Thursday, October 27, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Modern Diwali' that was published in Newsband

Modern Diwali
NASA, the National Space Agency of the U.S., released a black and white satellite imagery of Indian Diwali night 2012. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite captured this night-time view of southern Asia. The image is based on data collected by the VIIRS ‘day- night band’, which detects light in a range of wavelengths from green to near-infrared. The image has been brightened to make the city lights easier to distinguish. NASA said most of the bright areas in the imagery released by it are cities and towns in India. “In reality, any extra light produced during Diwali is so subtle that it is likely imperceptible when observed from space,” NASA said.
India celebrates 151 festivals in a year. That’s a huge number. Out of which, Diwali is the most famous and largely celebrated holiday in India. It signifies the victory of good over evil.
Diwali was traditionally celebrated with earthen diyas and distribution of sweets to friends and family. But today it involves bursting of firecrackers, suffocating smoke, ear-tearing noises, never-ending garbage and everlasting pollution.
One of the major concerns of a developing nation like us is environmental pollution. On Diwali, pollution just shoots up like a rocket (it goes up by 30%). Also the noise pollution it creates cannot be overlooked, fireworks can create 140 decibels of noise (noise at 85 decibels or above can damage hearing). Diwali is a nightmare for dogs and other animals who get scared of loud sounds (dogs can hear 4 times more than us, imagine the pain and agony).
The real problem comes after the festival. The roads are filled with bits of paper and plastic. Approximately 4,000 additional metric tonnes of garbage are released in Delhi alone, and twice the amount in Mumbai.
Another disturbing fact is that more than 80 million children are employed in the firework industry around the world; majority being in India. Asthma and TB is prevalent among 90 per cent of them who are involved in gun powder filling and are directly in contact with the chemical ingredients of crackers. So buying fireworks indirectly contributes to child labour.

We are the educated ‘lot’ of the society and yet we are responsible for encouraging such practices. Buying crackers is an utter waste of money and is harmful for the environment too. Nowadays, Diwali is not a simple festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, rather it has become more of a show of one’s own status. It is not an event of ‘coming together’ of family and friends only, it is also a pompous show.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shivaay) that was published in Newsband


New movies released in Navi Mumbai
By Dinesh Kamath
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a 2016 Indian Hindi romantic drama film written and directed by Karan Johar. It features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in lead roles.
Movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil focuses on three characters — Alizeh (Anushka Sharma), Saba (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and Ayaan (Ranbir Kapoor) — and has unrequited love as its central theme. Saba and Ayaan’s onscreen chemistry is interesting. ADHM is really Alizeh and Ayaan’s story. Anushka Sharma who is coming out from her bad dream of break up is in a romantic relation with Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir Kapoor can be seen in a role of singer. The film also features, Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan in cameo appearances which makes it more interesting. A story about unrequited love, the shapes it takes, the way it changes us and the exhilarating and often heart-breaking ride it takes us on makes the film interesting to watch. It is the journey of three characters, Ayan, Alizeh and Saba, as their lives intertwine and they navigate life, love and heartbreak.
The film has Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Saba Taliyar Khan, Ranbir Kapoor as Ayan, Anushka Sharma as Alizeh, Deepti Naval, Lisa Haydon, Fawad Khan as Ali (special appearance), Shah Rukh Khan (cameo appearance) and Alia Bhatt as DJ Alia (cameo appearance).
The soundtrack of the film is composed by Pritam, with lyrics written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The film has songs like "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" sung by Arijit Singh, "Bulleya" by Amit Mishra, Shilpa Rao, "Channa Mereya" by Arijit Singh, "The Breakup Song" by Arijit Singh, Jonita Gandhi, Badshah, Nakash Aziz, "Cutipie" by Pradeep Singh Sran, Nakash Aziz and "Alizeh" by Arijit Singh, Ash King, Shashwat Singh.

Shivaay

Shivaay is a 2016 Indian action thriller film directed and produced by Ajay Devgan under his banner Ajay Devgn FFilms. It features Ajay Devgn, Sayyeshaa Saigal, and Erika Kaar in lead roles. Mithoon has composed the film's score and soundtrack. British band The Vamps and composer Jasleen Royal are also a part of the music.
Shivaay is a family film. The action is a backdrop, but basically it is an emotional drama where a man is pushed to destroy everything possible because somebody is trying to destroy him. The character’s name is Shivaay and he is like a God who has all the elements in a normal human being. If you read about all the other Gods, all of them are perfect. Shivaay is innocent, who consumes bhaang and does whatever every person does, makes mistakes, gets fooled and will destroy everything if he gets angry. If all these things are present in today’s human being and if it is used well, how will that be? That is what the movie questions. The movie is a wholesome entertainer but along with that it has the thought of the characteristics of Shivaay. We search for strength outside, but it is inside us. Every person can be Mahadev.
The film has Ajay Devgan as Shivaay, Sayesha Saigal, Erika Kaar as Olga, Abigail Eames as Gaura, Vir Das, Girish Karnad, Saurabh Shukla and Bijou Thaangjam.

Shivaay's soundtrack is composed by Mithoon with guest vocal appearance by the British Pop-rock band The Vamps, while the lyrics been penned by Sayeed Quadri & Sandeep Shrivastava. The singers are Mithoon, Mohit Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh, Badshah, Megha Sriram Dalton, Anugrah, Arijit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan. The film has songs like "Bolo Har Har Har", "Darkhaast", "Raatein", "Tere Naal Ishqa" and "Raatein (Reprise)".

