Actor Rajkummar Rao has developed a great equation with his upcoming film “The White Tiger” none other than co-star Priyanka Chopra, who he says is one of the most chilled out persons to work with.
Priyanka and Rajkummar are working together for the first time in the screen adaptation of Arvind Adiga’s book, set at Netflix.
The film, which will mark the acting debut of Adarsh Gourav, helmed by Ramin Bahrani of “Fahrenheit 451” and “99 Homes” fame.
“Right now we are shooting in Delhi. The entire team is fantastic and our director Ramin is phenomenal. Adarsh and Priyanka are wonderful co-actors. Priyanka is a dear friend now, she is very chilled out. Her tag of ‘desi girl’ is perfect for her. She’s a full on desi girl,” Rajkummar told reporters at the red carpet event of Filmfare Glamour and Style awards.
Adiga’s book follows the extraordinary journey of a self-made man from tea-shop worker in a village to successful entrepreneur in a big city. Murder, love and deceit become the ultimate price for ambition.
Akshay Kumar starrer 2018 sports drama ‘Gold’ is now headed for a release in China on December 13, 2019.
Akshay shared the news on Twitter, “GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019!” he wrote.
The film traces the journey of Tapan Das, a man who dreamt of making India win its first gold in Hockey post-independence.
The movie opened in Indian theatres last year on Independence Day, which also marked the 70th anniversary of free India’s first gold medal at the 1948 Olympics.
The sports drama directed by Reema Kagti and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani has an ensemble cast including Amit Sadh, Kunal Kapoor, Vineet Singh, and Sunny Kaushal, among others.
‘Gold’ was a hit at the box office and it became the ‘Khiladi’ actor’s ninth film to enter in the Rs 100 crore club on the 13th day of its release.
In the poster, Ranveer is seen wearing an orange, polo-neck T-shirt with print and faded black jeans. The wavy hairstyle has been added to complete the personality of the character, making him look like an innocent Gujarati man. Interestingly, the lead actor also sported a moustache.
From the poster, it seems that the 34-year-actor is protecting women, who have covered their faces with veils, from something approaching as he breaks the fourth wall. He seems to have shed weight for the film too.
Scripted and helmed by debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar and the Yash Raj Films production has been bankrolled by Maneesh Sharma. The release date of the film is yet to be announced.
On the work front, Ranveer is working on Kabir Khan’s sports drama ’83’ which will hit the big screens on April 10, 2020.
On one hand United States military outposts and bases are being emptied or destroyed after Washington withdrew from the North East Syria and left its Kurdish allies and on the other hand Russian forces are moving in to take over these empty bases. This clearly illustrates that how Russia is filling in the gap left by US. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Moscow has established itself as more reliable partner then US in the region. Czarist Russia had longstanding interests in the Middle East, and its successor, the USSR rapidly after World War II emerged as a critical player in the region in its contest with the United States. But after end of cold war and subsequent disintegration of USSR. Moscow lost its influence and stature in the region this downfall in the region always dauted Russian leadership which always carved for a greater role in the Middle East. Syrian civil war provided Russia with golden opportunity to enter in the regional arena and prove itself a dominant player. Putin used this opportunity very well and exploited it to maximum. Russia now has been established as major player in the region and it will play this role for long time to come. Let’s have a look at factors which will enable Russia to dominate regional landscape for long.
Proven Military Might- The weaponry and equipment that Moscow brought in Syrian theatre from the very beginning signalled a clear intent to stay for the long term. Russian brought in its best state of art defence system like- S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) anti-aircraft/missile system. In addition to SAMs and airspace control, Russia has tactical ballistic and cruise missiles and advanced anti-ship missiles deployed. Kremlin even send its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, on the Mediterranean and fly aircraft off it, even if there were difficulties. The broader point conveyed is that Moscow used all tools in its arsenal to project power and assert influence when it needed to and will continue to do so.
