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Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
No fare hikes up to 500 km for ordinary class travel: Railways
New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways on Monday announced a new fare structure for passenger train services, which will come into effect from July 1. One of the key highlights of the revised structure is that there will be no increase in fares for ordinary non-AC class passengers travelling up to 500 kilometres. The fare rationalisation aims to streamline the existing fare system and improve the financial health of passenger services. The updated fare chart has been issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) and will be applicable across various categories of trains and classes. For ordinary non-suburban trains, there will be a marginal increase in fares beyond 500 kilometres. In second-class coaches, the fare will go up by Rs 5 for journeys between 501 and 1,500 km, Rs 10 for distances between 1,501 and 2,500 km, and Rs 15 for 2,501 to 3,000 km. Sleeper class and first-class fares in non-suburban trains will also increase slightly, by 0.5 paisa per kilometre. In Mail and Express trains (non-AC classes), second class, sleeper class, and first class fares will see a uniform hike of 1 paisa per kilometre. For AC classes, including Chair Car, 3-Tier, 2-Tier, AC First, Executive Class, and Anubhuti Class, the increase will be 2 paisa per kilometre. The fare changes will also apply to special and premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, and trains with AC Vistadome and Anubhuti coaches. There will be no change in suburban ticket fares or season tickets, whether suburban or non-suburban. Additionally, reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other charges will remain unchanged. GST will continue to be levied as per existing rules, and rounding-off principles for fares will remain the same. The revised fares will apply only to tickets booked on or after July 1. Tickets issued before this date will remain valid at the old rates, and passengers will not need to pay any fare difference. The Indian Railways has directed all zones to ensure a smooth transition by updating their ticketing systems -- PRS (Passenger Reservation System), UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System), and manual counters -- and by updating fare boards at stations across the country.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anirban Calling Anirban: Gaan, golpo & some drama
Mixups are often the norm in the lives of Anirban and Anirban. Especially when they are cast together, as it happened in Mukhosh. The crew in such cases would refer to them as 'Dariye Anirban, boshe Anirban' or 'Samner Anirban, or pechhoner Anriban' Namesakes who share a passion for theatre, a commitment to culture and a penchant for creativity – Anirban and Anirban are two unique personalities shaping the contemporary Bengali entertainment space in their own ways. If Anirban Chakrabarti is at the peak of his commercial success, with Eken's latest cinematic outing clocking house-full shows, Anirban Bhattacharya's band Hooligaanism, and its ear-worm of a song Melar Gaan has been a hot favourite with both reelmakers and serious music lovers. On a rainy day at SKAI, we got the two multi-talented, multi-hyphenate, and now headlining artistes together for an exclusive adda. Glimpses. Both of you have that one thing in common, a solid grounding in theatre. How much of what you do today in the realm of acting, singing, directing, is influenced by your stage experience and the discipline that comes with it? Anirban Bhattacharya (AB): You could say it's entirely there. Because when I entered films, I didn't specifically learn anything for cinema. But I spent years doing theatre — many different kinds of productions. Today, whether it's cinema or music, I've realised one thing: you can't do anything alone. The strength of a community is very real. There's unity in it, but also individuality. That's why Anirban da and I are sitting here today. Which is cool, and fine. But when you want to create something new, or challenging, or different, it's possible only through a group movement. I try to follow this idea of community practice, community training. Everything I do or plan to do is rooted in that. And all of it comes from theatre. Anirban Chakrabarti (AC): I started theatre when I was in class four. I wasn't old enough to really understand the medium, I just knew I liked it. It became part of my daily routine, like studying, playing, or other activities. But it was also something that set me apart. My friends didn't do it, only I did. And that made it special. Later, in college, theatre became a passion. I took it seriously and started learning. When I first worked with you (gestures to Anirban B), you were doing theatre full-time. I was juggling it with a job. That was tough and it made me think: Maybe I should take theatre more seriously. Eventually, I quit my job. My learning came entirely from experience, trial and error. I think that's how most people learn. Now, when I look back at my journey as an actor, I see that it's rooted in theatre. Even on screen, what I bring to a role comes from what I've learned on stage. I just deliver it differently. The way I think about acting isn't the same as the way he (Anirban B) does. He has a different process. I don't separate cinema and theatre, I think about the character. And discipline, that's the word. Besides that, community and core values. Once you internalise those, the process becomes easier. And when you're in for rehearsals, leave your baggage outside. You've worked together on stage and on screen and have followed each other's creative journeys. What are your biggest takeaways from that collaboration and observation? AB: I'm a huge fan of Anirban da. When I first saw him on stage, I knew instantly—this man is a rule breaker in the truest sense. He has mastered everything, the legacy, the structure, the projection, the style—and then he breaks every rule and still makes it work with his naturalistic acting. His performances are intense, incredible, and leave a lasting impact. When it comes to cinema, the way he approaches characters - he makes himself irreplaceable. 