In Karnataka, Congress govt fights shy of Dalit sub-quota poll pledge, puts ball in Centre’s court

Siddaramaiah Cabinet decides to urge the Centre to amend the Constitution by inserting a provision under Article 341 – Article 341(3) – to allow states to provide internal reservations Despite promising in its manifesto that it would implement the Justice A J Sadashiva Commission report to provide for internal reservations for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Karnataka, the Congress dispensation in the state has now put the ball over the issue in the court of the BJP-ruled Centre.This was decided by the Congress Cabinet led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at a meeting here on Thursday, following which the government said that the implementation of the Dalit sub-quotas would be only possible if the Central government ensures the amendment of Article 341 of the Constitution. “Parliament is the only authority (on the SC internal reservation issue). State government has no role – it is only a recommendatory body,” Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa said. The state government will compile a list of all recommendations made regarding Dalit sub-quotas and submit them to the Centre, he said.The Congress had made a pledge ahead of the May 2023 Assembly polls that it would accept the Sadashiva panel report soon after coming to power. However, the Minister claimed Thursday that it could not be done as the erstwhile Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government had rejected the panel’s report. “After the Congress announced (that it would accept the Sadashiva panel’s report), the BJP government, in a hurry, formed a Cabinet sub-committee under Law Minister and recommended SC internal reservations to the Centre. They (also) said that the Sadashiva Commission was irrelevant and closed,” Mahadevappa said.The Bommai government had announced the SC internal reservations in March 2023, days before the Election Commission’s model code of conduct came into force for the polls. The BJP government had then proposed sub-quotas in the 17% SC reservation in the state by splitting it into 6% for the most backward SC (Left) group, 5.5% for the less backward SC (Right), and 4.5% for the SC (touchable) group, with other SC communities getting the remaining 1%. This had triggered protests across the state, especially from the SC (touchable) groups such as Bhovis and Banjaras, who, in the past, were accused of cornering a lion’s share of the Dalit quota.  The SC sub-quotas announced by the BJP government was based on Justice Nagamohan Das Commission’s report, Mahadevappa said. “They announced it without applying any legal mind.”The Nagamohan Das panel was constituted by the then BJP government in October 2019 to look into the demand of hiking SC/ST reservation.The Sadashiva panel was set up in 2005 by the then Congress-JD(S) government to look into the demand for the SC internal reservations, which submitted its report in 2012 to the then BJP government. However, it has not been tabled by the successive governments led by all the three major players – the Congress, BJP and JD(S).  

FIR against Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra for route deviation in Assam

An FIR has been lodged against the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' and its chief organizer KB Byju for reportedly straying from the approved route within Jorhat town, Assam, on Thursday, PTI reported citing police sources. According to an official statement, the march took an unauthorized direction in the town, deviating from the permitted KB Road route, causing a "chaotic situation" in the area. Some people fell due to the sudden rush of people and a stampede-like situation was created. A suo motu FIR has been registered at Jorhat Sadar Police Station against the Yatra and its chief organiser," he added. As per the official, the FIR states that the Yatra failed to adhere to the norms set by the district administration and violated road safety regulations. In response, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia informed PTI that the FIR is a strategic move aimed at generating unwarranted obstacles for the Yatra. “There was no police manning the traffic diversion at the PWD point. The assigned route was too small and we had a huge gathering. So, we took a detour for just a few metres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is scared of the Yatra's success on the first day (in Assam) and now wants to derail it," he added. Furthermore, Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra reached Assam's Majuli. Party leader Jairam Ramesh said, “No rules have been broken. Assam Chief Minister is making all attempts to stop people from joining the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra. No one can stop this yatra. We are in Assam for the next 7 years. Let them arrest us, we accept the challenge." Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, “The Chief Minister of Assam is the most corrupt Chief Minister of India, whose only work is to loot public money under the guise of hatred." The Assam segment of the march is scheduled to persist until January 25, covering a distance of 833 km across 17 districts. The Yatra, under the leadership of the Congress MP, began its journey from Manipur on January 14 and is slated to conclude on March 20 in Mumbai. The overall plan envisions the Yatra traversing a total of 6,713 km over 67 days, encompassing 110 districts in 15 states.  

