WR nets fines worth ₹93.96 crores in eight months

By

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December 20, 2019

People have a tendency to travel ticketless in trains. However, railways have become strict and are apprehending ticketless travelers and imposing fines on them. Railways are taking harsh steps to deter commuters from travelling ticketless. The Western Railway (WR) snitched as many as 19.19 lakh passengers for ticketless travel from April 2019 to November 2019 recovering Rs ₹93.96 crores in fine. “This is a record collection and is more compared to fines collected in 2018,” an official said. “We also caught thousands of beggars and unauthorised hawkers. As many as 103 persons were sent to jail,” another official said.

Mainly, the Western Railway recovered fines worth ₹11.16 crore during regular checks in the month of June this year. The penalty was drawn from nearly 2.32 lakh ticketless and unreserved luggage cases on WR across Mumbai, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Ratlam. The fines recovered also exceeds the previous year collection of the same month by ₹2.92 crores. Along with this, 209 beggars and 607 unauthorised hawkers were arrested and fined. Moreover, 153 people were sent to jail for violating the law.

Western Railway Chief Public Relation Officer (PRO) Ravinder Bhaker said that the amount was 9.46 per cent higher than 2018-2019. He further stated that in November alone, the WR recovered ₹10.59 crore in 2.14 lakh cases of ticketless travel including those of un-booked luggage. Moreover, they have apprehended as many as 336 beggars and 363 unauthorised hawkers. 1,861 checks against touts and anti-social elements between April and November were conducted by Railway’s Commercial Department.

In 2018, a Parliament Railway Convention Committee which inspected the financial report of the railways for 2016-17 had expressed their dissatisfaction over the loss of revenue arising out of ticketless travel. Subsequently, the Railway Board directed its zonal railways to intensify drives against ticketless travel across the country and fix annual targets for every TTE. If a passenger is caught travelling ticketless, they have to pay a minimum fine of Rs 250 along with the cost of the ticket. If the person refuses to pay the money or does not have the money, he is handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and booked under Section 137 of the Railways Act. Later the person is presented before a magistrate who can impose a fine of as much as Rs 1,000 on him. If the person still fails to pay the fine, then he may be imprisoned for a tenure of six months.

Rules and Regulations :

Type of Fines and Amount of Fines

a) Travelling without proper pass/ticket (Sec. 138Railway Act)

Punishment: Ordinary single fare for the distance which he has travelled or from the station from which the train started and the excess charge i.e. `250/-

b) Travelling Fraudulently (Sec. 137Railway Act)

Punishment : 6 months jail, fine `1,000/-or both.

c) Alarm Chain Pulling (Sec. 141Railway Act)

Punishment:12 months jail, fine`1,000/-or both.

d) Travelling in Coach Reserved for Handicapped Passengers(Sec. 155 (a) Railway Act)

Punishment: 3 months jail, fine `500/-or both.

e) Travelling on Roof Top (Sec. 156 Railway Act) Punishment:3 months jail, fine`500/- or both.
f) Trespassing (Sec. 147 Railway Act)

Punishment : 6 months jail, fine `1,000/- or both.

g) Nuisance and Littering (Sec. 145 (b) Railway Act)

Punishment : 1st offence` 100 fine, 2nd & subsequent ` 250, one month imprisonment.

h) Bill Pasting (Sec. 166 (b) Railway Act)

Punishment: 6 months jail, fine ` 500/- or both.

i) Touting (Sec. 143 Railway Act)

Punishment: 3 years jail, fine`10,000/- or both.

j) Unauthorised Hawking (Sec. 144 Railway Act)

Punishment : One year jail, fine min.`1,000/-, max. `2,000/- or both.

Government needs to focus on development

By

Hema Singh

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December 20, 2019

The assembly elections were held a few months ago, and the Lok Sabha poll had taken place in the country some months ago. We the citizens vote for a particular party for a reason and in return, we expect that the government should do something better for the people.

