Pehredar Piya Ki Goes Off Air; Crew & Cast in a state of shock

After much protest and a written petition against the show ‘Pehredar Piya Ki’, Sony Entertainment Television on Tuesday announced that it is taking the show off air. 

On Tuesday, Sony Entertainment Television released a statement according to which the much in limelight show Pehredaar Piya Ki has been taken off the air. The statement came as a shock as there was no intimation of the same. The show was last aired on Friday. 

Pehredaar Piya Ki started in mid-July this year and ever since its launch was the center of all negative publicity. The show was based on the story of an 18-year-old girl marrying a 9-year-old child and taking care of him. However, the audience was hyper because the boy was shown falling in love with the old girl. In fact, there were scenes like Suh Agra at and more being filmed between the two. 

A Mumbai based non- profit organization, Jai Ho Foundation was the first to file a petition against the serial in the I & B Association. The serial also called up a social media outrage with people protesting against the show. Reacting to it, Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) shifted the time of the serial to late in the evening from its prime time broadcast schedule. 

The statement released by Sony Entertainment Television reads, "Effective 28th August 2017, we are pulling off our program, Pehredaar Piya Ki, from television. While we understand that the decision to end this serial will be disappointing to those whose creative energies are vested in it, namely, its crew and cast, we (as a channel) are convinced that we will be better served by focusing instead on developing viewer interest in our upcoming, new shows. We are grateful to all the artists, producers and fans of our shows and request you to graciously support the viewership of our newer ventures," 

The cast and crew were equally surprised with the statement as they were also not aware of the foreclosure. 

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Baba Ramdev debuts in Bollywood with ‘Yeh Hai India’:

Baba Ramdev is now an official promoter and supporter of Gavie Chahal and Deana Uppal starrer Bollywood film “Yeh Hai India”. The movie is directed by Lom Harsh and produced by Sandeep Chaudhary under the banner of DLB films. It will be released in India on 18th of August. 

Addressing a conference about Yeh Hai India, Baba Ramdev said, “India has the capability to lead the entire world. This change in India has been showcased in the film Yeh Hai India. Hence after a lot of thinking, I’ve taken a decision to strongly support this film and I also expect every citizen of India to support such films.” 

“The country that has a population of millions. A country where Vedas were discovered. Few people around the world have a wrong perspective about this country. India is no more just a country of snake charmers,” Baba Ramdev added. 

The film director, Lom Harsh expressed his gratefulness that Baba Ramdev supported his film. Addressing the reporters Lom said “I’m really thankful to Babaji who’s lent his full fledged support to my film. We couldn’t have had a better public ambassador for our film,”

Baba Ramdev is seen to have developed his love for music & Bollywood. As per a report, the Yoga Guru is soon going to be a part of one of its kind Bhajan Reality Show. He will be one of the three member’s judge panels. Sonakshi Sinha and Shekhar Ravjiani will be his co-judge. 

The show will be named as Om Shanti Om. It will have 14 participants as well as some professional Bhajan industry experts performing at the stage of the show. 

As per an insider “More than a competition, Om Shanti Om will majorly present spirituality in a broader space. With the youth having no knowledge about bhajans, the makers want to introduce them to the new world, in a style that resonates with them. Baba Ramdev will share his insights and teachings with the contestants and audience.” 

“Sonakshi’s stint as a judge with Nach Baliye 8 was indeed commendable. She has a different charm that invokes positivity all around, an attribute this show requires. Also, Sonakshi is quite a musically inclined person, making her fit to be on Om Shanti Om.” The source added. 

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Tim Cook promises more money and power to grow Apple in India.

The CEO is one of the most powerful companies in the world; Apple has reiterated his commitment that they will invest more money and power on growing Apple in India. He stated that he is “very, very bullish and very, very optimistic” about India. Cook was attending the third quarter earnings call on Tuesday when he had a warm conversation with the analyst. In his interview, Cook hinted of the brand's expansion in terms of manufacturing and distribution in the country. 

“We are investing in India-…we’ve already launched an app accelerator centre,” Cook said. “That’s on top of working with the channel and looking at expanding our go-to market in general. And we began to produce the iPhone SE there during the quarter, and we’re really happy with how that’s going. And so we’re bringing all of our energies to bear there. I see a lot of similarities to where China was several years ago.” 