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Dare to be different – Your guide to the most unique and interesting gifts this Diwali!' that was published in Newsband

Dare to be different – Your guide to the most unique and interesting gifts this Diwali!
By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The festival season is looming close! A time for merriment, family gatherings, firework displays and the all-important exchange of gifts.  Shoppers are often faced with the dilemma of choosing the best gift for their loved ones. The Indian gifting industry has undergone a metamorphosis, having witnessed significant growth over the past decade owing to rising income and aspirations of people. The market estimated at $30 billion of which only around $400million is online, is split into three broad categories – Festival Gifting ($7.5billion), Personal Gifting ($20billion) and Corporate Gifting ($2.5billion) respectively. Boosting this increase are factors such as the widening of the customer base and, the offering of innovative products at attractive price points.
Times have changed and so has gifting styles. Gifting, today, has become a reflection of one’s personality. The industry is currently experiencing a revolution, with new product innovations across food and nonfood segments, supplemented by beautiful wrapping and presentation. The sky is definitely the limit when it comes to gifting, especially since options are vast and plentiful. Dryfruits and traditional mithai are a thing of the past. How can you wow your loved ones this Diwali with the perfect present? Three brands have put together a plethora of exciting festive deals that offers something for even the most discerning shopper.
Holachef:
Holachef, Mumbai-based food delivery service working with expert chefs, has launched an array of exquisite and stylish food hampers this Diwali season in the price range starting from INR 175 to INR 900. Indulge in the sweetest treats with Chocolate Box, containing 12 luscious pieces of variety chocolate; Festive Sweet Box-Joy and Festive Sweet Box-Cheer, an artistically designed boxful of sweet treasures made from finest ingredients.
For the ones with zing and style, choose from the Assorted Hamper – a super-stylish hamper with the finest selection of candies, chocolates, munchies, assorted beverages with sparkling diyas and colorful rangolis, Assorted Hamper Silver – a gala hamper made with dry fruits, fine chocolates, beverages, munchies, gourmet condiments, playing cards, an eclectic diya or rangoli and Assorted Hamper Gold - A super-stylish festive hamper that includes a vibrant ensemble of dry fruits, fine chocolates, beverages, munchies, gourmet condiments, playing cards, an eclectic diya or rangoli.
For the foodie at heart, choose healthy treats comprising of Snackable Hamper (Silver and Gold) – The crunchy-munchy hampers loaded with healthy goodness of Seedy Crunchers, WholewheatChocochip Waffle, Roasted Mexican Chickpeas, Dark Chocolate Ragi Cookies, Cream and Onion Wholewheat Thins, Baked Pizza Stick Dippers, JaggeryMakhana; Mojo Healthy Delights (small pack of 9 snacks and Big Pack of 15 snacks) - A delicious, nutritious and irresistible hamper of crunchy snack bars of Quinoa Almond, Choco-Almond and Yogurt Berry; and Paper Boat Collectible Tin Box (Aamras pack of 4 and Pack of 5+1 Ramayana Book by RK Narayan)- A sweet and stylish collectable pack of Paper Boat Aamras Gift Pack 250 ml (Pack of 4 and 5 respectively) for a bundle of nostalgic mango memories that are as sweet as this aamras. The pack of 5 comes with a book of Ramayana by RK Narayan to relive the memories of childhood!
TTK Prestige:
The home appliances and consumer electronics industry in India is poised for a busy season ahead with the festive season looming close. Consumer buying is at an all-time high, driven by festival sentiment. What are some unique and innovative offers that make for interesting gifts in this category? India’s most trusted kitchen ware brand, TTK Prestige has a range of festive offers that is bound to be on the wish list of every food connoisseur and homemaker in the nation. For the Masterchef wannabe, look no further than the Omega Gold series Cookware which is the “New Gold Standard in Cookware”, which has a special price of INR800 to INR 1500. This comes with unique Premium Teflon Radiance Coating and an extra thick 3mm body offering maximum durability. For the innate foodie who puts a premium on healthy eating, the attractively styled Prestige Air Fryer is the perfect gift, which can be purchased for INR 6520. This contraption allows you to fry, grill, bake and roast without using any oil. The Air Fryer is equipped with manual controls, pre-set cooking menu, and an easy to clean frying basket. Designed to be the world’s slimmest cook top, the Prestige Hobtop is both a gas stove and a hob. With knobs conveniently placed on the top, the Hobtop comes with advance feature which makes it convenient for cooking. In addition, the toughened glass surface is not only elegant to look at but also easy to clean. And to top it all, the Hobtop has burners and other components from Sabaf, which is one of Italy’s leading brands for gas top and hob components. During the festive season, the Hobtop can be purchased for INR 9700.
Qwikcilver:
Findings of a recent survey revealed that 89% of the people in Indian claimed to have received a gift they didn’t like.  For shoppers who really can’t make up their mind or are shopping for someone who literally has everything, why not opt for a gift card? Woohoo, the gifting platform from Qwikcilver Solutions, is ushering in real independence and freedom in gifting with a range of gift cards from over 150+brands and providing access to 5000+ stores and portals. Consumers can choose from India’s leading retail chains, entertainment and travel platforms. Here’s how the Wooohoo gift card works – use the card to shop online or offline at any of the partner brands for a relaxing spa treatment, dinner in a fancy restaurant, fashion, jewellery or an excursion somewhere nice. So whether it’s a difficult to shop for friend, a family member or even your boss – a gift card will definitely do the trick.The gift cards can be bought on Woohoo app or Woohoo.in and they range from Rs 100 to Rs 50,000. These cards are available in all three forms (physical, digital and mobile). Customisation of gift cards is also added feature and one can also buy/sell gift cards on the Woohoo platform.

With all these choices, there is no excuse for not buying the perfect gift. This Diwali – do you dare to be different?

