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#Lucknow

Good News

India Fires Ahead: Inside Lucknow’s New BrahMos Missile Powerhouse!

India has taken a bold stride in strengthening its defense forces with the grand inauguration of a cutting-edge BrahMos missile production unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This isn’t just a building, it’s a symbol of India’s rising self-reliance and strategic brilliance.A New Era in Missile ManufacturingOn May 11, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually launched a facility that’s set to change the game. Sprawled over 200 acres and built with an investment of ₹300 crore, this unit is designed to produce 80 to 100 supersonic BrahMos missiles every year, powerful enough to dominate in any modern warfare scenario. And the plan? Scale it up to 150 missiles annually.The BrahMos missile, a joint marvel by India and Russia, is known for its lightning speed (Mach 2.8!) and deadly precision. It can be launched from land, sea, or air making it one of the most versatile and feared weapons in any military arsenal.Made in India, Powered by VisionIndia is building a self-reliant nation, right from the missile parts to the advanced materials that power space missions and fighter jets. Alongside the missile unit, a Titanium and Super Alloys Materials Plant was also launched, promising world-class materials for the skies and beyond.The new BrahMos facility isn’t only about machines, it’s about people too. It’s expected to create 500 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect ones, bringing new opportunities and hope to the region.This production unit is the crown jewel of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), an ambitious initiative to make India a global defense manufacturing hub. With six strategic nodes, Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot, the corridor is driving massive investments, empowering MSMEs, attracting startups, and building the foundation for a future-ready military.Since its launch in 2018, the corridor has already drawn in investments worth ₹34,000 crore and continues to surge forward.More Than a Missile - A Message“This is not just a missile. It’s a message,” declared Rajnath Singh. A message to the world that India is ready, not just to defend, but to lead. A message of confidence, independence, and innovation.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed this vision, highlighting how the project will elevate both security and economic development, turning Lucknow into a center of excellence and employment.Mach 2.8 and Rising: The Road AheadWith the BrahMos facility now live, India is no longer just a buyer of weapons, we’re creators, pioneers, and powerhouses. As we continue to push boundaries in defense, space, and science, this moment marks more than progress, it marks pride.With more and more powerhouse installations and manufacturing units, India’s defense future just got sharper, safer and stronger.

13 May 2025
Good News

India’s First State-of-Art Agri Mall Coming Up in Lucknow Will Be a Boon to Farmers

  The country’s first agro mall is set to come up in Lucknow's capital city under the state government's initiative led by  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With this move, farmers stand to gain as they will be able to sell their produce directly to consumers at a fair price. The agro mall will enable the farmers to brand their agricultural products and sell them at fair prices. The mall that is planned to be developed in Vikalp Khand of Gomtinagar, will facilitate the direct selling  of goods from farmers to customers. The program will also enable people to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables directly from agricultural lands, the UP government stated in a statement. According to The Print, a 7-storey agro mall would be built in Gomtinagar on about 8,000 square meters of land and it will be equipped with modern amenities. At the agro-mall, farmers and buyers will have access to many cutting-edge amenities. The mall will, among other things, include contemporary infrastructure, rest areas, and parking facilities for both farmers and customers. Additionally, state officials have been told to modify the Mandi Rules so that people can apply for a license to conduct e-auction of agricultural produce. The private sector will be given additional opportunities to participate thus increasing Mandi Parishad's revenue. According to state government authorities,  in addition to the agro mall, the UP government will take necessary steps to promote farmers' income levels through a variety of measures. The agro mall will go a long way in improving farmers' income and well-being.

2 Jan 2023
Good News

Know More About the Country’s First Private Train ‘Tejas’

India’s first ‘private’ train run by IRCTC has started it’s commercial operations when it was flagged off from Lucknow by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the first week of October. The Lucknow – Delhi train will be the fastest on this route as it will reach Delhi 25 minutes earlier than Shatabdi which was until now the fastest train on this route. New Features The new IRCTC Tejas has a plane like feel with hospitable crew members, food, push-button feature in seats and infotainment service. The train has tea and coffee vending machines. One novel feature is the introduction of ramps so as to bridge the gap between the train and the platform facilitating passengers to alight easily. It is the first train to pay for any delay on an hourly basis. Passengers will also be provided with free insurance of Rs 25 lakhs. Number of Stops and Frequency The Tejas Express will have only two halts- Kanpur and Ghaziabad. The timings are so convenient that one can reach Delhi in the afternoon and return to Lucknow on the same day. It will run on all days of the week except Tuesday. With the success of this train, the Railways intend to hand over more of its operations to IRCTC and make way for private operators to run trains in India.

7 Oct 2019
Good News

Metro in Lucknow to start soon

Come June this year and Lucknow people can experience the metro rail.  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday announced that the first phase of Lucknow Metro will start for the public in second half of June this year. “Considerable progress has been made on the Lucknow Metro project. The previous government had dedicated only a half-complete metro rail project in Lucknow. We have received only three trains up to now. We will need one more train. The necessary instructions in this regard have been issued,” he said after a meeting with union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu here. The chief minister also said: “The work on metro first phase, about 8 km, is nearing completion. The procedure that includes the railway safety commissioner’s clearance will need about one-and-a-half months. We will be able to complete all these procedures only after mid-June 2017.” He informed that there was a need to set up metro rail in Kanpur and Varanasi. “We have sent the detailed project reports (DPRs) for Kanpur and Varanasi projects. We have also initiated the process of preparing DPR for Meerut, Agra and Allahabad and sought preparation of DPR for Jhansi and Gorakhpur too,” he said.            

11 May 2017
Good News

 Lucknow varsity depts to strive for cleanliness

With regards to take ahead the message of Swacch Bharat among the entire University, the Lucknow University will rank its 43 departments on the basis of cleanliness. To make sure that the department scores well, they should ensure that they meet the cleanliness parameters and have contributed towards Swachhta mission, else they will be marked as Failed in the annual report. The rankings will be uploaded on the Lucknow University official website and if the department has scored good or bad will also be revealed. A committee headed by the vice-chancellor S P Singh will be formed to analyse and award scores on the basis of the department's performance. As per the report published in The Times of India, "The report card of every department will be a mirror for every faculty. The department will get to know where they stand in terms of academic excellence, cleanliness and hygiene, job placement and teaching. It will also create a healthy competition not only between students of different departments but also among heads and teaching faculty of the department," said Singh and added that the parameters on which the departments will be ranked have already been decided. The marks division and areas where negative points will be awarded will also be finalised before the new session begins, he added. There will be many paramaeters like not using polythene bags and no tobacco in the campus. The final report card of each department is prepared on the basis of academic excellence, attendance, job placement, courses which have been closed due to poor performance, research, involvement in the extra co-curricular activities and use of innovation and technology in the classroom. The top five departments will be profiled on the university website under 'top performers' head, highlighting its achievement and total marks scored to attain the top rankings. Not keeping corridors, walls and garden area of educational blocks neat and clean may reflect badly on the head of departments in days to come.      

8 May 2017
Good News

Positive Reads

The Last Craftsman: Muhammad Hussain’s Mission to Save a Dying Art

Lucknow, often celebrated for its kebabs, kachoris, and chikankari embroidery, holds another timeless treasure in its lap: silver footwear adorned with pearls, jewels, and diamonds. This extraordinary craft, rooted in the city’s Nawabi heritage, reminds us of a bygone era and the unparalleled artistry of its artisans. Yet, like a fading gem, this tradition teeters on the brink of extinction.A Glimpse into the PastMuhammad Hussain, a master artisan from Lucknow, carries forward a legacy that spans three generations. His family has honed the delicate art of crafting silver-studded shoes, sandals, and chappals since the late 19th century. This craft blossomed under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh, who brought artisans to Lucknow to create footwear befitting their royal stature. Silver shoes embellished with diamonds and jewels became a fashion statement among the nobles of Awadh.A Process Rooted in PrecisionThe making of silver footwear is as intricate as the final product is dazzling. Muhammad Hussain describes the process: "It begins with crafting the shoe's frame, followed by heating and shaping silver sheets into the desired form. Finally, diamonds and jewels are carefully set to enhance the shoe’s beauty."These shoes, priced from ₹5,000 upwards, are prized for their royal aesthetic and lasting value. Buyers see them as both a style statement and a financial assetA Craft in CrisisDespite their timeless appeal, the tradition of silver footwear faces a bleak future. Hussain laments that the younger generation is reluctant to take up this demanding profession due to its low financial returns.This decline, paired with limited government support, threatens the survival of a craft that has been a cornerstone of Lucknow’s heritage. A well-curated platform for artisans could provide the visibility and financial boost they desperately need.Interestingly, silver footwear is experiencing a resurgence in demand. There is growing popularity, particularly for weddings. Brides and grooms now seek custom-designed silver footwear to add a royal touch to their special day.The Road AheadLucknow’s silver footwear embodies more than luxury—it is a narrative of resilience, artistry, and cultural heritage. Yet, without collective action from the government, heritage organizations, and the community, this craft could vanish into obscurity.Muhammad Hussain’s story is both a celebration and a plea: a celebration of the artisans who have kept this art alive against the odds, and a plea for recognition and support. Preserving the craft of silver footwear is not just about saving a livelihood—it’s about safeguarding a piece of India’s soul.

19 Dec 2024
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Entrepreneur Devotes Life to Feeding Families of Critically Ill Patients in Lucknow Hospitals

Vishal Singh, a first-generation entrepreneur, has dedicated his life to ensuring that families accompanying critically ill patients at government hospitals in Lucknow do not go hungry. With his initiative called "Prasadam Seva," Singh has been providing three square meals a day to over 1,200 people at King George’s Medical University, Balrampur Hospital, and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Singh's inspiration to help others stems from his own struggles. In 2003, while attending to his sick father in Gurugram, he faced financial difficulties due to the high costs of treatment. After losing his father, Singh moved to Lucknow with a determination to support those in need. Guided by his belief that serving others is serving God, he chose government hospitals as the target for his initiative. Starting in 2005, Singh began serving meals to around 100 people at KGMU. Encouraged by the positive response, his initiative expanded to include Balrampur Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and even the newly established DRDO COVID facility in Lucknow. Despite facing initial challenges and working odd jobs to sustain himself, Singh's dedication never wavered. In 2007, he established the Vijayshree Foundation, named after his father, to further his mission. Today, 'Prasadam Seva' feeds over 1,200 people daily, with the number reaching nearly 2,500 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singh relies solely on contributions of grains for his kitchen, refusing any monetary help. Singh's unwavering commitment to quality ensures that the food he serves is of the highest standard. His selflessness and determination have earned him recognition, including an award from the Uttar Pradesh governor. Through his tireless efforts, Vishal Singh is making a significant impact on the lives of those facing challenging times in hospital corridors.

1 Nov 2023
Star Citizens

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