In accordance with their plans, the company opened its first iPhone SE assembling operations unit in Bengaluru in partnership with Wistron. The company has already sought tax exemptions and fiscal benefits from the Centre which indicates that the company has all the plans to start full-fledged manufacturing operations. The market experts claim that Apple has earned huge profits in India from the wider distribution reach. Tarun Pathak, associate director at Hong Kong-based market research firm Counterpoint Technology Market Research said, “It expanded from a couple of distributors to more than five now within two years.” 

“We believe that Apple’s direct tie-up with regional/area distributors can have a larger impact on its distribution reach,” he said. 

Since its bullishness in India, Apple has recorded slower sales in China. In his interaction, Cook informed the analysts that there isn’t any growth in the Chinese region. 

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Indu Sarkar to release today, SC dismissed the petition for ban:

Finally the controversial movie, Indu Sarkar will release today as the Supreme Court gave a nod to its release on Thursday stating that there is nothing wrong in dramatizing historical fact on the screen. The Madhur Bhandarkar film purportedly depicts the emergency period of the nation. 

After a bench of justices, Dipak Misra, Amitava Roy, and A M Khanwilkar watched the trailer of the said movie, they approved that the movie is no where a documentary and the filmmakers are allowed to show historical facts in the movie in a fashionable manner. "Depiction of history has its own nuances and perception. Allow researchers and projectors to showcase their work. Do not go behind them... As far as an exhibition of the movie is concerned, we are of the opinion that it is an artistic expression within the parameters of law and there is no warrant or justification to curtail the same," the bench said. 

The petition was filed by Priya Singh Paul, who claims to be Sanjay Gandhi’s biological daughter; Paul said that the movie shows the entire Gandhi family in wrong light. 

Her advocate also told the court that Madhur Bhandarkar, the director of the movie has also accepted that only 30% of the movie is based on true facts. 

"This is purely a commercial venture and it has nothing to do with education or documentation of that era," Singh said. 

On the other hand, an advocate of Madhur Bhandarkar, Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta said that the movie has fictitious characters and has cleared the scrutiny of CBFC. "In any film, a dramatisation of historical events cannot be curbed. CBFC has carefully considered the film and granted certificate... It is my fundamental right of expression and it cannot be curbed," he said. 

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President Pranab Mukherjee had a nostalgic farewell says all praises about Modi:

Amid hundreds of lawmakers who gathered at the Parliament Central to bid farewell to Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, he said that the Indian Constitution represents the "hopes and aspirations of a billion people" and it is our duty to maintain a balance between, change & continuity. The President will leave his highest rank office of the country on July 25th after handing over the charge to his successor Mr. Ram Nath Kovind. He was nostalgic about his 4 years association with the parliament. 

However, President Pranab Mukherjee gave a powerful speech that along with praises to Prime Minister Modi had important messages for the government and the opposition. 

In his speech, President Mukherjee said that the inception of the fraternity was based on the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation which layed as the “lodestars of the modern Indian state," He also highlighted the importance of "debate, discussion, and dissent," The President took example of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and said that "balancing of change and continuity... If continuity is broken, we become rootless and the system of parliamentary democracy breaks down". 

President Pranab Mukherjee has been an outspoken President who had always spoken his mind and heart out breaking the boundaries of his post. In his farewell speech, he touched upon the issues like when the parliament "enacts laws without discussion", "it breaches the trust of the people”. He also praised the latest Goods & Service Tax reform and quoted it as a "shining example of cooperative federalism". 

President Pranab Mukherjee also praised about Prime Minister Modi and quoted him as “transformational changes he is driving in India". "I will carry with me fond memories of our association and his warm and courteous behavior," he said. 

On Monday, the president will host a dinner for the council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

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The first ever Uranium Shipment from Australia will reach India soon:

The Visiting Foreign Minister of Australia, Julie Bishop said that the first ever shipment of Uranium, with the largest quantity of the yellow metal, is on its way to India. This will surely elevate the level of strategic & economic partnership between the two countries. 

Julie also suggested that there must be strict follow-up of rules and regulations adhered by China in concern with the Indo-Sino border standoff. 