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Video: Sweet Memories of Online Hero Dinesh Kamath

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Hillary Clinton still the favourite for the post of US Prez' that was published in Newsband

Hillary Clinton still the favourite for the post of US Prez
Two very different U.S. presidential candidates are competing with one another. People all over the world find debates between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump very interesting. With less than three weeks to go before the election, the campaigns saw explosive revelations about both candidates.
Ms. Clinton was leading by a little over two percentage points across an average of major head-to-head polls around the time of the first debate. Her margin grew to over 6.5 per cent after the “Access Hollywood” tapes of Mr. Trump’s offensive remarks. She is well-positioned to capture the minimum of 270 electoral college votes that are necessary to secure the presidency.
Ms. Clinton, if she finds herself in the White House, will have to focus on the economy, job-creation and the role of the government, national debt and tax cuts, Medicare and Social Security, immigration and border control, women’s reproductive rights, race relations, and a range of foreign policy issues.
Apart from the fact that this set of debates has been an entertaining exercise of US democracy, it seems to be the bitter end that should matter to the world at large. Not many in the US have been paying attention to the real problems on hand, both domestic and especially abroad. They adopted a highly objective evaluation of the present scene in USA. Trump, by his own self-defeating styles closed the doors to the White House. He has also created roadblocks to many in the Republican camp. This now poses a real challenge to the winner in the battle field. She should be/will be in a position to give the lead in this unprecedented confused climate to give the correct lead to project democratic values in the governance with the support of both the parties.
Clinton's win may be certain but what most Republican law makers now fear is the fate of their Party candidates seeking election to both houses that they might lose many seats due to Trump affect and lose majority from now.
One must have noticed that they also did the same thing like our politicians did - divide the society and rule on the basis of colour, race, religion and other communal issues. But in some cases they are above our politicians like promising to provide better health care facility, social security, better education and for everyone and many more.
In any country at the time of election, the victory does not depend upon poll conducted by newspapers or TV channels or survey by other means. It totally depends on voting result which is driven by people's faith in the candidate. If any scandal erupts before the election whether it is good or bad it directly affects the image of the candidate.

One must make note of one point and that is India, the world's largest democracy, has no debates at all. Even an uncivil, raucous debate is better than no debate.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial "Tukaram Mundhe is ‘Arvind Kejriwal of Navi Mumbai’'" that was published in Newsband

Tukaram Mundhe is ‘Arvind Kejriwal of Navi Mumbai’
A no-confidence motion was passed by the corporators of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) against its commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. This is perhaps the first time in the history of the civic body that such a motion has been passed against the commissioner. NMMC is controlled by the NCP. The motion was passed 105-6. After the motion was passed, Mayor Sonawane said it would be forwarded to the Maharashtra government for its approval.
In the bollywood movie ‘Nayak’ when Shivaji Rao (Anil Kapoor) takes over as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for just one day, one can’t help but root for him – the everyman’s neta; the chosen one who will plug all the leaks in our ‘system’. Navi Mumbai’s Very Own No-Nonsense Nayak is Tukaram Mundhe, IAS.
Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, took over the post of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Chief in May 2016, and in less than three months he has stirred the sleeping satellite city back to life. He has taken a step towards making Navi Mumbai environment-friendly by sending a city-wide notice calling for the segregation of waste. Residents have now begun to differentiate their waste between wet and dry, which goes for composting or recycling, respectively.
Mundhe holds “Walk with Commissioner” every Sunday, where residents can approach him with their problems, directly. Action is also immediate.
Mundhe’s scrapping of three multi-crore projects approved previously, terming them as “unnecessary”, as is often the case when parties involved have monetary or political ambitions, speaks for his integrity. Apart from removing 1,916 illegal hawkers, 1,808 hutments and 1,010 hoardings, 2,492 commercial establishments have been fined for not having the required Occupation Certificate (OC) and violating MRTP (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices) rules. His most bold move has been to order demolitions of over 250 gaothans that emerged after December 2012, as dictated by government regularisation last year.
No one likes a profiteering system to be shaken up. Ironically, Mundhe has managed to unite corporators and politicians across party lines, who are now aggressively and openly lobbying for his transfer.
Sensing the increasing political pressure to transfer Mundhe, the citizens have now come together to protest and petition for the continuing term of the one officer they believe can change their city. An online petition with over 6,000 signatures is currently open, with thousands more pouring in to encourage and support the honest work Mundhe has been doing.
Mundhe remains unfazed. He goes about his work with no regard for fear or favour. Honest, efficient and result-oriented officials have nothing to fear but those indulging in dishonest practices have a reason to worry. Mundhe has been transferred eight times in ten years, as is the fate of many honest civil servants. As the DC of Solapur, he took on the sand and land mafia, even putting his life in danger; he was attacked by the sand mafia in January 2016 but was rescued in time. He completed successful probes into over 600 check dams built in the region since 2002, and declared over 12,000 water structures only for drinking water purposes, bringing almost immediate drought relief to the area. He made seven municipal council open defecation-free in Solapur.
The Dynamic Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner has taken the 21st-century city by storm the way Arvind Kerjriwal had in the past stunned entire India. From businessmen to politicians and common men, the name Tukaram Mundhe is on everybody’s lips. While common men are celebrating Mundhe’s entry, his presence is sending some serious thrills and shiver to those who have been involved in illegal and corrupt practices all throughout.

