News In Picture

A Divyang voter casting his vote at a polling booth during the 5th Phase of General Elections-2024 at Serampore, in West Bengal

Cannes Film Festival Opening Report - 77th Edition Set To See A Wet Opening Night

By: Amit kumaR Agarwal

Is it going to be a 'wet' Opening Night for 77th Cannes Film Festival. We will conclude with it after a quick run-through of what makes Cannes Film Festival - the - Cannes Film Festival for the unversed.

Cannes has slowly but surely metamorphosed into a very commercial affair. Over the years industry veterans have spoken how the entire hullabaloo at Cannes has now shifted to walking the Red Carpet and getting clicked.

No wonder, people with little or no knowledge of cinema frequent the festival, just to get clicked!

With 35,000+ attendees set to attend Cannes Film Festival in 2024, the attendance is swelling with each passing year, only about 10% of these return each year. What is it that gets people from across the continents visit Cannes. There is no such hullabaloo about the other top 10 festivals, Berlin, Toronto, Locarno, Venice, Sundance, London, what have you?

It is the very carefully created media-image that if you are not at Cannes Film Festival walking the Red Carpet, you are missing something in your repertoire as a film-maker or as an actor.

Actresses and model in particular make it a point to walk the Red Carpet, because it gives them the right visibility.

Preparations underway to ready the Red Carpet as security provide cover

Cannes Film Festival's 77th Edition is no different, with many actresses and models already queuing up in their finest attire as the Red Carpet got ready for the evening to host the Opening Night.

The writer found people queuing up outside and talking in hushed tones in evening we have to be here and even planning the spots and angles they want to be photographed from.

The famed Cannes 'Red Carpet' on the morning of the Opening Night - May 14, 2024

However, today it seems will be that rare 'wet' Opening Night for Cannes, as the drizzle is yet to mellow down. The forecast as I write this piece says 'mild rain'. Let's see, if anything changes; but one thing that won't ever change is the hullabaloo around Cannes. 

Is it right or wrong, you are the judge!

Press Release l Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

For the first time, India has set up its own pavilion, at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, during May 13 – 15, 2024. The India Pavilion, set up by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, is one of the largest pavilions at the Summit and has been inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Bhupinder S. Bhalla on May 12, 2024.

The World Hydrogen Summit is a prestigious event in the global green hydrogen ecosystem. Around 15,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Summit. The India Pavilion at the conference provides India an opportunity to showcase to the world the progress made by the country in the field of Green Hydrogen.

The Indian delegation comprises nominees from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and from private sector companies as well. In addition to various G2G interactions, the Summit provides a platform for Indian industry to engage with companies from around the globe.

India launched its National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023 with an overall outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores. India has set an ambitious target to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) by end of the year 2030. As on date, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has awarded tenders for setting up of 412,000 tonnes of Green Hydrogen production capacity and 1,500 MW of electrolyzer manufacturing capacity.

India has also notified scheme guidelines for use of Green Hydrogen in steel, transport / mobility and shipping sectors. The Department of Science and Technology has initiated Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to foster innovation and promote Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India.

A dedicated portal for the National Green Hydrogen Mission has been launched recently, to serve as a one-stop location for information on the Mission and steps taken for the development of the green hydrogen ecosystem in India. The portal can be accessed here: https://nghm.mnre.gov.in/.

Press Release l Ministry of Defence

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd celebrates 250th Foundation Day
• Defence Secretary inaugurates a midget submarine prototype, solar electric hybrid boat & fuel-cell electric ferry in Mumbai to mark the day

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is celebrating its 250th Foundation Day on May 14, 2024. To mark the day, a series of events were organised in Mumbai, presided over by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. These included the inauguration of adjacent land acquired from Mumbai Port Authority (MPA); launch of a prototype of indigenous midget submarine; commissioning of Solar Electric Hybrid boat & Fuel Cell Electric Ferry; release of MDL’s Commemorative Coin; and a day-long technical seminar.

