Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will NMC Bill help common people?' that was published in Newsband

Will NMC Bill help common people?

The Union Cabinet approved six out of the dozens of changes to the contentious National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill that were suggested by a Parliamentary Standing Committee. The NMC, the regulatory body that will replace the Medical Council of India, will be heavily controlled by the government.

An amendment that doesn’t go far enough is the decision to raise the proportion of private college seats for which fees will be regulated from 40% to 50%. The fees for unregulated seats could then skyrocket, pushing poorer medical aspirants out of the system.

Despite these deficiencies, the legislation will mark a new era for medical education in India. The next step will be to design rules and regulations that capture the intent of this law.

But how will the logistical difficulty of conducting a common final year MBBS examination across the country be overcome? Another concern is that under the new amendments States now have the freedom to implement an AYUSH bridge course, even if no longer mandatory. How will the Centre ensure the quality of such courses to prevent a new set of poorly trained doctors from emerging?

The Union Health Ministry has called a delegation of doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to discuss their opposition against the National Medical Commission bill (NMC) following a call by the Association for an indefinite strike from April 2.

The meeting will see discussion on why the doctors are rejecting some of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NMC. The NMC bill proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicines—such as homoeopathy and ayurveda—to practice modern system of medicine.

The proposed strike which will be headed by IMA has support from The Medicos Youth National Action Council formed jointly by all medical students and resident doctors’ associations. The Association has also noted that violence against the doctors should stop immediately.

According to IMA Vijayawada chapter president Dr. M. Subhash Chandra Bose, the proposed NMC Bill is against the welfare of people and the patients and would let in all sorts of corruption in healthcare. Dr. Bose said that the Bill would harm the healthy fabric of the medical community.

If the bill helps common people then it should be passed irrespective of what the Doctors feel. If the Doctors have a point then that also should be taken into consideration.

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Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Indo-Pak relation improves considerably' that was published in Newsband

Indo-Pak relation improves considerably

Islamabad is to send High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India to host the Pakistan National Day reception in New Delhi, and New Delhi is to send to Pakistan the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Has good sense prevailed on both sides? Since the 19th of this month, India and Pakistan have not fired at each other across the border in Jammu and Kashmir barring one exception.

The two governments must discuss and resolve the sensitive issue. Harassment of each other’s diplomatic personnel should stop. Aggressive surveillance of each other’s diplomatic personnel is nothing new in the India-Pakistan context. Back in 1990, during the initial years of the insurgency in Kashmir and the heightened fears of an India-Pakistan military escalation, it had become particularly difficult for diplomats to work in each other’s countries. The situation was far worse than it is today, and yet the two Foreign Secretaries were able to reach an agreement on the treatment of diplomatic personnel.

Dealing with each other’s spies is another issue. How should India treat Pakistani spies caught in India and vice versa? Undercover operatives are often subjected to the most inhumane forms of torture by the captors if they happen to get caught. Espionage is very much part of statecraft that all modern states engage in, as do India and Pakistan. Those engaged in espionage should be expelled rather than tortured or killed. As recently as in 2010, Russia and the U.S. exchanged spies in the city of Vienna.

The state of communication between India and Pakistan is at its lowest ebb in more than a decade. Given that the year ahead is critical for India and Pakistan and the bilateral relationship, the focus should be on enhancing and improving communication. On the positive side, however, there has been some subtle messaging from the Pakistani side about its desire to normalise ties with India. This is something decision-makers in New Delhi should capitalise on. For this to happen, Pakistan should also initiate tough action against anti-India terrorist groups based in Pakistan. The fact that the Indian High Commissioner and the defence attaché were in attendance at the military parade to mark Pakistan Day in Islamabad indicates that the channels of communication have begun to open up. The two sides must build on it.

There were many opportunities to forge good relations in history like Simla agreement. But domestic politics made relations sour. If opportunist politicians stay away, both people will be everlasting friends. Relationship is a two way process! Mutual respect is the important ingredient in this process, something lacking terribly at the moment.

The 'Ball is clearly in Pakistan's court', the onus is on Pakistan to make peace overtures. Put a stop to all terrorism, and stop the firing across the border. Harassing a diplomat lowers respect of a nation and shows immaturity. India and Pakistan must grant easy visas to each other's citizens. This will increase harmony and reduce hate. India can allow Pakistani students to appear in entrance exam for higher education in India. Pakistan can give easy tourist visa to India.