Only an honest, upright, dynamic and highly disciplined bureaucrat with zero tolerance to corruption and illegal activities can irk the city politicians with his outstanding work. No wonder, the politicians of Navi Mumbai are already irked by this man. Being an upright officer and working solely for the upliftment of the people, Mundhe is already in good books of CM Devendra Fadnavis. His opponents have made him so famous that he can use that fame to win the seat of MP in Lok Sabha. It won’t be wrong to say that Tukaram Mundhe is Arvind Kejriwal of Navi Mumbai.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development' that was published in Newsband

UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development
In the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, Habitat III, in Quito, Ecuador, the two central themes that were discussed upon included the challenges of a rapidly urbanising world and of providing people with equal opportunities in cities.
UN should strengthen the process to evaluate how countries have fared since the two previous conferences on issues such as reducing urban inequality, improving access to housing and sanitation, mobility, and securing the rights of women, children, older adults and people with disability.
India’s ambition to harness science and data for orderly urbanisation is articulated in a set of policy initiatives, chiefly the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. The Centre should also take its own National Urban Transport Policy on developing cities around mobility networks seriously, and liberate cities from the tyranny of traffic.
Rapid urbanization is the talk of the society now a days. No doubt we should provide equal opportunities to the people who live in rural areas at par with urban people starting from health, education and employment opportunities. For this purpose, if we make rural areas urban or cities, the negative effects of environment pollution will also be extended to the green rural areas also, where the climate is still fresh and pure. We have to think about how our efforts have effected in improving access to housing and sanitation in existing urban areas. The Central Government should take seriously the liberation of cities from the tyranny of traffic and dangerous environment pollution.
In the name of smart cities what is being done is to spend lavishly on Metro Rail, Bullet Trains, Express High Ways, Concrete roads and such other things. There is not an iota of improvement in the basic civic facilities like cheap local transport, public health, education, garbage disposal, pollution control, clean drinking water and so on because these involve no big money to share.
Uneven urbanisation and industrialisation has made most cities hazardous for people living and working. The utter disregard of climate change and pollution by the rulers and industrialists is the major cause of most diseases in urban areas. Rural infrastructure should be strengthened and concentration of population in cities should be discouraged for healthy life.
Indian government should treat seriously the statement of Economist Late Dr Richard T Gill that underdeveloped world cannot copy the development systems of the Western world, whose Temperate Zone climate and different cultures dictated a form of development, which has no relevance in the "east". The developing nations, therefore, need a THIRD Technology, which is a scientific adoption of the METHODS of the West, suited to the typical conditions in each nation. Moreover, almost all these developing nations are in the Tropics, where both natural resources and population are high - yet, poverty is strikingly high. With the concept of City Pockets being developed, relegating the thousands of Villages to second fiddle, shifting populations occur and social tensions and troubles occur. Unless a country like India, where 900 million out of 1,300 million are in villages, starts a Dispersed development plan - in each of the 650,000 Nos - there cannot be any Inclusive Development

UN conference on Habitat has thus articulated two messages. One is to reduce urban inequality and care for women, children and the aged peoples’ status. and the other focuses on creating urban structure in resonance with the need of the people for a facilitated accommodation and movement.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Reservation and Prohibition' that was published in Newsband

Reservation and Prohibition
Yes, there should be total prohibition. Our government does understand the social consequences of alcohol consumption. But banning the sale and consumption of alcohol has, in this country’s experience, not been an effective check against its use. It has only criminalised the activity, with disastrous consequences. It has given birth to bootlegging, liquor mafias, spurious liquor etc. It also deprives States of an important source of revenue.
Governments must concentrate first on reducing consumption (creating De addiction centres and awareness about social problems caused by alcohol consumption) instead of making useless "prohibition laws".
Prohibition is undoubtedly good and it has been tried and imposed by various State Governments from time to time and none of them have been fully successful. At present there is a wave where the State Governments are vying with each other in imposing complete or partial prohibition. Kerala and Bihar have announced certain policies. Gujarat is having complete prohibition but bootlegging and sale of illicit liquor has not stopped causing deaths from spurious hooch. Most of the State governments are having a huge revenue from liqour thus making it possible for implementation of social benefitted programs.
Prohibition policy adopted by the States have to be pragmatic one whereby the States may not lose the revenue and at the same time there would be widespread awareness about ill effect of drinking. Strict vigilance and enforcement is needed to stop and punish the ones involved in illicit distilling. The states should gradually keep on reducing the timings and number of liquor shops.
We cannot eradicate evils by banning them. If we could have done that there would be no corruption in the country especially at the highest level.

After reservation, prohibition is next populist slogan. Reservation has already shown its bad side (though the politicians are not ready to accept these) by making a wide divide between various castes. Now no caste is hesitant to declare itself backward just to take "undue" advantages of reservation. Prohibition will also go the same way. This will only promote spurious alcohol and cheap but dangerous drugs. Real beneficiaries will be smugglers, bad politicians and neighbouring states where there is no prohibition. Above all, it will make the state beg to the centre to compensate the huge losses it will incur.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'He who has the gold, makes the rules' that was published in Newsband

He who has the gold, makes the rules
The Nobel Prize in Literature comes up with its fair share of surprises.  Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, a long shot in the Nobel sweepstakes for years, is this year’s delightfully idiosyncratic choice, for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. He is the most inspirational and influential poetic lyricist and songwriter of our generation, so an entirely appropriate choice for this prestigious award. It is about time that such a genuinely talented artist/musician who has been contributing to the industry for decades has gained recognition. All of his millions of fans across the world will be delighted.
Dylan has vast and varied creative output. He has the unique ability to stir hope in listeners even while plumbing the depths of darkness. Dylan's work with Picasso's 'Guernica', where a slain soldier is portrayed holding out a flower, is simply great.  
Bob Dylan is the first poetic writer, whose poetic lyrics have influenced more Americans. We have to appreciate Mr. Bob Dylan who has devoted his life for creating a new poetic expressions within the traditional American songs for decades together. We also have to remember on this occasion our first Nobel Prize winner in literature Sri Rabindranath Tagore in 1916. The difference is that Indians have not lived up to, or popularized Tagore's words, but Americans have popularized and tried to live up to Dylan's words.
While congratulating Dylan for the award, it is pertinent to ask committee awarding the prize, what are the parameters for awarding the prizes to particular person's works only. Recent trends reveal that most of the awardees have been dissenters of their country's politics and tilted in favour of capitalism and free- market US economy. The trend also indicates domination of USA in both awarding committees as well as the awardees over the years.
Viewed from a vantage point, many would wonder what makes material for Nobel Prize. Powers who hold the reins of the "demonic" nation are offered Noble Peace prize, and the greatest apostle of Peace - MAHATMA GANDHI - was actually considered a "terrorist" and disregarded - what is all these? In another instance, Dr ECG Sudersanan, a physicist, who not only predicted and mathematically proved that there is a "Mirror Universe", as well as proving that the Einsteinian concept of Speed if light being the "ultimate' as wrong and infinity does exist in "speeds" - has not been given the Nobel Prize for Physics, even in Nine attempts! There are many such instances of biases and wrong offers.

