Latest news with #British-built
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Steam Engines That Run Darjeeling's Iconic Toy Train Turn 125
The steam engine-powered narrow-gauge railway known as the toy train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a train service from the New Jalpaiguri railhead near Siliguri to the hill station of Darjeeling, has achieved a major milestone. The steam engines that run the toy train have turned 125, and they continue to function even today, hauling trains daily. The DHR, through its journey, climbs nearly 2,200 metres, and the vintage British-built B-Class steam locomotives are deployed on the heritage services available from Siliguri and Darjeeling. These steam engines that have been around since the early 1900s are perhaps the oldest surviving locomotives in India. The unmissable charm, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Steam Engine chugging along the mountainside, struggling up the mountain slope, brings back memories of a bygone era in the history of Indian railways. Nostalgia fills the air as the sounds of the musical rhythm of the chugging of the steam engine truly showcase the heritage of the 125-year-old steam engines of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway started its services in 1881 and is over 140 years old. The trains climb more than 2,000 meters into the mountains daily along the Hill Cart Road from New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri to Darjeeling. The Director of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Rishav Choudhary, told NDTV, "First of all, it's not just 125 years, it is way more than that. We started our services in 1881, so some of our locomotives, which are running, are turning 125 years old. Recently, a month ago, we celebrated the 125th anniversary of our oldest running locomotives." "As far as the services are concerned, I would like to tell you that this is one of the only few railways in the world which has regular steam services for passengers. Very few railways in the world have steam services, and those that have them are only heritage have daily runs. This year, we have introduced a morning joyride at 7:15 in the morning, and we have had a tremendous response to that," he added. It is a huge challenge for the DHR staff to keep the steam engines fit for hauling trains as they turn 125. The stars of the show perform only when the few engineers bring all their skills and expertise together. Regular refurbishments, some good old Indian 'jugaad', and dedicated engineers at the Tindharia workshop have kept the charm alive by making sure the engines generate enough power to handle the slopes that it traverses. "The steam locomotive and the DHR as a whole are a big part of the people of Darjeeling. We at Darjeeling Himalayan Railways strive to better it. We are introducing newer technologies at the Tindharia workshop, where we maintain our locomotives and at the steam loco sheds at Siliguri and Darjeeling," Rishav Choudhary told NDTV. "We have expert engineers as well as loco pilots who continuously monitor the progress of the steam locomotive despite being 125 years old. All of these locomotives are running well only because of the efforts and the tireless nights that these loco pilots and engineers spend at the sheds and the workshop. We meticulously monitor every detail of the locomotive to ensure that it keeps on running well," Mr Choudhary added. For tourists, the steam engine brings back memories of Hindi films that have immortalised the DHR. From films like Aradhna, where in the song 'Meri Sapno Ki Rani', superstar Rajesh Khanna serenades Sharmila Tagore, who is aboard the DHR train, to Shahrukh Khan in 'Dil Hai Mera Deewana' in the opening song of the film, 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman' to more recently Saif Ali Khan in 'Parineeta' where he is on the train in the song 'Kasto Mazza', the DHR has a recall value for tourists from India and across the world. The film industry has often used it as a backdrop for romance, which the railway offers. Sanjana Sawant, a tourist from Mumbai who is visiting Darjeeling, told NDTV, "This experience was a lot of fun. Earlier, we had seen it in movies, and now we are seeing it in front of us." The toy train is beautiful, and it feels great to be at the highest railway station in India. It's a great experience, adds Sandeep Sawant, another tourist. Shashikant Salunkhe, another tourist, said, "I had seen that song 'Meri Sapno Ki Rani' and immediately realised that the song was filmed on this train." Brij Gupta, a tourist from Delhi, told NDTV, "I took the toy train ride, and it was a great experience to come to the highest railway station in India. I enjoyed it." Gaurav Raje, a tourist from Surat in Gujarat, told NDTV, "It was a one-of-a-kind experience." "This was once in a lifetime. It is a different feeling. It certainly feels like nostalgia, and I am enjoying the toy train experience here." The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, originally run on the steam engine, is now also hauled by diesel locomotives that run the services for tourists to enjoy a glimpse of the past, and the heritage associated with this mountain railway that is celebrating 125 years of existence.
