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Tag: Anurag Thakur

  • 110 YouTube channels banned since Dec 2021 for violation of IT Act: Anurag Thakur

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said the government has issued directions for blocking 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 URLs since December 2021 for carrying content against the sovereignty of the country.

    In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Thakur also said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) did not maintain any separate data on journalists.

    The minister was responding to a question put by Congress member Pradyut Bordoloi who had sought details and the number of journalists arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code and other penal laws during the last five years and the current year.

    “‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India and state governments are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies,” Thakur said.

    He said NCRB does not maintain data separately for journalists/ media personnel.

    Thakur said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued directions for blocking access of 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 user generated URLs, including webpages, websites, posts/accounts on social media platforms, podcasts, and apps for carrying content referred to section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.

    In response to a separate question, Thakur said the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau has busted more than 1,160 fake news.

    The minister said the Fact Check Union takes cognizance of news both suo-motu and by way of queries sent by citizens. 

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said the government has issued directions for blocking 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 URLs since December 2021 for carrying content against the sovereignty of the country.

    In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Thakur also said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) did not maintain any separate data on journalists.

    The minister was responding to a question put by Congress member Pradyut Bordoloi who had sought details and the number of journalists arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code and other penal laws during the last five years and the current year.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India and state governments are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies,” Thakur said.

    He said NCRB does not maintain data separately for journalists/ media personnel.

    Thakur said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued directions for blocking access of 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 user generated URLs, including webpages, websites, posts/accounts on social media platforms, podcasts, and apps for carrying content referred to section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.

    In response to a separate question, Thakur said the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau has busted more than 1,160 fake news.

    The minister said the Fact Check Union takes cognizance of news both suo-motu and by way of queries sent by citizens.
     

  • BJP ideology ‘cowardice’, says Rahul Gandhi in London; draws Thakur flak

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a fresh attack on the BJP, has said that the ruling party follows “an ideology of hatred and violence”, and at the heart of their ideology is “cowardice.” Gandhi made the remarks during his interaction with the Indian diaspora organised by the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) UK chapter on Sunday while referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on China during an interview.

    Referring to the BJP, the 52-year-old former Congress president said they have “an ideology of hatred and violence, a disrespectful ideology that attacks people because of their ideas. And you must have noticed one thing this is in the nature of BJP and the RSS.”

    BJP senior leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said, “Gandhi is betraying India”, alleged.  Thakur accused  Rahul Gandhi of seeking intervention from the US and European nations over “disappearing” democracy in India. 

    Speaking to the reporters here on Monday, the minister said, “Rahul Gandhi never misses a chance to malign and betray India whenever he goes on a foreign tour. His objections to India’s foreign policy are clear evidence of his lack of understanding and scant regard for the issue. No one will believe his lies against India from foreign soil”, Thakur remarked.

    “This kind of remark by Rahul Gandhi is not a new one. His party had done it earlier, when it took local issues to the United Nations, and now to ask other countries to intervene in India. They have not yet come out of the thought of slavery,” Thakur alleged. 

    Lambasting at Gandhi, the minister further alleged that Gandhi has always been resorting to “maligning India” from foreign soil as part of a conspiracy to hide his failures. 

    Describing Gandhi as a storm of controversies, Thakur said, “Be it foreign agencies, foreign channels or be it foreign soil. He does not lose a single opportunity to malign India”.  The minister said that when Indian soldiers were martyred, Gandhi had termed it as ‘killing by a car bomb’. 

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a fresh attack on the BJP, has said that the ruling party follows “an ideology of hatred and violence”, and at the heart of their ideology is “cowardice.” Gandhi made the remarks during his interaction with the Indian diaspora organised by the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) UK chapter on Sunday while referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on China during an interview.

    Referring to the BJP, the 52-year-old former Congress president said they have “an ideology of hatred and violence, a disrespectful ideology that attacks people because of their ideas. And you must have noticed one thing this is in the nature of BJP and the RSS.”

