Meet likely to endorse proposed National Council for Human Resources in Health
Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry is likely to convene a meeting on July 9 of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare where Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is expected to seek endorsement of the proposed National Council for Human Resources in Health to retain medical education as well as regulation of professional practice in health sector.
The Central Health Council that is represented by all State Health Ministers, health-related statutory bodies and research institutions is being convened just after the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) — the highest advisory body to the Centre and States on education — gave its go-ahead to the draft National Commission on Higher Education and Research (NCHER) Bill proposed by a task force constituted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Overarching commission
The draft seeks to establish an overarching NCHER subsuming all education-related functions of all statutory councils, including the Medical Council of India, Dental Council of India, the Nursing Council and other institutions related to medical education. The draft NCHER Bill proposes that all regulation in professional practice in medical and allied field of health sector should be in the domain of the proposed National Council for Human Resources in Health.
Turf war
While the turf war over medical education has been on for a while now, the Prime Minister's Office has written to senior officers of both the Ministries that medical education would remain with the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. On the other hand, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry has been saying that the NCHER was based on the lines of the Yashpal Committee and the National Knowledge Commission recommendations.
Sibal's stand
Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has recently taken the stand that the draft Bill was the “property” of the task force and any final decision would be taken by the government after inter-ministerial consultations. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has also started State consultations on the proposed National Council on Human Resource for Health.
President Pratibha Patil in her joint address to Parliament last year had announced setting up of the two councils but somewhere down the line it was realised that the two had some overlapping areas.
Showing posts with label news updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news updates. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Information access portal to bring youth, government closer
A comprehensive information access portal that will bridge the gap between Indian youth and the government machinery will be developed soon, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Pratik Patil said on Sunday.
“Youth have the potential to initiate change, but they are often disconnected from systems that have the power to bring into effect those changes,” Mr. Patil said, speaking to The Hindu while heading a 100-member youth delegation to China that returned on Sunday.
The Minister said “total integrated software” would be developed within a year and that the portal would serve as a youth database.
Any person in the 18-35 age-group will be able to sign up to the service by submitting a set of details to establish proof of identity. Email alerts about all government schemes, scholarships and programmes that fit the profile will be automatically generated.
The portal, which will be available in all official Indian languages, will also host a platform through which youth can ask queries and send suggestions. They will be forwarded to the relevant Ministry and follow-up action will be taken, Mr. Patil said.
He added that discussions were on with Indian industry to share employment-related details of youth who register on the site to address the “manpower-shortage and unemployment gap.”
Accompanying delegates from various fields of excellence — including a number of national youth award winners — on the second leg of a 10-day youth exchange visit to China, Mr. Patil called for greater cooperation between the two countries in fields such as higher education and information technology.
At an interactive session between Indian and Chinese youth at the Sichuan International Studies University on Saturday, Li Keyong, president of the University, said: “When most people think of China, it is Shanghai and Beijing that comes to their mind. A greater understanding of the complexities of the hinterland of China is required, and youth delegations serve as a very good platform.”
The delegates hopped from Shanghai to Hefei and finally to Chongqing and visited sites such as the Shanghai World Expo and the world heritage rock carvings site at Dazu.
To mark the 60th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a ‘Festival of India' will be organised in China shortly, beginning with an Indian film festival in Chongqing in the second week of July.
“Youth have the potential to initiate change, but they are often disconnected from systems that have the power to bring into effect those changes,” Mr. Patil said, speaking to The Hindu while heading a 100-member youth delegation to China that returned on Sunday.
The Minister said “total integrated software” would be developed within a year and that the portal would serve as a youth database.
Any person in the 18-35 age-group will be able to sign up to the service by submitting a set of details to establish proof of identity. Email alerts about all government schemes, scholarships and programmes that fit the profile will be automatically generated.
The portal, which will be available in all official Indian languages, will also host a platform through which youth can ask queries and send suggestions. They will be forwarded to the relevant Ministry and follow-up action will be taken, Mr. Patil said.
He added that discussions were on with Indian industry to share employment-related details of youth who register on the site to address the “manpower-shortage and unemployment gap.”
Accompanying delegates from various fields of excellence — including a number of national youth award winners — on the second leg of a 10-day youth exchange visit to China, Mr. Patil called for greater cooperation between the two countries in fields such as higher education and information technology.
At an interactive session between Indian and Chinese youth at the Sichuan International Studies University on Saturday, Li Keyong, president of the University, said: “When most people think of China, it is Shanghai and Beijing that comes to their mind. A greater understanding of the complexities of the hinterland of China is required, and youth delegations serve as a very good platform.”
The delegates hopped from Shanghai to Hefei and finally to Chongqing and visited sites such as the Shanghai World Expo and the world heritage rock carvings site at Dazu.
To mark the 60th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a ‘Festival of India' will be organised in China shortly, beginning with an Indian film festival in Chongqing in the second week of July.
India, Canada sign civil nuclear deal
Breaking new grounds in their bilateral relationship, India and Canada on Sunday signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Canada after I.K. Gujral’s trip here 16 years ago, and his counterpart Stephen Harper hailed the signature of the nuclear agreement after their one-on-one and delegation level talks that will provide for cooperation in civil nuclear energy including import of uranium and equipment from Canada.
The civil nuclear agreement was signed by Srikumar Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon in the presence of the two Prime Ministers.
The deal also envisages cooperation in fields of nuclear waste management and radiation safety.
The agreement assumes significance in the context of Canada’s strong attitude in the past when it slapped sanctions against India after the Pokhran I and II tests in 1974 and 1998 respectively.
A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting said the two Prime Ministers committed themselves to the ratification of the agreement and completion of all remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation.
They underscored the potential for mutually beneficial civil nuclear cooperation and trade.
At a joint interaction with the media in the company of Mr. Harper, Dr. Singh said that civil nuclear cooperation agreement that the two countries have signed “breaks new grounds” in the history of bilateral cooperation in the sector.
“It reflects the change in International realities and will open new doors for mutually beneficial cooperation in nuclear technology,” he said.
Kanishka anniversary
The two Prime Ministers solemnly observed the occasion of the 25th anniversary of bombing of Air India flight 182 ’Kanishka’ on June 23, 1985 that killed 329 people on board.
Only a few days ago, Mr. Harper apologised to the families of the victims of the disaster for “institutional failures” of the government and promised some form of compensation to them.
