India successfully tests 3rd-gen anti-tank missile NAG in desert conditions
– Indigenously developed Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag was successfully test-fired in desert conditions against two tank targets at different ranges and timings. With this, the developmental trials of Nag missile have been completed and it is now ready for induction.
– ATMG Nag is one of five missile systems developed indigenously by DRDO under integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). The other four missiles are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi. It is manufactured by India’s sole missile producer, state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited.
– The Nag missile is third generation ATMG which works on “fire and forget” principle. It has operational range of 500m to 4km (Land version) and 7-10km (when air-launched).
– It is equipped with highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker along with integrated avionics. This technology is possessed by very few nations.
– It also possesses advanced passive homing guidance system. It has been designed mainly to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets. It can be launched from land and air-based platforms.
Anuppur District situated in the north eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, This District came into existenace on 15th August 2003 by re-organising Shahdol District. Anuppur District has total area of 3701 sq. km, extends 80 km from east to west and 70 km from north to south. District anuppur is surrounded by Koria District (C.G.) in east, Shahdol & Umaria District in west, Shahdol District in North and Dindori (M.P.) Bilaspur (C.G.) in the south
District anuppur is predominantly hilly district. It is picturesque with certain pockets and belt of sal and mixed forests. the river Narmada originates from amarkantak situated on the maikal hills which gives beautifull view to the District. River Son & Johilla also orginate from the maikal Hills. Total Geographical area of the district is 3701 sq. KM. Adjacents to the district anuppur are the boarding district Bilaspur Koria (C.G.) Shahdol,Umarai & Dindori.
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Narmada Mandir (group of temples) :
Narmdeshwar temple which has a holy kund made at the source of river Narmada is the most important temple at Amarkantak. There are about twenty small temples in the premises of the Narmada Mandir each one of which is important in its own way. There is the Sati temple, which is, devoted to Parvati. The protected site of the ASI is close to the main Narmada temple .
2. Mai Ka Bagiya
About one Km. from the main temple, there is a garden, which lies in a densely forested area. It is popularly believed that the Narmada devi used to pluck flowers in this garden.
3. Sonmuda
The point of origin of the Sone river. It is also a sunrise point.
4. Bhrigumandal
It is around 3 Kms. from Amarkantak on a difficult forest trek route. It is believed that Bhrigu Rishi meditated here. The Parasvinayak and Chandi caves are on this route.
5. Kabir Chabutra
Saint Kabir spent time here in meditation.
6. Jwaleshwar Mahadev
The origin of river Johilla. There is a temple deep in the forest ofJwaleshwar Mahadev . There is a ‘sunset point’ close to this temple.
7. Kapildhara
At a distance of 8 Kms.from the origin of riverNarmada, the river falls from a height of 100 feet creating a waterfall known as Kapildhara. It is believed that the Kapil rishi meditated here.
8. Dudhdhara
At a distance of 1 Km. from Kapildhara there is another beautiful waterfall on the river Narmada called Dudhdhara.
9. Shambhudhara & Durgadhara
Two other extremely beautiful waterfalls are situated deep in the forest. One has to walk a few Kms. to see these breathtaking waterfalls.
10. Sarvodya Jain Temple
This temple is under construction.It is considered a construction marvel. Cement and iron have not been used in this temple and the weight of the idol to be placed in the temple is around 24 Tones.
Besides these regularly visited sites, all roads from Amarkantak within 3 Km radius are excellent trekking routes where one can behold the beauty of nature in its breathtakingly untouched form.
Existing facilities at Amarkantak :
The existing facilities at Amarkantak whether through the government or the private delivery system, are neither in tune with the importance of the place nor adequate to cater to a regular tourist flow. There are a few tourist cottages maintained by the local municipal body. The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation runs a ‘ Holiday home’ which has ten rooms and two dormitories. There is some accommodation available in the Kalyan and Barfani Ashrams. However, there are no budget/ luxury hotels at Amarkantak for the average/upper market tourists.
Mobile phone services are available in Amarkantak.Mobile operators including BSNL, Reliance Smart have their service presence in Amarkantak. In addition, broadband internet connectivity offered by BSNL is also available in browsing cafes. Thus tourists can avail internet facility in Amarkantak.