    BJP senior leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said, “Gandhi is betraying India”, alleged.  Thakur accused  Rahul Gandhi of seeking intervention from the US and European nations over “disappearing” democracy in India. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Speaking to the reporters here on Monday, the minister said, “Rahul Gandhi never misses a chance to malign and betray India whenever he goes on a foreign tour. His objections to India’s foreign policy are clear evidence of his lack of understanding and scant regard for the issue. No one will believe his lies against India from foreign soil”, Thakur remarked.

    “This kind of remark by Rahul Gandhi is not a new one. His party had done it earlier, when it took local issues to the United Nations, and now to ask other countries to intervene in India. They have not yet come out of the thought of slavery,” Thakur alleged. 

    Lambasting at Gandhi, the minister further alleged that Gandhi has always been resorting to “maligning India” from foreign soil as part of a conspiracy to hide his failures. 

    Describing Gandhi as a storm of controversies, Thakur said, “Be it foreign agencies, foreign channels or be it foreign soil. He does not lose a single opportunity to malign India”.  The minister said that when Indian soldiers were martyred, Gandhi had termed it as ‘killing by a car bomb’. 

  • Budget 2023 takes care of all sections of society: Anurag Thakur

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Union Minister For Information & Broadcasting, and Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur hails the Union Budget, saying it has laid the foundation for a new India. In an interview with this daily, Thakur talks about a range of issues, including slashing of allocation for MGNREGA and Parliament logjam, besides the Budget. 

    Excerpt:

    What are the highlights of this budget?This Budget is all inclusive, transparent and visionary. Every section of the society — poor, women, youth, middle class, farmers and self-help groups – has been taken care of. The focus is on infrastructure improvement that will create more jobs. Significant allocation has been made for each sector. The foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) has been laid to build a new India. Emphasis is on improvement of incomes. The focus is on green economy that will lead to green jobs. India will become a hub for green hydrogen; we have already sanctioned Rs 37,000 crore for the same. We are looking at an investment of about Rs 8 lakh crore in this field.

    The Budget allocation for the ministry of sports and youth affairs has been increased by 11%; the highest since 2010. What are the plans?PMNarendra Modi wants India to be a ‘sports superpower’. Sports infrastructure is being spruced up. We will work on the improvement of National Centres of Excellence. High altitude training centres will be built. 

    Opposition is criticising the cut in allocation for MGNREGA by 30%…The Congress government used to spend Rs 30,000 crore whereas even during the pandemic, we spent over Rs 1.14 lakh crore. It is a demand-driven scheme. Last year, the payout was Rs 99,000 crore. Whenever the demand comes up, the Budget is provided.

    The Opposition-ruled states have been raising the old pension scheme issue. What is your response?Whatever promises they had made before the elections; they should keep. Himachal Pradesh CM (Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu) said he has no funds to fulfill the promises. They promised Rs 1,500 to women and also the old pension scheme.  What were their calculations before the elections? They should answer.

    After three days of disruptions on the Adani issue, Opposition parties agreed to end the logjam. What is your take?Parliament gives them an opportunity to raise the issues related to the common man. They (Opposition) missed the opportunity. They could have a longer period to discuss issues concerning the public, during the question hour and discussion during Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. A couple of political parties were running away from the discussion.

    NEW DELHI:  Union Minister For Information & Broadcasting, and Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur hails the Union Budget, saying it has laid the foundation for a new India. In an interview with this daily, Thakur talks about a range of issues, including slashing of allocation for MGNREGA and Parliament logjam, besides the Budget. 

    Excerpt:

    What are the highlights of this budget?
    This Budget is all inclusive, transparent and visionary. Every section of the society — poor, women, youth, middle class, farmers and self-help groups – has been taken care of. The focus is on infrastructure improvement that will create more jobs. Significant allocation has been made for each sector. The foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) has been laid to build a new India. Emphasis is on improvement of incomes. The focus is on green economy that will lead to green jobs. India will become a hub for green hydrogen; we have already sanctioned Rs 37,000 crore for the same. We are looking at an investment of about Rs 8 lakh crore in this field.

    The Budget allocation for the ministry of sports and youth affairs has been increased by 11%; the highest since 2010. What are the plans?
    PMNarendra Modi wants India to be a ‘sports superpower’. Sports infrastructure is being spruced up. We will work on the improvement of National Centres of Excellence. High altitude training centres will be built. 

