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Tag: Bharatiya Janata Party

  • DD News stirs a storm by telecasting live RSS annual day event

    DD News stirs a storm by telecasting live RSS annual day event

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has come under fire from various political parties and social media activists for telecasing live-for the first time – the speech by Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to the organisation’s cadres.

    The RSS is the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party; it describes itself as a cultural outfit devoted to the betterment of the nation and upholding Hindu values.

     

    Almost all the opposition parties, which describe the RSS as anti-secular, said the telecast of the speech amounts to misuse of state television by the government.

    However, DD News Director Archana Dutta justified the telecast, saying: “It is a news event for us and that is why we covered it like any other newsworthy event.” However, this event has never been covered live, and in previous years including the years when Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee was Prime Minister, it was reported on by a stringer and not by a DD correspondent.”

     “DD is run by public money. So how is government using it to broadcast the RSS chief’s speech?” said Rashid Alvi of the Congress. “The RSS uses the occasion to propagate its Hindutva ideology,” said the CPI (M) declaring Doordarshan “has no business” in broadcasting the speech.

    The BJP’s Shaina NC defended the broadcast, stating, “I am glad that this speech has been highlighted and people realise that if there is one cadre in the country today that has genuinely contributed to patriotism and nation-building, it is the RSS.”

    The annual Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra speech by the RSS chief has never been telecast before by Doordarshan. The address articulates the organisation’s vision and agenda for its 4.5 million volunteers, who played an invaluable role in the electoral victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May, who was an RSS volunteer for many years before joining the BJP.

    Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that the decision was unacceptable, adding that the Congress refused to accept the RSS as ‘above board’ in the national discourse of India. “What they (the RSS) want and what they believe in is not in tune with the values of this country,” he said in comments to the media.

     

    The CPI-M also said it was an instance of the “public broadcaster being misused by the Modi government.”

     

    Prominent historian Ramachandra Guha called the decision a “dangerous misuse of the state machinery”, a tweet that has earned him an editorial in Niti Central, titled Ramachandra Guha’s hypocrisy on Doordarshan.

     

    The decision has also sparked a massive debate on Twitter with those for and against it clashing on the social network. Questions are being asked whether DD will also air speeches by the Chief of the Golden Temple, VC of Darul Uloom or the Archbishop of Sacred Heart Cathedral. 

  • Government takes legislative step to accommodate Nripendra Misra in PMO

    Government takes legislative step to accommodate Nripendra Misra in PMO

    NEW DELHI: The change of government always brings about a shake-up of senior executives in various posts, and this is done even if it necessitates changing laws to accommodate an individual or an individual’s chosen one.

     

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is being amended so that former TRAI chairman Nripendra Misra – a 1967-batch IAS officer who is now 69 years of age – can be appointed as principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

     

    A bill in this regard was introduced in the Lok Sabha to replace an ordinance brought out by the government to amend the act which prohibited its chairman and members from taking up any other job in the central or state governments after demitting office.

     

    Some Congress members told indiantelevision.com that this would open the Pandora’s Box as it would be used by every successive government to bring their favourites to key posts. Furthermore, this precedent may lead to amendments in other organisations where similar restrictions have been put in place.  

     

    With the Bharatiya Janata Party issuing a whip to its members to support the bill, it is bound to be passed. However, it may face a tougher task in the Rajya Sabha where the BJP does not have a majority.

     

    The TRAI (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was debated in the House today.

     

    According to the present TRAI Act: “The chairperson or any other member ceasing to hold office as such shall (a) be ineligible for further employment under the central government or any state government or (b) not accept any commercial employment, for a period of two years from the date he ceases to hold such office.”

     

    The ordinance amends this section to read as: “The chairperson and the whole-time members shall not, for a period of two years from the date on which they cease to hold office as such, except with the previous approval of the central government, accept “(a) any employment either under the central government or under any state government; or “(b) any appointment in any company in the business of telecommunication service.”

     

    Misra is an IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre and his appointment as principal secretary will be co-terminus with the term of the PM or till further orders, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel. The principal secretary to the PM is a key post and acts as main link for coordination among Prime Minister’s Office, cabinet secretariat and secretaries of ministries. 

  • Javadekar files nomination papers to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh

    Javadekar files nomination papers to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting, Forest and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Bhopal.

