Congress in self-destruct mode, a liability on India’s economy: Arun Jaitley

By

-

August 11, 2015

In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday that Sonia and Rahul were unable to accept the fact that anyone apart from the Gandhi family can rule India.

“They have taken the 2014 defeat badly. The two top leaders of the Congress are unable to accept that anyone outside the Gandhi family can run the country,” he said.

Addressing the press, after introducing the GST Bill in Rajya Sabha, Jaitley also accused the Congress of trying to stall the development of the country.

He maintained that the GDP would be boosted if GST was introduced. “But Congress for some reason does not want that,” Jaitley said.

The Congress-commissioned chaos in the Rajya Sabha meant that the House was adjourned seconds after the government introduced the GST proposal, which creates a national sales tax to replace a matrix of levies in the 29 different states.

The GST Bill has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha, where the government has a huge majority. But in the Rajya Sabha, it is heavily reliant on the support of the opposition. As the bill was introduced there, Congress members stormed into the well shouting “This won’t do.”

There are just two days left in this session of Parliament. Failure to pass the GST Bill now will make it hard for the government to meet a self-imposed 2016 deadline for implementing it. After it is sanctioned by Parliament, half of India’s states need to endorse the reform, a process that is likely to be lengthy.

Supporters say the GST will add up to two percentage points to economic growth, boost manufacturing and ease of business, and ensure cheaper and more efficient products for consumers.

The GST Bill was originally written by the Congress, whose coalition government was defeated by the BJP last year.

The Congress, hemmed into just 44 Lok Sabha MPs, has said it will not allow Parliament to function unless the PM removes senior BJP leaders it accuses of graft, including Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. The Congress also wants changes to the bill, which it says must be more “simple and comprehensive”.

Kevin Bacon ‘interested’ in returning to ‘Tremors’ character

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

Hollywood star Kevin Bacon says he would be interested in coming back to his “Tremors” character Valentine McKee.

The 57-year-old actor, who essayed the role first time in 1990, admits that of all the characters that he has played over the years, McKee is the only one that he would like to return to, reported Digital Spy.

“It’s a surprisingly good movie, I remember it being a little more sillier than it is. (Valentine is) the only character that I’ve ever done that I’m interested in revisiting 25 years on,” Bacon said.

The Golden Globe Award-winning actor says he himself is very much keen to know if the character “gets the guts” to make everything work his way or not.

“Because I look at the guy and he’s stuck in this town with this other guy, he’s got all these dreams, delusions of grandeur… But he’s really sort of stuck and when you get to the end of the movie you feel like, you’re kind of hopeful that he does make a movie, and gets the guts to kiss the girl and pulls every together.

“The question on whether that happens or not, to me is an interesting question,” he said.

Directed by Ron Underwood and starring Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire “Tremors” went on to become a cult hit.

Jim Parrack to play Johnny Frost in ‘Suicide Squad’

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

True Blood actor Jim Parrack is confirmed to star Johnny Frost in “Suicide Squad”.

There were rumours that Parrack, 34, will essay the role of Deathstroke in the upcoming supervillain movie, but actress Corina Calderon, who has a small role in the film revealed his character details on Instagram, reported Aceshowbiz.

“All #HappyCamper on my way to set again, going earlier than my #CallTime just to be there and watch my boy Jim Parrack playing #JonnyFrost do his Thang #SuicideSquad,” read the caption. However, the picture was immediately deleted.

Based on DC comic books, “Suicide Squad” is directed by David Ayer.

The film revolves around supervillains who are recruited by the government to perform black operation.

Apart from Parrack the cast of the movie includes Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Will Smith, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Adam Beach and Ike Barinholtz.

The supervillain film is scheduled for August, 2016 release.

Reese Witherspoon to star in, produce supernatural thriller

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

Actress Reese Witherspoon is set to star in and produce Lionsgate’s supernatural thriller “Cold”.