In his remarks to the media, the Dr. Singh made a reference to his Canada visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Kanishka aircrash.
“This terrible disaster and the suffering it has led to will forever remain a stark reminder of the need for all of us to work unitedly to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The victims of this tragedy deserve full justice,” he said.
The two leaders, in the joint statement, strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to direct their respective governments toward greater cooperation in counter-terrorism and security related matters.”
Reiterating the need for intensifying global cooperation in combating international terrorism, they called for an early conclusion and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
Bilateral trade
Dr. Singh said he and Mr. Harper have today added fresh vitality and content to bilateral cooperation.
“We have identified renewable energy, clean technologies, and energy efficiency as other priority areas of cooperation. The newly-constituted Canada-India Energy Forum has already begun its work and has our full support. We have also decided to focus on mining and agriculture as the other priority areas of cooperation,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that two countries have reaffirmed their resolved to achieve the annual bilateral trade target of $15 billion within the next five years and to encourage two-way flow of investments.
The submission of report of joint study group to study the feasibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks an important step in bringing the two economies close together.
“We have directed our officials to examine the report and expedite the next steps,” he said.
Dr. Singh said he was convinced that a strong India-Canada partnership will facilitate solutions to global challenges such as energy and food security, sustainable development, climate change and the fight against extremism and poverty.
“Towards this end, we have agreed to promote and maintain a high level dialogue between India and Canada, he said.
Two leaders committed to expanding a range of activities and institutional frameworks that will contribute to the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion in next five years.
They also announced their commitment to an annual dialogue on trade and investment between Canada’s Minister for International Trade and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister.
They welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of social security agreement and looked forward to its early signing followed by ratification and implementation.
Later speaking at a banquet hosted in honour by Mr. Harper, Dr. Singh said “India and Canada shared much in common. “We are separated by distance but we are united in our values. We both cherish our freedom, our democratic way of life, our pluralism and our spirit of tolerance.”
Recalling late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visit to Canada 37 years ago, he referred to her statement that “Greatest achievement of Canadian people was not the high economic standards they had attained but the fact that it is regarded as a nation of friends that had shown interest in expanding business ties with India.”
Dr. Singh said growing number of Canadian investors we coming to India in areas like telecommunications, environment, energy, financial services and transportation.
Indian investment in Canada has increased ten folds in last decade. “These are all very encouraging signs.”
Indian diaspora
The Prime Minister praised Canada’s ability to welcome and assimilate peoples from across the world and noted that Indian origin community in Canada today numbered approximately 1.1 million.
The community constitutes a bridge between the two countries and remained strong and unshakable even in the most difficult circumstances, he said.
Dr. Singh also announced that the government organise a year long festival of India in Canada in 2011 to show case rich cultural and art heritage and promote greater tourism and travel.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Canada after I.K. Gujral’s trip here 16 years ago, and his counterpart Stephen Harper hailed the signature of the nuclear agreement after their one-on-one and delegation level talks that will provide for cooperation in civil nuclear energy including import of uranium and equipment from Canada.
The civil nuclear agreement was signed by Srikumar Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon in the presence of the two Prime Ministers.
The deal also envisages cooperation in fields of nuclear waste management and radiation safety.
The agreement assumes significance in the context of Canada’s strong attitude in the past when it slapped sanctions against India after the Pokhran I and II tests in 1974 and 1998 respectively.
A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting said the two Prime Ministers committed themselves to the ratification of the agreement and completion of all remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation.
They underscored the potential for mutually beneficial civil nuclear cooperation and trade.
At a joint interaction with the media in the company of Mr. Harper, Dr. Singh said that civil nuclear cooperation agreement that the two countries have signed “breaks new grounds” in the history of bilateral cooperation in the sector.
“It reflects the change in International realities and will open new doors for mutually beneficial cooperation in nuclear technology,” he said.
Kanishka anniversary
The two Prime Ministers solemnly observed the occasion of the 25th anniversary of bombing of Air India flight 182 ’Kanishka’ on June 23, 1985 that killed 329 people on board.
Only a few days ago, Mr. Harper apologised to the families of the victims of the disaster for “institutional failures” of the government and promised some form of compensation to them.
In his remarks to the media, the Dr. Singh made a reference to his Canada visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Kanishka aircrash.
“This terrible disaster and the suffering it has led to will forever remain a stark reminder of the need for all of us to work unitedly to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The victims of this tragedy deserve full justice,” he said.
The two leaders, in the joint statement, strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to direct their respective governments toward greater cooperation in counter-terrorism and security related matters.”
Reiterating the need for intensifying global cooperation in combating international terrorism, they called for an early conclusion and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
Bilateral trade
Dr. Singh said he and Mr. Harper have today added fresh vitality and content to bilateral cooperation.
“We have identified renewable energy, clean technologies, and energy efficiency as other priority areas of cooperation. The newly-constituted Canada-India Energy Forum has already begun its work and has our full support. We have also decided to focus on mining and agriculture as the other priority areas of cooperation,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that two countries have reaffirmed their resolved to achieve the annual bilateral trade target of $15 billion within the next five years and to encourage two-way flow of investments.
The submission of report of joint study group to study the feasibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks an important step in bringing the two economies close together.
“We have directed our officials to examine the report and expedite the next steps,” he said.
Dr. Singh said he was convinced that a strong India-Canada partnership will facilitate solutions to global challenges such as energy and food security, sustainable development, climate change and the fight against extremism and poverty.
“Towards this end, we have agreed to promote and maintain a high level dialogue between India and Canada, he said.
Two leaders committed to expanding a range of activities and institutional frameworks that will contribute to the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion in next five years.
They also announced their commitment to an annual dialogue on trade and investment between Canada’s Minister for International Trade and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister.
They welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of social security agreement and looked forward to its early signing followed by ratification and implementation.
Later speaking at a banquet hosted in honour by Mr. Harper, Dr. Singh said “India and Canada shared much in common. “We are separated by distance but we are united in our values. We both cherish our freedom, our democratic way of life, our pluralism and our spirit of tolerance.”
Recalling late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visit to Canada 37 years ago, he referred to her statement that “Greatest achievement of Canadian people was not the high economic standards they had attained but the fact that it is regarded as a nation of friends that had shown interest in expanding business ties with India.”
