Mumbai Metro sees rise in passengers, fare revenues: RTI

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October 15, 2015

The Mumbai Metro has witnessed a steady increase in the number of passengers as well as revenue through fares since it commenced operations in June last year, with the transportation mode being preferred by long distance commuters in the metropolis.

In reply to an RTI query, the Public Information Officer (PIO) of Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), which operates the Metro, said that in its second quarter last year (July- September 2014) a total 2.33 crore commuters availed the Metro services, through which it collected a revenue of Rs. 35 crore.

However, just after an year, the number of commuters went up to 2.34 crore and the revenue collected through fares jumped to Rs. 48 crore, a whopping 37 per cent hike over the corresponding quarter in 2014.

Interestingly, in the third quarter of previous year (October-December 2014) about 2.42 crore commuters travelled in the Metro, fetching it Rs. 37 crore as revenue from fares, the official said responding to the query made by RTI activist Vihar Durve.

However, in the next quarter, from January-March 2015, the numbers of commuters dipped to 2.05 crore, though the fare revenues swelled up to Rs. 42 crore, according to RTI figures.

“The number of passengers and fare box collection is constantly going up, partly due to longer destination passengers more often availing our services,” said Debashish Mohanty, director of MMOPL.

The Metro service in Mumbai began on June 8 last year with a flat fare of Rs. 10 for 11.4 km long corridor. After a few months, MMOPL introduced a revised fare band of Rs. 10-40 using provisions of the Central Metro Act, against the previous fare notified by the state government Rs. 9 to 13 calculated according to the clauses in the concession agreement.

Now MMOPL has, following a fare fixation committee recommendation, proposed to levy Rs. 10 to 110 for entire stretch, which has been opposed by not only the commuters but also by the state government, prompting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadvavis to ask for a CAG report to get an audit of the firm.

RTI figures show that since the inception of the Metro service, it has received Rs. 215 crore revenue through fares (which have been revised thrice) but it has spent Rs. 668 crore on operating expenses, employees cost, finance cost, depreciation and other heads so far.

Commenting on the RTI query, an MMOPL spokesperson said, “It is a worldwide phenomenon that ridership decreases with an increase in fares. However, it is to the credit of Metro One’s excellent operations and services that the commuters have returned to Mumbai Metro and the ridership figures have gone up to the earlier levels. Accordingly, the revenues have also increased.

Man who ‘woke up’ before post-mortem at hospital mortuary dies

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

A 50-year-old man who was mistakenly declared dead by doctors but was found to be alive when brought to mortuary of a Mumbai hospital on Sunday, died on Tuesday night.

According to sources at the civic body-run Sion Hospital, after realising that the man, identified as Prakash, was alive, he was shifted to ICU, however he didn’t survive for long.

The case unfolded on Sunday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to address an event in the city and there was a heavy police security and patrolling on city roads.

The police on patrolling duty near the hospital found Prakash “dead” and took to the hospital.

Dr Suleman Merchant, dean of the hospital, had said at a press conference that “when the patient was brought in, he was on a stretcher and his face and ear were infested with maggots which are normally found in decomposed bodies. He was apparently picked up from a bus stop at Sion.

“During preliminary checking his pulse and heartbeat were found missing completely, additionally the policemen who brought the patient reaffirmed saying that they have brought a dead body, which could have led the doctors to believe that the patient was dead,” Merchant had added.

But a mortuary attendant found signs of life in him, and informed the doctors. Finding him alive, doctors shifted him to the hospital’s intensive care unit, where he died.

Honour Pakistani terrorists as peace doves: Shiv Sena tells BJP

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

The Shiv Sena on Thursday said that since every person who arrives here from Pakistan is “a messenger of peace”, so the three terrorists who have reportedly sneaked into the country should also be treated similarly.

According to recent intelligence reports, three Pakistani terrorists have sneaked into Mumbai and preparing to carry out attacks similar to 26/11.