Kashmir was the vendetta Pakistan developed after losing the East Pakistan. They should relinquish control of the illegally occupied part of Kashmir, go back and develop a better economy and society instead of wasting their life time on negativism. An Indian open hand is routinely met with a Pakistani clenched fist - whether by design or default. There are far too many spoilers in the Pak establishment (a nexus of military, mullah and militant), with hydra-headed corridors of power. Sure, India can always play nice - but keep the powder dry just in case.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'We need a strong law on ‘honour’ crimes' that was published in Newsband

We need a strong law on ‘honour’ crimes

Many crimes are committed in the name of defending the honour of a caste, clan or family. Entrenched social prejudices, feudal structures and patriarchal attitudes are behind what are referred to as ‘honour killings’. The Supreme Court’s has come up with strident observations against khap panchayats and guidelines to deal with them acquire significance. It is not the first time that the apex court has voiced its strong disapproval of khaps, or village assemblies.

In the latest judgment, a three-judge Bench has located the problem as one that violates the liberty and dignity of individuals, and something that requires preventive, remedial and punitive measures. Special cells and 24-hour helplines to provide assistance and protection to young couples are recommended by the courts in some states. The Supreme Court has asked the police to establish safe-houses for couples under threat. The court has also empowered the police to prohibit such gatherings and effect preventive arrests. How far it is feasible?

The government should not remain content with asking the States to implement these norms. It should expedite its own efforts too. The court might has taken a positive step but the most urgently needed step is to protect women from heinous crimes committed by men on the pretext of orders of the Khap panchayats. Male domination has made the lives of women miserable.

The Governments concerned should take decisive and stern action on the khap panchayats to close their shops forthwith. Supreme Court's ruling should not gather dust with everything going on as usual. After a couple of articles and editorials by writers from air conditioned ivory towers and the ruling would be in cold storage. Are we foreigners who don't know Indian conditions. How many of us go to villages leaving our comfort chambers.

The Supreme Court ruled that interference, harm or insult caused to consenting adults who fall in love and choose to marry is absolutely illegal. With this judgment, the court has filled the vacuum caused by the lack of a specific penal law against honour killings. The court said the fundamental right of two people who wish to get married to each other and live peacefully is absolute. No one has any individual, group or collective right to harass a couple. It is up to the courts to decide legally whether a marriage is null and void, or if children are legitimate or illegitimate; “no other person or group” have the right to intervene.

Preventing the local community panchayats from delivering judgement in love marriages is a welcoming move. At the same time one should not forget that some love marriages were found to be only a bondage of infatuation and lasted for only a few years. Now a days, there are irreparable breaches even in arranged marriages. Let wisdom prevail in lovers.

Murder in any form or on any cause is a crime punishable under the relevant section of the Act in force. Consent between two adults may be a relevant point in marriage. But it should not deprive the right of parents as to rituals, custom and tradition to solemnize it. Court should have considered the case from the criminal angle and not from micro level.

The law is all good and sundry, that’s not the point. But will it be enforced strenuously without fear or favour? India has many comprehensive Laws but how many of those are effectively enforced? Do laws makes any difference? As long as women are considered as property to be disposed off as per the whims of the men, nothing will change. The people have to change first.

First of all the panchayat Raj shud be abolished in toto as they are doing more damage to de society than being constructive. Stricter punishment should be given for all those taking law unto themselves in the garb of protecting the religion and honor.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Baaghi 2, Ready Player One and Jigsaw) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Baaghi 2

Baaghi 2 is an Indian action thriller film produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and directed by Ahmed Khan. The film stars Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani. It is a sequel to the 2016 film Baaghi and is a remake of 2016 Telugu movie Kshanam.

A battle-hardened army officer squares off against drug lords and Russian henchmen to save his ex-lover's kidnapped daughter in the underbelly of Goa, India. He goes in search of his ex-lover's child who is mysteriously kidnapped. Neha reaches out to the only person who can help her with her plight, Ronnie. He goes deep into the underbelly of Goa, facing off against drug lords, menacing Russian henchmen, and blood thirsty animals. Daring stunts, chase sequences, air strikes, bomb blasts and other large-scale action sequences will be done with a bona-fide, larger than life approach, truly making it a spectacle. The movie not only showcases the chemistry between the lead pair but the action flick also gives us 'Rambo' vibes. A sequel to the 2016 hit film 'Baaghi', this film revolves around the love story of a rebel.