'Maane kono character jodi Anirban da ke dewaa hoyeche, maane eita Anirban da kei manabe. You can't cast anyone else.' His acting is that distinctive. AC: I've seen Anirban from the very beginning of his career. When he first came on stage, there was already a buzz about a promising young actor. He was doing King Lear, Debi Sarpamasta, and a few other plays which I would make it a point to watch. I was astounded. Everything was there. His diction, singing, movement. Then I got to work with him. I like to observe and learn, and I saw how closely he worked with directors, asking the right questions, getting into the details. That made me think - he would make a good director. I even told him that once. He laughed it off at the time, saying he wouldn't go beyond theatre production. But within a few months, he was directing OTT series and films. Mandaar was fantastic. Ballabhpurer Roopkotha was wonderful. I hope to keep learning from him as an actor, and from him as a director, though I don't think I have it in me to direct. Anirbaner theke aami shikhte chaai! In recent times, several Bengali films and projects have done well. Eken has become a box-office sensation. On the other hand, Melar Gaan has gone viral. Do you think this reflects a positive turnaround among audiences who had stopped engaging with Bengali content, and is also attracting newer audiences? AC: If we had the formula, there would be no hits or flops! But yes, new ideas are being recognised. Eken didn't become popular overnight. Back in 2018, the way I treated the character is very different from how he is now. I made changes gradually, so I didn't alienate the audience. At first, I was an anonymous actor just doing what I was told. But over time, I started owning the character. At first, people liked it. Now, they love it. And yes, production plays a big role. If we don't use all the verticals to cater to the younger audience, especially on OTT, we're going to lose them. This generation is into Marvel movies. It is very difficult to impress them. But now I have pre-teens who come up to me and ask, 'Why doesn't Eken wear a cape? He's a superhero.' AB: Now is the right time to build a belief system. One where Eken, gaan, golpo, cinema, OTT across genres, all become a part of that system. A regional language, a regional culture, a community, cannot survive without this belief. We owe this to the next generation. Think about it: apart from speaking Bengali at home, how much is the language really used in daily life anymore? That's when you realise that we, as a people, are at a critical point. You have to make the audience your family. They are not just in Kolkata but also in Jalpaiguri, watching Adolescence. You cannot alienate anyone. You cannot fool them, or take them for granted. Respect them and believe in your own culture as well. Take Nandikar, for instance. Despite their stature and global performances even in 2007–08, their tickets were priced at `10. Anyone could watch their play. Anirban, you're known for creating big impact with very little. How do you manage tight budgets as an actor, director, and musician? AB: Production costs have gone up, but we're still using coconut oil cans to create special lighting effects! The economy hasn't gone anywhere. When you have no resources left, you rely on this (points to self). 'Accha, kichhu nei? Switch on your mobile, point it at me, aami obhinoy korchi…' I'm acting. As long as we have this (points to himself), we can keep creating, keep acting. AC: I would like to add something here. As an actor, I feel that budget is that one word which controls everything. I have a fair idea now of how things really work. As artistes, when we approach a project, a character, we plan things out in our head. We would like a certain kind of space to explore, to add some value to the role and the time to do a good job. But when things are hurried, and we are told that a shoot that should have taken a certain number of days has to be wrapped up quickly, all we can do is show up on the set and deliver. Shushtho bhabe kaj korte chaileo, aar kicchu kora jaay na. – With inputs by Poorna Banerjee Both of you have played a wide range of characters. From crowd-pleasing, absolute sunshine roles to the decidedly dark and grey ones. Which ones do you enjoy more? Anirban C in Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei AC: Definitely grey! I don't enjoy black-and-white characters because people aren't like that in real life. Ekta manush kokhonoi ekdom kharap ba ekdom bhalo hote parena. The problem is, sometimes characters are written too simply. I might want to explore the nuances of a role, but the script may not allow it. I enjoy characters where everything is not spoken or written down. It gives me a chance to explore, go