     

    The Minister’s term as a Rajya Sabha member came to an end on 2 April this year. He had been a member of the Upper House since 3 April 2008.

     

    Accompanied by his ministerial colleague and state Bharatiya Janata Party president Narendra Singh Tomar and his wife Prachi Javadekar, the Minister filed two sets of nomination papers before the returning officer Bhagwandev Ishrani at the Madhya Pradesh assembly premises in the presence of party leaders over the weekend.

     

  • Modi most popular, even as negative sentiments grow

    Modi most popular, even as negative sentiments grow

    MUMBAI: The eighth phase of the elections just ended and with only one last phase left, the 16th Lok Sabha general elections are turning out to be something that India has not seen in a long time.

     

    The media, especially the social media, has become a major part of these elections. Many even claim that the medium along with television has become a talking point amongst many and has been able to influence.

     

    Social media has become such an important part for news channels that they need to use it to know what people have to say about the various issues cropping up this election – be it Narendra Modi’s road show in Varansi or Priyanka Gandhi entering the battlefield to defend her younger brother, Rahul Gandhi.

     

    Various digital agencies have jumped on this golden opportunity and are trying to read and understand the trend as well as what creates Indians to log on to the virtual world and discuss.

     

    To The New, an integrated digital services network, is one such agency that has launched a comparative study of politicians and top political parties of the two weeks (Week 1: 22 to 28 April; Week 2:  29 April to 5 May).

     

    As per the report, as the elections come to its end the negative sentiments is what is gripping people. The report created on the basis of the analysis of digital conversations across various social platforms such as Twitter, blogs, forums and news sites, says that all the parties saw an increase in negative buzz compared to last week.

     

    AAP topped the chart with highest number of negative mentions. The negative mentions doubled wherein in week 1 there were 33575 negative mentions, in week 2 it went as high as 66245. Congress followed it with an increase of almost 10,000 negative mentions (43793 as compared to last week’s 33824).

     

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came in third with 45585 negative mentions as compared to previous week’s 38617. BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s negative sentiment has shot up drastically in week 2. The sentiments grew more than double for Modi with AAP’s Dr Kumar Vishwas coming second.

     

    What is interesting is the fact that on similar notes, the positive sentiments too were the highest for Modi while AAP’s founder Arvind Kejriwal came second. However, the difference between the two was of many yards. Having said that, the positive sentiments saw a minor negative slide.

     

    A lot of buzz was generated around Congress and AAP, whereas BJP witnessed a drop in this regard in week 2. Also, Modi was yardsticks ahead of others when it came to personalities. He, however, did see a decrease in the buzz around him. From 154,386 mentions it fell to 133,460 for Modi.

     

    Meanwhile, Dr Kumar Vishwas and Rahul Gandhi saw an increase in buzz during week 2. But Arvind Kejriwal came in second amongst the top 10 personalities.

     

    With just a week to go, the talks – good, bad or ugly – are only going to intensify as everyone waits with abated breath to see who will sit on the PM’s seat this time around.

     

    Click here for detailed report

  • Interview of Narendra Modi at Zee News

    Interview of Narendra Modi at Zee News

    MUMBAI: Claiming to know the pulse of the nation, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi took the fight to the enemy camp saying that the foundation for a new government had already been laid.

     

    He said recent statements by Congress leadership in regard to support likely to a Third Front meant that the party had accepted defeat. “When elections were announced there was talk of a hung Parliament. Now there is talk of support to non NDA government. I am not myself saying anything. Congress statements themselves show that the mother-son government is on the way out and the foundation for a new government has been laid.”

     

    Commenting on the idea behind the popular BJP’s slogan “Acche din aane wale hain”, Modi said, “While inaugurating Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan PM Manmohan Singh assured good days will come despite gloomy economic scenario. Next day I had a meeting there where I narrated PM’s slogan and the entire hall burst into laughter. The message was clear.”

     

    Maintaining his attack on Congress, he said, “Look at all bad things in this country and they all add up to define Congress today. That is why all miss-governance gets identified with Congress. There is negativity all round.”

     

    Modi, however, sounded optimistic for May 16. “The moment results come out on May 16 we will move out of negativity. The country will take 125 core steps forward. 2014 is an election of hope. Aspiration yields positive energy which leads to growth of the country.”

