Nuclear power plant to be set up in Bihar: Khattar
PATNA: Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday announced a nuclear power plant for Bihar. After presiding over the fifth meeting of energy ministers from the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, among others, Khattar said the Centre will provide all necessary help in setting up the nuclear plant. Khattar stated, 'The Bihar government had requested the establishment of a nuclear power plant in the state. The Union government is fully prepared to provide support to the state for the project.' The minister also announced the launch of six small modular reactors (SMRs) across the country, including one in Bihar.
Noting the growing power demand in the country, he said, 'We aim to set up a nuclear power plant in every state to ensure the country's energy security.' According to him, a nuclear power plant would provide a stable energy source and boost investment, employment and technological advancement in the region.
The minister also agreed to the Bihar government's proposal to provide an additional 500 MW of energy for six months. He said that works were underway on thermal power, solar, wind power and storage across the country.
Power vision for 2035
Khattar said works were underway on thermal power, solar, wind power and storage across the nation. He revealed that the govt had prepared a power vision for 2035 and appreciated the progress of Bihar's govt in the power sector.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi honoured as ‘Dharma Chakravarti' at centenary of Jain saint Vidyanand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' at the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. The centenary celebrations mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute to the spiritual leader, being organised by the Union Culture Ministry.(PTI) "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati," PM Modi said during his speech. The centenary celebrations mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute to the spiritual leader, being organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. Talking about how today's date is special as Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received his title on this very day in 1987, which represented a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting Jain culture to ideas of restraint and compassion. "This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion," PM Modi said. "When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment. On this occasion, I bow to the feet of Acharya Shri Munirajji. I pray that his blessings are with us always. People, these centenary celebrations are not just any normal event. It has the memory of a time period and the remembrance of an ascetic life. Today, to make this moment memorable, postal stamps have been made, for this too, I greet the people," the Prime Minister added. During the celebrations, PM Modi, along with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, unveiled the commemorative postage stamps in memory of the Acharya. Talking about the history of India, the PM Modi added, "India is the oldest living culture of the world. We have been immortal for thousands of years because our ideas are immortal, our thoughts are immortal, and our philosophy is immortal. The source of this philosophy is our sages, saints and acharyas" Earlier today, PM Modi, along with the Union Minister Shekhawat, attended an exhibition titled "Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj," which featured paintings and murals depicting the leader's life. The centenary year will be observed from June 28, 2025 to April 22, 2026, with a range of cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives across the country, aimed at celebrating the life and legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, according to an official statement from the ministry of culture. The Acharya was born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka). He received his initiation at a young age and went on to become one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, having memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses. He has authored over 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantavada, and Mokshamarg Darshan. He travelled barefoot across Indian states for several decades, strictly adhering to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya, and extreme austerity. He was instrumental in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India, including those in Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola, and was closely associated with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira. He identified the site of Kundgram (now Basokund) in Bihar as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir, a finding later recognised by the Government of India in 1956. The centenary year will feature programs across India, focusing on community engagement, youth participation, interfaith dialogue, temple outreach, and Jain heritage awareness, ensuring that the timeless message of Acharya Vidyanand Ji reaches future generations.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Puri soaked in religious fervour as Rath Yatra begins
