Sanjay Nirupam demands a comprehensive inquiry in the increasing fire incidents

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December 28, 2018

Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam demanded a comprehensive inquiry to be set up in the frequent fire incidents which have claimed 20 lives in Mumbai in the past 12 days. He further demanded a proper judicial probe to be conducted and headed by the sitting judge of Bombay High Court.

Sanjay Nirupam said, “The 15-storey residential building in Chembur which caught fire yesterday did not have any fire extinguishers. The residents of the building are agitated over the fact that the builder has ran away and the NOC from the Fire Department was not obtained. The Fire Department comes under BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and the fact that people are losing their lives every day in Mumbai indicate the failure on the part of the BMC Commissioner. Ajoy Mehta seems to be keen on giving concessions to the builders rather than working towards ensuring a safe life to the Mumbaikars. It seems that despite being the head of the civic body, Mehta has not given a thought to the increasing fire incidents killing people across the city everyday”.

“The ruling BJP- Shiv Sena combined in BMC is more interested in benefitting the builder lobby rather than providing safety to the Mumbaikars. The officers who are responsible for the negligence displayed by the BMC must be booked irrespective of their seniority in the civic body. The fact that almost 2 people are losing their lives every day in the city is not a normal phenomenon. The seriousness of the issue needs to be understood, acted upon and a comprehensive inquiry must be set up immediately”, added Nirupam.

A series of tragic fire incidents are taking place across Mumbai killing innocent people every day. 11 people have lost their lives in the fire which broke out in Andheri’s ESIC Kamgar Hospital on December 17, 4 people were killed after a fire broke out in a garment factory in Kandivali’s Damu Nagar on December 23 and 5 people lost their lives in the fire which broke out on the 14th floor in Chembur’s Sargam Society on December 27. More than a dozen fire incidents have taken place in the past 12 days.

The Mumbai Congress Unit Chief also claimed that the BMC has not learned from the unfortunate Kamala Mills Fire incident which claimed 14 lives last year.

Gaganyaan: Cabinet approves 10,000 crore for human space mission

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December 28, 2018

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The project will cost Rs 100 billion, he said at a press conference in Delhi.

The Gaganyaan project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.

He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022.

India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.

J&K police to get new non-lethal pepper-ball launching systems, riot-control gas masks

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December 28, 2018

The Jammu and Kashmir police is set to get non-lethal pepper-ball launching systems and anti-riot gas masks to deal with law and order situations in the state, officials said on Friday.

The department has floated tenders for seeking technical bid from manufacturers and dealers of these two products, they said.

A pepper-ball launching system, also called a pepper-spray ball projectile, is a frangible projectile containing a powdered chemical that irritates the eyes and nose, like the pepper spray.

These non-lethal projectiles are fired from specially designed ‘forced compliance weapons’ or modified paintball guns.

The anti-riot gas mask is used to protect the user from inhaling airborne pollutants, toxic gases and pepper spray during riots and other law and order situations.

The mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and the mouth, but may also cover the eyes and other vulnerable soft tissues on the face.

Agitation against ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ uncalled for: Bhandarkar

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December 28, 2018

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar on Friday said that the controversy over Anupam Kher starrer ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ is uncalled for.

The recently-released trailer of the film – which revolves around Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as prime minister – has drawn a lot of flak from the Maharashtra Youth Congress that demanded a special screening of the film.

In an interview with a agency, Bhandarkar said, “These agitations are uncalled for, especially when we talk about freedom of expression. It’s just the trailer that has been released and people are already agitated about it.”

“The same thing happened with my film ‘Indu Sarkar’ last year, which was based on emergency. This is not fair if we talk about democracy. There should be freedom of expression,” he added.

The political drama, which will release on January 11, is based on facts as chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru, Manmohan Singh’s media advisor between 2004 and 2008.

“If we talk about this movie, it is based on a book which was in the public domain from the last two-three years. Why didn’t anybody protest all this while?” questioned the ‘Fashion’ director.

The 50-year-old further said that only responsible organisations, such as the censor board, should take call on what is right. “And if someone still has an issue, they can any day go to the court,” he added.

