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Tag: Kolkata

  • Aamir Khan dreams of making a film on Maulana Azad

    Aamir Khan dreams of making a film on Maulana Azad

    KOLKATA: Claiming that he has read Maulana Azad’s books, Aamir Khan said it is his dream to make a film on his great grand uncle Maulana Abul Kalam Azad someday.

     

    “I hope that someday I will be able to use my art to make a film on his life. It is my dream to do that. I wish I had met him, known him. I have read his books drinking in every word,” Khan said after the inauguration of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival in Kolkata.

     

    He further added that Azad had an extremely progressive and fertile mind.

     

    Sitaram Sharma, chairman of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, said that full support would be given to the actor-producer for his film.

     

    Reminiscing what Maulana Abul Kalam Azad told his uncle and director Naseer Khan, the actor further said, “had Naseer not got support from Azad, he would never have been in the film industry.”

     

    “My father came into films because of my uncle. Had my father not been into films, probably I would have been somewhere else today,” he further said.

     

    “Just do what your heart says,” was the message Azad had given to his uncle and director Naseer Khan when he wanted to make films. Aamir said and ironically this was the message of his super successful film 3 Idiots too.

  • Financial books of some Kolkata MSOs should be audited: Analysts

    Financial books of some Kolkata MSOs should be audited: Analysts

    KOLKATA: At a time when some multi-system operators (MSOs) in Kolkata are stuck in a legal battle with the government authorities over non-payment of taxes, city-based analysts feel that the financial books of some MSOs should be duly audited.

    “Some MSOs should be audited by the authorities as non-payment of taxes is causing loss to the state as well as central exchequer,” says a cable TV analyst Mrinal Chatterjee.

    Last year, in August 2013, Kolkata-based MSO Kolkata Cable & Broadband Pariseva Ltd (KCBPL) managing director Bijoy Kumar Agarwal was arrested for evading service tax payment to the tune of Rs 5.52 crore. Agarwal was arrested during a raid conducted by the service tax officials probing the alleged financial irregularities of the MSO.

    Says a local cable operator (LCO), “All these years, it was the LCOs who were held responsible for all the deeds and misdeeds. Now digitisation has helped in unfolding the truth that even the MSOs are resorting to unfair means to do their business. The government authorities must look into the matter seriously.”

    Trouble for operators in Kolkata seems to be intensifying. Before it was the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and now they are being closely monitored by the tax inspectors, police authorities and even the judiciary.

  • Telecom spectrum auction further delayed

    Telecom spectrum auction further delayed

    NEW DELHI: The spectrum auction which has been put off from time to time will begin on 3 February 2014. The Department of Telecom (DoT) had been asked to give clarifications to a number of questions from mobile phone companies like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India on spectrum usage charges, option of withdrawing from auction and availability of contiguous spectrum but there is still no clarity on these issues.

    According to a notice issued today, the DoT will now give clarifications on the concerns raised by service providers on 2 January. The department has also extended the last date for operators to submit their applications to bid in the auction to 15 January.

    While DoT will announce the pre-qualification of bidders by 25 January, bidders will also be given an option to withdraw their applications, according to the changes in the auction schedule. Service providers had objected to DoT’s move to remove the option of withdrawing their bids, as was allowed in the last auction.

    Operators will now be allowed to withdraw their bids by 27 January and the final list of bidders will be announced on 29 January. A mock auction will be conducted over 30 and 31 January.

    Leading operators like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India had warned DoT in a pre-bid conference held last week that they could stay away from the upcoming bandwidth auctions if the government continued with the present cascading spectrum usage charge (SUC) regime, instead of moving to a flat fee structure of 3 per cent.

    The government levies SUC between 3-8 per cent of revenue earned by telecom companies from telecom services, depending on the quantum of airwaves held.

    The telecom department is set to auction 403 Mhz in 1800 Mhz and 46 Mhz in the 900 Mhz bands in the next round of auctions, beginning 23 January. The government aims to raise Rs 40,874.5 crore from spectrum revenue this fiscal year ending 31 March 2014, including one-time spectrum fee, and has its hopes pinned on this round to raise funds to limit its budget deficit.

    Operators stayed away from the last two rounds held in November 2012 and March 2013 citing very high reserve prices and low spectrum availability. The government has set the reserve price in 1800 Mhz at Rs 1,765 per unit for pan-India airwaves, 25 per cent lower than the last auctions.

    DoT also lowered the reserve price for Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata circles in 900 Mhz band by 53 per cent from last auctions to Rs 360 crore, Rs 328 crore and Rs 125 crore respectively.

  • Kolkata to miss the 31 Dec TRAI deadline for gross billing?

    Kolkata to miss the 31 Dec TRAI deadline for gross billing?

     

    KOLKATA: The Kolkata multi-system operators (MSOs) are likely to miss the 31 December deadline given by the Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) to start gross billing.

