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Anticipation is steadily building for the Union Budget of 2024, which President Murmu has hinted could be “historic”. Stakeholders are optimistic about policies aimed at enhancing domestic production and fostering economic growth. Consumers, on the other hand, eagerly await the potential benefits coming their way—including ones from the upcoming <keyword id="12026484" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Railway-budget" source="Orion">Railway budget</keyword>. According to reports thus far, the Union Budget of 2024 is expected to place a significant emphasis on the Railway industry—one of the three cores of the Indian economy. This time, there is a strong expectation that the Railway budget will address various consumer-centric issues, including travel safety and overall experience quality. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget on July 23, here are some key expectations for the Railway industry: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Highest-ever allocation for Indian Railways budget" comment="subhead" text="Highest-ever allocation for Indian Railways budget">Highest-ever allocation for <keyword id="6355455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Railways" source="Orion">Indian Railways</keyword> budget</cmsannotation> <keyword id="15478236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="Orion">Budget 2024</keyword> is anticipated to heavily focus on several aspects of the railway sector. In the interim budget of 2024, the <keyword id="19905911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Railways" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Railways" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Railways">Ministry of Railways</keyword> was allocated Rs 2.55 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. However, the upcoming budget is expected to increase this allocation significantly, ET NOW reports. It could potentially reach Rs 3 lakh crore, marking the highest-ever allocation for this sector. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity" comment="subhead" text="Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity">Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity</cmsannotation> During the Lok Sabha elections, the <keyword id="6360676" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="railways" source="Orion">railways</keyword> ministry faced significant criticism for various safety incidents and overcrowding in general coaches. To address these issues, the ministry is expected to allocate substantial funds to prevent operational mishaps, expand rail capacity and reduce congestion, the Business Standard reports. The government is expected to focus on the implementation of Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection System. Experts welcome the government’s emphasis on safety upgrades, particularly the network-wide implementation of train protection systems and the mechanisation of maintenance operations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality" comment="subhead" text="Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality">Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality</cmsannotation> The budget is also anticipated to focus on improving facilities for passengers, modernising amenities and enhancing the overall quality of railway travel, as per Goodreturns. Capital expenditure will likely be directed towards upgrading coaches, with an initial plan to upgrade 40,000 bogies, and improving sanitation facilities. Passenger comfort and safety will continue to be priorities as the public increasingly values comfort over cost. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Possible reinstatement of Senior Citizen Railway Concession" comment="subhead" text="Possible reinstatement of Senior Citizen Railway Concession">Possible reinstatement of <keyword id="22455972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Senior-Citizen-Railway-Concession" source="keywords">Senior Citizen Railway Concession</keyword></cmsannotation> There is growing anticipation about the potential reinstatement of the Senior Citizen Railway Concession during Budget 2024, according to Business Today. This move is seen as particularly significant ahead of the upcoming general elections later this year. In March 2020, the Indian Railways discontinued discounts on train fares for senior citizens and women, requiring them to pay full fares like other passengers. Previously, the Senior Citizen Railway Concession was available for all classes of mail and express trains. Reports and RTI inquiries have revealed that the withdrawal of these concessions led to significant additional revenue for the Railways. During the suspension period, the Indian Railways accrued Rs 5,062 crore from eight crore senior citizens, with Rs 2,242 crore resulting from the absence of concessions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Prioritising infrastructure spending" comment="subhead" text="Prioritising infrastructure spending">Prioritising infrastructure spending</cmsannotation> The <keyword id="19935166" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024" source="keywords">Union Budget 2024</keyword> is expected to prioritise infrastructure spending, the Goodreturns report adds. The focus is likely to be on rapid development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. Capital funds are likely to be allocated for expanding the metro network, NaMo Bharat corridors, Vande Bharat trains, high-speed corridors and economic corridors. Plans also include developing a high-speed rail network like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route and allocating funds towards the Rapid Rail Transport System.

