19, Oct 2026
Playing Loud Music on Trains Can Invite Penalties: Know the Railway Rules, Fine and Jail Terms
New Delhi, Oct 19: Passengers who play music or watch videos at high volume on mobile phone speakers during train journeys could face legal consequences under railway rules. The practice, which often disturbs fellow travellers in coaches and at railway stations, has prompted Southern Railway to reinforce its warning against creating noise and causing inconvenience to others.
Representational Image
According to a recent railway advisory, passengers found engaging in nuisance on railway premises may face a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and removal from the premises. In cases where the offence attracts the provision for continued nuisance, the consequences could include simple imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
The warning highlights the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment in shared public spaces, particularly on long-distance trains where passengers may be trying to sleep, work or rest.
What Does the Railway Act Say?
Section 145 of the Railways Act, 1989, deals with drunkenness, nuisance and certain forms of misconduct on railway premises. The provision covers behaviour that causes inconvenience to passengers, including nuisance inside railway carriages and at stations.
The penalties cited in the railway advisory are intended to discourage conduct that interferes with the comfort of other travellers. However, the applicable punishment depends on the specific conduct, the relevant statutory provision and the circumstances of the case.
Passengers should note that playing audio through a phone speaker is not automatically equivalent to every offence covered by Section 145. The circumstances and whether the conduct amounts to a legally actionable nuisance are important.
Why Has Southern Railway Issued the Warning?
Southern Railway has reportedly drawn attention to complaints involving passengers playing music, streaming videos and using mobile phone speakers at high volume inside trains and on railway premises.
With affordable mobile data and online entertainment becoming increasingly accessible, watching videos and listening to music while travelling have become common habits. Problems arise when passengers play content loudly without considering those seated nearby.
Loud phone conversations, speakerphone calls and other disruptive behaviour can also affect the comfort of fellow passengers, especially in reserved coaches and during night journeys.
The railway administration has called for greater awareness of the restrictions, including through regular public announcements at stations and other railway locations.
Who Can Take Action Against Offenders?
As reported in the advisory, authorised railway commercial staff, including ticket examiners at or above the specified rank, may be empowered to take action in accordance with the applicable rules.
Passengers who receive instructions from authorised railway personnel should cooperate and stop any activity causing a disturbance. The precise enforcement powers and penalties depend on the relevant legal provision and the circumstances involved.
How Can Passengers Avoid a Fine?
Travellers can prevent unnecessary disputes by following a few simple practices during their journeys:
Use headphones or earphones: Listen to music and watch videos without disturbing others.
Keep conversations quiet: Avoid loud phone calls and speakerphone conversations inside coaches.
Respect night-time quiet: Allow fellow passengers to rest, particularly in sleeper and air-conditioned coaches.
Follow railway instructions: Stop disruptive activities when asked to do so by authorised staff.
Report persistent disturbances: Inform railway personnel if another passenger repeatedly creates a nuisance.
A Reminder to Respect Fellow Travellers
Rail journeys bring together passengers of different ages and needs in a shared space. While listening to music or watching videos is a routine part of travelling for many people, doing so at excessive volume can create avoidable discomfort and conflict.
The railway advisory serves as a reminder that passenger convenience must be balanced with consideration for others. Using headphones, keeping conversations at a reasonable volume and following railway instructions can help ensure a more comfortable journey for everyone.
Before assuming that every instance of loud music carries a fixed penalty, passengers should check the applicable provision and official railway instructions. The legal consequences depend on the nature of the nuisance and the circumstances of the incident.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
19, Oct 2026
RAKEZ becomes first government authority in Ras Al Khaimah to achieve CIPS ethical procurement certification
|
19, Oct 2026
ABVP’s Campus Poll Gains Reflect Youth Support for Modi’s Development Vision: Odisha CM
Cuttack, Oct 19: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has described the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s (ABVP) electoral gains in student union polls across the state as a reflection of young voters’ support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda.
Addressing newly elected student union representatives at the Young Leaders’ Conclave-2026, held at the Cuttack Indoor Stadium on Sunday, Majhi highlighted the restoration of campus democracy after a gap of nearly a decade. He said the decision to bring back student elections demonstrated his government’s confidence in the younger generation.
The Chief Minister also criticised the previous government for discontinuing student union elections in 2017, alleging that the decision had weakened democratic participation on college campuses.
In a post on social media platform X, Majhi said his government had resisted calls to postpone the elections amid concerns about the mood of Gen Z voters. He described the peaceful conduct of the polls and the electoral outcome as a vindication of his government’s decision to restore the democratic process.
Referring to ABVP’s performance in Odisha and its success at Delhi University, Majhi asserted that the results reflected young people’s faith in Modi’s vision of development. His remarks came amid renewed political attention on student representation and campus-level electoral participation.
CM calls for responsible student leadership
Beyond electoral success, Majhi urged the newly elected representatives to focus on their responsibilities towards students and educational institutions.
He emphasised that winning an election should mark the beginning of public service rather than become a source of arrogance. Student leaders, he said, must work to address academic concerns, improve hostel facilities and resolve issues affecting their fellow students.
The Chief Minister also called for concerted efforts to make campuses drug-free and encouraged student representatives to counter misinformation through constructive engagement and responsible leadership.
He stressed that young people have an important role to play in nation-building and in realising the vision of a prosperous and developed Odisha.
Campus democracy back in focus
The revival of student union elections has brought campus politics back into focus across the state. Majhi’s address underscored his government’s emphasis on youth participation, democratic engagement and leadership development.
By urging elected representatives to prioritise student welfare and institutional improvement, the Chief Minister said the mandate should translate into meaningful action on campuses.
The event concluded with a broader appeal to the newly elected student leaders to use their positions to serve the student community and contribute to Odisha’s development.
19, Oct 2026
Magnitude 3.0 Earthquake Hits Manipur’s Kamjong District
Imphal, Oct 18: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 struck Manipur’s Kamjong district on Sunday evening, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
Representational Image
The tremor was recorded at 6:13:08 PM IST, with its epicentre located at latitude 24.909° North and longitude 94.384° East. The earthquake originated at a depth of 72 kilometres, according to data shared by the NCS.
The national seismic monitoring agency reported the earthquake in an update on its official social media account. Further details regarding its impact, including whether the tremor was felt by residents or caused any damage, were not immediately available.
The relatively deep origin of the earthquake places it below the Earth’s surface at a depth of 72 kilometres. However, the extent to which a tremor is felt depends on several factors, including its magnitude, depth and distance from populated areas.
Another magnitude 3.0 tremor recorded in Madhya Pradesh
Earlier on Sunday, a separate earthquake of magnitude 3.0 was recorded in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district, according to the NCS.
The tremor occurred at 12:15:23 PM IST at a depth of five kilometres. Its epicentre was located at latitude 21.483° North and longitude 75.953° East.
The two earthquakes were recorded several hours apart in different parts of the country. No further information on damage or casualties was available in the reports cited.
The NCS continues to monitor seismic activity across India and provides updates on earthquake magnitude, epicentre and depth through its official reporting channels.
19, Oct 2026
Puri Srimandir to Celebrate Vijaya Dashami with Lord Jagannath’s Grand Rajadhiraja Besha
Puri, Oct 19: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is set to celebrate Vijaya Dashami, popularly known as Dussehra, on Wednesday with a series of traditional rituals, culminating in the magnificent Rajadhiraja Besha, also known as Suna Besha, of the deities.
Representational Image
The auspicious occasion holds special religious significance at the 12th-century shrine, where age-old customs associated with Dussehra will be observed with devotion and grandeur. The ceremonial observances are expected to draw devotees eager to witness the sacred rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the Holy Trinity.
As part of the celebrations, the deities seated on the Ratna Singhasana will proceed to Mahakhala at Ballav Math. Goddess Durga and Lord Madhab will also be taken on a chariot as part of the temple’s traditional Dussehra rituals.
Following the ceremonies, Lord Madanmohan, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna will be adorned in their distinctive Veerabesha, or warrior attire. They will proceed to Dussehra Pada before returning to the Srimandir, completing another significant sequence of the festival’s observances.
The highlight of the occasion will be the Rajadhiraja Besha, popularly known as Suna Besha, in which the deities are adorned with elaborate golden ornaments. The ceremonial attire symbolises their divine majesty and royal splendour, making it one of the most anticipated features of the festival.
Kartik rituals to begin at Srimandir
Meanwhile, the sacred month of Kartik will commence at the temple on Thursday, October 22, coinciding with the Ekadashi tithi. The deities will be adorned in Radha Damodar Besha, and special Balabhoga will be offered as part of the observances.
Kartik is considered one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar, particularly for worship, fasting and other religious practices. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Damodara during this period, while devotion to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha assumes special significance.
The traditional Kartik observances at Srimandir attract devotees from Odisha and beyond, who visit Puri to participate in the month-long spiritual practices and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
With Vijaya Dashami followed by the commencement of Kartik, the coming days will mark an important period of religious observance at the revered Puri shrine, reflecting the temple’s enduring spiritual traditions and cultural heritage.
19, Oct 2026
FPSB Honors Steve Helmich, CFP and Cary List with 2026 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession
Leaders from Australia and Canada recognized for their impact on the global financial planning profession
DENVER, COLO (U.S.) – 19 October 2026 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession, is pleased to announce Steve Helmich, CFP and Cary List as recipients of the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, advocacy and volunteer service have made a lasting impact on the advancement of financial planning and CFP certification worldwide.
Helmich was recognized for guiding FPSB through a transformative period and strengthening its strategic and governance foundations, while List was honored for advancing professional standards and collaboration across FPSB’s global network.
“Steve and Cary have each left a lasting mark on our profession,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “Steve’s leadership helped shape the direction and foundations we still build on today, while Cary set a high bar for the profession and enriched our global network. This award is a fitting tribute to the legacies they have both built.”
FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award Recipients
- Steve Helmich, CFP (Australia): Helmich receives the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for his principled leadership and long-standing commitment to the global financial planning profession. As FPSB Board Chairperson from 2013 to 2016, he guided the organization through a pivotal period. His leadership helped strengthen financial planning as a distinct global profession and supported governance reforms that continue to shape FPSB’s global network today. A tireless ambassador for CFP certification, Steve helped build a stronger, more connected financial planning profession around the world.
- Cary List (Canada): List receives the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for his enduring contribution to FPSB and the global financial planning profession, spanning more than a decade from 2007. Through leadership roles including Chairperson of the FPSB Council and involvement in several committees, he helped strengthen governance, align professional standards and advance the consistency and recognition of CFP certification worldwide. His leadership of FP Canada (formerly the Financial Planning Standards Council) as President and CEO also brought valuable Canadian expertise to FPSB’s international work and helped elevate financial planning globally.
17, Oct 2026
A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger now available from Histria Books
Oct 17: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger that brings together three Regency romances, Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season. This collection is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.
Christmas has a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans, and that is part of the fun in Barbara Metzger’s Regency romances. Across Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season, mistletoe, holiday enchantment, and unexpected turns of fate make room for love and laughter. Snowy manor houses and glittering balls set the scene, while Metzger’s wit keeps the festivities lively.
At a time when holiday reading can feel crowded with familiar promises, these three books offer something more companionable: a chance to spend the season with a writer who knows that affection is often funniest when people are trying hard to behave. Together, they make a welcome gift for longtime Metzger readers and an inviting introduction for newcomers.
Barbara Metzger is the award-winning author of more than three dozen Regency romances and a dozen novellas. Her acclaimed novels, set primarily in Regency-era England, have earned numerous honors, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Madcap Award for humor in romance writing, and two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards. A former editor, proofreader, greeting-card verse writer, and artist, Metzger also paints, gardens, volunteers at her local library, and enjoys beachcombing on Long Island.
Father Christmas, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-854-0; Greetings of the Season, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-853-3; An Enchanted Christmas, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-855-7 by Barbara Metzger are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as ebooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution.
17, Oct 2026
ASME Names Leah Putman as President, Engineering for Change
NEW YORK | Oct 17–The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the appointment of Leah Putman as president of its Engineering for Change (E4C) LLC. She continues in her role as director of engineering for sustainable development at ASME, reporting to Iana Aranda, managing director of sustainability at ASME, and outgoing E4C president.
Across these roles, Putman leads strategy and growth for programs connecting engineering, innovation, and societal impact. Putman brings more than 15 years of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, product development, sustainability, and social impact. She has spent her career helping organizations navigate uncertainty, make evidence-based decisions, and move promising ideas toward implementation.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Leah and witnessing firsthand her ability to bring people, ideas, and expertise together in service of meaningful change. She approaches engineering not only as a technical discipline, but as a powerful tool for improving lives and strengthening communities,” says Aranda. “Leah is an innovative and thoughtful leader who recognizes the importance of ensuring that solutions are informed by a diversity of experiences and perspectives. As E4C president, she will help build a more connected, inclusive, and impact-oriented engineering community, while advancing ASME’s commitment to engineering for sustainable development.”
Since joining ASME in 2022, Putman has held leadership roles with both ASME and E4C. Previously, she worked as an independent strategy, engineering, and project management consultant and held technical and leadership positions with Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE) in Rwanda and W. L. Gore & Associates in the United States. Putman holds a master’s degree in science from Technische Universiteit Delft in the Netherlands and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.
16, Oct 2026
Over 300 Researchers Gather at NIT Rourkela to Advance Sustainable Innovation
Rourkela, October 16: More than 300 academicians, scientists and research scholars from institutions across India gathered at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela for a two-day conclave aimed at strengthening research partnerships and turning scientific discoveries into practical solutions for sustainable development.
The ANRF–NIT Rourkela Research X Impact Conclave 2026, inaugurated on October 15 under the theme “Synergy for Sustainability,” brought together representatives from academia, industry and research organisations to explore collaborative approaches to pressing social, environmental and economic challenges.
Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), attended the inaugural session as chief guest. NIT Rourkela Director Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao, Organising Chair Prof Himanshu Bhushan Sahu and Organising Co-chair Prof Swadesh Kumar Paratihar were among the key participants.
Research Must Deliver Real-World Impact
Addressing the gathering, Kalyanaraman emphasised that scientific research should extend beyond academic publications and laboratory experiments to create tangible benefits for society.
He encouraged researchers to set ambitious scientific goals, work across disciplines and institutions, and collaborate with industry to transform research outcomes into useful technologies, enterprises and practical solutions.
Welcoming participants, Prof Sahu described the conclave as a platform for researchers, industry professionals, faculty members and young scholars to exchange ideas, present innovations and develop long-term partnerships.
He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing challenges related to agriculture, healthcare, energy, environmental protection and climate resilience.
NIT Rourkela Highlights Opportunities Beyond Established Research Centres
Prof Rao underlined the role that NIT Rourkela and its partner institutions could play in strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Referring to the hub-and-spoke approach under the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) framework, he said institutions outside established centres of excellence also possessed significant research talent and potential.
He called for greater opportunities and institutional support to enable National Institutes of Technology and other academic institutions to undertake ambitious research projects and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
30 ANRF Grantees Present Their Work
A major feature of the conclave was the presentation of research projects by 30 ANRF grantees representing different institutions and agencies. The researchers outlined the potential societal applications of their work and received feedback from Kalyanaraman during an interactive session.
The discussions focused on strengthening the connection between scientific research and its practical implementation, with industry representatives expressing interest in supporting research and development initiatives as well as pilot-scale studies.
Industry participants included Madhulika Shukla, CEO of IFFCO eBazar Ltd; Jagannath P Nayak, President and Unit Head of Aditya Aluminium, Hindalco; Dipak Khule, Head of Research and Development at JSW Energy Ltd; and Pradeep Behera, Founder and Managing Director of Thetabeta Algorithms Pvt Ltd.
Their participation highlighted the potential for closer industry–academia engagement in developing technologies that can be tested and applied in real-world settings.
AI Workshop Explores Making Research More Accessible
The conclave also examined how artificial intelligence could help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and the wider public.
Prof P Kumaraguru, Visiting Scientist at ANRF, conducted a workshop on democratising research across multiple languages using SARAL AI. The session explored the potential of AI tools to make scientific findings easier to access and understand among diverse audiences.
Researchers and scholars also presented posters under four thematic areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Healthcare and Medical Technologies, Energy Technologies, and Environmental Sustainability. Awards were presented for the best posters in each category.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development
The event’s activities were coordinated by theme leads and co-leads, including Prof Shantanu Behera, Prof Pankaj Sa, Prof Devendra Verma, Prof Harekrushna Sahoo, Prof Sk Md Equeenuddin, Prof Pravat Ray, Prof Binod Bihari Sahu and Prof Partha Saha.
By bringing researchers and industry representatives onto a common platform, the conclave sought to strengthen research networks, encourage collaborative projects and accelerate the practical application of scientific knowledge.
The discussions underscored a central message: addressing complex sustainability challenges will require not only scientific advances but also stronger partnerships capable of translating research into solutions that benefit communities and support long-term development.
16, Oct 2026
Outgoing Odisha Governor Kambhampati Receives Farewell at Bhubaneswar Airport
Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Outgoing Odisha Governor Haribabu Kambhampati was accorded a formal farewell at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Friday, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior state officials gathered to see him off.
Kambhampati’s wife, Jayashree Kambhampati, was also present at the airport ceremony, along with Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra and other senior administrative and police officials.
Among those attending were Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor; Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh, Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police; and Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department.
Chief Minister Acknowledges Governor’s Contribution
The airport farewell followed a separate ceremony held at Lok Bhavan on October 14, where Chief Minister Majhi paid tribute to the outgoing Governor’s service to Odisha.
During the occasion, Majhi expressed gratitude for Kambhampati’s contributions to the state and wished him good health, happiness and success in his future endeavours. He also invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the Governor’s well-being.
A farewell programme was organised at Lok Bhavan to formally honour Kambhampati as he prepared to leave the state.
Tenure Began in January 2025
Haribabu Kambhampati assumed office as the Governor of Odisha on January 3, 2025. He served in the constitutional post for approximately one year and nine months.
His departure marks the end of his tenure as the state’s Governor, with arrangements underway for the assumption of office by his successor.
New Governor to Take Oath on October 18
Braj Mohan Ram, who has been appointed as the next Governor of Odisha, is scheduled to take the oath of office on October 18, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony is set to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Navratri.
The transition will formally usher in a new chapter in Odisha’s gubernatorial administration, following Kambhampati’s departure from the state.