     

    Refusing to be drawn further on the issue of ever growing personal attacks, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate said, “We are committed to the slogan of good governance and development. People have liked our pitch.”  To substantiate his view, he cited an earlier instance of good governance. “In 2001 the massive earthquake had devastated Gujarat and within a short span of time the state got back on the development track.”

     

    However, in response to another question, on heightened attacks on him and BJP by Mamata Banerjee and other regional leaders, he sounded aggressive in his response. “Six phases of polling have already taken place. The mood of the nation is known to everyone. That is why the heightened attack. They have nothing to offer of their own. Their objective is to aim to dislodge him.”

     

    On how he faced up to the Gandhi troika, he said, “It is not just the Gandhi family. All UPA allies are up against me. It is Modi versus the rest. The irony is that instead of evaluating the performance of their government, they are all auditing Gujarat model.”

     

    Modi reiterated that his brand of politics revolved purely on development. “I am not in favour of vote bank politics. I am not for communal and caste politics. I oppose them.”

     

    Citing his own humble background to buttress the point, he said, “Is it a sin to be poor in this country? I come from a poor background but I have never used poverty as a political ploy. I am here today having sold tea in train compartments.” He categorically denied he was in race for power but reiterated his commitment to work towards building a modern India.

     

    In response to another question on whether he had raised far too many expectations, he said he was no dream seller but had a sense of the pulse of the people of this country. “There has to be a commitment to governance and that is my promise. I have not made any tall claims.” Citing what these steps would be, he quoted the example of sanitation.  “Small steps will make a difference to shed all round negativity. There are no toilets for women in most part of India. This has to change.”     

     

    Modi said he was like any other citizen and lived life like a commoner. “I am not a robot. I am a common man. I think and act like a common man. I have a commitment to the common man. But I have my own limitations like any other human being.”    

     

    Evading question on Baba Ramdev’s measures to improve the economy, Modi said, “My expert team will decide about the economic decision. Don’t bring Baba Ramdev in such things”. Was he readying his team ahead of his party’s claim of NDA coming to power, Modi said, “My current KRA is to fight and win the election. I am not thinking of anything else.”

     

    On stock market rally ahead of elections, he said there had been a needless controversy. Without getting into directly attacking the finance minister, he said, “It is for investing community to respond to as to why it mentions my name and not that of the Prime Minister and finance minister.”

  • Al Jazeera goes behind the scenes on Narendra Modi’s campaign

    Al Jazeera goes behind the scenes on Narendra Modi’s campaign

    MUMBAI: As part of its election programming, Al Jazeera English takes the viewers on a campaign trail with Gujarat State Chief Minister Narender Modi in his bid to become India’s next prime minister.

     

    A special from 101 East, ‘Modi the Messiah?’ premieres on Friday, April 25 and will examine the anticipation around Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. Reporter Karishma Vyas gathers views from leaders from BJP, political scientist and industrialists in Gujarat where Modi has been in power as the state’s Chief Minister and residents of the state.

     

    Prakash Javadekar, Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha and a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party sharing his views about Modi with Al Jazeera: “This time people are voting for aspiration, for progress. This is a radical change which is happening in the parliament election. This election is all about development, development, development. Inflation, unemployment, stagnation, all has caused great pains for common people and corruption. There is a feeling in the people that they have been looted left, right and center. Modi is the man of integrity, man of honesty, incorruptible record and performance. People want delivery; he is the man of delivery”.

     

    Kalpesh A Patel, Executive Director, Nirma said, “We have already been serving the benefits of Mr. Modi as a head of the state, and I think the entire nation is looking to him to shoulder the responsibility so why only should Gujarat benefit? The entire country should benefit and the entire country should prosper and see the change and the improvement in the process.”

     

    Zoya Hasan, a political scientist and a former member of the National Commission for Minorities says, “This is a highly competitive election as never before. There’s a Hindu undercurrent running through the Modi campaign even though it is not upfront and upfront is talk of development. It’s been a procession of support from the corporate sector because they see Modi as business friendly, as someone who is prepared to do what it takes to promote economic growth unhindered. Modi is an extremely autocratic, authoritarian leader who is being presented in this campaign as the decisive leader that India needs.”