Lionsgate has acquired the original story that was penned by “Deja Vu” writer Bill Marsilii in a six figures deal, said The Hollywood Reporter.

Witherspoon, 39, will produce with Bruna Papandrea under their Pacific Standard Films banner.

The plot details has not been revealed yet, but the film is being described as a dark thriller with supernatural elements.

Under their banner Witherspoon and Papandrea have produced films like “Gone Girl” and “Wild” acquiring a lot of critical acclaim.

They are also are backing Disney’s Tink, a live-action take on the Peter Pan character Tinker Bell with “Just like Heaven” star taking up the titular role.

Isolate Pakistan till it ends terrorism

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

I have written this piece several times and once again I am writing it as there seems to be no end to “Terror attacks” from across the border! It’s crystal clear that instead of the Pakistan-based terrorists, its armymen and soldiers across the border have themselves started directly targeting the Indian soldiers and the civilians too. They have killed several of our soldiers for no reason and without any provocation in the past and now the civilians are killed and critically injured. I think we have lost more soldiers in these “proxy wars” on the borders than we would in the conventional war.

When will our government have the courage to isolate Pakistan! Why not isolate Pakistan till terrorism linked men are punished and terrorism is rooted out? No diplomatic relations, no cultural and bilateral relations, no commerce and trade, no transport and no sports too. Hit where it hurts. Cripple Pakistan economically at least and stop the so called talks for peace forever (let us not bother what the US or UN will say or dictate!)

We should not have any “peace talks“ at any levels till Pakistan soldiers stop ceasefire violations and firing . In the name of “peace talks”, all we have witnessed is the visit of Pakistan PM, certain dignitaries and officials, photo-ops with Indian officials, then a visit to the Taj Mahal and photographs therein. In all such meetings the decisions taken are only to have another round of meetings and talks at a later date; and this has been going on for several decades. And in the meanwhile, there is only large scale engineering of terrorism and ceasefire violations across the borders.

I would also wish to ask how long we are going to refer to “IT” as Pakistan occupied Kashmir? Are our politicians and leaders not ashamed to see our territory being referred to as “Pak occupied”? Do we have something called “India occupied Karachi” (IOK) or Bharat occupied Islamabad (BOI) ? Why can’t we take up this matter at the UN/global/international level and get back this so called PAK-Occupied Kashmir and make this as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir, for once and for all? No doubt war is not the solution…..but at least let the Home Minister, Prime Minister and the Govt. have courage to take toughest actions? It’s now time to cry “Enough is enough – Go for Actions” !”

Hope our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will indeed teach a tough lesson to Pakistan; to begin with start isolating it in every sphere. And there should be no talks with them at all. He should not visit Pakistan -which was scheduled for next year. High time our government showed its “true action” ! Meanwhile, it’s time for all our leaders, countrymen, and the opposition leaders too to remain firmly united.

Krishna Kumar

What’s Shah Rukh Khan telling Pakistani beauty Mahira Khan

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

Pakistani beauty Mahira Khan will indeed have a dream debut in Bollywood. And the stunning actress has all the reasons to feel elated! Shah Rukh Khan is the man behind her dreamlike launch in the Tinsel Town.

The talented actress will share screen space with our very own SRK in ‘Raees’ slated to release on Eid 2016.

The Badshah of Bollywood is advising Mahira on the kind of offers she should accept and the ones she should reject. He apparently wants the gorgeous girl from across the border to make the right choices so that she can pursue a bright career in Bollywood.

Mahira became a household name in India soon after she was seen opposite heartthrob Fawad Khan in Zindagi channel’s ‘Humsafar’.

What did Rishi Kapoor say about Asin’s impending wedding?

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor Monday showed his lighter side by pulling his ‘All is Well’ co-star Asin’s leg on her impending wedding at an event.

Asin is reportedly getting hitched to Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma and while actress decided to keep mum on the topic, Kapoor kept dropping hints.