 In a press conference with selected reporters, the Foreign minister on Tuesday said, "The first shipment of uranium under the commercial arrangement is on its own way to India. The parliamentary clearance for uranium supplies was approved in Australia. India and Australia have also agreed on nuclear safeguards agreement," She met the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Finance & the Defence Minister of India. 

The civil nuclear bond between India & Australia was signed by the two countries in 2014 and since then Canberra has been the entry gate for India to NSG & other export regimes. The present Indo- Sino standoff, besides expansion of defense and security tie up, was the primary concern in the agenda of the Australian Foreign Minister. 

"This is long term dispute. While maritime border disputes should be settled based on UNCLOS, land boundary disputes should be settled peacefully. We don't want to see an escalation. Any miscalculation could lead to tensions," Bishop remarked. 

The visiting Foreign Minister said that China must keep its limits and follow the international norms.

“India and Australia have a growing strategic and economic partnership to provide stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We hope to expand defence partnership besides working on counter-terror and countering violent extremism.” 

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"There are all indications from the top leadership of US that it is continuing with its pivot to Asia-Pacific. Besides President Donald Trump will attend East Asia Summit," the Australian Foreign Minister chalked out.

A US Firm has accepted paying bribe to NHAI amounting $1.1 million

The latest national news has broken out in U.S. where a consultancy firm based out of Boston has confessed in front of the justice department of the United States that its official paid a bribe of $1.18 million during the period of 2011-2015 to the NHAI in India. This statement has forced the Indian agency to start a probe into the entire systems of payments. 

CDM Smith, the alleged company agreed to pay $40,371,38 to the U.S. Treasury as it is the amount that equals the profits earned by the company through all illegal activities including works on highways supervision & design contracts as well as a water project contract in Goa. As confirmed through a communication of the Justice Department, the company is instructed to pay the entire amount to the US Treasury in four installments by October 1, 2017. 

The statement of the company said that the Indian branch of the company, CDM India as well as the division for Indian operations paid bribes to NHAI to get the projects."The bribes generally were 2-4% of the contract price and paid through fraudulent subcontractors, who provided no actual services and understood that payments were meant to solely benefit the officials," the department confirmed in a communication on 29th June. 

It also said that the Indian operations and CDM India also paid a bribe of $25000 for a project n Goa. "All senior management at CDM India (who also acted as employees and agents of CDM Smith and signed contracts on behalf of CDM Smith, including CDM India's country manager) were aware of the bribes for CDM Smith and CDM India contracts, and approved or participated in the misconduct," the justice department said. 

An NHAI official said that the work of identifying the people who took the bribes is on. 

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There is no one in the Bollywood who can make Baahubali, says Ram Gopal Varma.

For long there have been discussions of making a film like Baahubali in Bollywood. Baahubali & Baahubali 2 have been two great movies of the south Indian cinema industry that have overpassed all main league Hindi movies in terms of grandeur & budget. Baahubali 2 is the only movie to make over Rs. 1000 crore in all languages in the first 10 days of its release. Will Bollywood ever make a film as grand and successful as Baahubali? 

The question was answered by one of the most ill-speaking directors of Bollywood, Mr. Ram Gopal Varma. Ramu says not only the filmmaker but the star in the films are unable to make a film like Baahubali, “There are two parts to it — one is the scale to have larger-than-life kind of images and two is to make that kind of money. Though that may be possible, I doubt if it will have the massy kind of conviction of an SS Rajamouli. More than the vision, I am not sure how many Bollywood directors would have that kind of conviction. They won’t believe it will work.” 

He also praised the level of conviction that Prabhas has shown for this project, “The kind of conviction with which Prabhas has done Baahubali 1 and 2 is amazing, apart from his investing two-three years in a film. It takes an enormous conviction to walk in high-speed level and do the kind of action and drama, which only some South Indian stars like Prabhas can do. I find that quality lacking in our Bollywood stars. They have this extraordinary conviction in commercial masala drama and this coupled with that kind of scale of imagery is what worked with Baahubali. I have seen both the parts and loved both.” 

Ramu even admits that he will never be able to make a film like Baahubali himself, “I have neither the patience, the passion nor the extra-ordinary commitment of what Rajamouli has. I don’t have even one per cent of what he has.” 

