Author: Jit

Chabahar Port Project Agreement between India and Iran
The Chabahar Port Project is close to an agreement between India And Iran. During Foreign Minister Jaishanker’s visit to Tehran, he held extensive discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Chabahar port and North-South connectivity.

Amidst the tension with Pakistan, Iran has made preparations to defeat it on the diplomatic front also. Recently during Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Iran, both the countries have come close to an agreement on this ambitious Chabahar Port project. The issue of construction of this port has been pending between the two countries for a long time. It came into limelight in 2017 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tehran.

India has finalized the Chabahar Agreement at a time when the Middle East is going through great turmoil and relations between Iran and Pakistan are tense. Moreover, International Naval Trade Waterways are under threat such as Somalia Pirates and attack Houthi terrorists. The US and Britain are continuously attacking Houthi rebel positions in Yemen to eliminate disruptions to the smooth movement of commercial ships through the Red Sea.

What is the Chabahar Port Project?

Chabahar Port is a connectivity project located in Sistan Baluchistan province in the south-eastern part of Iran. In this project, Chahbahar Port has been developed in collaboration between India and Iran since 2003 in the Gulf of Oman.

It has two main ports, but India will develop only one of the two, namely Shaheed Beheshti Port. An investment agreement of $8 billion was signed between the two countries on this project. The Chabahar Port Project is a multinational initiative to develop a deep-sea port in southeast Iran and establish a key trade route connecting India, Iran, Afghanistan, and potentially Central Asia.

Plans have been drawn up to build a 628 km long railway line to Zahedan and then more than 1,000 km long tracks to Sirakhs on the Iran-Turkmenistan border.

Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

Location and Significance:
- Chabahar is Iran’s only oceanic port, offering crucial access to the Indian Ocean and beyond.
- It’s considered a “Golden Gateway” to Afghanistan and Central Asia, as it provides an alternative to Pakistan-controlled routes for accessing these regions.
Chabahar Port Project Elements:
- Port Development: India has invested heavily in expanding Chabahar port’s capacity, with Phase 1 already operational and further phases planned.
- Road and Rail Connectivity: India has built a 240-km road connecting Chabahar with Zaranj in Afghanistan. Moreover, Iran is constructing a crucial railway link between Chabahar and Zahedan.
- Chabahar Special Economic Zone: Plans are underway to establish an industrial zone near the port. It includes facilities for aluminium smelting, urea production, and other industries.
International Collaboration:
- The project is a trilateral partnership between India, Iran, and Afghanistan. Each country is playing a critical role in its development and utilization.
- The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to integrate Chabahar into a broader trade network connecting Russia, India, and Central Asia.
Challenges and Potential:
- US sanctions on Iran: Sanctions have posed hurdles in terms of financing and international engagement.
- Change of power in Afghanistan: The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 added further uncertainty to the project’s future.
- Despite these challenges, Chabahar holds immense potential as a hub for trade, regional cooperation, and economic development.
Current Status:
- Although progress has been slower than initially anticipated, the project continues to move forward.
- India’s recent commitment to send aid to Afghanistan through Chabahar indicates continued interest in the initiative.
- Iran’s efforts to complete the Chabahar-Zahedan railway are another positive development.
How the Chabahar Port Project will be beneficial

According to the Indian Commerce Ministry, freight transportation through the Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) will be 30% cheaper than the Mediterranean-Suez route. Natural gas from Central Asia can be brought to India through Chabahar port. India is already part of projects like the TAPI gas pipeline originating from the Central Asian Republic of Turkmenistan.

Moreover, the Chabahar project will end the dominance that China has created in the region regarding connectivity through the CPEC project with Pakistan.
January 20, 2024

Amrit Udyan of Rashtrapati Bhavan is going to open for Public

Amrit Udyan located at Rashtrapati Bhavan will soon be open to the public from the 2nd of February to the 31st of March 2024. Now you can visit this beautiful garden six days a week FREE of Cost. Every Monday it will remain closed for maintenance. Moreover, it will remain closed on the 25th of March due to the Holi Festival. That means you can plan your visit from Tuesday to Sunday of any week from Feb 2 to March 31.

Amrit Udyan in Rashtrapati Bhavan

Amrit Udyan is a sprawling and magnificent garden located within the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India in New Delhi. It was formerly known as the Mughal Garden but was renamed in January 2023 to Amrit Udyan as part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrating 75 years of India’s independence.

