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CNN —One of the worst train accidents in India’s history is raising questions over the safety of the country’s massive and outdated rail network, as the government invests in its modernization. India’s extensive rail network, one of the largest in the world, was built more than 160 years ago under British colonial rule. Decaying infrastructure is often cited as a cause for traffic delays and numerous train accidents in India. India has seen several similar deadly incidents involving train accidents in recent decades. The same year, Modi announced huge investments in India’s railway system aimed at improving safety and connectivity.

Persons: Rafiq Maqbool, Odisha, Narendra Modi, Modi’s, Albright, Modi, ” Mamata Banerjee Organizations: CNN, AP Authorities, Howrah, National Crime Records, Group, Indian, Rail Plan, India, Bharat Locations: Odisha, Shalimar, Chennai, Yesvantpur, India, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

☆ Spy chief reveals Ukraine been assassinating Russian pro-war propagandists far from the frontlines
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ukraine has been assassinating Russian pro-war propagandists since the war began, its spy chief now says. Major-General Kyrylo Budanov that his network has operated behind the frontlines, The Times reported. He also said that some Russian citizens are helping with sabotage missions. Though Budanov didn't cite specific names of people targeted in the alleged killings, several high-profile explosions have killed Russian citizens within Putin's borders. In another interview, Budanov alleged that "a minority of Russians" are cooperating with Ukraine's reconnaissance, The Times reported.

☆ Weird and wonderful trains that break the rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Here’s a selection of unusual railways that break the rules in order to reach the places other trains can’t roll. The single rails carrying the trains are supported by a series of 486 steel portals weighing almost 20,000 tonnes in total. It is the oldest continuously operating pier railway in the world. Six miles of the route are along a rural railway line, with the rest in bus mode. Katoomba Scenic Railway, AustraliaNot far from the wonderful city of Sydney is a railway experience unlike anything else in the world.

[1/9] Investors and guests arrive for the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders' meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. May 6, 2023. Speaking at Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting, Buffett criticized how politicians, regulators and the press have handled the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank, saying their "very poor" messaging has unnecessarily frightened depositors. At the meeting, Berkshire shareholders reelected all directors and rejected shareholder proposals concerning climate change, diversity and political activities. LIGHTED MATCHBuffett said regulators were right to guarantee depositors of Silicon Valley Bank, saying that not doing so "would have been catastrophic." He also said bank shareholders and executives should bear the risks of mismanagement, with Munger criticizing executives concerned more with getting rich than with customers.

Speaking at the annual meeting of his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N), criticized how politicians, regulators and the press have handled the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank, saying their "very poor" messaging has unnecessarily frightened depositors. The meeting featured Buffett, 92, who is Berkshire's chairman and chief executive, and Vice Chairman Charlie Munger answering five hours of shareholder questions. LIGHTED MATCHBuffett said regulators were right to guarantee depositors of Silicon Valley Bank, saying that not doing so "would have been catastrophic." Buffett defended the size of Berkshire's $151 billion Apple investment, saying consumers are less likely to shed their $1,500 iPhones than, for example, their $35,000 second cars. Many recognized it could be one of their last chances to see Buffett and Munger, given their ages.

Buffett spoke hours after Berkshire posted a $35.5 billion quarterly profit and said it bought back $4.4 billion of its own stock, a sign it considered the shares undervalued. The meeting features Buffett, 92, who is Berkshire's chairman and chief executive, and Charlie Munger, 99, a vice chairman, answering five hours of shareholder questions. Many recognized it could be one of their last chances to see Buffett and Munger, given their advanced ages. Yongsheng Zhao, who lives in Shanghai and is a researcher for an asset management firm, said he showed up at midnight to attend his eighth Berkshire meeting. "I am inspired by their passion and normalcy," he said, referring to Buffett and Munger.

OMAHA, Nebraska, May 6 (Reuters) - Warren Buffett on Saturday offered a vote of confidence in the United States, saying he could not imagine the government letting it default on its debt and risk letting the world's financial system "go into turmoil." Buffett, 92, who is Berkshire's chairman and chief executive, and Charlie Munger, 99, a vice chairman, are answering five hours of shareholder questions at the meeting. Many recognized it could be one of their last chances to see Buffett and Munger, given their advanced ages. Yongsheng Zhao, who lives in Shanghai and is a researcher for an asset management firm, said he showed up at midnight to attend his eighth Berkshire meeting. "I am inspired by their passion and normalcy," he said, referring to Buffett and Munger.

