Thursday, November 28, 2013

India’s cooperation sought to develop film industry in Afghanistan


Director of Afghan Film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’, Sediq Abedi wants that India should help to develop film sector in Afghanistan. In an interaction with media persons along with his cast and crew at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he said that Afghan people love India and its film. He said, due to prolonged turbulence in Afghanistan, the film industry has collapsed and film making, its marketing and infrastructure facility is not available to show the commercial films in the country. Abedi said that as India is helping in rebuilding Afghanistan, the Indian film industry and the government should come forward to develop the film industry too in Afghanistan. He informed that there are only about 20 film theatres which are not even capable to run high budget films.

Abedi said that in the last 66 years, this is the first feature film which was filmed in Afghanistan itself to show the reality of his country. It was a challenge for the crew and technical team which came from India and Tajikistan for the two months long shooting. He said, ‘we tried to establish the cultural and social realities of the country in the film and want to release this Dari language film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’ in India with Urdu and English subtitles.’

For the establishment of film industry in Afghanistan, the Producers of the film Murad Hamidi and Sabruddin Rahmani have sought India’s help to train Afghani talents in the film making field.

The actress of the film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’, Takhmina Rajabova, a Tajik, has acted in nine films in Tajikistan and two films in Afghanistan. She said that she is acting as the third wife in the film. It was a challenge for her to work with the crew from India.

The film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife, reflects the thousand year’s old custom which occurs in a village at the north of Afghanistan. It tells the story of violence against women. A man with old traditions wants to get married for the fifth time; despite having four wives already. The story shows the suffering of women in their society. The story also portrays all aspects of the age old culture and traditional game Buzkashi or Oghlak with thousand horses.

The cast and crew of the film thanked and praised the 44th IFFI for providing a wide platform for filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share art and ideas of filmmaking.

MHRD to Provide for 5000 Faculty Positions in Higher Education


The Ministry of Human Resource Development proposes to provide for 5000 faculty positions in the higher education under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) during the current Five Year Plan, ending 2017. Support will be provided to fill positions in the category of Assistant Professors or equivalent cadre against vacancies. A fixed amount of Rs. 5.8 lakh per year for each faculty position will be given by the Centre and any excess over and above this amount due to higher scales, grade pay or DA increase has to be borne by the State Government. The 99,000 crore rupee programme was approved by the Union Cabinet last month to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) to 30% by 2020 from the present about 19%.

All the State universities will be eligible to receive grants under this programme. The recruitment process will have to adhere to UGC norms and regulations. The funding priorities are as follows:

• Commitments of States to take over the liability of faculty positions at the end of the scheme (after 5-8 years, depending on the year in which such positions are sanctioned).

• Priority will be given to those states where more recruitment has taken place in the universities and colleges during the last 3 years.

• Lowest number of unfilled faculty positions.

• Better student-teacher ratio.

• Priority will be given to new institutions.

• Second priority shall be given to those states which have a faculty-student ratio between 15:1 to 20:1.

• States with more than 20:1 ratio will have to first commit to sanction and fill positions to bring down the faculty-student ratio ration to 20:1.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

IFFI 2013: Celebrating ‘Soulful’ Asia


The renowned Iranian film maker Majid Majidi will open the ‘Soul of Asia’ segment tomorrow at the 44th IFFI in Goa. Introduced last year as a special segment, ‘Soul of Asia: Cinema of Mysticism’ will celebrate spirituality, so much integral to the way of living in this part of the globe, in the same vein this year.

The segment will open with the screening of ‘The Patience Stone’ by the much acclaimed Afghan-French author, Atiq Rahimi. The movie, in a war-torn Afghanistan, sears into the recesses of a woman’s soul searching life beyond existence.

The other films in the section include Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s ‘The Gardener’, Pan Nalin’s’ ‘Faith Connections’ and Vincent Sandoval’s ‘Apparation’. ‘Indian Master of Masters: Osho brings into focus the mystic’s contemporary creative interpretations and insights into the wisdom of world masters.

Annual Conference of DGPs and IGPs to begin today


The Annual Conference of Directors General of Police/ Inspectors General of Police of States, Union Territories and Heads of the Central Police Organisations(CPOs) will be held here from Nov 21-23, 2013. The Conference will be inaugurated tomorrow by the Union Home Minister Shri Sushilkumar Shinde. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the Conference, release Commemorative Postage Stamp and present President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to the awardees on Nov 23, 2013.