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ED Obtained Non-bailable arrest warrant against Shabir Shah:

The Enforcement Directorate of India has got a non-bailable arrest warrant against Shabbir Shah, a Kashmiri separatist and this has made the Latest national news. Shabir will be arrested this week for not obeying the summons issued to him by the agencies for over 8 times in last two years. He is alleged to receive money from Pakistani committees through hawala channels. 

In a statement, a senior ED official confirms that Shabor will be arrested this week by the agency. The official said, "Shabir Shah was given sufficient opportunities to appear before the directorate through summons but he willfully avoided the investigation without any reasonable cause."

In a thorough investigation, ED found that there are, any properties in name of Shah across the nation that were bought from unaccounted money. "The source of money through which he has acquired these properties is not known and he has been asked to join probe to give proof of income for acquiring such assets," the official added. 

 In 2005, the first case was registered against Shah by the special cell of Delhi Police wherein a hawala dealer was seized with 63 laky rupees in his possession who later confessed that the money was supposed to be delivered to Shah in Srinagar. When probed further, the results claimed that Shah has been receiving money from various Pakistani Channels for subversive activities in India. 

Hawala dealer from J&K, Mohammad Aslam Wani was arrested by Delhi Police 5 kg of explosives, a pistol with 15 live cartridges and Rs 63 lakh. "During the investigation, Wani disclosed he was working as a carrier for Shabir for the last few years. His job was to collect hawala money from Delhi and deliver it to Shah in Srinagar," the official said. A Delhi trial court has convicted Wani in the case. 

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No issues with CBFC, my problem is with society, Says Ekta Kapoor

After a tough fight with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), finally, the trailer of Alankrita Shrivastav directed movie 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' was released in Mumbai this Tuesday making the latest national news. 

Ekta Kapoor was present among the promoters and crew of the movie as she is having the presenting and distributing rights of the film. She told the media that she doesn’t have any problems with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), but with the society. 

''There is no problem with CBFC; my problem is with society, which at some point speaks about the same issue in its own ways. If you talk to any girl, you will come to know about five to 10 such incidents happening with her in one day where, being a woman, she has to prove herself a little harder. She has to learn how to combat from a very young age,'' Ekta Said. 

Talking about the poster of the movie which has a middle finger shown, Ekta said, "The middle finger is not for the CBFC but pointed towards the patriarchal society that does not let us come out, which compels us to suppress our voice. That is why this issue is not just CBFC's, this issue is about ideology, it is about patriarchy." The entire panel has members Ekta Kapoor, Alankrita Srivastava, Konkana Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur. 

It is a Prakash Jha produced film that was in the tough scrutiny of CBFC for last six months. The film revolves around the story of four women and their desires for sex & freedom. However, the film just got an approval with “A” certificate. 

The film is to be released on 21st July and is expected to be an off the league movie. 

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Champions Trophy; Punters lose up to Rs. 2500 crore as India loses in the final match.

The sad loss of Indian Cricket team in the final match of the ICC Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Pakistan, in London, not only left millions of cricket fans devastated but also broke hearts of hundreds of bettors and bookmakers. 

As per the estimate, there was around 80-90% of Indian punters who staked their bet on the men in blue. There were high chances that the firm favorites with an incredible record of 12-2, against the neighbors, would definitely win. 

The eye-popping media covered to match, which transfixed the entire population of the two countries had around Rs. 2000- Rs. 2500 crore riding. There is no legal provision for betting in India except Horse Racing and casinos in some states. Sikkim is the only state to allow legal betting on cricket in India. However, the underground betting market in India is observed to be strong and worth thousands of pof crores. 

There was no betting on Hockey Match: 

The bookies confirmed that there was huge money riding on the match on India’s win, not only in the nation but in many countries abroad. This primarily included Gulf countries as India Vs. Pakistan is one major sports event. 

However, the Hockey World League semi-final game on Sunday had no bettors interested. "When the (cricket) match started, the odds were in favor of India. If the Men in Blue would have won the match, then punters would have earned 80 paise for every rupee while Pakistan's rate was around Rs 3.40," said a Delhi-based bookie to a reporter. 

The bets witnessed patriotism: 

"It is certain that most of the Indian punters burnt their fingers in the match. The Indian team was stronger and had also defeated Pakistan in the tournament earlier, so huge money was riding on it. Even patriotism was at an all- time high and maximum bets were placed on Team India," said Jay Sayta, founder of GLaws.in, a gaming laws' web portal. 

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