    Opposition is criticising the cut in allocation for MGNREGA by 30%…
    The Congress government used to spend Rs 30,000 crore whereas even during the pandemic, we spent over Rs 1.14 lakh crore. It is a demand-driven scheme. Last year, the payout was Rs 99,000 crore. Whenever the demand comes up, the Budget is provided.

    The Opposition-ruled states have been raising the old pension scheme issue. What is your response?
    Whatever promises they had made before the elections; they should keep. Himachal Pradesh CM (Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu) said he has no funds to fulfill the promises. They promised Rs 1,500 to women and also the old pension scheme.  What were their calculations before the elections? They should answer.

    After three days of disruptions on the Adani issue, Opposition parties agreed to end the logjam. What is your take?
    Parliament gives them an opportunity to raise the issues related to the common man. They (Opposition) missed the opportunity. They could have a longer period to discuss issues concerning the public, during the question hour and discussion during Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. A couple of political parties were running away from the discussion.

  • ‘Boycott culture’ vitiates atmosphere: Union Minister Anurag Thakur 

    By PTI

    Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday deplored the “boycott culture” targeting certain films and said such instances vitiate the atmosphere at a time when India is keen to enhance its influence as a soft power.

    In case someone has a problem with a movie, they should talk to the concerned government department which can take up the issue with the filmmakers, he said.

    “At a time when India is keen to enhance its influence as a soft power, at a time when Indian films are making waves in every corner of the world, such talk vitiates the atmosphere,” Thakur told reporters here responding to questions on boycott of films by various interest groups.

    The minister’s remarks come at a time when Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan”, which released on Wednesday, is facing boycott calls over one of its songs.

    In the past, actor Akshay Kumar’s “Samrat Prithviraj”, Aamir Khan’s “Laal Singh Chaddha” and Deepika Padukone’s “Padmaavat” had faced boycott calls.

    ALSO READ | ‘Pathaan’ is also very patriotic, says Shah Rukh Khan amid boycott calls

    “If someone has a problem (with a film), then they should talk to the concerned department which will take it up with the producer and director,” Thakur said.

    “But sometimes, just to vitiate the atmosphere, some people comment on something even before knowing about it fully. That causes problems. This should not happen,” he said.

    Thakur is in Mumbai to inaugurate the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Film Festival that will showcase 58 movies from the regional grouping of eight Eurasian nations.

    SCO observer countries and dialogue partners have sent entries in the non-competition section of the film festival.

    The minister also made a strong pitch for creative autonomy and said there were adequate safeguards in place for monitoring content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

    “There should be no restrictions on creativity,” Thakur said.

    He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting does receive complaints about the content on OTT platforms, but almost 95 per cent of grievances are settled at the level of producers and the others get resolved at the second stage of the association of publishers of the content.

    The minister said only one per cent of complaints reach the inter-departmental committee and it is ensured that strict action is taken in such cases.

    Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday deplored the “boycott culture” targeting certain films and said such instances vitiate the atmosphere at a time when India is keen to enhance its influence as a soft power.

    In case someone has a problem with a movie, they should talk to the concerned government department which can take up the issue with the filmmakers, he said.

    “At a time when India is keen to enhance its influence as a soft power, at a time when Indian films are making waves in every corner of the world, such talk vitiates the atmosphere,” Thakur told reporters here responding to questions on boycott of films by various interest groups.

    The minister’s remarks come at a time when Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan”, which released on Wednesday, is facing boycott calls over one of its songs.

    In the past, actor Akshay Kumar’s “Samrat Prithviraj”, Aamir Khan’s “Laal Singh Chaddha” and Deepika Padukone’s “Padmaavat” had faced boycott calls.

    ALSO READ | ‘Pathaan’ is also very patriotic, says Shah Rukh Khan amid boycott calls

    “If someone has a problem (with a film), then they should talk to the concerned department which will take it up with the producer and director,” Thakur said.

    “But sometimes, just to vitiate the atmosphere, some people comment on something even before knowing about it fully. That causes problems. This should not happen,” he said.

    Thakur is in Mumbai to inaugurate the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Film Festival that will showcase 58 movies from the regional grouping of eight Eurasian nations.

