• 22 Jan 2024

Chhattisgarh CM Flags Off ‘Ram Rath’ to Ayodhya Ahead of Temple Consecration

Why in News?

Ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma flagged off a 'Ram Rath' to Ayodhya.

Key Points

• They also sent handwritten 'Jai Shri Ram' messages and placed them in the rath destined for Ayodhya.
• Students from Raipur Convent School also contributed by placing their messages in the drop box.
• The rath will go across the state and collect messages and wishes from the residents.

About Ram Temple

• Layout of Ayodhya Ram Mandir:
  • The Temple is built over three 20-foot high floors each with a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
  • Makrana Marble and Pink sandstone, granite stone, and colored Marble are used in the construction.
  • The foundation of the temple is built of a 14-metre-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete. And a 21-foot-high granite plinth has been placed to protect against ground moisture.
  • Iron has not been used anywhere in the construction.
• The Architectural style of the temple is Nagara style with Sanctum Sanctorum (garbhagriha), Mandaps (halls), and Mandirs.
• At each corner of the compound will be dedicated to Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, Shiv. On the northern and southern arms, temples to Annapurna and Hanuman will be built respectively.
• Temples of Maharshi Valmiki, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Nishad Raj, Shabri etc have also been proposed.

Defense Minister Unveils Border Projects

Why in News?

Recently, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 35 projects in Uttarakhand to strengthen the country's border security.

Key Points

• The projects were constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at a cost of Rs 670 crore, these projects consist of roads, bridges, and tunnels aimed at enhancing connectivity, defense readiness and socio-economic development.
• The minister appreciated the important role played by BRO in connecting geographically and socially isolated communities to national connectivity.
• According to the defense minister, the increasing natural disasters in border countries due to climate change pose a serious national security issue.
  • He acknowledged the exceptional support extended by the Border Roads Organization in Uttarakhand and lauded the teamwork displayed by various agencies during the crisis.
  • He highlighted the change in attitudes towards compensation professionals (CPLs), acknowledging their vital role in the organisation.

Border Road Organisation

• It was formed on 7 May 1960 to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states of the country.
  • This includes infrastructure operations in 19 states and 3 union territories (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
• In order to ensure coordination and expeditious execution of projects, the Government of India set up the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) with the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Board and Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman.
• BRO is also tasked with maintaining this infrastructure including operations such as snow clearance. BRO is instrumental in significantly upgrading and building new India-China Border Roads.
• Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan is the 28^th Director General (DG) of the Border Roads Organisation.
• The organisation motto is Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam (everything is achievable through hardwork).

Review Meeting Ahead of Macron's Jaipur Visit

Why in News?

According to the officials, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Jaipur on January 25 and preparations are underway to welcome him.

• Rajasthan Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting for the proposed visit.

Key Points

• Mr. Macron will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations at Delhi's Kartavya Path on January 26.
• The CM directed the officials that preparations to welcome the French president should be completed on time and special care should be taken of Mr. Macron's accommodation, security, and transportation.
  • On Mr. Macron’s invite in 2023, the Indian Prime Minister was Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day parade in Paris on July 14.

The Bastille Day parade

• It is a French military parade that has been held on the morning of 14 July each year in Paris since 1880.
• This day is marked as the National Day of France.
• July 14 is the anniversary of the storming of the infamous Bastille prison in 1789 – a turning point for the success of the French Revolution.
• It is also one of the oldest regular military parades in the world.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav flags off Mahakal laddoos to Ayodhya

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh Chief minister flagged-off ‘Prasad Raths’ (trucks) carrying 5 lakh laddoos for Ayodhya from Tulsi Manas Mandir.

Key Points

• The CM performed pooja of Lord Rama in Shri Siddh Raghunath Temple at Manas Pratishthan. He also released a book on Ayodhya authored by Ramgopal Soni.
• The idol of Lord Ram is being consecrated as the embodiment of love, faith, and devotion to Lord Ram.
• He underlined the importance of Ujjain and Ayodhya having a common cultural and religious relationship. Historical and mythological events display knowledge of technology.

Opportunity to Introduce Uttar Pradesh with its Hospitality Culture Why in News?

Why in News?

Emphasising the importance of the upcoming Pran Pratishtha programme of Ram Mandir on January 22, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that this long-awaited ceremony is an opportunity to introduce Uttar Pradesh with its hospitality culture.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister instructed officials the following:
  • This long-awaited ceremony of Pran Pratishta of the child-like idol of Ram Lalla is an opportunity to introduce Uttar Pradesh with its hospitality culture.
  • Efforts should be made to make Shri Ayodhya Dham free from single-use plastic.
  • In the Pran Pratishtha event, there is a programme of showering flowers on the 'Navya-Divya-Bhavya temple.
  • Guests from India and abroad are arriving for the much-awaited program of Pran Pratishta of the child-like idol of Ram Lalla.
  • There will be the presence of saints, religious leaders and dignitaries from all the provinces of India.
  • Strong arrangements should be made for the security and respect of the dignitaries coming to participate in this occasion. A liaison officer should be deployed with every VVIP.
  • Such people should be deployed in it who are familiar with the mythological, historical and geographical importance of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yagya and Ayodhya Ji.
  • There should be adequate parking arrangements on the major roads connecting Ayodhya ji with different districts.
  • There should be adequate availability of electric buses for the transportation of visitors.