Yatrigan Kripyaa Dhyan De… May I Have Your Attention Please! 1-0-1-1-1 Down Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT)-Madgaon Konkan Kanya Express is arriving shortly on platform number one, such announcements at railway stations in a woman's voice in different pitches resonate in the ears as one waits for any train on the platform. The soundtrack in different pitches—up and down—is so embedded in our subconscious minds that we seldom fail to give it any thought and, in a hurry to locate our coaches and move the luggage, blindly follow it as it churns out coach numbers. Well, here’s a twister. The announcement in a woman's voice is actually that of a 24-year-old man, Shravan Adode, who did it once and then again and again—till his voice became the voice of Indian Railways. Adode's voice recordings, digitally mixed up to create sentences as per requirements, have now become common announcements at all stations of Indian Railways. "I had been a rail fan since childhood and especially train announcements always fascinated me. It was by fluke that I took to announcements. Based in Parli Vaijanath, I had joined the Indian Railways as a private employee. At most railway stations, pre-recorded sound on the computer was heard for announcements. One day, due to load shedding, the system faced some technical issues and there was a need for a manual announcement, and that's where I got my first opportunity," Adode told mid-day. Yatrigan Kripyaa Dhyan De…May I Have Your Attention Please.Mid-Day catches up with Indian Railways' famous male announcer in ladies voice Shavan Adode during his brief visit to Mumbai.Via: @rajtoday #Mumbai #Voiceover #IndianRailways #LocalTrain #Railways pic.twitter.com/ErIwl8LNAa — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 7, 2024 "I had to do it in a similar voice which had been in use, and that was of a woman, Sarla Choudhary. I tried, and my voice matched perfectly. There has been no looking back since then. I am proud of what I am doing, and as I kept getting opportunities, I kept on making announcements," he added. "The moment of pride for me was when the senior announcers at Central Railway headquarters at Mumbai CSMT congratulated me for my voice and encouraged me. It was like the highest endorsement for me," he said. Today, Shravan's recording in a woman's voice is being replicated at many railway stations. "I am proud of what I do today. When I was in college, there were a few students who used to humiliate and make fun of me for my voice skills. They used to call me names and taunt me. I used to just ignore it. But here I am today, guiding lakhs and lakhs of passengers," said Shravan.
07 December,2024 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarEknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the Home Ministry and the clarity on the composition of the Maharashtra council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said, reported the PTI. The expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet is likely to take place on December 11 or 12. Despite Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawa-led NCP, securing a massive mandate in last month's assembly elections, the new chief minister took oath after 12 days on December 5, apparently due to the internal pulls and pressure. With Devendra Fadnavis firm in the saddle as the CM and Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oath as Deputy CMs, the focus is now shifted to the formation of the new Cabinet, which is likely to be tricky, sources indicated on Saturday. Leaders like Uday Samant and Sanjay Shirsat had openly demanded the allocation of the Home Ministry to the Shiv Sena after former chief minister Eknath Shinde finally accepted it and agreed to become a Deputy CM under Devendra Fadnavis. The composition of the cabinet, including the allocation of portfolios, is being discussed in the internal meetings of all three allies of Mahayuti and among the leaders of the alliance, sources in the BJP and NCP said, as per the PTI. The huge electoral mandate has created a problem of plenty for the Mahayuti coalition as each ally performed well at the hustings. The Mahayuti won 230 seats in the 288-member House while the opposition MVA, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), could bag only 46. The BJP, which leads the Mahayuti tally with 132 seats, is expected to keep 21-22 ministerial posts including the chief minister for itself. The Shiv Sena may get 11 to 12 portfolios and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party may be allotted nine to 10 berths, according to sources, reported the PIT. The Maharashtra cabinet, including the chief minister, can have a maximum of 43 ministers. "A final decision on the number of ministers to take oath in the Cabinet expansion will be taken in two to three days, " a senior BJP leader told PTI. Devendra Fadnavis left for Akole in Ahilyanagar district on Saturday to attend the funeral of BJP leader Madhukar Pichad, who passed away on Friday. He returned to Mumbai later in the evening. The three-day special session of the 15th Maharashtra legislative assembly began on December 7, with several newly-elected members being sworn in by protem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar on the first day, except members of the Opposition parties. The Speaker's election is scheduled for December 9, followed by a Trust Vote for the new government and the Governor's address to a joint session of both Houses. The winter session of the state legislature is set to commence from Nagpur on December 16. (with PTI inputs)