The history of pre-Independence violence at the Ram Janmabhoomi site

In 1855, when a great rapture took place between the Hindus and Muhammadans, the former occupied Hanuman Garhi in force, while the Musalmans took possession of the Janmasthan.On February 8, 1855, Major General G B Outram of the Awadh Frontier Police wrote to Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, that there was a strong possibility of a Hindu-Muslim clash in Ayodhya. His fears came true five months later, when a bloody clash on July 28 left 75 members of the Muslim community dead.  In his recent book Tryst With Ayodhya, journalist-turned-BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Punj quotes Outram’s letter: “It appears that Shah Ghulam Hussein has assembled a large force of Musalmans at the Kotuahain neighbourhood of Faizabad and is intent upon committing some dreadful breach of peace and is determined to destroy and ruin Hanuman Garhi, which is inhabited by Hindus. His Lieut. (asst.) called the Maulvee Sahib is even more diabolically inclined and ready for strife; hence the mendicants and devotees, who are there at the Hanuman Garhi (temple) in defence of their lives, have been obliged to arm themselves. Therefore, the Resident feeling exceedingly anxious on this subject, entreats His Majesty to dispatch a very swift camel messenger with all possible speed, most peremptory orders to cause the immediate apprehension of Ghulam Hussein and his coadjutors.” In its November 2019 judgment granting the Ayodhya title suit to the Hindu side, the Supreme Court too referred to the clash. “The Janmasthan is within a few hundred paces of Hanuman Garhi. In 1855, when a great rapture took place between the Hindus and Muhammadans, the former occupied Hanuman Garhi in force, while the Musalmans took possession of the Janmasthan. The Muhammadans on that occasion actually charged up the steps of the Hanuman Garhi, but were driven back with considerable force. The Hindus then followed up this success, and at the third attempt, took the Janmasthan, at the gate of which 75 Muhammadans are buried in the martyrs’ grave (ganj-e-shahid). Several of the King’s Regiment were looking on all the time, but their orders were not to interfere.” The judgment added: “It is said that up to that time, the Hindus and Muhammadans alike used to worship in the mosque-temple. Since British Rule, a railing has been put up to prevent disputes, within which is the mosque (where) the Muhammadans pray, while outside the fence, the Hindus have raised a platform on which they make their offerings.” Punj argues in his book that even as early as 1751, when the Marathas were on the ascendant, they had appealed to the Nawab of Awadh – whom they had helped vanquish Pathan forces in the Doab region – to transfer control of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to them. In 1756, too, when Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula sought their help against an imminent Afghan invasion, the Marathas requested that the three sites be transferred to them. Punj later writes about another unsuccessful attempt to capture Hanuman Garhi made by one Amir Ali Amethawi, who was killed by British troops.This sparked from an FIR filed by a Mohammad Salim on November 30, 1958, against some Nihang Sikhs, who had installed the Nishan Sahib and performed a havan inside the Babri Masjid, also writing ‘Ram’, says Punj.All this happened against the backdrop of the events of 1857-58, variously called the Sepoy Mutiny or India’s First War of Independence.   

On way to Ayodhya, Ram is omnipresent, jostled by other concerns

There is Ram on flags, stoles, stickers and diyas as west UP gets ready to celebrate consecration; Muslims hold on to "peace", say Babri has nothing to do with them. IT IS almost noon and the winter fog has just begun to lift. From a distance, one can spot an array of saffron flags featuring Lord Ram fluttering at the shop of Joginder Singh. Located in Meerut on the Delhi-Meerut-Baghpat road, the shop also has on sale Diwali diyas, and piles of stickers and stoles with Ayodhya’s Ram Temple as the theme. A solitary Tricolour jostles for space.“Republic Day is coming, but there is greater enthusiasm for the Ram Temple inauguration. A lot of Shri Ram and Rudra Hanuman flags are being bought,” says Singh, 30. He usually sells baby diapers for a living. “But seeing the enthusiasm around Ram Temple, I have started selling these.” An Armyman, posted in Sikkim and at the shop bargaining for a flag, says, “it is all thanks to Baba (Yogi Adityanath)”. “Now we will celebrate January 22 (the day of the consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya) like Diwali.”Across these western UP districts on the way from Delhi to Ayodhya, which have a significant Muslim population and history of communal tension, the excitement over the Ram Temple is palpable but uneven – tempered by caste, by religion, often, just daily pressures. The Indian Express interacted mostly with those born after the Babri Masjid demolition of 1992, unburdened by the weight of that history, their worldview shaped by the new temple narrative. Across the street, Sumit Sharma, a cigarette shop owner, and Sunny — both 30 – are discussing holding a drive to collect money from shopkeepers to decorate the market with lights on January 22. The talk moves on to how “(Prime Minister) Modi has put Muslims in their place”. Have Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan donated for the temple, they ask. “After three decades, the sacrifice of Hindus is bearing fruition. People are euphoric,” beams Sharma. A Brahmin who loves watching YouTube videos, particularly those of his favourite “Khan sir”, Sharma adds: “Once this market was dominated by Muslims. But after the 1987 riots, they retreated to the main city.” Sunny, who is a Kumhar (an OBC caste), says there are more changes ahead. “You will soon see crowds at Mathura Vrindavan falling by half. Krishna’s time is over, Ram is rising.”Outside the gates of the Meerut Institute of Technology, where students are waiting in biting cold to appear for their exams, this euphoria is more nuanced. “I am not interested in politics,” says Jai Dwivedi, when asked about the Ram Temple. “Though it is okay, there should be more focus on education and healthcare. There is not one good government hospital one can go to. People sell their land to get their loved ones treated.”   