     

    The cable TV sources in Kolkata feel that the MSOs will not be able to meet the deadline. “They are likely to start the gross billing for the month of December from 7 January,” say the sources.

     

    It should be noted that the 31 December deadline was granted, as the MSOs missed the earlier 15 December deadline to start gross billing in phase I areas. Says Kolkata based cable TV analyst Mrinal Chatterjee, “Kolkata missed the deadline since neither the MSO nor the last mile owner (LMO) are prepared for the process.”

     

    Kolkata has around 30 lakh cable television homes. “The MSOs updated the minister on the total process of digitisation and billing.  As of now we have ad-hoc billing, but soon billing as per package will start. Though customers are happy, the operators do not want the billing to be in place,” opines Siticable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia.

     

    Siticable has around 10-11 lakh STBs in Kolkata DAS I area.

     

    Explaining the nitty-gritty’s of bill payment, a MSO says, “If a customer has chosen a package of Rs 180, he will have to pay Rs 180, plus Rs 10 (amusement tax) and12.36 per cent service tax.”

       
    A LMO affiliated to Hathway Cable & Datacom informs that the MSO has sent the bills to him in a compact disk (CD) and expects him to take a print out and give it to customers.

     

    The way things are progressing, it seems like another deadline is on its way to be missed.

  • Coca-Cola is all set to bring the Football Frenzy to India

    Coca-Cola is all set to bring the Football Frenzy to India

    MUMBAI: The Countdown has begun for the arrival of the ultimate FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola in Kolkata.

     

    Football fans will get a chance to dive into the madness of Football and be part of Football history with a once-in-a-lifetime photo op with the original, solid gold FIFA World Cup™.

     

    The Trophy is currently in Bhutan and is all set to fly to Kathmandu tomorrow, following which it will be coming down to Kolkatta for a 3-day football festivity

     

    Over the last one month, Kolkata has been living the football madness with celebrations across city paras and communities as part of Coca-Cola’s 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Campaign. Special events were held across the city in celebration of Kolkata’s passionate love for the game. Thousands of fans got the opportunity to win tickets to a special Trophy interaction open for consumers, to be held on 23rd December.

     

    The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is on its longest journey to date, visiting 88 countries over a span of 9 months.

     

    On this third global FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, World Football’s greatest prize will be travelling 149,576.78 km (That’s 3.75 times round the world!!) reaching to over 800,000 people with this special Football experience.

    Did you know these facts about the Trophy ?
    · The Trophy bears the engraved years and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974
    · The authentic, one of a kind FIFA World Cup™ Trophy weighs 6.175 kg and is made of solid 18ct Gold
    · The Trophy cannot be won outright – The winners receive a gold plated replica
    · The Trophy can only be held by former winners, current winners and the heads of State

  • TRAI gives MSOs another CAF extension till December end

    TRAI gives MSOs another CAF extension till December end

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has again shown forbearance towards multi-system operators (MSOs). The regulator has given another extension to the MSOs and asked them to submit 100 per cent consumer application forms (CAFs) by December end along with the compliance report. The regulator met the five national MSOs and a few state players today in New Delhi to get an update on the situation of DAS phase I and II cities.

    “TRAI has given us the extension looking at our performance since the last meeting held on 29 November. While we had achieved only 45 per cent CAF in DAS phase II areas when we met last, this time the figure stands at 65-70 per cent,” says one of the MSO who attended the meeting.

     The MSOs are confident of achieving the figure by the month end. “If TRAI continues its pressure and resolves to take some action against those not complying, I am sure we can achieve 100 per cent figure,” he says.

    Acknowledging the issues in Hyderabad, TRAI has shown leniency towards the city. “The 100 per cent CAF doesn’t include Hyderabad,” says the MSO.

    Apart from representatives of the five national MSOs, the others that attended the meeting chaired by TRAI principal advisor N. Parameswaran included: Manthan from Kolkata and Ranchi, UCN from Nagpur and MSOs from Vishakapatnam and Gujarat among others.

    The TRAI also reviewed the gross billing status in the DAS phase I cities. The MSOs had to start billing from December. “The subscribers need to get the bills as per their package plan from December.  The regulator has said that either the local cable operators (LCOs) or MSOs can bill the subscribers and has asked us to send the compliance report by 31 December,” informs the MSO.
    That apart, the MSOs in Kolkata and Delhi have decided to join hands and educate the consumers on gross billing. “While seven players in Kolkata will publish ads in leading newspapers in Kolkata, approximately three MSOs in Delhi have decided to come together for the print campaign,” he adds.