    SCO observer countries and dialogue partners have sent entries in the non-competition section of the film festival.

    The minister also made a strong pitch for creative autonomy and said there were adequate safeguards in place for monitoring content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

    “There should be no restrictions on creativity,” Thakur said.

    He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting does receive complaints about the content on OTT platforms, but almost 95 per cent of grievances are settled at the level of producers and the others get resolved at the second stage of the association of publishers of the content.

    The minister said only one per cent of complaints reach the inter-departmental committee and it is ensured that strict action is taken in such cases.

  • Protesting wrestlers demand WFI be disbanded in meeting with Anurag Thakur

    By Agencies

    NEW DELHI: Top Indian wrestlers refused to climb down from their stand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as quickly as possible, even as Sports Minister Anurag Thakur continued to find a solution to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

    Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

    On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Sarita Mor, among others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action. The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which continued late into the night, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

    According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should first be disbanded. “The government can resolve other issues later…we are fine with that, but it must disband WFI first,” a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

    A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan had earlier in the day met government officials and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

    During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed. Meanwhile, the WFI is yet to respond to the ministry’s demand for an explanation within 72 hours, adding to the suspense.

    The ministry, however, cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.

    Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat is also part of the meeting to break the deadlock.

    Prior to the meeting, Anurag Thakur said that the allegations levelled by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief are serious in nature. 

    “Government has worked for the welfare and upliftment of sports and players. India has won a lot of medals and delivered good performances at the global level. Work has been done to make federations better. Allegations levelled by wrestlers are serious in nature. Taking swift action, the Government of India sent a notice to WFI and sought a reply within 72 hours.”

    Babita, who is a deputy director in the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department, and a former wrestler had earlier tweeted, “I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right.”

    Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

    Vinesh, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in both Commonwealth and Asian Games, alleged, “Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favourites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls.”

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

    ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations

    NEW DELHI: Top Indian wrestlers refused to climb down from their stand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as quickly as possible, even as Sports Minister Anurag Thakur continued to find a solution to break the deadlock on Thursday night.

    Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.

    On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Sarita Mor, among others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action. The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which continued late into the night, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.

    According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should first be disbanded. “The government can resolve other issues later…we are fine with that, but it must disband WFI first,” a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.

    A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan had earlier in the day met government officials and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Director General SAI Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.

    During the one-hour meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed. Meanwhile, the WFI is yet to respond to the ministry’s demand for an explanation within 72 hours, adding to the suspense.

    The ministry, however, cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.

    Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat is also part of the meeting to break the deadlock.

    Prior to the meeting, Anurag Thakur said that the allegations levelled by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its chief are serious in nature. 

    “Government has worked for the welfare and upliftment of sports and players. India has won a lot of medals and delivered good performances at the global level. Work has been done to make federations better. Allegations levelled by wrestlers are serious in nature. Taking swift action, the Government of India sent a notice to WFI and sought a reply within 72 hours.”

    Babita, who is a deputy director in the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department, and a former wrestler had earlier tweeted, “I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right.”

    Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a ‘khota sikka’ after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

    Vinesh, the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in both Commonwealth and Asian Games, alleged, “Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favourites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls.”

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

    ALSO READ | SP, Cong demand WFI chief be sacked, FIR registered over sexual harassment allegations

  • Accuracy more important than speed in news: Minister Anurag Thakur

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Amid the call for appropriate measures to curtail fake news, Union minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur on Tuesday, said that ‘accuracy’ is more important than ‘speed’ and facts should be appropriately verified before presenting them in public domain.

    “Presenting authentic information is the prime responsibility of the media and facts should be properly checked before they are put in the public domain…while speed with which the information is transmitted is important, accuracy is even more important and should be primary in the minds of communicators,” said the minister.

    He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting (ABU) Union General Assembly 2022 in the national capital. With the spread of social media, fake news has also proliferated, Thakur added.

    The minister further informed that the government has promptly established the Fact Check Unit in Press Information Bureau to counter unverified claims and present truth to the people.

    He also underlined that for responsible media organisations, maintaining public trust, should be the highest guiding principle.