Lost in his esoteric world of thesaurus...: Scindia takes aim at Shashi Tharoor in airport chaos spat

Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's criticism of the Delhi Airport's handling during the winter fog season. In a series of posts, Scindia provided a detailed rebuttal, highlighting the government's proactive measures and the technical complexities in aviation operations. Tharoor had criticised the aviation ministry in his posts, using various media reports to emphasise the airport chaos.Scindia, taking a dig at Tharoor, remarked, "it is for someone who is lost in his esoteric world of thesaurus that data mining of selective press articles from the internet qualifies as research." He addressed Tharoor's concerns about the recent chaos at Delhi Airport, emphasising the critical importance of runway maintenance for passenger safety. Here are some actual facts for arm-chair critic Shashi Tharoor and the Cong IT Cell that might help tackle their lack of depth in understanding of technical sectors like civil aviation,” Scindia added.Scindia acknowledged that unforeseen pollution incidents and the enforcement of GRAP-IV in Delhi led to a delay in runway recarpeting, pushing its commissioning by a month.Responding to Tharoor's portrayal of the recent chaos as a "Modi govt-made disaster," Scindia clarified that runway maintenance work is a critical safety element, and any compromise with runway conditions directly jeopardises passenger safety. He explained that the maintenance was prioritised to be completed by December 15 before the onset of the fog season. However, due to pollution incidents and GRAP-IV enforcement, the recarpeting got delayed, and the revamped runway is set to become operatio this week. Tharoor had questioned the timing of runway repair, and Scindia clarified that maintenance work was essential for safety and was scheduled with priority. He addressed Tharoor's concern about a crane blocking CAT III-B operation, stating that it was used for another project and would now operate only on non-fog days. Scindia refuted Tharoor's claim about insufficiently trained pilots, presenting data that showed a significant increase in trained pilots over the years.The aviation minister concluded by mentioning that the DGCA mandates airlines to deploy CAT IIIB compliant aircraft only with qualified crews during the winter season. Any violations are strictly dealt with by the regulator, with show cause notices issued to SpiceJet and Air India.    

After Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns threat, Bhagwant Mann says won let anti-Punjab forces succeed

A day after Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated terrorist by India, issued a veiled threat to him and the Punjab police chief, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said he is the custodian of peace and prosperity of the state and such intimidation tactics cannot stop him from this task. Speaking on the sidelines of a function to hand over job letters to youths, the chief minister said such threats are a natural outcome of the zero-tolerance policy adopted by his government against anti-Punjab forces and efforts are on to bring back criminals involved in anti-national activities from safe havens abroad to punish them.These people are trying to disturb the hard-earned peace of the state but his government will not allow these forces to succeed in their evil designs, he asserted."The masterminds of such anti-Punjab stances have taken shelter in countries abroad but we are trying to bring them back and punish them for their sins," he said.Mann said that being a border state, there are challenges both from within and outside the state but they will face them valiantly by not succumbing to such threats. The countries that are safe haven to such dreaded criminals should also send these hardcore criminals back to the state in the larger interest of world peace, said Mann.The countries that are safe haven to such dreaded criminals should also send these hardcore criminals back to the state in the larger interest of world peace, said Mann.The Indian government should also take steps to bring such dreaded anti-national criminals back to the country and punish them as per the law of the land, said the CM.Khalistani terrorist Pannun had asked gangsters in the state to join the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice and stop top political leaders from attending the Republic Day parade.Pannun was designated as terrorist by the Union home ministry under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sikh for Justice banned in 2020.CM Mann also took a swipe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for targeting his government over the state debt issue.Mann dubbed the former cricketer as a "fugitive" saying he ran away from discharging his duty when he was offered the charge of Power minister."When he (Sidhu) was the minister, he did not do anything and when he was given the power department, he did not take it," said Mann.    