Dr. Singh said growing number of Canadian investors we coming to India in areas like telecommunications, environment, energy, financial services and transportation.
Indian investment in Canada has increased ten folds in last decade. “These are all very encouraging signs.”
Indian diaspora
The Prime Minister praised Canada’s ability to welcome and assimilate peoples from across the world and noted that Indian origin community in Canada today numbered approximately 1.1 million.
The community constitutes a bridge between the two countries and remained strong and unshakable even in the most difficult circumstances, he said.
Dr. Singh also announced that the government organise a year long festival of India in Canada in 2011 to show case rich cultural and art heritage and promote greater tourism and travel.
T leaders in other parties waste: KCR
The TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekar Rao, launched a scathing attack on leaders from Telangana region, describing them as “shameless and spineless” characters.
Calling Telangana leaders of all other parties as “waste” Mr Rao pointed out that because of these leaders the Telangana movement failed to achieve separate statehood despite huge public participation after the Union home minister’s announcement on December 9 last year.
Mr Rao also pinned the blame for the hardships of Telangana people on these leaders.
Speaking at the Telangana students wing membership programme at Telangana Bhavan, Mr Rao recalled that Coastal and Rayalaseema region leaders acted in unison while submitting resignations but Telangana public representatives, fearing their respective party leadership, backtracked from their decision to resign.
“The coastal leaders worked with a single agenda to stop the bifurcation of the state where as Telangana leaders are useless, shameless and spineless,” said Mr Rao. “Nobody can stop the Telangana state after December. Even the smart leaders,” declared Mr Rao while promising the students gathered a “Golden Telangana”.
Calling Telangana leaders of all other parties as “waste” Mr Rao pointed out that because of these leaders the Telangana movement failed to achieve separate statehood despite huge public participation after the Union home minister’s announcement on December 9 last year.
Mr Rao also pinned the blame for the hardships of Telangana people on these leaders.
Speaking at the Telangana students wing membership programme at Telangana Bhavan, Mr Rao recalled that Coastal and Rayalaseema region leaders acted in unison while submitting resignations but Telangana public representatives, fearing their respective party leadership, backtracked from their decision to resign.
“The coastal leaders worked with a single agenda to stop the bifurcation of the state where as Telangana leaders are useless, shameless and spineless,” said Mr Rao. “Nobody can stop the Telangana state after December. Even the smart leaders,” declared Mr Rao while promising the students gathered a “Golden Telangana”.
AP logs in to Facebook, IT rolls into Vijayawada
The proposal of international IT giants to buy 3.91 lakh square feet of office space in Hyderabad has raised hopes of fresh investments into the state,
The proposals of Facebook India online services, Invesco and Accenture have been cleared by the Development Commissioner of IT SEZs. Facebook will set up its office in the Raheja Mindspace special economic zone, and will launch its incubator facility in two months. The Hyderabad office will be the first office of the social networking giant in Asia.
The expansion projects of Accenture and Invesco have also been cleared. Five IT SEZs cleared by the Development Commissioner are expected to create about 5,000 new IT jobs this year.
The IT revolution, which was hitherto limited to Hyderabad city, is slowly making inroads into Tier-II and III cities and towns. L& recently completed an IT SEZ in Vijayawada on 30 acres. More than 2 lakh square feet of space in this SEZ has been purchased by Chennai-based IT companies.
Indemax, Tektracks, Galla IT services and Exranet Software have entered into agreements with the government to set up their centres in Vijayawada.
“Vijayawada is being preferred as an alternative location because of its strategic location and the cost advantage in terms of physical infrastructure and human resources,” said Ms K. Ratnaprabha, principal secretary, IT & Communications department.
Warangal, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati have also received several enquiries in the last two months.
This surge has surprised real estate developers too. Infrastructure providers like Raheja and Divyasree have sold more than 32 lakh square feet of office space mostly to IT companies.
The proposals of Facebook India online services, Invesco and Accenture have been cleared by the Development Commissioner of IT SEZs. Facebook will set up its office in the Raheja Mindspace special economic zone, and will launch its incubator facility in two months. The Hyderabad office will be the first office of the social networking giant in Asia.
The expansion projects of Accenture and Invesco have also been cleared. Five IT SEZs cleared by the Development Commissioner are expected to create about 5,000 new IT jobs this year.
The IT revolution, which was hitherto limited to Hyderabad city, is slowly making inroads into Tier-II and III cities and towns. L& recently completed an IT SEZ in Vijayawada on 30 acres. More than 2 lakh square feet of space in this SEZ has been purchased by Chennai-based IT companies.
Indemax, Tektracks, Galla IT services and Exranet Software have entered into agreements with the government to set up their centres in Vijayawada.
“Vijayawada is being preferred as an alternative location because of its strategic location and the cost advantage in terms of physical infrastructure and human resources,” said Ms K. Ratnaprabha, principal secretary, IT & Communications department.
Warangal, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati have also received several enquiries in the last two months.
This surge has surprised real estate developers too. Infrastructure providers like Raheja and Divyasree have sold more than 32 lakh square feet of office space mostly to IT companies.
10 bound for Tirupati perish in road mishap
Ten people, who were on their way to Tirupati, died in an accident after the vehicle in which they were travelling rammed into a granite-laden lorry at Pocharam village on NH-9. The area falls under the Patancheru police station limits.
The victims (three families) were identified based on the vehicle registration number and other documents found on them. Members of the first family were Sunil Yadram Alwar, 42, his wife Alka, 35, their daughter Ashwini, 17, and their nephew, Ananta Anil, 19.
The second family included Ramesh, 40, his wife Surekha, 36, and their son Amul, 15. The third family comprised Haridas Atmaram Kale, 47, his wife, Sunita, 40, and their daughter, Bhagyasree, 18. All the victims were residents of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and Sunil Yadram Alwar, Ramesh and Haridas Atmaram Kale, were partners in Ganesh Industries, an automobile spare parts industry located at Ahmednagar.
The Patancheru police said that at about 4 pm on Saturday, they had set off in a Scorpio to Tirupati, and the accident occurred at around 2 am at Pocharam village.
The victims (three families) were identified based on the vehicle registration number and other documents found on them. Members of the first family were Sunil Yadram Alwar, 42, his wife Alka, 35, their daughter Ashwini, 17, and their nephew, Ananta Anil, 19.