07 December,2024 06:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday said that the "excavation of mosques" becoming the focus of politics instead of development is wrong while people are reeling under inflation and farmers protesting, reported the PTI. Expressing apprehension about a potential spike in communal issues, Robert Vadra also said (conducting) surveys of mosques is wrong. The religion and politics should be kept separate as India is a diverse, secular nation, he told PTI Videos. Robert Vadra said that he has been visiting different places of worship in the country as part of his "spiritual trips" and offered chaddar at the famous Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai on Saturday. "I prayed for the well-being of my family and the country. I wish brotherhood prevails in the society, " he said, according to the PTI. Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, said surveying mosques is wrong. "Even as people are suffering because of the inflation and farmers are protesting, the focus is on the excavation of mosques, which is wrong. Communal issues will arise instead of development. It will create unnecessary unrest," he said, as per the PTI. A massive violence broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on November 24 following a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. "We are a diverse nation and should try to be as secular as possible. There shouldn't be the politics of religion. Religion and politics should be separate," Vadra said, adding that he wanted to promote peace and harmony. According to the PTI, while speaking on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), whose credibility is questioned by the Opposition parties, Vadra said, "The trust in EVMs is questionable. Everyone is shocked with the (assembly poll) results in Haryana and Maharashtra". If people were upset with the BJP governments, how did the party win elections (in these states)? Robert Vadra asked if people in Haryana are happy with the BJP government, then why farmers are staging protests. Farmers have been protesting near the Shambhu border for various demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). A day earlier, protesters suspended their foot march to Delhi for the day after some of them suffered injuries due to tear gas shells fired by security personnel, who stopped them at the Punjab-Haryana border. Vadra further said baseless allegations were raised against the Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi instead of responding to his questions on the Adani issue. He said Wayanad would become a "super constituency" as it is being represented by Priyanka Gandhi. "Priyanka will become a strong voice for women, issues facing the country will be raised. Her focus should be on creating her legacy and also taking forward the legacy of her family," he added, the news agency reported on Saturday. Robert Vadra said the Congress' future is good as the presence of Priyanka and Rahul (in Parliament) will strengthen the people's voice. "Priyanka will pose questions to the BJP by looking into their eyes. I believe in her strength and her vision," he said. (with PTI inputs)
07 December,2024 06:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA horrifying incident occurred near Titwala's Regency Complex in Kalyan area of Thane district in Maharashtra, where a woman was attacked by four stray dogs. Later, the pack of dogs dragged her, leaving her seriously injured. The woman was rushed to a hospital for treatment. CCTV footage of the attack has gone viral, creating a sense of fear in the area. According to reports, the incident took place around 1 a.m. last night in the camp area of Regency Complex in Titwala, where a pack of dogs attacked a 68-year-old woman. Not only did the dogs attack, but they also dragged the woman for about 50 meters. Later, some people rushed to the spot, and the dogs fled. The woman sustained serious injuries in the attack. Speaking about the incident, a doctor from a government hospital stated that the injured woman was brought to Goveli Hospital around 3 a.m. Due to deep wounds on her head, legs, and hands, the woman was severely injured. She was in no condition to speak. After initial treatment, she was sent to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar. However, seeing her condition worsening, doctors referred her to Kalwa Hospital. From there, she was transferred to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital. Her condition is described as critical. Local residents have expressed concern over the increasing number of stray dogs in the area, which poses a risk to the safety of children, elderly people, and passersby. The residents allege that the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) is ignoring this serious issue. If immediate action is not taken, such incidents may increase, becoming a major concern for the local population. The residents have demanded that the authorities take strong measures to control the stray dog population and ensure safety so that such incidents do not occur in the future.