The central government has warned Maharashtra and a red alert has been sounded for the terrorist trio who could strike in the crowded festivals like the ongoing Navratri or the forthcoming Diwali, the Shiv Sena said in an edit in the party mouthpiece Saamanatoday.

However, it assured that people of the state have no cause for worry as a new “Pakistan-loving ambassador of peace” has taken over responsibility to protect the nation from them, referring to its latest bête noire, Sudheendra Kulkarni, chairman of think-tank, Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

“Since every person who arrives here from Pakistan is ‘a messenger of peace’, these three terrorists must also be treated similarly. We lay out the red carpet for them and accord them highest security,” the Sena sarcastically demanded.

It warned that in case anyone them happened to be a “human bomb” and exploded, taking hundreds of innocent lives, nobody should term it as an attempt to spoil cultural and political ties between the two countries (India-Pakistan).

“In the past, such hullabaloo has brought a bad name not only to Maharashtra but entire India… We should adopt ‘a spirit of sacrifice and tolerance’ towards these three terrorists and welcome their attacks with a smile,” the edit said, referring to the debates in the past few days.

In order to ensure peace with Pakistan, Indians should chant ‘Om Shanti Om,’ and follow the principles of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava‘ to welcome our own death with folded hands, as our prime duty, the party urged.

“So, the state government must give a warm welcome to these sneaky terrorists – sorry, ambassadors of peace – ensure no stone left unturned in treating them well as it could spoil the image of Maharashtra… never mind if our nationalistic sentiments go for a toss,” the edit concluded.

Jaitley’s remarks are “perverse and cynical” dubs Congress

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Congress dismissed as “perverse and cynical” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s remarks trashing the steady stream of writers returning Sahitya Academy awards as a “manufactured paper rebellion”.

The party alleged that it showed that the Narendra Modi dispensation was “insincere, insensitive and unconcerned” to what is happening in the country.

Congress leader Anand Sharma, however, steered clear of the observations on India in the U S State Department report on International Religious Freedom for the year 2014.

The India section of the report, which includes the UPA rule till May 26, says that in 2014, India witnessed religiously motivated killings, arrests, riots and coerced religious conversions and the police in some cases failed to respond effectively to communal violence.

“It is an issue concerning the nation so we will be able to judge it better than others (outsiders). We will not judge the government by what others are saying. We will judge the government on the basis of the situation on the ground,” he told reporters.

Sharma dubbed Jaitley’s remarks as “perverse and cynical” contending that there was a “plan to create division with the diabolical agenda of radical elements of the so called Hindutva forces to suppress dissent and intimidate those (who speak up)”.

He was also critical of the Prime Minister’s remarks on the issue. Sharma insisted that the Prime Minister needed to go beyond expressing regret over the communal incidents in the country.

“The credibility of the Prime Minister has taken a beating after his statement yesterday,” Sharma said.

Noting that communal conflicts are not a law and order issue, he said that “it is part of a larger agenda of suppression of voices”.

He said government’s response showed that it was “insincere, insensitive and unconcerned” to the happenings in the country in the wake of the Dadri lynching incident.

Govt should not wait till Jan 23 to declassify Netaji’s files: Congress

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Government should declassify the secret files relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and not wait till January 23 next year, ahead of Assemly elections in West Bengal, to start the process, an unfazed Congress said.

The party said that Modi government was also raising an accusing finger against Atal Bihari Vajpayee if it is questioning the decision of previous governments not to declassify the files and alleged that the BJP was trying to appropriate the legacy of Congress leaders.

“Why is the government waiting till January 23, 2016 to make the documents public? Is it because of Bengal polls? They should do it today or tomorrow. Why to keep up the suspense?”, party’s senior spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters.

Throwing more than adequate hints that the exercise was being undertaken with an eye on Assembly polls, Sharma claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “had cried” during the recent visit to the US “targeting voters in Bihar”.