Karnataka: DK Shivakumar backs Yathindra in attempt to quell rumours of internal rift

The statement had added fresh sparks in the ever-present leadership tensions in the state’s Congress regime. “The polls will be held under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. In that election too, if we win the maximum number of seats, we will get moral support… By showing your support in the Lok Sabha polls, you should strengthen his hand,” the former MLA had said.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that there was no need to twist chief minister Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra’s words, in a bid to smooth things over, a day after the latter claimed that a good show by the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections would ensure his father remained in office for a full term.Refuting rumours of a rift, the deputy CM backed Yathindra, calling him a responsible leader, and claimed Yathindra’s words were about seeking strength and power from the people. “Our government will be strong for five years. Siddaramaiah is our Chief Minister now and I am the President of the State Congress, both of us will fight the upcoming elections together,” he said. The BJP, he added, should fix its own internal power struggles before fixating on other parties.Rumours about the leadership tussle between the CM and his deputy have abounded ever since the Congress won the assembly polls in May last year. There were speculations that Siddaramaiah was not going to complete a full term in office and was going to cede his chair to Shivakumar after the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While the Congress party has not officially said so, the rumours have persisted well past the government’s half-year mark.Step into a realm of unmatched home appliance excellence with this comprehensive guide to the branded deals during the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale! Dive into a world of exclusive discounts on premium TVs, washing machines, ACs, and refrigerators from industry leaders such as Sony, Samsung, LG, Haier, IFB, and Godrej. Unveil an immersive home entertainment experience with the Redmi (32) F Series, priced at just Rs 10,999 at the Amazon Sale. This HD Ready TV offers a 60Hz refresh rate, 178-degree viewing angle, and a metal bezel-less screen for captivating visuals. Its connectivity features include Dual Band Wi-Fi, 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth 5.0, and more. With 20 Watts Output, Dolby Audio, and DTS Virtual: X, you can enjoy a powerful audio experience. This smart TV integrates Fire TV, supports popular apps, and features a voice remote with Alexa. Overall, this is one of the best deals at the Amazon Sale.    

Airlines May Consider Canceling Flights In Advance: DGCA Issues SOP Amid Fog-Induced Delays

In response to the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations due to fog-related disruptions at airports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) onMonday issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Monday. The aviation watchdog has instructed airlines to provide accurate real-time information regarding delays and enhance the sensitization of staff at airports to communicate effectively with passengers, news agency PTI reported. The DGCA emphasised the importance of airlines publishing timely information about flight delays and ensuring that staff at airports continuously guide and inform passengers facing disruptions. The SOPs also recommend that, in anticipation of significant delays due to prevalent fog season and adverse weather conditions, airlines may consider canceling flights in advance to prevent airport congestion and alleviate passenger inconvenience, PTI's report mentioned.These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued by the regulator late Monday evening. Earlier in the day, following massive delays and chaos at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the government had directed the airport to expedite the operationalisation of a CAT-III-compliant runway that has been closed for repair since September last year. While appealing to travellers “to bear with us during this difficult period”, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Monday in a post on X added that the DGCA will be issuing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for airlines on better communication and facilitation of passengers “to minimise discomfort in view of flight cancellations & delays due to adverse weather”. In the SOP sent to all airlines, the DGCA said, “in view of the fog-induced disruptions and adverse weather conditions at various airports including Delhi Airport causing delays, cancellations and inconvenience to passengers, the…Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are mandated in public interest”.Airlines, it said, will be required to publish accurate real-time information regarding delays of their flights on their websites as well as give advance information to affected passengers by SMS/WhatsApp and email. “Appropriate sensitization of the airline staff at the airports to suitably communicate with and continuously guide and inform the passengers about flight delays,” it said.It added that airlines may also cancel such flights that are anticipated to be delayed for more than hours. “…airlines may cancel, sufficiently in advance, such flights that are anticipated to be delayed or consequentially delayed on account of such conditions beyond a period of 3 hours with a view to obviate congestion at the airport and mitigate passenger inconvenience. ”“All airlines shall mandatorily adhere to the above SOP with immediate effect,” it said.Meanwhile, in his post, Scindia had said that all stakeholders are trying their best to minimise passenger inconvenience. “Incidences of unruly behaviour amidst this are unacceptable, and will be dealt with strongly in line with the existing legal provision  

Govt Pulls Up Indigo, Mumbai Airport After Viral Video Shows Fliers Eating On Tarmac