Reliable Arms Supplier- Moscow’s positioned itself as the arms supplier of choice for the region. Russia’s S-400 is in great demand in the region, Turkey already got it and many countries like-Saudi Arabia and Qatar are interested in it. In addition to this Moscow is selling arms worth billions of dollars to Algeria and Egypt. Russia is gradually increasing its share in the regional arms market as US hardware are very expensive and comes with lot of Do’s and Don’ts list. On the other hand, Russia provide decent quality product at much cheaper price with no questions asked.
Diplomatic Powerhouse- In the diplomatic realm, Moscow now clearly wields superior effectiveness, having developed contacts with all parties and a distinctive ability to mediate, balance and help shape, rather than trying in vain to impose outcomes. Maintaining good relations with all sides has been core of Russia Middle East strategy. Unlike the United States, which has always divided the region into allies and foes, Russia has taken a pragmatic approach which is paying good dividends. Russia only has the ability at this point in time to interact with many state and nonstate actors in the Middle East. Like-Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, UAE and Kurds. Even the traditionally American-oriented countries like Israel now look for greater understanding with Moscow.
Reliable Ally- Russia has transformed the battlefield, saved its allies, and established itself as reliable partner which can always be banked upon. Moscow presented itself as a reliable ally which believed in maintaining current status quo for traditional Middle Eastern leaders who fear any change. Russia has proved itself as an all-weather friend which won’t judge will just help.
Russia has used same mix of military and diplomatic tools but in its own creative way that made the United States dominant in the region for so many decades. Russia’s actions in the Middle East should be seen in the wider context of its global geopolitical rivalry with the United States and its Western allies. The creation of a ‘multipolar world’ in place of the United States dominated unipolar world order, has long been a comprehensive Russian geopolitical goal. Outside the countries of the former USSR the Middle East is probably the region where Russia has been most successful in consolidating its influence at America’s expense. United States eagerness to disentangle itself from the regional conflicts creates more room for Russia to expand. Russia’s growing influence in the region has also been a result of US ambiguous strategy and lack of foresight. It’s hard truth that by pursuing its clear-cut goals with limited means but with determination, Russia has returned to Middle East to play a major role. America by contrast lacks a consensus about what its goals and interests are, let alone how best to secure them.
By Manish Rai
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.
The greatest man made disaster towards green environment comes from use of plastic, especially the thin film variety. While touring vast areas of Southern India I was pleasantly surprised to see the strict enforcement of plastic ban. During my visit to Mahabaleshwar, Aurangabad, Pune last year, I have noticed awareness about ill effects of plastic. It is heartening to note that by and large India has become active in banning plastic totally. It is however deplorable that West Bengal turns a blind eye when it comes to banning and enforcement of the ban on thin film plastic. Must be vested interests are working against the interest of common people.
Partial ban on plastic bags that several local bodies in the country implemented at various stages has fallen flat so far primarily due to faulty implementation. Secondly, the non-availability of feasible alternatives has been dissuading administrators from opting for a complete ban. Cloth is the next choice, though the non-woven bags that pass off as cloth bags in most shops these days are equally or even more dangerous than plastic bags.
Plastic bags play a negative role in chocking the drainage system. Reuse old polythene bags. Make sure you do not burn polythene bags as they cause a lot of pollution. With so many options, finding the right alternative for plastic carry bags is a tricky matter and only large-scale awareness at the grass root level can ensure that another hazardous material does not substitute plastic.
Though paper is the first option, it cannot be counted as an environment-friendly option considering the large-scale destruction of trees for paper pulp and also because they cannot hold much weight. Though recycled paper bags have become a trend, common people may not find them pocket-friendly. Up-cycled paper bags using newspapers may be used for purposes other than packaging liquid and semi liquid products.
The third option is biodegradable plastic that comes in several varieties. There are starch-based bio plastics that are soluble in hot water. There is also compostable plastic that disintegrates and joins the soil within 90 to 180 days. Plastic bags, thermocol, disposable cups and plates, cutlery, non-woven polypropylene bags, plastic pouches and packaging are all banned.