The second family included Ramesh, 40, his wife Surekha, 36, and their son Amul, 15. The third family comprised Haridas Atmaram Kale, 47, his wife, Sunita, 40, and their daughter, Bhagyasree, 18. All the victims were residents of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and Sunil Yadram Alwar, Ramesh and Haridas Atmaram Kale, were partners in Ganesh Industries, an automobile spare parts industry located at Ahmednagar.
The Patancheru police said that at about 4 pm on Saturday, they had set off in a Scorpio to Tirupati, and the accident occurred at around 2 am at Pocharam village.
College managements deny plot, want government to release fee
The Consortium of Engineering College Managements Association (CECMA) strongly condemned the statement made by the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, that college managements are conspiring against the government by aiding and abetting the agitation taken up by the BC leader, Mr R. Krishnaiah, over the non-reimbursement of fees to students.
Officials of the CECMA said that the college managements have nothing do with Mr Krishnaiah’s agitation as he was fighting on behalf of the students and wanted the government to release the fee arrears amounting to more than Rs 2,000 crore.
“It’s unfortunate that the CM has made such baseless allegations against us. He should realise that it’s the failure of the government in releasing funds that led to this situation. The government promised to release Rs 1,000 crore by June but we have not received a single paisa so far. Ignoring that, the CM is now trying to put the blame on college managements for his government’s failure,” said the general secretary of the CECMA, Dr P. Rajeshwar Reddy. The CECMA represents over 600 engineering colleges in the state.
Mr Reddy also said that the colleges are extending their complete co-operation to the government even though the latter has not released funds for the past one year. “Many colleges are on the verge of closure owing to financial crisis as they did not receive the fee reimbursements. Despite this, we never troubled any student and allowed them to appear for the final exams. Instead of appreciating this, the government is threatening us,” said Dr Reddy.
The CECMA also came down heavily on some ministers and MLAs for regularly issuing public threats to colleges over the fee reimbursement issue.
“Some ministers said they are releasing funds to colleges even though some lack the requisite faculty and infrastructure. This is a lie as all our institutions are recognised by the AICTE, the state and the affiliating universities. The state can act against any college that does not adhere to rules, but it cannot blame us for their failure to reimburse fees,” stated Dr Reddy.
Meanwhile, Mr K. Rosaiah again appealed to all political parties not to politicise the issue and accused the parties of resorting to misinformation campaigns despite knowing the government’s efforts in this regard.
Officials of the CECMA said that the college managements have nothing do with Mr Krishnaiah’s agitation as he was fighting on behalf of the students and wanted the government to release the fee arrears amounting to more than Rs 2,000 crore.
“It’s unfortunate that the CM has made such baseless allegations against us. He should realise that it’s the failure of the government in releasing funds that led to this situation. The government promised to release Rs 1,000 crore by June but we have not received a single paisa so far. Ignoring that, the CM is now trying to put the blame on college managements for his government’s failure,” said the general secretary of the CECMA, Dr P. Rajeshwar Reddy. The CECMA represents over 600 engineering colleges in the state.
Mr Reddy also said that the colleges are extending their complete co-operation to the government even though the latter has not released funds for the past one year. “Many colleges are on the verge of closure owing to financial crisis as they did not receive the fee reimbursements. Despite this, we never troubled any student and allowed them to appear for the final exams. Instead of appreciating this, the government is threatening us,” said Dr Reddy.
The CECMA also came down heavily on some ministers and MLAs for regularly issuing public threats to colleges over the fee reimbursement issue.
“Some ministers said they are releasing funds to colleges even though some lack the requisite faculty and infrastructure. This is a lie as all our institutions are recognised by the AICTE, the state and the affiliating universities. The state can act against any college that does not adhere to rules, but it cannot blame us for their failure to reimburse fees,” stated Dr Reddy.
Meanwhile, Mr K. Rosaiah again appealed to all political parties not to politicise the issue and accused the parties of resorting to misinformation campaigns despite knowing the government’s efforts in this regard.
Bhansali full of praise for Abhishek’s acting
Raavan may have crashed at the box office and while critics feel that the film failed due to Abhishek Bachchan’s unconvincing performance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all praises for the actor. According to sources, Bhansali has never worked with Abhishek but has worked with Aishwarya in two films, and with Amitabh Bachchan in Black. In fact, Bhansali’s next film, Guzarish, has Ash in the lead role.
However, Bhansali liked Abhishek’s performance more than Aishwarya’s in Raavan. He even called Abhishek after he saw the film and applauded his performance. Abhishek, of course, was on cloud nine after getting such a call from Bhansali, especially since he was disappointed with the film’s lacklustre opening.
However, Bhansali liked Abhishek’s performance more than Aishwarya’s in Raavan. He even called Abhishek after he saw the film and applauded his performance. Abhishek, of course, was on cloud nine after getting such a call from Bhansali, especially since he was disappointed with the film’s lacklustre opening.
PM warns against exit of economic stimulus
The withdrawal of economic stimulus packages by advanced countries like France, Germany and Great Britain may lead to double-digit recession, warned the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Without naming the troika, the Prime Minister said, “Contractionary policies, if followed by many
industrialised countries simultaneously, could provoke a double-dip recession”.
Addressing G-20 leaders of key emerging and advanced countries, the Prime Minister pointed to great risks in destabilising fragile recovery and deflation vis-Ã -vis inflation.
He prescribed a measured and calibrated exit from stimulus measures by developed countries that face “fiscal stress” and deficits. For countries like the US, where the markets have been nervous, he prescribed fiscal consolidation as the way forward.
The UK’s Tory-LibDem coalition government has already announced an aggressive package of steep cuts in budget spending, mopping up funds by taxing banking transactions.
The Prime Minister warned the developed countries from resorting to protectionist policies or imposing trade barriers with an adverse impact on revival in demand for goods and services in developing countries.
Without naming the troika, the Prime Minister said, “Contractionary policies, if followed by many
industrialised countries simultaneously, could provoke a double-dip recession”.
Addressing G-20 leaders of key emerging and advanced countries, the Prime Minister pointed to great risks in destabilising fragile recovery and deflation vis-Ã -vis inflation.