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Experience The Thrill: Top 5 Paranormal Tours In Shimla
Shimla the Queen of Hills is more than a beautiful place to escape but a hive of ghost stories and spooky experiences. Underneath its peaceful calm are the dark stories of hauntings, mystery and unreal demons that fascinate both skeptics and the atheist. If you're looking for a frightful experience, Shimla has a couple of haunted walks and paranormal tours that will have you questioning the thin line between reality and the paranormal. So, let's have a look at seven of the most haunted attractions in Shimla! 1. Charleville Mansion The Charleville Mansion, set amidst the green hills of Shimla, is no stranger to ghosts. It's a British-built colonial bungalow, with a tense history of baffling experiences. Previously the home of a British officer, it had gained popularity following allegations of a poltergeist running rampant within the premises. The mansion has undergone a series of restorations, yet witnesses say it is haunted. Located in – Strawberry Hill, Shimla Original haunting – Early 20th century. Favs – A British ghost haunting the corridors. Fact – The mansion was the subject of a number of ghost-hunting films. 2. The Haunted Walk Through the Tunnel No. 33 This tunnel, called the Barog Tunnel, is renowned for its tragic history. Named for Colonel Barog, the man in charge of building it, the tunnel symbolised desolation when he took his own life due to an error in alignment. People still say his ghost is found wandering the tunnel and greeting locals casually, but the environment is dark. Location – Near Barog station, on the way to Shimla. Year of tragedy – 1903 Habitual experiences – Sounds, shadows, high temperatures. Remarks – It's the straightest tunnel in town, and, ironically, also the most unnerving. 3. The Cursed Viceregal Lodge Grounds The Viceregal Lodge, a palace constructed by the British, is said to be haunted. Majestic by day, but reputedly haunting at night. Ghostly figures dressed in old British clothing and cold blustery wind have made it an established haunt among psychics. Address – Observatory Hill, Shimla Built in – 1888 Known for – Suspicious appearances of British agents. Tips from the inside – Tourists have described feeling 'spied upon' as they roam the lodge gardens. 4. The Legendary Chudail Baudi (Witch's Well) Chudail Baudi, a part of the road along the Shimla highway, is renowned for its spooky occurrences. Every visitor will describe the eerie moment they met a woman in white asking for a ride. People who pull over are said to be stuck with their car broke down or their car won't start until the sun comes up. Location – Shimla-Kalka Highway Tops of the game – midnight-3 am. Legends – The soul of a woman on the prowl for vengeance. A note – Drive slowly and don't stop if you're scared of heights. 5. The Haunted Cemetery Walk In Shimla, the ancient British tombs are as eerie as they are historical. Walking among the tombstones, some have railed against the uncomfortable feeling of being tracked or hearing voices. Some dingy, dusty graves are believed to be the haunted houses of wandering souls. Seek – Visit Sanjauli Cemetery and Kanlog Cemetery Routine sights – Flashing lights, strange noises. Local history – Burial site for a number of British officers and their families. Tip – Come at twilight to experience it all (if you can) Bonus Tips for Ghost Hunters For the next time, you visit Shimla's haunted walks here are a few suggestions to improve the experience Use a trusted hotel – Make sure that your hotel doesn't have any paranormal claims (unless you're interested) Go with a crowd – Going alone is risky and nerve-racking. Keep essentials handy – You can pack a flashlight, water and snacks for nocturnal hikes. Don't disrespect the people – Most of these are culturally and historically significant. Capture your journey – Carry a camera or recorder and record inexplicable moments Shimla's ghost tours and haunted walks are an incomparable combination of history, mystery and adventure. Whether you're a history buff or an adventurer, these dark stories about the mountains will leave you shaken.
Metropolis Japan
20-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo Neighborhood Guides: Things to Do in Yokosuka
Welcome to Yokosuka! In this Tokyo Neighborhood Guide to Yokosuka, we explore top places to visit and things to do. Sitting about 40 minutes south of Shinagawa on the Keikyu Line, Yokosuka is one of Kanagawa's most underrated coastal escapes near Tokyo. A working naval city with a proud maritime past, it wears its international influences on its sleeve. Think Japanese navy curry, American-style burgers, jazz bars, and seaside parks—all against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay sunsets. The neighborhood blends nostalgic energy with sea air. Yokosuka's historical heart lies at Mikasa Park, where the legendary Mikasa battleship is dry-docked for all to explore. Once Vice Admiral Togo Heihachiro's flagship during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, this British-built warship is now a hands-on floating museum. It's the oldest surviving steel battleship in the world, and friendly staff help you navigate the decks and exhibits. The park besides it has musical fountains and sculptures with plenty of space for kids to roam. Bring a bento or grab a bite from nearby cafes. 82-19 Honcho, Yokosuka | ¥500 Dubbed 'Monkey Island' (though monkeys are long gone), Sarushima is Yokosuka's uninhabited island and a surreal escape just 10 minutes offshore. The remnants of military barracks, brick tunnels and open barbecue zones make it popular with families, couples, and yes—cosplayers. In peak season, the beach area fills up quickly, so get there early to claim a good spot. No dogs allowed, but plenty of photo ops and a rustic vibe that feels far removed from the mainland. Board from Mikasa Pier | Roundtrip ferry: ¥2,000 Kannonzaki Park is a lush coastal zone with forest trails, playgrounds, and a panoramic view over Tokyo Bay. The Kannonzaki Lighthouse is open for visits, and the climb rewards you with breathtaking sea views. Pair your trip with a stop at the nearby Yokosuka Museum of Art, a glass-walled space featuring Japanese modernist and contemporary art. The onsite Acquamare restaurant serves Italian-inspired seasonal dishes with a view—book a window or patio seat if you can, but best in spring and autumn when the weather is nice. 4 Chome-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka | Free Entry Dobuita Street is your go-to for these all-American-style beef giants. You can't get more classic than Honey Bee, which first opened its doors back in 1968 and still reigns as the original Navy Burger joint. Here, retro diner charm and long-established recipes bring you back to the good ol' days – expect juicy patties, saucy buns, and plenty of cheese. TSUNAMI is another local favourite, offering loaded combos, fun toppings, and even burgers named after U.S. presidents. Expect to pay around ¥1,400–¥2,000. Thanks to its naval roots, Yokosuka proudly claims to be Japan's curry capital. Try Gyorantei, still going strong with its Meiji-era navy recipes and rustic maritime interior. For a full curry-themed experience, stop by Yokosuka Port Market (now renovated), where local vendors sell take-home packs and curry-inspired snacks. Steps from Hashirimizu Beach, Kaneyo Shokudo is a laidback beach café serving summer cocktails and refreshing seafood plates. In Yokosuka itself, find award-winning ramen at Tokyo Bay Fisherman's Noodle. Located at the newly renovated Port Market, the ramen at this joint is made with 100% shellfish and uses a variety of clams to give the broth a gentle yet powerful flavor. Their Shio Ramen won first place in the Newcomer Award at the 2021 TRY Ramen Awards, whilst their Mazesoba won second place in the 'Soup Soba' category. Want to explore more of Tokyo? Check out our Tokyo Day Trip guides to Okutama and Enoshima. Live jazz every Saturday and a lovingly curated guitar shop upstairs. Relax in a vintage Showa-era atmosphere whilst the owner jams with guests. Yokosuka's loudest live house, loved by locals and visitors alike. This tiny venue has a rowdy atmosphere that far exceeds its size. Still one of the most atmospheric post-dinner stops in town. Vinyl-only jazz cafe/bar that serves craft cocktails in a smoky, intimate setting—perfect for winding down. You might also like reading: Why Japanese People Don't Say 'I Love You' Yes, it's still standing! Yokosuka's beloved Godzilla slide is the crown jewel of this sprawling floral park. Come in May for the poppies, or fall for cosmos season. The park is also a ferry port to Chiba. Boasting sweeping views across Tokyo Bay, this hot spring complex features several different baths and facilities to aid relaxation, including an open-air bath, reclining bath, carbonated hot spring, sauna, relaxation area, and restaurant. Beyond the main tourist trail, Yokosuka's side alleys—especially around Yonegahama and Honcho—offer Showa-era izakaya, coffee dens, and vintage snack bars still untouched by time. Step off Dobuita for a more local, low-key encounter. To get to Yokosuka from Shinagawa Station, take the Keikyu Line to Yokosuka-Chuo (approx. 40 mins). Most major sights are walkable or reachable by local bus. Ferries for Sarushima depart from Mikasa Pier. Kannonzaki is accessible via bus 24 from Yokosuka-Chuo. English menus are common, but not guaranteed. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Best visiting season: May–June and late September for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The U.K. Trade Deal Screws American Consumers
