Shocking! Man crossing road run over by 60 vehicles

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February 20, 2020

Mumbai Pune Expressway accident, pune accident, mumbai pune expressway, accident, mumbai pune highway, car accident — Representational Image

In a shocking incident, a 47-year-old man, hit by a vehicle was run over by 60 running vehicles. The remains of his body was later collected by the police.

It so happened that the man was hit by car at the Pune-Mumbai expressway when he was crossing the road. After he fell down, 60 cars in succession ran over him. The body was in such a bad condition that his remains had to collected and carried in pieces. The incident took place around 8:30 pm on Tuesday.

After receiving an emergency call, the police immediately rushed to the spot, stopped traffic and removed all the body parts from the road. The man was identified only through a document found in his shirt pocket. He was identified as Ashok Magar, a resident of Baur village. He was crossing the Pune corridor of the expressway though pedestrians are not allowed on the road.

Vinod Naglot, case investigating officer said, “He could have used the over-bridge which is located just 300 metres from the accident spot. An unidentified car heading towards Pune from Mumbai hit him first. Magar fell on the road, following which other vehicles heading towards Pune also ran over him. We found bloodstains spread over a 150-metre distance on the road.”

According to the police, vehicles travelling at a high speed along the central lane of the expressway and the motorists may have failed to spot the body lying on the road in the dark. But it is not yet known which vehicle knocked Ashok Magar down first.

India among countries hit by COVID-19

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Afternoon Voice

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February 20, 2020

In a jolt to China, authorities in India have forbidden its citizens not to buy Chinese goods that are self handled. Like for instance during Holi, we play with colours, water guns (pichkaris) etc. So, if we have to take the authorities words seriously, we have to do without the things that we use during Holi. Besides, there are so many items that we import from China.

Industry executives are of the feeling that the novel Coronavirus outbreak is threatening to bring manufacturing in India to a standstill in segments such as electronics which are dependent on China for supplies of parts. China’s share in imports is more than 25 per cent for automotive parts and fertilisers, while 60-70 per cent of pharmaceuticals in India are also sourced from China.

Though not-so-alarmed, India Inc has started citing the epidemic in their quarterly earnings and corporate briefings of late. There are reports that manufacturers of televisions, air-conditioners, refrigerators and some smartphone models are set to effect price hikes this month as they grapple with a shortage of components and finished products imported from Covid-19-hit China.

Apple and its manufacturers have had to close their businesses in China for weeks as demand has plunged following the outbreak of the Coronavirus. The company is not the only one. Businesses worldwide are feeling the heat not only because of lower demand in the world’s second-largest economy, but also because Chinese factories have either shut down or have downscaled their output.

India imports goods worth more than $1 billion from China in pharma, fertilisers, medical devices, inorganic chemicals and textiles sectors. Industries such as tourism, aviation, textiles and solar power are expected to face the impact of the Coronavirus at various degrees which is likely to be visible from March onwards.

Air imports from China have virtually come to a halt while all sea vessels that have already moved out of China are being sent earlier to destinations and the ones pending have been halted at ports.

The CII has noted that some cities in China have shut toll gates and loading or unloading at Chinese ports has also been suspended. Vessels to China are being re-routed while those from importing countries are not plying on the China-India route due to lack of full load of the containers.

People from major cities of the country are in prayers that the affected country should be saved from this dangerous virus that has till now killed thousands as early as possible. In Mumbai, the All India Bhikkhu Sangha and Republican Party of India (RPI) members held a ‘Pray for China’ meet at the Gateway of India yesterday. The meet comes as China battles the Coronavirus [COVID-19], with more than 2,000 deaths. Reports state that there are close to 73,000 cases and more than 20 countries have seen at least one case.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 20 February, 2020

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Web Team

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February 20, 2020

Scientific importance of Hinduism emerges during Coronavirus

Rituals and practices adopted in Hinduism (and also in Jainism) till now considered only symbolic religious aspects, have proved their worth based on perfect scientific aspects especially in present days of spread of Corona virus. It is time to explain the global community important features of Hinduism and Jainism at this crucial time of spread of Coronavirus.

Cremation of dead bodies in Hinduism kills germs in dead bodies rather than their further spread through burial. This is why China has started burning dead bodies of persons having died because of Coronavirus. Moreover cremation with Vedic rites through Hawan-Samagree, sandalwood and pure ghee (by affording people) further purifies the environment.