Union Budget 2024 for Railways: Expectations focused on improving passenger safety, experience, infrastructure

The latest findings from the <keyword id="20000858" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-safety" source="keywords">Food Safety</keyword> and Standards Authority of India (<keyword id="20225209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FSSAI" source="keywords">FSSAI</keyword>) have raised serious health concerns regarding <keyword id="20410656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bakery-items" source="keywords">bakery items</keyword> sold in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. FSSAI’s recent tests on 235 cake samples across the state revealed that 12 of these samples contained harmful, cancer-causing ingredients. The bakery items in question included popular varieties like red velvet, black forest, and pineapple cakes. <keyword id="21583421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-colours" source="keywords">Artificial colours</keyword> such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine were found in the cakes at levels that exceed permissible limits. These <keyword id="23428063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="synthetic-dyes" source="keywords">synthetic dyes</keyword> are commonly used to give cakes an intense, attractive appearance, especially in varieties like red velvet. However, these colours are not without risks. According to studies, prolonged exposure to such chemicals, even at low levels, can increase the risk of cancer. They are also known to cause other health issues such as allergies, asthma, and hyperactivity in children. Allura Red, one of the key culprits identified, has been banned in some countries due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Studies conducted on animals have shown that high doses of this dye can lead to the development of tumours. In addition, other food dyes like Ponceau 4R and Sunset Yellow FCF are suspected of containing contaminants such as benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl, both of which have been linked to cancer. <h2>Impact on public health</h2>The presence of these hazardous chemicals in commonly consumed bakery items is particularly concerning given the long-term <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> associated with synthetic dyes. Children and young adults, who often consume colourful cakes at parties and celebrations, are especially vulnerable. Health practitioner have also highlighted that these chemicals could contribute to respiratory problems and potentially lead to cancer over time. Therefore, consumers must be cautious when purchasing visually striking baked goods, as they may contain harmful ingredients. The FSSAI has taken swift action by issuing warnings to the bakeries involved and reminding all food outlets to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised that strict action will be taken against businesses that continue to violate food safety standards. Non-compliance with the <keyword id="21256704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-regulations" source="keywords">food regulations</keyword> could lead to legal penalties, including the closure of bakeries found using harmful additives. The FSSAI’s crackdown follows a series of inspections targeting food safety across Karnataka. The department has also previously banned the use of artificial colours in popular street foods like gobi manchurian and kebabs, and it continues to conduct regular inspections of food outlets across the state. Recent enforcement activities have also included tests on paneer, khova, and other food products sold in hotels, tourist spots, and railway stations. <h2>Alternatives to synthetic dyes</h2>In light of these findings, consumers are urged to opt for bakery products made with <keyword id="23428065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-colourants" source="keywords">natural colourants</keyword>, which are safer and free from harmful chemicals. Many bakers in Karnataka are already shifting towards the use of permitted natural colours derived from fruits and vegetables, which pose no risk to health. However, there remains a significant number of bakeries that use artificial dyes to enhance the visual appeal of their products. For consumers, being informed about the ingredients in the foods they purchase is crucial. While brightly coloured cakes may seem appealing, the potential health hazards they carry cannot be overlooked. Health experts recommend asking bakery owners about the types of colourants used and checking for FSSAI compliance labels before making a purchase. (With inputs from agencies)

Cancer-causing dyes have been detected in popular bakery items in Bengaluru — here’s which items you might need to avoid