  • Reserve price for the auction of telecom spectrum in 1800 MHz and 900 MHz bands finalised

    Reserve price for the auction of telecom spectrum in 1800 MHz and 900 MHz bands finalised

    NEW DELHI: The reserve price for 1800 MHz band has been fixed for Rs 1,765 crore per MHz Pan India, which works out to be Rs 8,825 crore for 5 MHz Pan India.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the finalisation of the reserve price for auction of spectrum in 1800 MHz band for all service areas and for 900 MHz band in Metro service areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

    According to the recommendation of the Empowered Group of Ministers, the reserve price for 900 MHz band of Rs 360 crore, Rs 328 crore and Rs. 125 crore per MHz in Metro service areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata respectively.

    The decisions will result in further efficient utilisation of the scarce natural resource of spectrum facilitating expansion of telecom services in the country.

  • OH MY GOLD! is back with a new season on TLC

    OH MY GOLD! is back with a new season on TLC

    DELHI: TLC presents a new season of its successful series based on gold in India,OH MY GOLD! which will be hosted by model and actress Jennifer Kotwal. In the new season,Jennifer Kotwalsets off on a three city adventure to investigate the common obsession with gold in Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. OH MY GOLD!will premiere on December 13 every night at 9PM on TLC.

    In OH MY GOLD!, Jennifer Kotwal embarks on a jewellery escapade where she indulges in the most exquisite jewellery, gilded in gold and studded with precious gems. Besides the traditional, quintessentially region specific ornaments, Jennifer Kotwal also catches up with each city’s most celebrated jewellery experts who craft the most incredible pieces of the golden metal.

    Rahul Johri, Senior VP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific,said, “TLC has consistently presented and invested in new genres such as travel, food, makeover and now jewellery. Based on the tremendous response of the viewers, TLC is delighted to bring the new season of the extremely popular series ‘OH MY GOLD!’This new season will take viewers on a glittering journeythat will celebrate the country’s eternal love for jewellery.”

    Excited on the launch of her series on TLC, Jennifer Kotwal, said, “I have always been mesmerized by the beauty and sanctity of the precious metal. I am thrilled to be associated with TLC and hosting the new season on my choicest subject. Its only leaves me saying OH MY GOLD!

    What all viewers can watch in OH MY GOLD!

    Kolkata: Jennifer embraces the culture and heritage of Kolkata to unveil the glittering story of gold. She visits Kolkata’s renowned jewellery store, Senco Gold. Jennifer takes the viewers on an enlightening journey to showcase 7 decades of Bengal’s tryst with gold. Jennifer then meets Siddhartha Sawansukha, a connoisseur, an artist and a prolific visionary when it comes to jewellery.

    Bengaluru: In this episode, Jennifer Kotwal embarks upon a glorious gold trail through the beautiful garden city of Bengaluru as she investigates if the intriguing blend of modernity and tradition that sets this metropolis apart, is also reflected in the city’s most desired jewellery.

    Delhi: Jennifer Kotwal immerses herself deep into the city’s flamboyant love for ‘all that glitters’. The nation’s capital, with all it’s grandiosity showcases extreme indulgences, of the sparkling kind. Jennifer gets to learn more about the glory and abundance that ancient Delhi and its rulers were steeped in and as she indulges in stunning re-creations of ‘antique style’ jewellery. The jewellery of Delhi captures a bit of history, while blending with the style trends of the present day.

  • Kolkata celebrates Jhiliks wedding beyond the show

    Kolkata celebrates Jhiliks wedding beyond the show

    MUMBAI: Maa is one of the oldest shows on Star Jalsha which has been running strong for the last 4 years. Telecast at 8pm every Monday to Saturday, it’s a clear and consistent slot leader and has huge amount of loyalty among its viewers. The show delineates the story of Jhilik, a girl who has been orphaned at a very young age. Over time Jhilik has become the most loved character on Bengali TV. Viewers have showered their love and affection on her as would on their own daughters. It is this love and loyalty that helps the show deliver robust viewership with a TSV in the range of 20-22 mins.

    So, when the story reached the point where Jhilik is being married off, we decided to do something big and special. We wanted to celebrate Jhilik’s iconic status by taking the marriage celebrations from beyond the show, from reel to real. It was only fair that the whole of Kolkata witnessed and was a part of the wedding of its most favorite daughter.

    What we did? We erected the first live hoarding with an ongoing Shehnai performance. The live hoarding was on display at the heart of the city of Kolkata from 15th to 18th of November 2013. We had 6 Shenhai artists performing in rotation atop a hoarding decorated in the fashion of a marriage hall.  Apart from the wedding celebration theme that made use of drapes, 50 kgs of flowers and wedding motif designs, the live performance itself served as the buzz creator and became the talk of the town. The buzz it created was palpable with a huge word of mouth spread.

    Sweets were distributed to mark the occasion, the crowd was excited about such a novel initiative and showed full support and enthusiasm. They sent lots of blessings for Jhilik and ensured they be part of the wedding, which was reflected in the instant hike in the show ratings.