- Gaganyaan Mission and ISRO Projects Inauguration by PM Modi –
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed the identities of the four pilots currently undergoing training for India’s first human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.
- The astronauts, Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla, were also awarded ‘astronaut wings’ by the Prime Minister. Accompanying PM Modi were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Muraleedharan, and ISRO Chairman S Somanath.
- The Gaganyaan mission marks India’s pioneering venture into manned space exploration, slated for launch between 2024-2025. Its objective is to deploy a crew of three individuals into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, culminating in a safe return to Earth via landing in Indian sea waters.
- Algeria Inaugurates World’s Third-Largest Mosque –
- Algeria celebrated the grand opening of what has been acclaimed as “Africa’s largest mosque” and the third-largest mosque in the world. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over the ceremony, officially revealing the Great Mosque of Algiers as the world’s third-largest mosque.
- Known as Djamaa El-Djazair, this monumental structure is more than just a mosque; it’s an architectural marvel and a modernist wonder.
- Featuring the tallest minaret ( A tall, thin tower) globally, standing at 265 meters, this structure has the capacity to host 120,000 worshippers.
- Constructed over seven years on 27.75 hectares, adorned with intricate wood and marble detailing, it stands as a testament to Algeria’s architectural prowess.
- Accessible to international tourists for five years, the mosque’s official inauguration marks the commencement of public prayers and events, particularly during Ramadan.
- Despite its initial opening in October 2020, overshadowed by President Tebboune’s absence due to COVID-19, it’s now a symbol of faith and national pride.
- The construction, overseen by a Chinese firm, incurred a staggering cost of $900 million.
- PM Modi Inaugurates Sikkim’s First Railway Station In Rangpo –
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially laid the foundation stone for Sikkim’s inaugural railway station in Rangpo, marking a significant moment in the state’s history. The station’s design, deeply rooted in local culture, heritage, and architecture, reflects Sikkim’s rich traditions and the majestic Himalayan landscape.
- The inauguration of the Rangpo railway station is part of a larger initiative to enhance rail infrastructure nationwide. With over 2,000 projects valued at approximately Rs 41,000 crore, this ambitious endeavor aims to revolutionize transportation networks, fostering connectivity and economic development.
- Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, present at the ceremony, emphasized the pivotal role of the railway station in Sikkim’s journey towards progress. He highlighted its alignment with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ and its potential to invigorate the tourism sector by providing efficient travel options.