Ariana Grande wins first-ever Grammy award

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February 11, 2019

Singer Ariana Grande on Monday won her first Grammy award in the Best Pop Vocal Album category for her LP ‘Sweetener ‘

Her album bested fellow nominees Camila Cabello, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, P!nk and Taylor Swift.

The singer, however, was not present at the ceremony and the Recording Academy accepted the award on her behalf.

“I know I’m not there tonight (trust, I tried and still truly wished it had worked out) and I know I said I try not to put too much weight into these things . but f*** . this is wild and beautiful. Thank you so much,” Grande tweeted post her win.

She also dropped a series of Instagram photos revealing her in the custom Zac Posen gown she had got made for the event.

“When @zacposen makes you a custom gown it doesn’t matter if you’re singing or not,” she wrote in the caption.

Grande, who was scheduled to perform at the Grammys, pulled out of the show last week as she felt “insulted” after producers refused to let her perform her song “7 Rings” at the award ceremony.

MTNL seeks claims of up to Rs 500 crore from DoT

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February 11, 2019

Cash-strapped MTNL has approached the Telecom Department seeking claims of about Rs 500 crore, under multiple heads, including rendering of communications services and reimbursement of employees-related payments made, according to a source.

A source in Department of Telecom (DoT) said that the claims are spread over the last many years and that the request is currently under examination.

“MTNL has raised claims dating back to the year 2000-01 onwards. In all, it has sought about Rs 500 crore on various grounds,” the official with knowledge of the matter said.

The claims by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) pertain to telecom facilities provided to the DoT, compensation for retirement benefits given to employees who were originally from the DoT (along with interest), and buildings of the state-owned corporation leased to Telecom Department, amongst others.

The settlement of claims is critical for MTNL, which runs monthly salary tab of nearly Rs 180 crore and is yet to pay the wages for the month of January.

When contacted, a top MTNL official confirmed that the claims have indeed been raised under various heads, including services already rendered to the Telecom Department, but pointed out that it adds up to roughly Rs 300-350 crore.

During the current fiscal 2018-19 (up to September 30, 2018), MTNL’s revenue stood at Rs 1,229 crore, with loss pegged at Rs 1,802 crore.

The telecom PSU is slated to announce its earnings for the December quarter on February 14.

For 2017-18, the revenue of MTNL – which operates in telecom circles of Delhi and Mumbai – stood at Rs 3,116 crore, with loss of Rs 2,973 crore.

Alicia Keys releases new song ‘Raise a Man’ after hosting 2019 Grammys

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February 11, 2019

Grammy host Alicia Keys released a new song ‘Raise a Man’ after the event got over for 2019.

The piano-backed song is an ode to good men – and an appeal to make more of them, reported an leading magazine.

Keys took to twitter soon after the event and posted the song, captioning it, “Tonight was such a musical night I decided to drop a new vibe & have some fun with y’all!!”

Keys sings, “You’re just not like these other men out here/ You just wanna hold me, and that’s okay/ Can I be a woman for you, babe, in a time when it’s not allowed.”

Tonight was such a musical night I decided to drop a new vibe & have some fun with y’all!!! https://t.co/grEQjfqkWV pic.twitter.com/sLRdA8I6ZB

— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) February 11, 2019

The emotional song goes on to add, “Is it okay that I’m not independent? Is it okay that I show weakness? Is it okay I can’t wait to see you? Is it okay to love a man right now? If you understand, then show me your hands.”

The 15-time Grammy winner is married to fellow musician Swizz Beatz and the couple has two sons, Egypt and Genesis.

Notably, this is the first time that the 38-year-old singer she has released a song since 2016.

Lady Gaga speaks on mental health issues during Grammy speech

Lady Gaga, while accepting the award for best pop duo/performance spoke about mental illness in the entertainment industry during her speech.

