64th National Film Awards, 2016 announced

Kasaav awarded Best Feature Film and Sathamanam Bhavathi awarded as Best Popular Film providing Wholesome Entertainment

Akshay Kumar to be given Best Actor award for the film Rustom;

Uttar Pradesh awarded Most Film Friendly State Award; Jharkhand given the Special Mention Award

Ms. Surabhi awarded Best Actress for the Malayalam movie Minnaminungu-The Firefly
Rajesh Mapuskar given Best Direction Award for Marathi movie Ventilator

The 64^th National Film Awards 2016 were announced today by the Chairpersons of the juries on Feature Films, Non Feature Films, Best Writing on Cinema and Most Film Friendly State Award. The Feature Film Central panel was headed by Shri Priyadarshan, an eminent Film filmmaker popularly known for his Malayalam movie Kanchivaram. The Chairperson for Non – Feature Film Jury was Shri Raju Mishra while the Chairperson for Writing Jury was Ms. Bhawana Somaaya. The Most Film Friendly State award which was introduced as a new category was announced by Shri Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, a popular Director in Telugu film industry. The National Film Awards would be presented by Hon’ble President of India on May 3^rd, 2017.

Prior to the announcement of awards, the Jury Members of the 64th National Film Awards for Best Writing on Cinema submitted its report to the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rathore today. The Jury Members for the Feature and Non- Feature categories submitted the reports yesterday to the Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Venkaiah Naidu.

Some of the prominent winners in various categories for this year National Film Awards included Kasaav in Best Feature Film category and Fireflies in the Abyss in the Non-Feature Film Category. Ms. Sonam Kapoor was awarded Special Mention Award in the Feature Films Category for her role in the movie Neerja. Movies in the languages other than those specified in the VIII Schedule of the constitution in the feature Film categories were also awarded. The award for the best Moran Film was given to Haanduk while best Tulu film was given to Madipu.

Best Film Critic award was given to G. Dhananjayan for his in depth analysis on a wide range of topics such as film genres, brands, new strategies in movie watching, taxation impact and ticket pricing. Special Mention Award was given to the K.P. Jayashankar and Anjali Monteiro for the book ‘A fly in the Curry’. Best Book on Cinema award was given to ‘Lata- Sur Gatha’ authored by Yatindra Mishra.

Special Jury Award in the Feature category was given to Mohanlal for his mastery in dealing with characters of various shades with unparallel acting brilliance.

Special Jury Award in the Non-Feature category was given to ‘The Cinema Travellers’. This year a new category ‘Best on-location Sound Recordist’ in the Non-Feature Film section of the National Film Awards was also introduced.

The state of Uttar Pradesh was awarded the Most Film Friendly State award for implementing a unique film policy. The State’s Film Policy included various measures to create a suitable environment, which not only invited shooting of films on a large scale in the State but also promoted other activities related to various aspects of film production including financial incentives for filmmakers.

The state of Jharkhand was given Special Mention Award for their Film Policy which provided growth opportunities to the local filmmaking talent from within the State.

Click here to see List of National Film Award Winners in Various Categories.

Hasina arrives on 4-day visit, PM Modi receives her at airport

New Delhi, Apr 7 (PTI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina arrived here today on a four-day visit during which she will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Narendra Modi, who was at the airport to receive her as a special gesture.

During Hasina's visit, which is her first after Modi assumed office in 2014, the two sides will be signing at least 25 pacts in various key sectors including civil nuclear cooperation and defence but any agreement on the Teesta water sharing is unlikely to be inked.

Modi and Hasina, who is staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, will hold comprehensive discussions tomorrow. India is also set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.

Apart from a "courtesy call on" by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Hasina's schedule today included events at the Bangladesh High Commission.

Officials here have said, "It will be a visit without water, indicating that a pact on Teesta river waters is not on the cards.

"The central government will not go ahead with the agreement on Teesta without taking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on board and she has been opposing it stridently citing water crisis in the state." 

However, the two sides are looking at the inking of a framework agreement on civil nuclear energy which will provide for extensive cooperation in the sector including setting up of nuclear reactors in Bangladesh by India.

"It will be a very very special visit. We hope the visit will take the ties between the two countries to new level," Joint Secretary in the Bangladesh-Myanmar division of the external affairs ministry Sripriya Ranganathan told reporters.

