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Indian Railways and Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Initiatives

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Indian Railways and Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Indian Railways (IR) stands as one of the world’s largest railway networks, spanning an extensive 67,415 route kilometres. It serves as the backbone of the nation, carrying a staggering 23 million passengers daily, ranking it as the world’s largest passenger transportation system. Furthermore, IR holds the fourth position globally for freight transportation, annually moving a colossal 1,225 million tonnes of cargo as it traverses the entire length and breadth of the country.

Rail-based transportation is notably the most environmentally friendly mass transit system, characterised by significant energy efficiency and resource optimization advantages. Railways exhibit approximately 12 times higher efficiency in freight traffic and three times higher efficiency in passenger traffic when compared to road transport. In light of India’s economic transition, marked by the pursuit of economic growth and sustainable development, mobility assumes a pivotal role. It has been projected that, to foster the sustainable development of the Indian economy, the inter-modal share of freight traffic carried by rail should increase from the current 36% to 45% by 2030. Consequently, Indian Railways is gearing up for substantial growth, intending to achieve this heightened inter-modal share through network expansion, enhancement of rolling stock fleets, and increased productivity.

To transform IR into a low-carbon mass transportation system that champions a green environment, an integrated approach, with resource efficiency at its core, becomes indispensable.

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Recognising its role as the nation’s lifeline, the Railway Board established the Environment Directorate within Indian Railways in January 2015. This directorate serves as the central coordinating body for all environmental management initiatives undertaken by the railway network. Since its inception, Indian Railways has taken significant strides in streamlining its environmental management efforts, highlighted by key initiatives encompassing energy efficiency, the utilisation of renewable and alternative energy sources, water conservation, afforestation, waste management, and attainment of green certifications.

Here are some of the eco-friendly practices and green initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways recently: 

  • Electrification of tracks: Indian Railways has planned to electrify 100% of its broad gauge network by December 2023, which will reduce its dependence on diesel and save fuel costs. As of January 2021, it has electrified 42,354 route kilometres, which is 80.61% of the total network. Electrification also enables the use of regenerative braking, which feeds back the electric energy to the grid while slowing down the train.
  • Renewable energy sources: Indian Railways has set a target of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, by meeting its energy demand from renewable sources such as solar and wind. It has installed 142 MW of solar rooftop capacity and 103.4 MW of wind energy till August 2022, and has a pipeline of nearly 3,450 MW of renewable capacity. It also plans to use biofuels for blending with diesel, which will reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Water conservation and management: Indian Railways has taken several measures to conserve water and use it efficiently, such as rainwater harvesting, recycling of wastewater, installation of water metres, use of water-efficient appliances, etc. It has also fitted bio-toilets in trains, which prevent the discharge of human waste on the tracks and improve sanitation.
  • Afforestation and waste management: Indian Railways has undertaken massive tree plantation drives on its land, which increase the carbon sink and enhance biodiversity. It has also implemented waste management and pollution control measures, such as segregation of waste, composting of organic waste, disposal of hazardous waste, etc. It has also contributed to the Swachh Bharat Mission by ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in its premises.
  • Green certifications: Indian Railways has adopted green building standards and practices for its stations, offices, workshops, and other establishments. It has obtained green certifications from various agencies such as GRIHA, IGBC, CII, etc., which recognises its efforts towards environmental sustainability.

Indian Railways has embarked on a journey of eco-friendly initiatives and continues to explore many more. To truly appreciate these efforts, consider experiencing them firsthand by booking your train tickets online from any location. Online train ticket booking is a convenient and hassle-free way of travelling by rail in India. It allows passengers to book their seats in advance and avoid the long queues at the railway stations. Online train ticket booking can be done through various platforms, such as the official website of Indian Railways, IRCTC, or other authorised agents and apps. One of the important features of online train ticket booking is the PNR, which stands for Passenger Name Record. PNR is a unique 10-digit number that is generated when a passenger books a train ticket online. It contains the details of the passenger, such as name, age, gender, seat number, coach number, train number, date of journey, etc. PNR helps passengers to check the status of their booking, such as confirmed, waitlisted, or cancelled. PNR also helps in tracking the live location of the train and getting alerts about any delays or changes in the schedule. PNR can be checked online through various websites or apps, or by sending an SMS to 139. Online train ticket booking and PNR make travelling by rail easier and more comfortable for passengers.

To book online train tickets choose redRail. redRail is an online train ticket booking app that is powered by redBus, the largest online bus ticketing platform in India. redRail is an authorised partner of IRCTC, the official website of Indian Railways, and offers a fast and easy way to book train tickets online. With redRail, you can:

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  • Search for trains across all routes and classes
  • Check seat availability and fare details
  • Book confirmed or waitlisted tickets
  • Pay securely using various modes such as UPI, credit card, debit card, net banking, etc.
  • Check PNR status and live train status
  • Get instant refund on UPI payments
  • Avail exciting offers and discounts on train tickets.

Passionate news enthusiast with a flair for words. Our Editorial Team author brings you the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and engaging stories. Stay informed with their well-researched articles.

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Galgotias University Students Protest Against ‘Urban Maxwell’ Triggered Meme Fest!

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Galgotias University Students Protests Against 'Urban Maxwell' Triggered Meme Fest!

The internet is currently divided following a viral video that showed remarks by students from Galgotias University about Sam Pitroda, the Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, regarding the ‘inheritance tax’.