“Why don’t you say something? Should I get you a tablet?”, Kapoor said, hinting at the mobile phone company.

“Please say something, aap SHARMA kyu rahi hain? We haven’t heard anything from her (Asin). She is all the time Sharma’oing,” Kapoor quipped.

Asin blushed after Kapoor’s response and quickly added, “I had this coming”.

In the film, Kapoor plays the father of Abhishek Bachchan whose love interest is Asin.

The ‘Ghajini’ star is making a comeback with the Umesh Shukla directed comedy after a gap of three years.

‘All is Well’ also stars Supriya Pathak and is set to release on August 21.

Salman Khan wants Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty to be accepted, appreciated

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 11, 2015

Superstar Salman Khan who is cherishing the massive success of his latest release, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is all geared up to impress the fans with his home production ‘Hero’.

‘Dabangg’ Khan’s focus is on launching star kids Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty with the movie and is hoping that they become superstars.

Suniel Shetty’s daughter and Aditya Pancholi’s son are set to make a grand entry into the fraternity with ‘Hero’.

Salman in an interview with reporters said, “Suniel and Aditya are good friends. I have the responsibility of these two kids on me. We are not worried about the fate of the film but project them in a way that they become stars… They have to be accepted and appreciated,”.

“We did not think about the budget for this film. They need support… Pray for them… That they become superstars. They have the potential,” he said.

Directed by Nikhil Advani the movie is set to hit the silver screens on September 11.

Adding a cherry to the cake, Salman has also sung a song in the film which has been received well. Talking about the song, he said, “Not much takes had to be taken… But after that lot of work was there. I liked the song they asked me to sing and I sang it. I wanted to sing it as this was a good opportunity. Arman Malik was to sing the song… He also has sung it.”

Salman is also working on two grand projects, Sooraj Barjatya’s ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ and Aditya Chopra’s ‘Sultan’.

Men to take on women

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 10, 2015

They want amendment in the anti-dowry law as it favours women.

It has often been observed that women have started misusing the anti-dowry law to file false cases against their husbands. Men have been complaining that women file false cases against in-laws and also demand compensation from them. According to them, the current divorce laws favour women as men have to suffer the most. Every year the top Men’s Rights Activists of India gather together for a National Meet, to discuss and strategize about how to further the cause of Men’s Rights Activism in India. This year Vaastav Foundation, Mumbai is hosting the 7th Save Indian Family National Meet with a focus upon male health and promoting gender equality in laws governing the society where about 200 activists from 50 NGOs all over India will participate in a 3 day conference to discuss about Men’s rights in India.

The society has created a plethora of gender-biased laws inspite of men’s rights advocacy groups highlighting the adverse effects of lack of access to justice for men – due to absence of laws addressing their concerns

As per latest NCRB Reports, every 5.9 minutes a man commits suicide in India. Most of the reasons for suicides of men are family problems and illnesses. Cases of married men’s suicides have decreased marginally in 2014 compared to previous year. But the cause for concern is that the ratio of married men’s suicide to married women’s suicide is still increasing and is 2.21 which directly show that men are having issues that need to be addressed urgently.

Amit Deshpande, President, Vaastav Foundation said, “We received more than 38,000 calls on the FIRST Men’s Helpline in the last one year, which is 34% more than the Women’s Helpline no. While debates are surrounding marital rape, blatant lies are being spread about the issue, that it is not covered by law. We would like to highlight that there are laws like 498a and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Sec 3(ii) already covering this issue giving relief to women complaining about marital rape or any sexual violence.”

“Misuse of laws like Sec-498a, domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment at workplace should be checked. More than 70 per cent of rape/molestation cases are Vengeance complaints’. Male rape is a reality and acknowledged in many countries. We have a law Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 to help victims of male rape below age of 18 years, but no support for victims above the age of 18 years. The rape law along with Sexual Harassment at workplace law should be gender neutral” he added.