He prescribed a measured and calibrated exit from stimulus measures by developed countries that face “fiscal stress” and deficits. For countries like the US, where the markets have been nervous, he prescribed fiscal consolidation as the way forward.
The UK’s Tory-LibDem coalition government has already announced an aggressive package of steep cuts in budget spending, mopping up funds by taxing banking transactions.
The Prime Minister warned the developed countries from resorting to protectionist policies or imposing trade barriers with an adverse impact on revival in demand for goods and services in developing countries.
Super Saina scores hat-trick
It’s been a "Super" week for Saina Nehwal. After last week’s win at the Singapore Open Super Series, she defeated Japan’s Sayaka Sato on Sunday to defend the Indonesian Open Super Series in Jakarta, thus completing a hat-trick of titles. The week was also special as she also broke through the top three of world badminton rankings.
The Hyderabadi shuttler defeated Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the 45-minute encounter
thus successfully defended her crown and adding her third Super Series title to her kitty.
Her two earlier wins were the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event on June 13 in Chennai
and the Singapore Open Super Series title on June 20.
Though a bit restrained earlier in the week when she was ranked World No. 3 (she
wanted to win the Indonesian Open before celebrating), the Arjuna and Padma Sri
recipient seemed at last ready to bask in the glory.
"It’s a superb feeling - indeed an achievement to cherish always... becoming World No. 3, defending my Indonesian Open Super Series title, winning the Singapore Open Super Series and Indian Open - it’s reason enough to celebrate," Saina told this
newspaper from Jakarta on Sunday.
"I am eager to come home so that I can share these precious moments with my family
too," the 20-year-old said adding, "It has been three long very tiring weeks for me as I
have been playing these tournaments one after another. However, ending with a victory
motivates you to do better."
Did she miss the Chinese? "No comments," Saina laughed but then added, "That was an
advantage for me since the psychology is different when you are against a Chinese
player. But again, that does not mean that victory is all yours. You have to play your
best because you never know what determination and tactics your opponent is going to adopt."
The champion’s parents - Dr Harvir Singh and Usha Rani - were delighted with their
daughter’s latest victory.
"Saina has done us proud. With God’s grace, we hope she brings laurels to the country,"
Dr Singh said.
"I was really tensed when she was down in the second game. But she easily overcame
the hiccup in the third one," added Ms Usha.
National chief coach Pullela Gopichand was extremely proud of his ward. "It is a great
victory for Saina. Many aspire but only few are able to scale these heights. Saina is
hard-working and she really deserves it," he said adding, "Her focus now will be the
World Championships (August), the Commonwealth Games (October) and the Asian
Games.
"Now, looking at her achievements, I can say she definitely has it in her to get the gold
at the Olympics," Gopichand said.
The Hyderabadi shuttler defeated Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the 45-minute encounter
thus successfully defended her crown and adding her third Super Series title to her kitty.
Her two earlier wins were the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event on June 13 in Chennai
and the Singapore Open Super Series title on June 20.
Though a bit restrained earlier in the week when she was ranked World No. 3 (she
wanted to win the Indonesian Open before celebrating), the Arjuna and Padma Sri
recipient seemed at last ready to bask in the glory.
"It’s a superb feeling - indeed an achievement to cherish always... becoming World No. 3, defending my Indonesian Open Super Series title, winning the Singapore Open Super Series and Indian Open - it’s reason enough to celebrate," Saina told this
newspaper from Jakarta on Sunday.
"I am eager to come home so that I can share these precious moments with my family
too," the 20-year-old said adding, "It has been three long very tiring weeks for me as I
have been playing these tournaments one after another. However, ending with a victory
motivates you to do better."
Did she miss the Chinese? "No comments," Saina laughed but then added, "That was an
advantage for me since the psychology is different when you are against a Chinese
player. But again, that does not mean that victory is all yours. You have to play your
best because you never know what determination and tactics your opponent is going to adopt."
The champion’s parents - Dr Harvir Singh and Usha Rani - were delighted with their
daughter’s latest victory.
"Saina has done us proud. With God’s grace, we hope she brings laurels to the country,"
Dr Singh said.
"I was really tensed when she was down in the second game. But she easily overcame
the hiccup in the third one," added Ms Usha.
National chief coach Pullela Gopichand was extremely proud of his ward. "It is a great
victory for Saina. Many aspire but only few are able to scale these heights. Saina is
hard-working and she really deserves it," he said adding, "Her focus now will be the
World Championships (August), the Commonwealth Games (October) and the Asian
Games.
"Now, looking at her achievements, I can say she definitely has it in her to get the gold
at the Olympics," Gopichand said.
PM rules out n-material being used for 'unintended purpose'
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday ruled out the possibility of nuclear material or equipment supplied to India under civil nuclear cooperation agreements being used for "any unintended purpose." "Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls. "We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being supplied going for any unintended purpose," Dr Singh told a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart, Mr Stephen Harper after the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. He was responding to a question whether there were enough safeguards to prevent nuclear material coming to India under such agreements being used for any weapons programme. India already has civil nuclear agreements with eight countries like the US, France and Russia. Replying to questions, Mr Harper said Canada, which had imposed sanctions on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 (RPT) 1974 and 1998, cannot live in the past. "In relation to the nuclear cooperation, we have received all the reasons that we were looking. It is a good agreement. We got much more important reasons because we cannot live in the past of 1970s," Mr Harper said. He said India is a "powerhouse that is going to play a very important role in the world. "We are determined to develop cooperation not only for the sake of our industry, but it is also an agreement which is a symbol of our relationship," he said.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Abhi-Ash are off on a romantic holiday
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are one dedicated couple. They may be neck deep in assignments and tight schedules all the time, but they always make it a point to be together on special occasions. Buzz has it that Ash and Abhi are currently enjoying a holiday together at an undisclosed location.
“Ash and Abhishek are all set to ring in their anniversary on April 20. The couple will spend some quality time together. This is one occasion they have been looking forward to. The couple will be back before April 24 in Mumbai to attend the music release of Mani Ratnam’s Raavan,” said a source.
Lately, the two have been very busy. While Abhishek was earlier busy with Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se, he is now shooting for Dum Maaro Dum. Ash too is shooting for a couple of films.
MIM MLA arrested for slapping policeman
A legislator of Majlis- Ittehadul-Muslimeen (MIM) was arrested on Sunday for allegedly slapping a policeman on duty, police said.