The local market place needs to be organized properly. There is also a ‘Haat-Bazaar’ site coming up where Self Help Groups from all over the district will market rural products produced by them.This has the potential of becoming an important tourist attraction in future.
There is a Bus-Stand that needs a facelift, as many tourists prefer coming to Amarkantak by road.
Ganesh Temple, Baigarh near Amarkantak :
A temple of Lord Ganesha is located in Baigarh a small village, a few Kilometers from the main road connecting Rajendragam and Amarkantak. An idol of Lord Ganesha blessing the devotees is the sight of divine attraction. The temple is surrounded by forest area with springs of pure water originating from the river Narmada. The temple is located in a landscape of natural beauties and herbals which would offer the devotees a great place for worship and meditation. An Ancient temple, which is said to be built by the Pandav is also situated behind this Ganesha’s temple.
YSR District is said to be the heart of the Rayalaseema as it is centrally located and well connected with the 4 districts of Rayalaseema. Kadapa (also known as Cuddapah) is the district head quarters of YSR District. The District has a glorious history and a rich cultural heritage. It is identified as a part of Dandakaranya through which the Lord Rama and his consort Sita wandered during their exile. Holy rivers like Penna (Panakini), Papaghni, Chitravati, Mandavya cut across the District giving the land a sanctity of their own. Kunderu, Sagileru are the chief Northern tributaries to Penna and Cheyyeru, Papaghni and Chitravathi are the Southern tributaries. The total geographical area of the District is 15,379 sq. Kms. with 3 Revenue Divisions and 51 Mandals. And has two (Cuddapah & Rajampeta) Parliamentary Constituencies and eleven (Cuddapah, Pulivendula, Mydukur, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu, Lakkireddipalle, Rauchoti, Rly Kodur, Badvel, Rajampet & Kamalapuram) Assembly Constituencies. As per 2001 Census the population of the District is 26,01,797 of which the Rural Population is 20,14,044 and the Urban Population is 5,87,753
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Gandikota Fort :
Situated on the banks of river Pennar, Gandikota derives its name from two Telugu words Gandi meaning gorge and, ‘kota meaning fort. Also known as George fort’, it is a stone fort built upon a hill. Guarded by a huge entrance gate thats 20 feet high and 101 bastions each over 40 feet high, it still remains a very imposing structure. Believed to have been built during the later half of the 13th century A.D., Gandikota impressed the French traveler Tavernier, so much that he opined that it resembles Hampi Vijayanagara in its massive monuments.
Within the fort, there are many interesting places of worth seing. The Ranganatha and Madhavaswamy temples, built during the 15th 16th centuries, are adorned with sculptures and are in an architectural style reminiscent of the Vijayanagara period. The Juma Masjid, covering a huge area stands next to a large granary, used to stockpile food during the time of a siege. An impressive Pigeon Tower and a palace with plastered decorations are also interesting structures.
From the top of the fort, you can have a breathtakingly panoramic view of the surrounding forests and valleys. Nearby, is the picturesque Mylavaram Dam which is a popular picnic spot because of the sparkling waters, lush trees and cool breeze, which make you want to stretch out and relax.
In order to educate Salt manufacturers, to improve quality of salt, to meet global standards and to compete in the international market, the Government has established Model Salt Farms at Nawa in Rajasthan, Ganjam in Odisha and Markanam in Tamil Nadu. Whereas the Model Salt Farms at Nawa and Ganjam have been established in collaboration with the State Government concerned and Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar; the Model Salt Farm at Markanam has been established in collaboration with CSMCRI, Bhavnagar. Further, training is also being imparted to salt workers for skill upgradation. 28 such training programmes have been organized in the last 3 years thereby benefitting 780 salt workers and 40 master trainers.
The Government is providing financial assistance to salt workers for labour welfare and development works, as stipulated under code of principles framed for the purpose. An expenditure of Rs. 98.89 lakhs has been incurred through Salt Commissioner’s Organisation (SCO) on Labour Welfare and Development Works during the last 3 years. The expenditure made in the State of Gujarat is Rs. 30.46 lakhs for the said purpose during the said period.
This information was given by the Commerce and Industry MinisterSmt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today