In his address, the Defence Secretary termed the MDL as a precious jewel of India, which has immensely contributed towards the nation’s economy and security by building up the capabilities for Naval as well as commercial purposes. He commended the MDL for being the country’s biggest shipyard contributing through most of the assets of the Indian Navy, having a big export market and collaboration with foreign players.

Giridhar Aramane asserted that India occupies a central role in the Indo-Pacific region and consistent efforts are being made to strengthen the shipbuilding capabilities of the country by involving & motivating the private sector to be a part of the country’s growth story. Underscoring the importance of achieving self-reliance in today’s times, he exhorted the MDL to fully realise its true potential in warship building technology. He urged the shipyard to work with the private sector and build a consortium of shipbuilders to cater to the domestic needs as well as the requirements of friendly nations.

The Defence Secretary highlighted the major role being played by the Indian Navy in providing security to the region and beyond, including its operations in the Arabian sea. He stated that the geopolitical scenario is such that the Navy will continue to play a pivotal role, for which shipbuilders will have to contribute immensely. “India cannot depend on others for constant supply of anything. There is a need to develop indigenous capacity to produce latest technologies through innovation. To defend our borders, we need to master top-class technologies,” he said.

MPA Land

The contiguous piece of land, acquired from the MPA, was inaugurated by the Defence Secretary. This would be developed for simultaneous construction and outfitting of new builds & repairs/refits of various types of vessels. The new infrastructure will give adequate bandwidth to the shipyard for simultaneous execution of various projects.

Midget Submarine

The MDL has successfully completed the platform design and hull of the midget submarine named ‘Arowana’ which was launched by Giridhar Aramane. The shipyard has been building submarines since 1984 with foreign design. It has also commenced the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine. Midget Submarine is being developed as a proof of concept. The team is parallelly working on the development of design of full-scale conventional submarine by 2028.

Solar Electric Hybrid boat

The Defence Secretary also commissioned the Solar Electric Hybrid boat with top speed of 11 Knots designed and co-developed with indigenous technology partner. The running cost is almost 1/10th of a diesel boat, and has a very low maintenance cost.

Fuel Cell Electric Ferry

A 24-passenger Fuel Cell Electric Ferry named ‘SUCHI’, conceptualised by MDL and co-developed with indigenous technology partner was also commissioned. Its advanced technology has zero emissions, low acoustic signatures, leading to cleaner waterways and contributing to environmental conservation.

Technical Seminar & Commemorative Coin

Giridhar Aramane also inaugurated the Technical Seminar on ‘Emerging Technologies and Future of Shipbuilding’. To commemorate 250 years of MDL’s existence, he released a coin, issued by RBI, crafted to honor the rich history & enriching legacy of the shipyard.

From a small dry dock in 1774 to its incorporation in 1934, and subsequently, its stewardship under the Government of India since 1960, the completion of 250 years of MDL is a milestone that marks a testament of resilience, growth and enduring legacy.

Press Release l Ministry of Communications

• FAKE CALLS - Don’t take any calls threatening to disconnect your mobile on behalf of DoT/TRAI and report at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in
• DoT does not make calls to citizens threatening disconnection

Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, has issued an advisory to citizens to not to take fake calls being received by the citizens wherein callers are threatening to disconnect their mobile numbers, or their mobile numbers are being misused in some illegal activities.

The DoT had also issued advisory about WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile numbers (like +92-xxxxxxxxxx) impersonating government officials and duping the people.

Cyber criminals through such calls try to threaten or steal personal information to carry out cyber-crime/financial frauds. The DoT/TRAI does not authorise anyone to make such call on its behalf and has advised people to stay vigilant and report such fraud communications at ‘Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility of Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc). Such proactive reporting helps DoT in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds, etc.

The DoT also advises citizens to report at cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in in case of already a victim of cyber-crime or financial fraud.

Various measures have been taken to combat suspected fraud communications and to curb cybercrime activities:

Under CHAKSHU facility, 52 Principal Entities, involved in sending malicious and phishing SMSs to the citizens have been blacklisted. 700 SMS content templates have been deactivated. 348 mobile handsets blacklisted on pan- India basis across all telecom operators. 10,834 suspected mobile numbers flagged for re-verification to the telecom operators out of which 8272 mobile connections disconnected failing re-verification till 30th April 2024. 1.86 lakh mobile handsets blocked on pan India basis for involvement in cybercrime/financial frauds.