Here’s some more information about Amrit Udyan:

History and Design:

Originally constructed around 1917 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed Delhi, the gardens originally included four sections: East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden, and Circular Garden. Over time, new sections were added like the Herbal Gardens, Tactile Garden, and Bonsai Garden.

Significance:

Amrit Udyan is not just a beautiful garden, it holds historical and cultural significance. It has been witness to various important events and meetings with dignitaries from around the world. Its renaming signifies a move towards a more inclusive and representative identity for the gardens.

What to See and Do:

During the spring months (February to March), Amrit Udyan opens its doors to the public for a limited period called “Udyan Utsav.” During this time, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking displays of seasonal flowers, including tulips, daffodils, lilies, and roses. Additionally, there are various sections to explore, like the Bal Vatika for children, the Bonsai Garden, and the Circular Garden with its diverse flora and fauna.

How to Plan Your Visit to Amrit Udyan

To visit Amrit Udyan, you have to take prior permission and register yourself online Her e. Online booking slot will open 10 days before the date of the visit. For example, if you want to visit on the 15th of February you can book from the 5th of February. A maximum of 30 people can register in a single booking.

Although you can be a walk-in visitor to Amrit Udyan. Visitors who walk in must register at the facilitation counters or the Self Service Kiosk near Gate No. 12 of Rashtrapati Bhavan. However, a Self Service Kiosk is outside the entry and exit gate number 35 where you can get registration.

Visitors can visit in between 10 AM to 4 PM. Those who go inside before 4 PM can remain there till 5 PM. However, booking is done on an hourly slot basis. There are two forenoon slots between 10 to 12 and afternoon slots are four between 12 to 4. For every slot, the maximum numbers of visitors are fixed. Maximum numbers also vary on weekdays and weekends. Below is the table for clearly understanding the time slots.

Time Slots	Capacity on Weekdays	Capacity on weekends
10-11	7500 Visitors	10,000 Visitors
11-12	7500 Visitors	10,000 Visitors
12-1	5000 Visitors	7500 Visitors
1-2	5000 Visitors	7500 Visitors
2-3	5000 Visitors	7500 Visitors
3-4	5000 Visitors	7500 Visitors

Those booking online can take entry by showing the digital visitor pass received on their mobile. You should also carry a government ID proof.

Hence you can plan your visit to Amrit Udyan according to your online booking.

How to reach Amrit Udyan

To visit Amrit Udyan you have to reach Delhi which is very well connected from throughout India. You can reach Delhi by domestic or international flights, train, buses or by your vehicle.

Indra Gandhi International Airport is around 17 km from Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there you can catch the Metro, a bus or a taxi.

Railways

New Delhi Railway Station is around 5 km from Amrit udyan. Moreover, Nijamudin Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station are around 10 km from Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there you can reach through the metro, bus or taxi.

Metro

The nearest metro station to the entry gate number 35 is the Central Secretariat Metro station. It is just 2 km away from Amrit Udyan. Visitors can take a shuttle bus from Central Secretariat Metro Station to Gate No. 35 every 30 minutes between 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. You can also take a rickshaw from the Metro station to Gate Number 35.

Bus stations near Amrit Udyan Entry Gate 35 in Delhi

Talkatora Road is just 4 min walk
North Avenue,6 min walk
Kendriya Terminal,7 min walk
Kendriya Terminal (Church Road),8 min walk
Dr R.M.L.Hospital is just 800 metres away and 11 min walk
Krishi Bhawan/Central Secretariat Gate No 2 is just 2.0 Km away

Permitted and Prohibited in Amrit Udyan

Visitors are permitted to bring mobile phones, electronic keys, handbags, water bottles, and milk bottles for infants. There is no permission to bring food items/paan/gutkha/cigarettes/backpacks/cameras/video cameras. Arms and Ammunition are strictly prohibited. For facility drinking water, toilets, and medical facilities will be available at various points along the public route inside Amrit Udyan.

January 20, 2024

Boeing Centre was inaugurated in Bengaluru

Boeing Centre was inaugurated today in Bengaluru a city of Karnataka state of India. The campus of Boeing Centre is spread over 43 acres and it cost Rs 1600 crore to build it. This centre of Boeing is the company’s largest investment outside America.

It is a hi-tech defence and aerospace park campus located in Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This centre will develop next-generation advanced products and services for the global aerospace and defence industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Global Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre of the American aircraft manufacturing company Boeing in Bengaluru, Karnataka. During this, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and top officials of Boeing were also present.