07 December,2024 05:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaThe Maharashtra Assembly special session which began on Saturday has been adjouned till December 8 and a total of 173 newly elected MLAs took oath of office Dec 7 before the assembly was adjourned for the day, the ANI reported. The Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) MLAs Abu Azmi and Raees Sheikh took their oath of office today, despite objections from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Meanwhile, the remaining 115 MLAs, mainly part of the opposition, are yet to take their oaths. This comes in response following Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray's announcement that the party's elected MLAs will not take the oath of office on Saturday during the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly's ongoing special session, ANI reported. Thackeray questioned the legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "Today we have decided that our (Shiv Sena UBT) winning MLAs will not take the oath. If this was the mandate of the people, people would have been happy and celebrated it. However, there was no such celebration or enthusiasm from the public. We have doubts about EVM," Aaditya Thackeray said, ANI cited. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray, along with party workers, paid homage to Shivaji Maharaj at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, responded to Shiv Sena UBT Aaditya Thackeray's allegations about the legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), saying that if the opposition has problems, it should appeach the Election Commission or the courts. "There is no point in making such allegations here. They (the opposition) should go to the Election Commission and if they do not get justice there, they should approach the court," said the newly sworn-in MLA Ajit Pawar, ANI cited. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Saturday, ANI reported. On the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly special session, CM Fadnavis, DCMs Shinde and Pawar earlier this morning paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai. As per ANI, Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Sulochana Kolambkar was sworn in as the Assembly's pro-tem Speaker by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Friday, one day before the three-day special session begins. Devendra Fadnavis took aoth as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time in an event held in Mumbai's Azad Maidan on Thursday, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other alliance leaders, and celebrities from various fields. Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde also took oaths on the occasion. The Maharashtra Elections 2024 saw a landslide victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, winning with 230 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which rose as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party secured, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a loss with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats, ANI reported. (With Inputs from ANI)
07 December,2024 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Thane Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra has awarded Rs 6.35 lakh compensation to a girl, who suffered grievous injuries in a road accident in 2017, reported the PTI. The child was five years old in 2017 when the accident had took place. Tribunal's member S N Shah passed the order on December 3. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate S M Pawar said the victim, Shweta Anilkumar Nishad, was crossing the road with her mother on May 15, 2017 night on Mira Road when a jeep rammed into her. She sustained grievous injuries and was initially taken to a hospital in Mira Road, from where she was shifted to Mumbai, as per the PTI. She is still undergoing treatment, he said. The tribunal said that due to the accident, the victim suffered permanent partial disability. The court took into account both medical and non-medical costs, mental suffering, and other factors while awarding the compensation of Rs 6,35,000, according to the PTI. MACT awards compensation of Rs 30 lakh to kin of accident victims Meanwhile, in an another order, earlier this week, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded a compensation of Rs 30.5 lakh in total to the relatives of two persons who lost their lives in an accident on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in 2020, reported the PTI. The accident took place on February 24, 2020, when the victims were travelling in an auto rickshaw from Chinchoti Vasai to Bhayander in the district and the vehicle ran into a truck parked dangerously on the road without any warning. The two families filed separate petitions seeking compensation from the truck's owners. In the order passed on November 29, MACT chairman and principal district judge S B Agrawal held that the truck driver was at fault, and directed its owners and the insurer firm to pay compensation with interest at 7.5 per cent p.a. from the date of filing of the claim, as per the PTI. In the first petition, the MACT awarded a compensation of Rs 13,66,000 to victim Sandip Markandey Chavan's mother Malati (56) and sisters Kirandevi (22) and Priya (20). Sandip (22) was earning a monthly income of Rs 8,000 at the time of death and the compensation was calculated accordingly. The MACT also awarded a compensation of Rs 16,90,000 to Virendra Singh (49) and Gayatridevi Singh (44), parents of victim Mukesh (20). The tribunal took into account the fact that Mukesh was earning Rs 12,000 per month at the time of his death, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