<keyword id="20018917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Capital-expenditure" source="keywords">Capital expenditure</keyword> on the <keyword id="19914937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Railways" source="keywords">Railways</keyword> has increased by 77 per cent over the past five years with significant investments in the construction of <keyword id="22505706" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-lines" source="keywords">new lines</keyword>, <keyword id="20375816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gauge-conversion" source="keywords">gauge conversion</keyword> and doubling, the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 said on Monday. According to the survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>, in the financial year 2019-2020, the capital expenditure was 1.48 lakh crore which was increased to ₹2.62 lakh crore in 2023-24. "<keyword id="19909154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Railways" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Railways" meta.hostid="346" meta.entityid="Indian Railways">Indian Railways</keyword>, with over 68,584 route km (as of March 31, 2024) and 12.54 lakh employees (as of April 1, 2024), is the fourth largest network in the world under single management," the survey said. Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Railway Ministry for the enhancement of operations and services, the survey mentioned Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project and Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) with the progress made in these respective <keyword id="19900581" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="projects" source="keywords">projects</keyword>. According to the survey, Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched in August 2023 for development of stations on a continuous basis, involves preparation of master plans and its phased implementation to improve amenities, building improvements, multimodal integration, and sustainability. It said that 1,324 stations have been identified for upgradation so far. Talking about another initiative, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, the survey said that under this 508-km project, executed with cooperation from the government of Japan, land acquisition and civil conduct award have been completed. "Overall physical progress of 41.7 per cent has been achieved and financial expenditure of ₹59,291 crore was incurred until 31st March, 2024," the survey said. "Two DFCs are under implementation namely the eastern DFC with route length of 1,337 kilometre and the western DFC with route length of 1,506 kilometre," it added. It further stated that by the end of FY24, 96.1 per cent of the total DFC route length has been completed. Highlighting other major achievements, the survey said that the Railways achieved its highest-ever production for both locomotives and wagons in FY24. "Fifty one pairs of <keyword id="19922877" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vande-bharat" source="keywords">Vande Bharat</keyword> have been introduced until March 2024. The fast pace of infrastructure augmentation has been the result of a substantial increase in financial allocation along with close project monitoring and regular follow-up with stakeholders for expeditious land acquisition and clearances," the survey said. It added, "High-speed, long-distance Vande sleeper trainset coaches having features like quick acceleration, diffused lighting, automatic doors and global positioning system-based passenger information system are under development." According to the survey, the Railways is also planning to introduce Vande metro trainset coaches with features such as sealed wider gangways, centrally controlled automatic sliding doors, CCTVs for safety and surveillance, route map indicator, passenger information and infotainment system, fire detection system and aerosol-based fire suppression system. "The first lot is expected to be turned out in FY25," it said. "Railways has taken several initiatives for providing a clean environment in and around railway stations and trains, such as replacement of conventional toilets with bio-toilets on coaches leading to clean tracks, segregation of bio-degradable/non bio-degradable waste, solid waste management and discouraging use of single use plastic," the survey added.

