The recent attack on the cargo ship Rubymar by the Iran-backed Houthis caused the crew to drop anchor, which damaged undersea internet cables, the US has said. Could the vital infrastructure now become a regular target? A new threat has emerged from the attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea that have caused delays to goods arriving in Europe from Asia. The United States said last week it believed the recent sinking of a Belize-flagged, Lebanese-operated fertilizer ship severed vital undersea cables that provide internet connectivity between the East and West. The attack on the M/V Rubymar on February 18 "forced the crew to drop anchor and abandon ship," a US defense official said. "Preliminary assessments indicate the anchor dragging along the seafloor is likely to have cut the undersea cables that provide internet and telecommunications service around the world," the official added. First environmental threat, now internet disruption The Rubymar has since sunk, causing an environmental disaster. A 29-kilometer (18-mile) oil slick emerged shortly after the attack, according to the US military's Central Command.  There are now fears that its fertilizer cargo could cause further damage, if it were to leak.  While the Houthis were not directly responsible for the damage to the undersea cable, their attacks have increased the threat to internet connectivity in the region as they make other, similar incidents more likely. The fiber-optic cables, 16 of which have been laid in the Red Sea, stretch along the ocean floor and allow internet data to travel at nearly the speed of light. Media reports suggest damage to the cable was so severe that it disrupted a quarter of internet traffic between Asia and Europe. "Accidents with ship anchors account for the second most common cause of submarine cable faults," Tim Stronge, vice president of research at the Washington-based telecoms research firm TeleGeography, wrote in a recent blog post. "On average, two cables suffer faults somewhere in the world every week." Repeated attacks increase risk to undersea internet cables Stronge added that the Houthi attacks on shipping do, however, present "real challenges" as sunken vessels create underwater hazards to the cables and cable-laying ships. The Houthi attacks have not just caused a spike in insurance for container ships, but also for the ships that help lay the undersea internet infrastructure. Stronge said that could make the installation of new cables in the Red Sea "prohibitive." "The real problem in a war risk area is that you cannot just repair the cable as you would anywhere else," Peter Sand, chief analyst at the Copenhagen-based maritime research firm Xeneta, told DW. "You cannot send a cable repair ship to the Red Sea right now," [due to the risk of attack.] The Wall Street Journal this week cited industry experts as saying that the cost to insure cable ships near Yemen has risen to as much as $150,000 per day.  Alternative cable routes must be explored Telecom industry experts are, meanwhile, calling for governments to do more to force the industry to find alternative routes for internet cables to lower the disruption caused by the severing of undersea lines. Land routes across Saudi Arabia, for example, could help avoid the Red Sea and other high-risk waters in the Middle East altogether. But land cabling is often a lot more costly, they warn. The Houthis, who control much of war-torn Yemen, have said they are targeting Israeli, US and UK-linked ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The Iran-backed group has targeted dozens of vessels since late last year, and the Rubymar was the first ship to sink as a result of their assault. In the Houthi's first fatal attack, two Filipino and one Vietnamese crew members were killed when their vessel, the Barbados-flagged, Greek-operated True Confidence, was struck last Wednesday by a missile, setting the ship ablaze. The Houthis have denied targeting undersea telecom cables, but their near-daily attacks have caused many global shipping firms to avoid the Red Sea and the nearby Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. Instead, many vessels are plying a longer, more dangerous route around southern Africa to Europe, which takes an extra seven to 10 days. Insurance premiums for shipping have risen as a result of the heightened risks, while the rerouting has driven up fuel, staff and other costs, as more vessels are needed for the longer route.  Shipping rates also rose sharply late last year, but have been coming down since the end of January. Fatalities could spur more ships to use Africa route Despite the risks, some shipping companies continue to use the Red Sea. But the fatalities on the True Confidence and the severing of the undersea cables could see more firms choose the safer route around Africa. "Every company has its own risk assessment — which explains why some companies still transit [the Red Sea]. But a red line may now have been crossed with the casualties [on True Confidence]," said Sand. The latest attacks could even spark tougher measures by Western forces who have mounted naval missions to the nearby waterways to protect the vital shipping trade from Asia to Europe. The US and UK sent warships to the region in November when the attacks first began; a separate European Union naval mission began to the Middle East last month, backed by several EU states, including Germany. "I don't see a large-scale military response," Sand told DW. "This is a tug of war, so I expect the naval forces in the area to continue to do a thorough investigation of targets that need to be dealt with to secure the safe passage of commercial ships."