“Our demands are that India should have a National Commission for Men constituted along with a Ministry for Men’s Welfare to address the concerns of men and their families” he said further.

Advocate Sushan Kunjuraman said, “Women have taken unfair advantage of Section 498A and have demanded money to end the marriage. Any case registered under 498A is non-bailable therefore she can get the husband, in-laws arrested easily. As of now police has started talking to both husband and wife before going ahead with the arrest and also tries to sort the matter. Section 498A should be made a bailable offence so that there would be a drop in such cases.”

Another lawyer Ejaz Naqvi said, “Mechanical changes must take place. The same police officers who had nabbed Kasab should not be handling harassment cases. Such cases should be specialised police officers who are more aware of these sections and have undergone some sort of counselling course or holding Diplomas in Social Studies.”

“More females are graduating out of our colleges and universities, at the same time more than 6 times boys are being forced into child labour compared to girls. This shows that the traditional roles of protectors/providers are burdening boys at a young age becoming a hindrance to their progress. Surveys carried out by government agencies like National Family Health Surveys should focus on questionnaire that addresses men as victims, currently those questionnaires are designed to only consider them as perpetrators” said Hussein All, Secretary, Vaastav Foundation.

Vaastav Foundation is an NGO based out of Mumbai working towards equal human rights for both the genders. The organization assists families in distress and crisis who suffer from toxic domestic relationships. They assist people who have suffered false dowry and domestic violence cases.

The organization is a part of a network of over 40 NGOs all over India which conducts weekly meetings in over 20 cities. In these meeting they try to create a positive space for men where they can be heard without being judged.

I am pure, innocent, says controversial godwoman Radhe Maa

By

Afternoon Voice

-

August 10, 2015

Self-styled godwoman Radhe Maa on Monday reiterated her innocence following a series of complaints against her. Addressing a press conference, the godwoman said that she was “pure and pious” and had full trust on media and police.

The self-styled godwoman further said that she should not be blamed if her followers believed her to be the reason for their wellbeing.

This case even as another complaint was filed against the woman. According to the complaint, a family of seven from Kutch in Gujarat committed suicide because of Radhe Maa.

The complaint alleged that the family donated their property to Radhe Maa, hoping to get out of their miseries. The family, however, took the extreme step after they lost all hopes.

“I am innocent. I am pure. Those bhakts who approach me, their wishes are fulfilled by God,” the controversial godwoman said.

“I am pure and pious. I respect media, police and law. I am sure that God will do justice,” she told a press conference.

Summons have already been issued to the controversial self-styled godwoman by the Mumbai Police in connection with a dowry harassment case filed by a 32-year-old woman.

The summons were issued to Radhe Maa, who was out of Mumbai for the last few days, after she returned to the city, police said today.

“Summons were served to Radhe Maa last night. Her statement will be recorded on Friday,” Kandivali police station’s senior inspector Mukund Pawar said.

Radhe Maa has returned to the city and is currently in South Mumbai, police said.

According to police, the woman from suburban Kandivali had accused the ‘godwoman’ of instigating her in-laws, who are her followers for many years, to demand dowry from her.

Police had earlier issued summons to six persons in connection with the case. They are expected to record their statements before police today.

“The six accused are supposed to come to the police station for recording their statements,” Pawar said.

The police had registered an FIR against Radhe Maa and others last week, including the in-laws of the woman who has accused them of “mental and physical harassment for dowry.”

So far, police has tried to gather evidence and other material substantiating the allegations of the complainant, Pawar had said.

All the seven accused have been booked under relevant sections of the IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act, police said.

Radhe Maa is known for her lavish lifestyle and her high profile list of devotees that include TV actress Dolly Bindra, Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan.

She became a self-styled godwoman at the age of 23 and now delivers sermons at various places across India. Her followers believe that she is blessed with supernatural powers and can help them get through any trouble.

The 50-year-old, who has three children, has often been in news for all the wrong reasons.