Telangana govt unveils Hyderabad metro phase 2 expansion plans

HYDERABAD/JUBILEE HILLS: Comedian, Podcaster Daniel Fernandes’ show in Jubilee Hills on June 29 was canceled after video threats from BJP MLA T. Raja Singh. The MLA alleged Fernandes made offensive remarks against the Jain community. Singh warned that his party workers would harm Fernandes if he performed in Hyderabad.

Daniel Fernandes was touring with his new stand-up special, “Do You Know Who I Am?”. His show was scheduled to perform at Heart Cup Coffee in Jubilee Hills at 4 PM on June 29. However, a video by Fernandes mocking the Jain community went viral after Bakrid, leading to online backlash and controversy.

BJP MLA issues threats

In response, BJP MLA T. Raja Singh posted a video on social media warning Fernandes to cancel his show. Singh stated, “On Bakrid, a comedian named Daniel Fernandes cracked bad jokes and mocked the Jain community. It is better you cancel the show or else our karyakartas will come there and thrash you.”

Singh also referenced past tensions when comedian Munawar Farooqui was scheduled to perform in Hyderabad in 2022. “You remember when Munawar came to perform, right? If this situation goes out of hand, the police will be held responsible,” Singh warned.

Safety concerns prompt action

Following these threats from Raja Singh, Fernandes posted a video statement on his Instagram on June 29, announcing the show’s cancellation. “Nobody is ready to guarantee the safety of my audience, my crew, and myself. I do not want to put anyone in harm’s way because of something I said,” Fernandes stated. He also mentioned that the video offending the Jain community had been taken down but that threats continued.

 

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A post shared by Daniel Fernandes | Comedian | Podcaster | (@absolutelydanny)

Fernandes issued an apology to the Jain community, emphasizing that his intention was never to offend anyone. “It is okay to disagree with an artist’s work but to say that I will inflict violence upon an artist because I do not like their work isn’t the answer,” Fernandes said.

In the apology, Fernandes expressed regret for hurting the Jain community. “There was no intention of maligning anybody here. I can see that you are upset. I can see that you are angry. It genuinely makes me sad,” he said. He stressed that comedy should unite people and not create division.

Earlier in 2022, MLA Raja Singh had similarly threatened Munawar Farooqui, leading to the cancellation of his show in Hyderabad. Farooqui was accused of hurting Hindu sentiments, and his show scheduled in January 2022 was called off following Singh’s threats. Farooqui later performed in Hyderabad after intervention from the then IT Minister K. T. Rama Rao.

Daniel Fernandes’ controversial comments in his stand-up routine targeting the Jain community for rescuing goats on Bakrid led to the recent backlash. The video, which joked about Jains being involved in the meat business, created tension and received significant criticism from both Jain and Muslim communities.

Fernandes clarified his stance on Instagram, stating, “As comedians, we are aware that once in a while something we say may not be received well. It’s the nature of the business.” He acknowledged receiving abusive and threatening messages following the video’s release.

Despite the backlash, Fernandes engaged in constructive conversations with Jain community members. “Offline, I have had the time to talk to my Jain friends and other members of the community who calmly explained why some of the things I said may have hurt people,” he said. He apologized to anyone from the Jain community who felt aggrieved by his jokes and assured that there would be no mention of the Jain community in his future work.

Fernandes concluded by expressing hope for forgiveness and moving on in peace. “Forgiveness is one of the many beautiful traits your community espouses so I hope that we can put this behind us and move on in peace and enlightenment,” he said.

Comedian Vs Polititian

Daniel Fernandes comic take on Jains run into controversy. #Telangana BJP MLA T Raja warns the comedian to cancel his upcoming show in #Hyderabad Banjara Hills, if not face dire consequences!

Did Daniel cross the line? pic.twitter.com/8IxrGfcRYC

— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) June 29, 2024

HYDERABAD: IRCTC tourism announces a new tour package for enthusiastic travelers, who are willing to plan a trip to Thailand from Hyderabad. The new tour package will be available from this July 25. This package offers a four-day trip, covering popular tourist spots like Bangkok and Pattaya.

Affordable Thailand tour package from Hyderabad

The “Treasures of Thailand Ex Hyderabad” tour package will operate from 25th July 2024. The announced package starts with a flight journey, starting from Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 9 PM on the first day. Travelers will first reach Pattaya and explore various tourist attractions there.

On the second day, after breakfast, tourists will visit an Indian Lunch on an island and then head to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. They will dine at an Indian restaurant and stay overnight in Pattaya.

The third day begins with a safari in Pattaya and a visit to the Marine Park. In the afternoon, tourists will travel to Bangkok. Third day ends with visiting several local attractions in Bangkok. The tour package ensures a comprehensive experience of Thailand’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.

On the fourth and final day, tourists will explore several visiting spots in Bangkok, including various temples. By evening, they will reach Bangkok Airport at 6 PM for their return flight to Hyderabad. This concludes the tour package.

Tour package details

The IRCTC Tourism package offers different pricing options. For single sharing, the price is Rs. 57,820. Double and triple sharing options are available at Rs. 49,450 each. Special prices are also set for children aged between 5-11 years.

Travelers can visit the https://www.irctctourism.com/ to get more details about the package related information and make bookings. The website also provides information on other tour packages operated by IRCTC Tourism.

For any extra information regarding the tour package and any other queries travelers can contact 040-27702407. This new tour package by IRCTC Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for a budget-friendly trip to Thailand, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Metro Rail is set to introduce a new open loop ticketing system (OTS) to improve commuter convenience. This system, commonly used in international metro services. Using this new system, commuters can eliminate the need to purchase tickets in advance.

Advanced ticketing system to simplify commute

Daily, Lakhs of commuters travel in Hyderabad Metro Rail, including students, employees, and travelers moving across the city. The new advanced ticketing system aims to make travel more convenient. L&T, the implementing company, will roll out the OTS within this financial year.

In the OTS, passengers pay charges based on the distance traveled after completing their journey. This system eliminates the need for pre-purchased tickets and allows travelers to pay only after they disembark.

Currently, metro commuters must decide their destination in advance and purchase tickets accordingly. The existing system does not permit passengers to alight at stations other than the ones for which they have tickets. If passengers travel beyond their ticketed destination, they must consult station staff to pay additional charges. This new OTS system will resolve such issues.

The OTS is already operational in several countries. It will be implemented through the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). It allows seamless payments across buses, metro, and MMTS. Passengers will tap their cards at entry and exit points, with GPS tracking the distance traveled and calculating the fare.

Hyderabad Metro Rail plans to launch the OTS within this financial year, aiming to simplify and enhance the commuter experience.

Metro smart card services

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited already offering smart card services to its commuters since it’s start. The Metro smart cards are designed to provide a hassle-free travel experience. Commuters can top up these cards online or at metro stations. The smart cards can be used to access metro services without the need for physical tickets. Passengers simply tap their cards at the entry and exit gates.

Metro smart cards also come with various benefits. The cards are linked to a secure online portal where users can manage their accounts, check balances, and view travel history. This service further enhances the convenience of metro travel, aligning with the goals of the new OTS.

Hyderabad Metro Rail’s efforts to integrate advanced technology into their services demonstrate their commitment to providing a superior travel experience. The introduction of the OTS and the existing smart card services aim to make commuting in Hyderabad more efficient and user-friendly.