Capital expenditure on Railways increased by 77% over 5 years: Economic Survey

Human activities and their urban expansion are increasingly intruding upon wildlife habitats. This has forced animals into dangerous proximity with human infrastructure, resulting in a tragic surge of accidental deaths among animal populations. The situation is no different in Tamil Nadu, which has been grappling with the issue of <keyword id="21240191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elephant-deaths" source="keywords">elephant deaths</keyword> on and near its railway tracks. The southern state has recorded at least 36 fatalities from train collisions over the past decade. In response to this pressing issue, the state's high court mandated collaborative efforts between the forest department and railways to curb these incidents. To address this issue, Tamil Nadu has now sought help from the phenomenon that promises to change the world as we know it: <keyword id="19904566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="keywords">artificial intelligence</keyword> (<keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI" source="Orion">AI</keyword>). Installing 12 towers equipped with advanced <keyword id="7885611" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-cameras" source="Orion">AI cameras</keyword> along two key rail tracks near Madukkarai, the state forest department aims to detect and prevent elephant-train collisions, particularly along routes intersecting the elephants' migratory paths. Each tower is outfitted with AI cameras capable of thermal and visible light imaging, comparable to those deployed by the Indian Army along the nation's borders. These cameras are programmed to detect elephants and humans near railway lines. When elephants are spotted within 100 feet of the tracks, alerts are swiftly relayed to forest and railway authorities, enabling them to mitigate risks by slowing down trains and guiding the animals away from harm's way. The project has been executed at a cost of ₹7.2 crore since its launch in February this year, Supriya Sahu, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, told the BBC. But the AI-based surveillance system has proved its worth by demonstrating promising results, detecting nearly 400 instances of elephants approaching railway tracks and facilitating timely interventions to prevent potential accidents. This proactive approach marks a significant improvement over traditional methods, such as regular patrols by forest personnel, which often proved inadequate in ensuring elephant safety. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, Tamil Nadu plans to expand the AI-based system to five additional vulnerable areas across the state, including Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Hosur and Gudalur. This strategic expansion underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding wildlife and mitigating <keyword id="20694291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-wildlife-conflicts" source="keywords">human-wildlife conflicts</keyword> through innovative technological solutions. Moreover, Tamil Nadu's adoption of AI technology reflects a broader trend in India, where initiatives like the Gajraj project — spearheaded by the federal railway ministry — aim to protect wildlife in elephant corridors across multiple states. By leveraging AI-based surveillance systems to monitor animal movements near railway tracks, these initiatives strive to prevent accidents and foster better coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Tamil Nadu is using army-grade AI surveillance to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, and it’s working!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sens. JD Vance and John Fetterman, populists from different parties, worked together on a rail safety bill.</li><li>Fetterman accused Vance of "silly performance art" over his doomed effort to ban mask mandates.</li></ul>Two of the Senate's most prominent self-styled populists — each from different parties — are at loggerheads amid the stalled railway safety bill they drafted together.During a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fetterman-biden-impeachment-circlejerk-fringe-right-hunter-biden-fetish-2023-9">sit-down with reporters</a> in Sen. John Fetterman's office on Wednesday, Insider asked the Pennsylvania Democrat about his experience working with Sen. JD Vance, a Republican from the neighboring state of Ohio.The duo, among others, are the prime co-sponsors of the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/576" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Railway Safety Act</a>, a bill to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vance-hawley-rubio-statements-voters-rail-disasters-east-palestine-ohio-2023-3">improve safety protocols for trains carrying hazardous materials.</a> The senators introduced the bill together following a <a href="https://www.insider.com/ohio-train-derailment-chemicals-vinyl-chloride-benzene-2023-2?_gl=1*15zxql6*_ga*MTQ5MzU1MzU2NS4xNjcyMzM4MjM4*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTY5NDAzNzExMi45MDguMS4xNjk0MDM3NDI3LjI5LjAuMA..">disastrous train derailment in East Palestine</a>, Ohio, in February, where potentially toxic chemicals were released into the atmosphere and the local groundwater. The bill <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/14/republicans-senate-east-palestine-railway-00106231">has been stalled</a> since it passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee in May.After indicating that the rail bill may be just one vote away from getting the necessary 60 votes to pass the Senate, Fetterman laced into Vance for his effort to ban mask mandates, which he's pursuing this week.Fetterman said it was "frustrating" that Vance was "fixating" on "silly performance art" with his <a href="https://www.vance.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-vance-to-force-floor-consideration-of-bill-to-ban-federal-mask-mandates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Freedom to Breathe Act</a>, a bill to prevent the federal government from instituting mask mandates on public transportation, airplanes, or public schools until the end of 2024."You know, 'breathe free' or whatever it's called," Fetterman mockingly said, adding that Vance needed to be "focusing on getting this finished and taken care of," referring to the rail bill.Vance plans to seek unanimous consent for the passage of the mask bill on Thursday — a procedural move that allows any senator to secure the immediate passage of a bill without a full chamber vote, unless someone rises to object. Senators of both parties typically use the procedure either to make a political point or to pass bills that are non-controversial.Fetterman argued that Vance "wants to put up an act that's going to go nowhere" instead of being "worried about something that really can be transformative for rail safety."Asked about Fetterman's comments, Vance defended himself."I think it's an important issue, and I care about it, and he's free to disagree," said Vance. "There are a lot of things that happen in this building, and there are a lot of issues that we care about, most of which John and I are going to come down on opposite sides of.""We've been working the railway bill really hard," Vance continued. "We're also gonna have to work other things hard as well because there are a lot of issues that the people who elected me care about."Vance added that he's had "pretty minimal" day-to-day interactions with Fetterman as they've worked to build support for the bill."Most of my work on the railway bill has been persuading Republican colleagues to sign on to the bill," said Vance. "Obviously, we talked a lot when we were cutting the initial draft of the bill, and we've been doing separate things to try to get it over the hill."Vance also pushed back on the idea that his effort was performative — even though the return of mask mandates amid a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases has been limited to a scattered set of jurisdictions and organizations across the country.Though the senator from Ohio said he expects a senator to object to his bill tomorrow, he initially thought there was a "chance that it would actually sail through.""The whole argument here is that nobody is trying to reimpose mask mandates on the country," said Vance. "Well, if that's true, why can't we just get this thing through easily?"Fetterman, speaking about COVID-19 in his office earlier, agreed that the return of masking was unlikely."It's bizarre," he said of Vance's effort. "No one is trying to force masks back on."