deep and add my own touches to bring that character alive. And even if a handful of people notice that touch, it matters to me. I love sunshine characters. I also love grey. But not too dark. Because if I can't bring a touch of white into the dark, it doesn't feel real. I enjoy this discovery. Anirban B in Athhoi AB: Dark characters are tough, and they come with creative consequences. With Athoi, we envisioned a character that wasn't even human but more symbolic of our times. We had to make Shakespeare relevant to the present. That's how it works. But it became so intense, so dark that it was almost demonic. But I love grey characters, like Dracula Sir. Kintu ekta kotha, Anirban-da gets these wonderfully layered roles which no one does. I loved his work in Pradhan, Byadh. He has the advantage of having worked across genres and played fantastic characters with grey shades. 'I was worried about this scene. What if I looked funny instead of heroic?' The Masan Holi climax in The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika was shot over two days. On Day One, we shot raw footage of the actual rituals, performed by real sadhus. Day Two was our shoot. There's the scene where I come out of the water. It was meant to look heroic—but I was unsure. Given my height, weight, structure, I was worried: Hashyokor lagbe na to? It was tricky because you usually blink or gasp when emerging from water. But I had to pop out, eyes wide open. It was close to sunset. The steps were slimy. I'm not water-phobic, but I do have hygiene issues. So there was some mental prep, and we did a few takes. Kore toh felelam, kirokom lagche janina! I usually don't ask to see the monitor, but I made an exception this time. Yes, we took some cinematic liberties—but it worked for the audience. But trust Eken to pour water on his own moment of glory with that now-famous punch line right afterwards. – With inputs by Poorna Banerjee Mixups are often the norm in the lives of Anirban and Anirban. Especially when they are cast together, as it happened in Mukhosh. The crew in such cases would refer to them as 'Dariye Anirban, boshe Anirban' or 'Samner Anirban, or pechhoner Anriban' Quotes: I don't like characters that are too white or too black. I enjoy complexity. Grey characters amar bhalo lage– Anirban Chakrabarti Ekhane as a director kichu korte gele, it's best if you don't try to learn too much. Especially if you want peace of mind– Anirban Bhattacharya Like in the South, we must build a culture of believers around our entertainment industry. If audiences stop believing in us, disown us, we will not survive. But if your film or song does not work and they say, 'Porer baar bhalo hobe,' it means they haven't given up on us– Anirban Bhattacharya Anirban da has an advantage. Because of how he looks, no one suspects him of being evil. Just a happy, smiling man. And when he suddenly turns into the bad guy, it comes as a surprise. But if I simply sit with my face away from the camera, doing nothing, people think I'm the shaitaan – Anirban Bhattacharya Melar Gaan is everywhere. People are making reels and having fun with it. And yet, it has such depth. Khubi gobhir ekta kotha bolchhe, jiboner kotha bolchhe. But even if someone enjoys it just on the surface, that's okay. Entertainment can be layered– Anirban Chakrabarti Bengali audiences abroad who are in their 40s, seek Bengali content. But their children may not feel the same way. We need entertaining & meaningful stories for them. Reach, but don't preach– Anirban Chakrabarti Location: SKAI Pics: Anindya Saha
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Man held for stealing valuables from train passengers
Mysuru: A man stealing valuables from AC coach train passengers was arrested by the Railway Police. His arrest helped police to solve four cases, which were reported to the Arsikere (Hassan) railway police, including one reported in 2018. Police recovered Rs 22.7 lakh worth of gold valuables and gold blocks, about 281g, from Jitendra Kumar Chawla, 37, a known offender. He was remanded to judicial custody by a court. According to police, Jitendra was involved in 17 other cases reported in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. He was earlier arrested in another state and was out on bail. Govt Railway Police, Mysuru division, inspector Chethan said Jitendra, a native of Punjab residing in Uttarakhand, was identified by them based on technical evidence. He travelled in AC coaches of various trains and targeted passengers with their valuables when they fell asleep. All his crimes were committed during the journey between 12am and 2.15am, and after lifting their valuables, he would retire to his seat. Jitendra, a father of a son who used to be a vehicle dealer, told his family that he was doing business and often visited them after committing an offence. He also enjoyed visiting Goa after disposing of stolen property to relax. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Seer's valuables were stolen in 2018 Jitendra told police that he lifted a bag belonging to a seer in 2018, which contained about Rs 10.6 lakh in valuables. The complainant, Dr Sri Shivananda Shivayogi Rajendra Mahaswamiji, 68, from Srikshetra Sri Kodi Math, Haranahalli, Arsikere, Hassan district, reported that on June 11, 2018, while travelling from Bagalkot to Arsikere in train number 16536 Express. He fell asleep with his black leather bag containing gold jewellery and cash near his head. Upon waking up around 2 am to use the restroom, he noticed the bag had shifted slightly. Upon checking, he found the gold jewellery and cash missing, and the co-passenger was also absent. In his complaint, the seer informed that a gold chain with a Gauri Shankar Rudraksha pendant weighing 250g, two gold rings, and cash were missing. The other three cases were reported in 2025, including the case of Pandit Shankar Rao Kulkarni reported in Feb. Under the guidance of Soumya Latha SK, superintendent of police, Railways, Bengaluru, the police team cracked the case after rigorously investigating it.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
