"India's Efforts to Secure Affordable Russian Oil Amid Tightening Sanctions" India’s state-owned refiners are expediting payments for Russian crude oil to complete transactions before expanded US sanctions take effect. These refiners now settle payments within two days instead of the usual five, aiming to secure discounted Russian oil while navigating an increasingly restricted global trade environment. The urgency stems from Washington's announcement of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect next month. Refiners are keen to ensure transactions are completed during the “wind-down” period allowed for pre-sanctioned cargoes. At least 4.4 million barrels of Russian oil are en route to Indian ports like Jamnagar, Chennai, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam. Among these shipments is the tanker Mercury , carrying over 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, expected to arrive in Paradip soon. This vessel loaded its cargo in mid-December ...
In a momentous visit to Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several key projects, marking a significant leap towards the town's comprehensive development. Among the notable initiatives are the newly constructed Ayodhya Airport, named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, and the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station. The Prime Minister's visit is not only a testament to the government's commitment to infrastructural growth but also a celebration of Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage.
Infrastructure Milestones:
1. Ayodhya Airport:
The state-of-the-art airport, developed at a cost of over Rs 1450 crore, boasts a terminal building covering 6,500 square meters. Adorned with temple architecture resembling the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir, the airport aims to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. Sustainability features include insulated roofing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, a water treatment plant, and a solar power plant, earning it a coveted GRIHA 5-star rating. The airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate tourism and business, and generate employment opportunities.
2. Railway Projects:
PM Modi flagged off two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains from the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. The Amrit Bharat trains, equipped with the LHB push-pull feature, offer enhanced passenger facilities such as well-designed seats, improved luggage racks, mobile charging points, CCTV, and a public information system. The Vande Bharat trains cover routes connecting prominent destinations, contributing to efficient rail travel.
3. Railway Infrastructure Projects:
The Prime Minister also dedicated three railway projects worth Rs 2300 crore, reinforcing rail infrastructure in the region. These projects include the Rooma Chakeri-Chanderi third line project, various sections of the Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki doubling project, and the doubling and electrification project of the Malhaur-Daliganj railway section.
Cultural Integration:
The redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, known as Ayodhya Railway Station, stands as a three-storeyed modern facility. Complete with lifts, escalators, food plazas, shops catering to puja needs, cloakrooms, child care rooms, and waiting halls, the station prioritizes accessibility and sustainability. Its inauguration coincides with the visit and underscores the government's holistic approach to development.
Conclusion:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ayodhya signifies more than just infrastructure development. It is a harmonious blend of progress and cultural celebration, reflecting the administration's commitment to ensuring Ayodhya's prominence as a symbol of growth, heritage preservation, and inclusivity. As these transformative projects unfold, Ayodhya emerges as a beacon of balanced development, ready to shape its destiny on both a national and global scale.
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