The movie has Tiger Shroff as Ronny Singh, Disha Patani as Neha, Prateik Babbar, Manoj Bajpayee, Darshan Kumar, Randeep Hooda, Deepak Dobriyal and Jacqueline Fernandez as Mohini "special appearance" in song "Ek Do Teen".

The music of the film is composed by Mithoon, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Sandeep Shirodkar, Gourov-Roshin and Pranaay Rijay while lyrics are penned by Javed Akhtar, Kumaar, Ginny Diwan, Sayeed Quadri and Arko Pravo Mukherjee. The movie has songs like "Mundiyan", "O Saathi", "Lo Safar", "Ek Do Teen", "Soniye Dil Nayi" and "Get Ready To Fight Again".

On 19 February 2018, The sequel of the film was announced under the title of Baaghi 3, with Nadiadwala the producer, Ahmed Khan the director, and Tiger Shroff starring in the lead role. The team will start shooting in December 2018.

Ready Player One

Ready Player One is a 2018 American science fiction adventure film produced and directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline, based on Cline's 2011 novel of the same name. The film stars Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, and Mark Rylance.

The film is set in the year 2045 where much of humanity, to escape the desolation of the real-world, use the virtual reality software OASIS to engage in work and play. Wade Watts (Sheridan) discovers clues to a hidden game within the program that promises the winner full ownership of the OASIS, and joins several allies to try to complete the game before indentured players working for a large company, run by Nolan Sorrento (Mendelsohn), can do so.

In 2045, the world is on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance). When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world. When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.

The film has Tye Sheridan as Wade Watts / Parzival, a Gunter who wishes to win the Quest so he can leave the stacks. Olivia Cooke as Samantha Cook / Art3mis, a famous Gunter who works with various allies to ensure the OASIS is kept free and out of the hands of IOI. Ben Mendelsohn as Nolan Sorrento, the CEO of Innovative Online Industries, who seeks full control over the OASIS. Lena Waithe as Helen / Aech, a Gunter who is male in the OASIS and female in reality, and longtime friend of Wade's. Aech runs a virtual garage in his free time to create and fix various vehicles and items. T.J. Miller as i-R0k, a freelance weapons / magic item dealer and bounty hunter that is often employed by IOI. Simon Pegg as Ogden Morrow / the Curator, a co-creator of the OASIS who eventually left the company due to personal reasons and harbors a concern about how much people have grown to have an unhealthy dependency on the game. Mark Rylance as James Halliday / Anorak, the deceased co-creator of the OASIS who includes an Easter Egg hidden in the OASIS after his passing that grants control over the OASIS to its winner. Philip Zhao as Sho, a Gunter and younger brother to Daito. Win Morisaki as Daito, a Gunter and older brother to Sho. Hannah John-Kamen as F'Nale Zandor, the head of IOI's operations in the physical world, as well as their indentured servitude programs. Additionally, Susan Lynch portrays Alice, Wade’s aunt; Ralph Ineson portrays Rick, Alice’s boyfriend; Perdita Weeks portrays Kira, Morrow's wife; Letitia Wright portrays Reb (Safe House); and Clare Higgins portrays Mrs. Gilmore. McKenna Grace and Lulu Wilson appear as elementary school kids who play in the OASIS.

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a 2017 American horror film directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, written by Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger, and starring Matt Passmore, Callum Keith Rennie, Clé Bennett, and Hannah Emily Anderson. It is the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, picking up over a decade after the death of the eponymous Jigsaw killer, during the police investigation of a new succession of murders that fit his modus operandi. Saw 3D (2010) was originally deemed the final installment of the series, before Lionsgate Films commissioned the production of Jigsaw from a pitch by Stolberg and Goldfinger.

After a series of murders bearing all the markings of the Jigsaw killer, law enforcement officials find themselves chasing the ghost of a man who has been dead for over a decade, and they become embroiled in a new game that's only just begun. Bodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one man: John Kramer. But how can this be? The man known as Jigsaw has been dead for over a decade.  Is John Kramer back from the dead to remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a killer with designs of his own?

