Daily Current Affairs : 11-July-2024

Pakistan has recently completed a critical 420-meter-long bridge at the zero line of the Kartarpur Corridor after a delay of two and a half years. This bridge is crucial because it ensures safe and smooth access for pilgrims visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, a sacred site in Pakistan. The bridge was needed due to the area’s vulnerability to flooding, which previously made it difficult for pilgrims to travel safely. With this bridge, the government hopes to provide a secure passage for devotees, improving the overall experience of visiting the holy site.

Significance of the Kartarpur Corridor

The Kartarpur Corridor is a vital project that connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab. It was built to promote peace and religious tourism between India and Pakistan, offering a unique opportunity for Indian pilgrims to visit the historic Gurdwara without requiring a visa. Instead of a visa, Indian visitors only need a special permit to enter Pakistan.

The corridor holds great spiritual importance for Sikhs around the world. It was constructed to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, which was celebrated on November 12, 2019. This corridor allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the holy site where Guru Nanak spent the final years of his life.

Key Features of the Kartarpur Corridor

  • Visa-Free Movement: Indian pilgrims can visit Darbar Sahib Gurdwara with only a permit, eliminating the need for a visa.
  • Year-Round Accessibility: The corridor is open throughout the year, allowing pilgrims to visit at their convenience.
  • Flood Protection: The new bridge ensures that pilgrims can safely cross during periods of heavy flooding, making the journey more secure.
  • Symbol of Peace: The completion of the bridge strengthens the ties between the two nations, promoting peaceful interaction through shared religious heritage.

Important Points:

  • Completion of the Bridge: Pakistan completed a 420-meter-long bridge at the zero line of the Kartarpur Corridor after a delay of two and a half years.
  • Flood Protection: The bridge was necessary due to the area’s vulnerability to flooding, ensuring safe passage for pilgrims to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
  • Kartarpur Corridor: The corridor connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab, promoting religious tourism and peace between the two countries.
  • Visa-Free Movement: Indian pilgrims can visit the Gurdwara without a visa, requiring only a special permit to cross into Pakistan.
  • Commemoration of Guru Nanak’s Birth: The corridor was built to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, on November 12, 2019.
  • Year-Round Accessibility: The corridor remains open throughout the year for pilgrims.
  • Significance for Sikhs: The corridor allows Sikhs from India to visit the holy site where Guru Nanak spent his last years.
  • Strengthening Relations: The completion of the bridge symbolizes peace and strengthens ties between India and Pakistan through shared religious heritage.

Why In News

Pakistan has recently completed the 420-meter-long bridge at the zero line of the Kartarpur Corridor after a delay of two and a half years, marking a significant milestone in improving access for Sikh pilgrims. The bridge ensures safer and smoother passage, addressing concerns over flooding in the area and facilitating easier travel to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.

MCQs about The Completion of the Kartarpur Corridor Bridge

  1. What was the primary purpose of building the 420-meter-long bridge at the Kartarpur Corridor?
    A. To celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
    B. To ensure safe passage for pilgrims due to the area’s vulnerability to flooding
    C. To promote tourism in Pakistan
    D. To connect India and Pakistan by road
    Correct Answer: B. To ensure safe passage for pilgrims due to the area’s vulnerability to flooding
    Explanation: The bridge was constructed to provide a safe and smooth route for pilgrims visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, especially given the area’s susceptibility to flooding.
  2. What significant event was the Kartarpur Corridor built to commemorate?
    A. The independence of Pakistan
    B. The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
    C. The foundation of Sikhism
    D. The 75th anniversary of India’s independence
    Correct Answer: B. The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
    Explanation: The Kartarpur Corridor was built to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, celebrated on November 12, 2019.
  3. What is required for Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan via the Kartarpur Corridor?
    A. A visa
    B. A special permit
    C. A passport
    D. An invitation letter
    Correct Answer: B. A special permit
    Explanation: Indian pilgrims can visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib using only a special permit, which eliminates the need for a visa, promoting ease of access between the two countries.
  4. How does the Kartarpur Corridor contribute to India-Pakistan relations?
    A. By fostering cultural exchange through shared religious heritage
    B. By promoting economic trade between the two countries
    C. By encouraging military cooperation
    D. By establishing a direct transportation route
    Correct Answer: A. By fostering cultural exchange through shared religious heritage
    Explanation: The Kartarpur Corridor serves as a symbol of peace and strengthens the relationship between India and Pakistan by promoting religious tourism and cultural exchange, reflecting shared Sikh heritage.

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