Speaking about it, she said, “I’m so proud to be part of a movie that addresses mental health issues,” adding, “A lot of artists deal with that.And we got to take care of each other,” reported an online portal.

This was during her speech while receiving her second award for the night.

‘A Star Is Born’ tells the story of a rising star (Gaga) and her falling mentor, played by Bradley Cooper, who struggles with substance abuse problems and severe depression.

Gaga elaborated, “If you see somebody that is hurting, don’t look away.”

“And if you are hurting, even though it might be hard, try to find that bravery within yourself to dive deep and go tell somebody and take them newspaper your head with you,” she was heard saying.

Gaga was nominated for five awards including four for ‘A Star is Born’ — record of the year (with Cooper) for ‘Shallow,’ song of the year, best pop duo/group performance (with Cooper) and best song written for visual media. Her fifth nomination was for best pop solo performance for her piano version of ‘Joanne.

‘Aladdin’ trailer reveals first look of Will Smith as Genie

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February 11, 2019

Disney treated its fans with the latest trailer of ‘Aladdin’, also revealing American actor Will Smith’s first look as Genie.

The new trailer was unveiled on Sunday night during the Grammy Awards, which featured the characters Jasmine and Aladdin along with Smith’s character, revealed an online portal.

Smith shared the trailer on his Instagram account, writing, “I told y’all I was gon’ be Blue!!”

Apart from showing Smith as full blue Genie. It also shows the viewers a few more scenes featuring Aladdin and Agrabah. The trailer also showcases Jafar, who can be seen ushering Aladdin to the Cave of the Wonders.

Massoud stars as Aladdin in the live-action film, whereas Naomi Scott features as Jasmine and Marwan Kenzari as Jafar. The cast of the ‘Aladdin’ remake also includes Billy Magnussen and Nasim Pedrad.

The first trailer of the film debuted in October 2018, in which the viewers only got a quick look at Aladdin and his famous lamp.

The animated classic ‘Aladdin’ was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and premiered in 1992. It earned more than USD 504 million globally.

The remake of the original film is being directed by Guy Ritchie. ‘Aladdin’ is slated to hit the big screens on May 24, 2019.

Trailer of another upcoming Disney film titled ‘Dumbo’ was also aired during the Grammy Awards.

Disney is also set to remake other animated classics including ‘Mulan’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Snow White’ and ‘Pinocchio’.

Kia Motors joins hands with Axis Bank

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February 11, 2019

Kia Motors on February 11 said that it has tied up with Axis Bank for banking and financing solutions. As a part of this agreement, the private sector lender will now offer one-stop banking and financing solutions such as inventory funding, cash credit, auto loans and fast tags to the dealers and customers of Kia Motors.

“This partnership with Axis Bank is in line with our endeavours to ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free ownership experience for our customers,” Kia Motors India Executive Director and Chief Sales Officer Yong S Kim said in a statement.

Axis Bank President and Head, Small and Medium Enterprises, JP Singh said the bank will offer services to the dealers and customers of Kia Motors, by providing solutions for their financing and payment needs, supported via its technology-enabled platform.

The bank will offer these services pan India through its 3,964 branches.

Kia Motors plans to launch its first model in India later this year.

Akhilesh extends support to Chandrababu Naidu’s fast

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February 11, 2019

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday extended support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s day-long hunger strike in New Delhi.

“We all are with Chandrababu Naidu, who is sitting on day long hunger strike in New Delhi,” the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said in a tweet.

He also posted pictures of his party MP Dharmendra Yadav and others with Naidu, trying to underline his party’s support.

Naidu began his fast in the national capital demanding the Centre grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh and fulfil all the promises made before its bifurcation in 2014.

CM Kumaraswamy announces SIT probe into audio clip row

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February 11, 2019

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday announced a comprehensive SIT probe to “bring out the truth” after an audio clip he released showed state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa in a purported conversation to lure a JD (S) MLA.

