Latest news with #Commerce
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Rachita Ram faces dual complaints from industry peers at KFCC
Rachita Ram, fondly called as the 'Dimple Queen,' is currently facing two separate complaints filed against her with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), raising concerns among industry professionals. The first complaint has been lodged by Sanju Weds Geetha 2 director Nagashekar, who claims the actor failed to participate in any promotional activities for the film's release on June 6. While Rachita was present at the film's muhurath, a song launch, and a few press events nearly two years ago, the director states she was absent from all major promotional efforts during the critical weeks leading up to the release. 'I've directed 11 films and never had to take this step before,' Nagashekar said. 'Her fans are sharing edited footage to suggest she promoted the film, but those are from earlier events. When we organized the pre-release function and invited Shivarajkumar, she chose not to attend. She participated during the initial phases — the shoots and celebrations — but did not support the film when it mattered most.' Sanju Weds Geetha 2 producer Chalavadi Kumar also approached the KFCC, noting his disappointment. 'When senior actors like Shivarajkumar and Upendra are extending their support to the film, it is discouraging to see a key cast member unwilling to engage with its promotion. Even after senior producer Rockline Venkatesh tried to intervene, there was no response from her side.' In addition to this, an older, unresolved issue involving Rachita Ram has resurfaced. Veteran producer Vijayalakshmi Aras alleges that the actor accepted an advance of ₹13 lakh in 2017 for the film Uppi Ruppi, which featured Upendra and was to be directed by K. Madesh. However, Rachita later exited the project and allegedly failed to return the advance. 'Only 35% of the film was completed. We had scheduled international shoots, booked her flights and accommodations — and she never turned up. Our losses exceeded ₹1.5 crore,' said Vijayalakshmi. 'Despite multiple attempts to contact her, we have not received the advance back, nor any communication.' Rachita Ram has so far chosen not to comment on either matter. While she has maintained a reputation for professionalism in the past, her continued silence in both cases has drawn attention within the industry.
Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Piyush Goyal highlights India's strategic global outlook and economic leadership at India Global Forum 2025
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal showcased India's strategic global outlook and economic leadership at the India Global Forum (IGF) 2025 in London yesterday. Delivering the keynote address at the IGF Mainstage Plenary Session titled "From Agreement to Action: The UK-India FTA," the Union Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to transitioning the FTA from a negotiated text into a transformative economic partnership. He was joined in conversation by the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, with moderation by international journalist Mark Barton. Goyal described the FTA as a reflection of shared ambition between two vibrant democracies. He stated that the agreement not only enhances bilateral trade, but also demonstrates India's ability to negotiate balanced and future-oriented trade frameworks aligned with its national interests. Outlining the next phase of implementation, Goyal highlighted key priorities such as strengthening institutional mechanisms for joint governance, unlocking early benefits for SMEs and startups, and facilitating smooth mobility of skilled professionals across sectors. On June 19th, the Union Minister participated in a special session on "UK-India Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration" at the Science Museum in London. The session explored opportunities for UK stakeholders to contribute to India's expanding investments in digital public infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, and green technologies. Discussions also covered efforts to make India a global manufacturing hub through Make in India, PLI schemes, and enhancing collaboration in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, and creative industries. The Free Trade Agreement's role in deepening cooperation in critical technologies, defence production, and advanced manufacturing was also highlighted.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Just because someone's sentiment hurt, movie, stand up comedy can't be stopped, says SC on Thug life ban
The top court also questioned the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for seeking an apology from veteran actor Kamal Haasan over his remark that Kannada was born out of Tamil. "We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped? A stand-up comedy should be stopped? Recital of a poem should be stopped?," the bench asked. However, counsel for KFCC said that they did not issue any threats but only issued a letter that there was widespread protests across the state and kindly consider issuing an apology. The KFCC counsel that the mob entered their offices and after that they had issued a letter. Justice Bhuyan asked if KFCC had made any complaint to the police in this regard. "You actually succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you have no complaints against them. You are just hiding behind them," he observed. The KFCC counsel said that they would abide by any order passed by the court. Counsel appearing for Kamal Haasan's RajKamal Film International Ltd, one of the producers of the film, said though they had lost Rs 30 crore (in revenue) so far, they had no problems if the state agreed to provide security for screening of the film. The top court was hearing a PIL filed by one M Mahesh Reddy seeking directions to allow the screening of 'Thug Life', which was not released in Karnataka after Haasan's remarks. Advocate A Velan, appearing for Reddy, said the state did not take any action against the persons who issued threats against the film and that its affidavit was silent on the issue. He referred to the apex court's slew of guidelines on mob violence and hate speeches, which the state was bound to follow in the present case. The counsel for the state assured action against those issuing threats against the film's release.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-UK Free Trade Deal to Double Bilateral Trade, Says Piyush Goyal at London Forum
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the India Global Forum in London, hailed the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a game-changer that provides "stability and predictability" to businesses on both sides. Goyal called the deal a "good marriage" expected to double bilateral trade in five years and boost investments, innovation, and resilient supply chains. The FTA also addresses mobility for Indian professionals, avoids double taxation, and slashes tariffs in key sectors. With the legal text in final stages, both countries aim to create a new era of mutual prosperity. The UK estimates an annual trade surge of GBP 25.5 billion. Watch to find out how this deal impacts jobs, exports, and India's global trade edge.#indiaukfta #piyushgoyal #indiaglobalforum #tradeboost #bilateraltrade #fta2025 #indiabusiness #ukindiarelations #tariffcut #globaltrad #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews Read More
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE deepens strategic partnership with Germany in science, research, emerging technologies
18 June 2025 15:43 ABU DHABI (WAM) A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a successful visit to the Federal Republic of visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies, while expanding strategic collaboration in science, innovation, and advanced mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
