
Gold plating of Ram temple spires begins in Ayodhya
Construction of the first phase of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was completed last year. An idol of Ram Lalla (child Ram) was consecrated in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024. Construction work at other parts of the temple is still going on.

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Hans India
9 minutes ago
- Hans India
3.69 crore houses for rural poor sanctioned under PMAY scheme: Minister
Panaji: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar on Friday said a total of 3.69 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.76 crore homes have been completed so far under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin "giving a concrete form to the dreams of the rural poor". "With an ambitious goal of 4.95 crore houses by March 2029, we have already made remarkable strides. Each number represents a family sleeping peacefully, children studying in safety, and elders ageing with dignity," the minister remarked. Addressing the regional rural workshop under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin here, the Minister said: "When our villages prosper, Bharat prospers. Under PM Narendra Modi's transformative vision, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana embodies the true spirit of Antyodaya—uplifting the last person in the queue. A Viksit Bharat (developed India) is not possible without empowered rural communities." The Minister said the government is converging PMAY-G with flagship schemes like Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat to create holistic habitats, not just homes. This is ensuring that every rural family has access to clean water, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel. The government's vision extends far beyond bricks and mortar. Through mason training programmes, the government is creating an army of skilled artisans in rural India. This is economic empowerment in its purest form - creating jobs, building expertise, and ensuring that rural youth become the authors of their own prosperity, he said. "We are exploring Green Housing, where environmental consciousness blends with affordable construction, giving rise to homes that care not just for families, but for the planet itself. Embracing Artificial Intelligence in beneficiary selection, where technology becomes the great equaliser—ensuring that it is merit, not influence, that determines who receives support," the minister observed. He further stated that the government was aligning its policy with the Sustainable Development Goals, connecting local aspirations to global responsibilities, so that every village contributes to the progress of humanity. It was also reimagining microfinance and turning it into a powerful bridge to link rural aspirations with real opportunities, "empowering people to turn dreams into achievements". 'As we step into the Amrit Kaal, it is no longer just about numbers—it's about quality, sustainability, and long-term impact. By embracing innovation, data, and inclusive financing, we can shape rural development. Every family that moves from a kutcha to a pucca house with effective convergence is taking a step toward national transformation,' he added. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, state Rural Development, Culture, and Sports Minister Govind Gaude, along with senior officials from the Central and state governments, were present on the occasion


India.com
13 minutes ago
- India.com
Stunning images of world's tallest railway bridge in Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's tallest railway bridge in Chenab of Kashmir. The Chenab Bridge will provide all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, significantly reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar. This 272-kilometer-long project, costing around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 kilometers) and 943 bridges. It is situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, the Chenab Rail Bridge is an architectural marvel. Spanning across 1,315 meters, this steel arch bridge stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge can endure winds of up to 260 km/h and remains stable in Seismic Zone-V. Built using 30,000 tons of steel, it rests on foundations as wide as half a football field.
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Business Standard
19 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Pakistan attacked 'insaniyat', Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused Pakistan of attacking 'insaniyat' and Kashmiriyat by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, saying the intent was to trigger communal clashes in India and rob Kashmiri people dependent on tourism of their livelihoods. The prime minister was speaking after flagging off the first train service to the Kashmir Valley, and inaugurating several development projects, including the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and India's first cable-stayed Anji bridge. He said tourism provided employment and acts as a connecting link between people, but unfortunately, the neighbouring country is an enemy of humanity, harmony and tourism. "Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of the poor's bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked 'insaniyat' and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. "The intent of Pakistan was to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings, that's why Pakistan attacked tourism," he said. Tourism was increasing during the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir, and tourists were arriving in record numbers, Modi said. He said tourism fuels the kitchens of the poor in Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan deliberately targeted that sector. "Pakistan wanted to destroy the livelihoods of guides, pony operators, guest house owners, shop owners, and roadside dhaba operators who are dependent on tourism. Adil, who challenged the terrorists, was also there to earn his livelihood," he said, referring to the ponywala, who was among the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. The prime minister said it has been one month since Indian forces wreaked havoc on terrorists holed up in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. "Whenever Pakistan hears about Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat," he said. Modi said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new and empowered Jammu and Kashmir, and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength. The Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The prime minister inaugurated the two state-of-the-art bridges before flagging off the Vande Bharat train to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL), providing direct train connectivity to the valley. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore for Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district. The 272-km USBRL project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels, spanning 119 km, and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.