Jains always used filtered water. Presently complete world has started consuming filtered water. Likewise Jainism advises people to take their last daily food earlier because harmful bacteria start emerging after sunset. Main cause of Coronavirus (and earlier swine-flu etc) has been non-vegetarian food. Also people are now-a-days started using masks which is nothing but a modern style of covering mouth with cloth-piece by Jain saints.

There are too many other Hindu traditions which have their root in public-welfare but made as religious rituals so that people may follow them compulsorily.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Augment additional First Class AC coach to Rajdhani express

The train numbers 12951/12952 Mumbai Central- New Delhi Rajdhani Express and 12953/12954 Mumbai Central- H.Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express operate between Mumbai Central and New Delhi everyday. Both the trains form an excellent connectivity between the two metro cities in a seamless manner running under the aegis of Western Railway Mumbai Central’s jurisdiction.

The train’s coach composition consists of only one First Class AC coach i.e. coach H1 in both the trains. It is given to understand that there is a high patronage to travel by 1AC coaches in both the trains. Hence there is now an urgent necessity otherwise to augment an additional First Class AC coach i.e. coach H2 to both the trains. The suggested move will enable the passengers to travel by First Class AC by booking well in advance.

As it is given to understand that both Mumbai Rajdhani and August Kranti Rajdhani Express share rakes amongst themselves between Mumbai Central and New Delhi, the Western Railway authorities at Mumbai Central Division are kindly requested to augment one additional First Class AC coach i.e. H2 to both the trains.

Varun Dambal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Kerala-bound bus rams into truck in Tamil Nadu killing 20

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Hema Singh

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February 20, 2020

Tamil Nadu Tiruppur Bus Accident,Tamil Nadu, Tiruppur, Bus Accident,Tamil Nadu Bus Accident,Tiruppur Bus Accident — Image Courtesy : The Hindu

In a horrific bus accident in Tamil Nadu’s Tirupur on the Coimbatore highway early on Thursday morning when a speeding container truck rammed a Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) at around 3:23 am, as many as 20 people died on the spot while 23 people got injured. The accident took place.

Reportedly, the bus was going to Thiruvananthapuram from Bengaluru while the lorry was coming from the opposite direction on the Coimbatore-Salem Highway when the mishap took place. It is said that there were 48 passengers in the bus. Officials fear the toll might further go up. The driver of the truck is absconding, however the police have launched a hunt for him.

Deputy Tehsildar of Avinashi said, “19 people including 14 men and 5 women died in the collision between a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus and a truck near Avinashi town of Tirupur district.”

The injured people have been taken to different hospitals for treatment. Most of the casualties are natives of Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam, said Kerala Transport Minister A K Saseendhran.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office said “All possible relief measures will be taken in cooperation with the government of Tamil Nadu and the District Collector of Tirupur.”

Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Kerala: All possible relief measures will be taken in cooperation with the government of Tamil Nadu and the District Collector of Tirupur. https://t.co/Pz02MccLf9

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2020

Trump’s visit to India – Atithi Devo Bhava, overextended

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Vaidehi Taman

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February 19, 2020

Modi and Trump, both rose to power on an exclusive hate campaign, at the heart of which was Trump’s commitment and rhetoric to build a wall at the Mexican border. His arrogant pledge asking Mexico to even pay for such a wall added to his untrustworthy machismo and persona, traits which do matter in the elections to the highest office in the USA. The same is here in India; the political campaign of Modi started with development and narrowed down against one particular family and community. The hate speeches, lies and loose talks were adhered to by his supporters compromising the Interest of Indian citizen. In our fondness for welcoming guests beyond their expectations, we have gone too far in pleasing Trump by offering him a spectacle of a wall on his forthcoming visit.

Donald Trump the businessman, thinks of India as a potential market, a place where he can look for a big business opportunity. Contrary to his persona as a politician, Trump the businessman doesn’t mind doing business in countries where the population are of another colour or religious faith. What he cares is mainly about whether the project will be profitable. There is absolutely no evidence he has negative attitudes about India. Like most businessmen and businesswomen competing in our global economy, he wants America to be successful but he also sees the benefit of utilising some of India’s growing educated workforce. He is always at the peak while appeasing the Indian government and at the same time, Modi keeps no stone unturned while pleasing him.

