Railways bites the bullet, raises passenger fares

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:

The Railway fare hike, the government softening its stand to promote Hindi on social media platforms and the developing situation in Iraq are major stories in newspapers this morning.
"Modi's Growth Express Arrives with a Shudder" writes the Economic Times. The Pioneer reports "Rail fares chug up steeply", while the Business Standard says, "Railways bites the bullet, raises passenger fares".
"Mind your Language ! South Tells Centre's Hindi Enthusiasts" reads the Economic Times headline. The Hindu quotes PMO as saying "Language policy unchanged", adding compulsory use of Hindi was not applicable to non-Hindi speaking states. The Times of India writes, Govt says, Hindi circular first issued by UPA.
The fate of Indians abducted in Iraq finds front page coverage in most dailies. "Team Modi goes into a huddle; Efforts on to secure release of abducted Indians" writes the Tribune. The Times of India says, "Centre opens Saudi channels to Iraqi abductors". The Statesman reports "16 Indians in Iraq evacuated", while the Hindu, in an exclusive, recounts the daring escape of one Indian from captivity in Mosul.
Marking the biggest change in the Indian fiscal space in decades, the Indian Express opines "Financial powers gone, planning Commission stares at shutdown".
In a major revamp, the Pioneer reports, DU plans to turn its existing four year undergraduate programme into an integrated five-year post - graduate programme.
In Newsmakers, the Asian Age, and the Hindu report, Indian born Booker prize winning author Salman Rushdie has been named the winner of 2014 prestigious Pen Pinter prize for his outstanding literary output and support for freedom of expression.
And finally, the Hindu states, Scientists have successfully developed an ultra light material that can witstand 160,000 times its own weight, and can be used for making aircraft components.