The film has Matt Passmore as Logan Nelson, Callum Keith Rennie as Det. Halloran, Clé Bennett as Det. Keith Hunt, Hannah Emily Anderson as Eleanor Bonneville, Laura Vandervoort as Anna, Paul Braunstein as Ryan, Mandela Van Peebles as Mitch, Brittany Allen as Carly, Josiah Black as Edgar Munsen, Shaquan Lewis as Officer Solomon, Michael Boisvert as Lee James and Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw.

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Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Who will win in Karnataka?' that was published in Newsband

Who will win in Karnataka?

The Bharatiya Janata Party had scored historic victory in the 2008 Assembly election in Karnataka. But the Congress staged a comeback five years later at the same place. Now, the challenge for the BJP is the politically savvy Congress Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah. The single-phase election on May 12 could witness a face-off between the BJP and the Congress, with the Janata Dal (Secular) a distant third. The BJP will be banking on B.S. Yeddyurappa.

Karnataka will not be the last State to go to the polls before the Lok Sabha election of 2019. For both the Congress and the BJP, a loss for either will be a dampener, and a win a great morale booster.

Karnataka today is more divided than five years ago when Siddharamaiah assumed office. With his recent decisions he has also created pockets of influence within the electorate. With a divided and lacklusture State leadership the BJP - the main opposition - does not seem to be able to make much dent. JDS seems to be in tatters. Only a last minute shift could change the scenario.

Congress might try to pay BJP in its own coin. By using the divisive tactics, it is trying to split Hindus to gain power. The future may see BJP dividing people further to gain votes more than Congress.

In India, every 2^nd person talks about politics, politics and more politics. We have plenty of elections every year, in at least one part of the demographically large nation to provide the fuel so that the 'important political' issues keep on running on the prime time slots of 'national' televisions. No one wants to talk about how life can be made simple and comfortable. What people talk about is what is happening in the power corridors of New Delhi and how politics is ruining the day everyday in the lower parliament house nowadays. Where's the development? Where's the pain of the common man who wants nothing more than food on his/her platter thrice a day, a simple home to live and proper education for his/her children? Why are these basic things not the part of discussions anywhere? Is it so hard to talk about something involving millions of lives??

Today India has become a democracy where its leaders play dirty politics of scams and mud-slinging and are active only at the time of Elections and thereafter they are busy making dividends for the next five years, fooling their subjects extensively from false promises to false emotional detachments. The people of India should now understand this dirty politics of all the political parties and vote to choose a true leader for their own constituency, who is able to tackle problems, educated enough, even if he contends the election independently sans any party support.

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Dinesh Kamath's news 'Nucleya and ViceVersa play to thousands at D.Y. Patil Grounds, Navi Mumbai' that was published in Newsband

Nucleya and ViceVersa play to thousands at D.Y. Patil Grounds, Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Bengaluru-based hip-hop/live electronica act ViceVersa and India’s most popular bass musician Nucleya played to over seven thousand ecstatic fans, at D.Y. Patil Grounds, Navi Mumbai, at the annual college festival Aura, with Red Bull Music Presents Nucleya and ViceVersa.

Kicking things off was ViceVersa, a hip-hop/bass/rock and roll band comprising Bengaluru-based music producer ManasUllas, and Mumbai-based musicians Rohit Pereira, aka P-Man, and SiddCoutto. Since the release of their self-titled debut EP in November 2012, the band has become a consistent name in the club and music festival circuit across the country. On the night, they played some of their most popular songs, including ChalHatt, All I need and Rowdy.

Taking over from ViceVersa was Nucleya, who was met with a roar from the audience as he took the stage. A name that needs no introduction in the Indian music circuit, in just the last four years Nucleya has released two EPs and two albums, filled a stadium to capacity – in what went down as one of the most ground-breaking gigs in India – released an album with a gig on the streets during Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, and featured in a Red Bull Media House documentary about his life, Ride To The Roots. At the show, Nucleya played some of his most popular tracks such as LaungGawacha, Akkad Bakkad, Scene Kya Hai, Jungle Raja and Bangla Bass.

The next Red Bull Music show features the iconic rock band Pentagram, and DJ/producer Gurbax, with Red Bull Music Presents Pentagram and Gurbax at MJC Grounds, Manipal, on March 24.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'What’s happening to the Gentleman’s Game?' that was published in Newsband

What’s happening to the Gentleman’s Game?

