News

Taiwanese company funds Bengaluru's Bommasandra metro station

Bengaluru: Taiwanese company Delta Electronics India Pvt Ltd on Monday entered into a definitive agreement with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for the construction of the Bommasandra metro station on the Yellow Line. This is the third such agreement on the 19.15-km RV Road-Bommasandra metro corridor. The BMRCL previously signed similar agreements under innovative financing mechanism with Infosys Foundation (Konnappana Agrahara metro station) and Biocon Foundation. Delta Electronics has paid Rs 65 crore for the Bommasandra metro station on Hosur Road. It paid Rs 10 crore earlier and the remaining on Monday. In turn, the BMRCL will offer it metro station naming rights for 30 years subject to approval from the state government. BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao welcomed the agreement and requested other corporate companies whose offices are situated along metro corridors to join hands with Namma Metro to develop the city’s metro infrastructure.

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Mumbai to get its first-ever bird park in Nahur region; a paradise for birdwatchers

Good news for Mumbaikars and birdwatchers! Mumbai is all geared up to launch its first-ever bird park in Nahur. This awesome project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aims at boosting urban recreation and wildlife conservation in the city. The park, spread across 17,150 sq m, is scheduled for completion by 2027. This ambitious aviary will be a paradise for birds and tourists alike. When you see the park, you’ll be shocked with its unique design. There will be geographical zones representing Africa, Australia, and the USA and each zone will showcase bird species native to these regions, offering visitors an immersive ecological experience. This thematic layout will allow bird enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore a wide range of avian life in settings that mirror the birds' natural habitats. In addition to the avian exhibits, the park will feature various recreational amenities, including jogging tracks, basketball and volleyball courts, and a sporting arena. This multi-functional space will provide a perfect blend of nature and fitness, encouraging a healthier lifestyle for Mumbaikars. Moreover, an interpretation center will be dedicated to educating visitors about avian species, their habitats, and the importance of wildlife conservation, making it an enriching experience for all ages. The park will house 22 bird species, including exotic varieties like black swans, toco toucans, and white peafowl. These birds will be acquired through exchange programs and transfers from the Byculla Zoo. The park’s development is expected to cost around ₹100 crore, and crucial approvals from the Central Zoo Authority have already been secured. Once the final layout permissions are in place, the tendering process will begin. Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, Director of Mumbai Zoo, has highlighted the bird park’s potential to boost tourism in the suburban areas of the city. The park will not only offer a recreational and educational experience but also serve as a model for urban wildlife conservation, providing Mumbaikars with a unique opportunity to connect with nature in an urban environment. This innovative bird park represents a forward-thinking step toward improving Mumbai's urban landscape while promoting wildlife conservation and fostering greater awareness of avian life.

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Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park shortlisted for global award

Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as Darjeeling Zoo, has been shortlisted for a prestigious global award for its exceptional red panda conservation efforts. The zoo, located in West Bengal at an altitude of 7,000 feet, is renowned for its breeding and conservation programs for endangered Himalayan species, including the red panda. The recognition from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) highlights the zoo's significant role in red panda conservation, making this achievement well-deserved. Between 2022 and 2024, the Darjeeling Zoo successfully released nine captive red pandas back into the wild—three males and seven females. Remarkably, one of the female pandas gave birth to three cubs in the wild, further contributing to the population’s growth. These successful releases have solidified the zoo’s place as a global leader in red panda conservation, earning it a spot as one of the top three candidates for the 2024 WAZA Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Awards. Established in 1958 and named after Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is India’s largest high-altitude zoo. The zoo specializes in breeding and conserving endangered species native to the Himalayan region, such as the red panda, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolf. It collaborates with international organizations to ensure the protection of these rare and vulnerable species, making it a vital player in global conservation efforts. The zoo is located on Jawahar Parbat in Darjeeling, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga. It has become a popular destination for visitors, not only for its conservation programs but also for its picturesque setting. The park is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Friday to Wednesday, and the entry fee is INR 110 for adults and INR 180 for foreign visitors. Children under six can enter for free, making it accessible to families and tourists alike. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s dedication to protecting the red panda and other endangered species is a testament to its commitment to wildlife conservation. Its efforts to breed and release these animals back into the wild have earned it international recognition and contribute significantly to preserving some of the world’s rarest wildlife.