As per Business Standard, this incident that has filled the entire nation with laughter took place in Greater Noida. Purposedly, the students of Galgotias University held a protest in Delhi. 

Galgotias University Students Rally With ‘Unclear’ Agenda Spark Meme Frenzy

When an AajTak reporter reached the protest site, he questioned the students engaged in the protests. The reporter asked the students the motive behind their protest and the message their placards conveyed. 

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Students seemed clueless about the questions asked. While responses from other students were even funny and laughable. 

Thus, the video showcasing students’ response has gone viral all over the social media platforms. The video has also garnered funny reactions from netizens online. 

Meme Fest All Over the Internet 

When the students were questioned, their relies on were just a comedy of errors.

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One student stated that his motive behind the protest was his desire for a developed India. However, he lacked the basic specifics. 

Another student acknowledged that he was clueless regarding the Congress manifesto. Several protestors even struggled to read what was printed on their placards. 

When a student was asked to read the slogan written on the placard, the student read ‘urban naxal’ as ‘urban maxwell.’

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It seemed that the protest was made to touch a range of issues in the nation, such as women’s empowerment, urban naxalism, NaMo’s stand on mangalsutra and wealth redistribution, inheritance tax and many more. However, clarity remains elusive. 

Videos circulating on social media garnered mixed reactions. Some laughed while others their criticism and showed disappointment at the students’ lack of awareness.

Responses received from students even triggered a meme fest all over the internet. Take a look!

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Also Read: Christopher Bouie Jr Video: Minor Arrested For Sanford, Florida Shooting Leaving 10 Injured

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AstraZeneca’s Covishield To Cause Rare Yet Serious Side Effects

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AstraZeneca's Covishield To Cause Rare Yet Serious Side Effects

A huge update for those who were a part of COVID vaccination programs! Rare side effects of the vaccination have surfaced, questioned by numerous health experts.

The Economic Times reported that AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has legally acknowledged that its product, Covishield, can cause certain rare side effects.

AstraZeneca developed Covishield, which was produced by the Serum Institute of India. In India, Covishield was one of the primary vaccines provided to citizens.

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AstraZeneca’s Statements

AstraZeneca is currently facing a lawsuit in a UK court. The lawsuit was filed after claims surfaced on the internet that AstraZeneca’s vaccine caused deaths. To date, 51 deaths have been reported, hence 51 cases have been filed against the company.

AstraZeneca finally admitted in one of the court papers that, “Covishield can, in very rare cases, cause TTS.” TTS stands for Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, a medical expert, told ANI,

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“TTS is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which is basically a clot in the blood vessels of the brain or elsewhere, along with a low platelet count. It is known to occur in very rare instances following certain types of vaccines and also from other causes. According to the WHO, adenovirus vector vaccines, in particular, have rarely been associated with this condition.”

TTS: About, Diagnosis, Treatment

TTS, or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, is a serious yet rare health condition characterized by low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) along with the formation of blood clots (thrombosis).

Various symptoms associated with TTS include neurological deficits, shortness of breath, leg swelling, abdominal pain, and severe headaches.

TTS can be diagnosed if blood tests are conducted to assess the levels of platelets in the blood. Moreover, to detect blood clots, imaging studies are required, reported the Times of India.

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TTS can be treated with a multidisciplinary approach. It includes supportive care, anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clotting, and hospitalization.

To manage and stabilize platelet levels in the body, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can also be performed.

Patients with TTS are prone to severe complications like death and organ damage. Hence, close monitoring of patients by healthcare providers is a must.

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Also Read: Online doctor consultations in India increase by 4 times after the Covid-19 pandemic: Report

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Report: Gangster Goldy Brar Is Alive, Confirms US Police

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Report: Sidhu Moosewala Murder Case Prime Suspect, Goldy Brar Is Alive 

The prime suspect in the murder case of a famous Punjabi singer, Goldy Brar, is alive, reported TOI.

Goldy is the infamous Canadian gangster who was earlier rumored to be dead in an alleged incident that took place at Fairmont and Holt Avenue last Tuesday.

In the incident, one of the two individuals reportedly got gunshot wound and succumbed to injuries at the hospital. You can read our story about California shooting incident in which Goldy Brar allegedly got shot here.

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As per the US police, reports of Goldy’s disappearance were circulating all over the internet on Tuesday. However, the U.S. authorities clarified the rumors of Brar’s disappearance in a California shooting incident are untrue. 

The claims were refuted by the Fresno police department and labeled them as fake. William J. Dooley, the Lieutenant, debunked online speculations and announced that the victim of the California shooting was not Goldy Brar. 

William J. Dooley stated,

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“If you are inquiring because of the online chatter claiming that the shooting victim is ‘Goldy Brar’, we can confirm that this is absolutely not true.”

Who is Goldy Brar?

Goldy Brar, hailing from Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, is a close ally of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. It is anticipated that he is the mastermind behind the assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala, the Punjabi pop icon. 

According to The Economic Times, in January 2024, Satinderjit Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, was designated as a terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the anti-terror law, UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). 

Orders by the government-linked Goldy Brar to a listed terrorist organization under the UAPA, Babbar Khalsa International. 

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Goldy Brar has never ceased to vanish from police’s eyes since he murdered Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. His father also was a Police Officer himself.

After completing his graduation and getting a BS degree, he has been operating from Canada remotely. 

Last year Goldy’s statement, targetting Bollywood superstar Salman Khan next made huge media headlines.

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