the run-up to the election, an appeal was also made to Shivakumar to rope in his acquaintances in Tamil Nadu to assist the Congress in the upcoming assembly polls.

“He is our Lok Sabha MP and a dear friend. This was only a courtesy visit with no political implications or intent. We have discussed various issues and exchanged notes on various matters,” Shivakumar said.