John Fetterman says JD Vance is more focused on 'silly performance art' than trying to pass the railway safety bill they've introduced together

New Delhi, Prime Minister <keyword id="19962578" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shri-narendra-modi" source="keywords">Shri Narendra Modi</keyword> will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation around 2,000 railway infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 41,000 crore on Monday. The event will be held at 12:30 p.m. via video conferencing. In a post on X, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pm-modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> said, "Today is a historic day for our Railways! At 12:30 PM, 2000 railway infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 41,000 crores will be dedicated to the nation. "In order to enhance the travel experience, 553 stations will be redeveloped under the <keyword id="20270535" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amrit-bharat-station-scheme" source="keywords">Amrit Bharat Station Scheme</keyword>. The foundation stones for these stations would be laid. Overbridges and underpasses across India will also be inaugurated. "These works will further 'Ease of Living' for the people." In a major step to provide world class amenities at railway stations, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for redevelopment of 553 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations, spread across 27 states and Union Territories, will be redeveloped at a cost of over Rs 19,000 crore. These stations will act as 'City Centres' integrating both sides of the city. They will have modern passenger amenities like roof plaza, beautiful landscaping, inter modal connectivity, improved modern facade, kids play area, kiosks, food courts, etc. They will be redeveloped as environment friendly and also <keyword id="20109552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="divyang" source="keywords">Divyang</keyword> friendly. The design of these station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. Further, the Prime Minister will inaugurate <keyword id="20727159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gomti-nagar" source="keywords">Gomti Nagar</keyword> station in Uttar Pradesh which has been redeveloped at a total cost of around Rs 385 crore. To cater to the increased future passenger footfall, this station has segregated arrival and departure facilities. It integrates both sides of the city. This centrally air-conditioned station has modern passenger amenities like Air Concourse, congestion free circulation, food courts and ample parking space in upper and lower basement. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses. These Road Over Bridges and Underpasses spread across 24 states and Union Territories, the total cost of these projects is around Rs 21,520 crore. These projects will reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, improve capacity, and efficiency of rail travel.