The Conference would discuss and deliberate on the ways and means to make the cutting edge level policing resourceful, effective, professional and service oriented so that it inspires confidence among community. The Conference would also deliberate on making Police Stations as nerve centre of all activities pertaining to anti-naxal operations in terms of gathering of hard intelligence, planning field operations, identification of gap areas in implementation of various developmental schemes and co-ordination among various Government departments.

The issue of cyber security would be deliberated upon and suggestions would be made to address the various terror related activities.

The social media is intimately linked with freedom of expression and has become a preferred means of communication for millions of people. The Conference would deliberate on the ways to ensure that the medium is not put to invidious use and mechanism to counter it.

The Conference would in detail discuss the issues of improving generation of intelligence and its quick dissemination through the platform of Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and Subsidiary Multi Agency Centres(SMAC). The Conference would deliberate on improving the functioning of State intelligence units and how their inputs can be dovetailed into MAC/SMAC network for better coverage.

The Conference would also discuss major security concerns and the need for addressing the same collectively by all agencies. The Conference would deliberate on further consolidating the peace processes in the North-East.

A complete session has been devoted on controlling riots by using non-lethal means in which police leaders from different States would share their experiences of dealing with agitations with minimum casualties. Another session in the Conference has been earmarked to sensitize police on its role as key responder in disaster management.

The Conference would discuss strategies for making police forces more sensitive towards minority sections. The Conference would also emphasise the need for developing early warning systems to prevent communal conflagrations and evolve a suitable response strategy.

44th IFFI heralds beginning of new century for Indian Cinema: Shri Manish Tewari


Shri Manish Tewari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting has said that the commitment of the organisers of the festival got doubled as the 2013 edition of IFFI marks the completion of hundred years of Indian cinema and heralds beginning of the new century in its journey. Addressing the mediapersons before the inauguration of the 44th International Film Festival in Goa, Shri Tewari said the festival is a celebration of the spirit and essence of cinema. He described the extravaganza as a unique project in federal-state partnership. It has been successful in creating a model of working in close conjunction with each other, he added.

While presenting an overview of the annual feat, the Minister said, ‘what we showcase here is a platform for diverse thoughts’. He said that this cultural event celebrates different ethos and milieus exposed on screen. Underscoring the highlights of the festival, Minister said that the film Industry is magnificent in its diversity. As the event puts focus on North-East Cinema this year, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Mukul Sangma has been requested to open the segment, he informed.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bimal Julka, Secretary ,Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed media that foreign films have 10 packages while Indian films have 13 packages. The National Museum for Indian Cinema is being set up in Mumbai and National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) will come up in Pune, he added.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

From Medicine to Direction


Snigdha Singh is the happiest mother as ‘Tamaash’ , a Hindi short film produced and directed by her sons Satyanshu Singh and Devanshu Singh, got selected for screening at the ongoing 18th International Children Film Festival India in Hyderabad.

“Like every mother I feel happy when I find my sons as great achievers, even though it is their first success, said Snigdha Singh.

Speaking to PIB, Mr. Satyanshu said that he was much interested to make art films rather than the comedy commercials. When I was a small kid itself, my mother educated me about the movies, he said.

“In this industry the more we have to look for is hard work and dedication as the interest and influence is not enough to shine bright. Despite being a Doctor, I made my entry because my parents believe that I am very good at the creative field.

I am elated to be a part of the film festival in Hyderabad as it is his first short film which is getting a great applause from all around the world” he said. “Even though he attended many other film festivals this is the first time I am attending and it is much interesting to be here, she said.

National Integration Week


With a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the “Quami Ekta Week” (National Integration week) will be observed all over the country, from the 19th to 25th November, 2013.

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organization with the Ministry of Home Affairs also organizes communal harmony campaign coinciding with the Qaumi Ekta Week. The foundation also provides financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of children rendered orphan or destitute in communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence.

The week long programmes to be observed during Quami Ekta Week (Nov.19-25th,2013) include National Integration Day (Nov.19), Welfare of Minorities Day (Nov.20), Linguistic Harmony Day (Nov.21), Weaker Sections Day (Nov.22), Cultural Unity Day (Nov.23), Women’s Day(Nov. 24) and Conservation Day (Nov.25) .

Meeting of Consultative Committee of Information & Broadcasting


Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari today chaired the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry. The meeting discussed the Leveson Report and its relevance / implications qua the Indian milieu. A presentation on the Leveson Report and its relevance and implications in the Indian context was made before the members.

