The committee set up to look into the issue of monopolisation of TRPs by private agencies is expected to present its report to Union information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni on Monday. The committee was set up to suggest alternative rating mechanism of programmes on television as the present system had come under criticism from several quarters.
The seven member committee headed by FICCI secretary general Amit Mitra has looked into the current TRP system and is expected to suggest measures to bring in place and effective and transparent mechanism to measure viewership.
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Amartya Sen speaks out for Binayak
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI
Jan. 8: Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen on Saturday came out in support of human rights activist Binayak Sen saying that the life sentence given to the doctor-activist looks like a “miscarriage of justice”.
The economist hoped that the judgment convicting Binayak will be changed by the HC or the Supreme Court. The human rights activist has been awarded life term by a Chhattisgarh court for “sedition” and colluding with Maoists. Addressing a gathering after releasing a book, Dr Sen referred to the “exemplary” work Binayak did to reach healthcare to people in rural Chhattisgarh.
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‘Qureshi visit only if comprehensive agenda is evolved’
Islamabad, Jan. 8: Pakistan on Saturday said foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit India if the foreign secretaries of the two countries evolve a “comprehensive agenda” for resuming the stalled composite dialogue during their meeting in Bhutan in February.
The foreign secretaries will meet for the first time since September 2010 on the margins of the Saarc standing committee meeting to be held in Bhutanese capital Thimphu during February 6-7. If the foreign secretaries succeed in evolving a “comprehensive agenda for the resumption of the composite dialogue, foreign minister Qureshi would definitely visit India,” foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit told the media. —PTI
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Krishna on a 2-day visit to Kabul
Kabul, Jan. 8: Concerned over some aspects of the transition process in Afghanistan, external affairs minister S.M. Krishna flew in here on Saturday on a two-day visit during which he will seek from Afghan leadership clarity on a host of issues including President Hamid Karzai’s move to reintegrate the Taliban over which India has hesitation.
He will hold talks with Afghan leadership during which he will also discuss security of Indian nationals and reiterate India’s commitment for the reconstruction of the war-torn country. India has pledged $1.3 billion for reconstruction activities. —PTI