Article:
India’s Defence Minister has recently inaugurated the country’s first Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh. This notable establishment, generously spread across 17,000 sq ft within the Government Press Building, is a tribute to the rich history and achievements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Indian Air Force Heritage Centre: Celebrating History and Achievements
This unique heritage centre houses five vintage aircraft, one of which is the first IAF-produced patent aircraft, known as the Air Force ‘Kanpur-1 Vintage Prototype Aircraft’. In addition to showcasing these historical aircraft, the centre offers visitors the exciting opportunity to experience a cockpit firsthand and immerse themselves in flight simulations.
But the centre is not only about the past. It also highlights the ongoing contribution of the IAF, showcasing various rescue operations undertaken throughout India. There is also information on initiatives carried out by the Air Force Family Welfare Association to support families of air warriors.
Controversy over Paralakhemundi Railway Station Redevelopment
Turning from air to rail, the proposed redevelopment of Paralakhemundi Railway Station has sparked controversy. The INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) has raised objections to the railway ministry’s decision to demolish this historic station, established in 1899 by the then royals of Odisha.
The planned new structure would overshadow the existing heritage site. INTACH advocates for preservation, recommending that the old station be given a heritage tag and maintained in its current form.
Project SMART: An International Collaboration
In another development, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and Ministry of Railways have joined forces with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Their combined focus? An initiative dubbed ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART).
The project’s objective is to improve the areas surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway (HSR) stations. This will enhance convenience for commuters and stimulate economic activity in these regions.
Upgrading Institutional Capacity for Urban Development
Project SMART isn’t just about physical redevelopment. It also aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of state governments, municipal corporations, and urban development authorities. This will enable them to plan, develop and manage the areas surrounding the MAHSR stations more effectively.
India’s Rising Coal Imports
Despite being one of the world’s top coal producers, India has seen a significant increase in coal imports, with a rise of 30% in the 2022-23 financial year. The import of coking coal, vital for steel production, rose by 5.44%. In stark contrast, March saw non-coking coal imports increase by 13.88%, while coking coal imports decreased.
These statistics reflect the country’s growing energy needs and its reliance on imports, especially for specific types of coal. The surging demand for steam coal and falling seaborne prices have contributed to the increase in imports, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming months.