The White House is hailing a new trade deal with the United Kingdom as "a great deal for America." But is it a great deal for Americans? The specifics of the deal seem to suggest otherwise. The agreement maintains the 10 percent universal tariff that President Donald Trump imposed on nearly all imports to the United States. But even the president admits this is a tariff hike on American consumers, rather than a reduction. The point of comparison should be the average tariff rate on imports from the U.K. before Trump took office. In 2023, the most recent year for which full data are available, the average U.S. tariff on British goods was 3.3 percent. That means this "deal" charges American consumers a 10 percent baseline tax on goods that were previously taxed at 3.3 percent. That's not a win for free trade or lower prices. Meanwhile, it is British consumers who will benefit from lower tariffs. According to the White House, the deal means that American exports to the U.K. will now face an average tariff rate of 1.8 percent, down from 5.1 percent before the deal. (In 2023, average U.K. tariffs on American goods were 3.8 percent, so that 5.1 percent figure seems inflated). The lower U.K. tariffs are certainly good news for some American businesses, which will have easier access to the U.K. economy. American cattle farmers, for example, stand to benefit from the elimination of a 20 percent British tariff on American beef. But since tariffs are a tax on consumers, it looks like it is British consumers who are the primary winners here, as they will have lower taxes on and more access to American beef (and lots of other things). Meanwhile, American consumers are facing significantly higher taxes on machinery, pharmaceuticals, and other major imports from across the pond. Take automobiles as an example. The White House is touting one part of the new deal that will supposedly lower tariffs on British-built cars to just 10 percent—for the first 100,000 vehicles imported each year. After that, a 25 percent tariff will apply. That 100,000 figure is based on the number of cars imported from the U.K. last year, so the new rules effectively lock in that level of imports and make any increase prohibitively expensive. Trying to freeze markets into stasis is bad news for the dynamism that drives economic growth, of course. At a less theoretical level, this is yet another example of the White House claiming to be cutting tariffs on Americans when, in fact, the deal increases them. Before Trump hiked tariffs earlier this year, the U.S. charged just 2.5 percent on cars imported from Britain. In other words, the "deal" means tariffs on British cars have been quadrupled for American buyers. That's hardly a win for Americans. If the agreement with the U.K. was supposed to demonstrate that Trump is a master dealmaker who is wielding tariffs to bend the global economy toward Americans' best interest, it falls well short. The post The U.K. Trade Deal Screws American Consumers appeared first on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
50 iconic British cars reviewed to find the best but 1 was worthy winner
A panel of motoring experts have put together a list of what they believe to be the 50 best cars to have been built in the UK A team of motoring experts has analysed fifty of the finest cars manufactured on UK shores to determine the nation's top British-built motor. They examined iconic classics and modern masterpieces - from the shimmering history and fascinating present of British car manufacturing - before settling on an undisputed champion. The contenders' list was studded, with iconic names such as Range Rover, Jaguar E-Type, McLaren F1, Ford Fiesta, Bentley Blower, as well as Nissan's Qashqai and Leaf, but there could only be one true automotive legend worthy of the crown. In the end, the distinguished title was bestowed upon the MINI, honouring its classic Austin/Morris origins and its transformative reboot under BMW in the 2000s, securing its status as the Mini/MINI. When BMW rebranded it to all-caps MINI as they revived this car classic at the turn of the millennium, it signified more than just a simple name shift; it represented the continuation of a tradition that began in the swining sixties, reports the Mirror. The specialists at Auto Express pinpointed why they crowned the Mini/MINI as the pinnacle of British automobile craftsmanship – no other car quite encapsulates Britain's car manufacturing excellence like this global pioneer in compact vehicles. They said: "We reckon no other British-built vehicle better represents the relevant, innovative, and pioneering UK automotive industry quite like the world's original small car." They added: "There really can be little doubt – the Mini (not forgetting the modern-day MINI) truly is the best car this green and pleasant land has ever built. Long may it continue." The mighty Mini emerged victorious, yet faced stiff opposition from other legendary UK-manufactured motors such as the Jaguar E-Type, which was the runner-up, and the Land Rover Defender clinched third spot in the rankings. British motors dominated the rankings, but the list did include non-British car brands which are manufactured in the UK. That allowed cars like Nissan's Qashqai and Leaf, alongside Ford's iconic GT and the popular Fiesta to be ranked. On the motif of the GT, experts said: "Commissioned by Ford's US bosses to race under the Stars and Stripes flag and win the gruelling Le Mans 24-hour race, the low slung GT40 racer was actually designed and built in the UK." The list encompassed the breadth of British automotive achievement but led to musings on what it would look like if it only considered the last quarter of a century. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The past 25 years have seen Britain's auto industry ride a rollercoaster journey, with Brexit, the scale of the Covid pandemic repercussions, and the hits from several recessions, all tackling the resilience of British manufacturers. Amid escalating pressure on the automotive sector and the uncertainty looming from Donald Trump's policies, the UK Government has been proactive, issuing a Research Briefing with strategies aimed at reinforcing employment within the automotive manufacturing sector. In the briefing, the government said: "In Budget 2024, the government set out funding for certain sectors ahead of the industrial strategy's publication. "This included confirmation of £2billion in funding to 'support the automotive sector, including the zero emissions vehicle manufacturing sector and supply chain, providing the long-term certainty that industry need to invest in advanced, greener technologies'. "More recently, the government has also said that the industrial strategy will support the automotive industry, alongside actions that are already being taken."