After a video of passengers eating on the tarmac at Mumbai Airport went viral on social media, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia held a meeting with all ministry officials at midnight yesterday. In the early hours on Tuesday, MoCA's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued show cause notices to Indigo and Mumbai Airport.According to the notices, “both Indigo and MIAL were not proactive in anticipating the situation and making the appropriate facilitation arrangements for passengers at the airport”. For instance, “the aircraft was allotted a remote bay C-33 (instead of a Contact Stand - an aircraft parking stand that is suitable for walking passengers to and from an aircraft from an allocated boarding gate), which further added to passenger woes and deprived them the opportunity to avail basic facilities like rest rooms and refreshments at the terminal”.Delayed flights, dense fog and hassled passengers have been grabbing headlines for the past few days in India. And through all this chaos, budget airlines IndiGo has been thrown into the limelight. The domestic carrier is facing flak over several flight disruptions owing to intense fog in Delhi and other places in northern India and its handling of passengers.Now, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo Airlines and Mumbai Airport after a video of passengers eating food on the tarmac spread online on Monday (15 January). The passengers of a Goa-Delhi flight that was diverted to Mumbai owing to poor visibility in the National Capital on Sunday (14 January) were seen dining on the apron upon disembarking. In the video that went viral on social media, flyers can be seen seated on the tarmac and eating food next to the parked IndiGo aircraft. The incident sparked safety concerns as the apron is designated for aircraft activities. The ground staff connected the aircraft with the stepladder and the passengers were asked to deboard. As the angry flyers disembarked, they refused to enter the terminal building of the Mumbai airport, HT reported.Many disgruntled passengers demanded the flight be taken directly to Delhi. Videos showed some flyers with their food packets, eating on the apron.An airline official told HT that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel had to be called to remove them from the tarmac and take them to a safety zone.The flight finally took off for Delhi at 2.39 am on Monday. IndiGo said it was aware of the incident and apologised to the customers, saying it was “currently looking into the incident”.According to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the passengers were “irate” due to the flight delay in Goa and left the aircraft as soon as it landed in Mumbai.    

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Ayodhya: Massive crowd throngs Ram temple as mandir opens its doors for devotees after ‘pran pratishtha’

Devotees gathered in large numbers since 3am to have darshan of the new Ram Lalla idol on the first morning after the consecration ceremony. A massive crowd thronged the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as the grand temple opened its doors for devotees to offer prayers on Tuesday morning, a day after the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla. Devotees gathered in large numbers since 3am to have darshan (viewing) of the new Ram Lalla idol on the first morning after the consecration ceremony, news agency ANI reported. A large number of devotees, both locals and visitors from other states, gathered near the main gateway along the Ram Path leading to the temple complex late on Monday, seeking entry to the mandir premises. As a large crowd built up near the ceremonial gateway – decked up for the consecration ceremony – police told the devotees that the temple would open to the public from Tuesday.For devotees seeking darshan of Lord Ram Lalla, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website has provided specific time slots – morning slot from 7am to 11:30am and afternoon slot from 2 pm to 7pm.‘Aarti’ timings include jagran/shringar at 6:30am and sandhya aarti at 7:30pm. One can obtain passes for the 'aarti' both offline and online. The offline passes are available at the camp office at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi, requiring a valid government identity proof. The 'pran pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya was held amid unbridled celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the main rituals officiated by a select complement of priests. The 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram was held at 12.29pm on Monday. The ceremonial journey leading up to the mega event included a seven-day ritual that commenced on January 16.The ceremony was attended by people from all walks of life, including representatives of various tribal communities. Major spiritual and religious sect leader were also invited to the consecration ceremony. Built-in the traditional Nagara style, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir has a length (east-west) of 380 feet and a width of 250 feet. It stands 161 feet above the ground and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. We are very pleased. Ayodhya has decked up like a bride. We are touched even more to come to terms with the fact that we are going to have 'darshan' of the Ram Lalla," ANI quoted Tejender Singh, a devotee from Chandigarh, as saying.Another devotee said he came all the way from Odisha for the darshan of Lord Ram in Ayodhya."I have come from Odisha's Puri to Ayodhya on bike to have darshan of Lord Ram Lalla. It was a journey of 1224 kilometres. I was very eager to have 'darshan' of Lord Ram Lalla. When I was asked on my way where I was going, I said that that I was going to have darshan of Lord Ram at the temple which was not built for over 500 years," he told ANIIn the sanctum sanctorum of Ram Mandir, the child-like Lord Ram is enthroned.  