The Golden Rule of life is "He who has the gold, makes the rules". You can't tell the Nobel committee how to spend their money. It is their money, they decide who to give it to. Even Tagore was given Nobel only because of active influencing by poet W.B Yeats.

Video: Dinesh Kamath: I'm falling in love with the Stranger

Lyrics / Video of Song: Im Falling In Love With A Stranger
I'm falling in love with a stranger
I'm falling in love with a stranger
the night tonight has a flavour of love
I'm falling in love with a stranger

laa laa laa laa laa laa
laa laa laa laa laa laa laa laa

your touch is so tender
there is something to remember
your touch is so tender
there is something to remember
of you, of you

I'm falling in love with a stranger
I'm falling in love with a stranger
the night tonight has a flavour of love


oh I'm falling in love with a stranger


Thursday, October 20, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'War against pollution' that was published in Newsband

War against pollution
Around 600,000 deaths are caused annually in India by fine particulate matter pollution in the air, as per the World Health Organisation. The linkages between pollution, disease and deaths need further study. The residents in many urban areas are forced to breathe unhealthy levels of particulates,
The pollutants come from burning of biomass, such as coal, fuel wood, farm litter and cow dung cakes. In highly built-up areas, construction debris, road dust and vehicular exhaust add to the problem. Our Prime Minister is rightly aiming at improving pollution control.
Providing cleaner fuels and scientifically designed cookstoves to those who have no option but to burn biomass, would have a big impact on reducing particulate matter. Greening the cities could be made a mission. About 70% pollutants come from biogas, coal fuel and cow dung cake. So the first duty of the government should be to provide gas cylinder to everyone at control rate. Not only government but also every citizen must take effective steps to fight pollution.
In many parts of India, a lot of dust gathers in the roads because of building and road constructions. The work goes on for years and this badly affects the surrounding villages and the people who live there. The companies must speed up such works and thus save health and time plus money.

Air pollution deaths is due to mainly exposure to minute particles in air i.e. PM2.5 which is main cause for heart and lung problems in India. Industries, households, cars and trucks emit complex air pollutants, including invisible PM2.5 particulates. We need to do lot of introspection and get to know the reasons for pollution which even go to the extent of causing death besides causing various diseases. It is very necessary that we effective measures to minimize or control various pollutions. Not only our Governments but also we as citizens of India, should think and contribute towards creating better pollution-free environment.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (1:13:7 Ek Tera Saath, Gandhigiri, My Father Iqbal, Train to Busan, 31st October, MMIRSA and Jack Reacher) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai
1:13:7 Ek Tera Saath

Ek Tera Saath 1:13:7 is a horror film. The film is directed by Arshad Siddiqui starring Sharad Malhotra, Hritu Dudani and Melanie Nazereth in lead roles. Ek Tera Saath is a romantic film with a bit of supernatural element. It has been shot in Ghanerao, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Mumbai.
The movie has a supernatural angle to it. Ssharad Malhotra will be seen in a film this time and not in a TV show.
The film has Sharad Malhotra as Kuwar Aditya Pratap Singh, Hritu Dudani as Kusturi/ Nikita, Melanie Nazereth as Sonali, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Deepraj Rana, Gargi Patel, Aprajita Mahajan and Anubhav Dhir.
The music is composed by Sunil Singh, Liyakat Ajmeri & Ali-Anirudh. The songs are sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & K.K.
The film has songs like "Aye Mere Khuda", "Ek Tera Saath", "Pakeeza", "Saiyyan", "Queen" and "Humsafar".

Gandhigiri

Gandhigiri is a Bollywood film starring Om Puri, Sanjay Mishra, Brijesh Karniwal, Anupam Shyam, Mukesh Tiwari Dolly Chawla, Meghna Haldar, Rishi Bhutani, Ravi Singh and Ram Sujan Singh. The Movie is directed by Sanoj Mishra, Gandhigiri is produced by Aagaman films Pvt. Ltd. of Sudhir Jain & Pratap Singh Yadav.
What’s the importance of Gandhiji’s values in today’s corrupt world? Do they even have any value left? Can anyone lead a peaceful life by implementing those values in day-to-day life? Questions such as these find answers in Gandhigiri. NRI returned Rai Saheb strongly believes in the principles of Gandhi. In fact, his father had played an active role in the freedom struggle and was closely associated with him. After returning to India, Rai Saheb comes across four different people who’ve walked on the wrong paths and made wrong choices due to various circumstances. The movie beautifully captures the efforts made by Rai Saheb to make them realise the importance of Gandhi’s values in today’s age and time.
The film has Om Puri as Rai Saheb, Sanjay Mishra as Bakait Singh, Brijesh Karniwal as Bansi, Anupam Shyam as Kranti Pandey, Mukesh Tiwari as Natvarlal, Meghna Haldar as Jayanti, Dolly Chawala as Disha, Amit Shukla as Inspector, Rishi Bhutani as Yuvraj, Ravi Singh as Rajaram Pandey, Ram Sujan Singh as Salfas Baba and Naveen Sharma as Dhananjay Panday.