07 December,2024 04:21 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Samajwadi Party stated on Saturday that it would withdraw from the opposition MVA after Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray's close aide praised the demolition of the Babri mosque and a related newspaper advertisement, PTI reported. The Samajwadi Party has two MLAs in the state of Maharashtra. "An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque," Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Azmi said. "We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav," Azmi told PTI. As per PTI, the party's decision comes in response to Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar's post on Babri Masjid demolition. Narvekar had posted a photo of the demolition of the mosque along with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackerat's quote, "I am proud of those who did this". The Shiv Sena (UBT) secretary also posted photos of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and himself in the post. Azmi asked, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?" SP’s Abu Azmi wants Maharashtra Muslim ministers to quit on Uddhav Thackeray’s Babri remark A day following Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's remark about the Babri Masjid demolition in the Legislative Assembly, SP leader Abu Azmi on March 4, 2021 objected to it and asked the state's Muslim ministers to resign over the statement as well as two other issues, PTI reported. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam also showed his disapproval over Thackeray's statement. Addressing media outside the Vidhan Bhavan, Azmi said Thackeray has forgotten that he is not just the president of the Shiv Sena, but also the state's chief minister, PTI cited. Azmi also attacked the Congress and the NCP, claiming that these parties had previously talked about giving a five per cent quota to Muslims in jobs and education, but it has not happened. He claimed that at least ministers belonging to the Muslim community should feel ashamed and resign over Thackeray's remarks and the quota issue, PTI cited. The Samajwadi Party leader said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was formed in order to "stop the BJP" from attaining power and the Congress and the NCP had supported it based on the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). "Uddhav ji forgot that he is a chief minister. When the Supreme Court wrote the judgment, it said that installing idols inside the Babri Mosque and bringing down parts of the mosque were both criminal activities. So, I think it is very disappointing that a chief minister accepts criminal activity in the House," Azmi said to PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
07 December,2024 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolice have arrested two persons hailing from Satara district in Maharashtra for allegedly duping some youths in Palghar under the pretext of helping them in clearing the Agniveer recruitment process, officials said, reported news agency PTI. The accused, Annasaheb Dhanaji Kakade (30) and Ganesh Kale (27), were arrested by the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar police, reported PTI. "The duo posed as influential persons and assured the youths to ensure their recruitment in the Agnipath scheme of the central government for defence forces," senior inspector Suresh Gaikwad of the Virar police station said while sharing an update on the Palghar crime, reported PTI. The recruitment process was underway at the Jivdani Cricket Ground in Virar since November 28, he said. "Kakade and Kale went to the ground and approached some candidates, assuring them to help clear the recruitment process. After receiving Rs 1,000 from one candidate as an advance amount, they asked him to get some more youths like him. But as some candidates soon realised that the duo was trying to defraud them, they lodged a complaint with the police," he said while sharing an update on the Palghar crime, reported PTI. After that, the police nabbed the duo from the spot, he said. A case was registered against them under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 318(4) (cheating), 62 (offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) and 3(5) (common intention). Following their arrest, they were produced before a local court, which remanded them in police custody for five days. Nine persons booked for cheating job aspirants of Rs 74.4 lakh; link to rail officials being probed Nine persons, including four members of a family, were booked in Kalyan in Thane district for allegedly cheating job aspirants of Rs 74.40 lakh, a police official said on Friday. The other five accused are believed to be railway personnel, among them a medical officer, the MFC police station official said. Senior Inspector Dyaneshwar Sable identified one of the accused as Kalyan resident Anant Ballal, who promised the complainant a railway job. "As per the complainant, Ballal, along with his wife and two children, took money from him between January and May this year but the promised job never materialised. Ballal also got the complainant to meet several persons, who the former claimed were railway officials helping to expedite the process," the official said. "He even provided the complainant with a fake appointment letter and showed him fabricated emails. We believe the accused has taken Rs 74.4 lakh from the complainant and other job seekers in Roha in Raigad and other places. We are probing if those the complainant met are indeed railway officials or imposters," the official said. A case of cheating, forgery and other offences has been registered but no arrest has been made, Sable informed. (With inputs from PTI)