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After decades, Shimla sees early December snowfall, drawing tourists and winter cheer

Shimla saw the season’s first snowfall recently, in a first in many decades as per the reports, which also marked an early start to winter. On Sunday evening, light snow blanketed Shimla and its neighboring tourist hotspots like Kufri and Narkanda, a sight that had been missing in the region for decades. Both residents and visitors were delighted by the brief snowfall, which turned the town into a winter wonderland. This was the first snowfall of the season in Shimla town, according to the Meteorological Department. There has also been snowfall in the nearby regions, such as Kufri and Narkanda, which has caused the temperature to plummet. Due to comparatively high minimum temperatures, the snow did not last long, but it nevertheless had a big effect. The hotel sector, which anticipates a spike in visitors eager to take in the area's winter attractiveness, is encouraged by Shimla's snowfall. The snow-covered surroundings provide the ideal setting for those who want to engage in snow-related activities, tour colonial-era structures, and learn about Shimla's regal past as the former summer capital of British India. Apart from Shimla, other regions of Himachal Pradesh, such as Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu, also experienced snowfall. Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti received a significant amount of snowfall, while areas like Dharamsala and Palampur experienced rain, lowering temperatures across the state. The snowfall in high-altitude areas, such as the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass, also caught the attention of travellers, which eventually led to increased tourist activity, traffic issues, and vehicles getting stuck due to icy roads. More snow and rain are expected in the upcoming days, especially in the higher regions of Himachal Pradesh, according to the weather service. The Lahaul Spiti police have issued warnings warning against driving in snowy circumstances, which raises awareness of safety precautions even as it promises visitors a magnificent winter. Despite the challenges, Shimla’s early snowfall has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting winter tourist season. The weather men predicted that Manali’s weather over the next 10 days will see a drop in temperatures and occasional snowfall. Starting December 8, temperatures will range from a nighttime low of 5°C to a daytime high of 15°C. Snowfall is anticipated on December 8 and 9, 2024. Between December 10 and 12, partly cloudy skies are expected, with light rain on December 12. By the week ending December 14, the weather is likely to clear, bringing sunny days and daytime temperatures rising to around 15°C.

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Block your calendar for the upcoming Cochin Carnival 2024

The Cochin Carnival 2024 is set to make a grand return for its 41st edition, bringing two weeks of exciting festivities and cultural events to Kochi. Starting on December 8, the carnival promises to be an unforgettable celebration that blends tradition with modernity, offering something for both locals and visitors. The festivities will kick off with a tribute to war heroes at St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi on December 8, followed by a grand flag-hoisting ceremony by MLA K.G. Maxi on December 15 at Vasco da Gama Square. This marks the official beginning of the celebrations, which will run until December 31. The highlight of the carnival’s conclusion will be the traditional burning of the Papanji, a towering 50-foot effigy symbolizing the farewell to the old year. This ceremony will take place at the Fort Kochi Parade Ground, bringing the vibrant celebrations to a close in a spectacular display. One of the most exciting new additions this year is the introduction of robo-electric elephants, which perfectly blend innovation with tradition. From December 20 onwards, the carnival will host a variety of events, including DJ parties, music festivals, and live performances by popular artists such as Nadirsha, Sooraj Santhosh, and Anju Joseph. These events are expected to draw large crowds and add to the carnival's dynamic atmosphere. In addition to music and performances, the carnival will also showcase a wide range of cultural activities. Attendees can enjoy floats, masquerades, and various arts and sports competitions. These contests, organized by the Cochin Corporation, offer attractive cash prizes and trophies, adding an element of friendly competition to the celebrations. More than 90 clubs and organizations are involved in organizing and ensuring the success of the event, highlighting the strong sense of community and unity in Kochi. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, the Cochin Carnival 2024 promises to be a must-attend event, full of cultural richness, vibrant performances, and exciting festivities.

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Kashmir turns into a winter wonderland with fresh spell of snowfall

Time to rejoice for the winter wonderers as the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall on Sunday evening due to which a major drop in temperatures was recorded. Gurez, Karnah, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and other mountainous areas received snowfall as per officials. They said that the snowfall began late in the afternoon and affected areas including the prominent ski resort of Gulmarg. Because of the snowfall, the traffic got disturbed in these regions, especially on the Mughal, Gurez, and Sinthan roads. All these roads were stopped and officials started advising visitors to avoid these routes until they are cleared and considered safe for passage. The authorities stressed the importance of staying updated on road conditions before embarking on journeys in these areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had made predictions about cloudy weather with light rain in some parts of Jammu Division, and light rain or snow in the higher reaches of Kashmir from the evening of December 8 until the morning of December 9. The forecast indicated that the weather would remain dry between December 10 and 11, with a return of cloudy conditions and light snow in isolated higher reaches on December 12. Looking ahead, the department has predicted dry weather from December 13 to 17, which will offer a brief respite from the winter weather. However, travellers are advised to remain cautious, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountainous regions. In light of the snow and slippery road conditions, authorities have issued travel advisories for the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road. Only 4×4 vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains are permitted to travel, while light motor vehicles (LMVs) with no more than 10 seats will be allowed to prevent congestion. Additionally, registered vendors will install anti-skid chains for a fee of INR 600 per pair. Tour operators and private vehicle owners are urged to park in designated areas, and vendors selling coats and boots must avoid blocking roads to ensure smooth traffic flow. Those heading to the higher reaches of Kashmir should stay informed about weather and road conditions, follow the advisories, and exercise caution to ensure their safety in the wake of the recent snowfall.

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