National
Pran Pratishtha (consecration) Ceremony of Shri Ramlalla in Ayodhya
⇒ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Shri Ramlalla in the newly built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 22 January 2024.
Pran Pratishtha Ceremony:
The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony witnessed the participation of representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country and people from all walks of life including representatives of various tribal communities.
About Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir:
- The magnificent Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
- The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.
- The main entrance to the Mandir is situated on the eastern side, which can be approached by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar.
- There are a total of five Mandaps (Halls) in the Mandir – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap.
- Near the Mandir is a historic Well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era. In the southwestern part of the Mandir complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, along with the installation of a statue of Jatayu.
- The foundation of the Mandir has been constructed with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), giving it the appearance of artificial rock.
- No iron is used anywhere in the Mandir.
- For protection against ground moisture, a 21-foot-high plinth has been constructed using granite.
- The Mandir complex has a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety and an independent power station.
- The Mandir has been constructed employing the country’s traditional and indigenous technology.
Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana
⇒ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has announced ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar.
Immediately after his visit to Ayodhya on the auspicious occasion of consecration of Suryawanshi Bhagwan Shri Ram, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg on January 22, 2024 to launch “Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana” with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses.
- Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to provide electricity to low and middle-income individuals through solar rooftop installations, along with offering additional income for surplus electricity generation.
- The Prime Minister also directed that a massive national campaign should be started to mobilize residential segment consumers to adopt rooftop solar in large numbers.
International
11th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise 'KHANJAR' 2024
⇒ The 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR was conducted from 22nd January to 3rd February 2024 at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
- It is an annual event conducted alternatively in both the countries.
Participation:
The Indian Army contingent comprised 20 personnel, represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan contingent comprised 20 personnel, represented by Scorpion Brigade.
Aim:
The aim of the exercise was to exchange experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The exercise emphasised on developing Special Forces skills, advanced techniques of insertion and extraction.
Key Points:
- The exercise provided an opportunity for both the sides of fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism.
- The exercise also accorded opportunity to showcase capabilities of cutting edge indigenous defence equipment besides achieving shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations.