1,000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath shrine (1026). Year-long commemorative events are planned at the temple under the banner “Somnath Swabhiman Parv.” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led efforts to rebuild the temple after Independence. 2026 will also mark 75 years since the restored Somnath Temple was inaugurated on May 11, 1951. Somnath Temple Somnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and looted the temple and he was the ruler of Afghanistan. The present temple was reconstructed in the Chalukya style of Hindu temple architecture. e-B-4 Business Visa for Chinese Nationals India has launched a new e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) for Chinese nationals. The visa is meant for specific business activities including installation and commissioning of equipment. The e-B-4 Visa came into effect on January 1. It will be issued in about 45 to 50 days, with permission to stay in India for up to six months. India ranks first in rice production. Background: India is the world's leading producer of rice; surpassing China, it produced 150.18 million tons of rice (China: 145.28 million tons, 2024-25). State-wise rice production ranking (2023–24) – Based on statistics from the Economic Survey report: Telangana - 16.63 million tons (~12.17% share) Uttar Pradesh - 15.72 million tons (~11.50% share) West Bengal - 15.12 million tons (~11.06% share)