Ball-tampering is become a big issue in cricket. The seemingly innocuous application of saliva and sweat, and more interventionist acts such as pressing chewed lozenges, throwing the ball hard on the surface, the use of nails or abrasive dust from the turf, and in some cases the use of bottle openers have plunged a knife into the game’s heart.

Steve Smith’s Australian team scuffed the ball with a yellow tape laden with dirt-granules from the pitch during the course of the third Test against hosts South Africa at Cape Town. The act was caught on camera. This was owing to Australians’ urge to win at any cost.

In fact, ball-tampering has been attempted by most international teams. In this case, Smith and Warner to step down from leadership roles. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull publicly questioned the team’s approach to the game. And Rajasthan Royals replaced Smith with Ajinkya Rahane as its captain for the forthcoming Indian Premier League season. The International Cricket Council, for its part, imposed a one-Test ban on Smith, and fined him 100% of his match fee. Bancroft got a 75% fine.

Australia has always been in the controversy even before the advent of modern technology. The umpires and players colluded to win matches by unfair tactics. Sadly, they have not changed their attitude

The ball tampering incident has caused outrage and India has added its bit to the outrage. Ball tampering has been common ever since reverse swing came in to play. The tampering gets more rampant as no two cricket balls are similar and the swing factor differs from ball to ball, thanks to aero-dynamics! The side getting the ball that swings less feels cheated and perhaps resorts to cheating for a level playing field. In cricket conditions on a given day plays such an important role that the two sides battling out do not have a level playing field, unlike say in Tennis or Football.

The Australian cricket team has wrapped itself in infamy. Their Captain, Steve Smith, a prodigious run-machine who could well have ended as one of the all-time great batsmen, now stares at a life-time ban and an abrupt and premature end to his career. Anything short of life-ban would truly be an injustice to the game and its fans at large. He cannot claim a 'brain-fade' every time and escape punishment that he so well and truly deserves. The same fate awaits David Warner too. They both chose a young player as he would be the most pliant and unfortunately that happened to be Bancroft who would now live with this dishonour for the rest of his life. The Aussie premium on 'winning' has led them to 'winning using any means'. The ICC also deserves a part of the blame because for a few decades now, they have allowed the evil Aussie practice of 'sledging', a disease that has spread to other teams also. What a fall for a country that has produced so many legendary cricketers & sportspersons.

The sledging that the Aussies have taught to the rest of the cricketing world, euphemistically called "chatter" or "banter", is not harmless but a symptom of the deep desire to win at any cost. Once that is in place, then other things, such as ball tampering, are not too far away. It is too bad that other teams too, including Indians, have started along this path. The West Indians stand out for playing with the true spirit of the game in an era when cricket has long lost its "gentlemen's game" tag (given the money involved now, it is more appropriate to call those who play sport as mercenaries than sportspersons).

Dinesh Kamath's 'AAP totally dependent on Kejriwal' that was published in Newsband

AAP totally dependent on Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Is a party built on an anti-corruption platform, driven by thousands of volunteers from across the socio-economic spectrum, and striving to explore a “third way” beyond the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Although it has attracted its share of opportunists, AAP still continues to be powered by the enthusiasm of the many who believe in its alternative politics.

That very base of support has now been rattled by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to apologise to political adversaries who he targeted in the past. Kejriwal has apologised to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Congress leader Kapil Sibal and his son Amit, and union cabinet minister Nitin Gadkari. Kejriwal’s apologies have disappointed AAP supporters and they feel “deceived” by Kejriwal’s move.

Yet, Kejriwal’s supporters defend him strongly, arguing that he has chosen to focus on governance in Delhi rather than waste time flying around the country attending hearings on the defamation cases filed against him.

The AAP government has been under extraordinary pressure in Delhi because of Lieutenant governors. Bureaucrats working for the Delhi government owe their careers to the union government, not the state.

The national implications of the party’s current situation are also not inconsiderable. The crisis will have a demoralising effect on AAP cadres in states like Punjab and Maharashtra, where it has developed a sizeable presence.

The real question that this crisis provokes is about the kind of politician Kejriwal will be in the future.  Although the urgency of winning Delhi in 2019 might yet see Kejriwal return to his combative mode, this controversy highlights AAP’s grave weakness—that its fortunes depend too much on Kejriwal’s personality.

That AAP does well in Delhi—a microcosm of India—speaks to the potential of a platform that is committed to transparency and the poor.