Bamboo is one of the largest members of the grass family and is the fastest growing woody plant on the planet. Its growth rate varies according to the soil and climate, and is best known as a major food source for pandas. Bamboo is also used for culinary and medicinal purposes in many parts of the world, as well for construction materials, furniture, textiles, musical instruments, bicycles, clothing and more.
(The latter part of the article will continue tomorrow)
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Government should intervene and reduce mobile tariff
Mobile call charges and internet charges have gone up by 42 per cent from December 3 onwards as private sector players, Bharati Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have raised their tariffs This is the first hike in the last five years in the country’s telecom space that was facing a bruising a tariff war. How will the common man bear the hike? The government must intervene in this matter and bring down the rates as a relief to the common man.
JubelD’Cruz
A big salute to Shivangi
The Indian Navy has created history by inducting its first woman pilot, sub Lieutenant Shivangi, and thus has shown that Indian women are ready and will be given all the opportunities at par with men thereby eliminate gender discrimination and also proving that Indian women are ready to take any ventures. The way in which this brave young Indian woman daring to dream big and carve a niche of her own – is definitely an inspiring and truly motivating story for our young girls to follow .It excellently shows the fast turning mindset and life of our women. Women are fast moving from a conservative nutshell into a progressive and liberal one which in a way is good for a fast changing society. This young lady is now ready to fly high is definitely a role model for our youth, especially our girls, wonderfully and boldly teaching them a lesson – “Where there is a will, there is a way” .
M Pradyu
Establish full-fledged US Consulate at Bengaluru
Bengaluru and Karnataka state has witnessed a growing demand of visitors to United States of America. But one is only compelled to visit its Consulate office located at Chennai to obtain and apply for various types of visas. The move to travel to Chennai every time causes an inconvenience even in case of exigencies resulting in administrative hardships to the Indian visa applicants. It should be otherwise noted that the facility to travel to almost all the other nations including Canada, Netherlands, Germany, France, Mexico, Peru, Japan, UK etc. exists through the presence of full-fledged Consulate offices conveniently located in Bengaluru for the benefit of Karnataka domicile visa applicants.
Further an effort should be made jointly by both India and US diplomatic patrons to establish a new full-fledged US Consulate at Bengaluru. A new US Consulate now at Bengaluru will largely benefit many professionals, visitors and students who otherwise face logistical hardships to obtain a visa from its existing consulate located at Chennai. The suggested move for a new US Consulate now at Bengaluru will otherwise help to expedite visa application requests quickly even in case of exigencies to the needy US visa applicants. Hence the Hon’ble Ministry of External Affairs is requested to look into opening of a new US Consulate in Bengaluru for the benefit of Indian visitors to USA from this region.
Varun Dambal
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Water is an issue that cuts across all aspects of social and economic life in India. Compartmentalized responses are unlikely to be adequate to address the current crises. There is a need for an integrated approach, which addresses source sustainability, land use management, agricultural strategies, demand management and the distribution and pricing of water. With growing pressures due to climate change, migration and population growth, creative and imaginative governance are needed to manage this precious resource.
The death toll from a fresh spell of monsoon-driven floods in India has jumped to 190 and affected more than a million residents. Heavy rain and landslides have also forced hundreds of thousands of people in southern and western India to take shelter in relief camps, while train services were cancelled in several flood-hit areas. Every year, hundreds of citizens shed their lives, many migrate and some suffer entire life, the loss of beloved ones is n irrecoverable injury. India’s monsoon season lasts from June to September. It sees heavy rains, which refill the country’s water reservoirs and are vital for agriculture, but cause immense destruction and loss of life. Dozens died in floods in India every year, particularly in the eastern states of Bihar and Assam, with the inundation causing heavy losses to farms, homes and infrastructure. It is due to rising deforestation, poor urban planning and increased urbanization as the reasons behind the rise in the intensity of the floods.