Trump, the politician, probably has not formulated an official policy about India. It has rarely come up in his campaign rhetoric to this point. As someone who has scored political points by demonising religious minorities (Muslims) and ethnic minorities (Mexican-Americans), he has made little effort to rail against Indian-Americans, and yes, there are a sizeable number of Indian-Americans in the US. He would undoubtedly promote trade and commerce between the two countries while not openly encouraging the shipping of more American jobs to India. Well! he is one of the most powerful political personas at this moment and our government has stretched all its limits to portray Gujarat as development model. Ironically, the ground reality is far from the wall in question. The wall is not to limit illegal migration but to hide the legal citizens of this country. In fact Trump’s good friend Modi, has other tricks up his sleeve to contain the legality of citizens of the land but that’s a different story. Coming back to the wall, the building of walls to hide poverty is not new in this world. Indira Gandhi gave a slogan “Garibi Hatao” to remove poverty while Modi came up with new idea to hide poverty. In preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian government constructed a wall surrounding the Mare Favela complex to hide the poverty of the Favela. When brought to the notice of the world, the Brazilian government came up with a bizarre explanation for the act. The building of wall in Ahmedabad can be inspired from this saga.

Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around ₹80 crore-85 crore which is equivalent to about 1.5 per cent of the annual budget for the home ministry in Gujarat security-related costs, with more than 12,000 police officers expected to be deployed, will account for almost half the expense, said the officials, who declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak publicly about the visit. US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world’s largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad, the home base of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the start of his two-day visit aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes. Making his first official trip to the world’s largest democracy, Trump is also expected to visit the humble abode of India’s independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad. The leaders of China, Japan and Israel have all visited Ahmedabad since Modi became Prime Minister. It is the biggest city in Gujarat where Modi made his mark as Chief Minister before BJP swept to power in 2014. If his Indian hosts can help it, Trump probably won’t see a slum as they’ve ordered for a 400-metre wall to be built along his route to block the view of where poor people live. Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around Rs. 80 crore-85 crore ($11-12 million) on preparations for the visit by the American president that is likely to last around three hours, two government officials with direct knowledge of the plans mentioned to Reuters.

Ahmedabad municipal authorities had already spent around 300 million rupees ($4.2 million) on widening roads and improving infrastructure around the new cricket stadium. With capacity for 110,000 spectators, the Motera Stadium will dislodge the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world’s largest cricket stadium. Eighteen roads of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) in length from Ahmedabad Airport to Motera Stadium have been widened or re-laid. A further 60 million Indian rupees ($840,000) will go on “beautification” of the city, including erecting the wall to spare Trump’s view. More than 100,000 participants had registered so far to greet Trump as he heads from the airport to the city centre. Trump said last week Modi had promised “millions and millions” of people would line his route. Trump may also visit the famous Taj Mahal monument in the city of Agra, and all leave for police officers in that city has been cancelled, according to a document seen by Reuters.

At this moment the Indian economy has slowed down, the country is going through financial crunch and challenges, reserves of the Reserve Bank have shrunk and our country is making huge expenses on one visit of Trump. Trump is counting his days in office and his visit serves no purpose. Also, the US is no more a mighty, they themselves have agreed that India is a developed nation. Sadly, we still bend over backwards to welcome foreign leaders especially if they happen to be from West while other visiting dignitaries get not so grand reception always. This shows we are still having a colonial hangover and to us, a white man is always superior. This has got to change.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Trumpet for Trump: Costliest affairs by Modi

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 19, 2020

More news has flown in from Gujarat as regards to the US President’s visit here. It is not just the slums which are apparently being ‘walled’ to hide them from the direct view of the US President, people chewing their favourite pan-masala and spewing a mouthful of ‘red liquid’ on roads or walls will have to think twice on February 24 and 25 as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) doesn’t want the US Prez to see this during his three-hour stay in Swachh Ahmedabad. Around 1.25 lakh people are expected to attend an event at the world’s biggest cricket stadium Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium for Trump visit.

In its bid to keep all roads and walls around the airport spotless, the health department of the AMC on last Friday sealed three pan shops at the airport circle with a notice saying that if the shopkeeper tries to remove the seal, legal actions will be taken against them.

When AV contacted Jivraj Chauhan, Deputy Mayor of Gujarat BJP said, “This grand welcome of President of America is on the lines of the kind of welcome our President or Prime Minister get when they visit the US. And the expense that we have incurred is a nominal one. The programme that will be held at Vallabbhai Stadium, Ahmedabad is on the lines of Howdy Modi that was organised when Modi was there on a visit.”