PM Modi to launch 2,000 railway infra projects worth over ₹41,000 cr

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Japan is still coping with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake earlier this month.</li><li>With its history of natural disasters, Japan is one of the countries best prepared for emergencies.</li></ul>Japan's Noto Peninsula is reeling from its most powerful earthquake in a century, but the death toll is remarkably low.The 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the peninsula in central Japan on January 1, violently rattling buildings, triggering landslides, starting fires, and even forcing land upward to create new beaches on the coast.Such quakes can be incomprehensibly deadly. When a pair of tremors of similar magnitude <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-disaster-of-the-century-2023-2">hit Turkey and Syria</a> last year, the disaster resulted in at least 56,000 deaths. In 2010 in Haiti, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-haiti-gets-earthquakes-tectonic-plates-2021-8">7.0 earthquake</a> and its aftershocks killed up to 300,000 people. In 2005, a 7.6 quake killed at least 79,000 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/massive-earthquake-strikes-afghanistan-2015-10">in Pakistan</a>.As of Friday, however, the death toll from Japan's latest temblor was 94 people, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-accept-earthquake-relief-us-only-nikkei-2024-01-05/">Reuters</a> reported.It's no coincidence. Just look at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-damage-of-japans-2011-disaster-2016-3">mega-disaster Japan experienced</a> in 2011, much bigger than this latest quake. That March, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-special-report-tsunami-evacuees-caught-in-30-billion-money-trap-2014-10">triggered a tsunami</a> and a nuclear power-plant meltdown.While over 18,000 people died, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/03/11/learning-from-megadisasters-a-decade-of-lessons-from-the-great-east-japan-earthquake-drmhubtokyo">World Bank</a> noted that Japan's history of preparedness helped many evacuate and likely saved lives.The situation on the Noto Peninsula is dire, to be sure. The January 1 quake may have been the strongest one felt in the region in over 100 years, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=78c307dc166559a9feb42cd4ed0c915313e37c21a03e940f84ae266fbd02e1d3&amp;postID=6597228fa62cdd3ed8f380bd&amp;postSlug=japan-earthquake-safety-disaster-preparedness-2024-1&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fd41586-024-00010-1">Nature</a>. Over 200 people are unaccounted for and 30 villages remain inaccessible, while the rubble-ridden Wajima city is short of food and water for roughly 11,000 evacuees sheltering there, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-quake-death-toll-rises-73-search-survivors-enters-fourth-day-2024-01-04/">Reuters reported</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/earthquake-osaka-japan-2018-6">Japan's quake resilience</a> isn't perfect, but experts say the nation is doing some things right: investing in infrastructure, enforcing strict building codes, and training its citizenry."Japan has lessons that they can give to everyone," Daniel Aldrich, a professor of political science and public policy at Northeastern University who studies disasters and civil society, told Business Insider.<h2>Japan invests in its buildings</h2>Japan sits on four tectonic plates, making it an extremely <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-magnitude-66-earthquake-hits-northern-japan-near-major-city-2018-9">seismically active country</a>. The plates' constant grinding can cause 1,500 earthquakes a year. As a result, Japan has been honing its earthquake preparedness for many decades.After a series of natural disasters following World War II, Japan enacted the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act in 1961, which increased its investment and planning around earthquakes and floods.Japan now has some of the strictest building codes of any country in the world, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/world/asia/12codes.html">The New York Times</a> reported after the 2011 earthquake. Through decades of studying how the country's temblors affect its buildings, Japanese engineers have homed in on quake-resilient construction.Japan designs new buildings to rock side to side with an earthquake's movement, rather than staying still and letting that movement stress the structure.In tall buildings, giant pads made of rubber and steel help absorb some of the shaking from earthquakes, as do hydraulic shock absorbers. Many older structures were retrofitted to withstand disasters better.However, sometimes surviving the quake itself isn't enough. For example, BBC News reported that many older wooden structures in Wajima went up in flames after a fire broke out following the 2024 earthquake.Of course, Japan's wealth gives it an advantage over other quake-stricken countries. However, some of its seismic safety is more about mindset than money.<h2>Japan maintains a culture of emergency preparedness</h2>September 1 is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan. Officials designated the day in 1960 to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/disneyland-tokyo-eeyore-performer-stays-character-during-earthquake-warning-2024-1">prepare citizens for emergencies</a>.When he lived in Japan, Aldrich said he and his neighbors ran comprehensive drills for the day each year, practicing tourniquets, slings for broken arms, and how to spray house fires with a hose."Wherever you are in Japan, everyone has those drills," including children, Aldrich said. The government constantly communicates their importance," Aldrich said, adding, "Are you ready? What have you done? Do you know your neighbors? Can you help in a disaster? What skills can you bring?"<div type="image" title="Visitors crouch under a pink structure as an earthquake hit the region at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka in 2024" height="1500" width="2181" msid="106584886" hostid="261" sizebytes="449920"></div>Students participate in earthquake drills, and the government conducts simulations to test its readiness. The government also recommends people keep an emergency kit ready at all times.That's crucial to survival because affected regions can be cut off from emergency services for days after a disaster, just as much of the Noto Peninsula is now.In those cases, Aldrich said, your neighbors are your first responders. In over a decade of researching disasters, he's found that social relationships are a major predictor of survival. He said that community earthquake drills teach people what to do and help them trust their neighbors.In 2007, the Japan Meteorological Society launched its "Earthquake Early Warning System" (EEWS). The J-Alert system can also broadcast to TVs, radios, and cellphones.Tokyo even has a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/02/japan-vending-machines-to-automatically-offer-free-food-if-earthquake-hits">radio-equipped vending machine</a> that sounds an alarm to park-goers.<div type="image" title="Workers stand on a road where a car is stuck on a broken road after an earthquake in Japan" height="1500" width="2000" msid="106584887" hostid="261" sizebytes="286896"></div>Warnings come through a few seconds to a few minutes before the quake hits, giving people some time to get to a safer location. They're also crucial for rail travel. Japan Railways trains automatically halt when the earthquake detection system kicks in.In 2022, a bullet train derailed after a 7.4-magnitude quake, but none of the 78 passengers and crew were seriously injured, <a target="_blank" href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/f2bf62a8bb81-quake-hit-bullet-train-services-to-fully-resume-around-april-20.html">Kyodo News</a> reported. The train slowed significantly from its typical speed of up to 186 miles per hour, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/03/18/national/tohoku-train-derailment-shinkansen/">The Japan Times</a>.<h2>Japan installs resilient infrastructure</h2>Much like its buildings, Japan has the experience and the money to fortify its infrastructure against earthquakes.During that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/japanese-economic-disaster-impact-2011-3">2011 disaster</a>, rapid response teams were able to quickly repair roads to help move supplies and assistance to affected areas. In one case, a torn-apart road took only six days to fix, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/24/japan-disaster-reconstruction-road-recovery">The Guardian</a> reported.<div type="image" title="Japan earthquake" height="1286" width="1715" msid="106584890" hostid="261" sizebytes="133282"></div>A 2021 World Bank report said the country learned several lessons from the 2011 disasters, from improving water supply infrastructure to fortifying backups to the undersea cables that power the internet.Aldrich said the biggest lesson was in revamping nuclear plant safety regulations.After the 2011 Fukushima meltdown, Japan was slow to restart using nuclear power. The Japan Times reported that 10 of its 33 reactors are in operation after being shut down over a decade ago.Experts are also concerned about the possibility of a very large "megaquake" occurring sometime in the next four decades, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/02/japan-vending-machines-to-automatically-offer-free-food-if-earthquake-hits">The Guardian</a>. In 2020 a Japanese government panel <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thesun.ie/news/5352026/japan-predicts-mega-earthquake-100ft-tsunami-obliterate-fukushima-plant/">warned</a> that another large tsunami could inundate the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/japan-release-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-radioactive-wastewater-treated-safe-2023-8">Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant</a> at any time.<h2>The double disaster of a tsunami</h2><div type="image" title="A massive tsunami wave rushing over trees and houses in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan in 2011" height="1500" width="2351" msid="106584891" hostid="261" sizebytes="643428"></div>One of the reasons an earthquake in Japan can be so dangerous is the possibility of tsunamis.During the 1980s and '90s, Japan constructed seawalls to hold back gigantic waves. But in 2011, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2011/07/05/137611026/what-went-wrong-in-fukushima-the-human-factor">40-foot tsunami</a> rushed over the 19-foot seawall at the Fukushima plant. The plant suffered a meltdown as a result.Despite a long history of disasters, the country wasn't fully prepared for the tsunami that developed following the 2011 earthquake, according to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420912000027">2012 report</a>.In some areas, buoys outfitted with sensors monitor for tsunamis. As with earthquake alerts, the Japan Meteorological Agency uses TV, radio, and mobile phones to distribute the warnings. Sirens also sound, often giving people several minutes of warning that a wave may strike.In contrast, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit a number of islands with no formal warning system and resulted in over 200,000 deaths, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/2004tsu_max">NOAA</a>.According to the World Bank, historical knowledge may have helped save lives during Japan's 2011 tsunami. Some survivors knew how far waters could encroach due to stone markers residents had placed after earlier tsunamis. Some of the monuments are hundreds of years old.

