ITV

Category: Regulators

  • Mudrex wins court order against fraudulent websites

    Mudrex wins court order against fraudulent websites

    Mumbai: Mudrex, a global crypto investment platform has secured an order in its favor against a network of fraudulent websites that have been illegally using Mudrex’s trademarks to deceive the public. The Delhi high court under Justice Mini Puskarna issued a directive on 23 August 2024 for the immediate takedown of 38 websites that were found to be exploiting Mudrex’s brand name to carry out scams and defraud innocent individuals.

    Mudrex received numerous complaints from the public, who reported being lured into investing substantial sums of money on these fraudulent platforms. These websites promised users various work opportunities, such as completing Google reviews, and offered monetary rewards upon task completion. However, these promises were part of a broader scam designed to extract money, and sensitive personal information, including Aadhar cards, PAN cards, bank statements, and property papers, from unsuspecting victims. Once these documents were obtained, the fraudsters ceased all communication, causing significant financial loss to these innocent individuals.

    After becoming aware, Mudrex has taken proactive steps to protect its community by issuing advisories across its official social media channels and via email to its registered users, warning them of potential scams and fraudulent activities.

    Moreover, Mudrex acted promptly by seeking an injunction to halt the fraudulent activities. The company’s legal team contended that the defendants had unlawfully exploited Mudrex’s trademarks, causing significant harm to innocent individuals by luring them into investing their hard-earned money through the misuse of Mudrex’s reputation and goodwill. Driven by a commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for its users, Mudrex approached the high court of Delhi to obtain the necessary relief and protect its community.

    The court, recognising the severity of the situation and believing in Mudrex’s earnest efforts, has directed the defendants to take down the infringing websites within 48 hours of the order. If the defendants fail to comply, the court has empowered other relevant parties to block access to these websites immediately.

    Commenting on this, Mudrex CEO & co-founder Edul Patel said, “We are committed to protecting our users and upholding the integrity of our brand. Most platforms in India face this issue, but we wanted to make sure it is addressed and solved for our users. Our focus remains on maintaining the trust of our users and reinforcing our commitment to a safe and reliable platform”.

    Mudrex stands out as one of the virtual asset service providers in India to actively pursue legal action to ensure consumer protection. By taking a strong stance against fraudulent activities and safeguarding its brand integrity, Mudrex underscores its commitment to protecting its users from scams and malicious schemes. This proactive approach not only highlights Mudrex’s leadership in the industry but also sets a precedent for other service providers in prioritizing the security and trust of their consumers.

  • TRAI releases paper on review of telecom customer preference regulations

    TRAI releases paper on review of telecom customer preference regulations

    Mumbai – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper seeking public comments on “Review of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018)” The TCCCPR-20 18 was implemented in February-20 19 to address the issue of Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC). These regulations aim to protect consumers from unwanted promotional calls and messages, while allowing businesses to send targeted communications to customers who have consented for or set preferences to receive them. During implementation of the regulatory frameworks, certain issues have been observed. This paper aims to bring forward issues observed during implementation, and which need immediate attention. The provisions of regulations related to these issues may need amendment.

    The broad category of issues discussed in the consultation paper includes the following- ” Definitions of Commercial Communications. ” Provisions related to the Complaint Redressal. ” UCC Detect System and action thereof. ” Provisions related to Financial Disincentives. ” Provisions related to Senders and Telemarketers. ” Analysis of high number of voice calls and SMS. TRAI is seeking input on areas to strengthen the regulations, including stricter provisions against the Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs) who harass the public through spam calls, improved complaint redressal mechanisms, more effective UCC detection systems, stronger financial disincentives for violation of regulatory provisions, and revised regulations for senders and telemarketers. The paper also explores the possibility of differential tariffs for voice calls and SMS to discourage UCC.

    Written comments on the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 25 September 2024. Counter comments may be submitted by 9 October 2024. 

  • TRAI convenes meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

    TRAI convenes meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)

    Mumbai – TRAI convened a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) on 27 August 2024, at its headquarters in New Delhi. Members  of the JCoR from IRDAl, PFRDA, RBI, SEBI, MoCA, MeitY, and TIAI attended the meeting. Additionally, DoT and MHA representatives joined as special guests. The JCoR serves as a collaborative platform to examine regulatory implications in the digital age and work collaboratively on regulatory frameworks.