However, if we go by recent crisis, whether it’s related to politics, crime against woman, unemployment, bribery etc. then we have seen that our political leaders have failed miserably to fulfill the basic security for the citizens of the nation. The hike in price of essential commodities and the unrest around the country has made the life of the common man miserable and it is they who are paying the cost of things they have not done.

The government at the Centre should pay attention on the development and security of the people rather than debating on religion, fighting and belittling other parties. It seems that the government has conveniently forgotten that it is for the people they are now in power. And finally, politicians are just concerned about their power, position and money which ultimately belongs to us tax payers.

Topics on which the government should pay attention:

Unemployment: Unemployment is at its peak. However, the government feels that everything is fine in India. If we go by the reports, then in the year 2019, many public and private firms bid goodbye to their employees from their firms as according to them they have been incurring losses. The unemployment figure is rising; the number of people entering the workforce is declining. This is also reflected in the participation rate of the labour force that includes both who are currently employed and those looking out for jobs.

Crime against women: In every corner of the country and every hour, one woman gets raped or molested by a man. Reportedly, rape is the fourth most common crime against women in India. Also many rape cases go unreported in the country as the victims hesitate to file a complaint or the police don’t cooperate with the victim.

Bribery: The highest numbers of incidents of bribery were among the authorities involved in property registration and land issues. Reportedly, most of the state governments have been unable to take concrete and effective steps to reduce corruption. Bribery is very common and it seems that it will not end.

What is going around in the country? While people are dying because of unemployment and rising inflation, politicians are raising their ugly heads and causing widespread unrest all across. Everyone should get together and find out ways and means to resort normalcy in the nation.

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

Letters to the Editor: 20 December, 2019

By

Web Team

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December 20, 2019

Run riot by Rohit and Rahul

Team India after losing the first game against West Indies came back strongly to beat the Caribbean side rather convincingly. A 107 runs win against all odds to level the three match series 1-1 and go to the final game at Cuttack with their head high. The architect of India’s win was Rohit and Rahul’s rollicking opening wicket stand, which saw the team putting up a mammoth total against a resurgent West Indies side. A double century partnership for the opening wicket gave the momentum to put up a sizeable score of 387. In reply, the touring team was under tremendous pressure and started losing wickets at regular intervals and a fine hat-trick by Kuldeep Yadav saw the Indian team finishing the formalities in style. Mohammed Shami took 3 wickets and became the highest wicket taker for the year 2019 with consistent bowling display.

Gundu K. Maniam

No law and order in country

It is shocking to learn that after Hyderabad and Unnao’s cases some more rape incidents happened in Haryana, Kerala, Chattisgarh. It seems that no law and order is prevalent in the country. All governments had failed to wake up. I think that governments need to strengthen law and order, take strict action against the
accused so that rape victim will not loose her life while awaiting justice and security.

M Hasan

Raise retirement-age of High Court judges to 65 years

Central government should implement earlier demand of ruling BJP when it was in opposition for imposing a two-year ban on post-retirement appointment of retired judges of Supreme Court and High Courts including at National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to avoid chances, if any, of pro-government decisions especially towards end of tenure. NHRC Chief can be selected from amongst retired Supreme Court judges after two years of their retirement rather than present system of appointing only retired Chief Justice of India at the post. Present system has at times caused vacancy at the post for long like happened when Justice RC Lahoti declined to accept the post, and Justice YK Sabharwal was not considered fit to head NHRC

Simultaneously central government should accept recommendation of Chief Justice of India CJI made to Prime Minister in June 2019 for raising retirement-age of High Court judges to 65 years. Raising retirement-age of High Court judges from present 62 years to 65 years will make it at par with that of Supreme Court judges. It will effectively check tendency, if any, amongst some of High Court judges for lobbying to be elevated to Supreme Court for availing maximum tenure in judiciary. Also it should be made compulsory to appoint all High Court judges compulsorily from outside their home-states to check any influence on them by their local relations or former bar-colleagues.