Japan takes earthquake safety seriously. Here's how its culture of preparedness keeps so many people alive.

<keyword id="4291462" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="central-railway-zone" source="Orion">Central Railway Zone</keyword> under <keyword id="6355455" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="indian-railways" source="Orion">Indian Railways</keyword> has recruited 12,050 youths as part of the centre's '<keyword id="1463752" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rozgar-mela" source="Orion">Rozgar Mela</keyword>' initiative. Out of those recruited in six such job fairs over the past eight months, more than 9,000 posts were filled in the essential safety category. The new recruits, selected from across the country, have joined various positions -- track maintainer, pointsmen, signalling department assistants, mechanical department assistants for coach/wagon examinations, OHE department maintainer, assistant loco pilot, assistant station master, train guards, junior engineer, technicians, constable, draughtsmen, and nurses. The Rozgar Mela is a step towards the fulfillment of the commitment of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> to accord the highest priority to employment generation. <keyword id="2238662" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pm-modi" source="Orion">PM Modi</keyword>, on October 22, last year, launched the first phase of the 'Rozgar Mela', marking the beginning of the campaign to provide 10 lakh government jobs. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/stock-markets-focus-today-on-hal-kotak-bank-tata-power-and-tata-steel/articleshow/100865514.cms">Stock markets trade flat in early trade: HAL, Kotak Bank in focus</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/edtechs-at-a-crossroad-as-they-fight-ai-and-offline-competition/articleshow/100866104.cms">Learning curve: Edtechs at a crossroad</a>