India suffers in two extreme conditions, one is heavy pour and another is drought, at least 330m people are likely to be affected by acute shortage of water. As the subcontinent awaits the imminent arrival of the monsoon rains, bringing relief to those who have suffered the long, dry and exceptionally warm summer, the crisis affecting India’s water resources is high on the public agenda.
Unprecedented drought demands unconventional responses, and there have been some fairly unusual attempts to address this year’s shortage. Perhaps most dramatic was the deployment of railway wagons to transport 500,000 litres of water per day across the Deccan plateau, with the train traversing more than 300 km to provide relief to the district of Latur in Maharashtra state. The need to shift water on this scale sheds light on the key issue that makes water planning in the Indian subcontinent so challenging. While the region gets considerable precipitation most years from the annual monsoon, the rain tends to fall in particular places – and for only a short period of time (about three months). This water needs to be stored, and made to last for the entire year.
In most years, it also means that there is often too much water in some places, resulting in as much distress due to flooding as there currently is due to drought. So there is a spatial challenge as well – water from the surplus regions needs to reach those with a shortfall, and the water train deployed in Maharashtra is one attempt to achieve this.
Kolhapur is a city on the banks of the Panchaganga River. Continuous discharge of water from the Almatti dam in Karnataka brought down the water level of the Panchganga River in Kolhapur where it was flowing above the danger mark. Kolhapur and Sangli districts have been battling unprecedented floods in August following heavy rains in Konkan and western parts of the state where 40 people have lost their lives in the deluge. The Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway No. 4 was shut for six days due to flooding.
Nearly 4.48 lakh people were so evacuated from flood-hit areas across the state, including 4.04 lakh from Kolhapur and Sangli. They were shifted to 372 temporary camps and shelters, a senior state official said on August 11.Rescuers, including the NDRF and military personnel, received kudos from locals for the relief work.
Some women and girls tied ‘rakhis’ on the wrists of jawans of the Navy, Army and NDRF on August 11. Around 35 people have been killed in rain-related incidents in five districts of western Maharashtra in a week, including 17 who drowned after a boat capsized near Brahmanal village in Sangli. Four lakh people have been moved to safety from the flood-affected areas of Maharashtra, officials said adding 761 villages in 69 tehsils are affected by the deluge.
Meanwhile, death toll in Kerala floods mounted to 72 even as rains abated in August after pounding the state for days, while the situation remained grim in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat where 97 people have lost their lives so far due to the monsoon fury. All rivers are in spate in Karnataka where the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) world heritage site in Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in Ballari district, has been inundated after over 1.70 lakh cusec water was released from a reservoir. Tourists in Hampi have been shifted to safer places, officials said. The unprecedented deluge has left 31 people dead and displaced four lakh people in 80 taluks of 17 districts in Karnataka. Continuous discharge of water from Almatti dam in Karnataka brought down the water level of the Panchganga River in Kolhapur where it was flowing above the danger mark.
Meanwhile, in the state of Kerala alone, at least 76 people were killed in rain-related incidents. Many deaths have been reported in rain-triggered landslides in Wayanad and Malappuram districts. Over five-lakh cusec of water was being discharged from Almatti dam on the Krishna River in neighbouring Karnataka to ease the flood situation in western Maharashtra. In Kerala, over 2.51 lakh people have taken shelter in 1,639 relief camps. The toll in the flood fury has gone up 72 while 58 people still missing. The Railways announced waiver of freight charges for transportation of relief materials to Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala, where over 10 lakh people had to be shifted from their homes to escape inundation.
The Ballari district administration in Karnataka has asked people living along the riverbanks to move to safer places as all 33 gates of the Tungabhadra Dam were opened in the wake of incessant rains. The preliminary estimate of flood-related loss in the state was Rs 10,000 crore . Heavy showers continued to lash parts of Gujarat taking the toll in rain-related incidents to 31, including 12 deaths were reported from Saurashtra region.