    Thakur credited public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for having always stood by the truth and having won people’s trust for their truthful reporting.

    The minister stated that the media’s role during the time of crisis becomes critical as it directly concerns saving lives. He also credited the media for coming to the aid of people stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it was media which connected people with the outside world.

    The minister invited the media to become a partner in Governance and used the opportunity to reiterate the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Media should act as a link between government and people and provide continuous feedback, at both national and regional level,” he said, urging that ABU as an association of broadcasting organisations must continue to train and equip media practitioners with the best professional skills on role of media in the time of crisis.

    Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is hosting the 59th ABU General Assembly 2022. The theme for this year’s assembly is “Serving the People: Media’s Role in Times of Crisis”.

    NEW DELHI: Amid the call for appropriate measures to curtail fake news, Union minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur on Tuesday, said that ‘accuracy’ is more important than ‘speed’ and facts should be appropriately verified before presenting them in public domain.

    “Presenting authentic information is the prime responsibility of the media and facts should be properly checked before they are put in the public domain…while speed with which the information is transmitted is important, accuracy is even more important and should be primary in the minds of communicators,” said the minister.

    He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting (ABU) Union General Assembly 2022 in the national capital. With the spread of social media, fake news has also proliferated, Thakur added.

    The minister further informed that the government has promptly established the Fact Check Unit in Press Information Bureau to counter unverified claims and present truth to the people.

    He also underlined that for responsible media organisations, maintaining public trust, should be the highest guiding principle.

    Thakur credited public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for having always stood by the truth and having won people’s trust for their truthful reporting.

    The minister stated that the media’s role during the time of crisis becomes critical as it directly concerns saving lives. He also credited the media for coming to the aid of people stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it was media which connected people with the outside world.

    The minister invited the media to become a partner in Governance and used the opportunity to reiterate the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Media should act as a link between government and people and provide continuous feedback, at both national and regional level,” he said, urging that ABU as an association of broadcasting organisations must continue to train and equip media practitioners with the best professional skills on role of media in the time of crisis.

    Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is hosting the 59th ABU General Assembly 2022. The theme for this year’s assembly is “Serving the People: Media’s Role in Times of Crisis”.

  • Centre to introduce law to regulate digital media: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has said the Centre is working on a bill to regulate digital media.

    He said there used to be one-way communication of news earlier, but with the development of electronic and digital media, communication of news has become multi-dimensional.

    Now even small news of a village reaches the national platform through digital media, he said on Wednesday.

    In a statement, Thakur said the government has left most of the print, electronic, and digital media to self-regulation.

    “Digital media presents opportunities as well as challenges. To have a fine balance, the government will see what can be done on this. I would say that changes have to be brought in law, and we will bring that to make your work simple and easy. We are working to introduce a bill,” Thakur said at an event organised by the Hindi news daily Mahanagar Times.

    Thakur also that the process of registration of newspapers will be simplified and the central government will soon bring a new law to replace the 1867 Press and Registration of Books Act.

    Under the new law, it will be possible to complete the registration process, which now takes about four months, in a week through online mode.

    The minister also said newspapers should bring the “right news” before the general public at the “right time.

    He said along with the shortcomings of the government, public welfare schemes and policies of the government should reach to the common people.

    He urged the media to do its work “responsibly” and avoid creating an atmosphere of “fear and confusion.

    Thakur assured journalists that the Centre takes care of their interests and added that financial assistance was provided to families of the journalists who died of Covid.

    JAIPUR: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has said the Centre is working on a bill to regulate digital media.

    He said there used to be one-way communication of news earlier, but with the development of electronic and digital media, communication of news has become multi-dimensional.

    Now even small news of a village reaches the national platform through digital media, he said on Wednesday.

    In a statement, Thakur said the government has left most of the print, electronic, and digital media to self-regulation.

    “Digital media presents opportunities as well as challenges. To have a fine balance, the government will see what can be done on this. I would say that changes have to be brought in law, and we will bring that to make your work simple and easy. We are working to introduce a bill,” Thakur said at an event organised by the Hindi news daily Mahanagar Times.

    Thakur also that the process of registration of newspapers will be simplified and the central government will soon bring a new law to replace the 1867 Press and Registration of Books Act.