On Teesta pact, she said, "Teesta agreement remains a work in progress...We have not reached a closure on it." 

The Teesta deal was set to be signed during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh especially in the leanest period from December to March when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.

Issues like combating terrorism, containing radicalism and enhancing security cooperation between the two countries are likely to figure prominently, besides stalemate over the Teesta pact during talks between Modi and Hasina.

The West Bengal chief minister has accepted an invitation by the government to attend the launch of some projects between the two countries as well as a lunch to be hosted by Modi in honour of Hasina.

On the agreements, Ranganathan said another pact on formalising regular defence engagements will also be signed.

To boost trade, the two sides are likely to announce setting up of another set of trade facilitation huts along the borders in the northeastern region.

Hasina will visit Ajmer on Sunday and will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.

Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Babul Supriyo is the minister-in-waiting for the Bangladesh PM.

Manmohan hails GST passage

New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hailed the passage of GST bills by Parliament and sought to play down the fact that it could not happen during his tenure, saying "let bygones be bygones".

Observing that the new indirect tax regime could be a "game-changer", he, however, cautioned that there could be "difficulties" in its implementation.

He pressed for constructive cooperation between the Centre and the states in resolving outstanding issues.

"There will be pitfalls. But we learn as we go along," he told reporters after Parliament approved four GST-supporting legislations, clearing the decks for the rollout of the historic indirect tax regime from July 1.

Asked whether he felt disappointed that it could not happen during his tenure, the former Prime Minister said, "well I think, let bygones be bygones."

On whether the measure would help increase the GDP, he said, "it could be a game-changer but we should not assume that there will be no difficulties on the way. There must be a constructive spirit of cooperation between the federal government and the states to resolve the outstanding issues." 

The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were returned by the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote as all parties were on board.

Trump urged to raise Tibet and human rights issues with Xi

Washington, Apr 5 (PTI) A bipartisan group of lawmakers have urged US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of human rights violations in China in particular those related to Tibet when he meets his Chinese counterpart this week.

Simultaneously, influential US lawmakers have introduced legislations in both House of Representatives and the Senate to promote access by Americans to Tibetan areas, which is routinely denied by Chinese authorities.

The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Marco Rubio and Tammy Baldwin, while in the House of Representatives it was introduced by Congressmen Jim McGovern and Randy Hultgren.

Trump will host his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida from April 6 to 7.

"The crackdown on civil society and deterioration of rule of law in China in the past few years appears to signal a systematic effort by Chinese Communist Party leadership to tighten its controls on free expression and undermine the will of its own people," Senator Ben Cardin and Rubio wrote in a joint letter to the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

They said the US should not simply stand idly by as these universal rights are abrogated and the Chinese people suffer the consequences. A failure of US leadership on these issues is not a good message for the United States to send to China, its allies in the region, and the world, they said.

"We hope you will urge China to do more to improve the cultural and spiritual plight of Tibetans, not just their economic status...Just like in Tibet, China appears unwilling to comply with its international human rights commitments in Xinjiang, where Uighurs continue to report systemic torture, and restrictions on religious freedom," they said.

In a statement, McGovern said America needs to stand up for human rights at home and abroad.

"If the US is serious about protecting human rights in Tibet, we need to do more than talk the talk we need to walk the walk. This bill will ensure there are consequences for China's repressive policies," McGovern said.

"The Chinese government's oppression of Tibet includes keeping it off limits to Americans, journalists and others who can shine a bright light on the human rights violations committed daily against the Tibetan people," said Rubio, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

"We should not accept a double standard where Chinese officials can freely visit anywhere in the US while they block our diplomats, journalists and Tibetan-Americans from visiting Tibet," he said, adding that the bipartisan bill will hold China accountable for its oppression and make it clear that if Chinese officials want to enjoy the privilege of entering the US, they must allow equal access to Tibet.

Welcoming the Congressional legislation, Matteo Mecacci, president of International Campaign for Tibet, said this bill is another example of the consistent support the US Congress has for Tibet.

