NEW DELHI: For the next phase of network expansion, the railway ministry has started preparation for laying 5th and 6th lines on the High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting the four major metro cities — Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai and Chennai — so that more passenger and freight trains can run on these corridors.This is significant considering that the 11,051-km HDN forms the backbone of railways, accounting for 16% of the total network, but handling 41% of total rail traffic. Around 8,400-km of this, over 60% of the HDN network operate at 100-150% more than the line capacity.The seven HDN corridors are – Delhi–Howrah (1,422 km), Howrah–Mumbai (2,039 km), Delhi–Mumbai (1,321 km), Delhi–Guwahati (1,875 km), Delhi–Chennai (2,041 km), Howrah–Chennai (1,117 km) and Mumbai–Chennai (1,238 km).TOI has learnt that recently the railway board called a meeting of senior officials from all zones to finalise the planning of doubling, multitracking and 5th and 6th line requirement on HDN routes. The zones have been asked to prepare proposals for their respective sections based on line capacity, traffic requirements and future planning.Responding to questions on the proposed augmentation plan, a senior railway official said, “Based on traffic projections, 5th and 6th lines may be required in some of the HDN corridors. Railways is examining this. This will be based on traffic study, which is yet to be carried out.”On the criteria for finalising the plan, the official said the decisions for laying 5th and 6th lines will be taken considering traffic projections, economic modes to be connected and unconnected areas.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru on Friday urged business leaders to ensure that “Made in Bharat” becomes synonymous with quality, saying a strong national brand benefits not just companies but every citizen.Addressing over 100 brand managers, business owners and C-suite executives at the Brand ‘INSIGHT’ programme at the Isha Foundation’s centre in Coimbatore, Sadhguru said, “You must make sure ‘Made in Bharat’ means it’s the best. You must build a brand like that. We must make sure the nation’s brand is built because when the nation’s brand is built, every citizen’s brand, not only business, every citizen’s brand is better.”The three-day leadership programme, underway from February 27 to March 1, is designed for professionals in branding and marketing.Highlighting what he described as India’s improving global perception, Sadhguru said, “Many of you travel outside the country. Have you noticed in the last five to eight years’ time, suddenly you present the Indian passport, people are looking at you little more respectfully than they used to ten years ago? That’s brand building. India has built its brand consciously. And it’s good. Is it enough? No. They have to build the brand much bigger. If the brand of Bharat is built to a certain level, then all the other brands, the doors will open very easily for all the other brands. That must happen.”He also spoke about branding in the context of yoga, saying, “Branding is a part of impactfulness…. Well, yoga is a grand example of that – for what it is, the spectacular level of impact that it has on people and the efficacy of how it works. Literally everybody in the world should be on it. But bad branding for a long time! We are trying to change the branding for which I am accused of in various ways. Because something that has that level of efficacy and such a spectacular impact on human life, most human beings don’t even know what it is.”The Brand INSIGHT programme, launched in 2023 and currently in its sixth edition, focuses on branding strategies, positioning and creative excellence through workshops and case studies. This edition is being facilitated by industry professionals.

where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 40 development projects worth ₹147.28 crore.

HALDWANI(UTTARAKHAND): Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in a programme at Sushila Tiwari Government Medical College, Haldwani, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 40 development projects worth Rs 147.28 crore. According to the release, this includes the inauguration of 23 projects costing Rs 72.38 crore and the foundation laying of 17 projects amounting to Rs 74.90 crore.The chief minister stated that these projects will accelerate the pace of development in Nainital district. He said the state government is working swiftly towards building a “Developed Uttarakhand,” and the state is progressing continuously across all sectors. Several historic decisions taken by the government, he added, are serving as an inspiration for other states.He further said that along with development, the government is also committed to preserving the state’s heritage. Emphasising that the sole objective is to move Uttarakhand forward, he reiterated that the government has implemented landmark decisions such as the Uniform Civil Code, a strict anti-copying law, and an anti-conversion law. He reaffirmed his commitment that no one will be allowed to tamper with the state’s culture, heritage, and sanctity.Among the 23 projects inaugurated were: a 30-meter span motor bridge over the Shipra River; a technology lab at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Haldwani; tube well constructions at Kotabagh, Mahadevpuram, Jhaluwajhala, Belpokhra, and Bailpadav; construction of a laboratory at the Women’s College; installation of stabilizers at tube wells in Lalkuan; 14 drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission — including Haripur Lachhi, Kalupur Pokhariya, Jeetpur Raikwala, Devalatalla, Bhawan Singh Nawad, Basantpur, Kishanpur Raikwala, Chorgalia Aamkheda, Jayram Parma, Haldauchaur Jaggi, Bhawanipur Krishna, Padlipur, Bhagwanpur Durgapur, and Bakutiya; and the construction of a building at the Veterinary Hospital in Ramgarh, among other works, as stated in the release. On the occasion, under the chief minister’s announcement, compliance and the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) programme, he also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Haldwani-Kathgodam source and treatment augmentation drinking water scheme, approved at a total cost of Rs 154.43 crore.