Railway jobs: 12,000 recruited under 'Rozgar Mela' initiative

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A railway worker was dismissed after he tested positive for cocaine in a routine drug test. </li><li>He had been drinking a herbal tea he bought from a market, which he later found contained cocaine.</li></ul>A British railway worker fired for a positive drug test was unfairly dismissed, a tribunal ruled, after he argued that he had drunk herbal tea infused with cocaine. Paul Glenholmes, a safety technician for Network Rail since July 2014, was dismissed in 2020 after a routine drug test found traces of cocaine in his system, according to claims brought by Glenholmes to the <a target="_blank" href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/654e262d6a650f000dbf47e3/Mr_P_Glenholmes_v_Network_Rail_Infrastructure_Limited_2602425.2022_Judgement.pdf">Midlands East Tribunal</a>. Glenholmes had been prescribed medication for a disability which caused him indigestion, and he was taking an over the counter medicine to resolve the issue. On September 6, 2020, he bought Inca Tea at a market which didn't list any of the ingredients. According to the tribunal, he said it immediately worked to relieve his indigestion. Inca Tea, also known as mate tea or coca tea, is a South American herbal tea, which contains the same active ingredient as cocaine. Glenholmes continued to take the product from that point forward, and claimed not to be aware of what was in it. On 24 September, he had to take a standard drug and alcohol screening test, after being given eight weeks notice. The results showed that Glenholmes tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine found in urine.He was then suspended on September 30 after which an investigation commenced. Glenholmes provided a personal statement for the investigation in which he said he believed the failed test was due to his ingestion of "Inca Tea" which didn't have an ingredients list. After researching the product, he told the tribunal that he came to realize it contained cocaine."Having the information and research which I now know, I would not have in good conscience bought the product or consumed it," he said in the statement. Glenholmes was then unable to attend a disciplinary hearing on November 20, 2020 with Network Rail citing "stress at work," and ill-health. He also said there was a lack of "due diligence," by managers during the investigation. The tribunal judge ruled that the procedural errors during the investigation meant the dismissal was unfair, but that Glenholmes would not receive any compensation because he was "wholly blameworthy" for the incident. "I am in no doubt that the claimant was entirely to blame for his dismissal. He deliberately drank tea from South America without knowing, and not researching prior to drinking it, what it contained. He further failed to consider finding out what it contained notwithstanding that it was at least as effective as the over the counter medication he had replaced with the tea."Business Insider reached out to the Midland East Tribunal and Network Rail for comment but did not immediately hear back.

A railway worker was unfairly fired after accidentally drinking tea with cocaine in it, but won't get any compensation, a tribunal ruled 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An NTSB official slammed those politicizing the toxic train derailment in Ohio.</li><li>"Enough with the politics on this," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters on Thursday.</li></ul>A National Transportation Safety Board official on Thursday slammed those who have been politicizing the <a href="https://www.insider.com/ohio-train-derailment-could-cause-explosion-east-palestine-authorities-warn-2023-2">toxic freight train derailment in Ohio</a>. "Enough with the politics on this. Enough with the politics," impassioned NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters during a press conference after the federal government agency released its preliminary report on the incident in East Palestine, Ohio.Homendy, who was asked about <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-donates-trump-branded-water-to-east-palestine-2023-2">former President Donald Trump's recent visit</a> to the crash site, continued, "I don't understand why this has gotten so political. This is a community that is suffering. This is not about politics.""What I care about is caring for [the community]. What I care about is figuring out how this happened and what I care about and what the NTSB cares about is getting to what would prevent this from reoccurring," Homendy said. "Safety is the only thing we care about," the official said, adding, "Politics is left at the door."A Norfolk Southern Railway train hauling hazardous substances derailed on February 3 in the small Ohio village near the Pennsylvania border, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mini-chernobyl-lite-ohio-train-derailment-toxic-cloud-norfolk-southern-2023-2">spewing dangerous chemicals</a>, sparking a massive fire and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents. In the aftermath of the wreck, some GOP lawmakers criticized the Biden administration's handling of the incident. Trump — who is running to reclaim the White House in 2024 and was among those taking aim at the Biden administration — visited the site of the crash on Wednesday. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg went to the derailment site on Thursday. The train derailment has devolved into a political frenzy with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/buttigieg-capito-republican-frustration-transportation-train-derailment-capitol-hill-2023-2">Republicans bashing Buttigieg for not visiting the crash site sooner</a>. Meanwhile, Homendy on Thursday called the derailment of 38 train cars "100% preventable.""We call things accidents. There is no accident," Homendy said, explaining, "Every single event we investigate is preventable."According to the NTSB's preliminary report, a wheel bearing on the train overheated to 253 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperatures just before the derailment. "Surveillance video from a local residence showed what appeared to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment," the report says. "The wheel bearing and affected wheelset have been collected as evidence and will be examined by the NTSB."

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