Madhu Agrawal

Centralisation of power in PMO not good for economy

Shiv Sena on Tuesday said centralisation of power in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) was one of the main reasons for the “poor” economic health of the country. The central government wants the finance minister and RBI governor under its control, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana claimed, adding that the present BJP-led dispensation is not ready to listen to economists as it considers the economy as a “share market gamble“.

A Abuzar

Silver line an exemplary proof of state – central coordination

Though the Pinarayi government in Kerala and the central led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi maybe at loggerheads in political ideology and some other matters when it comes to development and progress it is for sure that they are ready to cooperate and help one another. When issues regarding centre state conflicts and misunderstanding prevail the way in which the Union government and the Kerala government is all set to begin a dream project -a semi high speed rail corridor called the silver line is an exemplary proof of state – central coordination.

The central government has given in-principle approval to the rail project between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod, which will reduce travel time between northern Kerala to the south from 12 to four hours. The project will be implemented by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd , a rail company powered by Indian Railways and Kerala state. The joint venture was earlier examined by the Ministry of Railways which found the project to be feasible will help passenger and freight traffic. The 540 km double line will help commuters to reach the state capital from Kasaragod, in the northern end, in four hours. At present the fastest train takes eight to ten hours to cover the distance. Though now there are flight connections from the city of Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram the fare is too high that middle class business men and passengers find it unaffordable.

The silver line therefore is envisaged as the most affordable solution for the transport problems of the state. It would help fast- track the economy of Kerala besides creating a huge number of job opportunities. The project which would be a game-changer in Kerala’s infrastructure and economic development is to be implemented with minimum land acquisition. Semi high speed trains would be used which run at a speed of 200 km per hour connecting eleven districts and touching almost all the major towns of the state. The project will be a perfect solution to the heavily congested traffic problem witnessed in the state and slow running trains which are always jam packed. The project will be environmental friendly and shall be using natural energy including solar. State of the art stations will be constructed and various modes of connectivity will be implemented to connect them with the cities and nearby towns. The silver line, no doubt, is sure to change the face of the coastal state and will be a model for the other states to follow.
M Pradyu

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

India improves journo-murder index

By

Nava Thakuria

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December 20, 2019

Journalists, Journalism, murder of journalist, international federation of journalism, media, — Image Courtesy: Reuters

As the year 2019 is approaching its end, the Indian sub-continent sets to improve its journo-murder index with 12 casualties this year. International media rights body reveals that 49 journalists have been murdered for their journalistic works around the world, which is also lower than last year (95 casualties). India’s share has gone down from six (in 2018) to two journo-killings (2019) till date, whereas Bangladesh, Tibet (under China), Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan have not reported any incident of scribe-murders this year. Pakistan and Afghanistan top the list of scribe’s murders as both the countries lost five journalists each to assailants. India reported killings of two journalists for journalistic causes. As usual, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka along with Myanmar, Maldives and Bangladesh have not reported any incident of journo-murder till the middle of December’19.

Pakistan reported the murders of Zafar Abbas, Mirza Waseem Baig, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Ali Sher Rajpar and Malik Amanullah Khan in 2019 for journalistic activities. Similarly, Afghanistan lost Jabid Noori, Nader Shah Sahebzadeh, Sultan Mohammad Khairkhah, Shafiq Aria and Rahimullah Rahmani to assailants in the year. India as a whole lost six scribes in 2019, but only two murders are understood as being related to journalism related activities. Andhra Pradesh based journalist K Satyanarayana and Madhya Pradesh based journalist Chakresh Jain faced the fate because of their works as journalists. However, four other cases are yet to be confirmed that they were targeted for media activities.

Young reporter Satyanarayana, who worked for Telugu daily ‘Andhra Jyothy’, was hacked to death by miscreants at Annavaram village of East Godavari district on the night of 15 October. Local scribes reported that Satyanarayana was targeted in an earlier occasion too and he informed it to the local police. Jain, a freelance journalist died of severe burning on June 19 as he was put to burn by assailants in Shahgarh locality. Others who were killed this year include Radheyshyam Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, K Muhammed Basheer from Kerala, Anand Narayan and Nityanand Pandey from Maharashtra. Sharma was allegedly murdered on 10 October by his neighbours. Basheer lost his life as a running vehicle, driven by a senior government officer, mowed down him on August 3. A news channel contributor (Narayan) was murdered on June 4 by miscreants and a magazine editor Pandey was killed in another incident.