Karwan MLA Afsar Khan was arrested on charge of “slapping” constable Shiva Prasad, attached to Humayunnagar Police Station, near Shakina complex last night, they said.
The constable Shiva Prasad had gone to the complex along with a Sub-Inspector Nagender Rao following a complaint of quarrels on a petty issue between two groups, Asifnagar division Assistant Commissioner of Police L. T. Chandra Sekhar said.
When police tried to pacify the groups, Mr. Khan along with his supporters reached the place and picked up arguments and “slapped” the constable by holding his collar, police said.
“We have booked a case against the MLA under section 353 of IPC (Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty),” he said.
Tension prevailed in the area as the news of arrest of Karwan MLA spread, as his supporters assembled in large numbers and staged a sit-in raising anti-police slogans in front of Humayunnagar Police Station.
Mr. Khan was previously involved in three assault cases including the attack on Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen at Press Club here in 2007.
Karwan MLA Afsar Khan was arrested on charge of “slapping” constable Shiva Prasad, attached to Humayunnagar Police Station, near Shakina complex last night, they said.
The constable Shiva Prasad had gone to the complex along with a Sub-Inspector Nagender Rao following a complaint of quarrels on a petty issue between two groups, Asifnagar division Assistant Commissioner of Police L. T. Chandra Sekhar said.
When police tried to pacify the groups, Mr. Khan along with his supporters reached the place and picked up arguments and “slapped” the constable by holding his collar, police said.
“We have booked a case against the MLA under section 353 of IPC (Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty),” he said.
Tension prevailed in the area as the news of arrest of Karwan MLA spread, as his supporters assembled in large numbers and staged a sit-in raising anti-police slogans in front of Humayunnagar Police Station.
Mr. Khan was previously involved in three assault cases including the attack on Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen at Press Club here in 2007.
Corporator ‘carries' pistol into NTR Bhavan
A breach in the security set up at NTR Bhavan, headquarters of TDP, was detected by the security personnel of party president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday.
According to party sources, TDP corporator from Vanasthalipuram J. Rajashekar Reddy carried his licensed pistol without being detected by the metal detectors at the entrance of the building.
The corporator was proceeding towards the chambers of Mr. Naidu as part of his appointment when the security personnel found the weapon during physical frisking.
Party sources stated that the corporator was carrying the weapon only to check the security system. The matter was informed to the police but no complaint was lodged.
According to party sources, TDP corporator from Vanasthalipuram J. Rajashekar Reddy carried his licensed pistol without being detected by the metal detectors at the entrance of the building.
The corporator was proceeding towards the chambers of Mr. Naidu as part of his appointment when the security personnel found the weapon during physical frisking.
Party sources stated that the corporator was carrying the weapon only to check the security system. The matter was informed to the police but no complaint was lodged.
Love couple leaped to death in Hyderabad
A love couple leaped to death from the fourth floor of a prominent mall allegedly over a tiff about their affair here on Sunday, police said.
Vinod Ravikumar (24) and B Sridevi (19), both the employees of the mall and natives of Bidar in Karnataka and Nepal respectively who had been in a love-affair for quite some time, jumped down from the fourth floor of the building at around 9 am, they said.
Vinod died on the spot while Sridevi succumbed to her injuries in a corporate hospital, a police officer said.
On the basis of a suicide note purportedly written by Vinod, an investigating officer said that Vinod was jilted over Sridevi’s friendly relation with another young man.
“In the suicide note Vinod said he will kill the girl for neglecting him,” the investigating officer said.
We suspect Vinod might have pushed the girl down before ending his life. However, there are no eye-witnesses to prove that the girl was pushed, he said.
Sridevi was staying with her sister in Rahamath Nagar while Vinod was a resident of Jagathgirigutta here. Both the bodies were sent for post-mortem and further investigations were underway.
Vinod Ravikumar (24) and B Sridevi (19), both the employees of the mall and natives of Bidar in Karnataka and Nepal respectively who had been in a love-affair for quite some time, jumped down from the fourth floor of the building at around 9 am, they said.
Vinod died on the spot while Sridevi succumbed to her injuries in a corporate hospital, a police officer said.
On the basis of a suicide note purportedly written by Vinod, an investigating officer said that Vinod was jilted over Sridevi’s friendly relation with another young man.
“In the suicide note Vinod said he will kill the girl for neglecting him,” the investigating officer said.
We suspect Vinod might have pushed the girl down before ending his life. However, there are no eye-witnesses to prove that the girl was pushed, he said.
Sridevi was staying with her sister in Rahamath Nagar while Vinod was a resident of Jagathgirigutta here. Both the bodies were sent for post-mortem and further investigations were underway.
Youth kills self after pushing girl to death
A jilted youth pushed an 18-year-old girl to death from the fourth floor of Life Style mall in Begumpet here and later committed suicide by jumping from it on Sunday morning, police said.
Twenty-year-old D. Vinod, a resident of Jagadgirigutta, asked the girl to come to the mall where she was working as a salesgirl in a cosmetics parlour to discuss an “important issue.”
They met at the parking space in the cellar and went to the fourth floor.
Multiple fractures
A few minutes later, the housekeeping staff heard some sound and found both Vinod and the girl on the ground with multiple fractures. Vinod died on the spot, while the girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital at Jubilee Hills, according to the police. Vinod was working as a sales executive in a private bank.
A suicide note purportedly written by Vinod in Hindi and mentioning his affair with the victim for the past three years was also recovered from him.
“She started distancing herself from me over the last three months and asked me to marry another girl. Recently, I came to know that she had developed friendship with another person. Then I decided to teach her a lesson,” the suicide note said, according to Punjagutta Inspector M. Malla Reddy.
Request to parents
Vinod requested his parents — Ravi and Anuradha — to forgive him for taking such a drastic step and urged his two sisters to take care of the parents.
“I want to be your son even in the next birth,” he told his parents in the note.
Vinod and the girl became friends when they were staying at Punjagutta. Later, the girl's family, originally from Nepal, shifted to Rehamathnagar and the boy's family, hailing from Bidar, shifted to Jagadgirigutta but they continued to meet.
The grief-stricken mother of the youth told journalists at the Gandhi Hospital mortuary that her son did not appear to be interested in marrying her even when she broached the topic.
