The newly constructed Atal Setu bridge in Mumbai, touted as India's longest sea bridge, has been under scrutiny as cracks have appeared on the approach road just six months after its opening. While opposition leaders accuse the government of corruption, authorities claim the cracks are minor and not structural. With repairs underway and political controversy brewing, questions arise about the quality of construction and maintenance of this engineering marvel.
Atal Setu: India's Longest Sea Bridge Under Controversy
Background:
The Atal Setu, formerly known as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, is a 5.6-kilometer-long cable-stayed bridge connecting Bandra in Mumbai to Worli in the city center. It was inaugurated in October 2018, becoming India's longest sea bridge.
Cracks and Controversy:
Just six months after its opening, cracks were discovered on the approach road to Atal Setu. Opposition leaders raised concerns about corruption, alleging that substandard materials were used during construction. However, authorities claimed the cracks were minor and did not affect the structural integrity of the bridge.
Ongoing Repairs and Political Debate:
Repairs were promptly initiated to address the cracks. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), responsible for the bridge's maintenance, has clarified that the cracks were due to shrinkage of the concrete used during construction.
Meanwhile, the issue has sparked a political debate, with various opposition parties and leaders questioning the quality of construction and demanding an independent investigation.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What caused the cracks on Atal Setu? A1: The cracks were attributed to shrinkage of the concrete used during construction.
Q2: Do the cracks pose a threat to the structural integrity of the bridge? A2: Authorities have stated that the cracks are minor and do not affect the bridge's structural integrity.
Q3: What is being done to address the cracks? A3: Repairs are underway to fill the cracks and reinforce the approach road.
Q4: Are there any concerns about the quality of construction? A4: Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the alleged use of substandard materials during construction. However, authorities have denied these allegations.
Q5: What is the future of Atal Setu? A5: The bridge is currently undergoing repairs and is expected to continue serving as a vital transportation link between Bandra and Worli. However, the political controversy surrounding its cracks may continue to raise questions about its maintenance and oversight.
As India's Test coach, Gautam Gambhir faces a crucial test in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, as his position could be at risk if the team fails to perform well. There have been reports that the BCCI is considering making a change in the coaching position if India disappoints once again. Gambhir has recently faced criticism for Team India's poor performance in Tests against New Zealand and there have been discussions about potential replacements, including VVS Laxman. These issues were discussed in a 6-hour long meeting between Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, the presence of disagreements between Gambhir and the team's think-tank raises concerns ahead of the crucial Test series.
With IBDF's current president, K Madhawan, departing after the merger of Disney Star and Viacom18, all eyes are on who will take his place. Industry experts are predicting JioStar, the powerhouse created by the merger of Disney Star and Reliance's media businesses, to be the obvious choice for leading the industry body. JioStar currently holds a dominant position in the industry and its representative taking over as IBDF president would not be a surprise.
Elon Musk's platform, formerly known as Twitter, surged in popularity on Apple's App store in India, claiming the top spots on both iPhone and iPad rankings. This growth occurred amidst heightened user engagement during the US presidential election, which Musk actively contributed to by posting updates and engaging with users. Despite controversies and policy shifts, Musk's vision for X as an "everything app" continues to attract a large user base, further supported by the introduction of premium features and a streamlined design.
In response to the high demand for holiday travel to Madagascar, Emirates has announced a fifth weekly flight on its Dubai – Antananarivo route. The additional frequency will run from December 13, 2024 to January 10, 2025 and will provide more capacity on the route, allowing for over 1,800 seats per week. This temporary increase in capacity, which will utilize Emirates' Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, will also boost connectivity to the Seychelles and other popular destinations in Emirates' network. With an ethnically diverse population, the increased capacity is expected to cater to the demand from travellers flying to countries such as Sri Lanka, France, and China.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has declared the results for the Probationary Officer (PO) preliminary examination held on October 19 and 20, 2024. Candidates can now check their results and download the scorecard from the official IBPS website. Those who qualify for the prelims will appear for the mains exam on November 30, 2024, and the final merit list will be based on the marks obtained in both exams.
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has reversed his decision to charge a Rs 20 lakh fee for the position of Chief of Staff after facing severe backlash on social media. In a recent update, he clarified that the fee was only a filter to find candidates who were passionate about a fast-track career. This is not the first time Goyal has backtracked on a controversial decision, as Zomato previously retracted a service for delivering only vegetarian food after public criticism.
Billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate, the Adani Group, is facing allegations of a $250 million bribery scheme involving solar energy contracts and Indian officials. This comes just after the group's recovery from accusations of stock manipulation and fraud by Hindenburg Research. The controversy surrounds a deal announced in June 2020, where Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) won a $6 billion "manufacturing-linked solar agreement" from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), expected to generate over $2 billion in profits and reduce carbon emissions. The company has emphasized the investment's alignment with India's Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and climate commitments.
Spright Agro, a leading player in the sector, has announced the launch of an expert investment program on Whatsapp to provide valuable and timely advice to industry players. This program aims to assist individuals and organizations in making wise investments and staying updated on the latest market trends. By partnering with Spright Agro for investment advice, players can stay ahead of the competition and achieve financial success in the sector.
On Sunday, KLE Society Chairman Prabhakar Kore inaugurated the Kore Prabhakar Sahukar Co-operative Credit Society at Ankali near Chikkodi in Belagavi district. During the event, Jagadguru Channasiddarama Panditaradhya Swamiji of Yadur and Srishaila Peetha urged leaders of cooperative societies to provide selfless service to society for the benefit of the economically and socially backward, farmers, and the poor. Other prominent figures, such as Rani Channamma Urban Bank chairperson Asha Kore and CB Kore Co-operative Sugar Factory president Mallikarjuna Kore, were also present at the event.
The Adani Group, a major Indian conglomerate, faced a devastating blow on Thursday as its stock prices plunged by as much as 20% following the indictment of its founder and chairman, Gautam Adani. Adani and seven other individuals were charged with paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials in order to secure lucrative solar energy contracts. The fallout from the scandal has also impacted other stocks in Adani's portfolio, including Adani Green Energy and Adani Total Gas. Stay updated on this developing story with Zee Business's comprehensive coverage on various platforms.