Welcoming the members, Shri Manish Tewari said that in the last two decades, the media landscape has undergone an exponential transformation. In both the Indian and the global context, certain structural paradoxes emerged, which required the focus of concerned, conscientious and committed stakeholders of the public discourse. While there were diverse interests in play in the media space the challenge was always to find the golden mean so that the concerns of different stakeholders could be taken into account. Shri Tewari added that the Leveson Report was being discussed before the Committee so that the issues raised could be debated and discussed and the implications in the Indian context could be analysed. While the Government had always supported the ‘Self Regulation’ mechanism in the media domain, of late, a need had also been felt even amongst the stakeholders that a model statutory underpinning the self regulation framework may be looked at. The Leveson Report was an example of a model that had been conceived in the British context after due deliberations and debate. He further stated that the endeavor would now be to also compare other similar models around the world and understand the implications and applications better juxtaposed against the Indian context.

Members of the Committee while appreciating the initiative of the Ministry in discussing the broad features of the report, emphasized that discussions should be broad based accounting for changes across the media space which included the broadcasting and new media also. Members also emphasized that while the current model was very country specific, an attempt ought to be made to discuss the matter with all critical stakeholders accounting for the diversity in the media space. Members also mentioned that the roadmap for the public broadcaster with regard to the regulatory mechanism could also be looked into so as to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the process. Members also felt that in order to ensure a roadmap for the future, it was necessary to outline institutional mechanisms which took into account the changes that were in the offing in the different media segments.

Members who attended the meeting included Dr. Anup Kumar Saha, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Shri Shatrughan Sinha, Ms. Ramya Divya Spandana, Shri Ahmad Saeed Malihabadi, Dr. Barun Mukherji, Shri Bharat Kumar Raut, Shri M.P. Achuthan, Shri Mohammed Adeeb and Shri Pyarimohan Mohapatra.

Interim Hike in Print Media Advertising Rates of DAVP


Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been entrusted with the work of dissemination of information regarding the various flagship schemes/programmes of Government of India through its nodal agency, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP).

As per DAVP Print Media Advertisement Policy, a Rate Structure Committee (RSC) is to be constituted every three years for consideration of revision of Print Media Rates of Newspapers/Periodicals. The recommendations of RSC are examined in this Ministry in consultation with Ministry of Finance and a revised rate card is finalized accordingly.

The 5th Rate Structure Committee (RSC) was constituted on 22.11.2004. On the basis of the recommendations of Fifth Rate Structure Committee (RSC), the rate card for Print Media Advertisement was issued in 2005 and these rates were valid from 1st January, 2006 for a three years, i.e. upto 31st December, 2008.

The 6th RSC was constituted in 2008 to consider the revision of Print Media Advertisement Rates. However, since the RSC could not submit its recommendations in time, a proposal for grant of interim hike was considered in this Ministry in consultation with Ministry of Finance. Later on, based on the recommendations of the 6th RSC, the Print Media Advertisement Rate Card of DAVP was finalized and was made effective with effect from 15.10.2010.

These rates were effective for a period of three years, i.e. upto 14.10.2013 and so the 7th RSC was constituted in this Ministry on 31.5.2013. The Committee is having its meetings with all concerned and stakeholders in this regard and is likely to submit its recommendations very soon. The recommendations of the Rate Structure Committee will be examined in this Ministry and a final decision in this regard is likely to take some more time.

The validity of last rate card which was effective upto 14.10.2013 and the new Print Media Advertisement Rate Card of DAVP could not be finalized by then, pending submission of the recommendations of 7th RSC. The Ministry received a number of representation from various stakeholders and DAVP for grant of immediate interim relief in the Print Media Rate Card of DAVP to meet out the , pending revision of rate card on the basis of recommendations of 7th RSC.

Accordingly, a proposal for grant of an interim hike was considered in this Ministry, in consultation with Ministry of Finance and the Election Commission of India. It has now been decided in this Ministry to grant an interim hike of 19% in the existing rates of DAVP for its Print Media Advertisement. This interim hike will be effective w.e.f. 15.10.2013 and till a revised Print Media Advertisement Rate Structure of DAVP is finalized on the basis of the recommendations of 7th Rate Structure Committee.