Earlier in the day, while speaking with the media, lead actor of the film Anupam Kher said that much importance should not be given to these protests. “An actor’s job is to act, the filmmaker’s job is to make a film and take it to the people and it’s the job of these organisations to protest. So, we should not give so much of importance to them,” Kher said.

‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ row: “This is BJP’s game, they are using tactics”, says Congress

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December 28, 2018

Escalating the controversy over ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, an upcoming movie based on Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as prime minister, the Congress party on Friday hit out at the BJP for sharing the trailer of the political drama on its Twitter handle.

Speaking to the media, Congress leader PL Punia said, “This is a BJP game, they know their five years are about to complete and they have nothing to show to the people so they are using these tactics to divert attention.”

Brushing aside Congress’ allegation, Union Minister and BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore asked, “Can’t we extend our wishes for a film? Congress has been all for freedom, why is it questioning that freedom now?”

The trailer of the movie, which recently came out, drew a lot of flak from the Congress party which poked holes in the portrayal of the former prime minister.

The political controversy over the movie caught media attention after the BJP on Thursday shared its trailer calling it a “riveting tale of how a family held the country to ransom for 10 years”.

On Thursday, Maharashtra Youth Congress raised objections over the movie and demanded its special screening to ensure that none of the scenes are factually incorrect.

The Anupam Kher starrer flick releases on January 11.

Declaring suspects as terrorists premature: J&K CM Mufti on NIA raids

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December 28, 2018

Criticising the recent arrest of 10 terror suspects by the NIA, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that “declaring suspects as terrorists is premature”.

“National security is supreme. But declaring suspects as terrorists on the basis of Sutli bombs, associating with the dreaded IS is premature. It has already devastated their lives and families. NIA must learn from earlier episodes in which the accused were acquitted after decades,” Mehbooba tweeted.

On December 26, the NIA busted an ISIS-inspired module Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam and arrested 10 people following multi-city raids. The module was allegedly planning to carry out major terror attacks ahead of the Republic Day

The NIA sleuths carried out coordinated raids at 17 places including six in Delhi and 11 in Uttar Pradesh, and recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives, including 12 pistols along with 150 rounds, a country- made rocket launcher, according to a top official of the agency.

Important personalities, including politicians, vital installations and crowded places were on the hit list of the terror module which was planning to strike very soon, the official had added.

Will not let transgender bill pass in current form: Rajya Sabha members assure community

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December 28, 2018

Rajya Sabha members, including TMC’s Derek O’Brien and Congress’s Rajeev Gowda on Friday assured the transgender community they will not let the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Bill pass the upper house in its present form and ensure it is sent to the select committee for modifications.

Calling the bill a dangerous piece of legislation that ignores the critiques made by them, members of the transgender community on Friday staged a protest against the bill at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Gowda said a “massive injustice” is being perpetuated through the bill.

“We saw that without much discussion a bill was passed in Lok Sabha. The bill which claims to protecting the rights of the transgender community is actually doing the exact opposite,” the Congress spokesperson said.

“When it comes to Rajya Sabha, there is a whole group of us gathered across party lines who will send it to select committee. That will give us a chance to sit with it, to work on improving it and to counter all the negativity infused by the government into the bill,” he said.

Tiruchi Siva, a DMK Rajya Sabha member, said the bill is “absurd”.

“The government does not even have an idea as what is a transgender. Going through a medical test to prove that you are a transgender is an insult rather than a right given through the bill,” he said.

He said the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha in its current form.

Derek O’Brien promised that the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha.

“The movement carried out by the community against the bill is very good and transgenders are loved in Bengal. My message is that don’t worry, TMC is the third-largest party in Rajya Sabha and 47 MPs from the party promise that the bill will not be passed in Rajya Sabha. We also have support from other parties. This bill will go to select committee,” O’Brien said.

CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem also expressed support for the bill and promised they would not let it pass in its current form.

I’m constantly having to override my fear: Sandra Bullock on motherhood

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December 28, 2018

Hollywood star Sandra Bullock says she ”constantly has to override” her fears about her children as she gets panicked a lot when it comes to their safety.