     

    However, a shadow hangs over his candidature, as Chief Minister in Gujarat state the self-proclaimed Hindu nationalist presided over one of the worst massacres of Muslims in the Indian history. In February 2002, four months after Modi became the state’s chief minister – deadly communal clashes engulfed the streets of Gujarat. Though, Modi has denied culpability in these riots, and a Supreme Court ordered investigation has concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to charge him with any crime.

     

    One of the riot victims said, “We lost our family, we lost our neighbours, we lost the people that were in our lives every day. I pray to God for them. I sit here and remember them. It feels like they’re still with me and I’m sitting with them.”

     

    101 East is a weekly television programme, broadcast by Al Jazeera English that focuses on current affairs in Asia and the Pacific.

     

    Tune into Al Jazeera on Dish TV 618 and Tata Sky Channel 518 on April 25 at 1500 IST to catch the premiere of 101 East Modi the Messiah? episode

  • Campaigning with a purpose

    Campaigning with a purpose

    MUMBAI: The countdown to the ‘who will claim the kursi’ has started and finally after spending enough and more moolah on advertising and campaigning, the world’s largest democracy will vote for its 16th Lok Sabha.

    Indiantelevision.com brings to you a roundup of all the television commercials launched by Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo the voters – young or old, man or woman – and what was the message the parties wanted to convey through these.

    Campaigns by Congress

    India’s transformation

    Storyboard: The ad focuses on one man who is taken aback with no ATMs, no flyovers or no mobile phones. Only to be woken up to the reality which is quite different. He is relieved to see that the amenities, which have become an integral part of our lives today, are back. He laughs off the dream and is happy about how our lives have changed in the past 10 years, thanks to all the development.

    Purpose of the ad: The adverts show the progress the country has made in the last 10 years i.e. under the UPA regime. Be it telecom, infrastructure or other facilities, everything has become a part of our lives.

    Click here to watch the video

    The video highlights the inclusive growth, economic development and social equity achieved through the various welfare schemes of the Central Government. It underscores the impact of policy decisions at the ground level for participatory governance within the right framework.

    Bharat Nirman

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: A police jeep enters a busy street where street vendors are galore. The police hawaldar screams on top of his voice from the jeep telling the vendors to shut their shops as it is not allowed. However, one vendor (selling golguppas) refuses to bow down to the halwaldar’s dhamkis of shifting his cart to some other place. He proudly tells the policeman that he has a government approved licence to work and that it is his right.

    Purpose of the ad: Through this campaign, Congress wants to highlight the scheme which helps street vendors. The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2014 which was passed by the Lok Sabha on 6 September 2013, provides for protection of livelihood rights and social security of street vendors.

    Kattar Soch Nahi, Yuva Josh

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: The TVC revolves around a youngster (Hasiba Amin, a youth congress representative) who says that since India is a young country where 50 per cent of the population is under 30 years, only a party which can understand their beliefs, expectations, mindset, problems and dreams needs to come to power. And the party which does so is none other than Congress. So, under the leadership of young Rahul Gandhi, the youngsters can grow. The mantra is ‘not extremist thinking, but youthful energy’.

    Purpose: To bring forward Rahul Gandhi’s ideology of approaching the youngsters to come together and work for the betterment of the country. RaGa’s vision suggests that we are young minds and should not believe in fanaticism but youthfulness.

    Har Haath Shakti, Har Haath Tarakki

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: Again in this TVC, a youngster (Shabbir Ahmad, a youth congress supporter) is shown talking about his credence in Rahul Gandhi’s vision that we need to bring a change in our country with RTI, Food Security Bill, Lokpal Bill and Employment guarantee. He supports the vision for future which is to have ‘more equal, more caring society.’

    Purpose:  The ad highlights the need for the society to stand together. It also says that it is under Congress’ guidance/ hand that the whole nation will develop. The ad also highlights how the party has given a common man the power through its various schemes and bills. And this will empower them.

    Congress Ke Mazboot Haath

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot, Nirupam Roy, Jyotiraditya Scindia and many more can be seen sitting and discussing matters which concerns the nation and what can be done to address them. In the background, a song plays which symbolizes these politicians as Congress’ strong hands and it is they who will ensure that India moves forward.

    Purpose: Moving towards a stronger India, Congress soldiers will always ensure people’s betterment and it will continue its efforts to provide a happy and prosperous life for all.

    Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP): campaigns at a glance

    Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: The black and white advert highlights how even though the country has progressed and people have sent there girls for higher education and work in other cities, they are not at ease. The woman/mother in the ad, stresses on the fact that the country isn’t safe in current government’s hands as women aren’t safe.

    Purpose: After the Delhi gang rape case and many more that followed it, the campaign highlights the fact that the government has failed to provide safety to the women of the country and worse, hasn’t been able to punish the culprits.

    I will Choose BJP, My Vote for Modi

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: A cobbler is shown reciting how a party headed by a dynasty has ruled the country for years and has filled its own pockets, while the poor has remained stagnant. He goes on to say that this time he for his self-respect, will choose BJP and vote for Modi.

    Purpose: To showcase how poor have remained poor in the country while the politicians and others have filled their pockets.

    Vote for BJP

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: The animated ad shows an umpire and a cricketer being disturbed by people who want their wishes to be fulfilled. People are shown screaming ‘humari maange poori karo’ while demanding petty things.

    Purpose: These ads were launched during the T20 World Cup, and hence revolves around cricket (umpire and cricketers). The ads take a dig at Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    BJP Anthem

    Click here to watch the video

    Storyboard: The anthem shows BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi swearing by the motherland that he will not let her get destroyed and everyone will get his/her due. People from different socio-economic backgrounds are shown highlighting their concerns – no jobs, no safety, no economic growth etc.

    Purpose: To bring to focus the scams and other issues concerning the common man to foreground. Through the anthem, the BJP is trying to give out a strong message to the voters, that if Modi comes to power, he will take the country to an upward growth.  

  • BJP against ban on Indian movies in Pakistan

    BJP against ban on Indian movies in Pakistan

    NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party is concerned over news reports from across the border that a Pakistani Court has imposed restrictions on screening of Indian Hindi films all across Pakistan.

     

    This comes close after Pakistan electronic media regulator recently slapped fines worth Rs 10 million on 10 entertainment Pakistan channels for airing excessive Indian films and TV serials, but BJP Convener for Overseas  Affairs said Indian films have always strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations.

     

    In a letter to the Pakistan High Commissioner, he said popular Bollywood movies promote cross-cultural friendship. Many Pakistanis watch Bollywood films since they understand Hindi due to its linguistic similarity to Urdu. Each year Indian Bollywood produces 900 films. ‘Your Lahore based Lollywood has always considered Mumbai Bollywood as its competitor. But a court petition by a known anti India Pakistan film producer Mubshir Lucman demanding that Indian movies completely shot in India and sponsored by an Indian cannot be screened in your country is “Retrogressive” and BJP is opposed to such demands and ban.’

     

    In modern times Pakistani actors, gazal, qawwali and Sufi singers perform freely in India. Pakistan TV shows have been equally popular in India. But India never imposed a ban on Pak artistes. Though Pakistan had banned Hindi films release from year 1965 to 2008, but prominent Indian films like Tere Bin Laden, The Dirty Picture, David, Khiladi 786, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Ek Tha Tiger, Agent Vinod and Chennai Express in recent times did not get the clearance from Pakistan Film Censor Board. BJP considers it to be a regrettable decision, Jolly said.

     

    Bollywood movies in Pakistan has led to new Cineplexes coming up in major Pakistan cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. “Pakistanis love Indian movies. These have brought Pak viewers back to your cinema halls. We understand that nearly eight million Pakistanis go to movies on a daily basis. Employment and business is generated.”

     

    “But the new tax regime proposed by your government is the real stumbling block. The adjustable withholding tax levied on all foreign films and TV serials have given birth to ‘fake papers & black market’ film sector industry in your country. You ban the pirated film copies and we understand it. But the genuine film industry and the viewers should not suffer. We urge you to take this issue with the government of Pakistan and ensure a level playing field for Indian film industry in Pakistan entertainment sector”, he said.

  • Delhi HC issues notice on petition for action against social networking sites

    Delhi HC issues notice on petition for action against social networking sites

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Finance and Home Ministries among others for recovery of taxes from social networking sites and action against them for not stopping fake users.

    On a petition filed by former Bharatiya Janata Party ideologue K N Govindacharya, currently patron of ‘Rashtriya Swabhimaan Aandolan‘, justices B D Ahmad and R V Easwar also issued notices to the ministries of Law and Justice, Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Personnel and Training and asked them to file their responses within six weeks.