India lost six journalists (Navin Nischal, Vijay Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Syed Shujaat Bukhari, Achyuta N Sahu and Chandan Tiwari) to assailants in 2018, whereas the trouble-torn northeastern region of the country has once again evaded murder of any journalist in two years. Often described as a disturbed zone because of relentless
violence engineered by armed militants, the region (except Tripura) has avoided any incident of journalist’s murder for many years.

Tripura reported the murder of altogether five media persons in 2013 and 2017, whereas Assam and Manipur witnessed the last killing of media persons in 2012. Till the recent time, the region was a breeding ground for insurgents fighting against New Delhi with demands for self-rule to sovereignty. Manipur and Assam were once severely affected by the militancy, where over 30 separatist armed outfits went on with disruptive activities including extortion, kidnapping, and killings.

For Indian working journalists, the year 2017 is recognised as a deadliest year as 12 scribes (Hari Prakash, Brajesh Kumar Singh, Shyam Sharma, Kamlesh Jain, Surender Singh Rana, Gauri Lankesh, Shantanu Bhowmik, KJ Singh, Rajesh Mishra, Sudip Datta Bhaumik, Naveen Gupta and Rajesh Sheoran) were either murdered or killed in suspicious situations. In 2016, India witnessed the targeted killings of six scribes, where as in the previous year the country lost five journalists to assailants. A satisfactory statistics on journo-murder index was observed in 2014, when the country reported only two incidents of journo-murders. But year 2013 emerged a dangerous year for scribes with 11 casualties including three media employees from Tripura.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Man arrested at Mumbai airport for smuggling in gold worth Rs 1.4 cr

By

Hema Singh

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December 20, 2019

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Mumbai airport arrested a 35-year old man for allegedly attempting to smuggle in gold jewellery worth Rs 1.4 crore from Dubai on Wednesday. According to an officer of AIU, the accused arrived by an Air India flight and walked through the green channel and had crossed the Customs exit gate.

At that time, the officer stopped him on suspicion and asked him to show his luggage. When the officer opened his bag, he found 29 gold chains, 30 gold bracelets and three hooks totally weighing over 4kg worth 1.4 crore.

The arrested accused was identified as Gaurav Dilip More, a resident of JB Nagar, Andheri. According to More, he had brought the gold jewellery at the behest of a certain businessman from South Mumbai. The accused has been booked under the Customs Act and was produced before the Court which remanded him to custody till December 22.

The CAA doesn’t change existing provisions of citizenship or its benefits to Indians

By

Vaidehi Taman

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December 19, 2019

The Lok Sabha passed the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 on December 09, this year which amends the Citizenship Act 1955. This amendment confers eligibility for citizenship to migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians and who have come to India fearing religious persecution from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This Act is widely opposed by citizens of North Eastern States where the influx of the population from Bangladesh will challenge the Ethnic identity of the region. This was one of the poll manifestos of NDA during the 2014 General election. The Act proposes any non-Muslim living in illegal immigrants camp for six years to get India’s citizenship which is discriminating Muslims from getting the citizenship. Muslim sects like Ahmediya and Shia are under continuous persecution of Pakistan and other fundamentalist groups. If these Muslims cross the border and enter the Indian land for survival, they won’t be considered for the eligibility of citizenship. If the illegal immigrants, other than Muslims, in the camp are given citizenship, it will make a big impact on the demography of the region and make the right wing to have strong fold in the region. Hence the local political parties are opposing the same. People are migrating to India for their livelihood. Even Muslims are migrating from Muslim countries to India in the hope that India will provide a better opportunity for them which is not possible in their mother land. So, India has to consider their aspirations in drafting the policies.