Orissa has another tragedy; this state is always under casualty. The 482 km long of coastline of Orissa exposes the State to flood, cyclones and storm surges. Heavy rainfall during monsoon causes floods in the rivers. The flow of water from neighbouring States of Jharkhand and Chattisgarh also contributes to flooding. The flat coastal belts with poor drainage, high degree of siltation of the rivers, soil erosion, breaching of the embankments and spilling of floodwaters over them, cause severe floods in the river basin and delta areas. In Orissa, rivers such as the Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Baitarani, Rushikulya, Vansadhara and their many tributaries and branches flowing through the State expose vast areas to floods. In Orissa, damages are caused due to floods mainly in the Mahanadi, the Brahmani, and the Baitarani. These rivers have common deltas where floodwaters intermingle, and when in spate simultaneously, wreak considerable havoc. This problem becomes even more acute when floods coincide with high tide. The water level rises due to deposits of silt on the river-bed. Rivers often overflow their banks or water rushes through new channels causing heavy damages. Floods and drainage congestion also affect the lower reaches along the Subarnarekha. The rivers Rusikulya, Vansadhara and Budhabalanga also cause occasional floods. The storms that produce tidal surges are usually accompanied by heavy rainfall making the coastal belt vulnerable to both floods and storm surges. People die; livestock perishes; houses are washed away; paddy and other crops are lost and roads and bridges are damaged. Property worth crores of rupees was destroyed in the floods. People are trying to cope up with challenges, what is needed the most is human support. We all should approach fellow human and make them sustainable.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
According to Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) a wholly owned subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India if a bank fails and liquidates then depositors will only get up to Rs 1 lakh as insurance cover irrespective of the amount held by them in their accounts. DICGC has given this information while replying to RTI query. The amount covers savings, fixed, current and recurring accounts said DICGC.
“Under the provisions of Section 16 (1) of the DICGC Act, 1961, if a bank fails/gets liquidated, the DICGC is liable to pay to each depositor through the liquidator, the amount of his deposit up to Rs one lakh as insurance cover, for both principal and interest amount held by him in the same right and same capacity at all the branches of a bank taken together,” it said.
Nishan Poojari a private bank employee said, “Average ticket size of deposits at scheduled commercial bank is increasing, to protect the interest of depositors, deposit insurance should be increased with low or marginal cost to depositors.”
The mentioned amount of 1 lakh will be applicable for all types of account. As a result of this Mumbaikars are worried that if the bank in which they hold deposits fails and get liquidated then they will lose their hard earned money and will only get Rs 1 lakh as insurance cover. Already we have seen the hardships faced by PMC bank depositors who were unable to withdraw their hard earned money after the detection of alleged financial irregularities by the bank. Many people have deposited more than 5 to 10 lakh rupees in their account. If people keep lumpsum money at home then there is a possibility of income tax raid. People nowadays save lumpsum money for meeting future needs like retirement, education and marriage.
For instance if a customer has deposited Rs 15 lakh in a bank and if the bank fails then he will only receive an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh whereas no guarantee is offered on the remaining 14 lakhs by the bank. After the alleged irregularities in PMC bank customers are worried about their money. RBI’s rule is applicable to all banks. It also includes foreign banks whom the RBI has granted licence to carry on their business. However, no government owned bank or private bank has failed and liquidated in India. Even if a bank goes bankrupt RBI and government takes necessary steps to protect the interest of depositors.
When asked whether there is any proposal or move under consideration to raise the limit of Rs 1 lakh insured in the bank in wake of the recent PMC Bank fraud, the DICGC said, “The corporation does not have the requisite information.”
On September 24, the RBI imposed operational curbs on Maharashtra-based PMC Bank and appointed an administrator following the detection of alleged financial irregularities.
According to the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), the PMC Bank management, allegedly in cahoots with a business family, concealed huge loan defaults by HDIL group firms from banking regulators. Over 70 per cent of the bank’s advances went to HDIL group, which led to a huge crisis when the realty group defaulted on repayment, the EOW said. Government owned banks have reported frauds of over Rs 95,700 crore in the first six months of the current fiscal.