In death, Kolkata youth set to gift life to 10-year-old in Chennai
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: The heart of a 23-year-old Howrah youth, Abhisek Dalui, is set to save the life of a 10-year-old boy battling heart failure in Chennai. The deceased organ donor's liver and two kidneys also ensured a new lease of life for three others in the city, his cornea will help another person to see the world again. This is the eighth deceased organ donation in Bengal this year. Dalui, who was an AC mechanic from Manikura, had sustained severe injuries in a road accident on June 22. First rushed to a local hospital, he was referred to IPGMER's Trauma Care Centre (TCC) the next day. The family was counselled thoroughly when doctors noticed tell-tale signs of brain stem death. The family gave consent for doctors to conduct the mandatory test to confirm brain death and also to donate the deceased's organs. The hospital then informed ROTTO (East), the body that oversees organ donation and allocation activities in the eastern region. ROTTO found matching recipients in Kolkata for the three organs, the heart was offered to other states via NOTTO, the apex body on organ donation. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The heart was finally allocated to MGM Hospital Chennai. A team from the hospital flew down to Kolkata and left with the donor heart late on Friday evening. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo This year, the city has been registering two donations per month so far. Even if the organ donation momentum in Bengal is far behind that of southern and some western states, those working in this movement said if this donation rate continues, 2025 could see the best figures in the state. Kolkata: The heart of a 23-year-old Howrah youth, Abhisek Dalui, is set to save the life of a 10-year-old boy battling heart failure in Chennai. The deceased organ donor's liver and two kidneys also ensured a new lease of life for three others in the city, his cornea will help another person to see the world again. This is the eighth deceased organ donation in Bengal this year. Dalui, who was an AC mechanic from Manikura, had sustained severe injuries in a road accident on June 22. First rushed to a local hospital, he was referred to IPGMER's Trauma Care Centre (TCC) the next day. The family was counselled thoroughly when doctors noticed tell-tale signs of brain stem death. The family gave consent for doctors to conduct the mandatory test to confirm brain death and also to donate the deceased's organs. The hospital then informed ROTTO (East), the body that oversees organ donation and allocation activities in the eastern region. ROTTO found matching recipients in Kolkata for the three organs, the heart was offered to other states via NOTTO, the apex body on organ donation. The heart was finally allocated to MGM Hospital Chennai. A team from the hospital flew down to Kolkata and left with the donor heart late on Friday evening. This year, the city has been registering two donations per month so far. Even if the organ donation momentum in Bengal is far behind that of southern and some western states, those working in this movement said if this donation rate continues, 2025 could see the best figures in the state.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Ashada Friday: A sea of devotees flocks to Chamundi Hill
A sea of humanity flocked to the Chamundi Hills on Friday to seek the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the first Friday of the Ashada month. Devotees began arriving from the early hours and stood in long queues, braving the weather to catch a glimpse of the diety. The temple was decorated with flowers, and the deity was adorned in Mahalakshmi Alankara. Elaborate arrangements were made on the hill in view of the massive influx of devotees from various parts of the State. Nearly 1,000 police personnel were deployed for security and crowd management. Traffic was diverted on some roads leading to the hill to manage the rush. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has arranged for free bus services from the Lalitha Mahal Palace. In addition to free darshan, the district administration introduced tickets for ₹300 and ₹2,000. Those opted for the ₹2,000 ticket were taken in AC buses from the temporary bus stand near Lalitha Mahal to the hill. They received direct darshan and were given prasadam, including a Chamundeshwari idol, a laddu, a bottle of drinking water, and a bag. The temple authorities made arrangements for Dasoha (mass feeding), which is customary on the first Friday of the Ashada season. Private vehicles will not be allowed on the hill on Saturday and Sunday. Devotees and visitors should park their vehicles at the designated parking area at the foothills and commute by the KSRTC buses. A large number of devotees also climbed the hill using the steps. Some of the devotees climbed it to fulfil their 'harake' (vow).