NEW DELHI: India on Saturday expressed deep concern over the conflict in West Asia, which was triggered after the US and Israel bombed Iran in the early morning.In the statement, the ministry of external affairs urged for “dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues”. “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues,” the statement read. The statement further read: “Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance.”This comes hours after Indian embassies issued an advisory urging its citizens in both Iran and Israel to exercise “utmost caution and remain vigilant.” “The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. Defence minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country,” a ministry statement said.As the situation escalated, sirens sounded across Israel and citizens received phone alerts warning of an “extremely serious” threat.The Embassy of India in Tehran advised Indian nationals to remain cautious and limit movement.The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv also issued a separate advisory stating, “In view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.”The embassy urged Indian nationals to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command, the statement said.Israel and US on Saturday launched a daylight attack on Iran, closing the window for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West.The strikes reportedly took place near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location during the attacks.

MUMBAI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its preliminary report into the fatal Learjet 45XR crash at Baramati on January 28, highlighting low visibility, lack of basic meteorological facilities and operational gaps at the uncontrolled airfield. All five persons on board were killed, among them was the then Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., was on a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mumbai to Baramati. The accident occurred at about 0846 IST during landing. The jet carried two pilots, one cabin attendant and two passengers.The report states that Baramati airfield does not have a MET facility. Weather parameters such as wind, temperature and QNH are passed from a temporary tower using available instruments, while visibility is assessed through visual markers identified by flying training organisations. On the morning of the accident, the tower assessed visibility at about 3,000 metres, below the 5 km minimum required for VFR operations. METAR data from Pune showed visibility between 2,000 and 2,500 metres during the relevant window.The first approach to runway 11 resulted in a go-around. During the second approach, the crew reported the field in sight and was cleared to land. The aircraft later transmitted “Oh st… Oh st…” before crash-landing to the left of runway 11 abeam the threshold. It struck trees and terrain about 50 metres from the runway edge and was engulfed in fire. The cockpit and cabin were destroyed.The solid-state flight data recorder has been downloaded. The cockpit voice recorder, which sustained thermal damage, will be analysed with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board and the manufacturer.In its interim safety recommendations, the AAIB said:“It is recommended that DGCA may issue necessary directions to all operators operating VFR flights to uncontrolled airfields to strictly adhere to the laid down standard operating procedures. Further, necessary directions may also be issued to all the aerodrome operators/organisations responsible for handling the aerodrome services at the uncontrolled airfields to ensure that the flying operations (including Non-scheduled/Private/Charter operations) in the airfield is allowed only when the prevailing MET conditions are within the criteria laid down in the relevant DGCA regulations.”“It is recommended that DGCA may issue specific directions to all the stakeholders responsible to manage and maintain the uncontrolled airfields to ensure that required safety standards are maintained at the airport for safe aircraft operations. Compliance of the same may be checked during audit/surveillance.”“It is recommended that DGCA may take necessary measures to enhance the landing aids along with basic MET facility at these airports to cater for large number of Non-scheduled/chartered flights (including VIP flights) being carried out at these airports apart from flying training activities.”“It is recommended that DGCA may check the feasibility of licensing these aerodromes for conduct of safe and regulated flying operations.”The investigation is in progress.

Rahul Gandhi at the rally (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the timing of the Indo-US interim trade deal.Addressing the Mazdoor Kissan Maha Rally in Barnala, Punjab, Rahul said the deal had been stalled for four months due to disagreements over opening the agriculture sector.

“So the question arises, the work which PM did not do for four months, why did he do it within 15 minutes?” he asked. “What was the pressure that the prime minister of India signed a death warrant for our country there. He signed a death warrant for our farmers. He gave away our data. He signed a death warrant for our small and medium industries,” he alleged.Rahul further said that the prime minister gave a guarantee to US president Donald Trump that India would buy US products worth Rs 9 lakh crore every year. He said opening the agricultural sector would allow American goods to enter the Indian market and harm farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.“Narendra Modi has opened the door of the agricultural sector. American goods will flow in, and our farmers will be ruined,” he said. “No prime minister of India, whether from the Congress Party, the BJP, or any other party, can open the agricultural sector. No prime minister can.”Rahul further claimed he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha after the president’s address because he wanted to refer to an unpublished book by former army chief general Manoj Naravane (retd). He alleged that the memoir described a lack of response from the political leadership during Chinese troop movements near the border.“Only the prime minister of the country can give the order to fire upon the Chinese army. Neither the army chief nor the defence minister can give it. Naravane ji asked the prime minister whether we can fire and stop them. There was no response for 2 hours. After that, Naravane ji gets the order to do whatever he deems appropriate,” he said.