At the Inauguration of Boeing Centre PM Modi addressed the people

In his address after the inauguration of Boeing’s Tech Center (Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC)), PM Modi said “Bengaluru is a city that connects expectations with invention and achievements. Bengaluru connects India’s technological capabilities to global supplies. This new campus of Boeing will further strengthen the identity of Bengaluru. This will be Boeing’s largest centre outside America”.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said that “this campus will strengthen the world’s faith in India’s talent. One day India itself will design future aircraft in this centre. Be it fighter pilots or civil aviation, today India is leading in the matter of women pilots. Today, 15% of India’s pilots are women pilots, which is three times more than the global average”.

Addressing the people present there, he said, ‘India’s aviation market has completely changed in the last 10 years. Today every aviation stakeholder is full of new energy. India has today become the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world. The number of domestic passengers is going to increase in the coming days. This is the right time for other Boeing and international companies to grow with India.

During the inauguration ceremony, the audience was raising slogans of Modi-Modi. On this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted CM Siddaramaiah and said, ‘Chief Minister, it keeps happening.’

CM Siddaramaiah said Boeing Centre is another achievement of Karnataka

CM Siddaramaiah said that with the inauguration of this Boeing centre, another achievement has been added to the achievements of Karnataka. Karnataka has been at the forefront of technological development in India. Also, this state is the fourth largest technology cluster in the world. It ranks first in the Innovation Index in India and Karnataka exports the most among all the states.

The ‘Boeing Sukanya Program’ also started

The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Boeing Sukanya Program’ which aims to promote more and more girls from across India in the country’s growing aviation sector. The program will provide opportunities for girls and women to learn critical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector. Under the program, girls will be helped to develop an interest in careers related to the STEM field. Moreover, labs will be built at 150 places under this program.

Ms Stephanie Pope COO of Boeing Company said

Ms. Stephanie Pope, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Boeing Company, has recently stated that the Boeing Centre Campus is expected to become one of the most advanced examples of the “Atmanirbharta” initiative, which is focused on promoting self-reliance in India. Moreover, Ms Pope praised the Prime Minister’s efforts in boosting the aviation sector in India and acknowledged his instrumental role in making the Boeing Sukanya Program a reality. She expressed her gratitude for the continued support and looked forward to working together to shape the future of the aerospace industry.

Ms Stephanie expressed that the new campus is a tribute to Boeing’s engineering legacy. Furthermore, it will demonstrate the belief in the availability, depth of talent and capability that exists in India. She provided more details about the new campus and Boeing’s plan to create an ecosystem that will push India to the forefront of the aerospace industry. Moreover, she credited the Prime Minister for his idea of the Sukanya program. She praised Boeing’s efforts to create and accelerate opportunities for Indian women in aviation.

Furthermore, she also mentioned that this program will break barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in aerospace. Additionally, she explained the plans to provide STEM labs in middle schools. And expressed confidence in the partnership between Boeing and India. This partnership will shape the future of aviation and make a positive impact on the people of India and around the world.

January 19, 2024
Lok Sabha Election 2024 preparation started

Lok Sabha election 2024 preparations are started in full swing by the Rajasthan State Congress Party. Congress party can finalize the names of its candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan by the 15th of February. For this, Lok Sabha constituency-wise observers and district in-charges will go to the areas under their charge and take feedback. Also, the formula for candidate selection will remain only winning.

The Congress party will work on Mission 25 for victory in the Lok Sabha election 2024. For this, all the leaders have been asked to make complete preparations. Different meetings were held throughout the day in the war room of the State Congress regarding the Lok Sabha elections 2024. In the meetings, it was discussed how the elections could be won. In such a situation, everyone has also given their suggestions in the meetings. Also, if the candidates are selected soon then they will be able to contest the elections well.

Ashok Gehlot could not attend the meetings for Lok Sabha Election 2024

First of all the election committee meeting was held. After that, a meeting of the Coordination Committee, Lok Sabha wise Observer and Screening Committee was held. State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasara, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, screening committee chairperson Rajni Patil and other leaders were present in the meeting. Former CM Ashok Gehlot is in Delhi. Because of this, he could not attend the meeting.

The issue of the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram temple was discussed

The issue of the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram temple to be held in Ayodhya on January 22 was also raised in the Congress meetings. In the meeting, a former minister suggested that we should also do Maha Aarti or any other religious program a day before on 21st January. A leader also said that we would go to the Ram temple after January 22. Now BJP has made this event as its program for the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024. They do politics in the name of religion.