    In his address, TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti stressed the need for a joint effort to tackle the problem of spam messages and calls. He urged the regulators to discuss and enable implementation of (i) whitelisting of URLs, APKs, O’IT links and call back numbers to be sent in SMS, (ii) migration of existing telemarketers making promotional calls to 140 series on DLT platform, and (iii) declaration of entire chain of telemarketers engaged by them for PE-TM chain binding.

    The meeting explored potential collaborative efforts and strategies to address UCC and fraud through telecom resources. The key issues discussed are as given below-

    “Role of Entities in Whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTF links, and call back numbers in the content templates and ensuring the traceability of all the messages from senders to recipients – Many instances of misuse of headers and templates have been observed. Fraud takes place through the transmission of malicious links using the variable parts of the messages. In case of misuse of headers and content templates, it is difficult to find the entity that pushed the traffic. Therefore, mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, O’Vl’ links, or call back numbers, and declaration of the entire chain of telemarketers engaged by them for PE-TM chain binding as per the timelines fixed by TRAI’s latest Directions needs to be enforced.

    “Addressing the issue of entities using PRI/ SIP channels for making unsolicited calls – Many business entities make commercial voice calls using SIP/ PRI lines with hundreds of indicators in violation of TRAI’s regulations. These entities should be migrated to the designated 140 series for making promotional calls. Also, there is an urgent need to take firm action, without further delay, on spammers who are using PRI/ SIP/ bulk connections for making promotional voice calls! Robo calls! Pre-recorded calls. 

    “Leveraging the DCA system established by digital service providers to obtain digital consent from consumers – DCA system will be of great value to the entities, not only for messaging services, but also for voice calls. It permits the delivery of messages and calls to the recipients despite their DND preference. The technical infrastructure for DCA is now in place. Regulators were requested to ask the entities under their jurisdiction to start using this facility in a time bound manner.

    “Use of 160 series by the Entities for making service and transactional calls for easy identification by the consumers – 160 series has been allocated exclusively for Service and Transactional Calls. A Pilot Study was commissioned by TRAT and RBI to determine the technical feasibility of various options, the outcome of the same was discussed. Enhancing information exchange among regulators to control frauds using telecom resources – Emphasis was given to exchange information available with various regulators on their platforms and for its effective utilisation to control frauds.

    By addressing these issues collectively, the JCoR aims to protect consumers from the harms of spam and fraud while ensuring a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem.

  • Creators’ economy, a wonderful tool to showcase our rich cultural heritage and way of life: Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Creators’ economy, a wonderful tool to showcase our rich cultural heritage and way of life: Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Mumbai: Union minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched 25 challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ for World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Speaking at the launch, Vaishnaw said that todays’ launch is a reflection of our growing and evolving economy. A totally new creators economy has been created and the same is also recognised by the prime minister of India as reflected in the first-ever National Creators Award presented by him in March 2024.

    Growing creators economy: Opportunities, infrastructure, and job creation

    While highlighting the immense potential in this economy, the union minister mentioned that the creators’ economy has become a wonderful tool to showcase our rich cultural heritage, way of life, yoga, traditional medicine system, and diversity in our cuisines. The Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to encourage this economy and therefore, we need to ensure the talent & skill development and availability of necessary infrastructure in this sector.

     

     

    To further develop this creators’ economy, the government is focused on creating world-class talent development programs and infrastructure. There are plans to establish world-class universities and facilities that will enhance the capabilities of creators in media and entertainment, he added.

    Harnessing new technologies in filmmaking: Job creation

    Emphasising that filmmaking is one of our strengths, Vaishnaw mentioned that in today’s era there is a great scope of using new technology and tools in this sector thereby ensuring a good scope for employment generation. It is estimated that if successfully executed, the program can generate 2-3 lakh jobs in the sector.

    Social Responsibility

    At the same time, the union minister also reminded that citizens have to ensure that the society is not harmed in this journey and the responsibility lies not just with the government but also with society, industry and all of us.

    To capitalise on the immense potential in this sector, WAVES is being organised and is set to emerge as a big phenomenon in future, he added.

    Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Sanjay Jaju, additional secretary, ministry of I&B, Neerja Shekhar, director general, FICCI, Jyoti Vij, vice chairman, CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment, Biren Ghose were also among the dignitaries who attended the event.

    ‘Design in India, Design for the World’

    While speaking at the occasion Sh. Sanjay Jaju mentioned that this initiative is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to nurture and elevate India’s creative ecosystem. “It aligns seamlessly with our Prime Minister’s visionary call of ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ as articulated during his 78th Independence Day address.”, he added. Highlighting the immense potential and talent within our nation, he said that WAVES stands as a testament to this potential and will serve as a global platform where the brightest minds, most talented creators, and visionary leaders from around the world will converge to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and push the boundaries of creativity.

    ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’

    These challenges, hosted by leading industry associations and organisations, cover a wide range of disciplines including animation, filmmaking, gaming, music, and visual arts. These challenges are being done in the run up to the main event.

    List of ‘Create in India’ Challenges – Season 1

    1. Anime Challenge by Media and Entertainment Association of India 
    2. Animation Filmmakers Competition by Dancing Atoms 
    3. Game Jam by India Game Developer Conference 
    4. Esports Tournament by Esports Federation of India 
    5. City Quest: Shades of Bharat by E-gaming Federation 
    6. Handheld Educational Video Game Development by Indian Digital Gaming Society 
    7. Comics Creator Championship by Indian Comics Association 
    8. Young Filmmakers Challenge by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Whistling Woods International 
    9. XR Creator Hackathon by Wavelaps and XDG 
    10. AI Film Making Competition by InVideo 
    11. WAVES Promo Video Challenge Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation 
    12. TruthTell Hackathon by India Cellular & Electronics Association 
    13. Community Radio Content Challenge by Community Radio Association 
    14. Theme Music Competition by Indian Music Industry 
    15. WAVES Hackathon: Adspend Optimizer by Advertising Agencies Association of India 
    16. WAVES AI Art Installation Challenge by Internet and Mobile Association of India 
    17. WAVES Explorer by Internet and Mobile Association of India 
    18. Reel Making Challenge by Internet and Mobile Association of India 
    19. Film Poster Making Competition National Film Archive of India – National Film Development Corporation 
    20. Virtual Influencer Creation Contest by AVTR meta labs 
    21. Battle of the Bands by Prasar Bharati 
    22. Symphony of India by Prasar Bharati 
    23. India: A Bird’s Eye View by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited 
    24. Anti-Piracy Challenge by Confederation of Indian Industry 
    25. Trailer Making Competition by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry

  • TRAI issues warning against fraudulent calls impersonating TRAI

    TRAI issues warning against fraudulent calls impersonating TRAI

    Mumbai: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a warning against Fraudulent Calls Impersonating TRAI on 21 August 2024. It stated in a press release that, “The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) does not initiate communication with customers regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or otherwise. TRAI has not authorised any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes. Therefore, any form of communication (call, message, or notice) claiming to be from TRAI and threatening mobile number disconnection should be considered a potential fraudulent attempt and must not be entertained.

    The disconnection of any mobile number due to billing, KYC or misuse if any, is done by the respective Telecom Service Provider (TSP). Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not get panicked to fall prey to suspected fraudsters. They are further advised to cross-verify such calls by contacting the authorised call centres or customer service centres of the respective TSP.

    To prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial fraud, citizens are encouraged to report suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi platform.” 

  • MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    Mumbai:  On behalf of the President of India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has announced an invitation for proposals to select an agency for conducting the e-auction of private FM channels as part of FM Radio Phase-III.

    The core of this initiative is the selection of a competent agency to manage the e-auction process. As outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP), the MIB seeks an agency capable of handling this complex auction with transparency and efficiency. Eligible entities include companies registered under the Companies Act of 1956/2013, foreign companies with a registered office in India, or consortia of such companies. The selected agency will oversee the allocation of FM radio frequencies according to the MIB’s guidelines.

    Detailed information on the application procedures is available on the official MIB website and the Government’s e-procurement portal. The RFP, including the scope of work and eligibility criteria, can be accessed at [MIB’s website](http://www.mib.gov.in ) and [CPPP Portal](https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app ). Interested bidders should regularly visit these sites for updates and clarifications.

