Anand Vihar Station Unveils State-of-the-Art EV Charging Hub

New Delhi is taking a significant step toward cleaner, greener transportation with the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Anand Vihar Namo Bharat Station. Designed to accommodate up to 10 vehicles charging simultaneously, the hub addresses one of the growing concerns of EV owners – accessibility and convenience.

The initiative is part of the city’s broader push toward sustainable mobility. Officials highlighted that the hub not only supports the rising number of electric vehicles but also contributes to reducing urban pollution, offering commuters a practical, eco-friendly alternative for daily travel.

With India’s EV market expanding rapidly, infrastructure like the Anand Vihar charging hub is expected to play a crucial role in encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles. For residents and commuters, this hub provides a glimpse into a future where electric mobility is both efficient and widely accessible.

Rini Sampath Becomes First South Asian Candidate on DC Mayoral Ballot

Washington, D.C. – Rini Sampath, originally from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian candidate to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for Mayor of Washington, D.C.

The 31-year-old government contractor moved to the United States at the age of seven and has been a resident of Washington, D.C. for over a decade. Sampath’s campaign focuses on improving city services under the theme “Fix the Basics”.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t owe any special interest groups,” Sampath said. “It’s time for an outsider focused on making our city work better for everyone.”

Washington, D.C. is largely dominated by the Democratic Party and has never elected a Republican mayor since the position became an elected office in 1975. The city is currently administered by an elected mayor and a 13-member District Council.

Sampath’s historic candidacy marks a milestone for South Asian representation in local politics and highlights the growing participation of diverse communities in Washington, D.C.’s governance.

Delhi-NCR Shaken by Moderate Earthquake

Late Friday night, a moderate earthquake shook Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, sending residents rushing out of their homes and offices in alarm. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far.

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar confirmed that the quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. It struck at 9:42 pm IST, with its epicenter in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.

Tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and surrounding regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Many residents reported sudden jolts while sitting, along with swaying furniture and hanging objects. Although the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to be clearly felt indoors.

In residential neighborhoods, people stepped out as a safety precaution, while office workers temporarily evacuated buildings. Crowds gathered in open spaces, awaiting updates from authorities.

Delhi-NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk area for earthquakes. Even moderate tremors from distant epicenters can be strongly felt, often triggering swift public response.

Social media quickly filled with accounts of the tremors, with residents describing the experience as sudden and unsettling. Many noted shaking of ceiling fans, furniture, and other household items, while some felt vibrations even while lying down.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised residents to stay calm, follow safety guidelines, and remain alert for potential aftershocks.

Puri Railway Station Upgrades Completed Ahead of Rath Yatra, ECoR Records Strong Freight Growth

April 4: Renovation work at Puri Railway Station is expected to be completed ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatraath festiva, ensuring improved facilities for thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple town.

East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager Parameswar Funkwal confirmed that the main station building is complete, with platform upgrades and boundary works underway. These improvements aim to offer a comfortable and efficient experience for visitors during the busy festival season.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Infrastructure development across Odisha is progressing rapidly. The Khurda Road–Bolangir railway line is expected to be operational by December 2026, with all seven tunnels completed and major bridge work in its final stage. Other key projects, including the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station, are also advancing steadily.

ECoR continues to excel in freight operations. In the 2025–26 financial year, it handled 544.82 million tonnes of cargo, generating over ₹32,700 crore in revenue, with ₹29,456 crore from freight alone. For the seventh consecutive year, the zone crossed 200 million tonnes of freight loading, achieving a record 286.26 million tonnes this year, while freight unloading also increased to 258.56 million tonnes.

With these upgrades and strong operational performance, East Coast Railway is well-prepared to manage the rising demand for both passenger and freight services efficiently.

IRCTC Launches Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour to Boost Pilgrimage Travel

New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a special “Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour” aimed at strengthening cultural and religious connections between India and Nepal.

The tour will run for 10 days and 9 nights, starting from April 21, 2026. It will be operated through the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, offering यात्रियों a comfortable and organised pilgrimage experience.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The journey begins in Delhi and will cover major destinations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Janakpur, Kathmandu, and Pokhara before returning to Delhi. Passengers can also board or deboard at several stations along the route such as Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

The itinerary includes visits to prominent religious sites such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, the Ram–Janaki Temple in Janakpur, and Pashupatinath Temple, along with Boudhanath Stupa. Key attractions in Pokhara are also part of the tour.

The package includes AC train travel, hotel accommodation (3-star or similar), meals, local transport, guides, and travel insurance. Around 150 seats are available across different AC classes.

Ticket prices range from ₹73,000 to ₹1,03,000 depending on the class. The cost already includes a subsidy under the Bharat Gaurav scheme.

This initiative is expected to make pilgrimage travel easier and more accessible while promoting shared cultural heritage between the two neighbouring countries.