Kumaraswamy made the announcement in the state assembly after Speaker Ramesh Kumar suggested a special investigation team probe the episode to “establish the truth” as his name has also been dragged into the row.

“Constitute an SIT to establish the truth. Give me relief in 15 days,” a visibly anguished Kumar said, urging Kumaraswamy, after all members said the speaker was known for his integrity and dignity of his office should be protected.

Kumaraswamy said that he was also “pained” at the charge against the speaker and accepted his suggestion to form an SIT.

“I seek your permission to form the SIT for a comprehensive probe to bring out the truth,” he told the speaker.

BJP members said the probe should be limited to the charge against the speaker as otherwise they had no trust in the government which was likely to misuse the SIT.

The speaker told Kumaraswamy that “this (SIT) should not lead to a witch-hunt. The probe should be only to establish the truth.”

The political war over charges of horse-trading had escalated in Karnataka Friday with Kumaraswamy releasing an audio clip in which Yeddyurappa is purportedly trying to lure a JD(S) MLA for destabilising the coalition government.

Kumaraswamy had said that during the purported conversation Yeddyurappa had also spoken about a “Rs 50 crore offer to book” the assembly speaker to give a ruling in favour of MLAs who might resign to help the BJP.

Yeddyurappa had said he would retire from politics “if it (the allegation) is proved. If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved, I will resign as an MLA and quit politics,” he had said.

Have been told not to make family dramas as they won’t work: Sooraj Barjatya

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February 11, 2019

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, known for making blockbuster films like “Hum Aap Ke Hai Koun!” and “Hum Saath Saath Hai”, says many people have asked him to not make family dramas as they do not have an audience.

The director, who has collaborated with superstar Salman Khan for most of his films, believes as a storyteller one must follow their heart and not go by trends.

“I’ve been told many times to not make family dramas as they won’t work. But then I also have more number of people who say, ‘no, make the film you want to.’ This is my voice. A filmmaker cannot make films as per the trends,” Barjatya told agencies.

“I made ‘Main Prem Ki Deewani Hu’ as per trend and that failed. I felt so bad, it had Hrithik, Abhishek, Kareena, but as a maker I wasn’t myself. Market doesn’t dictate creation,” he added.

The director said only a handful of filmmakers are interested in the genre of family dramas.

“Objectively speaking, not many writers are thinking like that because perhaps not many people are growing up in an environment where they can think of these emotions.

“As I’m growing older, I feel more and more responsible that we have to tell these stories and make such films. If we don’t, who will? Film is a powerful medium. It’s like a social gathering where you can change the mindset. I feel the need to make more of these films,” Barjatya added.

The director said he is happy to have produced the upcoming buddy-drama “Hum Chaar”, under his family production banner Rajshri Films.

“‘Hum Chaar’ is our step towards being modern yet rooted. I was waiting for a subject which can talk about values, indirectly, to a younger audience. My audience is 35 plus. You will come to watch my films primarily to accompany your grandparents.

“When the director Abhishek Dixit met me, he said lets redefine family. The film has kept the Rajshri sensibility intact and yet it doesn’t have my impression. It’s his world,” he added.

“Hum Chaar” stars Anshuman Malhotra, Prit Kamani, Simran Sharma and Tushar Pandey. It’s scheduled to release on February 15.

Combing operation underway in Uri sector after suspicious activity near Army camp

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February 11, 2019

A massive combing operation was launched by security forces in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir after an Army camp sentry noted suspicious movement and opened fire, police said on Monday.

A police official said that during Sunday night, a sentry of the Army artillery unit in Rajervani, Uri fired few a rounds after observing suspicious movement.

The official said the area was sealed and search operations were going on to rule out any act of sabotage.

