Road network, infrastructure under focus in 2015-16 budget

Shaer Reaz

When announcing the budget for fiscal year 2015-16, Finance Minister AMA Muhith, aside from announcing an ambitious 7.3 percent GDP growth target, thankfully kept the import duty on motor vehicles as is from last year.
The focus of the budget has shifted to the development of the transport sector and easing traffic congestion. The budget allocation for the transport sector in 2014-15 was 6864 crore taka. That figure for 2015-16 has thankfully gone up to 7912 crore taka. Alongside the completion of ongoing development projects, the proposed budget has no allocation for the building of new roads, instead, the primary focus of the Roads and Highways Ministry will be in ensuring maintenance and expansion of the existing road network, much of which is in shambles at present.
Another issue the budget puts focus on is the easing of traffic congestion in the cities. Public transport will play a major role in that, with funds allocated for more double decker and articulated buses procured by the BRTC. The finance minister also suggested a separate body coordinating traffic management in the capital city.
The highlight of the projects underway to reduce congestion and improve mobility would have to be the Metro Rail project. A defining characteristic of mega-cities abroad, an effective metro system is just what Dhaka needs to ease the load on the roads. Expected date of completion is 2019.
Aside from the transport sector, the finance minister shone a positive light on new industrial undertaking, granting a tax holiday for local manufacturers. With Proton-PHP entering the newly minted automobile manufacturing sector in Bangladesh, this is undoubtedly good news.
The only downside to what seems to be a great budget with regards to the transport sector is the supplementary duty placed on imported car tyres, up to 20% from the existing 0%. While the move is mainly protectionist considering the growing local tyre manufacturers, it's a blow to consumers, who will likely give locally made tyres a wide berth due to their low-quality and safety standards compared to foreign brands.
All in all, the 2015-16 budget should be great for the transport and automotive sector, providing the essential breathing space for importers and car owners. Or it would be great if proposed policy can be implemented effectively, so fingers crossed.

Sunny Leone’s ‘Mastizaade’ faces Censor rejection, moves Appellate Tribunal

Sunny Leone, a former adult film star is accused of circulating obscene content on the Internet - a crime that carries a punishment of up to five years in jail. Photo taken from wallpapers111.com

Star Online Report

Indian Censor Board is unhappy with the subject of Mastizaade starring Sunny Leone which was slated for release in May and has been facing censor’s wrath since then, reports The Indian Express.
Filled with sexual innuendos, Mastizaade was supposed to be one of the most unabashed sex comedies of the year.
Mastizaade is currently waiting for certification from the Censor Board which resulted in the delay of the release. And later, the board refused to certify the film because of too much sexual content.
Furthermore, the film was sent to the Revising Committee for a change in the decision but faced the same fate once again since the committee too found the content too bold for viewing.
And hence, the makers of the film have now decided to approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.
One of the female members of the board had decided to pass the film with an ‘A’ certificate along with a few cuts but her decision, it seems, was not taken into consideration.
Moreover, it is being said that Pahlaj Nihalani had told I&B Ministry that the decision for the film was taken by Nandini Sardesai, a member of RC.

However, Pritish Nandy is apparently not convinced with the same since according to him, Nandini Sardesai was not present during either of the screening.
As of now, the decision over Mastizaade, directed by Milap Zaveri, starring Sunny Leone, Tusshar Kapoor and Vir Das in the lead, is still pending, awaiting a reply from the Tribunal.

Kim Kardashian’s selfie pose to feature at Madame Tussauds

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian's famous selfie pose will be immortalised at Madame Tussauds London. Photo taken from hdwallpapersmart.com

The Indian Express

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian’s famous selfie pose will be immortalised at Madame Tussauds London.
The figure will not only be true to form – with its arm extended and a trademark pout on its lips – but will also be a fully immersive experience, reported People Magazine.
“Kim’s figure will be holding a functioning mobile phone so guests can really step right into her selfie,” said Edward Fuller, General Manager of Madame Tussauds London.
“All they need to do is make sure their pouts measure up and press the button.
They can then be the proud owners of their very own ‘Kim Kardashian’ selfie, as well as taking their own versions with their own phones,” he added.
The display will also be in “Keeping with Kardashian’s” three-image rule, which dictates you should never take more than three images in the same location – the figure will be in front of a constantly changing backdrop.

US reality TV star Kim Kardashian poses during a photo-call to present her new cosmetic brand in Paris on April 15, 2015. Photo: AFP