The first song of Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior, ‘Shankara re Shankara’ is featuring Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan. Sung in the glory of Lord Shiva, in the song Ajay Devgn’s powerful moves which turn into a minor face-off between the Marathas and Mughals after Saif Ali Khan takes to the throne kept in front of the leading man.
The majestic grandeur of the kingdom is also visible in the song. Crooned and composed by Mehul Vyas. And the lyrics have been penned by Anil Verma.
Ajay shared the song on Twitter and wrote, “Danke ki chot par bajega ek hi naara #ShankaraReShankara! Song out now.”
Set in the 17th century, the film is a biographical period drama based on the life of legendary Tanaji Malusare, the unsung warrior who fought alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji against the Mughals.
Meanwhile, Saif will be seen in the role of the antagonist Uday Bhan, a Rajput official who worked for the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The upcoming drama also stars Ajay’s real-life wife Kajol as his reel life partner – Savitribai Malusare. Also starring in the film are Neha Sharma, Jagapathi Babu and Pankaj Tripathi in significant roles. It is set for a release next year on January 10.
After a successful run in India, Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ is all set to release in Japan.
The film will be released a month later by Zee Studios International, film critic Taran Adarsh shared the news on Twitter along with clipping a poster for the local audience. Reportedly the film is schedule to release in Japan on January in 2020.
The poster of the film showcase the leading lady in the warrior avatar riding a horse with her son tied at the back. ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ is a period drama an was based on the life and struggles of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi and her war against the British East India Company, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Apart from Kangana, the film also featured Ankita Lokhande, Atul Kulkarni, Suresh Oberoi, Danny Denzongpa and Jisshu Sengupta in key roles. The film hit the screens in on January 25, 2019 and managed to cross the first benchmark of Rs 50 crore at the box office in just 5 days of its release.
The leading lady Kangana on her work front is awaiting the release of the upcoming sports film ‘Panga’ directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, in which she will be seen in the shoes of a Kabbadi player.
Apart from her, the film also stars Richa Chaddha, Punjabi singer Jassie Gill and Neena Gupta in pivotal roles. The movie will open in theatres on January 24 next year.
Actor Rajkummar Rao has developed a great equation with his upcoming film “The White Tiger” none other than co-star Priyanka Chopra, who he says is one of the most chilled out persons to work with.
Akshay Kumar starrer 2018 sports drama ‘Gold’ is now headed for a release in China on December 13, 2019.
Known for essaying an impressive array of roles, actor Ranveer Singh first look from his upcoming film ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’ was revealed on Wednesday.
On one hand United States military outposts and bases are being emptied or destroyed after Washington withdrew from the North East Syria and left its Kurdish allies and on the other hand Russian forces are moving in to take over these empty bases. This clearly illustrates that how Russia is filling in the gap left by US. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Moscow has established itself as more reliable partner then US in the region. Czarist Russia had longstanding interests in the Middle East, and its successor, the USSR rapidly after World War II emerged as a critical player in the region in its contest with the United States. But after end of cold war and subsequent disintegration of USSR. Moscow lost its influence and stature in the region this downfall in the region always dauted Russian leadership which always carved for a greater role in the Middle East. Syrian civil war provided Russia with golden opportunity to enter in the regional arena and prove itself a dominant player. Putin used this opportunity very well and exploited it to maximum. Russia now has been established as major player in the region and it will play this role for long time to come. Let’s have a look at factors which will enable Russia to dominate regional landscape for long.
Government should intervene and reduce mobile tariff
The first song of Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior, ‘Shankara re Shankara’ is featuring Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan. Sung in the glory of Lord Shiva, in the song Ajay Devgn’s powerful moves which turn into a minor face-off between the Marathas and Mughals after Saif Ali Khan takes to the throne kept in front of the leading man.
After a successful run in India, Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ is all set to release in Japan.