The reason behind the opposition to the Act is that it targets Muslim migrants from those three countries. In Assam and other north eastern states, the percentage of Muslim immigrants are far in excess of those six religions. Some of the BJP allies are the supporters of these migrants. The implication is that it advances a bad precedent in that laws for immigrants are made based on religion which is against Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. That is all religions other than Muslims are allowed Indian citizenship with easy terms while Muslims from neighbouring countries are prohibited from acquiring Indian citizenship which is arbitrary and against the canon of equality. This seems to be against the spirit of the Indian constitution. It may have serious reparations in the North Eastern States.

Let us take a look at how the government took the lead on the Bill since 2014: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his election rallies, talked about the plight of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries. 2015: Bringing immediate relief to the migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, the government issued a notification that exempted them from the provisions of Foreigners Act, 1946. The government considered the cut-off date as December 31, 2014, or in other words, migrants who came to India before such a date were eligible for the exemption. This brought clarity to their status and their fear of being deported back was addressed. 2016: To provide them Indian citizenship, the government introduced the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 in Lok Sabha.

2019: The Lok Sabha passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 on December 09, 2019. As explained above, the bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make non-Muslim migrants or minority communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for Citizenship in India, in case they migrate to India fearing persecution in these three countries.

Under the Citizenship Act 1955, some of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation are: Applicant must have resided in India for 12 months immediately before the application for citizenship. Applicant must have also resided for 11 of the previous 14 years preceeding the said period of 12 months. However, under the amendment bill, this requirement has been relaxed to 6 years instead of earlier 11 years. A negative campaign looks to have misguided people in north-eastern states especially Assam where people protested the passing of Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 in the Lok Sabha. The bone of contention is the cut-off date. According to the Assam Accord 1985, migrants who came to India before March 24, 1971, were the only to be given citizenship. However, under the new law, this cut-off date has been pushed to December 31, 2014. Thus, the locals apprehend that this will increase the influx of a greater number of people in the state of Assam which will negatively impact their businesses and livelihoods. However, here are some facts that should be considered before drawing such conclusions. There has been less clarity on the fact that the new law will continue to filter out the large proportion of migrants from getting the citizenship (including the illegal migrants from Bangladesh which have a greater impact on the demography of north-eastern states). Only persecuted minorities from Bangladesh will be exempted.

Also, the said Act will have an effect all across the country and it’s not only specific to North-East or one particular state of Assam. The persecuted people who migrated from Pakistan to Rajasthan or other bordering states on the western frontier will also get relief. Let me first make the distinction between ‘differentiation’ and ‘discrimination’ clear. Differentiation means separating or assorting two different things in different categories so that they can be managed or worked upon more easily. Discrimination, on the other hand, means treating one category more unfavourably than the other, due to previous bias or conscious division. The former is to make things clearer while the latter is harmful to society.

In summary, it says a person who can submit valid proof which establishes that they or their ancestors have moved to India before on or before Aug 15th 1947 (1971 for the Bangladesh bordering states and except J&K). Person who cannot submit proof but are non-Muslims and willing to reside in India will be inducted as “religious refugees” from neighbouring countries. Cases other than the above will be termed as “illegal immigrants”. Even this Act goes against the fabric of secularism in our Constitution. According to the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, a person may become an Indian citizen if they are born in India or have Indian parentage or have resided in the country over a period of time, etc. However, illegal migrants are prohibited from acquiring Indian citizenship.

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

#MumbaiAgainstCAA – After Delhi, protest spreads over Mumbai

By

Suraj Chandran

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December 19, 2019

August Kranti Maidan Protest, CAA Protest, citizenship amendment bill 2019, citizenship amendment act, CAB bill, August maidan protest — Photo by Nikhil Sagare

Ever since the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in both houses of Parliament citizens have been protesting against the controversial act across the country. Thousands of protestors are voicing their opinion against CAA and protest were held from Kolkata and Guwahati in the east to Mumbai in the west, New Delhi in the north to Chennai and Hyderabad in the south. Students, some sections of the civil society and opposition political parties held demonstrations and appealed to the centre to revoke the act.