‘January 22 will be etched in our memories’: PM Modi after inaugurating Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Speaking on the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that it will be etched in our memories for years to come. In a post on X, Modi wrote, “What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come."Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the ceremony, unveiling the Ram Lalla idol during the hour-long rituals.  During his address to the dignitaries at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol signifies not only a moment of victory following a protracted struggle but also one of humility. This is not just a moment of celebration for us all but also one to reflect the coming of age of the Indian society. This occasion is as much about triumph as it is about humility. The world is replete with instances of countries that faced a lot of difficulties resolving historic wrongs and injustices. However, the way we untied the knots and resolved all outstanding issues gives us hope that our future is going to be more beautiful and fulfilling than our past," PM Modi said. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, boasts dimensions of 380 feet in length (east-west), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. It is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple are adorned with intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. Within the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the idol of Shri Ramlalla, representing the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram, has been reverently placed. As the whole nation is celebrating the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held at Ram temple in Ayodhya, several politicians, leaders, and celebrities extended their wishes to the people. Referring to the consecration ceremony, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “500 years of slavery have ended today. India has shown that anything is possible in this country. I have full faith that Ram Rajya has begun now." He also showered praises for PM Modi. However, on being asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the Nagaon attacks, Himanta Biswa Sarma sidelined the question by referring to the Wayanad MP as ‘Ravan’.  

Here’s A Detailed Look At 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Mid-spec HTX Variant In 8 Images

Kia has just refreshed its popular subcompact SUV, the Sonet, with an updated design, refreshed interior, and new features. And if you are eyeing the 2024 Sonet with automatic transmission, the HTX variant serves as an entry-level option for it. Take a look at what the HTX variant has to offer. From the front, the HTX variant resembles the  HTK+ variant (that sits right below it), featuring an updated grille with chrome surrounds. However, with the HTX variant you get LED headlights (halogen headlights in HTK+ variant) with LED DRLs and LED fog lamps. The lower section showcases a silver skid plate, providing a contrasting look. It is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels that are designed to mimic the look of an alloy rim. Moving onto the rear, the HTX variant is equipped with connected LED taillights, and the bumper gets a similar design treatment to the front with a silver skid plate. Stepping inside, the first thing you will notice is the dual-tone black and tan brown leatherette upholstery for the seats. The cabin features all-black dashboard with silver inserts on the AC vents and door handles that add a dash of contrast. Adding to the premium feel are the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.It's worth noting that opting for the turbo petrol with clutchless manual transmission or diesel with manual transmission gives you a lighter beige tone to the upholstery. Additionally, the rear seats offer a 60:40 split for added flexibility, and rear passengers benefit from adjustable headrests, and a rear centre armrest with cup holders.With the HTX variant, you get front ventilated seats (limited to the 1-litre turbo with 7-speed DCT and 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed AT and iMT variants). Apart from this, it comes equipped with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch semi digital driver’s display, sunroof, Type-C charging ports, electrically foldable ORVMs, drive modes, paddle shifters in automatic transmission variants, and a 6-speaker sound system. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, rear disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors as well as seat belt reminders for all passengers.    

Mid-spec Tata Punch EV vs Top-end Tata Tiago EV: Cross-shopping Simplified

Tata Motors recently launched the Punch EV, introducing a new electric micro-SUV in our market. It sports a refreshed look and is based on a completely new electric car-only platform. The Punch EV joins Tata's lineup of electric vehicles, including the Tiago EV. If you are considering both the Punch EV and Tiago EV, we have simplified your decision-making process with a detailed comparison. Check it out. The mid-spec Punch EV Standard Range marginally undercuts the top-spec Tiago EV Long Range. It's important to note that, we are considering the Tiago EV configured with a 7.2 kW AC fast charger, which comes at a premium of Rs 50,000. Both the vehicles come standard with 3.3 kW AC charger. Considering the segment, the Punch EV is undoubtedly a larger vehicle than the Tiago EV, offering more space and a larger boot. It also has a longer wheelbase and that should result in more room inside the cabin.  Things change in the features department, with no significant difference between the two cars. In fact, the Tiago EV offers additional features such as rain-sensing wipers, a larger 8-speaker sound system, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the other hand, the Punch EV rides on larger 15-inch wheels and comes equipped with 6 airbags. As seen in the table above, there is barely any difference between the two cars in terms of powertrain specifications. However, the Punch EV's electric motor produces slightly more power. In terms of claimed range, both deliver a similar range. Do note that you get a second powertrain choice with both cars: Medium Range in the Tiago EV and Long Range in the Punch EV.  Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether to choose a larger micro-SUV or a hatchback with a smaller form factor, as both cars more or less offer a similar features set and power figures. Keeping the size factor aside, choosing the Punch EV means opting for a more modern product with an updated design. If you can configure it to higher-spec variants, you also get additional niceties like ventilated seats, and a larger infotainment and digital driver’s display. You also get the novelty factor of an SUVThe Tiago EV, on the other hand, is based on its petrol-powered counterpart, maintains the same design and feel, which might feel dated when compared to the Punch EV. Nevertheless, it does offer some additional conventional features if aesthetics are overlooked. That said, the new Punch EV is definitely the more modern product here and is our pick.