    The deadline for bid submissions is 17 September 2024. Bidders must register on the e-tender portal and submit their proposals online, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of Rs 50,000 through the Bharatkosh Portal. Additionally, a Bank Guarantee for Earnest Money Deposit must be physically submitted to the MIB’s FM Cell.

    Phase III of this expansion aims to rejuvenate the FM radio sector by introducing more private players, enhancing regional representation, and broadening content offerings, from local news and cultural programming to diverse music genres. The auction process is vital for achieving these goals and ensuring that new FM channels enrich the media landscape.

    Eligibility criteria for agencies include a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 2.5 Crore and a combined net worth of at least Rs 10 Crores. The RFP also requires CMMi level 3 (or above) certification and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest with existing FM broadcasting companies.

    As India advances with this FM radio expansion, the role of the selected agency will be crucial in managing the auction process and ensuring fair access for all participants. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and diverse media environment.

     

  • TRAI reports 940 mn broadband users & telecom growth surge

    TRAI reports 940 mn broadband users & telecom growth surge

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its latest report on telecom subscription data as of 30 June 2024. The total number of broadband subscribers in India has reached 940.75 million, marking a steady increase with wireless broadband subscribers numbering 898.92 million and wireline broadband subscribers at 41.83 million. This represents a modest growth of 0.60 per cent in the broadband segment over the past month.

    In terms of telephone subscriptions, the country now has 1,205.64 million total subscribers, including both wireless and wireline connections. Urban areas account for 667.13 million of these subscribers, while rural areas contribute 538.51 million. The overall tele-density has seen a slight rise to 85.95 per cent from the previous month’s 85.87 per cent.

    Mobile number portability (MNP) statistics show that 11.84 million requests were recorded in June 2024, bringing the cumulative total since MNP’s introduction to 997.44 million. The highest volume of MNP requests were concentrated in Uttar Pradesh-East and Maharashtra, indicating significant consumer movement within the telecom sector.

    The number of active wireless subscribers, determined by the peak visitor location register (VLR), was 1,061.04 million for June 2024. This indicates that 90.65 per cent of the total wireless subscriber base was actively using their services.

    Among broadband service providers, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd leads with 488.94 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel Ltd. with 281.36 million and Vodafone Idea Ltd. with 127.82 million. The top five broadband providers collectively hold a dominant market share of 98.37 per cent.

    The wireline segment has seen a growth of 0.37 million subscribers, bringing the total to 35.11 million and raising the wireline tele-density to 2.50 per cent. Wireless subscribers have increased to 1,170.53 million, with a growth rate of 0.13 per cent for the month.

    In terms of market shares, private access service providers dominate the wireless segment with a market share of 92.51 per cent, while BSNL and MTNL together hold a 7.49 per cent share. In the wireline sector, PSUs account for 26.08 per cent of the market share as of June 2024.
     

  • Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati, the largest public broadcaster in India, has issued a notice inviting proposals for integrating various application platforms with its OTT platform. This call for proposals encompasses several categories, including OTT applications, gaming applications, educational applications, and other types of apps.

    The integration proposals can be based on a Revenue Share Model, offering two main options: sharing content from the applicant’s platform with Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform or exchanging content between the applicant’s platform and Prasar Bharati’s OTT service. Prasar Bharati retains the discretion to consider any submitted proposal, reflecting its flexible approach to content acquisition.

    The application platform-owning companies are required to submit their proposals via email to ott-content@prasarbharati.gov.in, accompanied by a link to the application platform and login credentials to preview the app content.

    All submissions will be evaluated according to the guidelines outlined in Chapter 11 of the Content Sourcing Policy – 2024, which was announced on August 9, 2024. Proposals that do not meet the policy’s eligibility conditions or other stipulated requirements will be rejected. Notably, gaming applications involving monetary transactions, betting, or games of chance are excluded from consideration.

    Prasar Bharati has specified that no processing fee will be charged for proposal submissions. The content acquisition process will be ongoing, with proposals assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Prasar Bharati’s content needs and the merits of each proposal. There is no set deadline for submissions, allowing for continuous evaluation and integration of new content.