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 18 flagged off the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. Odisha celebrated the launch of its first fully indigenous built Vande Bharat Express Train, a landmark achievement of Make in India initiative. The train runs between Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, and Howrah, West Bengal's industrial powerhouse. Vande Bharat Express revolutionises the travel experience by offering passengers enhanced speed, superior comfort, and unparalleled convenience. It is likely to promote economic development in the region through a boost in tourism. Puri is a very popular destination for tourists from West Bengal, as a pilgrimage and a beach resort. Travel agents believe that the high-speed train will be an instant hit among these travellers. In the same ceremony, PM Modi laid the foundation for several other railways projects for Odisha worth Rs 8,000 crore. The redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations was one of those projects. The project aims to upgrade the Cuttack station into a world-class facility, responding to the growing needs of the passengers. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a budget of Rs 303 crore for this ambitious project. The upgradation of Cuttack station is part of the larger efforts by the Indian Railways to refurbish railway stations across the country. The renovation of Cuttack Railway Station holds great significance for both the local community and the railway sector. The government aims to improve the station's infrastructure and amenities, creating a world-class facility that matches with international standards. The redevelopment project is likely to provide a significant boost to the region's economy and tourism sector. Vaishnaw, who also attended the launch, highlighted the significant infrastructure development achieved by the railways in Odisha. This year alone, the railways have built a remarkable 450 km of new rail lines. It was a record compared to the mere 50 km annual average during 2009-14. This substantial expansion of rail infrastructure reinforces Odisha's connectivity and overall development. Railways has also started a 162 crore redevelopment project for Puri station to cater to the growing number of visitors. The plan includes a weather-resistant shelter which will have the capacity to withstand cyclonic winds and a centralised air-conditioned station building, escalators, and improved amenities. The renovated station will offer facilities such as food plazas, baby feed rooms, shops, modern retiring rooms, and recreational areas. The redeveloped station will also include dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and library facilities. The station building will be designed as a green structure, in line with environmental considerations, with an efficient energy management system. Additionally, the redeveloped Puri station will incorporate several green initiatives, such as the installation of electric car charging points in the parking bay and an effluent treatment plant to minimise environmental impact. The platforms will undergo renovations with modern ceilings, lighting, and signage to enhance the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the station. Efforts are also being made to ensure smooth traffic flow and adequate parking. The redeveloped Puri station compound will be ready for public use by January 2025. The Prime Minister dedicated 100 per cent electrification of the rail network in Odisha. It will bring down the operating and maintenance cost, significantly reducing reliance on imported crude oil. Earlier in March 2023, Railways announced that it has achieved 100 per cent electrification of the existing 2,822-kilometer route of the Broad- Gauge network in Odisha. The electrification of the Broad Gauge networks is likely to reduce travel time by increasing the speed of trains. The complete electrification of railway lines in Odisha is in line with the target of Railways to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. Currently, Broad Gauge routes in seven zones, including the Central Railway, North Central Railway, East Coast Railway, North Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, Eastern Railway, and West Central Railway, have completed 100 per cent electrification. The Prime Minister also dedicated the doubling of the Sambalpur Titlagarh-Rail line. Work on the much-awaited dualisation of the Sambalpur- Titlagarh railway section was completed in late 2022. The process for the duplication project of the 182 km long line had started in 2009 and the work of various parts had been going on in stages. It will improve port connectivity, transportation of coal and boost the socio-economic development of Odisha and its adjoining states Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Another project the Prime Minister flagged off was the 92.82 km long broad gauge single electrified railway line section between Budhapankh station in Angul district and Baghuapala station near Sukinda in Jajpur district. Angul-Sukinda Railway Ltd (ASRL), which carried out the project, was incorporated as an SPV by the Railways Ministry through Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) in 2009 for the construction and maintenance of the broad-gauge single line between Budhapank and Baghuapala. The new rail line connects the iron-ore-rich areas of Joda and Barbil to the steel and sponge iron industries in the Angul region. It also makes for a shorter and congestion- free alternative route between the coal mining belts of Talcher to the coal-based thermal power plants in Kalinganagar. The Prime Minister also launched the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela- Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha. These will cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in the steel, power and mining sectors in Odisha and also help ease the pressure on passenger traffic in these sections. Between them, these projects add up to over Rs 8,200 crore worth of railway investment in the state. The event was conducted via video conferencing at, allowing the Prime Minister to remotely inaugurate these crucial initiatives. The inauguration of these railway projects by PM Modi in Odisha marks a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development. With improved connectivity, modernised stations, electrification, and expanded rail lines, these initiatives are likely to enhance transportation efficiency, boost economic growth, and elevate the overall travel experience for both residents and tourists in the state. These projects reflect the vision of the Prime Minister for a balanced development of the states. As he observed, it is the endeavour of the country that no state should fall behind in the race for development due to a lack of resources. Source: daijiworld.com

India and the Maldives on Tuesday signed a number of agreements to push the bilateral partnership to the next level in the field of infrastructure and connectivity. These agreements were signed during the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Solih also held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to an MEA statement, both leaders participated in the virtual "pouring of the first concrete" ceremony of the USD 500 mn Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) being built under the grant and concessional loan support from India. The GMCP is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Maldives and one of India's largest projects in the neighbourhood. GMCP is 6.74 km in length and will connect Male to Villingli, Gulhifahlu and Thilahfushi. The project will be a major catalyst for the Maldivian economy in the future through jobs and economic activity. In October 2020, a dedicated Line of Credit of USD 400 million was extended to the Maldives for undertaking the GMCP. The government of India (GoI) is also supporting the project through a special grant of USD 100 million. The project was awarded to AFCONS in August 2021. The two sides today reviewed the progress on the construction of 4,000 social housing units in Hulhumale being funded under Exim Bank of India Buyer's credit finance of USD 227 million. Earlier, India's NBCC and JMC concluded EPC contracts with Maldvies' FDC, in February and March 2021 respectively, to finalize construction and design-related aspects of the projects. The contract for the construction of 2,000 Housing units each was awarded to NBCC and JMC projects at a cost of USD 130 mn and USD 137 million respectively. A total of 2,800 units of 3 bedrooms and 3 toilets, and, 1200 units of 2 bedrooms and 2 toilets are being constructed under the two projects. The projects are expected to positively impact the economy and aid in the further de-congestion of Male city. Work commenced on both projects in January 2022. During today's meeting, the two sides also took an overview of India-Maldives development cooperation including Addu roads and reclamation, water and sanitation in 34 islands and Friday Mosque restoration projects. The 'Addu Development Project - Road Development and Reclamation' is one of the priority projects included under the USD 800 million Line of Credit extended to the Maldives. The project has been split into two packages for its implementation. It is being implemented under the USD 800 million LOC extended to Govt of Maldives. The 'Roads and Drainage' component of the project scope includes the construction of 40 km of paved roads, 67 km of unpaved roads, 104 km of drainage network and the construction of a 4-lane bypass connecting Hithadhoo island with Maradhoo island - which includes two bridges of 210m and 450m. Other agreements/MoUs exchanged include an MoU on Capacity Building & Training of Members of Local Councils and Women Development Committee of Maldives between NIRDPR, India and Local Government Authority, Maldives. An MoU was signed on Collaboration in potential fishing zone forecast capacity building and data sharing and marine scientific research between INCOIS, India and the Ministry of Fisheries, Maldives. Another MoU was signed for Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security between CERT-India and NCIT, the Maldives for cooperation for exchange of information on Cyber-attacks, prevalent cyber security mechanisms and mutual response to cyber incidents; Cyber security technology cooperation relevant to CERT activities, best practices and setting up of India-Maldives Expert Group. An MoU was also signed on cooperation in the field of disaster management between NDMA, India and NDMA, Maldives. This MoU envisages cooperation in the field of disaster management and risk reduction encompassing large-scale disaster incidents occurring within respective territories, emergency relief, response, humanitarian assistance; exchange of information. Cooperation also includes sharing experiences, satellite data and best practices, Tsunami Advisories, Storm Surge, High Wave Alert, Multi-Hazard vulnerability information along coastal zones and annual disaster management exercises that will be held in the different geographic settings of both nations. One agreement was signed between EXIM Bank, India and the Ministry of Finance, Maldives for USD 41 Mn Buyer's Credit Financing of Police Infrastructure in the Maldives. Exim Bank has extended a Buyer's Credit facility under the National Export Insurance Account of USD 40.95 Mn to GoM for the design and construction of a Police Station, accommodation, and a custody Facility in the Maldives. This will assist in providing adequate police facilities to ease and ensure the safety of Citizens and tourists, increase the presence of MPS on islands and curtail and help to reduce the crime rate in various atolls and islands in the Maldives. A Letter of Intent between Exim Bank of India and Ministry of Finance, Maldives on Buyer's Credit funding approval of USD 119 million for additional 2,000 social housing units to be constructed in Hulhumale. This agreement is towards India Exim Bank extending a credit facility to MoF under India Exim Bank's Buyer's Credit Under National Export Insurance Account program (BC-NEIA) for a credit amount of USD 119.28 mn (85 per cent of the contract value) for Design and Construction of 2000 Social Housing Units in Hulhumale, Maldives.

The five throms of Thimphu, Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, and Phuentshogling will be waste-free, pothole-free and have access to 24/7 water supply in a year's time, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering announced during his address on His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's birthday celebrations at the Changlimithang on Wednesday,  Drawing motivation from the day, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the government will commit to accelerate the improvement of infrastructure in these five throms. The Prime Minister highlighted that water scarcity is one of the issues these throms are confronted with. Hence, the government will now instantly work to ensure a 24/7 water supply to these throms. “Starting tomorrow, with the Minister and the experts from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the government will do whatever it takes to provide 24/7 water supply to the people of these five throms,” said the Prime Minister. Likewise, the government will fast-track the procurement and immediately work to ensure pothole-free roads and footpaths in these five major towns. Moreover, proper drainage and construction of footpaths will also be prioritised. “The government also promises pothole-free roads and better footpaths and drainage in these five throms. After a month or two, we will request the public to inform or report the respective person in charge of any potholes in their towns.” Moreover, the Prime Minister also talked about the persisting waste issues in the country, especially in the bigger towns. Therefore, the government committed to address this as well. “The concern that their Majesties always share is waste management. So, in a span of a year, we commit to improve the waste management in these five throms by meeting international standards for waste management.” The Prime Minister’s Office said that more details will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Prime Minister said that the best gift the people can offer His Majesty on a day such as today is to act beyond the rhetorics and chants and prove they are worthy citizens. Source:The  Bhutan  Live

The leaders of Germany and Norway have said they will propose that NATO plays a role in protecting undersea infrastructure like gas pipelines or fiber optic cables. This follows the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that they would be speaking with the head of NATO about involving the alliance in future operations to protect critical undersea infrastructure like gas pipelines or fiber optic cables.  Store said Norway had already increased vigilance at such sites in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and even more so after the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Store was visiting the German capital on Wednesday for bilateral talks and to attend the Berlin Security Conference with Scholz. "The chancellor and I have agreed to propose an informal initiative to enhance security of undersea infrastructure — can be pipelines, can be fiber, can be telecommunications," Store said at the Berlin Security Conference.   "This is really the blood, [the] circulation of a modern economy. And we will raise later today with the secretary general of NATO: how we can enhance military and civil and police coordination to do this? We want to take it forward. NATO is relevant. How can we work with the private sector? We believe this is the right thing to do." Store also discussed the proposal with DW on Wednesday, saying that some European partners had already offered closer cooperation with Norway. In 2021, Norway was the second-largest supplier of natural gas in the EU after Russia, but the 27-member bloc's Russian gas imports have dramatically declined in 2022 after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February. "We have 90 platforms out there on the shelf and we have about 9,000 kilometers of pipelines. But I can assure you we look after them pretty closely, and we do that also now with our allies. So alongside, for example, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, we [now] sail more actively together," Store told DW. The proposal to NATO is designed to explore how to expand existing operations and to look at a potential coordinating role for the alliance.  NATO welcomes idea, more talks on Thursday NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg traveled to Berlin for the conference and will hold further talks with Scholz on Thursday. In an emailed statement to Reuters news agency, Stoltenberg said he welcomed the proposal.  "We have stepped up our efforts after the recent sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, and it is vital to do even more to ensure that our offshore infrastructure remains safe from future destructive acts," he said. Russia denies involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and has tried to blame Britain, which in turn says it was not involved.  Scholz: Russia cannot win militarily in Ukraine Scholz and Store both condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine at the Berlin Security Conference.  "Russia, I am convinced of this, cannot and will not win this war on the battlefield any more. The merciless attacks on critical infrastructure, on water and energy pipelines, on cities and towns, they are an awful and simultaneously desperate strategy of scorched earth," Scholz said.  "Russia must realize, we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes," Scholz said, switching to English for that last phrase. "Economically, financially, with humanitarian aid, rebuilding destroyed energy infrastructure just at the moment, and also with weapons." Store, meanwhile, told the defense analysts and reporters gathered in the German capital that Russia was "losing the ground war and ... hitting back by terrorizing from the air. We need to help Ukraine in that situation." He said the war must stop, but that only one side really had the power to ensure this. "I think it has been well put: If Russia stops the war, the war stops. If Ukraine stops the war, Ukraine disappears. And we cannot let that happen and that's why this is critically important for Ukraine, but it's a critical value issue for every free nation in Europe," Store said. "And Norway is aware of this and we will face that challenge alongside Germany." Germany to seek nuclear-capable F-35s as part of NATO deterrent Both leaders alluded to the major changes in defense spending and policy triggered by the conflict.  Scholz said that part of this would be Germany's major boost in defense spending.  He said that while Berlin took the "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric" coming out of Moscow "very seriously," it would not be "intimidated by it."  He said Germany's response was to stick to the red line of never allowing a nuclear war to become a reality. He said he was pleased that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on this principle during Scholz's contentious visit to Beijing at the start of the month. He also welcomed including a mention of this commitment never to launch a nuclear war in the recent G20 summit declaration.  "As long as states like Russia possess nuclear weapons as part of their arsenal of threats, NATO of course requires a credible deterrence potential. Anything else would mean making us susceptible to blackmail," Scholz said.  "For that reason, we have decided to acquire F-35 fighter jets in the coming years and to continue a German contribution towards the nuclear capabilities of the Alliance in the future. That is a message for national, European and transatlantic security, and a contribution towards burden sharing in the Alliance," Scholz said.  Purchasing the new nuclear-capable F-35s, which German pilots could fly carrying US nuclear weapons stored in Germany in the event of a nuclear conflict, has been a sensitive issue for successive German governments and particularly Scholz's coalition.  Although Germany is not a nuclear power, critics say its ability to deliver US warheads makes it one in all but name. Traditionally, the Green party in particular, but also elements of Scholz's Social Democrats, have been lukewarm on or even opposed to the idea of so-called nuclear sharing.  Scholz said he wanted to seal the first contracts for F-35s and for other defense spending plans like retrofitting Puma infantry fighting vehicles inked in the coming year. Norway planning more Ukraine aid, and broader energy relief  Norway's Store said during his trip to Berlin that his coalition government in Oslo would be announcing a major package of longer-term financial aid for Ukraine as part of its 2023 budget.  He also alluded to the major fossil fuel exporter looking into ways to help less resource-rich European countries deal with the rising prices caused in no small part by Russia's invasion.  "It is right that Norway is in the favorable position of being an energy exporter at the moment, and that is why it gives us an extra incentive of leading in the way we assist Ukraine in coming through not only this first year, but the coming four or five years," Store said. "And the package we will propose to parliament will consist of support to Ukraine, substantially, but will also be an element of supporting those countries beyond Ukraine that are now be being hit by food prices and energy prices." The visiting prime minister also discussed this issue with DW earlier on Wednesday, saying it was a "very fair request to hope for lower prices of energy" and saying "I can tell you it is not in Norway's interest that you have high and volatile energy prices in Europe." Store also told the audience in Berlin that with reduced gas imports from Russia, Norway had become Germany's single largest supplier since the war began.

August 5 marks the day when Article 370 was abrogated in 2019. While a section of the media talks about the release of political prisoners, restoration of internet & phone connectivity, and lifting of the curfew are important issues, for ordinary Kashmiris the concept of ‘normalcy’ largely evolves normal functioning of schools, colleges, health services, government offices etc. Beyond the narrow interpretation of the state of ‘normalcy,’ real normalcy can be found in the thriving business and infrastructure that is being built in J&K.   Three years after the Central government abrogated Article 370, ending the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), bifurcate the state into the two centrally-administered union territories (UT) of J&K, and Ladakh began a new phase in Kashmir’s history, encouraging the people of the state a future of development and peace. Today Kashmir is well on its way to becoming a model state with investments, infrastructure, tourism, social welfare and agriculture showing unprecedented growth in the three years since being freed from Article 370.   According to information provided by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, 1,41,815 new works/projects have been taken up under various sectors/schemes in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) since 2019. Kashmir is in fact poised on the cusp of a massive economic push with record investment proposals worth Rs 31,000 crore under consideration. The project construction and procurement activities are creating significant employment opportunities for skilled as well as unskilled labourers, engineers, transporters and small businesses in addition to those engaged in the supply of material, equipment and tools in the private sector. It is estimated that this investment has generated employment of about 1,169 lakh man-days in the UT of J&K.   The central government has notified a new scheme worth Rs 28,400 crore which is likely to provide employment to over 4.5 lakh people. Six agreements with global investors were signed at EXPO2020 Dubai in January 2022 for investments in real estate, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, and manpower employment sectors among others. The quantum jump in the budgetary allocation is a piece of evidence of how seriously India wants to bring peace through development in otherwise restive J&K because of the perpetration of terrorism from the Pakistani side. The new government is continuously taking policy initiatives for the development of J&K.   There is considerable progress on the infrastructure front. More than 53 projects are at different stages of completion at a cost of Rs 58,477 crore in various sectors such as roads, power, health, education, tourism, agriculture, and skill development. Twenty-one of these projects have been completed or substantially completed. Projects languishing at various stages numbering over 1,192 projects worth Rs 1,983.77 crore were completed, including five projects which were incomplete for more than 20 years, 15 projects for more than 15 years and 165 projects for more than 10 years. These include roads nearly 11,517 km in total length, 1858 roads and 84 bridges.   A multi-pronged plan has been put in place to transform Kashmir into a premier educational hub in north India. Besides improving existing schools and colleges, new educational institutions are rising across the territory. Premier educational institutes like IITs and IIMs are already functional. Over 22 colleges and two new cultural universities are on the anvil. At the micro level, students are being offered better-endowed scholarship schemes, helping those from the minorities as well as poorer sections of the society.   With an aim to improve the physical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has accelerated the pace of execution of Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) projects. Official data suggests that the expenditure has reached up to Rs.34,653 crore ending October 2021 resulting in fast-moving improvement of physical infrastructure here. As per the data, 21 major projects have been completed/substantially completed and nine projects are likely to be completed by this financial year.   In respect of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY), J&K has moved in the overall ranking in the country from 9th place in 2016-17 to 3rd position in 2020-21. A dedicated policy for the maintenance of road infrastructure has been approved by the UT government during 2021-22.   In another significant achievement, J&K has achieved 100% household electrification under the Saubhagya scheme before the target date and 3,57,405 beneficiaries have been covered. The government has also embarked on a path of smart metering and around 20 Lakh consumers shall be covered under Smart Metering Program. As of now, the Installation of two Lakh metres is already underway and the installation of another six lakh is being finalized under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.   Further to improve the power infrastructure as well as distribution in Jammu and Kashmir, Government is committed to increasing the power generation of J&K as the UT has vast potential for Hydroelectricity. Power projects with 3500 MW capacity are going to solve most of the power woes in Jammu and Kashmir.   Improvement in health services has been dramatic with national health schemes and projects establishing themselves in far nook and cranny of the valley. National medical insurance schemes are now reaching even the most remote, and poorest, sections. Kashmir is the only Union Territory with universal health insurance coverage for up to Rs 5 lakh per family. Besides premier medical institutes like All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Cancer Institute along with two new medical colleges in Udhampur are changing the health scene in Kashmir. Mega private hospitals are already planning to enter the state. The first one would be Apollo Hospitals which plans to set up a 250-bed hospital, an initiative which the hospital administration hopes would sow the seeds of Kashmir being known as a global health tourism destination.   The Pakistan-sponsored insurgency that broke out in the 1990s wreaked havoc on the culture and heritage of the Himalayan region. Since the abrogation of Article 370, the government has devised a scheme for ‘Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Ancient Cultural Heritage’ in J&K. Under the banner of ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’ Government of India has embarked on a mission to revive, restore, preserve and maintain ancient sites and protect its cultural heritage.   J&K has been connected with the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ movement as the culture of the Himalayan region is being promoted among the people of other states and vice versa. In the recent past, many cultural exchange programmes of artists with other states and UTs have been organised to develop the connection that had been missing during the past 70 years. J&K has its own peculiar and varied cultural, social, historic, architectural and religious significance of the past embodied in the heritage sites. The present regime has worked out a comprehensive plan to restore the pristine glory of the heritage sites to make future generations aware of their legacy.   Kashmir is known for its handicrafts throughout the world. Its carpets, silks, shawls, basketry, pottery, copper and silverware, papier-mache, and walnut wood are most sought after. The cottage handicrafts industry provides direct and gainful employment to around 340,000 artisans. A new plan for global cooperation has been launched with Germany, one of the biggest patrons of Kashmiri handicrafts, as the focus.   The thrust areas are IT & Technology, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Defense, Skills Education and Tourism sectors. Some of these have sought 15-year tax holidays on investment in militancy-hit areas, which the state is considering. Among the 31 companies which are eager to invest in the Valley include Reliance Ammunition Limited, Sree Cements Limited, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, Krishna Hydro Projects Pvt Ltd, Universal Success Enterprises Singapore, Cheema Boilers, Indian School of Business, Prakash Amusement Rides and Fun World Pvt Ltd, Bestech India Private Limited, LM Energy and Software Pvt Ltd, Cure Fit Health Care Pvt Ltd, Precision Industrial Systems, Ace International, etc.   A violence-marred state is fast becoming a great investment destination to look out for in the days to come. In short, it can be said that the government with the help of the central government has boosted the infrastructure as well as other developmental aspects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In coming years the Union Territory will be transformed both in terms of development as well as economic means as a large number of projects and schemes are underway here which will change the entire economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.   Write Up: Dr Sakariya Kareem   Source: Asian Lite

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has joined India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to limit the destruction caused by climate change. EIB will work in partnership with national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks and the private sector to promote the rapid development of infrastructure resilient to climate change and natural disasters in countries at all stages of development, the EIB said in a statement. EIB President Werner Hoyer welcomed the initiative by the Indian government to create CDRI to build a global economy resilient to climate change and natural disasters. "As part of Team Europe, the EIB will offer advisory and financial support to CDRI members and ensure they can benefit from all relevant EU initiatives," he said. "We share a common vision of a green, sustainable and resilient world, built on cooperation, knowledge exchange and mutual respect. I look forward to translating this shared vision into concrete projects we can all benefit from," Hoyer added. The EIB intends to work with CDRI members to unlock the benefits of EU initiatives aiming to achieve sustainable global connectivity, such as the Global Gateway, and climate action initiatives such as the EU Green Deal. As the EU climate bank, the EIB will work within CDRI on sharing knowledge, including via its newly deployed development branch, EIB Global. The EU bank will also focus on developing standards and certification relevant to disaster-resilient infrastructure.   The EIB will help CDRI to develop the research and knowledge-management capabilities of its members. Indian Co-chair of CDRI's Executive Committee, Kamal Kishore welcomed EIB's decision to support the vision of CDRI to deliver sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems globally. "CDRI welcomes the EIB, one of the world's main financiers of climate action and environmental sustainability, as a member and recognizes the expertise it will bring to support the coalition's activities and member countries," he said. CDRI was launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 at the initiative of India and allows its members to share knowledge and resources. It help countries to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) and expand universal access to basic services. The development of resilient infrastructure is a key step in limiting the impact of climate change and ensuring the sustainable development of the global economy. This is especially relevant for developing economies, which are expected to be among the hardest hit by climate change, with poor and marginalized populations most exposed to the negative effects of rising global temperatures, EIB said in a statement. Developing countries currently require annual investments in climate adaptation in the range of EUR60 billion; by 2030 these countries will need between EUR120-250 billion per year. In addition, significant investments will be required to ensure that the EUR50-80 trillion of infrastructures planned for construction by 2030 is adapted to future climate impacts. Multilateral development banks like the EIB will have a crucial role in mobilizing private and public finance for climate adaptation projects. In 2019, these institutions committed to doubling their collective total level of adaptation finance to EUR15 billion annually by 2025. In 2020, their adaptation finance totaled EUR13.6 billion, up from EUR11.9 billion in 2019 and EUR10.9 billion in 2018. Since the beginning of its operations in India in 1993, the EIB has supported 17 projects in transport, energy, agriculture, fisheries and forestry as well as India's small and medium enterprises and invested EUR4.2 billion.   Source: ANI

Multilateral development bank Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Tuesday said it will support India in ramping up its healthcare infra facilities to meet future health challenges. The Beijing-based funding institution said it is working with the Indian government to develop climate-resilient infrastructure projects. "When we do screening of project proposals, we work with the Indian government to ensure that priority is given to infrastructure projects which could deal with climate change. This is very much in our mind and we are making very important progress in this regard," AIIB president Jin Liqun said in a virtual conference on the sidelines of the annual meeting. He said AIIB has financed the project to deal with the pandemic in India and appreciated the fact that the Indian government has been containing the COVID-19 pandemic. "What we are looking forward to is that we can quickly go back to normal infrastructure investment operations in the country, which can also help in improving the healthcare systems. Moving forward, we will look at both the climate-resilient infrastructure and also support India's effort to improve its healthcare system. There should be a proper balance between physical infrastructure and social infrastructure," he said. AIIB believes that there is a huge need for India given the size of population to strengthen its healthcare system, he added. Liqun also announced that AIIB will align its operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement by July 1, 2023. The bank currently estimates its cumulative climate finance approvals to be USD 50 billion by 2030. This amount would represent a four-fold increase in annual climate finance commitments since AIIB started publicly reporting the number in 2019. Earlier this year, the AIIB announced it would target at least a 50 per cent share of climate finance in actual financing approvals by 2025. "Today's announcement reinforces AIIB's long-standing pledge to support climate action in line with the Paris Agreement. We think the way forward needs greater participation by the private sector on all fronts, so that we can collectively deliver on the promise of building an inclusive, equitable and sustainable future," he said. The Paris Alignment commitment would apply to sovereign and non-sovereign projects, including investments made via financial intermediaries. AIIB is currently testing a rigorous process to ensure projects meet low-carbon and climate-resilient standards consistent with the Paris accord. The approach draws on the international standards and frameworks currently being developed in collaboration with other multilateral development banks. In the lead-up to COP26 in November, more than 130 countries have set or are considering a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. However, the current level of ambition set out in these plans is, in aggregate, still far too low for the international community to meet the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels. AIIB sees leveraging emerging technologies as key to raising climate ambition. Source: Economic Times  

India is ramping up its infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh to counter an aggressive China from speeding up work on new tunnels that provide all-weather connectivity to critical border areas to building new road access, bridges, forward helicopter bases and underground fortified ammunition storage. While most of these projects were planned earlier, the ongoing stand-off with China has ensured that the projects have been accelerated on an urgent basis. However, despite the quicker construction, sources in the defence establishment admit that “in terms of infrastructure, we are behind the Chinese by a decade”. The Chinese have been focusing on ramping up their infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for several years and have a much superior road connectivity to the LAC. “There is no doubt that the Chinese have better infrastructure. This is what we are changing. The ongoing infrastructure projects have been sped up with use of innovative and modern technology. Simultaneously, more projects are being initiated,” a source told ThePrint during a visit to forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh. Another source added that there has been a shake-up in infrastructure in the last three years. “A year from now, things will be drastically different and the infrastructure will keep improving,” said the second source. Sources admit that there is a sense of urgency now among the authorities and the military given the ongoing tensions with China, which has spread all along the LAC and is not just limited to eastern Ladakh. Traditionally, the 832-km-long LAC in Ladakh is looked after by a single division of the 14 Corps, and the 1,346-km LAC in Eastern Command has two corps (three divisions each) assigned to take care of the region, making it one of the most heavily-guarded areas in the country. However, with tensions mounting at the LAC, multiple changes have been made in the troop deployment patterns, with induction of more soldiers in eastern Ladakh. Both the  eastern and northern commands have also got an additional offensive corps each now. Work in fast mode The speed of infrastructure build-up in Arunachal Pradesh has been boosted to the extent that authorities are looking at completing the all-important Rs 700-crore Sela Tunnel project ahead of schedule in June next year. This strategic project along with Neciphu tunnel on the 317-km long Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road that leads to West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh will ensure that both defence and private vehicles will have all-year mobility. The Sela Tunnel project, which has the main and escape tunnels of 1,555 metres long each besides a shorter tunnel of 980 m and about 1.2 km of road, will ensure that the Chinese are not able to monitor traffic movement in the area. The Sele Pass, at 13,700 feet, is currently visible to the Chinese. The tunnels are designed in such a way that all Army equipment, including Bofors, tanks and even future inductions like the Vajra howitzers, can easily travel through it, away from the prying eyes of the Chinese while also cutting down time and having a year-long access. Currently, the Sela Pass closes down in winter due to heavy snowfall and bad weather. “The first tunnel will be completed by Army Day (15 January) 2022 while the second one will be completed by June. This is ahead of the planned August schedule for completion,”  Sela tunnel project director Colonel Parikshit Mehra told ThePrint     Col Parikshit, who is with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), was handpicked for the Sela Tunnel project last year given his experience in the construction of the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, a project he was associated with for five years.  “The Sela Tunnel will then become the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel above the height of 13,000 feet. The experience of the Atal Tunnel has come handy because we have been using a very scientific, cutting(-edge) mechanism backed by modern equipment, which is helping us complete the project in a faster duration than anticipated,” said Col Parikshit, who has an M. Tech degree from IIT Delhi and another Master’s from Austria. The nearly 180-km-long western axis, which plans to connect Shergaon-Rupa-Tawang, is the other important project for both military and civilian use.  Eventually, there would be three-road access to Tawang from Assam. “The infrastructure has been a major focus not just from the military point of view but also from the civilian aspect. A smoother connectivity is what matters in such mountainous terrain where the weather can also have its own play,” said Major General Zubin A. Minwalla, who is the General Officer Commanding of the 5 Mountain Division Helicopter bases, underground ammunition storage Besides the tunnels, nearly two dozen bridges are being constructed, some of which have been completed. These will provide crucial connectivity to all kinds of military equipment, sources explained. Moreover, the Army is focusing on ensuring that there are forward helicopter bases in higher numbers for swift troop movement when needed. The focus in the Eastern Command is on technology rather than more boots on the ground, as ThePrint reported earlier. India is also investing in a more technology-driven security grid that monitors the movement of the PLA activities not just at the LAC but also in-depth on a 24×7 basis. Along with induction of tactical systems like the L 70 guns, Bofors, M-777 lightweight howitzers, Pinaka and Smerch rocket systems, among others, this has ensured that India has better firepower now at the LAC. Sources said efforts are also on to set up fortified underground ammunition storage. “The storage places will ensure that there is constant supply to the troops and since they are underground and fortified with heavy engineering, they will be able to withstand any bombardment,” said one of the sources cited above.  The underground and fortified tactic is also being extended to the LAC, where the Army has set up integrated localities for both defensive and offensive operations.   Migration from border villages a concern Besides larger military infrastructure, China has also been focusing on building new border villages, which will eventually end up having dual military and civil use. This ongoing project was also flagged by Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Manoj Pande, who said the development has been taken into operational planning. In sharp contrast, there is a migration issue in Indian villages close to the LAC. Official sources The Print spoke to said people have moved out from villages close to the LAC to the cities due to the terrain and lack of infrastructure. “But things are changing. A lot of development is happening and people are happy with this,” a source explained. There are about 600 villages within the 10 km radius of the 1046-km LAC that Arunachal Pradesh shares with China-controlled Tibet, sources said. An Arunachal Times column last week highlighted that civilians can’t gain access beyond certain points. “While the Indian Army makes it impossible to go beyond a certain area for civilians, the Indian government refuses to provide basic facilities to border villages, leading to voluntary depopulation,” the column said, adding that populating the border areas has been the Chinese government’s policy. The issue of border migration in Arunachal Pradesh was flagged even in 2013. Besides basic infrastructure like medical and clean drinking water supply being an issue, other necessities like mobile phone connectivity are also unavailable in border areas. Mobile phones instead pick up Chinese networks in border areas. Soldiers on the front lines are strictly directed not to switch on their phones so as not to allow the PLA to know the exact numbers of deployment. By Snehesh Alex Philip Source: The print

The Indian Central government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday signed a $112-million loan to develop water supply infrastructure and strengthen capacities of urban local bodies (ULBs) for improved service delivery in four towns in Jharkhand, informed the Ministry of Finance. The signatories to the agreement for Jharkhand Urban Water Supply Improvement Project were Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, who signed for the Government of India, and Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB's India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB, according to a press statement from the Ministry. After signing the agreement, Mishra stated that the project is aligned with the Government of Jharkhand's priority to improve urban services in the state and will ensure continuously, treated piped water supply in Ranchi and other three towns of Hussainabad, Jhumri Telaiya, and Medininagar located in economically and socially backward areas. "The project will be ADB's first urban project in the state and help establish a model for continuous water supply combined with policy reforms for a sustainable operation which can be replicated by other low-income states for providing safe drinking water to urban households as envisaged under national Jal Jeevan Mission," said Konishi. Four water treatment plants, with a combined capacity of 275-million litres per day, will be established in the project towns to provide safe drinking water meeting with the national drinking water quality standards. The project will also establish 940 kilometers of the water distribution network to provide continuous water supply to about 115,000 households, including those below the poverty line, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe members, and other vulnerable groups. To ensure sustainability, the project will strengthen the capacity of ULBs on urban service delivery and governance through the development of an asset management strategy and training on design and implementation of urban projects. Innovative technologies will be introduced to minimize water losses in water treatment and distribution. The project also includes the use of supervisory control and data acquisition system for water supply operation, and geographic information system-based asset management in Ranchi. ADB is committed to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members--49 from the region, read the statement. Source: ANI