My Father Iqbal

'My Father Iqbal is a Hindi movie based on a real life incident of an engineer from J & K’s PWD Department. Directed by Suzad Iqbal Khan, well-known actor Narendra Jha plays the role of the protagonist.
My Father Iqbal is based on a real life incident of an engineer from J&K’s PwD Department who fulfils multiple responsibilities in his life. He is a husband, father & above all – a sincere & honest citizen. The film captures the struggle of a father who’d go to any length to achieve the dreams of his child while maintaining his duty towards the country. This Father depicts the patriotism of a common man who fights for his country. There are also some light elements in the film portraying a typical middle class husband-wife relationship, their love & their tiffs. A father is not just protective towards his family but also towards the entire society that he lives in. Some terrorists use the Father to create havoc in the atmosphere that the family hails from. Father always sacrifice his dreams and how his honesty is disturbing the corrupt people and how they trapped the father. However, he stands like a protective rock and saves everyone from the evil intentions. The Father in true essence becomes a saviour!
The film has Narendra Jha as Iqbal Khan, Komal Thacker as Sahiba, Paresh Mehta as Sho Police J&K, Raj Sharma as Xen Pwd, Amit Lekhwani as Terrorist, Sagar Nath Jha as Junior to Iqbal Khan, Sudam Aftab Khan as Son of Iqbal Khan and Kumar Vaibhav as MLA

Train to Busan

Train to Busan is a 2016 South Korean zombie apocalypse horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi and Ma Dong-seok. An animated prequel, Seoul Station, was released less than a month later. The film serves as a reunion for Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi who both starred in the 2011 film The Crucible.
Train to Busan is a harrowing zombie horror-thriller that follows a group of terrified passengers fighting their way through a countrywide viral outbreak while trapped on a suspicion-filled, blood-drenched bullet train ride to Busan, a southern resort city that has managed to hold off the zombie hordes… or so everyone hopes.

31st October

31st October is an Indian Hindi film written and produced by Harry Sachdeva and directed by Shivaji Lotan Patil. The film, based on a true story, focuses on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination which occurred on 31 October 1984. The film stars Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan.
On 31st October 1984, the Prime Minister of India gets assassinated by her Sikh Security Guards. Politicians use this incident to spark public hatred towards the Sikhs, labelling them as traitors. Devender Singh and his family are stuck in their house as their city plummets. In 24 hours of uncertain oscillations, helplessness and with their relatives dying, and neighbours turning hostile, Devender’s family seeks help from their Hindu friends who live across town. As Pal, Tilak and Yogesh travel to save Devender’s family, they come face-to-face with the destruction of humanity. They witness the carnage and the moral corruption that makes men turn into savages. In their attempt in ferrying Devender’s family to safety, Pal, Tilak and Yogesh must face their own demons first. Thus 31st October showcases a family’s courage and survival that was caught in their worst nightmare with death and torture staring them in the face. It’s based on the true life story of a family and is close depiction of one of the darkest days in the Indian history.
The film has Soha Ali Khan as Tajinder Kaur, Vir Das as Davinder Singh, Lakha Lakhwinder Singh as Yogesh, Deepraj Rana as Pal, Vineet Sharma as Tilak, Nagesh Bhonsle as Inspector Dahiya, Daya Shankar Pandey, Pritam Kagne and Sezal Sharma.
All the songs of 31st October (film) are composed by Vijay Verma, while the lyrics are penned by Mehboob and Moazzam Azam. The soundtrack consists of 8 tracks. They are: Umeed - Reprise Version sung by Babbu Maan, Yaqeen - Sonu Nigam, Andhere - Asha Bhosle, Rabb De Bande - Harshdeep Kaur, Umeed - Javed Ali, Maula - Vijay Verma, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Andhere -Male Version - Vijay Verma and Yaqeen - Reprise Version - Mohammad Salamat.

MMIRSA

Mmirsa is a September 2016 Hindi romantic film, based on the Punjabi folk love Story of Mirza – Sahiba. The film is directed by Hemnt Praddeep and produced by Mayank Bharadwaj and Latika Singh under the banner of Mridul Films Pvt. Ltd. and Maaltee Films Entertainment.It stars newcomers Souryansh and Saanvi in the lead roles. The supporting cast has experienced actors including Kabir Bedi, Ranjeet, Farida Jalal, Ravi Kishan, Deepshikha, Amit Behl, Kartar Cheema, Raju Pandit, Balraj Syal,Swatantra Bharat. Film Music is by renowned Music Director - Meet Bros Anjjan, Lyrics by Kumaar, Choreographer- Remo D'souza, DOP- Arvind K, Editor - Biren Mohantty, Art Director - Arup Adhikari, Action Director - Nishant Khan, Back ground Score - Raju Singh, Visual Promotion - Parth Bhatt
MMIRSA is a love story based on famous Punjabi folk Love story Mirza-Sahiba. It is a rebirth story of Mirza –Sahiba born in present times.

Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher is a 2012 American action thriller film written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on Lee Child's 2005 novel One Shot. The film stars Tom Cruise as the title character, with Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Richard Jenkins, Jai Courtney, Werner Herzog and Robert Duvall also starring.

