UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 07th April 2025
Inauguration of India-Aided Railway in Sri Lanka and New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu
Why in News?
On the occasion of Ram Navami 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly inaugurated two key railway infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka
Key Infrastructure Projects
- Refurbishment of Maho–Omanthai Railway Line
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- Length: 128 km
- Assistance: Financial support of USD 91.27 million from India
- Objective: To strengthen north-south rail connectivity and improve passenger and freight movement across Sri Lanka.
- Advanced Railway Signalling System (Maho–Anuradhapura)
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- Assistance: USD 14.89 million from India
- Purpose: To modernise Sri Lanka’s rail network for improved safety and efficiency.
These projects are part of the broader India–Sri Lanka Development Partnership aimed at fostering economic and infrastructural development in the island nation.
Cultural and Religious Engagements
- Prime Minister Modi visited the Jaya Sri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site in Buddhism.
- The Bodhi tree at the temple is believed to have grown from a sapling of the original tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
- The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE.
- On his return journey, the Prime Minister had an aerial view of the Ram Setu, coinciding with the Surya Tilak celebration in Ayodhya, which he described as a “divine coincidence.”
Significance
- Strategic Diplomacy: Reinforces India’s role as a regional infrastructure partner, especially in South Asia, aligning with the “Neighbourhood First” and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Highlights the deep civilizational and spiritual linkages between India and Sri Lanka, particularly through shared Buddhist heritage.
- Economic and Infrastructure Development: Supports Sri Lanka’s rail modernisation, economic recovery, and internal connectivity.
- Soft Power Projection: Combines development assistance with cultural engagement, enhancing India’s image as a benevolent regional leader.
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