India never used me against China: Dalai Lama amid Chinese protests

Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh), Apr 5 (PTI) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today emphatically said India has never used him against China, remarks that came amid loud protests by Beijing against his ongoing visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The Dalai also urged China to give Tibet meaningful "self-rule" and "autonomy".

The remarks by the 81-year-old Nobel Laureate came on a day when China alleged that India in disregard to its concerns "obstinately" arranged his visit to the "disputed part" of the eastern part of China-India border, causing "serious damage" to its interests and bilateral relations.

"India has never used me against China. I am a messenger of the ancient Indian thought and I talk about ahimsa, peace, harmony and secular ethics wherever I go," he said talking to reporters here on the second day of his week-long visit to the remote northeastern state.

His remarks also came against the backdrop of criticism by the Chinese state media that India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic leverage to challenge China's "bottom line".

Unfazed by Beijing s objections to his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Dalai said, "Many Chinese love India but there are some narrow minded politicians as I have mentioned, they consider me as a demon."

Articulating the Tibetan stand, the Dalai said, "We are not seeking independence. we are willing to remain within the People's Republic of China."

"I always admire the spirit of the European Union.

Individual nations' sovereignty is important but that's not so important. What is important is the common interests.

"So for material development to remain with the People's Republic of China is in our interest. So, the Chinese government also should feel ok. At the same time the Chinese government should give us meaningful self-role/autonomy," he said.

The Dalai thanked Indian government for letting him visit the frontier state.

He spoke fondly of Arunachal Pradesh and said he had a special connection with the state as it served as his point of entry when he arrived in India in 1959.

"I would like to thank the government of India. I have been in this country since 1959. India has taken great care of me. I am their longest staying guest. I am thankful to them.

"When I got freedom, when I first reached India, I entered through Arunanchal Pradesh. I have an emotional connect with the state. It is a special place for me."

He gave a discourse at Buddha Park here this morning.

The spriritual leader had arrived here last evening from Guwahati accompanied by state Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Tomorrow, he would impart teachings at Dirang and confer the 'Avalokiteshvara Permission' at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in the morning.

From April 8 to 10, the Dalai will deliver discourses in Tawang. Owing to the rescheduled visit, he would not be able to go to Itanagar.

"I am a Buddhist. The entire Himalayan range had been traditionally following Buddhist dharma and modern physics is based on Buddhist philosophy.

Amitabh Bachchan inaugurates new CBFC office

Mumbai, Apr 4 (PTI) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan today inaugurated the new office of Central Board of Film Certification along with a host of other celebrities like Anupam Kher, Ramesh Sippy and others.

CBFC was facing space constraint in their old office in Malabar Hill, which has been there since 1950s. The board then moved a proposal for allocation of space in Films Division Complex in Peddar Road and got an office there on the ninth floor.

Bachchan was the chief guest at the event while I&B Secretary Ajay Mittal was the guest of honour.

Present at the inaugural ceremony were celebrities like Raveena Tandon, Mukesh Bhatt, filmmaker Abbas-Mustan, Sonu Sood, Vipul Shah, producer Sidharth Roy Kapoor, Boney Kapoor among others.

"The censor board has been very supportive to me and my upcoming film 'Maatr'. I was a chairman of CFSI (Children Film Society India) and my office was here too," Raveena told reporters.

Sippy quipped though the board has moved to a new office, filmmakers will continue with their complaints as and when they have any.

"I am happy that the board is now also going digital, ushering new changes. We all need that and it is a step in the right direction," Sippy said.

India, UK to contribute 120 mn pound each to green energy fund

New Delhi, Apr 4 (PTI) India and the UK today decided to contribute 120 million pound each to a fund to finance clean energy projects here, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

The Green Growth Equity Fund will be a sub-fund of NIIF.

"We have established the NIIF. Our first major step in the fund has been taken and there is going to be a sub-fund.

With the NIIF participating in it, this is going to be a Green Growth Equity Fund where both are going to make a contribution of 120 million pound each and this will be financing the energy needs in India," Jaitley said.

In 2015, India had set up the Rs 40,000-crore National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF) to finance greenfield as well as brownfield projects.

"This is going to be the first a major beginning as far as the fund is concerned," Jaitley said while addressing the media after the 9th India-UK Financial Dialogue.

During the meeting between Jaitley and the visiting UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to invest up to 120 million pound each in the joint fund which aims to raise around 500 million pound.

The fund will focus initial investments in India's rapidly growing energy and renewables market and a "fund manager would be selected by autumn".

"Progress will be accelerated by starting the process of appointing a fund manager now with early market engagement via the publication of a blueprint with the aim to identify additional and complementary sectors for fund investments," said the joint statement after the meeting of the two ministers.

India reiterates position of bilateral redressal of Indo-Pak issues

New Delhi, Apr 4 (PTI) India today made it clear that its position of bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues has not changed, in a veiled snub to the US which suggested that it may "find its place" in efforts to de-escalate Indo- Pak tensions.

"Government's position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn't changed.

"We of course expect international community and organisations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continues to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in our region and beyond," the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

He was responding to a query on remarks of US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley that the American administration was "concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward".

Govt clears proposal to buy Barak missiles for Navy

New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) The government on Monday approved procurement of a fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles for Naval warships to enhance India's maritime capability in view of the changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region

A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, approved capital acquisition proposals totalling over INR 860 crore, including for the purchase of Barak missiles

The missiles will be procured under 'Buy Global' category from Rafael Advance Defense Systems Limited of Israel at an approximate cost of around INR 500 crore, defence ministry sources said

Almost all ships of the navy will be equipped with these missiles

The DAC, which is Defence Ministry's highest decision making body for capital acquisition, also accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of equipment such as underwater robot to counter mines in the sea

The equipment is being procured as a repeat order with 'buy global' categorisation at a cost of approximately Rs 311 crore

It was the first meeting of the DAC after Jaitley took as defence minister on March 14

At the meeting, Jaitley took stock of various procurement proposals and issued directions for close monitoring and expeditious clearance of pending capital acquisition cases

He particularly asked for close monitoring of the proposals which are with CFA (Competent Finanancial Authority) and CNC (Contract Negotiation Committee)

The sources said DAC also reviewed several old proposals and gave instructions for their speedy processing

The DAC also cleared procurement of 'Expendable Bathythermograph Systems', a small torpedo-shaped device that holds a temperature sensor and a transducer to detect changes in water temperature, for the Indian Navy which will be acquired from the US.

40 yrs of bloodshed has benefitted none, PM to Kashmiri youth

Udhampur (J&K), Apr 2 (PTI) Sending out a message to the misguided youth of Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said "40 years of bloodshed" has not benefitted anyone and that they should choose tourism over terrorism to ensure the state's development and well-being.

He again invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's slogan of 'Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, Insaniyat (Kashmirism, democracy and humanity)' and said this "prime motto" will be used for taking the state to new heights of development and "no obstacle can stop us".

Modi, who was on a brief visit here to inaugurate the country's longest road tunnel between Kashmir and Jammu, used the occasion to tell the stone-pelters of the valley that stones can be used for better purposes -- building infrastructure.

Addressing a rally here, he told the Kashmiri youth that if they ignore the "invaluable tradition of sufi culture", they would "lose the present and put your future into darkness".

In a veield manner, the Prime Minister also hit out at the rulers of Pakistan who are eyeing Kashmir, saying "they can't even take care of themselves".

He said his government was committed to ensure fast-paced development of Jammu and Kashmir, which would also tell the people living under "occupation" in the other parts of the state how they are being destroyed.

At the event attended by Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and some union and state ministers, Modi promised to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the development of Jammu and Kashmir and sought the cooperation of the people in this regard.

"I want to tell the misguided youth of Kashmir valley, realise the power of a stone. On one hand, there are some misguided youth who pelt stones, on the other hand, there are youth from the same Kashmir who carve stones to build infrastructure," he said.

The message was clearly for the youth who are indulge in stone-pelting in the Kashmir valley and thus risk their lives.

"I want to tell the Kashmiri youth, there are two paths in front of you which can determine your future -- one is tourism, the other is terrorism," he said.

"Over last 40 years, there has been lot of bloodshed. My own Valley has been blood-soaked, my Kashmir's beloved youth, my Hindustan's beloved youth. Nobody has benefitted from this bloodshed," the Prime Minister emphasised.

He said if the people of Kashmir had devoted the same 40 years to development of tourism, the valley would have been blessed with tourism of world class. .