The stakeholders are requested to co-operate with the Rate Structure Committee so that its recommendations may be finalized at the earliest.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Facts at A Glance- Chhattisgarh


(IInd Phase of Assembly Elections on 19th November , 2013 )



S. No.
Item
Chhattisgarh (Number of Assembly Constituencies going on poll) – 72
1.
Total Electors
Male –         71,39,631     
Female –      68,30,179 
Service-          5660
NRI Voters:      02    
------------------------------
  Total  -       1,39,75,472
2
Number Types of Assembly Constituencies
General : 46
 SC :         09
ST:            17
3
Total number of Candidates
843
4
Total Number of Female candidates
75

5
No. and Name of the Assembly Constituency with maximum No. of  Candidates
51- Raipur Nagar Suth (38)
6
No. & Name of the Assembly Constituency with  minimum number of Candidates 
39- Saraipali (05)
7
 Party-wise list of candidates:
Bhartiya Janta Party- 72
Bahujan Samaj Party- 72
Communist Party of India- 04
Communist Party of India (Marxist)-04
Indian National Congress- 72
NCP- 12
State Parties- Nil
Other+ Independent- 607
8
Largest assembly constituency area-wise
01- Bharatpur-Sonhat
9
Largest assembly constituency Electorate wise
44- Kasdol
10
Smallest assembly constituency Electorate wise
02- Manendragarh
11
Number and name of assembly constituencies where there is straight contest
-------
12
Number of General, Expenditure , Police & Awareness Observers  deployed
General – 72
Expenditure- 22
Police & Awareness observers- 19
13.
No. of  Polling Stations


17350 (Main Ps) + 665 (Aux. Ps) = 18015
14.
Number of EVM s to be used in the elections
18015

Draft Prevention of Sporting Fraud Bill, 2013 Ready


Draft Bill makes A Provision for Five Years imprisonment and A Fine of Rs. 10 Lakh for the Offenders

In its continuing efforts for cleansing of sports in the country, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in consultation with the Ministry of Law has drafted a specialized legislation namely the PREVENTION OF SPORTING FRAUD BILL, 2013. The Draft Bill has been released in public domain for inviting comments/suggestions of general public and the stakeholders. The Bill has been uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under Department of Sports section (http://www.yas.nic.in). General public and the stakeholders may make suggestions/comments and send the same to the Ministry within 21 days by 3rd December, 2013.

Draft Bill in its present form, inter-alia, defines Sporting Fraud and sporting event, contains provisions of penalty to the offenders and deals with the issue of Jurisdiction of Courts to adjudicate the matter, etc.

Salient features of the provisions in the draft bill are as follows:-

(i) A person is said to commit the offence of sporting fraud if he, directly or indirectly:-

• manipulates or tries to manipulate sports result, irrespective of whether the outcome is actually altered or not
• deliberately misapplies the rules of the sport
• removes or reduces all or part of the uncertainty normally associated with the results of a sporting event
• wilfully fails to perform to his true potential, unless such under
performance can be attributed to strategic or tactical reason deployed in the interest of that sport or team
• discloses insider information
• Fails to disclose knowledge of or attempt for Sporting Fraud.

(ii) Maximum punishment has been proposed to be imprisonment for five years and with fine of ten lakhs or five times the economic benefits derived by the person from sporting fraud, whichever is greater.

(iii) Whoever attempts or causes to commit the offence of sporting fraud shall be punishable with the same punishment as provided for the offence.

(iv) A person who abets the commission of sporting fraud shall be punishable with the same punishment as provided for the offence

(v) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence punishable under this Act

Ministry of I&B invites Suggestions on Amendments to the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867


The Press and Registration of Books Act (PRB Act), 1867 was enacted to create a system for keeping a record of publications through regulation of printing presses and newspapers.  A number of minor amendments in the original Act have been made from time to time. In order to make the existing Act relevant in the present scenario of the print media, the Press and Registration of Books and Publication (PRBP) Bill 2011 was introduced in the Parliament on 16.12.2011 and referred to the Standing Committee of Information Technology for examination. The Standing Committee had submitted its report to the Parliament on 20.12.2012.
            The revised bill has been uploaded in the website of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (home page – What’s new) on 08.11.2013. With a view to have holistic view on the subject, suggestions of various stakeholders interested in the subject matter of the Bill are invited by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  The  suggestions / views  on the proposed bill may be sent to the Under Secretary (MUC), Room No.749, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, ‘A’ Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi – 110 001, Tel. No.2338 4853, Fax No.2338 7240, E.mail : mediaunitcell@yahoo.in  by 19.11.2013. In case no suggestions are received within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that the stakeholders are in agreement with the amendments of the bill.