A policeman, who was deployed at the airport circle said that the shops were sealed after the civic body found improper disposal of garbage and spitting of pan-masala around the shops. An AMC official of the north zone said that the customers used to throw cigarette butts and spit pan-masala everywhere so it was difficult to keep the area clean if the shops were allowed to run. “We have decided to seal the shops till further order,” said an AMC official. A passerby Salim Shaikh said that the shops were his favourite stop-over before going to the airport.

According to additional reports, the AMC has set aside Rs 3.7 crores to beautify Ahmedabad streets with flowers from Chimmanbhai Patel Bridge to Zundal Circle and up to Motera.

Dr. Karsandas, Working President of Gujarat Congress told AV, “Earlier when Country heads visited India, we did incur expenses but this by the expenses we have incurred now, it was a kind of show off.”

All this in addition to concealing of slums that fall on the half-a-kilometre road that falls between Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad airport when the US prez visits Ahmedabad on February 24. The wall, with a height of six or seven feet, is coming up alongside the road connecting the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to Indira Bridge.

The wall is being built to hide the more than 500 kutcha houses at the Dev Saran or Saraniyavaas slum area. The slums have an estimated population of 2,500.

Once the slums are concealed, plantation of date palms will be done along the stretch as part of the beautification drive. Roads that were in dire need for repair and were not resurfaced for years will also be re-laid for the visit. In all, 16 roads will be resurfaced for Trump’s visit and decorative lighting may also be installed along the route the US President takes.

The overall cost of the beautification is expected to be around Rs 100 crore, it is understood. The overall cost is equivalent to about 1.5 percent of the annual budget of Gujarat. Reportedly, more than twelve thousand police officers will take part during Trump visit to the state.

After not getting place to keep his fruit cart; vendor stabs Zomato delivery boy

By

Hema Singh

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February 19, 2020

A 30-year-old Zomato delivery boy Suratkar was allegedly stabbed by a 20-year old fruit vendor Sachin Dinesh Singh in the early hours of Wednesday in suburban Powai.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-10) Ankit Goyal, they arrested the fruit vendor and his associate within hours of the crime. The arrested accused the people were identified as Sachin Dinesh Singh (fruit vendor) and Jitendra Hariram Raikar (32). While the deceased was identified as Amol Bhaskar Suratkar a resident of Indira Nagar locality in Powai, worked with online food delivery app Zomato.

As per a report, the incident took place near a hotel in Powai around 12:30 am when the two accused had a quarrel with the victim over the placement of a fruit handcraft. And in a fit of rage, Singh stabbed Suratkar with a knife.

Suratkar who sustained heart and stomach injuries was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on the arrival. Police said after committing the crime Singh tried to escape to his native place in Uttar Pradesh. However, he was arrested from Kurla station before he could board the train. And later police arrested his associate too.

Police have booked both the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention). Singh often had arguments over the latter’s placement of handcart in the area, the police said.

Sonam ties up with Sujoy Ghosh; to star in his film Blind

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 19, 2020

Keeping up with the trajectory of trying something new, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has time and again proved her mettle as an actor with her brilliant performances in films like, ‘Neerja’, ‘PadMan’ and ‘Veere Di Wedding’. is now teaming up with Sujoy Ghosh, supposedly one of Bollywood’s ace directors for her next. The film has been apparently titled, ‘Blind’.

Says a source, “Sonam had always been an admirer of Ghosh’s body of work and it was very fitting for Blind to have come along as the opportunity for them to collaborate. After having powered socially relevant cinema, she has picked the Ghosh production for its unique narrative. The Sonam Kapoor-starrer will be on floors in mid-June in London. However, no details of her role are out as yet.”

If the speculation is true, then fans are in for a never-tried-before synapse of the crowd-puller star, Kapoor-Ahuja and the maverick Ghosh. Sonam has time and again proved her mettle as an actor with her brilliant performances in films like, ‘Neerja’, ‘PadMan’ and ‘Veere Di Wedding’.

Using agricultural land for residential purpose

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 19, 2020

There are many people who get befooled by buying agricultural land for residential purposes. As a matter of fact they get carried away by many people who can befool people for want of money. What happens next is that the buyer has to run from pillar to post to transfer the property in his name.