“It is sad and unfortunate…But this is how his mind functions. The Prime Minister is a good event manager,” remarked Sharma when asked about the Prime Minister’s announcement that government will start unveiling the secret files related to Netaji from January 23 next year, raising hopes about solving the seven-decade-old mystery about his disappearance.

Declaring that “there is no need to strangle history”, Modi told Netaji’s family members during a meeting here yesterday that he would also urge foreign governments to declassify files on Bose available with them by writing to them and personally taking up with their leaders, beginning with Russia in December.

Sharma noted that there were years when Congress was not in power but still non-Congress governments including the one led by BJP patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee decided not to make the documents public.

He said any insinuation against previous governments on the issue also meant an attack on Vajpayee.

“If an accusing finger is raised against the Indian National Congress, then it is also pointed towards Vajpayee who has been one of the most respectable leaders of the BJP”.

Besides, he insisted, that the move is part of appropriating the legacy of the Congress stalwarts in the freedom struggle.

“The Prime Minister is trying to appropriate the legacy of our leaders. They have tried it with Sardar Patel…They had nothing to do with the freedom struggle”

Successive governments have refused to make public these documents, arguing that India’s relations with foreign countries would be jeopardised. Modi’s office too had stated till August this year that the files cannot be declassified as it will adversely affect relations with foreign countries.

The demands for declassification of secret files have been growing lately, especially after the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal recently declassified 64 files which were in its possession.

Aadhar card: SC allows use on voluntary basis

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

The Supreme Court extended voluntary use of Aadhaar card for schemes like MGNREGA, all types of pension schemes, PM’s Jan Dhan Yojana and EPF.

The apex court constitution bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu modified its earlier order saying that Aadhaar card scheme is purely voluntary and not mandatory till matter is decided by this court.

The apex court modified the order on a batch of applications by the central government and its various agencies seeking modification of August 11 order by which the use of Aadhaar card was limited for getting foodgrain and kerosene under PDS and for LPG.

On August 11, the apex court had said that Aadhaar card will remain optional for availing welfare schemes of the government and the authorities will not use it for the purposes other than PDS and LPG distribution system.

The Centre, RBI, SEBI, IRDA, TRAI, Pension Fund Regulatory Authority and states like Gujarat and Jharkhand had recently moved the court and pitched strongly for voluntary use of Aadhaar cards for providing benefits of various schemes, other than PDS and LPG, at the doorstep of the aged people and the weaker sections.

Writers returning awards amount to dishonouring the recognition: Tharoor

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Taking a contrary stand on return of Sahitiya Akademi awards by eminent writers, former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor commented that although writers have every right to stand up for their freedom of expression, returning the awards amount to “dishonouring” the recognition.

“Personally, I regret the fact that a section of writers have returned the Akademi awards. Award is a recognition of intellectual, literary, creative or academic merits. It is not a political act,” he said.

“Sahitya Akademi is actually an independent institution, and the concerns we have are political ones. For writers, I think there is no need to confuse these two. One should oppose the present climate…One should stand up for freedom…But one should not dishonour the award,” he said.

An established writer and columnist, Tharoor said awards are “society’s tributes to the achievements of writers and neither the achievements nor the tributes can be rolled back.”

However, the Congress leader said he was very much glad that so many writers had stood up for their cause at a time when many others had preferred silence.

“Writers are justified in their concern because the atmosphere of intellectual freedom is essential to promote and permit creativity in writing. Freedom of expression is something which any writer has a moral obligation to pick up for,” the 59-year-old MP from the state capital said.

Stating that freedom of expression is not just an abstract right in the constitution, Tharoor noted it was “as important as the blood that flows in our vein or the ink that flows in the pen”.

If the Sahitya Akademi is a disappointment to these writers, the Akademi itself must be pressured to review its stand on these issues, the former diplomat felt.

“Many prominent Malayalam writers including M T Vasudevan Nair, Paul Zacharia and Sugathakumari have not returned their Akademi honours. I do not think that they are any less committed to freedom,” he said.