07 December,2024 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has collected a fine of Rs 1.17 crore from developers and construction companies for violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at curbing air and noise pollution, reported news agency PTI. The action follows an order by the Bombay High Court addressing growing concerns over air and noise pollution, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation stated on Saturday. The SOP outlines a set of mandatory compliance measures for construction professionals with the main objective of mitigating noise and air pollution linked to construction activities, reported PTI. A dedicated Task Force has been formed under the guidance of NMMC to oversee compliance with these procedures and investigate construction sites for any violations, it stated, reported PTI. Construction violations were detected during the inspection at 78 sites, leading to recovery of Rs. 1,17,16,931 fine from developers and builders. BMC seizes over 3,600 properties worth Rs 1,672 crore for tax default The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has seized 3,605 properties of property tax defaulters worth Rs 1,672 crore since April 1. Of this amount, taxpayers have paid only Rs 218.93 crore so far. The BMC has initiated proceedings to auction 90 of these properties. A BMC official said, “Out of these 3,605 properties, 1,767 are located in the western suburbs, 1,232 in the city area, and 606 in the eastern suburbs. These include residential and commercial buildings, commercial plots, industrial plots, and other properties.” The BMC has set a target to collect Rs 6,200 crore in property tax for the financial year 2024-25. “As per the BMC guidelines, we will first auction movable items found in the properties. If the tax recovery is still insufficient, the entire property will be auctioned,” said the official. The official added, “Once a notice is issued, the taxpayer is given 90 days to pay the dues. If the payment is not made within this period, the BMC grants an additional 21 days as a final notice, during which officials personally approach the defaulter. If the tax remains unpaid even after this, the auction process is initiated.” (With inputs from PTI)
07 December,2024 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Opposition MLAs boycotted the day's proceedings of the special session of the Maharashtra Legislature. They said they will not take oath today. Speaking outside the house, the MVA raised doubts over working of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). A special three-day session of the newly-constituted 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly began here on Saturday, where MLAs will be administered the oath of office. Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday took oath as a legislator and was then appointed pro-tem speaker of legislative assembly by Governor C P Radhakrishnan. A nine-time MLA, Kolambkar is the senior most legislator in the House and represents the Wadala assembly constituency in Mumbai. As pro-tem speaker, he will administer the oath of office to the rest of the 287 newly-elected MLAs. The assembly speaker's election will be held on December 9, which will be followed by a trust vote of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and the governor's address to the joint sitting of both the houses of the state legislature. Results of the November 20 assembly polls were declared on November 23, wherein the Mahayuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) registered a resounding victory by winning 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The new government was sworn in on December 5 with Devendra Fadnavis returning as the chief minister, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief ministers.
07 December,2024 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreA 19-year-old Dhruv Nalin Gupta, son of a business tycoon, was booked for rash driving in Bandra after the Porsche car he was driving rammed into motorbikes parked along the footpath near Sadhu Wasvani Chowk at 2:40 am on Saturday. No one was hurt. According to the police, there were five people in the car, including four men and a woman. The police said the speeding car came to a half after colliding with the footpath. A police officer told mid-day that Gupta's blood samples have been sent for chemical analysis to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. A 19-year-old Dhruv Nalin Gupta, son of a business tycoon, was booked for rash driving in #Bandra after the Porsche car he was driving rammed into motorbikes parked along the footpath near Sadhu Wasvani Chowk at 2:40 am on Saturday. No one was hurt.Via: @DiwakarSharmaa… pic.twitter.com/rpfkz8g9ix — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 7, 2024 Ashfaque Hussain Mansoori, whose motorcycle got damaged in the accident, spoke to Mid-Day on Saturday. “The police should have seized the car, but they allowed them to drive away after the accident. Four or five motorcycles got damaged in the accident. Were they let off because they are rich?" Hearing the loud thud after the accident, a few locals gathered at the site, according to a CCTV recording accessed by the police. A police constable is also seen in the footage. Mansoori said some of his relatives began recording the aftermath of the accident when the occupants of the car also got out and began recording. "The police stopped my cousins from recording, and there was a scuffle between the two," the Bandra resident told Mid-Day. A senior officer at Bandra police station said, “A 19-year-old boy Dhruv Nalin Gupta had been driving a Porsche car near Sadhu Vaswani Chowk when he lost control over the wheel and rammed into motorcycles parked along a footpath. No one is injured in the accident. We rushed the driver to a government hospital where his blood samples were taken to ascertain if he was driving drunk. We have registered a rash driving case against Gupta.”
07 December,2024 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaADVERTISEMENT
