Money laundering to become difficult in next 1-2 years: Jaitley

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November 2, 2015

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said tax evasion and money laundering will become “extremely difficult” in the next 1-2 years, with real-time global automatic exchange of information system coming into effect.

“I am quite certain that the activity is going on in that direction and the next 1-2 years are also going to bring significant results because with almost real-time exchange of information, lives are going to become extremely difficult as far as lawbreakers in that regard are concerned,” he said.

In his inaugural speech at international conference on ‘Networking the Networks’, he said tax evasion and parking of illegal money anywhere in the world is increasingly becoming difficult as G20 has taken an initiative and various international agencies have now stepped in.

“… The world is also increasingly moving towards a situation where you can’t shift the profits that you earn in one jurisdiction and erode the capital base of that jurisdiction itself,” he said.

At the G20 nations’ Australia summit last November, leaders endorsed a new global transparency standard by which more than 90 jurisdictions will begin automatic exchange of tax information, using a common reporting standard by 2017-18.

India is one of the early adopters of the automatic exchange of information standard.

He also said the Regional Centre for South Asia is going to be discussed in the meeting in order to strengthen international cooperation with regard to money laundering and tax evasion.

The South Asian Regional Intelligence Coordination Centre is likely to be set up, with seven member countries, including India, to be part of it.

The other countries are Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said.

Kim Kardashian nails her Kim Kardashian costume

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Kim Kardashian has a tendency to go all out for Halloween, and some of her past costumes range from a skeleton to Anna Wintour. This year, however, she looked to her own closet for inspiration, dressing as herself circa 2013.

Kardashian, who is expecting her second child with husband Kanye West, once again donned the Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy floral dress she wore to the Met Gala in 2013, when she was pregnant with her daughter, North.

“I think I nailed the Kim K costume!” Kardashian wrote on Instagram, adding, “Still fits…”

My teenage years made me better actor: James Franco

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Actor James Franco feels his teenage years, which saw him have a number of brushes with the law, helped him progress in his career.

The “Spring Breakers” star was arrested in high school for allegedly stealing and illegally selling cologne at the school dances as well as for drinking and graffiti offences but believes it has helped to propel his film career.

“By the time I got to high school I didn’t have a ‘thing’. So I ended up just getting into a lot of trouble. Like in 8th grade we started stealing cologne. We had like thirty bottles of cologne each in our lockers at school and then we could sell cologne at the dances.”

Later, the 37-year-old actor decided to make a “big change” in his life and went to study theatre at the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA).

Lending his voice and story to animated video California Inspires Me, he spoke about his time at the CSSSA.

“All in one year everything changed. I feel like LA or California as a whole contributed to that feeling that I could do what I wanted. But maybe it looks like I’m just a mad scientist gone off the rails.”

Justin Bieber almost had quit career

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Pop star Justin Bieber says he almost turned his back on his music career after people started to view him as a reality TV star due to his wild behavior.

The “What Do You Mean?” hit-maker, who walked away with five gongs at the MTV EMAs last week – has revealed there was a point over the past three years when he was spiraling out of control when he toyed with throwing it all in, according to reports.

“For a minute, I was jus too in my head, and I just wanted to quit everything. But I knew that was the easy way out. I know I’m meant for this.

“I know God has a greater purpose for me to be in this position. It’s just up to me to take that calling and respect it. It takes integrity to last in this business,” he said.

The 21-year-old, who has had a number of run-ins with the law since his rise to fame, believes his wild behavior blocked people’s vision and stopped them from seeing him as a musician and, instead, encouraged them to think of him as a reality TV star.

“I was almost like a reality star, rather than a musician. So I was just giving them ammo and they were feeding into it and I was feeding into it, and I wasn’t caring. I was just like… being a jerk, a little bit,” he said.

End impunity for crimes against journalists

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Freedom of expression faces a universal challenge, much greater this century. As per UN report, “Over700 journalists in the past decade have been reportedly killed for bringing news and information to the public and hardly 10 per cent were convicted”. While the transformation of the media landscape has opened up exciting opportunities for exchange and dialogue, the old challenges remain strong, and new threats to freedom of expression are emerging. Many nations continue to criminalise expressions and, the safety of media professionals is worsening, some still languishing in prison for wrong reasons. Also, the digital era has given rise to novel forms of censorship.

According to Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, “The threat is grave. On average, one journalist is killed per week and while fatalities include foreign correspondents, the vast majority of victims are locals, living in a climate of impunity”. Impunity is perilous and leads to self-censorship for fear of reprisal, depriving society of sources of vital information. Media and expressions of culture including cinema, art and writing have to do the tightrope walking. The increase in conflicts poses specific threats for media workers across the spectrum from mainstream journalists to local bloggers. Other risks include intimidation, arrest, detention, as well as entry bans and deportation.

In many cases, as governments are involved in actions against journalists, there is a need for an effective international body. Many untold stories need to be unfolded. Nearly all the victims reported on corruption, like freelance journalist Jagendra Singh, who died earlier this year from burn wounds. Singh reported on illegal mining activities in U.P.

Impunity enjoyed by the murders has a debilitating effect on free and objective reporting. Reporters working in the risk-prone regions are under extreme pressure from drug traffickers, guerilla groups and corrupt politicians. Impunity, if not curbed, becomes incentive for further attacks. Without freedom of expression, democracy is illusion. The most vulnerable reporters are those who expose collusion between organised crime and politicians. Significant questions and opinions about the killings of journalists cannot be raised for fear of the gruesome repercussions. As a result, vital information about the unlawful killings is not available.

Efforts by journalists in search of remedies are ineffective due to the absence of functional justice systems that can effectively deal with impunity. The lack of trained and skilled personnel to investigate and adjudicate on these matters, combined with inadequate and weak accountability greatly hinders journalists’ efforts to obtain justice. The insecurity and risks faced by journalists are exacerbated by the fact that press workers cannot necessarily rely on the police to protect them from assaults.

This is a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to press freedom, remember those media persons who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession, assess the state of press freedom worldwide and alert the public on the importance of freedom of press.

C.S. Krishnamurthy

Patil Group and Filmfare join hands for Marathi films’ Awards

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Ajeenkya DY Patil University and Filmfare present its first ever Filmfare Awards for excellence in Marathi cinema. Established in 1953, Filmfare Awards is the most iconic awards in the country.

One could argue that Marathi cinema is the oldest industry in India. Recent years have witnessed a significant spike in the popularity and reception of Marathi movies. The infusion of young talent, experimental creativity and the growth of multiple genres have helped Marathi cinema increase its reach and impact. Today, Marathi films enjoy a lion’s share of the film market and audience strength. The quality of cinema on offer is second to none.

Talking about their decision to partner with the Filmfare Awards Dr. Ajeenkya D Y Patil said: “We are delighted to have extended our association with Filmfare Awards (Marathi). This title sponsorship is a result of ADYPU’s overall commitment to excellence, creativity and talent.”

The star studded glamourous night unleashes its glory on the 20th of November 2015 in Mumbai.

May you continue to shine on: Aamir on Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Bollywood’s ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ Aamir Khan wished Hindi films’ ‘Badshah’ Shah Rukh Khan on his 50th birthday on Monday, and said he hopes Shah Rukh ‘continues to shine’ in the world of glitz and glamour.

“Hey Shah, many happy returns of the day. May you continue to shine and give us joy. Love,” Aamir tweeted.

Aamir and Shah Rukh are two of the film industry’s “Three Khans”, whose positions are vied by many. The third is Salman Khan.

Aamir has never shared screen space with the ‘King of Romance’ Shah Rukh, but has always maintained a cordial relationship with him.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh, who started his journey in showbiz with a television serial, is now known as Bollywood’s ‘Badshah’ with hit films like “Baazigar”, “Karan Arjun”, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “My Name Is Khan”.

He is gearing up to bring his magic on the silver screen again with “Dilwale”, “Fan” and “Raees”.

Feel unfortunate to be out of ‘Bajirao Mastani’: Salman Khan

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Afternoon Voice

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November 2, 2015

Superstar Salman Khan says it is unfortunate that he could not be a part of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum opus “Bajirao Mastani”.

Over the years, the film has gone through several cast changes. Bhansali had initially announced to make this period drama with Salman and Aishwarya Rai but the break-up of the rumoured couple hurt the project.

Later, stars like Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Hrithik Roshan were rumoured to have been cast in the project before Ranveer Singh was finalised as protagonist Bajirao.

As for the female lead, talks were on with Kareena Kapoor but nothing materialised. Finally the casting woes ended with Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone stepping into the roles of

Kashibai and Mastani (Bajirao’s first and second wife respectively) in epic Indian romance.

“I feel unfortunate to not be part of ‘Bajirao Mastani’. I had to be part of “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”. I have heard the script..It is a very nice script,” Salman said in an interview.

Salman reveals that he and Kareena had even done a photoshoot for “Bajirao Mastani” but later he could not proceed with the film.

“Me and Kareena also did a photo session together. (Now) I have seen the promo of it (Bajirao Mastani) …It has been done on a large scale. I think all three -Ranveer, Priyanka and Deepika are amazing,” he added.

Shiv Sena will sweep KDMC polls?

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Afternoon Voice

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November 1, 2015

The Shiv Sena which has contested the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) election separately will emerge as the single largest party according to political analysts. Sena had aggressively campaigned for the KDMC polls. It had parted ways with the BJP before the assembly election. Later NCP offered an outside support to the BJP but it backed off after one month as Sena formally joined the Fadnavis government. The outcome of the KDMC poll will act as decisive factor between the Sena and BJP as to who is the boss. Sena is unhappy with the functioning of the BJP and has always expressed its dissatisfaction in the party mouthpiece Saamna.

Sena doesn’t want to play second fiddle to the BJP and also is demanding more ministerial berths from the saffron party. On the other hand, the BJP wants to expand its foothold in Maharashtra and is keen to keep a check on Sena’s growth in the state. BJP is also planning to contest the 2017 Mumbai municipal corporation election solo. According to political parties even though Shiv Sena will perform well in KDMC polls but it will have to rely on BJP’s support.

More than 12 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the twin cities, distant suburbs of Mumbai, where over 700 candidates are in the fray for 117 seats which are up for grabs. Thane police had deployed 2,549 constables, 257 home guards, three companies of SRPF, 99 police vehicles, three DCPs, 11 ACPs, 58 inspectors and 250 assistant police inspectors on poll duty. Voters had to stand in line for two hours for exercising their franchise. Many of them were unable to find their names in the voter list and returned home disappointed.

With both Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis taking potshots at each other this time publicly, the poll tamasha has become very interesting. “Whether Sena wins or the BJP, they still have to come together to ensure good government to the voters, the way they did after the assembly elections in Maharashtra,” said Prakash Bal, a political analyst.

“But the trends suggest that the Sena is likely to emerge as the single largest party who will need an ally to come to power,” he added.

The voters will elect their 117 civic representatives among the candidates put up by main political parties like Shiv Sena, BJP, Congress, NCP and MNS. Independents, too had contested the election. The KDMC polls were held amid tight security to prevent any unlawful incidents. Minor clashes were reported between BJP and MNS party activists in Dombivli. Heavy polling was witnessed in 27 villages which were excluded from KDMC. Shiv Sena had won 31 seats while BJP had won 9 seats and MNS had won 31 seats in 2010 KDMC polls.

“Today people want development and are not interested in caste based politics. Political parties are only involved in blame game instead of focusing on core issues” said Arvind Deshmukh, a Kalyan resident.

Elaborate arrangements were made for peaceful conduct of the polls. The counting of votes will take place on November 2.