January 19, 2024
Modi of your village PM Modi said.

Modi of your village was said to Ms Silme Marak from Ri Bhoi village of Meghalaya. PM Modi was interacting with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra today. During this interaction, he addresses Ms Silme Marak by the name of Modi of your village. This interaction was via video conferencing.

Ms Silme Marak is running a small shop in Ri Bhoi Village of Meghalaya. She graduated by joining a self-help group. Now she has helped local women by creating more than 50 self-help groups. A self-help group is normally a group of 12-25 local women between the age of 18-50. Moreover, it is the financial intermediate committee. Members contribute by saving regularly and giving to a member who requires money for some purpose. These types of self-help groups are in India and a few in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Ms Silme Marak is the beneficiary of PM Kishan Samman Nidhi, Bima and other government schemes.

Ms Silme Marak

Furthermore, recently Ms Silme Marak purchased a Scotty to expand her work of self-help groups. To help others to get benefits of the government schemes she runs a customer service point. Moreover, her groups are active in bakery and food processing.

PM Modi called Silme Modi of your village

While video conferencing PM Modi clapped for Ms Silme Marak’s work and praised her for her confidence. PM Modi said because of the dedication of people like you more people are benefitted from the government schemes. On her command of the Hindi language PM Modi praised her and said that she is more fluent perhaps even better than him. Moreover, PM Modi said in Hindi “Aap jaise logon se mera kaam bahut asan ho jata hai. Aap hi Gaon ki Modi ho”. That means people like you facilitate my work and you are the Modi of your village.

January 18, 2024
Donald Trump won in the Iowa Caucuses

Donald Trump had a big victory scoring 51% of votes and gained 20 delegates. This primary election was held in Iowa a state of the US. In the United States Presidential primary season, the Iowa Caucuses is the first major contest.

The victory of Donald Trump in Iowa is the first step in the U.S. presidential election. Let’s first understand the election procedure in the US.

Election Procedure in the US

The election procedure starts with the registration of candidates with the Federal Election Commission to run for President. Thereafter primaries and caucuses are held by States and Parties. After that parties conduct a National Convention to choose their candidate for President. Finally, the Presidential candidate participates in the Presidential debate and tries to win the Presidential election.

US Presidential primaries and caucuses

Two methods for selecting presidential nominees are primaries and caucuses used by states and political parties.

Presidential primaries

Before a presidential election, most states conduct primaries that take place 6-9 months earlier. During the primaries, voters cast secret ballots to choose their preferred candidate without revealing their identity. The state where the primary is held considers the results of the vote and awards delegates to the winners based on them.

Caucuses

In the months leading up to a presidential election, several states hold caucuses. Caucuses are meetings managed by political parties at the county, district, or precinct level. Some caucuses choose candidates through a secret ballot, while others require participants to form groups based on the candidate they support. Undecided participants make up their group. Each candidate’s group gives speeches and attempts to persuade others to join their group. Ultimately, the number of delegates given to each candidate is based on the number of caucus votes they receive.

Who are Delegates

Delegates are individuals who are authorized to vote on behalf of others in an indirect election. A typical example of delegates acting on behalf of a broader electorate to elect a representative is the United States presidential election. During the US presidential election, voters in each state elect delegates (also known as “electors”) in the electoral college, who then cast their vote to elect the president.

What happens at the National Convention

To become the presidential nominee, a candidate must generally secure a majority of delegates. This is typically achieved through a series of state primaries and caucuses held by the political party. The state delegates then attend the national convention where they cast their votes to confirm their chosen candidate. Finally, a Presidential candidate is been selected. During the convention, the presidential nominee announces their running mate for vice president.

The victory in Iowa will boost Donald Trump

Former President of the United States of America Donald Trump has been surrounded by a lot of difficulties for some time. Many cases were filed against Trump one after the other and also setbacks from the court. Trump has a long association with controversies and because of this controversies have still not left him.

But in the meantime, the former American President has got relief. Trump succeeded today and this success has come in the form of a victory for Trump. This is being considered a big victory for Trump. Also, Trump’s claim of becoming the Republican candidate in the US presidential elections to be held in 2024 has become stronger.

Indian-origin Vivek Ramaswami withdraws from the race for US President and supports Donald Trump

Presidential elections are going to be held in America this year. Many leaders are contesting the elections. Vivek Ramaswamy from the Republic Party had also submitted his claim to become the next President of America.

