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Category: National News

  • Underwater Metro started for the first time in India.

    Underwater Metro started for the first time in India.

    Underwater Metro started for the first time today in India. PM Modi inaugurated the Underwater Metro during his visit to Kolkata.

    Underwater Metro Inauguration by PM Modi

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a tour of West Bengal on Wednesday. During this, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several connectivity projects worth Rs 15,400 crore in the capital Kolkata. In addition, the Prime Minister reviewed all ongoing metro projects. During his tour, PM Modi flagged off six new metro trains. It also includes India’s first underwater metro rail project. This project has started between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade.

    With this, the first tunnel under the river in India will also be opened for traffic. After the inauguration, the Prime Minister also rode the underwater metro rail. Moreover, He also interacted with shramiks and school children on his metro journey.

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    Underwater Metro Rail Project

    The recently inaugurated Underwater Metro Project in Kolkata is a significant feat of engineering and a major milestone for India’s infrastructure development. The project boasts the first transportation tunnel ever built under a major river in India.

    The underwater metro rail is part of the East-West Metro corridor. The work on this corridor in Kolkata started in 2009. India’s first underwater metro rail service will start in March 2024.

    Passengers will get many facilities in the underwater metro. Ticket prices will range from Rs 5 to Rs 50. Howrah Maidan metro station is built under the Hooghly River under the East-West Metro Corridor project. Howrah Maidan, built 33 meters below the station surface, is the deepest metro station in India.

    1. Project Overview: The underwater metro project in Kolkata aimed to create an underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. This would significantly ease the traffic congestion and provide a faster mode of transportation for commuters.
    2. Technical Details: The project involved the construction of a tunnel beneath the riverbed using advanced engineering techniques. The tunnel would accommodate metro trains, enabling seamless connectivity between the two banks of the river.
    3. Stretching across the Hooghly River: The tunnel is part of the East-West Metro corridor, spanning a total length of 10.8 kilometres, with a 520-meter stretch running underneath the Hooghly River.
    4. Deepest metro station in India: The Howrah Maidan station, located on the Howrah side of the river, holds the distinction of being the deepest metro station in India, reaching a depth of 30 meters.
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    Benefits and Impact

    1. Benefits: Once completed, the underwater metro would offer a quicker and more efficient mode of transportation for residents. Furthermore, it will reduce travel time between the eastern and western parts of Kolkata. It would also alleviate traffic congestion on the surface roads and bridges.
    2. Environmental Impact: Environmental concerns, such as the impact on river ecosystems and water quality, were likely taken into consideration during the planning and execution phases of the project.
    3. Economic Impact: The project was expected to boost economic development in Kolkata. Moreover, it will improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods across the city.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic project on March 6, 2024, marking a significant step forward in enhancing urban mobility and connectivity in Kolkata. The successful completion of the Underwater Metro Project signifies India’s growing prowess in undertaking complex infrastructure projects and paves the way for further advancements in the country’s transportation sector.

  • Congress Bank Accounts Face Tax Lien, not freeze

    Congress Bank Accounts Face Tax Lien, not freeze

    Congress bank accounts were frozen as claimed by the party on the 16th of February 2024. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X about the Congress bank accounts. He said “Don’t be afraid Modi ji, Congress is not the name of power of money but of power of people. We have never bowed down before dictatorship, nor will we ever bow down. Every Congress worker will fight tooth and nail to protect India’s democracy”.

    Rahul Gandhi post on X for frozen Congress bank accounts.

    Congress party posted on X saying “The dictator is in fear”.

    Congress bank accounts freeze post on X by the party.

    Status of the Congress bank accounts

    The situation regarding the Congress bank accounts is complex and has seen recent developments. Here’s a summary:

    Initial Claims:

    On February 16, 2024, the Congress party claimed their bank accounts were frozen by the Income Tax Department. Moreover, they alleged this action was politically motivated and hampered their ability to function, including paying bills and salaries.

    Congress claimed that its bank accounts including the Congress Youth Wing bank accounts were frozen by the authorities.

    Income Tax Department’s Response:

    The Income Tax department clarified that they had not frozen the accounts but rather placed a lien of Rs 115 crore on them. This means the party could still access funds exceeding that amount. Ajay Maken the Treasurer of the Congress party confirmed this status by posting on X.

    Congress Bank Accounts on Lien

    Sources said that it was done because the Congress Party didn’t submit tax returns for the financial year 2018-2019. Moreover, the Congress party has not paid the taxes of Rs 210 Crore claimed by the Income Tax Department.

    What Bank Account Lien means

    A bank account lien is a legal claim placed on a bank account by a creditor, such as a bank, government agency, or court, to restrict access to the funds in the account. This means that the funds in the account cannot be withdrawn or transferred until the debt owed to the creditor is satisfied.

    Income Tax Tribunal’s Intervention:

    The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) intervened and allowed the party to operate their accounts beyond the Rs 115 crore lien until February 21, 2024. This temporary relief allows the party to function while the tax dispute is ongoing.

    Current Status:

    As of February 17, 2024, the party’s accounts are not frozen. But face tax lien imposed by the Income Tax department. The party can access funds exceeding the lien amount until February 21st. After this, the situation may change depending on the ITAT’s further decision.

    Additional Notes:

    This situation has sparked political debate, with the Congress party alleging harassment and the government denying any political motive. The underlying tax dispute is still ongoing and the outcome will determine the full implications for the party’s finances.

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