Dinesh Kamath has become one of the most loved faces on Youtube Screen although he has never put any kind of makeup anytime

Dinesh Kamath’s news ‘Alia Bhatt’s latest ventures’

Alia Bhatt’s latest ventures

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are shooting for 'Brahmastra'. Post Brahmastra, Alia will be seen with Ranveer Singh in Gully Boy and with Vicky Kaushal in Raazi. 'Brahmastra' is the first instalment of the upcoming fantasy adventure trilogy by Ayan Mukerji. The film will bring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir and Alia together for the first time and is slated to release on Independence Day, August 15, 2019.

In a span of six years, Alia Bhatt has become one of the top Bollywood stars. Starting from Student Of The Year, she has given scintillating performances in Highway, Two States, Kapoor And Sons, Udta Punjab and recently released Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Will she be able to impress the audiences and critics again with Brahmastra? We need to wait till August 15, 2019 when it hits the screens.

Dinesh Kamath’s news ‘Deepika Padukone tries to bring about change in society’

Deepika Padukone tries to bring about change in society

Bollywood’s leading actress Deepika Padukone says it is important for celebrities to use their place of influence and power to bring about change in society.

"Social Work didn't come naturally to me until I came across mental health, also because of my personal experience," said the actress, who had earlier opened up about her battle with depression.

Deepika Padukone along with her mother and younger sister was launching a report on ‘Public Perception Towards Mental Health in India’ by her foundation ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation’ (TLLLF), which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health.

The report's findings indicate that a majority of people feel that mental illness is still considered a severe disorder like schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

But celebrities are more prone to depression and stress, especially when they are constantly under the scanner, more so with the emergence of social media.

"My vision for the Foundation is that we become the happiest country in the world,” she concluded. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'NHPM is a good idea' that was published in Newsband

NHPM is a good idea

The NDA government’s scheme to provide health cover of ₹5 lakh per year to 10 crore poor and vulnerable families through the Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission is a good idea. The States, which have a statutory responsibility for provision of health care, have to act quickly and form dedicated agencies to run the scheme. Such legislation would strengthen entitlement to care, which is vital to the scheme’s success. It will also enable much-needed regulatory control over pricing of hospital-based treatments.

The scheme should extend the benefits to the vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, women and children contingent. The government should take the bold step of including these groups universally; the financial risk can be borne by the taxpayer.

Universal health coverage is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state when “all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them”. With its endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, India will have to hurry up to meet the deadline. This underscores the importance of raising not just core budgetary spending every year, but paying attention to social determinants of health.

NHPM has a national character, with States playing a crucial role in its implementation, and beneficiaries being able to port the service anywhere. It is a challenging task to make all this a reality. Modi's scheme is a noble one. He will be a blessed person for giving cheap health care to crores of people.

It is a good scheme, to begin with, and agreed that there must be legislative measures to protect the Rights to services under this scheme. However, it seems that the State Governments are not on Board, as Government of Maharashtra has not only increased OPD registration fee but also has decided to charge for various Health related certificates such as Disability certificate and this runs contrary to what GoI aims through this Scheme. The central Health Minister should immediately start consultations with State Health Ministers and develop a National consensus on how to roll out the scheme.

The major portion of the amount sanctioned to the needy poor should not be swallowed by the officials themselves. With management and other quota doctors still around which system could produce and with only self-serving doctors and with no atmosphere of sense of service presented for medical students any such measure would be a failure. When even wealthy men are taken for rides by hospitals one shudders to think of the poor people who don't know where to sign and complete paperwork which even educated won't read at the time admission.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Stop misuse of Atrocity Act' that was published in Newsband

Stop misuse of Atrocity Act

There is an urgent need for procedural safeguards to curb false accusations work against the interest of protecting the oppressed from discrimination and caste-based atrocities. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is being rampantly misused to settle personal scores and harass adversaries. There is need for guidelines to prevent its misuse.

In an ideal system, as long as every charge is judicially scrutinised and every investigation or prosecution is fair and honest, one need not worry about misuse and its adverse effects. However, social realities are far from being ideal.

This SC/ST Act is atrocious, unconstitutional widely misused for blackmail - 90 % of the complaints are fake. Hard working employees are unable to bear the constant fear of this act without bail. It is high time the law is repealed or struck down by courts since it gravely affects fundamental rights of citizens envisaged in the constitution.