After contesting the elections, Vivek came into the limelight and his popularity also increased. Vivek is of Indian origin and Hindu by religion and during the election campaign he also made it clear that he is proud to be a Hindu and he will not back down from the religion.

Bharatvanshi Vivek Ramaswamy has recently made a big decision. Vivek has withdrawn his name from the race to become the President of America. As soon as Vivek withdrew from the race for US President, he supported former US President and Republican Party candidate Donald Trump.

January 17, 2024
Congress declared Tikaram Jully as Leader of the Opposition

Congress has surprised everyone by making Tikaram Jully the Leader of the Opposition. It is seen as an attempt to woo the Dalit vote bank in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Before the beginning of the 16th Assembly session starting from January 19, Congress has appointed the Leader of the Opposition. Surprising everyone, the Congress party’s high command has made Tikaram Jully, the leader of the opposition. Tikaram Jully is an MLA from Alwar Rural and was a cabinet minister in the previous Gehlot government. Whereas Govind Singh Dotasara will remain the President of the State Congress.

This decision of the Congress party is also being seen as an attempt to woo the Jat-Dalit vote bank. Congress decided this because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This is probably the first time that Congress has given the responsibility of Leader of Opposition to a Dalit face. However, as Jat faces, the names of Govind Singh Dotasara and Harish Chaudhary were also in the race for Leader of the Opposition. Mahendrajit Singh Malviya was also in discussion as ST face. But this time the party has played its bet on Dalit face. The party appointed the Leader of the Opposition after about one and a half months.

Congress National General Secretary Jitendra Singh played a big role

According to experts, Congress National General Secretary and former MP Jitendra Singh played a big role in making Tikaram Jully the Leader of the Opposition. Jully is considered very close to Jitendra Singh. For the last several days, Singh has been lobbying hard in Delhi for this.

Tikaram Jully is third time MLA from Alwar Rural

Tikaram Jully, born on 30 November 1980 in Kathuwas, Alwar, is the third-time MLA from Alwar Rural. He first became MLA in 2008, then was elected MLA in 2018 and 2023. Jully started his political career in Panchayat Raj. Apart from being the youngest district chief of Alwar, he has also been the President of the Alwar Rural Congress. Apart from this, he was the Minister of State in the previous Gehlot government from 24 December 2018 to 20 November 2021. After that, he was the Cabinet Minister in the cabinet reorganisation.

Congress Party expressed confidence in Dotasara

The Congress party high command has once again expressed confidence in the name of Govind Singh Dotasara for the post of State Congress President. Dotasara has been working on this post since July 15, 2020. Dotasara is considered to have a significant influence in the Shekhawati region. Congress has also performed better in the assembly elections in the Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts of the Shekhawati region. In the past, the results of by-elections held under his leadership were also in favour of the party. The Congress party is also in the role of a strong opposition in the results of the recently held assembly elections.

The leader of the Opposition gets equal facilities as a cabinet minister

After the appointment by Congress, now the gazette notification of the Leader of the Opposition will also be issued from the Assembly. The Leader of the Opposition is given equal facilities to a Cabinet Minister. Due to this, along with getting government accommodation and other facilities, he will also get an office in the Legislative Assembly.

Now Tikaram Jully will oppose the government on issues of public interest. After becoming the Leader of the Opposition, Tikaram Jully said in a conversation with the media that he would challenge the government in the House and outside the House on issues of public interest. It has been one and a half months since the government was formed but the Chief Minister is not able to get out of the slip. No new works have been started, and the works that were going on have been stopped.

January 17, 2024
One Vehicle One FASTag initiative may affect you. Know reason.

One Vehicle, One FASTag initiative is to discourage the use of a single FASTag for multiple vehicles. Moreover, it will stop linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle. One Vehicle, One FASTag is been initiated by NHAI. Additionally, the aim is to improve the efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and enable smooth movement at the Toll Plazas.

Furthermore, NHAI said in a statement on Monday that it has been decided to discontinue Fastags with un-updated KYC.

Important news has come out for those who own a four-wheeler or a bigger vehicle. According to the information revealed, Fastag IDs will be deactivated from January 31. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said on Monday. Furthermore, to increase the efficiency of the electronic toll collection system, Fastags with un-updated KYC will be deactivated by banks after January 31.

One Vehicle, One FASTag decision taken after RBI report

The RBI report had given information about multiple Fastags being issued for a particular vehicle in violation of the order and Fastags being issued without KYC. Therefore, the National Highway Authority of India has taken this decision after the recent report released by the RBI.