“He left the house around 6.30 a.m. wearing new clothes saying that he had a meeting in the office and within three hours we came to know about the incident,” she said, sobbing.
She pointed out that the Punjagutta police had even counselled the duo when the girl's sister lodged a complaint five months ago. However, one of the girl's sisters feigned ignorance about the affair.
Twenty-year-old D. Vinod, a resident of Jagadgirigutta, asked the girl to come to the mall where she was working as a salesgirl in a cosmetics parlour to discuss an “important issue.”
They met at the parking space in the cellar and went to the fourth floor.
Multiple fractures
A few minutes later, the housekeeping staff heard some sound and found both Vinod and the girl on the ground with multiple fractures. Vinod died on the spot, while the girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital at Jubilee Hills, according to the police. Vinod was working as a sales executive in a private bank.
A suicide note purportedly written by Vinod in Hindi and mentioning his affair with the victim for the past three years was also recovered from him.
“She started distancing herself from me over the last three months and asked me to marry another girl. Recently, I came to know that she had developed friendship with another person. Then I decided to teach her a lesson,” the suicide note said, according to Punjagutta Inspector M. Malla Reddy.
Request to parents
Vinod requested his parents — Ravi and Anuradha — to forgive him for taking such a drastic step and urged his two sisters to take care of the parents.
“I want to be your son even in the next birth,” he told his parents in the note.
Vinod and the girl became friends when they were staying at Punjagutta. Later, the girl's family, originally from Nepal, shifted to Rehamathnagar and the boy's family, hailing from Bidar, shifted to Jagadgirigutta but they continued to meet.
The grief-stricken mother of the youth told journalists at the Gandhi Hospital mortuary that her son did not appear to be interested in marrying her even when she broached the topic.
“He left the house around 6.30 a.m. wearing new clothes saying that he had a meeting in the office and within three hours we came to know about the incident,” she said, sobbing.
She pointed out that the Punjagutta police had even counselled the duo when the girl's sister lodged a complaint five months ago. However, one of the girl's sisters feigned ignorance about the affair.
Volcanic ash may cause hazards for asthma patients: WHO
People suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders must wear masks and stay indoors to avoid hazards caused by the volcanic ash erupting from Iceland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
Daniel Epstein, spokesman of this UN agency explained that effects will begin to be felt when the ash descends and falls on several countries across Europe.
The most endangered are persons with respiratory problems who are warned to stay at home and use masks when outside, the experts said referring to a report of the UN news centre, Prensa Latina reported.
The volcanic ash, which contains ammonium, sulphates, sodium, carbon, several minerals and water, can reach bronchial periphery and cause difficulties in persons with asthma or other respiratory disorders, he said.
Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organisation said it is unable to forecast the duration of the ash cloud in the atmosphere while eruptions of the Icelandic volcano still continue.
However, he said, the effects of this phenomenon on climate will be low due to temporary fall of temperatures because the ash blocks sun rays.
Now see 3D movies without glasses
The huge success of 3D movies like “Avatar”, “Clash of the Titans” and “Alice in Wonderland” has led scientists to explore possibilities of developing 3D technology that does not require glasses. Japanese companies supplying 3D technology and services to Hollywood production houses have said they hope to see their goods having an impact on people’s day-to-day lives within the next few years, and that further development in the technology will lower prices and makes the experience affordable for commoners, Xinhua reported on Saturday.
However, before that happens, there are still a few problems that need to be solved. A ‘glasses-free’ 3D technology produced by a Japanese company has induced headaches, even if they were impressive.
The latest technology sends different signals to each eye, creating the illusion of 3D images, and a company representative has argued that future developments will lead to sharper images and less eye fatigue. “In may be five years, when the technology has further advanced and the price of the hardware has become more affordable, I think you will see 3D sets in households,” Kazuo Kaneyama was quoted as saying.
At present, the technology boasts of a 65-inch set at around 3 million yen ($32,000) - about three times more than the price of a 2D television of the same size.
There are also problems for people with visual impairment. If one eye is stronger than the other, then the 3D image will suffer.
“People with visual impairment will not be able to enjoy 3D using this technology,” Kaneyama said. Over the next few years, television sets are likely to be installed at exhibitions, department stores and on streets that grab our attention like never before, with the images seeming to jump out of the screens and at passers-by.
“I believe 3D is just around the corner,” said Kiyoto Kanda, representative of another company. “Photo frames that use the technology are already available at an affordable price, and other equipment is going to get cheaper in the near future.” With Hollywood already beginning to invest in fully developing 3D entertainment, opportunities to test out the new way of watching movies, sport and other programmes are likely to increase.
In Britain, a recent football game between Manchester United and Chelsea was made available in 3D. Though these experiments have used the glasses technology, people have not looked favourably at the idea of wearing uncomfortable glasses for two or more hours at a time, opening up huge potential for companies offering glasses-free technology.
Chargers rides into semifinals
Deccan Chargers held its nerves to pull off its fifth win in a row and the reward was a semifinal slot in the DLF Indian Premier League-III.
The 11–run win over Delhi Daredevils came on the strength of a splendid team effort at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Sunday.
Three sensational catches by Rohit Sharma; A brilliant knock by Man-of-the-Match Andrew Symonds; astute leadership by Adam Gilchrist; a crafty spell by Pragyan Ojha and a tight final over by Chaminda Vaas drove home the essence of collective effort. A pity, Daredevils relied too much on Paul Collingwood to take it home.
It was a knockout match following Chennai Super Kings' entry to the semifinals in the afternoon. Daredevils had its task cut out but the opposition turned out to be determined too. Runs had to be earned the hard way in the second half of the contest as the slow pitch demanded batting skills of a high order.
The scores:
Deccan Chargers: A. Gilchrist c Gambhir b Nehra 10 (9b, 2x4), M. Mishra (run out) 25 (19b, 2x4, 1x6), T. Suman b Yadav 5 (6b, 1x4), Rohit Sharma c Karthik b Yadav 11 (9b, 2x4), A. Symonds c Manhas b Mishra 54 (30b, 3x4, 5x6), M. Marsh c Manhas b Nehra 13 (19b), B. Sumanth (not out) 7 (12b), C. Vaas c Nehra b Collingwood 3 (8b), Rahul Sharma (not out) 14 (8b, 2x4), Extras (lb-2, w-1) 3; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 145.
Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-32, 3-47, 4-66, 5-116, 6-121, 7-128.
Delhi Daredevils bowling: Nannes 4-0-22-0, Nehra 4-0-32-2, Yadav 4-0-24-2, Mishra 4-0-28-1, Collingwood 3-0-23-1, Dilshan 1-0-14-0.
Delhi Daredevils: D. Warner c Rohit b Marsh 5 (4b, 1x4), V. Sehwag c Rohit b Vaas 8 (6b, 2x4), T. Dilshan lbw b Harmeet 11 (11b, 2x4), G. Gambhir c Rohit b Ojha 4 (9b), M. Manhas (run out) 23 (22b, 2x4), P. Collingwood (not out) 52 (42b, 1x4, 3x6), D. Karthik b Ojha 1 (2b), A. Mishra b Harmeet Singh 4 (9b), A. Nehra (not out) 21 (16b, 2x4, 1x6), Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-2) 5; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 134.
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-25, 4-39, 5-68, 6-72, 7-86.
Deccan Daredevils bowling: Vaas 4-0-19-1, Marsh 2-0-19-1, Harmeet 4-0-41-2, Symonds 2-0-8-0, Ojha 4-0-16-2, Sharma 4-0-29-0.
The 11–run win over Delhi Daredevils came on the strength of a splendid team effort at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Sunday.
Three sensational catches by Rohit Sharma; A brilliant knock by Man-of-the-Match Andrew Symonds; astute leadership by Adam Gilchrist; a crafty spell by Pragyan Ojha and a tight final over by Chaminda Vaas drove home the essence of collective effort. A pity, Daredevils relied too much on Paul Collingwood to take it home.
It was a knockout match following Chennai Super Kings' entry to the semifinals in the afternoon. Daredevils had its task cut out but the opposition turned out to be determined too. Runs had to be earned the hard way in the second half of the contest as the slow pitch demanded batting skills of a high order.
The scores:
Deccan Chargers: A. Gilchrist c Gambhir b Nehra 10 (9b, 2x4), M. Mishra (run out) 25 (19b, 2x4, 1x6), T. Suman b Yadav 5 (6b, 1x4), Rohit Sharma c Karthik b Yadav 11 (9b, 2x4), A. Symonds c Manhas b Mishra 54 (30b, 3x4, 5x6), M. Marsh c Manhas b Nehra 13 (19b), B. Sumanth (not out) 7 (12b), C. Vaas c Nehra b Collingwood 3 (8b), Rahul Sharma (not out) 14 (8b, 2x4), Extras (lb-2, w-1) 3; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 145.
Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-32, 3-47, 4-66, 5-116, 6-121, 7-128.
Delhi Daredevils bowling: Nannes 4-0-22-0, Nehra 4-0-32-2, Yadav 4-0-24-2, Mishra 4-0-28-1, Collingwood 3-0-23-1, Dilshan 1-0-14-0.
Delhi Daredevils: D. Warner c Rohit b Marsh 5 (4b, 1x4), V. Sehwag c Rohit b Vaas 8 (6b, 2x4), T. Dilshan lbw b Harmeet 11 (11b, 2x4), G. Gambhir c Rohit b Ojha 4 (9b), M. Manhas (run out) 23 (22b, 2x4), P. Collingwood (not out) 52 (42b, 1x4, 3x6), D. Karthik b Ojha 1 (2b), A. Mishra b Harmeet Singh 4 (9b), A. Nehra (not out) 21 (16b, 2x4, 1x6), Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-2) 5; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 134.
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-25, 4-39, 5-68, 6-72, 7-86.
Deccan Daredevils bowling: Vaas 4-0-19-1, Marsh 2-0-19-1, Harmeet 4-0-41-2, Symonds 2-0-8-0, Ojha 4-0-16-2, Sharma 4-0-29-0.
New film rating system proposed
India's film rating system is set for a revamp, with the draft Cinematograph Bill, 2010 adding more age-specific categories of certification, in line with international norms.
Under the draft Bill, which could see the light in the next session of Parliament, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing five categories of ratings.
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), better known as the Censor Board, will now be asked to certify films under the U, 12+, 15+, A and S categories. This translates to films meant for unrestricted viewing (U), those unsuitable for children below 12 years (12+), those unsuitable for children below 15 years (15+), and those meant only for adults, or people above 18 years (A). The S rating is for films restricted to certain professions or classes.
Under the current Cinematograph Act, 1952, there are three categories — U, A and UA, the last of which calls for parental discretion and guidance on whether the film is suitable for children under 12 years.
The new draft Bill also acknowledges the importance of women's perspectives on the films to be released and mandates that one-third of the members of the CBFC, as well as the regional advisory boards, must be women.
If the applicant for certification is the producer of the film, the certificate will be deemed to be evidence that he owns the copyright of the film, according to the draft Bill. It also stipulates that the Board must disclose the reasons for its decisions either to refuse certification or to restrict the film under any of the categories except the U rating.
The draft Bill also aims at dealing with the issue of piracy by introducing penalties for those who make duplicate prints or issue unauthorised copies or negatives. The punishment ranges from a fine between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh and imprisonment from one to three years.
Under the draft Bill, which could see the light in the next session of Parliament, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing five categories of ratings.
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), better known as the Censor Board, will now be asked to certify films under the U, 12+, 15+, A and S categories. This translates to films meant for unrestricted viewing (U), those unsuitable for children below 12 years (12+), those unsuitable for children below 15 years (15+), and those meant only for adults, or people above 18 years (A). The S rating is for films restricted to certain professions or classes.
Under the current Cinematograph Act, 1952, there are three categories — U, A and UA, the last of which calls for parental discretion and guidance on whether the film is suitable for children under 12 years.
The new draft Bill also acknowledges the importance of women's perspectives on the films to be released and mandates that one-third of the members of the CBFC, as well as the regional advisory boards, must be women.
If the applicant for certification is the producer of the film, the certificate will be deemed to be evidence that he owns the copyright of the film, according to the draft Bill. It also stipulates that the Board must disclose the reasons for its decisions either to refuse certification or to restrict the film under any of the categories except the U rating.
The draft Bill also aims at dealing with the issue of piracy by introducing penalties for those who make duplicate prints or issue unauthorised copies or negatives. The punishment ranges from a fine between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh and imprisonment from one to three years.
