???? Sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry | ???? What's the issue with lateral entry in bureaucracy?

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Market Watch

• Indian benchmark indices ended the day in the green with the Sensex up 378.18 points at 80,802.86, and the Nifty up 126.10 points at 24,698.80.
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Hema Commission report exposes the Malayalam Cine Industry

The Hema Commission report, which delves into the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, has brought to light several serious issues. The government announced it would release the report after redacting 63 pages that could affect individuals' privacy.

The context: The Hema Committee was formed in response to the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep to address sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry.

• Despite being submitted in 2019, the report's release has been delayed over concerns about sensitive information.

Key findings: A powerful all-male group of 15 directors, producers, and actors, controlling the industry and pressuring women to “compromise” for roles.

• Any woman looking for any sort of work in the industry, not just acting, is forced to “compromise” to get the job, and these “favors” can be asked for by anyone “actor, producer, director, production controller or any other person.” Code names are given to artists who are ready to compromise.
• An actor took 17 retakes for a hugging scene and the female actor was asked to compromise and was blamed for the delays.?She was abused by the male actor earlier.
• Women in the industry often feel unsafe and face sexual exploitation, including the casting couch phenomenon.
• Female actors face significant challenges on film sets during menstruation, often lacking access to restrooms.
• The group, referred to as a “mafia,” can ruin careers, ban industry members, and silence those who oppose them.

What it recommends: Recommendations include banning individuals with criminal backgrounds, ensuring safe accommodations, and providing equal pay for female artists.

• The report emphasizes the need for a tribunal to handle industry-related issues and to prohibit derogatory language towards women.

Clip du jour

This sad video of a pigeon that did not fly away when it was released as a “symbol of peace” during Independence Day celebrations in Chhattisgarh.

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Govt asks UPSC to cancel advertisements related to lateral entry

The Central Government has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to cancel its lateral entry advertisement as mandated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What was the scheme and what was the controversy? The UPSC advertised 45 lateral entry positions for Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in 24 Union ministries, open to experienced individuals from various sectors, including the private sector.

• Since 2018, 63 people have been recruited through lateral entry, with 35 from the private sector.
• Opposition parties criticize this move, claiming it undermines reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs.

The details: Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the need to review and reform the lateral entry process to ensure deserving candidates from marginalized communities receive proper representation.

• The Union Government's directive mandates that no further steps should be taken concerning the current advertisement, emphasizing strict compliance from UPSC.
• The government's action aims to uphold the constitutional mandate towards social justice in government services.

Between the lines: Many are reading this move as a 'political compulsion' by the union government after the opposition turned the lateral entry scheme into a caste issue. Until yesterday, many BJP leaders were defending the lateral entry scheme and criticising the opposition.?

Backlash:

ICYMI

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