India overtakes Hong Kong as worlds fourth-largest stock market

India's stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years. India’s stock market has pipped Hong Kong for the first time. The combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges hit $4.33 trillion as of Monday’s close, against $4.29 trillion for Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, making India the fourth-biggest equity market globally.   Its stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years.  India has all the right ingredients in place to set the growth momentum further,” Ashish Gupta, chief investment officer at Axis Mutual Fund in Mumbai, told Bloomberg. Hong Kong's slump is also due to an eroding China appeal. Some of China’s most influential and innovative firms are listed in Hong Kong. Beijing’s stringent anti-Covid-19 curbs, regulatory crackdowns on corporations, a property-sector crisis and geopolitical tensions with the West have hit Chinese stocks hard. The total market value of Chinese and Hong Kong stocks have tumbled by more than $6 trillion since their peaks in 2021.   New listings have dried up in Hong Kong, with the Asian financial hub losing its status as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings. Overseas funds poured more than $21 billion into Indian shares in 2023, helping the country’s benchmark S&P BSE Sensex Index cap an eighth consecutive year of gains.“There is a clear consensus that India is the best long-term investment opportunity,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists including Guillaume Jaisson and Peter Oppenheimer wrote in a note Jan. 16 with results of a survey from the firm’s Global Strategy Conference.    

Tech layoffs: Tencents Riot Games to lay off 11% employees

Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like 'League of Legends'. The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs.Riot Games, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings, announced on Monday that it plans to lay off 530 employees, which is about 11% of its global staff. The news was shared in a blog post that included a letter from CEO Dylan Jadeja to the employees.Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like "League of Legends". The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs.  The digital gaming industry is facing challenges as audiences are hesitating to buy expensive titles or are sticking to fewer games due to high inflation. This trend was also seen last year when Electronic Arts Inc cut 6% of its staff and reduced office space. In his letter, Jadeja explained, "We're a company without a sharp enough focus, and we have too many things underway. Some of the significant investments we've made aren't paying off the way we expected them to. Our costs have grown to the point where they're unsustainable."The layoffs will allow Riot to concentrate on its live games portfolio, which includes "League of Legends", "Valorant", "Teamfight Tactics", and "Wild Rift". This was mentioned in a separate blog post by Jadeja and co-founder Marc Merrill.Riot will halt new game development under "Riot Forge" and will reduce some staff and features in "Legends of Runeterra".Tencent, which bought a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011, also has a stake in U.S. video game developer Epic Games.

Tata Motors zooms to 52-week high on plans to hike vehicle prices

Shares of Tata Motors Limited traded over a percent higher at Rs 827 to hit a fresh 52-week high on January 23 after the company announced that it will raise the prices by 0.7 percent across its passenger vehicles portfolio, including electric vehicles, with effect from February 1. The automobile major said the main reason behind the hike is escalating input costs. Despite the announcement, specific revised prices for each car have not been disclosed by the company. At 9:26am, the stock was trading at Rs 825, up 0.7 percent from the previous close on the NSE. In the last year, the counter has had a stellar rally, gaining over 100 percent on the bourses. It was also the best performer on the Nifty in 2023. The hike isn't just restricted to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but also EVs where Tata Motors is the market leader. This comes after the company launched the new Tata Punch EV, its recent addition to the electric SUV segment. Before its launch, Tata had Nexon EV, Tigor EV, and Tiago EV. The development gains significance as Tata Motors isn't the first company to hike prices in 2024. Last week, Maruti Suzuki announced a 0.45 percent price increase for its models. The company’s diverse range of vehicles, from the entry-level hatchback Alto to the sports utility vehicle Jimny and the multi-utility vehicle Invicto.   