Provide security to RTI activists

By

Vaidehi Taman

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November 1, 2015

Nowadays, Shiv Sena and its leaders have gone crazy, they have crossed all the boundaries of decency. They think that inking the faces of people will give them much needed publicity. However, sometimes that doesn’t work. Today, Shiv Sena had sacked the workers who assaulted and blackened the face of a Right to Information (RTI) activist at Latur in Marathwada region, after he “exposed” an illegal construction case. The activist Mallikarjun Bhaikatti, through an RTI query, revealed that around 14,000 square feet illegal construction was carried out in a four-storeyed building and boy’s hostel on the Latur-Nanded road. Bhaikatti had addressed a press conference at Latur on Thursday to “expose” the illegal construction. The Sena workers brought Bhaikatti to the college premises when around 4,000 students were present and assaulted him with an iron rod, before blackening his face. The injured RTI activist has been admitted to a hospital in Latur.

Earlier this month, Sena workers had blackened the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni, chairman of the Observer Research Foundation, in an ink attack ahead of the launch of ‘Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove: An Insider’s Account of Pakistan’s Foreign Relations’ authored by former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri. The Sena was opposed to a Pakistani politician coming to India and launching a book. Under pressure from the Shiv Sena a concert by Ghulam Ali was also cancelled in the city. The Sena’s actions have been criticised by many social think tanks and even common public.

In this country, RTI activist always risked their lives. Maharashtra ranks top in the number of attacks against, and murder of RTI activists. This indicates unholy nexus between corporates and politicians. No attacks are reported against RTI activists in Kerala and West Bengal. However, some of the data given below may not be authentic because in the name of RTI activists many people also undertake blackmailing business. Also all the charges of killings may not be true. Data gleaned by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) shows Maharashtra has seen 53 attacks on RTI activists, including nine cases of murder, over the last eight years. Gujarat comes second with 34 attacks, including 3 murders. Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka follow with over 10 reported attacks on RTI activists during the last eight years. The data points to around 251 cases across India where people were either attacked, murdered, physically or mentally harassed or had their property damaged because of the information they sought under RTI. The data throws up 32 alleged murders and two suicides that were directly linked with RTI applications filed. While, there is no official, countrywide data on the number of people who file RTI applications, or the number of RTI activists assaulted in India, CHRI used publicly available data to gather the information.

RTI activists are vulnerable human rights defenders (HRDs) in India. Unlike other HRDs, a majority of the RTI activists are not part of an organisation; they often act alone, moved by anger at corruption and other illegal activities. RTI activists are vulnerable because they live in the same areas as public authorities and political leaders who do not want information about their activities to be disclosed. For the most part, human rights defenders receive media attention only when killed or seriously injured. When complaints are made by RTI activists, law enforcement personnel (who often work with corrupt officials) do not take appropriate action. The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides inadequate protection to whistleblowers. The Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions are not mandated to deal with such threats or attacks or to provide protection when needed.

Available data shows that Maharashtra receives the highest number of RTI applications every year and so it is statistically possible that the number of attacks are correspondingly higher in the state. While Maharashtra’s Chief Information Commissioner Points to the enormous number of appeals under the RTI act that the state receives, virtually equivalent to the number received by India’s central information commission. When it comes to comparing attacks in Maharashtra vis-a-vis states like Bihar, the nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and the police in the state, due to which the common man in Bihar may be afraid of filing RTI applications.

The attacks on RTI activists are actually attack on law itself. This is the only law by which common citizens can expose corruption, nepotism. Though it is an open weapon in the hands of common citizens it is also misused by many to blackmail. These assaults are an index of state-encouraged disregard for the rule of law. The government needs to address this problem on an emergency basis. There is a need to amend the RTI Act to provide the protection to those seeking information under the Act. The Asian Centre for Human Rights recommends that a separate chapter, “Protection of those seeking information under the(RTI) Act”, be inserted into the Act. Protection measures should include (a)mandatory, immediate registration of complaints of threats or attacks against RTI activists on the First Information Report and placing such FIRs before the magistrate or judge of the area within 24 hours for issuance of directions for protection of those under threats and their family members, and periodic review of such protection measures; (b)conducting inquiry into threats or attacks by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police/Assistant Commissioner of Police, to be concluded within 90 days; and (c)trial of the accused within six months. Further, concerned Public Information Officers, First Appellate Authorities and those directly related with the information sought under the RTI Act should be presumed to have abetted the offenses against the RTI activists unless evidence proves otherwise.