When five people are shot dead, a trained military sniper becomes the primary perp. The only chance he has to clear his name rests in the hands of one man: Jack Reacher. Based on the novel "One Shot" by Lee Child.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Dinesh Kamath’s Scores in Google Plus, Blog and YouTube on 20 October 2016 at 8.30 am were 14,410,658 Views, 403669 Views and 20761 Views respectively

Dinesh Kamath’s Scores in Google Plus, Blog and YouTube on 20 October 2016 at 8.30 am were 14,410,658 Views, 403669 Views and 20761 Views respectively .
Dinesh Kamath’s Score in Google Plus on 20 October 2016 at 8.30 am was 14,410,658 Views or One Crore, Forty Four Lakhs, Ten Thousand, Six Hundred Fifty Eight Views




Dinesh Kamath’s Score in Blog on 20 October 2016 at 8.30 am was 403669 Views or Four Lakhs, Three Thousand, Six Hundred Sixty Nine Views






Dinesh Kamath’s Score in YouTube on 20 October 2016 at 8.30 am was 20761 Views or Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred Sixty One Views

From the above scores it is evident that most of the Online Readers search for Dinesh Kamath in Google Plus more than in Blog and YouTube.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'War against Black Money' that was published in Newsband

War against Black Money
It is good that the Centre is trying to mop up black money from the economy. The taxpayers were allowed to declare undisclosed past income by paying tax on it at an effective, slightly high rate. This yielded positive dividend. This has boosted the image of Prime Minister and the Finance Ministry.
 The tax department is aware that the positive dividend yielded is just the tip of the iceberg — it had sent seven lakh letters to suspected evaders based on information about huge amount of transactions.
If the Centre is serious about attacking India’s thriving black economy, it needs to be bold. Unless stringent laws for tax evading, transparent political funding, and cashless transaction will not take place the menace of black money will continue to haunt the economy.
However, it’s heartening to see progress made in unearthing black money by the Central Government. But it will need to sustain the improvements. 
We all know that tax evasion is one of the biggest cause of increment in black money but very few of us know about the disclosure of such incomes which is essential at the time of tax payment. So, it should be the first duty of tax department to spread awareness among every citizen about the transparency in tax payment. If there will be transparency in tax payment then only our country will be a prosperous country. "Tax less, collect more and spare no evader'' should be the guiding principles in our taxation policy.
The Government must be cautious not to give the message that tax evaders will be given the opportunity to launder their black money at regular intervals. This will demoralise genuine tax-payers. The best way to root out this evil is to introduce e-rupee at the earliest.
After the 2014 phasing out of Currency notes printed before 2005, the RBI must initiate Demonetization of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 Notes. To track large Benami transaction in names of Drivers and Maids of Black Money hoarders, the Currency Note serial numbers must be recorded where possible, to link them to Benami Accounts also submitting sequential notes. Data Mining tools could help in a large measure. New Notes must have BarCoded serial numbering, to capture its travel through a digital economy.
India is one of the country where unorganised business units are more. Many retailers / self-employed are reluctant to disclose their income since they might lose their profits. There are many benefits such as bank loan if we disclose our income and maintain current account properly. They don't need to be depend on filthy lenders.
Unfortunately, only wealthy businessmen have knowledge about various government aids. The government should educate people about importance of IT and benefits of IT. The current opinion that only honest tax payers and salaried class are used by the government to get more and more tax revenue and not the really tax evaders has to be changed by proper vigilance against corruption.

Though the efforts of the government might have yielded positive results and much money might have been recovered, there may be much more still left to be recovered, especially from big corporates and black- marketeers who have evaded tax for years. The defaulters’ bank money is huge and needs to be recovered to reduce NPAs. A lot remains to be done in coming months and years.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Do justice to prisoners' that was published in Newsband

Do justice to prisoners
There is need to address the problem related to overcrowding of prisons in the country. Prison reforms are absolutely necessary. Prisons in Delhi and nine States have an occupancy rate of 150 per cent of their capacity. There is little change even though the court has passed a series of interim orders to the States on measures to decongest prisons. Some people are of the opinion that jail is punishment not a holiday and so why should they throw taxpayer money at rapists and murderers. But the prisoners too have the right to good health and dignity as per the Book on Indian Constitution.
An excessive prison population creates problems of hygiene, sanitation, management and discipline. Every year budget of states is alloted for various purposes. We already have issues like unemployment, housing, sanitation, electrification, water crisis, climate change etc. When these issues are not addressed, it is no wonder that jails are given last priority at least in terms of finances.
However, reforms in jails can be done by better management itself. Hygiene and sanitation can be ensured with participatory approach under supervision of jail wardens. Income generated by prisoners be pooled to take up projects. The crowded jails are result of inefficiency in our governance architecture which is not limited to jails only. Rent seeking, extortion etc. are common practices in jails.
The current system that persisted in the jails of our country truly resonate the need of reforms in the country. The political leaders speak about economic reforms every time but they will rarely speak about judicial reform. Our country cannot become super power with only economic reforms but reform process should be spearheaded to other sectors too.
Another thing is why the court thinks that only by delaying the judgment justice can be done. If they process it fast and give a judgement fast, is there anything wrong? So long as this mentality is not changed in the courts, our jails will be crowded.
If current situation persists for a long time with nothing done to ameliorate the living standard in these jails, prisoners will get irascible and start defying authorities in the jail. Every prison has some convicts who introspect and are guilty of their crimes, they take their conviction as a lesson and comply to rules and regulations of the prison. Some prisoners because of their good demeanor to authorities and their comrades have come out before time. This manifests that they reformed because they got to exercise their fundamental rights in the jail, with proper sanitation, food and good health. Authorities should take this matter seriously and decongest jails to let our prisoners lead a balanced jail life. States should build additional jails and transfer the convicts from the over-crowded jails to the new jails, but this should be done within a stipulated time. Prisoner in-sighting should be done to know their pain and basic requirements to avoid any mismanagement in the upcoming jails.