NHAI has issued this instruction under ‘One Vehicle, One Fastag’. The objective is to discourage user behaviour of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.

The instructions further said that to avoid inconvenience, FASTag users must ensure that the KYC of their latest FASTag is updated. NHAI’s statement said that only the latest Fastag IDs will remain active.

FASTag has transformed the Electronic Toll Collection system in India. It has a penetration rate of approximately 98% and over 8 crore users. The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of toll operations. Moreover, ensures seamless travel for users of the National Highway.

January 15, 2024
World Updates: Science, Tech, Politics and Beyond.
The world is a dynamic place and there’s always something interesting happening! So buckle up for some interesting recent updates! Here are a few tidbits to pique your curiosity:

Science & Technology:
- Brains on a chip: Scientists have grown human brain cells on a chip that can recognize speech and do simple math! This could revolutionize neurological research and brain-computer interfaces.
- Ancient galaxy snapshot: Astronomers captured an image of a spiral galaxy 12 billion light-years away, offering a glimpse into the early universe and our own Milky Way’s origins.
- Graphene breakthrough: Researchers have created the first functional semiconductor from graphene, paving the way for new, efficient electronics.
World Geopolitics & Current Events:
- Taiwan election: Lai Ching-te’s victory in Taiwan’s presidential election has stoked tensions with China. Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, is a Taiwanese politician and former physician. Global leaders congratulated him despite Beijing’s disapproval.
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Tensions remain high as Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in the West Bank, with reports of casualties and Hamas holding captured Israelis.
- Climate concerns: A cholera outbreak in Africa worsens amid vaccine shortages, while heavy rains in Brazil and the ongoing drought in the American West highlight the urgency of climate action.
Beyond the Headlines:
- Farmers protest in Berlin: German farmers staged a massive tractor protest in Berlin, demanding fair prices and better working conditions. Furthermore, farmers across Germany are protesting against government policies harming their livelihoods. This could have implications for food security and agricultural policies in Europe.
- Pope’s travel plans: Pope Francis expressed his hope to visit Argentina this year, fulfilling a promise and potentially addressing the nation’s ongoing social and economic challenges.
- Human rights developments: Nicaragua released detained bishop Rolando Álvarez and other priests. While the UK government acknowledged concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record.
- Iranian journalists released: Two Iranian journalists imprisoned in Iran for covering the Mahsa Amini protests have been released from a Tehran jail on Sunday, January 14. This could be a sign of easing restrictions on press freedom in the country.
These are just a few of the many fascinating stories unfolding worldwide. I recommend checking out reliable news sources and exploring topics that pique your interest to stay informed and engage further.

Remember, the world is a complex and ever-changing place. Staying curious and informed can help us navigate it with compassion and understanding.
January 15, 2024
Atal Setu, the longest bridge to reduce travel time

Atal Setu was been inaugurated by PM Modi today. Moreover, PM Modi himself had laid its foundation stone in 2016. This bridge is a six-lane bridge about 21.8 km long. This is good news for the people of Mumbai today.

The Prime Minister’s vision is to improve the ‘ease of movement’ of citizens by strengthening urban transport infrastructure and connectivity. In line with this vision, the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, has been built.

Atal Setu is the longest sea bridge in India. This bridge is about a 21.8 km long six-lane bridge. Whose length is about 16.5 km on the sea and about 5.5 km on land. Atal Setu is to connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Moreover, it will provide direct connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Furthermore, this will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Above all, it will also reduce the travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India. Now one can reach Navi Mumbai from Mumbai in 20 minutes instead of 2 hours.

Toll Tax on Atal Setu

The cost of building Atal Setu is approximately Rs 18,000 Crore. That will be recovered over some time by toll tax. It is expected that 70,000 vehicles will pass on it per day.

A one-way toll from a passenger car will be Rs 250. The fee for the to and fro journey is Rs 375. As well as daily and frequent passengers may opt for monthly passes, the official said. It is estimated that a four-wheeler will save petrol of Rs 500 per side due to no signal and no traffic jams.

India’s longest sea bridge, Atal Setu, incorporates an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system, enabling vehicles to pass through toll booths at speeds of up to 100 kmph without stopping. The maximum speed limit on this bridge is 100 km per hour for motorists. Moreover, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, tractors, autorickshaws and other slow-speed vehicles are not allowed to travel on this bridge.

January 12, 2024