Sharad Pawar told Afternoon Voice, “People of India need an alternative to the BJP. The anti-BJP sentiments are on the rise in some parts of the country. It looks like non-BJP parties are coming together on some common issues. It is unreasonable if a state were to implement the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and keep people in detention centres. How many people can be placed in such detention centres and for how long?”

Protest was held by opposition parties at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai to hold demonstrations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act passed by the BJP government. The protest was held under the leadership of Mumbai Congress President Eknath Gaikwad, NCP Mumbai President Nawab Malik, Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi, Com. Prakash Reddy, General Secretary Mumbai of CPI. Congress leader Raj Babbar. Thousands of people from different communities and NGOs too participated in the protest. Bollywood personalities including actors Farhan Akhtar, Sushant Singh, Swara Bhaskar and film makers Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Saeed Mirza were also present at the Maidan. Along with the local police, Riots Control Police (RCP), Quick Response Teams (QRT), State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) was deployed to maintain law and order. Drones and CCTVs were also deployed. On Wednesday, thousands of protestors gathered at Mumbra to take part in the anti-CAA protests. A candle light march was held in Carter Road, Bandra.

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik said “Our party members are protesting against the law on the streets and our leaders had opposed the bill in the Parliament. Amit Shah is firing at citizens of the country in the same way General Dyer fired at the people in Jallianwala Bagh. Amit Shah is no less than Dyer. The country is not run by guns and violence. Anywhere there is a protest, be it New Delhi or Assam, guns are being drawn. This is no less than British rule. Amit Shah is becoming a worse leader.”

Nawab Malik also talked about the absence of NCP leaders in the delegation led by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi that met President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday to lodge their protest over the strict police action against students.”Yesterday’s delegation did not have any NCP leaders. This was because our party leaders were participating in a scheduled event in Nagpur. NCP is also against the new citizenship law,” he added. The delegation urged the President to intervene against the new legislation.

The Act makes it easier for non-Muslim immigrants from India’s neighbouring nations Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to become citizens of India. The Act entitles Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians facing religious persecution in the three nations to seek Indian citizenship. It highlights the exclusion of Muslims.

When AV contacted Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on this issue he said, “When the government is not ready to listen to the voice of common people, then this rally and protest remain the only weapons to let the government know what people can do. So, this protest has been organised to send the message to the government that we are not with you in this act.”

He further continued stating, “Basically it’s a good thing for any nation that the students are aware about what is right and what is wrong and if students are holding protest on any topic then it’s always a good sign for any country.”

As per the Act, refugees of the six communities will be granted Indian citizenship after residing in India for a period of five years instead of 11 years. It aims to protect such people from the proceedings of illegal migration from neighbouring nations. Currently Indian citizenship is granted to either those born in India or if they have stayed in the country for a minimum of 11 years.

Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare said, “Definitely this rally will have an effect because throughout India all the people are coming on the streets and they are protesting. That itself shows that there is problem, anger and dissatisfaction regarding Citizenship (Amendment Act) and this kind of rally will definitely show that people do not agree with this bill. And with the help of this protest there might be chances that the government will open their eyes and look into this bill in a different manner.”

“See, watching the students protesting, the government is resorting to firing, hitting and (lathi-charging) them. If this kind of happenings goes around the country, then how can you say that India is a democratic nation?”

The protest received overwhelming response from Mumbaikars as many of them reached Azad Maidan to hold dharna against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mobile network services were suspended in the area. Protestors appealed to the government to revoke the Act. They termed the Act as unconstitutional. Peaceful protests have been held in IIT Bombay, TISS, University of Mumbai, Pune University, Wardha, Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Aurangabad, Beed.