Puri: Religious fervour gripped the pilgrim town of Puri as the grand Rath Yatra commenced on Friday with the holy triad -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra -- stepping out of their sanctum sanctorum in the divine 'Pahandi' ritual. In a convergence of devotion, over 10 lakh devotees gathered in Puri to witness the Rath Yatra. Thousands of people pulled the ropes attached with chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on the Grand Road from near the 12th-century shrine here towards Shree Gundicha temple, around 2.6 km away. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several other dignitaries were among those who pulled the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra. Amid chanting of 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Hari Bol', beating of cymbals and blowing of trumpets and conch shells, the 'Taladhwaja' chariot of Lord Balabhadra first started rolling at 4.08 pm. It was followed by Devi Subhadra's 'Darpadalana' chariot and finally Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosha'. While the devotees were pulling the chariots, the priests surrounded the deities on the chariots as the procession made its way through the Grand Road of this temple town. While thousands of people pulled chariots, lakhs of others also reached the seaside temple town to participate in the festival. The chariot pulling started after Puri's titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, performed 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping of chariots) on all three chariots. Wooden horses of different colours were fitted on three chariots before they were pulled by the devotees. Earlier, the trinity, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, ascended their respective chariots after over two-hour long ceremonial 'Pahandi' ritual. During 'Pahandi', the three wooden idols were carried to the chariots from the 12th-century Jagannath temple. Odissi dancers, folk artistes, music players and many other groups drawn from different parts of the State performed before the idols. The Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, along with selected disciples, visited the three chariots after the deities were placed on them. The 81-year-old seer came near the chariots in a wheelchair. The Shankaracharya's visit is also part of the Rath Yatra rituals. Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Odisha ministers and several others witnessed the ceremonial Pahandi, one of the major attractions of Rath Yatra in Puri. The festival is being held amid unprecedented security arrangements with deployment of around 10,000 personnel of Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Force, NSG and others. 'We have made all possible arrangements for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra,' DGP Y B Khurania told reporters, adding that over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras were installed to keep a watch on the crowd. ADGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said the arrangements are made in view of some information following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'Several Central government agencies are collaborating with Odisha Police, including NSG snipers, Coast Guard drones and anti-drone systems. Canine teams and Odisha's anti-sabotage units are also engaged in duty here,' he said.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
AP Chambers seeks Centre's support for tourism projects in AP
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) presented a proposal to Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during his visit to Vijayawada on Thursday. The minister welcomed the ideas and invited a delegation to meet him in New Delhi to discuss them further. AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao noted Andhra Pradesh's prime location, extensive coastline, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual tourism sites, positioning the state as a strong tourism hub. The Chambers urged the Union government to fund key tourism projects in the state. Rao proposed a coastal beach corridor between Suryalanka (Bapatla District) and Vodarevu (Chirala, Prakasam District), a 10-km stretch with 40-50 mid-scale resorts owned by local entrepreneurs. Without a proper beach road, development is limited. A new road could attract 20-25 high-end resorts, transforming the area into a Mini Goa-like destination. Rao suggested promoting Visakhapatnam as the 'Gateway to Andhra Pradesh' through government marketing efforts. He recommended an 'Open Sky Policy' for Visakhapatnam International Airport with a hub-and-spoke model to increase tourist arrivals. Visakhapatnam beach should gain 'Beach Destination' status alongside Goa and Kovalam in the Union Ministry of Tourism's 'Incredible India' campaign. The Chambers proposed developing Manginapudi Beach at Machilipatnam as a beachfront tourism destination under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, aligning with the upcoming Machilipatnam Greenfield Port and modern Fishing Harbour to boost connectivity and tourism. Monuments and natural sites like Lepakshi Group of Temples, Gandikota Grand Canyon and Fort, Belum Caves, Guntupalli Group of Monuments, and Salihundam Group of Buddhist Monuments could attract UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Chambers urged the Union government to pursue these designations. Major pilgrimage sites like Tirupati, Srisailam, Simhachalam, and Amaravati need focused promotion under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes. Rao proposed developing the 'Indrakeeladri-Berm Park-Bhavani Island' area in Vijayawada as a Riverfront Mega Tourism Hub, integrating spiritual, wellness, adventure, culinary, ropeway, boating, and water fleet components with the Amaravati Capital Region. The Chambers also suggested a 'Visakhapatnam-Bhimili-Bhogapuram beachfront corridor' as a Mega Beachfront Tourism Corridor with central funding, aligning with ongoing tourism infrastructure upgrades in the north coastal region. Finally, the 'Godavari Riverfront Districts' could become a 'Konaseema Agri and Rural Tourism Corridor' with central financial support, leveraging the ecotourism potential of the Godavari River and its tributaries.