    The court, which has now fixed the matter for hearing on 9 April, had earlier issued notices to the Information and Technology Ministry, Facebook India and Google India on the PIL seeking recovery of tax from social networking sites, arising out of their Internet-based business in the country.

    In his plea, Govindacharya also sought directions to the Centre and two websites to “ensure proper accounting compliances as per RBI guidelines”.

    The petition wanted a direction to ensure safety of data of 50 million Indian users, which were transferred “to the US and being used for commercial gains in violation of right to privacy”.

    “Issue a writ of mandamus … To ensure verification of all existing users and future new members of social networking websites with instructions not to do agreements with children below 13 years,” the PIL, filed through lawyer Virag Gupta, said.

    A national register of persons indulging in sexual offences and heinous crimes be maintained and such persons be “refrained” from joining social networking websites, it said.

    The petition, which chronicles violations of various terms by the websites, also sought a direction to the Centre to ensure that government officers do “not use social networking websites through office computers” as they may pose threat to sensitive data and national computer network.

    “As per Telecommunication Minister‘s statement before Parliament, government lost $4 billion every year due to cyber crimes and approximately 90 million government websites hacked in last 3 years,” the petition said.

    Govindacharya said, “Facebook gross revenue for previous year approximately $ 37 billion but they are not paying due taxes on their Indian operations as per provisions of Double Tax Avoidance Agreement and government is not taking any action to safeguard the national interest and sovereignty of India.”

    It has also sought directions to the Centre to impose penalty on social networking sites and other Internet companies “for non-verification of users and to recover damages for causing huge loss to government and Indian economy due to anonymous users illegal operations through such sites”.

    Referring to a report of Mumbai ATS, the PIL said the accused of the 13 July blast in Mumbai last year were in touch with each other and the Indian Mujahideen operatives through Facebook since 2008.

    “Facebook is one of prominent social networking website with more than 50 million Indian users and as per their own records approximately 5-6 per cent of their accounts are fake or being operated by anonymous users due to non-authentication of details by the company before opening of accounts as required by their terms of agreement,” it said.

    The Centre‘s KYC (know your customer) guidelines, applicable to telecom companies are not being followed by the social sites which is “causing the biggest security risk to nation”, it said.

    “As per reports, Facebook has further allowed account opening by children below 13 years of age who may be 1/3rd of their registered users just to exploit on line gaming market and increase advertisement revenue,” it said.

    According to Govindacharya, the plea is being filed to protect the interest of more than 1.5 crore Indian children who have joined Facebook against the terms of agreement and public policy.

    The children are being exposed to “easy, free, convenient and anonymous” pornographic and objectionable materials which may lead to their exploitation, he said.

  • RSS activists attack Aaj Tak, Headlines Today office in New Delhi

    RSS activists attack Aaj Tak, Headlines Today office in New Delhi

    NEW DELHI: The offices of Aaj Tak and Headlines Today at Jhandewalan area in Central Delhi were attacked by alleged Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists today.

    Hundreds of suspected RSS members ransacked the private news channel office of the TV Today Group, smashed glasspanes and destroyed furniture, even as some police persons were present.

    It is learnt that the attack was triggered by the Headlines Today sting operation suggesting saffron leaders’ involvement in Malegaon and Ajmer blasts. The report, which was aired on Thursday, invited the ire of the Hindu activists.

    In the report, the channel had featured Bharatiya Janata Party leader BL Sharma, who made inflammatory remarks against a particular community. The story had said saffron leaders being involved in Malegaon and Ajmer blasts. Others who were put on dock were RSS leader Indresh Kumar, Delhi-based endocrinologist Dr RP Singh and Sharad Kunthe, head of the chemistry department at Pune’s Wadia College.

    Headlines Today “had exposed how elements in the saffron brigade had plotted Vice-President Hamid Ansari’s assassination and attacks on minorities and had links with the Mecca Masjid and Ajmer Sharif bomber,” says a report in India Today.

    The incident has been condemned by the Editors Guild, senior journalists including Rajdeep Sardesai and Upendra Rai, and several political leaders. RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav said the issue would be raised in Parliament in the session beginning later this month.

    The attack has been condemned by the Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and media fraternity. Soni said the matter would be inquired into.