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “The slogan “Angrezo Bharat Chodo” was coined at the August Kranti Maidan. However, our slogan today will be “BJP Gaddi Chodo” (BJP should quit ruling the country). The BJP government is doing things which are against the Constitution of India. Citizenship cannot be based on religion but ever since the BJP has come to power, they have only touched controversial topics like Article 370, Love Jihad, Ghar Wapsi and now CAB and NRC.”

“Any country cannot progress on the basis of religion. We want to save the country from the BJP. If BJP behave badly with 25 crore Muslims, where they go? If these things keep on happening, we will go back to partition era.”

Kate Upton called out by animal rights activists

By

Web Team

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December 19, 2019

American Model Kate Upton was called out by a group of animal rights activists who barged into her fitness class in New York.

As per an entertainment website, the protests were motivated by collaboration between Upton and retailer Goose Canada, which received negative attention for their high-end products of actual coyote fur. One of the protesters said “Coyotes get shot in the head and are strangled to death” while carrying a note that read “Kate Upton Animal Abuser.”

The model, however, did not appear to have been affected by the uninvited guests.

Criticism began when the 27-year model posted a picture and wrote about her tie-up, on Instagram. The photograph featured the model and her husband Justin Verlander, a professional baseball player, out in the show and covered up in the company clothes.

“Happy #WorldKindnessDay! It’s so important to be kind to the world around us not just today, but every day. I’m proud to partner with Canada Goose and PBI to help raise awareness and ensure a future for Polar Bears. I recently had the honor of visiting the new PBI House to learn about polar bears, polar bear research, and the role each of us plays in polar bear conservation. Thank you @canadagoose & @polarbearsinternational for you efforts to make this world a better place,” she wrote.

Steven Tyler is grateful to Aerosmith bandmates for his sobriety

By

Web Team

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December 19, 2019

American singer Steven Tyler has opened up about how his ‘Aerosmith’ bandmates sent him to rehab in the 1980s.

According to a media report, the rock musician recently sat with Haute Living magazine and spoke about the band’s fame and his friction with the bandmates in 1988.In ’88 the management and bandmates “pulled an intervention” on Tyler, said the musician.

“They thought, ‘Get the lead singer sober, and all our problems would be over.’ So I got sober and, you know, it took me many years to get over the anger of them sending me to rehab while they went on vacation,” the musician said. However, Tyler seemed quite grateful to them for his sobriety and gave credit to his bandmates for it.

In a bid to help others, Tyler started a fund – named after the band’s hit ‘Janie’s Got a Gun’ – called ‘Janie’s Fund’ for abused and neglected girls.

Camila Cabello apologizes for using ‘hurtful language’ in past

By

Web Team

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December 19, 2019

American-Cuban singer-songwriter Camila Cabello apologized to fans for using racist language in past.

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, the 22-year-old wrote an extensive apology note that said she’s sorry and deeply ashamed of using offensive and hurtful words on social media as a teen.

The Grammy-nominated musician said she has grown up since then and realizes and understands the impact of her words.

She posted the written apology on her Instagram stories that read, “When I was younger, I used language that I’m deeply ashamed of and will regret forever.”

Cabello said, “I was uneducated and ignorant and once I became aware of the history and the weight and the true meaning behind this horrible and hurtful language, I was deeply embarrassed I ever used it.”

“I’m 22 now,” she continued. “I’m an adult and I’ve grown and learned and am conscious and aware of the history and the pain it carries in a way I wasn’t before.”

The ‘Havana’ singer further continued, “These mistakes don’t represent the person I am or [the] person I’ve ever been,” she added. “I only stand and have ever stood for love and inclusivity and my heart has never, even then, had an ounce of hate or divisiveness.”

The ‘Fifth Harmony’ singer was accused of using racial remarks in now-deleted Tumblr accounts from seven years ago. The posts resurfaced this week when social media users uploaded screenshots of Cabello’s old and offensive words, forcing the performer to issue an apology again, reported a media channel.

“As much as I wish I could, I can’t go back in time and change things I said in the past. But once you know better, you do better and that’s all I can do,” Cabello said.