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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Good News

It's an Emotional Win for Uttarkashi Rescue Operation!

After a 17-day struggle, all 41 laborers stuck several meters within a tunnel in Uttarakhand's Silkyara were freed late Tuesday (November 28, 2023). The rescue operation came to a close when the last worker emerged from the tunnel on a specially constructed stretcher. Indian servicemen were greeted with loud cheers and chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" (long live mother India) as rescuers successfully carried out all 41 from the collapsed Himalayan road tunnel where they had been imprisoned for 17 days. The stretcher was lowered into a two-metre-deep dug shaft with a pipe inserted to keep it stable and decrease the risks of debris falling and impeding the laborious rescue attempt, which included international assistance. After the drilling was completed and all checks were completed, several members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which was assigned with the rescue attempt, descended down the pipe to meet the workers.They encountered the stranded, dehydrated, and exhausted soldiers within the tunnel and led them to the pipe and ultimate rescue.The adapted stretcher was physically hauled by another crew on the other side, and each worker was carried out one by one, much to the delight and excitement of those engaged in their rescue as well as the 140 crore Indians praying for their safety. Earlier in the day, Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), delivered an update on the rescue operations, indicating that the teams were near to a breakthrough after working relentlessly for the previous 17 days. During a news conference in New Delhi, Hasnain stated that rat-hole mining professionals had reached the 58-metre milestone, with only roughly two more meters to go before reaching the terminus.Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, was present inside the tunnel to monitor the rescue attempt. General Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), India's Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, was also on hand. They hailed each soldier as they emerged from the pipe. The state administration prepared 41 ambulances, one for each worker, to transport them to a medical hospital in Chinyalisaur, some 30 kilometres away, for a thorough examination. CM Dhami also informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the rescue and relief activities. PM Modi stressed the need of protecting the safety of both trapped workers and rescue crews. It brings us great delight to know that, after such a long wait, our friends will be reunited with their families. All of these families' patience and bravery during this tough time cannot be stressed!  

30 Nov 2023
Good News

Historic Kalka-Shimla Railway Line Set to Resume Services from October 1

In a much-awaited development, the historic Kalka-Shimla railway line is expected to resume its services from October 1. This iconic narrow gauge railway, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, had temporarily halted its operations due to extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. The 96-kilometer track, known for its scenic beauty, passes through 18 stations, 102 tunnels, and 988 bridges. The enchanting journey offers passengers breathtaking views of lush green valleys adorned with pine, oak, and deodar trees. Repair work commenced in July to address the damage at 352 locations along the route. So far, 327 locations have been repaired, with work ongoing at the remaining 25. Notably, the section between Jutogh and Summer Hill stations, near Shimla, was severely affected, requiring the construction of a new bridge. Mandeep Bhatia, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Ambala, expressed optimism about the restoration efforts. He stated that the British-era railway line is expected to be fully restored till Shimla by September 30, with train services resuming on October 1. In the meantime, services have already commenced till Koti from September 5. To ensure the long-term resilience of the railway line, various measures are being implemented, including the construction of retaining walls, longitudinal and cross drains, and slope protection. Additionally, rock bolting, tunnel grouting, and other strategies are being employed to safeguard the track from future natural disasters. The reopening of the Kalka-Shimla railway line is a significant boost to tourism in Himachal Pradesh, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the charm of this heritage railway and explore the scenic beauty of the region. With its resumption, travelers and railway enthusiasts can once again embark on a memorable journey through the picturesque landscapes of this iconic route.

13 Sep 2023
Good News

India to start Colombo-Kashi flight

During his ongoing visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a direct flight between Colombo and Varanasi. This  announcement was welcomed by Buddhist monks in Varanasi. It is hoped that  the new flight connectivity will give rise to spiritual tourism along the Buddhist and Hindu holy circuit. This flight will make the air journey from Varanasi to Colombo cheaper by around 40%,  with a travel time of five hours. This will  link Buddhist sites in India including  Sarnath ,Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar, as reported by the Economic Times. The joint secretary of Mahabodhi Society of India in Varanasi,  and incharge of Sarnath unit Medhankar Thero informed that Sri Lanka had operated flights for Varanasi earlier. He further said, "Now India is starting its flight for Colombo from Varanasi, which will facilitate Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims to reach Sarnath without wasting time and also increase the flow of Hindu pilgrims to Sri Lanka to visit places associated with Ramayana age." The tourists who prefer a leisurely stay have a choice of  eight-night trip not only to Varanasi, but also to Kushinagar, Sravasti, Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Kapilvastu, Lumbini, and Rajgir. The statistics given by Tourism department indicates higher footfall as about  55% of foreign tourists who visit Varanasi also visit Sarnath and Kushinagar. It shows that Colombo- Varanasi flight will surely boost the Indo- Sri Lankan tourism on this ancient cultural connection.  

13 May 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

From Rags to Riches: A Farmer's Extraordinary Journey

In the arid lands of Maharashtra's Solapur district, a remarkable tale of triumph has unfolded, leaving locals awe-inspired and hopeful. Prakash Imde, affectionately known as Bapu, has transformed his humble beginnings into an inspiring success story. Through his unwavering determination and ingenuity, he has not only built a magnificent bungalow worth Rs 1 crore but has also revolutionized the dairy farming industry. Imde's journey commenced with just a solitary cow, his beloved Lakshmi, and a dream to make the impossible possible. He begins his routine by offering prayers to Lakshmi, paying homage to the bovine that set his destiny in motion. Such is his reverence for the cows that paved his path to achievement that the bungalow he now resides in bears the name "Godhan Niwas" or "Home of Cows." Imde owned 4 acres of ancestral land, but it didn’t give him any yield as the land was barren. So he shifted his focus to the sale of cow milk and dung in 1998. Starting with one cow and a modest milk delivery service to nearby villagers, his determination and hard work soon bore fruit. Today, his dairy farm boasts over 150 cows, churning out a staggering 1,000 liters of milk each day. Imde's entire family plays a pivotal role in the business, from milking the cows to their care and well-being. Notably, Prakash Imde has refrained from selling any of his calves, allowing his herd to flourish over the years. Even after the demise of Lakshmi in 2006, he nurtured her lineage and continues to run the farm with her descendants. To sustain his thriving bovine community, Imde ensures they receive four to five tonnes of green fodder daily, cultivating as much as possible on the farm and sourcing the rest from external suppliers. His entrepreneurial prowess has not only transformed his own life but has also created employment opportunities for the villagers. So profound is his impact that people from distant states now flock to Sangola, where his farm is located, to witness his remarkable achievements. Prakash Imde personally conducts tours of the farm, enlightening visitors about his revolutionary methods.   The crowning glory of Imde's years of perseverance manifests in the form of his majestic bungalow which is an evidence of his unwavering spirit. Standing tall atop the edifice is a statue of a cow, accompanied by a milk churn, serving as a poignant reminder of the relentless dedication and passion that brought the building to fruition. Prakash Imde's remarkable journey stands as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, unwavering determination and innovative thinking can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

1 Jul 2023
Star Citizens

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