  • National Film Development Corporation reveals 2024 Screenwriters’ Lab finalists

    National Film Development Corporation reveals 2024 Screenwriters’ Lab finalists

    Mumbai: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) received more than 150 applications this year from 21 states out of which six projects of various genres have been selected for the 17th edition of NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab, an ongoing initiative to develop, nurture, and promote original voices from all over India. The six screenwriters, who also happen to be filmmakers of ad films, short films, novelist, documentaries, and feature films, have written the selected scripts in multiple languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Konyak, English & Maithili.

    “We, at NFDC, strongly feel that a well-written script forms the foundation of a compelling story, engaging characters, and meaningful dialogue, all of which are essential elements of a successful film. We are at the forefront of not only training our writers to better develop their unique stories, but also pitch them successfully to domestic and international producers and investors at Film Bazaar, while keeping industry trends and practices in mind,” said NFDC Film Bazaar team

    The three-part intensive Screenwriters’ Lab is part of NFDC Labs’ ongoing initiative to develop original voices and stories from India. Selected participants work closely with noted mentors in an intensive 5-month program to fine-tune existing screenplays through personalized interactions and group sessions under the guidance of acclaimed script experts from India and around the  world. Aimed at domestic as well as international markets, the projects will be pitched to  producers and investors in a specially designed session during Film Bazaar 2024.

    The six selected projects for NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab 2024 are as follows:

    1.  Hawa Mithai by (CANDY FLOSS) Anuritta K Jha – Maithili & Hindi

    A six year-old village boy Tundu and his best friend Bullu set out on a heart-warming and fantastical journey to eat the Sun inspired by the legend of Lord Hanumanji, in order to win back his mother’s love.

    2.  I’ll Smile in September by Aakash Chhabra – Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi & Punjabi

    After getting separated from the love of his life and losing his front teeth in a brutal altercation which ensues after it, a young brass band player in Old Delhi attempts to move on in life by finding his smile back.

    3.  Kalaa Kaali (The Art Of The Dark) by Anam Danish – English & Hindi

    Two siblings along with their friends, investigate a death in the family only to discover a generational curse that looms over them and set out to end it by using their family’s tradition of black magic.

    4.  Konyak by Uddhav Ghosh – Konyak Naga & Hindi & English

    On the fringe of civilisation, amidst Nagaland’s unforgiving beauty, a deadly feud erupts between legendary headhunting tribes. Young warrior Thungpang Konyak, burdened by prophetic visions and haunted by betrayal, embarks on a relentless chase to protect his community and reclaim honor, confronting his former friend turned mortal enemy Sangba, as brother turns against brother in a brutal struggle for survival.

    5.  Mangal – The Holy Beast by Triparna Maiti – Assamese, Malayalam & Hindi

    Captured as an elephant calf, Mangal encounters both love and loss as he is made to join the world of humans. Transported from one place to another, changing hands, he ultimately becomes a revered deity worshiped as God, yet tied in chains, until he decides to break free.

    6.  Piyush Ki Toh…Nikal Padi (To Pee or Not To Pee) by Piyush Srivastava – Hindi

    Piyush, a charming 32-year old, faces a comedic nightmare on his first visit to his in-laws when a packing mistake leaves him without Adult Diapers, risking exposure of his embarrassing bedwetting problem. He must navigate a hilarious & heart-warming journey to procure new ones with his supportive wife’s help, all while keeping his secret hidden.

    About Mentors

    This year’s mentors include the founder of NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab (features) Marten Rabarts (New Zealand), Claire Dobbin (Australia), Ritesh Shah (India)

    1. Marten Rabarts – With more than 30 years of experience in the film industry, Marten Rabarts held his most recent position as the Festival Director of the New Zealand International Film Festival, following nearly 5 years heading EYE International at the EYE, the national film museum of the Netherlands. Prior to this, Marten served as the Head of Development and Training at NFDC India in Mumbai, where he established NFDC LABS, contributing to the success of films like The Lunchbox and Titli, among many others. Previously, Rabarts was Artistic Director of Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam for 12 years, which saw such successes as Michael Roskam’s Bullhead, cult hit The Babadook by Jennifer Kent, Cannes-winning Salvo by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, and Adina Pintilie’s 2018 Golden Bear Award winner Touch Me Not. Furthermore, Marten was a founding member of the advisory board of Torino Film Lab, is a voting member of the European Film Academy, served on the board of European Film Promotion, and regularly serves on festival juries, including the Berlinale (Short Film Jury, Generation 14plus, Teddy Awards), Skip City Tokyo, Adelaide Film Festival, and Guanajuato Film Festival, among others.

