
PM Modi to hold rally in Rajasthan today
Hello readers! Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend a rally in Rajasthan today. Meanwhile, the delegations of politicians sent across the world to present India's views on terror have begun their duties. As they do so, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stirred a row by questioning why missiles worth Rs 15 lakh each were being used to intercept Pak drones that cost much less? Stay tuned to DH for the latest political updates.

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Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM Modi-led Cabinet approves two big Indian Railways projects: Koderma–Barkakana, Ballari–Chikjajur doubling gets nod; check details
The railway expansion projects span across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. (AI image) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for two Indian Railways projects, with a combined expenditure of Rs. 6,405 crore. The first project involves doubling the Koderma-Barkakana track (133 kms), which runs through Jharkhand's primary coal-producing region. This route also provides the most direct and efficient railway connection between Patna and Ranchi. The second project is the doubling of the Ballari-Chikjajur line (185 kms), extending across Karnataka's Ballari and Chitradurga districts, and Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. The railway expansion projects span across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, adding approximately 318 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network. The multi-tracking initiatives will benefit roughly 1,408 villages, serving a population of about 28.19 lakh residents. These routes are crucial for transporting various commodities including coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilisers, agricultural products, and petroleum items. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The enhanced capacity will accommodate additional freight traffic of 49 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). As railways provide an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient transport solution, these developments will support climate objectives and reduce national logistics expenses. The project will decrease oil consumption (52 Crore Litres) and CO2 emissions (264 Crore Kg), equivalent to planting 11 Crore trees. These infrastructure enhancements will boost the Indian Railways' operational capacity, leading to better efficiency and reliability in service delivery, according to CCEA press release. The multi-tracking initiatives aim to optimize railway operations and reduce traffic congestion. The initiatives stem from the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on multi-modal connectivity. Through coordinated planning, these initiatives aim to establish uninterrupted connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now


Economic Times
23 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Bengal govt to allow residential consumers to opt out from power smart meters: Official
TIL Creatives AI representation image of Smart meters Amid protests over alleged inflated electricity bills following the installation of prepaid smart meters, the West Bengal government has decided to allow residential power consumers to opt out from the system and revert to traditional devices, an official said on government had on Monday temporarily suspended fresh installations of smart meters for domestic consumers, he said. "The installation of smart meters for residential consumers has been temporarily suspended, but there is no plan for a mass recall. Consumers can choose to switch back to conventional meters," the official prepaid smart meter installation will continue for commercial and government establishments, the official said. The decision comes after the BJP and the Left Front have been accusing the Trinamool Congress government of "burdening households with sudden tariff hikes and opaque smart meter installation". There had been protests in districts such as Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and Bardhaman, where people alleged their bills doubled or tripled after smart meter Mamata Banerjee government had earlier approved large-scale smart meter deployment to help the cash-strapped utility, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd, recover state government departments alone owed over Rs 1,500 crore to the discom, which has a total debt of Rs 15,400 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal, the official said. In May, Polaris Smart Metering secured a Rs 2,246-crore contract to install 2.2 million smart meters in West Bengal under the Centre's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).


Economic Times
23 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Cabinet clears two railway projects worth Rs 6,405 crore in Jharkhand, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
Koderma–Barkakana line Live Events Ballari–Chikjajur doubling (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In a boost to railway infrastructure and regional connectivity , the PM Modi-led Cabinet on Wednesday approved two multitracking projects — the Koderma–Barkakana doubling in Jharkhand and the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the work will be completed within the next three the plan will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 km, at a total estimated cost of Rs 6,405 lines are critical for passenger and freight movement and will significantly reduce carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency. "Both projects are crucial for improving connectivity and boosting the economy, benefiting both tribal communities and the general population," said the union minister during a press Koderma–Barkakana (Arigada) doubling project, spanning 133 km, has been approved at a cost of Rs 3,063 crore. This line forms the shortest rail connection between Patna and Ranchi and is vital for intercity travel and logistics, according to a government presentation by route passes through four districts in Jharkhand — Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribagh and Ramgarh — and will directly benefit 938 villages and a population of around 15 lakh. The scheme includes construction of 17 major bridges, 180 minor bridges, 42 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and 13 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), reflecting significant infrastructure operational, it is expected to handle an additional 30.4 million tonnes of cargo is also expected to save 163 crore kilograms of CO₂ emissions and 32 crore litres of diesel per year — an environmental benefit equivalent to planting seven crore trees, said the second project, the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling, covers a 185 km stretch and has been cleared at an estimated cost of Rs 3,342 crore. This line connects Mangalore Port to Secunderabad and is critical for moving key commodities such as iron ore, coking coal, steel, fertilizers, petroleum products and venture will enhance connectivity for Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Ananthpur district in Andhra Pradesh. With 19 stations, 29 major bridges, 230 minor bridges, 21 ROBs and 85 RUBs, the line will offer modernised infrastructure to support freight Ballari-Chikjajur doubling is likely to benefit around 13 lakh people across 470 villages and facilitate an additional 18.9 million tonnes of cargo its Jharkhand counterpart, according to the union minister, this line promises significant environmental gains — reducing carbon emissions by 101 crore kilograms and saving 20 crore litres of diesel annually, equivalent to planting four crore trees.