No fine, police to help traffic rule violators get helmet, license in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Sept 15: Amid the raging debate over hefty fines for traffic rule violations, police here has launched an initiative to help motorists driving without helmet or necessary documents in getting them instead of imposing penalty.
Under the initiative of the Rachakonda Commissionerate, no challans will be issued to four types of violations riding without helmet, license, insurance and pollution check certificate, police said.
The traffic police will help the motorists buy helmet and arrange for getting insurance and pollution certificate. For those caught driving without a license, police will help them book an online slot for the learner's license on the spot.
"Some people have misconception on traffic challans. In order to remove that, the police has taken up this unique initiative wherein the traffic violators are not being fined but police will help them take corrective measures and to follow traffic rules," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N Divyacharan Rao said.
The move by the Rachakonda police, launched on Saturday, comes at a time when there has been widespread criticism of the hefty fines provided for such traffic rule violations under the amended Motor Vehicle Act.
Several state governments are yet to implement the new rules while the BJP governments in Gujarat and Uttarakhand have announced reductions in fines.
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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages in Sunday appeal
Vatican City, May 11 (AP): Pope Leo XIV called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff.
“Never again war!” Leo said from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica.
Recalling the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it was a “third world war in pieces”.
Leo, the first American pope, also noted that Sunday was Mother's Day in many countries and wished all mothers, “including those in heaven” a Happy Mother's Day.
The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St Peter's Basilica tolled.
It was the first time that Leo had returned to the loggia since he first appeared to the world from there on Thursday night following his remarkable election as pope, the first from the United States. Then too he delivered a message of peace.
Earlier Sunday, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St Peter with head of his Augustinian order, the Rev Alejandro Moral Anton. The Mass occurred in the grottoes underneath St Peter's, the traditional burial place of St Peter, the apostle who is considered the be the first pope.
The area, which is normally open to the public, also contains the tombs of past popes, including Pope Benedict XVI.
Leo on Saturday prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, located across town at the St Mary Major Basilica.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected 267th pope on Thursday following the April 21 death of Francis.
St Peter's Square was packed with pilgrims, well-wishers and the curious, many holding up flags from their homelands. Leo gave many special groups a shoutout.