    2. Claire Dobbin – Claire is a globally active script editor, executive producer, and creative producer, collaborating with development agencies, screenwriters, producers, and directors. She has been serving as a script advisor since 2005 for the prestigious international script workshop éQuinoxe Europe, participating as a jury member in key international film festivals, and also organizing and leading international screenwriting workshops in diverse locations such as Italy, Ukraine, India, Norway, Doha, Dubai, Iran, Germany, and New Zealand. From 1986 to 2000, Claire held the position of Senior Executive (Creative) at Australia’s national screen agency. Between 2003 and 2019, Claire chaired the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), overseeing initiatives that made MIFF a cornerstone of the industry. She secured funds for MIFF’s international film finance market and established the MIFF Premiere Fund, investing in over 50 Australian films that premiered at MIFF. Claire’s achievements include receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for Services to the Australian Film Industry in 2017 and the Jill Robb Award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry in 2019. Currently, Claire serves as the executive producer for several films and is actively involved in script editing international feature films and TV series across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, India, and the United States.

    3. Ritesh Shah – Ritesh Shah did his Bachelors in English Literature from Hindu College (1993-1996) and has done his Masters in Mass Communications from MCRC, Jamia Milia Islamia. He began his career as a playwright with Act One Art Group, New Delhi. His works include the fringe award winner Othello – A play in black and white. Ritesh switched to television in 1999. His television writing credits include Josh, Kashmeer, Krishna Arjun and the award winning series Kagaar. Ritesh Shah began his film career by contributing dialogue to movies like Kahaani and Namastey London and then went on to co-write films like D-day and Airlift. His solo screenplay and dialogue credits include films like B.A. Pass, Citylights, Force, the critically acclaimed Pink and Raid. Ritesh Shah has been nominated for Filmfare award for best story for B.A.Pass and best screenplay for D-day for which he also won a Zee Cine Awards Nomination. He won the Filmfare, Zee Cine and Star Screen awards for best dialogue for Pink.

    Previous, award-winning projects that have originated from the NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab include LUNCHBOX (Ritesh Batra), LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA (Alankrita Shrivastava), DUM LAGA KE HAISHA (Sharat Katariya), TITLI (Kanu Behl), SHAB (Onir), A DEATH IN THE GUNJ (Konkona Sen Sharma), ISLAND CITY (Ruchika Oberoi), BOMBAY ROSE (Gitanjali Rao), and CHUSKIT (Priya Ramasubban), In the Belly of a Tiger (Siddartha Jatla), Fire in the Mountains (Ajitpal Singh) Ullozhukku (Christo Tomy) just to name a few.
     

  • MIB halts release of revised broadcasting services bill

    MIB halts release of revised broadcasting services bill

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has decided not to release a new draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill at this time. According to recent media reports, official sources from the MIB have indicated that there is no immediate need for this legislation and it has been put on hold.

    The Ministry had initially planned to issue a revised draft following varied feedback on the existing proposal, especially concerning the regulation of online content creators through licensing or registration. To address these concerns, MIB extended the feedback deadline to 15 October 2024 and intended to publish a new draft afterward. However, various media reports state that the government is now shifting its focus towards the Digital India Act to address these regulatory issues instead of pursuing further revisions of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.

    Since taking office in June, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has voiced reservations about the bill and has reportedly criticised the drafting process, according to sources. In fact, Vaishnaw had recently told The Hindu: “We are very open minded, very flexible and want to make sure that whatever we do, we do after taking all the diverse views into consideration.” 

    The bill would have required OTT broadcasting service operators and digital news broadcasters to notify the government of their operations, including subscriber and viewer numbers, within one month of the act’s publication. Social media intermediaries would also have needed to ensure compliance with all act requirements. It was intended to replace key provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.