What such people don’t know is that there is a procedure to be followed to change land use while developing agricultural land for residential purposes. Agricultural land cannot be used for residential purposes. You cannot construct a house on agricultural land to live in although the land may be owned by you. You need to get the land use converted from agricultural to residential before any construction.

When AV asked Mr. Kantharia about the same, he said, “Yes, the procedures are strict and many. I say this because I had to go through all these formalities to acquire a piece of land at Titwala. I literally had to run from table-to-table to get my papers passed to convert my property. What initially happened is that when I bought this piece of land I never had any idea about all this. I was in a haste to buy a land here while the seller showed that he was also in a haste. It took me two to three months to get the property on my name.”

Different states have different procedures to do this.

In case you are purchasing a property, you should check whether the land on which the property is constructed is residential land. In case it was originally allotted as agricultural land, its use should have been converted to residential.

One can convert agricultural land into residential or industrial land by paying a fee. You can get a ‘change of land use’ after obtaining the necessary approval from the local authorities. One has to apply to the commissioner of the land revenue department explaining the purpose of conversion. Along with the application, one needs to attach certain documents such as ID proof, mutation letter, original sale deed (or gift partition deed), latest tax paid receipt and certified survey map. There is a fee to get the land converted depending on the nature of the property and its location.

The details of extent of land, names of the present and previous owners, kind of soil and crops, mortgages etc also need to be provided. Certified copies of these documents can be obtained from the revenue office or the tehsildar. All outstanding dues should be paid in full and copies of payment proof should be attached.

The district or deputy commissioner or collector who is authorised may permit conversion of land if satisfied that the prescribed conditions have been met and there are no pending dues or litigations on the property. The conversion should also be permissible under the master plan of the area. A conversion order permitting the change in land use will then be issued. Also, a conversion certificate will be issued.

Some states have restrictions on land where the use has been converted. It cannot be transferred for a certain period of time without payment of a premium or obtaining permission from the prescribed authority. Similarly, some States have a provision that if the purpose for which the land was converted is not carried out in a certain period of time, the permission is cancelled and the land reverts back to agricultural. So, any agricultural land, converted for a non-agricultural purpose, should be used for such converted purpose within the specified time from the date of issue of the conversion order, failing which the conversion order will be withdrawn and the amount of premium deposited will be forfeited to the State government.

Further, agricultural land converted for residential purposes cannot be used for industrial purposes. The revenue assessment is different in all such different uses of land. When land is converted, the purpose of the conversion is furnished by the land owner. The buyer of such converted land should ask for all documents copy of the application made to convert the land from agricultural to residential and approvals received from the different authorities.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 19 February, 2020

By

Web Team

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February 19, 2020

A befitting tribute to Sushma Swaraj

It is really good to know that the central government has renamed Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra and Foreign Service Institute after late Sushma Swaraj. The decision to name the two institutes after her has come a day before her
68th birth anniversary. It is truly a befitting tribute to the late External Affairs Minister who is known for her remarkable connection with the Indian diaspora. Her help and support to Indians in distress remains etched in our hearts. Besides, her empathy and help given to people of neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, who needed health treatment in India is well known and makes her a class apart. Foreign Service Institute, a renowned institution where diplomats are trained, has also been renamed Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

The illustrious leader whose invaluable contribution to Indian diplomacy redefined the External Affairs Ministry and was indeed the most sought after minister in the previous Narendra Modi government. In fact Sushma was one of the most followed Foreign Ministers on Twitter globally clearly showing how much she was adored and respected the world around.

M Pradyu

Steep hike in LPG price since 2014

Modi government fumes at Delhi poll debacle by increasing LPG refill rates by around Rs.150 per cylinder which is the steepest hike since 2014. A quantum increase of 15 per cent at a single stroke sans logic at a time when retail inflation is on the rise and LPG prices have a bearing on the cost of other food consumable articles as well. Price of any commodity depends on demand and supply but keeping them subdued during election time to win polls followed by huge hikes after poll results is poor governance and bad economics.

LPG is an item of necessity and also environment friendly compared to other fuels. Subsidised rates even for commercial usages makes sense at a time when the world is going through global warming and all sorts of environmental issues. Cost cuts are also possible if pipeline leakages during transportation are plugged. Economic decisions too should be taken by economists in the government machinery rather than politicians whose decisions on such matters are ill-timed.

S.N.Kabra

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)