☆ Warren Buffett and Greg Abel respond to question on BNSF derailments
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWarren Buffett and Greg Abel respond to question on BNSF derailmentsBerkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett and Vice Chairman Charlie Munger preside over the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Buffet's team responds to a question about train derailment incidents involving Norfolk Southern and BNSF this year. Berkshire owns BNSF Railway.

Kids in Hammond, Indiana, are forced to climb over and through stopped trains block their way to school. Jamie Kelter Davis for ProPublicaState lawmakers have tried to curb blocked crossings by restricting the lengths of trains. Spielmaker, the Norfolk Southern spokesperson, said: "We work with first responders on a daily basis to assist however we can. A favorable court opinion could allow other states to finally enforce their laws on blocked crossings. Among those who hope to voice their concerns about the blocked crossings are rail workers themselves who worry about the kids.

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWhy trains keep derailing in the U.S.A string of train derailments have captured the attention of lawmakers in Washington. Corporations within the freight rail industry have redesigned their businesses to maximize efficiency. Some of these strategic corporate decisions may have been involved in a now-infamous February 2023 crash on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, according to federal regulators. Watch the video to learn why some experts think these changes may adversely affect public health and safety.

☆ U.S. trains keep derailing. Why?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Carlos Waters | In Carloswaters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Washington lawmakers are scrutinizing the freight rail industry as a string of derailments unfold in 2023. "Trains got heavier and longer," said Mark Burrows, a former locomotive engineer. The National Transportation Safety Board, which released preliminary findings in February, is conducting a full investigation of the crash. "This was 100% preventable," said Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, at a February press conference focused on the preliminary report. Watch the video above to learn more about the freight rail industry and what might be leading to the current rash of train derailments in the U.S.

☆ Railroad Group Cancels Order to Change Wheels on Hundreds of Railcars
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Sabela Ojea | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Photo: Nate Smallwood for The Wall Street JournalNorfolk Southern claimed that some loose wheels on railcars were a safety concern. A railroad industry trade group dropped its order to inspect railcars that could contain loose wheels after a spate of train derailments, including one involving Norfolk Southern Corp. in Ohio. Freight and tank car manufacturer National Steel Car said railcars it serviced weren’t responsible for recent train derailments. The trade group Association for American Railroads had called for additional inspections of hundreds of cars last month following the accidents.

☆ Senators unveil new rail safety bill in wake of toxic Ohio derailment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

John Fetterman and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio – would build on provisions of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. Brown and his fellow senator from Ohio, Republican J.D. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw endorsed parts of the bipartisan bill. The Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, released toxic chemicals into the environment. Shaw said Norfolk Southern would continue to support cleanup efforts in the area.

Recent train derailments, including one in a small Ohio town, have prompted officials to examine what is causing the accidents and whether they are happening more frequently. Derailments rank as the most common type of accident involving major freight railroads, federal data shows. Equipment failures are increasingly responsible for derailments, and problems with equipment and train tracks accounted for nearly 60% of derailments nationwide last year.

No matter your destination, single trip travel insurance may be the ticket to protecting your investment and providing peace of mind before, during, and after takeoff. How does single trip travel insurance work? Who needs single trip travel insurance? For example, you'll need travel medical insurance for emergencies as your standard health insurance probably won't cover you abroad. For example, you'll need travel medical insurance for emergencies as your standard health insurance probably won't cover you abroad.

☆ U.S. urges rail tank car owners, shippers to use safer, newer cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) on Wednesday urged rail tank car owners and hazmat shippers of flammable liquids to stop using tank cars like some in a Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern (NSC.N) train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and replace them with newer, safer tank cars. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said at a Senate Commerce hearing on Wednesday the railroad supports the provision "for accelerating safer tank car standards". Last month, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called on Congress to mandate owners of tank cars to expedite the phase-in of safer DOT-117 tank cars in advance of the congressionally mandated 2029 deadline. The PHMSA advisory calls on shippers of flammable liquids "to voluntarily upgrade their tank car fleets to the newest, and safest, available tank car design authorized for flammable liquid service." The advisory added railroads should consider applyingrequirements applicable to high-hazard flammable trains to trains with fewer tank cars carrying flammable liquids in DOT-111 tank cars.

☆ Senate GOP populists push Republican colleagues to back railway regulations, arguing 'their voters' are the most affected by disasters
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Vance, Hawley, and Rubio are touting a bill to enact new regulations on the rail industry. They're trying out a new argument for their Republican colleagues: these are your voters. Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Marco Rubio of Florida, are touting the Railway Safety Act of 2023. "When derailments occur, it is predominantly Republican voters—their voters—who bear the brunt and who rush to put out the fires." "Look, I think if the vote were held today, we'd get 65 votes in the Senate," he told Insider.