Traffic Advisory For Bharat Parv, To Be Held From January 23 To January 31: Delhi Police

New Delhi: Bharat Parv, which is set to take place at Red Fort from January 23 to January 31, 2024, was the subject of a traffic advisory issued by the Delhi Police on Monday. The announcement stated that Madhav Das Park and 15 August Park would host food courts and craft stalls for the general public. As in previous years, it said that this edition of Bharat Parv will feature the Republic Day tableaus, Armed Forces bands, state/Union Territory troupes and zonal cultural centers performing, a pan-India food court and crafts bazaar, state and central government pavilions, and more.The general public is welcome to attend Bharat Parv's inaugural event on Tuesday through January 31. It is anticipated that the event will draw a sizable crowd on all days from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. based on previous experience. On this occasion, a lot of VIPs and VVIPs will also visit Red Fort, the advisory states.   Traffic is being diverted from Chatta Rail Crossing, Subhas Park T-point, Shanti Van Chowk and Delhi Gate, according to requirements during the period of Bharat Parv so that congestion is avoided, it stated.

"Trade, Tourism, And Currency Are Weapons Of Globalization," says S. Jaishankar

Abuja: On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declared that currency, trade, and tourism have become "weapons" in the weaponization of globalization. Although he acknowledged the benefits of globalization, he emphasized its drawbacks as well, pointing out how much of the world depends on the concentration of economic power in a small number of areas.Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Mr. Jaishankar observed that the global system put in place in 1945 still exists, and those in positions of power are hesitant to give others more opportunities."When I talked about globalization and concentration, a different challenge that came up was how globalization itself has been weaponized. Today, money is a weapon, trade is a weapon, tourism is a weapon, and dominant players—whether they are producers or consumers—often use their market shares on the global system without hesitation in order to further their specific national goals. Of course, the foundation of all of this is that this is an Institute dealing with international relations." Mr. Jaishankar A world order that was established in 1945, when the number of United Nations members was approximately 25% of what it is today, presents a challenge in affairs that we are all too familiar with. This world order stubbornly persists because those in power do not want to open up more seats for others to be at the engine."He pointed out that returning the world to its natural diversity is at the center of today's global agenda in many ways. In addition to highlighting the difficulties the globe faces in the process, Mr. Jaishankar referred to the restoration of natural diversity as a "collective objective".   "Restoring the world to its natural diversity is actually a collective objective in today's post-Colonial world," Mr. Jaishankar stated in his remarks. "The world was diverse and was distorted by the period of Western domination. This is why restoring that natural diversity is a central goal of the global agenda in many ways. The first obstacle to that process is that, even though many of us gained independence, we have all established our own countries and societies."   Restoring the world to its natural diversity is at the center of the current global agenda, the minister noted, underscoring its challenges. Although he acknowledged the challenges in achieving it, he referred to this as a "collective objective". The fact remains that the old power structure has not disappeared; while it may not be the imperialism of the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of the people who have ruled the world for the past 200 to 300 years still do so in various ways today. The question is how we challenge this, how we get past it, and ensure that the world is a more equitable place."Although globalization has yielded numerous benefits. Unquestionably, it has also resulted in such extreme economic concentrations that the production of a small number of regions now drives much of the world's economy. Now, it worked when we thought that everything arrived precisely on schedule to satisfy the demands of the moment, and that the entire world could function in the same way as Japanese automobiles are manufactured in Nagoya. We were wrong but we didn't know it and then COVID came and COVID brought home to every one of us that the most basic things of our life," he added. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he claimed, the world was dependent on producers and suppliers from far away. He emphasized the difficulties individuals faced in obtaining gloves, masks, and basic medications amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that excessive concentration needs to be reduced in today's world. "We found that during COVID, we were hostage to them and that many of us struggled with masks, gloves, ppes, ventilators, basic medicines, and vaccines. We also struggled to get food. We were frequently dependent on suppliers and producers from far away. "Thus, if you speak about a more balanced World a more democratic, one of the major lessons from the COVID experience is that our world today needs to be de-risked from the over-concentration," Mr. Jaishankar stated. "Global democracy encompasses more than just political democracy and diverse national rights. Our second challenge is that, in order to be democratic, every region and occasionally every big nation must be able to produce the necessities for its own economic and social security." Speaking about the third challenge, Mr Jaishankar said, "The setting of narratives and I spoke about the old domination, the old domination today doesn't tell you what to do with a stick the old domination will tell you what to do through social media through regular media through devising what is politically correct to setting standards and this narrative setting is actually a very powerful force today in international relations. Amidst all of this, there are ideologies, thinking, and regimes that are elevated, deposed, rendered irrelevant, and brought to the forefront through narrative setting. Of course, there are also challenges arising from the world's polarization."