The 54-year-old actor, who has eight-year-old Louis and six-year-old Laila, said she gets scared when she has to give a certain level of freedom to her kids.

“You get so good at saying no and you’re so panicked about everything. You literally have to stop and say, ‘Why did I just say no? Why don’t we just play hooky from school one day and just go enjoy life?’ I’m constantly having to override my fear,” Bullock told People magazine.

The actor previously revealed she can be ”a little neurotic” when it comes to her kids, as the current state of the world leaves her ”afraid every day” of what might happen to her children whilst they are at school.

‘Simmba’ – Ranveer Singh roars in this masala entertainer

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December 28, 2018

Directed by Rohit Shetty
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood, Ajay Devgan, Ashutosh Rana, Siddharth Jadhav
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Critical opinion on a Rohit Shetty film may vary wildly, simply because it is a masala entertainer where one expects the magic on screen, the magic of entertainment, albeit, sans rationality, and that is where the opinions differ.

Some may find “Simmba” silly to a point but overall, most would agree that this film is pretty good, artistic and a bonafide comedic masterwork; produced as a matter of form but not-without-its-innovations and pleasures.

The film is about a cocky, orphan Sangram Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh) from Shivgad, who grows up to be a corrupt police officer. It is his journey from being a bad man-of-the-law to a good one.

Picking up nuggets from real life events, the film mirrors society. If the first half is light and frothy that evokes constant laughter, the second half is equally intense and serious. It delivers middle-class life lessons in a blatantly effective manner.

What really engages you in this over-stretched film are Rohit Shetty’s characteristic melodrama and over-the-top comedy, fast-paced action sequences, witty dialogues replete with puns and spontaneous performances by its ace cast.

Ranveer Singh as Sangram Bhalerao aka Simmba is the lifeline of the film. He carries the burden of being the corrupt police officer squarely on his shoulders and he portrays Sangram effortlessly. He is charismatic and charming as he forges new relationships or draws horns with the antagonist Dhruva Ranade (Sonu Sood). His cockiness hits an all-time high when he tells Dhruva, “Je mala mahit nahin, te mala sangh,” which means, tell me something, I don’t know.

Sonu Sood as Dhruva Ranade is formidable. He has his moments when he shines but is not outstanding. With a miniscule role as Simmba’s love interest, Sara Ali Khan is lost in the narrative. She hardly has anything to do in the film.

Ashutosh Rana as the righteous head constable Mohile is intense and Siddharth Jadhav with an expressive visage as Constable Santosh Tawde is comical. The rest of the supporting cast deliver sincerely.

The script loosely adapted from the Telugu film “Temper”, is actually a spin-off of Shetty’s previous franchise, “Singham”. What’s commendable about the script is how the writers have effortlessly weaved in “Singham” into the narrative. So you do get to see a good chunk of Ajay Devgan delivering his distinctive action stuff.

The film has ace technical values with excellent production values, brilliant cinematography, skilfully choreographed action sequences, fine editing and intensely dazzling background score. The songs mesh seamlessly into the narrative. They are melodious with catchy tunes and are well picturised.

While the film ends on a high note with the criminals being condemned, no matter how sentimental and selfless the reasons behind it, a crime is a crime, and covering it up implicates everybody in the corruption and that’s where the thinking classes’ opinion differ – Singham appears flawed.

But overall, “Simmba” shines and the film is worth your ticket price.

Macaulay Culkin to legally change name to ‘Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin’

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December 28, 2018

“Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin has announced that he will legally change his name to Macaulay ‘Macaulay Culkin’ Culkin in 2019.

The actor took to Twitter to share the news. He decided to change his middle name to ‘Macaulay Culkin’ after an online vote on his lifestyle and humour website, Bunny Ears.

“My new middle name has been chosen. You voted and the winner is clear.

In 2019 my new legal name will be: Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin.

“It has a nice ring to it (if you like my name).” he tweeted

The 38-year-old actor had also discussed the name change in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, saying he decided he needed a name spruce-up after being reminded of his current middle name, Carson, on his passport.