India Hot Topics
No cut in excise duty on petrol, diesel for now; have to pay for past oil bonds: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that there will be no cut in excise duty on fuel as of now. She said the previous UPA government had reduced fuel prices by issuing Oil Bonds of ₹1.44 lakh crore. “I can’t go by the trickery that was played by previous UPA government.
Due to Oil Bonds, the burden has come to our government, that’s why we are unable to reduce prices of petrol and diesel,” she added. The UPA government had issued bonds to state-owned oil companies to make up for the difference in the artificially suppressed retail selling price of fuel and the cost. These oil bonds and the interest thereon are being paid now.
The finance minister said that exchequer is burdened by interest payments being made for oil bonds floated by the Congress-led UPA government. The government has paid over 70,195.72 crore in interest in the last 5 years on oil bonds itself.
However, central leaders have on many occasion defended current tax on petrol and diesel, saying the government needs money to fund several schemes and build infrastructure. Excise duty on petrol has been raised from ₹9.48 per litre in 2014 to ₹32.90 a litre now while the same on diesel has gone up from ₹3.56 a litre to ₹31.80.
News Source : Business Standard
Movie
The Madras High Court has granted early screenings of Vijay’s Leo movie from 7 AM, requesting the TN government to resolve any issues.
Madras High Court Grants Early Screenings of Vijay’s “Leo” Movie at 7 AM, Urges TN Government to Address Concerns
The Madras High Court has made a landmark decision in favor of the much-anticipated Tamil film “Leo,” starring actor Vijay. In a significant move, the court has granted permission for early screenings of the movie from 7 AM, urging the Tamil Nadu government to swiftly address any issues and facilitate the smooth release of the film. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the realm of Tamil cinema and the entertainment industry at large.
Historical Context:
The Indian film industry, particularly the Tamil film industry, has seen its share of controversies and challenges related to film releases. Issues such as censorship, political disputes, and public sentiment have often played a significant role in shaping the release schedules and screening times for films. Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s most prominent actors, has been at the center of such controversies in the past. This decision by the Madras High Court is, therefore, particularly noteworthy.
The Ruling:
The Madras High Court’s decision to permit early screenings of “Leo” comes as a response to a plea filed by the film’s producers. The court, while considering the plea, took into account various factors, including the film’s anticipated popularity and the prevailing circumstances. The court emphasized the importance of accommodating the audience’s interests and allowing them to enjoy the film without disruptions.
A Step Towards Normalization:
The court’s decision signifies a positive shift in the film industry, where release dates and screening times are often mired in controversy. By allowing screenings to commence at 7 AM, the court aims to reduce the chances of public unrest and congestion near theaters, especially in the wake of high-profile film releases.
The Role of the Tamil Nadu Government:
The Madras High Court, in its ruling, also called upon the Tamil Nadu government to cooperate in ensuring a seamless release for the film. This cooperation extends to providing necessary security measures to maintain law and order around theaters during the early screenings.
Implications for the Entertainment Industry:
The decision is expected to set a precedent for the release of other highly anticipated films, not just in Tamil cinema but also in the broader Indian film industry. The court’s emphasis on the importance of accommodating the audience’s interests could lead to more flexible screening times for movies in the future.
The Audience’s Perspective:
For moviegoers and fans of Vijay, this decision comes as a welcome relief. They can now look forward to enjoying the film without any undue delays or disruptions, ensuring a memorable cinematic experience.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s ruling to allow early screenings of Vijay’s “Leo” at 7 AM while urging the Tamil Nadu government to resolve any issues paves the way for a more audience-centric approach in the film industry. It is a landmark decision that highlights the importance of balancing the interests of filmmakers and the movie-loving public. This judgment is poised to make a positive impact on the release of future films, ushering in a new era of flexibility and convenience for cinema enthusiasts.
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