    Under the new law, it will be possible to complete the registration process, which now takes about four months, in a week through online mode.

    The minister also said newspapers should bring the “right news” before the general public at the “right time.

    He said along with the shortcomings of the government, public welfare schemes and policies of the government should reach to the common people.

    He urged the media to do its work “responsibly” and avoid creating an atmosphere of “fear and confusion.

    Thakur assured journalists that the Centre takes care of their interests and added that financial assistance was provided to families of the journalists who died of Covid.

  • Cabinet allows procurement by cooperatives through GeM portal 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to expand the mandate of Government e-Marketplace (GeM) by allowing procurement by cooperatives.

    Presently, the registration of cooperatives as buyers was not covered within the existing mandate of GeM.

    The move will help over 8.54 lakh registered cooperatives and their 27 crore members as they would get products at competitive rates from the GeM portal.

    These cooperatives will be benefitted from this decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told reporters.

    As per the existing mandate, goods and services registered at the GeM portal are not available for use by private sector buyers.

    Suppliers (sellers) can be from across all segments – government or private. The decision was taken by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    The GeM was launched on August 9, 2016, by the commerce ministry to create an open and transparent procurement platform for government buyers.

    At present, the platform is open for procurement by all government buyers — central and state ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, autonomous institutions and local bodies.

    Allowing cooperative societies to register on GeM as buyers would help cooperatives in getting competitive prices through an open and transparent process.

    The validated list of cooperatives to be onboarded on GeM – for the pilot as well as subsequent scale-up – will be decided by the Ministry of Cooperation in consultation with GeM special purpose vehicle (SPV).

    This will ensure that the technical capacity and logistics requirements of the GeM system are taken into account while deciding the pace of onboarding of cooperatives as buyers on GeM.

    GeM will provide a dedicated onboarding process for cooperatives, technical infrastructure to support additional users on existing portals, as well as assistance to cooperatives for onboarding and transaction journey via available contact centres, in-field training and other support services.

    The Ministry of Cooperation will issue necessary advisories to encourage the cooperative societies to make use of the GeM platform for the procurement of goods and services to benefit from increased transparency, efficiency and competitive prices.

    To protect the interests of the broader seller community on GeM and ensure timely payments, the modalities of payment systems shall be decided by GeM in consultation with the Ministry of Cooperation.

    GeM will initiate suitable actions, including the creation of necessary features and functionalities on the GeM portal, up-gradation of infrastructure, strengthening of the helpdesk and training ecosystem and onboarding of cooperatives.

    The overall pace and mechanism of roll-out would be decided by the Ministry of Cooperation. The milestones and target dates will be aligned mutually between the ministry and GeM.

    The ministry wanted the cooperative societies to be allowed to procure goods and services from GeM as it is already adequately developed as a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement.

    Moreover, since the societies have more than 27 crore members, procurement through GeM would not only economically benefit the common man, but would also enhance the credibility of the cooperatives.

    While the GeM SPV will continue to leverage the existing platform and organisation for supporting the proposed expanded mandate, it may need some investments in additional technology infrastructure and training and support resources.

    To cover these incremental costs, GeM may charge an appropriate transaction fee from cooperatives, to be decided in mutual consultation with the Ministry of Cooperation.

    Such charges will not be more than the charges, which GeM would charge to other government buyers.

    This will be planned to ensure the self-sustainability of operations for GeM, and hence no major financial implication is expected for the government.

  • World’s largest film restoration project commences in India for Rs 363 crore

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: After years of efforts, India moved with an earmarked budget allocation for the world’s largest film restoration project under National Film Heritage Mission. The restoration project now awarded would commence at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) to achieve the goal.

    Sharing this on Thursday, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said that a hefty budget of Rs 363 crore has been allotted to take up the world’s largest film restoration project under the National Film Heritage Mission by the ministry. Thakur detailed that about 2200 Indian films would undergo restoration under the National Film Heritage Mission.