Seniors need a place for relaxation

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Senior Citizens who have played a vital role in the upbringing of their children look forward to relaxation in their final years. They go out looking for fun and that include watching scenic beauty and that includes seeing the blue sky, the mountains in the backdrop, rivulets, bird watching and looking for an airy place to do his or her regular routine for doing work outs and a place to take shelter after the rigorous of morning or evening chores. Both parks and roadside food outlets serve the purpose. These places used to have a radio set to hear music. Fun activities for senior citizens help you keep the good times rolling well into the golden years. Whether you are a healthy retiree or a nursing home resident, there are activities that will suit your needs. When looking for fun activities for seniors, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. An activity doesn’t have to be labelled “for seniors” to be enjoyable. Thinking through the things you love most or that you have always dreamed of doing will give you a good starting point in finding the best activities for your lifestyle.

Any activity that encourages physical movement will help you build your body. However, before you embark on any new exercise regimen or physical activity, get your physician’s approval. A walk in your neighbourhood, at the mall, along the beach or around your favourite park is a great way to start the day. Work on your memoir or learn to write poetry. Reading books at your local library or bookstore will teach you the basics and get you started. Try writing your thoughts and memories down in a journal. Reading is great emotional therapy. You might even discover a hidden talent for writing. Join a book or writer’s club in your community. It does not have to be just for senior citizens.

Intergenerational discussion can be stimulating for everyone in the group. Develop the art of writing letters to the newspapers about the current issues and air your views. The efforts taken by you may fetch a few thousand rupees as the best letter or the letter of the week and thus you will develop the art of writing. Again, collect the newspapers where your clippings were published and develop a scrap book, so as to enable you to show posterity to see your work in the media as a freelance writer or as a special correspondent if you have special knowledge about typical subjects.

After a hectic work out or after a busy day you need a place to relax and spend your leisure in a useful way. Chit chatting with your friends in a park or a garden will make your day a useful one. Having lived in urban surroundings we look for activities to keep ourselves busy all the time and rest for half an hour in the afternoon. It is advisable to go for early sleep in the night and get up early in the morning to start the day on a promising note. Have time for prayers and keep yourselves clean with healthy habits. Instead of just whiling away time apply your mind by playing a game of chess or play few boards of carom to relax in the evening. Mix up with your pals in the hall meant for senior citizen and try to interact with maximum people and come out with valuable suggestions and pass on useful tips for escaping from health hazards. Participate in activities which can enrich the spirit of simple living and high thinking.

Jayanthy Subramaniam

Miley Cyrus planning nude concert with The Flaming Lips

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Singer Miley Cyrus and The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne are planning to take to the stage without any clothes on, while the audience will also be asked to strip.

In an Instagram post – which features a naked split-shot of the band and Cyrus – Coyne wrote: “Oh f**k..! @mileycyrus is planning a show where her, the band (us) and the audience are all completely naked with milk (well white stuff that looks like milk) is being being spewed everywhere…,” reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“It’s a video (in the works) for #mileycyrusandherdeadpetz song The Milky Milky Milk…(sic),” he added.

Although a date for the landmark concert is still to be announced, Cyrus had confirmed she’ll be touring with The Flaming Lips in support of her surprise album “Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz” and she’s also spoken of her “love” for the band’s 54-year-old lead singer.

Ranbir, Deepika lock lips in ‘Tamasha’?

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Afternoon Voice

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October 15, 2015

Former lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone will be seen one more time together in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Tamasha’. The duo has been on great terms despite breaking off long time back.

The fact that the audience loves to see them together on-screen makes ‘Tamasha’ even more special. The trailer and rushes have set the pace for the movie, which has an interesting storyline. There is an intense lip-lock scene between the two in the movie.

Although, the professionals that these two are, if the script demands it they have never shied away from locking lips (they did it in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ too). Now, it has been reported that the scene will be much intense than the one they have performed earlier.

‘Tamasha’ releases on November 27, 2015.