 

Advisories have been issued on a regular basis for the public to create awareness on fake notices impersonating DoT/TRAI, suspected fraud communications and malicious calls via press, SMS, and social media.

News In Picture - Ministry of Mines

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Mines

By: Amit kumaR Agarwal

Glimpses of the Critical Minerals Summit organised by Ministry of Mines at India Habitat Centre, in New Delhi on April 30, 2024.

News In Picture - Ministry of Finance

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Finance

By: Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Secretary, Department of Finance (DFS), Dr. Vivek Joshi addressing at the “Interaction of Fintech with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)” organized by Ministry of Finance at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi on April 30, 2024

Earth Day in NYC, Talennt Ka Maha Utsav supports Manhattan Goes Green

By: Aanya

Earth Day 2024 was celebrated with a very important event right in the heart of New York City — Mahattan Goes Green. Organized by Paul Sladkus’ non-profit, Good News Corporation, the event was supported by Mark Levine, President, Manhattan borough and many other distinguished personalities.

Emmy nominated producer, Tirlok Malik said that the importance of going green is the need of the hour, with global warming really destroying the eco-system of the earth. He said that today humans use gadgets even to monitor the steps they have taken in a day, why do we need gadgets all the time, he questioned.

The high-profile event was attended by politicians, peace-activists, climate-activists, musicians, artists, business-persons, various foundations, publishers and media. Open to all, to create an awareness, many tourists visiting one of the most iconic tourist spots in the world, Times Square, paused and listened to the speakers. They also talked to the media, about the importance of going green and saving the earth.

Rekha Vohraa of Rekha Vohraa foundation told the writer that it is very important to go green, not only for the benefit of humans, but for the benefit of animals as well. She said that humans can complain and protest about going green, but what about animals, they silently suffer, all because of the digital-savviness of humans.

Amit Gupta of Gem Mines added that he makes sure that at his workplace, the entire staff is aware and takes care about going green. He said that he undertakes platation drives across India from time to time. “It is my small way of going green and making planet earth live-able.”

Amit R Agrwal, founder of Talennt Ka Maha Utsav and #BNHAF Awards and Festival, conducting the 18th edition talked to media. He said that he is doing his bit for the earth by creating films to raise awareness around going green. He said he is using kids, the future generation intentionally in the films, so that they are aware about the issues that will be of concern to them with a much greater magnitude.

Icons like, Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio, Grammy Awards winner Stevie Wonder shared virtual messages highlighting the importance of going green and saving the earth before it is too late.

The event saw performances by various established and upcoming musicians like A Y Young, Christi Marie, Jilliyeah and many more, all rooted with the very important message of going green and bring about the change in people to save the earth.

Festival de Cannes l 77th Cannes Film Festival l Official Poster

PRESS RELEASE

All the poetic beauty, hypnotic magic and apparent simplicity of the cinema emerge in this scene from Rhapsody in August, authored by the great Japanese master Akira Kurosawa, 81 at the time. In this film, presented Out of Competition in Cannes in 1991, a grandmother who was a victim of the Nagasaki bombing on August 9, 1945, passes on her faith in love and integrity as a bulwark against war to her grandchildren and her American nephew, with tenderness and contemplation. The next-to-last film by the director of Sanshiro Sugata, Rashomon, Seven Samurai, Dersu Uzala and Dodes’ka-den reminds us of the importance of coming together, and seeking harmony in all things.

Mirroring the movie theater, this poster celebrates the Seventh Art, with naivety and wonder.

Because it gives everyone a voice, it enables emancipation. Because it remembers wounds, it combats oblivion. Because it bears witness to perils, it calls for union. Because it soothes trauma, it helps repair the living.

In a fragile world that constantly questions otherness, the Festival de Cannes reaffirms a conviction: cinema is a universal sanctuary for expression and sharing. A place where our humanity is written as much as our freedom.