The criminal justice system should be improved and fast track courts must be set up for trial of petty offences. The biggest reason that so many people are trapped in jails is due to the adjournments over adjournments given by the courts and unwillingness to swiftly depose of the cases. Let our Courts take timely action to dispose of all cases so that poor suspected litigants would get relieved without staying inside Jail for decades together. Speedy dispensation of justice is the key to the problem.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will US make India its strategic partner?' that was published in Newsband

Will US make India its strategic partner?
The next U.S. President will have to focus on the frosty relationship with an angry Russia. The idea of world’s two greatest military powers is now a thing of the past. Today, US is the only great power with China trying to share the control over the World with US. Under such a circumstance, the only way out for US is to make India the strategic partner of US.
President Putin pursues an aggressive foreign policy framed around what he regards as Russian interests. The Obama administration’s coercive diplomacy in dealing with Russia’s aggression has widened the rift. The suspension of Russia from the G8 negated the goodwill built, since the 1990s, between Moscow and the West. Today, Russia is a shadow of what the Soviet Union was at its peak. Its economy is struggling. Its currency is in a free fall. Russian only got some control over Central Asia and Caucasus. And its foreign policy doesn’t have any high moral ground.
But in an international system largely dominated by the U.S., Russia is still an extremely consequential military power. Its non-cooperation with US to resolve several of today’s crises makes US treat it as a “rogue” nation, trying to isolate and weaken it.
It is difficult for the ordinary citizen to have an exact understanding of the politics of NATO and Russia. But on the basis of what appears in the media, both in the West, and in India, one does not understand, for example, the reason of the clash between the Americans and the Russians in Syria. How is it that, after 6 years of civil war in Syria, no one among the public knows the name and the face of the rebel leader opposing the Asad regime. Obama is obviously averse to commit his country to one more war.
Russia is opposing ISIS in Syria which has emerged as the most dangerous and brutal terrorist organisation. The conflict stems from the fact that Syria is Shia dominated country and regime which Saudi Arab wants to topple. USA being a supporter of Saudi Arab is opposing Russia in Syria. Even ISIS emerged in the wake of political vaccuum left behind by USA when they toppled Saddam Hussain.
In the past, both US and Russia were controlling the world. At the same time the two super powers always opposed each other. They were like businessmen competing with each other in selling their arms and ammunitions to neighbouring countries whose relations are not cordial. If the government of a particular country was supported by Russia, US would then support the rebels. And if Russia supported the rebels, US supported the government. Thus their opposition to one another led to their frequently interfering in internal wars of fellow democratic countries and supplying of various arms to rebellions to fight against their local governments (and vice versa) and creating instability in those countries and this way they would settle scores with one another.

Russia has displayed military drill with Pakistan recently after Uri incident. Then, why we have to purchase war weapons from Russia? The same will be sold to Pakistan also. This way, the Indo-Pak conflict becomes more intense. Though US is dominating today and has succeeded in weakening Russia to a great extent, it faces danger owing to the combined show of strength which Russia and China are trying to display. Under such a circumstance, it would be wise on part of US to make India its strategic partner. 

Various Expressions of Popular Online Personality Dinesh Kamath


Saturday, October 15, 2016

Video: Popular Online Personality Dinesh Kamath

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India to do N-deal with Japan' that was published in Newsband

India to do N-deal with Japan
So far India has done N-deal with 11 countries so far, including the U.S., Russia, Australia, Canada and South Korea. Japan is the only country to have been the victim of a nuclear attack, and its decision to sign an agreement with India, would be a first.
Japan’s support at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has been particularly marked. India and Japan share many multilateral platforms, including membership of the G-4 group that is knocking at the UN Security Council’s door for reform. The deal has taken so long to negotiate because of India’s refusal to sign the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT), as it considers the treaty unfair to the developing world. Japan still remembers the indelible scars at Hiroshima and Nagasaki it received on its back, scorching even today. So Japan understands of the ground realities of the world today.
The nuke deal can prove to be a golden one for India. Not only is it going to improve the nuclear capabilities of India towards peaceful use, it also would go a long way in instilling confidence of the other first world countries in India in turn boosting chances of India's entry into elite nuclear clubs. The psychological gain is certainly the greatest one.
The India-Japan civil nuclear agreement, which is pending since 2008, is ready to be signed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japan later this year. Japan is insisting that the nuclear deal include a clause that would cut off nuclear supplies should India test a weapon. India has thus far resisted the move, as this would disrupt our nuclear power program. Civil Nuclear agreement is aimed at nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes only. And the same is confirmed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan
India-Japan relationship has been flourishing ahead of PM Manmohan Singh’s reciprocal state visit to Japan in May 2013. Japanese officials announced Japan’s commitment to a nuclear deal with India because of three reasons: continued Indian faith in Japanese nuclear technology even after the Fukushima disaster, a strong desire by India for such cooperation with Japan and Japan’s determination to strengthening nuclear safety worldwide by sharing with the world its experience and lessons derived from the nuclear accident. Though no deal was signed during Indian PM Man Mohan Singh’s Japan visit in May 2013, the joint statement issued by the two Prime Ministers said that the two leaders have instructed their respective officials to ‘accelerate’ the nuclear deal.

Japan wants India to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). It does not want us to re-process spent fuel, even for ‘peaceful purposes’ from any reactors that may have Japanese parts and it wants inspections from its own team overarching the IAEA inspection. Japan had said after signing of the MoU on civil nuclear cooperation during Shinzo Abe’s visit to India in 2015, that “Japan is satisfied by the fact that India has a voluntary moratorium on further nuclear testing. Earlier India separated its military and civilian nuclear programme and that apart we also appreciate India’s policy on reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel which provides further safeguards”. The ball was now in the court of Shinzo Abe to convince the Diet and push through the legislation. India cannot give any assurance on CTBT. It cannot also agree to ‘non re-processing’ of spent fuel (as its entire nuclear power generation strategy is based on this premise) and it simply cannot exempt the Japanese on inspection processes.