The punishment for misuse of Anti-atrocities law should at least be equal to the punishment for which an innocent person has been wrongly accused under the provisions of Anti-atrocities law. This will help in curbing the misuse of the Anti-atrocities law.

The law is mostly misused by educated SC/ST employees employed in Government or Government owned enterprises and in some private companies too. The problem is with all the laws which shifts the proof from accuser to the accused. In these kind of laws the accused person is held guilty and the onus is on him to prove that he is not guilty. This gives undue advantage to the accuser and he goes scot-free even if it was proved that his complaint was malafide.

There were several thousands of misuses over past few decades, so finally some more checks and balances are needed.

Those offices which do not employ many SC/ST employees has probably not had any personal experience of misconduct by them. The SC/ST employees are the biggest menace and nuisance for other community employees and supervisors. Nobody can question them for any misconduct, ill behaviour, causing losses or inconvenience, not punctual at work, etc. In many cases others will have to complete the work of SC/ST employees as they would leave their seats any time without informing anyone. The supervisors are really scared of the SC/ST employees. The Supreme Court observation and directions to the government, though belated, is a big relief for government and public sector other community staff. If the Supreme Court had annulled the Act itself, it would have been a blessing for other communities. The political parties for their vote-share purposes pamper the SC/ST people at the cost of others.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Hichki, Baa Baa Black Sheep and Pacific Rim Uprising) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Hichki

Hichki (English: Hiccup) is an Indian Bollywood drama film, directed by Sidharth P Malhotra and produced by Maneesh Sharma and Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The film is an adaptation of Hollywood film Front of the Class (2008), which itself was based on the book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen, of which Yash Raj Films acquired the rights. The film stars Rani Mukerji in the lead role of a teacher having Tourette syndrome.

After several interviews and numerous rejections, a woman who has Tourette's syndrome lands a job as a teacher at an elite school. She soon tries to do whatever she can to make her rebellious and troublemaking students realize their full potential. Thus Hichki presents a positive and inspiring story about a woman who turns her biggest weakness into her biggest strength. In fact, Rani, who plays Naina Mathur, a woman with Tourette syndrome, is struggling to get a job as a teacher but fails as her tics are beyond her control. Finally, she gets an opportunity and a bigger challenge in the form of tutoring 14 unruly students, who come from financially weak backgrounds and are struggling to be accepted by their school. How she forms a bond with them and changes their lives forms the crux of the film.

The film has Rani Mukerji as Naina Mathur, Harsh Mayar as Aatish, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Kunal Shinde, Shivkumar Subramaniam, Neeraj Kabi, Asif Basra, Hussain Dalal, Ivan Rodrigues as Principal, Suprio Bose as a Senior Male and Jannat Zubair Rahmani.

The music of Hichki is composed by Hitesh Sonik and Jasleen Royal, with the former composing the film score] and latter, the songs. The lyrics have been penned by Raj Shekhar, Jaideeep Sahni, Neeraj Rajawat, Aditya Sharma, David Klyton. The film has songs like "Oye Hichki", "Madamji Go Easy", "Khol De Par", "Teri Dastaan", "Phir Kya Hai Gham", "Soul of Hichki" and "Naina's Theme (Instrumental)".

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Baa Baa Black Sheep is a film directed by Vishwas Paandya and written by Sanjeev Puri and Vishwas Paandya.      

The world turns upside down for Baba on his 25th birthday, when he learns that his apparently boring father is in fact a dreaded hitman, and that his family has made a tradition out of this morbid business for the past 12 generations! Now, the time has come for Baba to take over as the 13th. And as if all of this is not enough, there is the strange case of the love interest with her own secrets, a stolen Renoir painting and prowling contract killers. The plot thickens, but is Baba ready for the mayhem that's about to ensue!?

The film has Anupam Kher as Charudutt Sharma / Charlie, Annu Kapoor as Brian Morris / Santa Claus, Manish Paul as Baba, Kay Kay Menon as ACP Shivraj Naik, Manjari Phadnis as Angelina Morris, Manish Wadhwa as             Utpal Shivalkar, Natasha Suri as Kamya, Sahil Vaid    as Ashish Shivalkar, Aakash Dabhade          as Fixer and Vineet Sharma as Daniel.

Music of the film is given by Roshan Balu, Gourov Dasgupta and Shaan.