    “The titles of films have already been shortlisted language-wise by committees consisting of filmmakers, documentary filmmakers, film historians and producers for their restorations”, Thakur informed the media. Besides this, he said that the National Film Heritage Mission also is also handling the ongoing preservation processes of film condition assessment, preventive conservation and digitization with a total allocated budget of Rs 597 crores. This is one of the world’s largest film preservation missions.

    Spelling out the importance of the restoration project of nearly 2200 films, the minister said that the restoration of Indian films will once again give a chance to the current and future generations to relive the glory of old evergreen old Indian films, which had once enamoured the audiences for decades globally.

    Meanwhile, the official statement added further that NFAI has undertaken the restoration of 10 prestigious films by Satyajit Ray, which will be shown subsequently at various International Film Festivals. “Of which, Pratidwandi has been selected by Cannes to premiere in the Cannes Classics Section of 2022 edition. Restored version of G.Aravindan’s 1978 Malayalam film Thampi will be shown at Restoration World Premieres in Cannes by Film Heritage foundation”, official sources added. The minister also added that another feature films like ‘Neelakuyil’ (Malayalam) and ‘Do Aakhein Barah Haath’ (Hindi) will also be restored.

    “Not only these films, but also very important shorts documentaries from the collection of NFAI, films division and other rare materials, including pre-independence of times would be restored to provide a holistic view of India it had captured to the new generation”, the minister said. The sound of all the 2200 films would also be restored using hi-technology by removing numerous pops, hisses, crackles and distortions on the sound negative digitally. After restoration, all the films would be well preserved digitally. 

  • India chosen as first ‘country of honour’ ever at Cannes Film Market

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday announced that India will be the official ‘Country of Honour’ at the upcoming ‘Marche’ Du Film’, organised alongside the Cannes Film Festival, in France.”It is the first time the Marche du Film has an official Country of Honour, and this special focus will continue annually with different nations in the spotlight at future editions,” he said.Noting that France and India are marking 75 years of their diplomatic ties, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris and meeting with President Emmanuel Macron takes even more significance in this context.”It is in this significant diplomatic backdrop that India has been chosen as the ‘Country of Honour’ at Marche Du Film at the Cannes Film Festival,” he said.Thakur said that the Country of Honour Status’ thereby ensured India’s presence as focus country at the opening night of Marche Du Films being organised at the Majestic Beach with spotlight on India, its cinema, its culture and heritage.”Adding Indian flavor to this night would be special performances by Indian Choir bands along with folk music and fireworks. The cuisine served would be Indian as well as French,” he said.The Minister noted that India is also a ‘Country of Honour’ at the Cannes Next’, under which five new startups would be given an opportunity to pitch to the audio-visual Industry and 10 professionals will participate on the Animation Day networking.Another highlight of India’s participation at this edition of Cannes Film Festival is the World Premier of the movie ‘Rocketry’ produced by R. Madhavan. The movie would be showcased at the Palais des Festivals of the market screening on May 19.India has been given an opportunity to pitch five selected movies at the ‘Goes to Cannes Section’. These movies, part of the ‘Work In Progress’ lab under the Film Bazaar, are ‘Baghjan’ by Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia – Assamese, Moran, ‘Bailadila’ by Shailendra Sahu – Hindi, Chhattisgarhi, ‘Ek Jagah Apni’ (A Space of Our Own) by Ektara Collective – Hindi, ‘Follower’ by Harshad Nalawade – Marathi, Kannada, Hindi, and ‘Shivamma’ by Jai Shankar – Kannada.Thakur also said that a cinema hall called the ‘Olympia Screen’ has been dedicated to India on May 22 for screening aUnreleased Movies’.India’s celebration of centenary of Satyajit Ray continues at Cannes as remastered classic “Pratidwandi” will be screened at the Cannes Classic section Cinema de la plage. A dedicated India Forum, one hour conference is being organised at the main stage, comprising leaders of the entertainment sector who would position ‘India as the content hub of the World’.On the features of India Pavilion this time, the Minister said that the pavilion will have the sole focus of branding India as ‘Content Hub of the World’. The pavilion would be inaugurated on the morning of May 18.”It will showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural, and regional diversities of the country and will serve as a networking platform for delegates from across the global community, aiming to establish international partnerships in film shooting, distribution, production, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication,” he added.