Author: AsiaOne

The Indian Railways is gearing up to launch the Amrit Bharat Express on December 30, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the groundbreaking initiative. Formerly known as Vande Sadharan, this push-pull train is poised to revolutionize the commuting experience, particularly for the migrant labor force, boasting a remarkable speed potential of 130 kmph.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a thorough inspection of the first Amrit Bharat train, emphasizing the incorporation of innovative push-pull technology. This technology, featuring two engines—one at the front and another at the rear—significantly enhances speed, passenger comfort, and safety. Notably, a semi-permanent coupler minimizes jerks during starts and stops, ensuring a smoother operation compared to older technologies.

Designed with a strong focus on safety and efficiency, the non-air-conditioned Amrit Bharat Express includes features such as covered spaces between coaches to minimize air pressure, water-saving toilets, and enhanced amenities like charging points. Even the general coaches prioritize passenger comfort with cushions, wheelchair-accessible ramps, and improved toilet facilities.

Following a successful trial run that surpassed Railway expectations, the Amrit Bharat Express will undergo a four to five-month general run to address any potential technical challenges. Subsequently, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will produce 20 to 30 trains monthly, with configurations extending from general class to AC-II, aiming to elevate the travel experience for non-AC passengers. Comprising 22 coaches with various accommodations, the Amrit Bharat Express is poised to set new standards in Indian rail travel.

The recent UNESCO listing of traditional North African metal craftsmanship has cast a new spotlight on this ancient art form, bringing international recognition and revitalizing interest in a cultural heritage that spans centuries. This acknowledgment by UNESCO underlines the significance of metal art in North Africa’s cultural and historical identity and promises to breathe new life into these traditional practices.

Metal art in North Africa, a skill passed down through generations, is a testament to the region’s rich history and artisanal ingenuity. The art form, encompassing intricate metalwork in gold, silver, copper, and brass, is renowned for its elaborate designs and detailed craftsmanship. It forms an integral part of the cultural fabric in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, where artisans create everything from jewelry and household items to ornamental architectural features.

The UNESCO listing is not just a nod to the artistic value of these works; it’s a crucial step in preserving a craft at risk of fading into obscurity. In recent years, the traditional metalworking techniques have been threatened by mass production and a dwindling number of skilled artisans. This international recognition aims to revitalize the craft, encouraging the younger generation to learn and preserve these age-old techniques.

Furthermore, this recognition is anticipated to boost tourism and local economies. It draws global attention to the unique cultural offerings of North Africa, inviting tourists and art connoisseurs to explore the region’s heritage. For local artisans, it provides a much-needed platform to showcase their work on an international stage, potentially opening up new markets.

In summary, UNESCO’s listing of North African metal art is a significant milestone. It not only celebrates a rich cultural heritage but also offers hope for the preservation and continuation of this exquisite art form.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with the esteemed Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum, recognizing ISRO’s unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to lunar exploration.

The accolade specifically acknowledges the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, establishing India as the first country to accomplish such a feat.

Chandrayaan-3’s triumph is attributed to key technological advancements, including software enhancements that improved navigation algorithms, guidance systems, and fault tolerance mechanisms, crucial for ensuring a flawless descent and lunar surface landing.

The mission’s lander, Vikram, equipped with the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), provided valuable data on lunar surface temperature, reaching a depth of 10 centimeters below the surface. The Pragyan rover conducted in-situ experiments, further enriching our understanding of the Moon.

Expressing gratitude for the honor, ISRO Chairman Mr. S. Somanath highlighted the international recognition of India’s growing expertise in space exploration.

The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize, named after Norse explorer Leif Erikson, is presented by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland, to those who have made remarkable contributions to lunar exploration.

French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year, according to sources. Initially, the Indian government had extended an invitation to the U.S. President Joe Biden, who regretfully conveyed his inability to attend the event in New Delhi.

Emmanuel Macron will be the sixth French leader to partake in the Republic Day parade, following in the footsteps of Jacques Chirac, who graced the occasion twice in 1976 and 1998, and former presidents Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande, who attended in 1980, 2008, and 2016, respectively.

The invitation to Macron follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July, where he participated in the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. The event commemorates the historic storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789.

Furthermore, Macron’s visit to Delhi in September for the G20 Summit marked a continuation of high-level engagements between India and France. Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about the progression of bilateral relations during a productive meeting with Macron.

This year’s Republic Day chief guest was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. India traditionally invites foreign leaders to partake in its Republic Day celebrations, with the exception of 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.