Pacific Rim Uprising

Pacific Rim: Uprising is a 2018 American science-fiction action film directed by Steven S. DeKnight (in his feature-film directorial debut) and written by DeKnight, Emily Carmichael, Kira Snyder, and T.S. Nowlin. It is the sequel to the 2013 film Pacific Rim by Guillermo del Toro, who acted as a producer here. The film stars John Boyega (also making his producer debut), Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Jing Tian, Adria Arjona and Zhang Jin, with Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Burn Gorman returning from the original film.

The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in Pacific Rim Uprising. John Boyega stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju. Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war. As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction. Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. [Universal Pictures]

The film has John Boyega as Jake Pentecost, Scott Eastwood as Nate Lambert, Cailee Spaeny as Amara Namani, Madeleine McGraw as Young Amara Namani, Rinko Kikuchi as Mako Mori, Charlie Day as Dr. Newt Geiszler, Burn Gorman as Dr. Hermann Gottlieb, Jing Tian as Liwen Shao, Adria Arjona as Jules Reyes, Zhang Jin as Marshal Quan, Karan Brar as Suresh, Ivanna Sakhno as Vik, Mackenyu as Ryoichi, Shyrley Rodriguez as Renata, Levi Meaden as Ilya, Rahart Adams as Tahima Shaheen, Zhu Zhu as Juen and Nick E. Tarabay as Sonny.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'How is the idea of a third front?' that was published in Newsband

How is the idea of a third front?

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao mooted a non-BJP, non-Congress ‘federal’ front. But is the alliance a coming together of like-minded parties? He found ready support from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress is fighting the Left and the Congress on one side, and the BJP on the other.

The only instances when non-Congress, non-BJP coalitions came to power were in the ninth and eleventh Lok Sabhas. In each case, the governments were supported from the outside by either the Congress or the BJP.

It is unclear whether the BJP and the Congress will support a grouping of smaller parties just to keep each other out of power. The third front as proposed by Rao cannot be an electoral alliance in the proper sense. The parties do not add to each other’s vote banks: they are mostly fighting their own battles in their own areas.

As a regional party with the Congress as its main rival, and the BJP a potential threat, the TRS is at present irrelevant outside of Telangana. A third front can be Rao’s vehicle to arrive on the national stage. Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to have Assembly elections along with the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. For the Trinamool, the Left and the BJP remain the principal threats, and at the national level the Congress is still a partner Ms. Banerjee can do political business with.

There is one advantage of third front. It is time regional parties have a say in the financial, defence and security, foreign relations, welfare and economic policies as these collectively and geographically contribute to its national exchequer. National spending is actually subsidized by the tax collected from all states and union territories. Budgetary allocation are actually the amount collected from all states. Bank advances and loans are actually made from deposits made by citizens residing in the various states. Every morse of food - grains, fruits and vegetables are grown in the various states produced by 70% of population. but the farmer in these states are not compensated even the cost of production. However, these are traded for five to 10 times the cost of production and profited by trade and industry without any benefits passed on for rural growth - economic benefit or value added revenue of agriculture is channelised to the trade and industry

But there is also danger if the third front is formed. The major plank for a loosely knit Federal front with no common ideology and cobbled up after election result would lead to intra fight for leadership and will impose great calamity politically and economically. Mamata and Rao have their parties with many common aspects. They have no relevance outside home states. They have the shared agenda of keeping the BJP and INC out. The leaders of both parties are obstinate. India is nowhere on the agenda - they're myopic. Neither do they have any national level experience - if you are thinking about Mamata's stint as the railway minister then extreme WB focus does not make that experience. They have a shared emphasis on bandhs. Do these factors provide any meaningful alternative even close to NaMo?

If the third front is formed by regional parties, what would be their agenda for national development? Each regional party will fight for their states and in the process the progress as a nation will suffer. As it is each state is trying its best to get lions share from the center by hook or crook, if the third front is created by joining of regional parties, God save the country - India

Political confusion is leading to all sorts of permutation and combinations. This is because the ruling party is winning some and losing some. Regional parties are scrambling for political space. The BJP now or the Congress when in power were pretty sure that a motley crowd of ambitious state satraps cannot form any durable alternative to the big and sold national parties. Now that most of the state leaders are being pushed back they are in a stress and trying to evolve into an alternate and formidable force. But in hind sight such formulation appears a long way off.