☆ Norfolk Southern shareholders sue over Ohio derailment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 17 (Reuters) - Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC.N) shareholders have accused the railroad of defrauding them by prioritizing profit over safety prior to last month's derailment of a train carrying hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio. A Norfolk Southern spokesman declined to comment, saying the Atlanta-based company does not discuss pending litigation. Norfolk Southern has faced many lawsuits over the Feb. 3 derailment, including cases brought by local residents and Ohio's attorney general. Six of the seven largest U.S. freight railroads use Precision Scheduled Railroading: Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, CSX, Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific. The case is Bucks County Employees Retirement System v Norfolk Southern Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, No.

☆ Merger Between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Is Approved
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Esther Fung | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The rail industry’s operations have come under scrutiny as a result of recent derailments and mounting safety concerns. A federal regulator has approved with conditions a merger between Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and Kansas City Southern, a $28 billion deal that created the first freight rail network linking Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. “The transaction meets the public interest test for approval,” said a Wednesday decision from the Surface Transportation Board, the economic regulator primarily overseeing freight railroads.

☆ Canadian Pacific’s Merger With Kansas City Southern Is Approved
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Esther Fung | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The rail industry’s operations have come under scrutiny as a result of recent derailments and mounting safety concerns. A federal regulator has approved with conditions a merger between Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and Kansas City Southern , a $28 billion deal that would create the first freight rail network linking Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The Wednesday decision from the Surface Transportation Board, the economic regulator primarily overseeing freight railroads, cements the industry’s biggest merger in two decades.

☆ Schumer pushes National Transportation Safety Board to expand rail safety probe beyond Norfolk Southern
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday urged the National Transportation Safety Board to broaden its rail safety investigation beyond Norfolk Southern to other large rail companies after last month's derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Hours before Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw appeared at a congressional hearing last week about the Ohio derailment, another of the company's trains derailed in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was the third derailment involving Norfolk Southern since last month. They can tell us how many fatalities there were — 2,768 — but not why or if company policies could have prevented them." The Ohio Attorney General's office on Tuesday sued Norfolk Southern in federal court, alleging it was negligent for causing the derailment.

Ohio sued rail company Norfolk Southern over the derailment of a train carrying toxic materials in the town of East Palestine last month, the state's attorney general announced Tuesday. The state is seeking damages, civil penalties and a "declaratory judgement that Norfolk Southern is responsible," he said. "This derailment was entirely avoidable," Yost said, adding that Norfolk Southern has seen an 80% increase in accidents over the past decade. According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the derailment is one of a "long string" of Norfolk Southern derailments and hazmat incidents. Since 2015, at least 20 Norfolk Southern derailments involved chemical discharge, the state claims.

REUTERS/Gaelen MorseCompanies Norfolk Southern Corp FollowMarch 14 (Reuters) - The state of Ohio sued Norfolk Southern (NSC.N) Tuesday over the Feb. 3 derailment of a freight train that released over a million gallons of hazardous materials and pollutants into the environment around the town of East Palestine. Since the Ohio derailment caused cars carrying toxic vinyl chloride and other hazardous chemicals to spill and catch fire, Norfolk Southern has been under pressure over a number of train derailments. Last week, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw was sharply questioned at a U.S. Senate hearing and will appear at another March 22 rail safety Senate hearing. Those suits claim Norfolk Southern was negligent and has created a nuisance for residents, among other claims for liability. Last week, Norfolk Southern agreed to create a new first responders training center and expand a training program in Ohio.

Then came the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train on February 3, releasing toxic chemicals into the air and nearby water, and he fears crashing the value of his home. There are too many unknowns.”Stewart, 65, recently voiced his fury and sadness about what he lost to Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw on a February 22 Town Hall about the derailment on CNN. Homeowners are worried that in addition to any health risks from the chemical release, the derailment has greatly diminished the value of their homes. I think they’re going to be in the crosshairs of the accountants of Norfolk Southern saying ‘We’re not going to pay full compensation.’”Norfolk can afford to compensate homeownersPaying the homeowners and businesses wouldn’t necessarily be difficult for Norfolk Southern. Those values are only a fraction of the money that Norfolk Southern earns.

☆ Railroad Group Warns of Loose Wheels on Some Railcar Models
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Kris Maher | Esther Fung | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The American Association of Railroads issued a rare advisory Thursday calling for certain rail cars to be taken out of service and inspected amid concerns that loose wheels might increase the risk of derailments. The industry group said one of its railroads had experienced three loose wheels in the cars. The cars in question had wheels that were mounted between August of last year and March by National Steel Car, an Ontario-based rail car manufacturer, according to AAR. It said that any cars, loaded or empty, that are found to have these wheel sets must be removed immediately from service.

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