“So far, we have not been able to find any terrorist in the area. Since the terrain is rocky with large boulders, the sanitation exercise will take some time,” the official added.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Neglecting 14.43 cr Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers

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February 11, 2019

To attract the farmers to vote for BJP and to counter the promise of debt waiver to the farmers by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the Central BJP government recently announced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PMKSNY). Under this scheme, all the eligible farmers, having land holding up to 2 hectares, will be given a benefit of Rs 6,000 in a year which will be payable in three installments of Rs 2,000 each. According to the plan, the first installment will be payable by considering December 1, 2018, as a base. The record of the land of the farmers of small and marginal sections having up to two hectares of land will be prepared on the basis of February 1, 2019. After this date, if any change in land records is made, then the farmer will not get the benefit of this scheme for the next five years. The benefits of this scheme will be given only to those farmers who are cultivating crop on their own land. If any farmer’s land is found in different villages or revenue records, then it would be considered to extend the benefit of the scheme by doing pooling.

The Government of India has created a PM Kisan Portal for this scheme in which the district wise data of the eligible farmers would be uploaded as per guidelines and in a time bound manner. After receiving the application of eligible farmers on the portal, the amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries after verification. The Government of India has made a provision of Rs 75,000 crore for this scheme, under which about 12 crore farmers of the country will be covered.

Now we are to see who the farmer is?

While circulating Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, to the Chairman/Managing Directors of All Scheduled Commercial Banks (including Local Area Banks) during the Congress party regime, RBI through its letter No. RBI / 2007-2008/ 330- RPCD.No.PLFS.BC.72 /05.04.02/2007-08 dated May 23, 2008, under the Central Government’s Union Budget – 2008-09 – Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, defines the farmers as under:

3.5. ‘Marginal Farmer’ means a farmer cultivating (as owner or tenant or sharecropper) agricultural land up to 1 hectare (2.5 acres).

3.6. ‘Small Farmer’ means a farmer cultivating (as owner or tenant or sharecropper) agricultural land of more than 1 hectare and up to 2 hectares (5 acres).

3.7. ‘Other Farmer’ means a farmer cultivating (as owner or tenant or sharecropper) agricultural land of more than 2 hectares (more than 5 acres).

If we conclude the definition of a farmer given by RBI in the light of RBI’s above-stated letter, we deduce that “a farmer means a person cultivating agriculture land as owner or tenant or sharecropper.”

Now comes the question, “The benefits of this scheme will be given only to those farmers who are cultivating crop on their own land. Why is the central government not including the sharecroppers and tenant farmers while extending the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana to help the farmers?”

As per the Pocket Book of Agricultural Statics 2015 released by GOI, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the total workforce engaged in agriculture, concluded on the basis of 2011 census figures, is 26.31 crore , out of which 11.88 crore are cultivators ( As per GOI present estimate about 12 crore farmers eligible under PMKSNY being the farmers who are cultivating crop on their own land) and the remaining 14.43 crore are those who work on someone other’s farmland as sharecropper or tenant farmer or agricultural labour.

When the RBI and the Central Government had been treating previously all the persons as farmers, who were cultivating (as owner or tenant or sharecropper) agricultural land, now why the present BJP government is discarding these categories of farmers from the list of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana? Are they not farmers?

Amit Kumar, a graduate farmer from Haryana, states, “The tenant farmers or sharecroppers are the real farmers. They are the worst affected farmers in case of crop failure and have to expend more and get less. A sharecropper has to pay half the share of the produce to the landowner despite his full-time work on the field. The tenant farmer, who takes agriculture land on rent depending on the type of land and irrigation facilities available from the landowner, has to bear not only the rent to be paid in advance but also all the expenditures incurred on crop raising. Tenancy rent which varies from place to place is somewhat between Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre in Bhiwani district for barani and canal irrigated land. In the case of crop failure, if the government or insurance company gives compensation or insurance claim, that goes directly to the bank account of the land owner and the tenant farmer gets nothing. Generally, no land owner shares the compensation or claim with the tenant, so the tenant farmer is the double loser; he neither gets crop nor compensation.”

-Jag Mohan Thaken

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)