<p>In a new study, the scientists have issued a warning regarding how dangerous are the viruses which are buried under ice sheets in the Arctic permafrost and other places. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists said that the melting Arctic permafrost is likely to release the 'zombie viruses' that can cause catastrophic global health emergencies, as per a report published in The Guardian. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The threat regarding the zombie virus has escalated because of rising temperatures due to global warming, which also resulted in the melting of the frozen ice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the samples retrieved from Siberian permafrost last year were used by scientists to better understand the risks related to these viruses. These viruses have remained frozen in the ground for thousands of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-experimenting-with-deadly-covid-like-virus-that-is-fatal-to-mice-report-680390">China experimenting with deadly Covid-like virus that could affect humans: Report</a></p>

<p>Speaking to The Guardian, Geneticist Jean-Michel Claverie of Aix-Marseille University said, "At the moment, analyses of pandemic threats focus on diseases that might emerge in southern regions and then spread north. By contrast, little attention has been given to an outbreak that might emerge in the far north and then travel south - and that is an oversight, I believe. There are viruses up there that have the potential to infect humans and start a new disease outbreak."</p>

<h2><strong>Live viruses can infect single-celled creatures: Scientists</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, scientist Marion Koopmans of the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam also agreed with the conclusions and said, "We don't know what viruses are lying out there in the permafrost but I think there is a real risk that there might be one capable of triggering a disease outbreak - say of an ancient form of polio. We have to assume that something like this could happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | China working on Wuhan virus 2.0?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-working-on-wuhan-virus-20-680634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Although being buried for thousands of years in permafrost, live viruses can still infect single-celled creatures, as per the team of scientists headed by Claverie in Siberia in 2014. One of the virus samples collected dates back 48,500 years.</p>

<p>"The viruses we isolated were only able to infect amoebae and posed no risk to humans. However, that does not mean that other viruses - currently frozen in the permafrost - might not be able to trigger illnesses in humans. We have identified genomic traces of poxviruses and herpesviruses, which are well-known human pathogens, for example," Claverie said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a new study, the scientists have issued a warning regarding how dangerous are the viruses which are buried under ice sheets in the Arctic permafrost and other places.

In a new study, the scientists have issued a warning regarding how dangerous are the viruses which are buried under ice sheets in the Arctic permafrost and other places. The scientists said that the melting Arctic permafrost is likely to release the 'zombie viruses' that can cause catastrophic global health emergencies, as per a report published in The Guardian. The threat regarding the zombie virus has escalated because of rising temperatures due to global warming, which also resulted in the melting of the frozen ice. Some of the samples retrieved from Siberian permafrost last year were used by scientists to better understand the risks related to these viruses. These viruses have remained frozen in the ground for thousands of years. Also read: China experimenting with deadly Covid-like virus that could affect humans: Report Speaking to The Guardian, Geneticist Jean-Michel Claverie of Aix-Marseille University said, "At the moment, analyses of pandemic threats focus on diseases that might emerge in southern regions and then spread north. By contrast, little attention has been given to an outbreak that might emerge in the far north and then travel south - and that is an oversight, I believe. There are viruses up there that have the potential to infect humans and start a new disease outbreak." Live viruses can infect single-celled creatures: Scientists Meanwhile, scientist Marion Koopmans of the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam also agreed with the conclusions and said, "We don't know what viruses are lying out there in the permafrost but I think there is a real risk that there might be one capable of triggering a disease outbreak - say of an ancient form of polio. We have to assume that something like this could happen." Watch: Gravitas | China working on Wuhan virus 2.0? Although being buried for thousands of years in permafrost, live viruses can still infect single-celled creatures, as per the team of scientists headed by Claverie in Siberia in 2014. One of the virus samples collected dates back 48,500 years. "The viruses we isolated were only able to infect amoebae and posed no risk to humans. However, that does not mean that other viruses - currently frozen in the permafrost - might not be able to trigger illnesses in humans. We have identified genomic traces of poxviruses and herpesviruses, which are well-known human pathogens, for example," Claverie said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Zombie’ virus, after remaining frozen 48,500 years in Arctic, may cause a deadly pandemic, warn scientists

<p>Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits. DeSantis was once seen as a strong contender for the nomination of the party - but on Sunday he announced that he did not "have a clear path to victory".</p>

<p>Trump's last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, said she was the "only one" who can defeat US President Joe Biden. Trump and Haley will face each other in New Hampshire's primary election on Tuesday (Jan 23). This will be the second in a series of state-by-state contests which are being conducted to select a Republican nominee for the general election scheduled in November.</p>

<p>DeSantis, in a five-minute long video posted on social media platform X on Sunday, said that his campaign had "left it all out on the field".</p>

<p>"If there was anything I could do to produce a favourable outcome - more campaign stops, more interviews - I would do it," he said while announcing the end of his seven-month campaign.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vs-michelle-obama-in-2024-us-elections-reports-say-former-first-lady-could-replace-joe-biden-682065">Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden</a></p>

<p>The Florida governor said that he is now endorsing Trump who has emerged as a clear frontrunner after garnering &nbsp;51 per cent of the vote and marking a major victory in the first contest held in Iowa.&nbsp;</p>

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— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1749159384112845285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>DeSantis said it can be clearly seen that a majority of Republican voters "want to give Donald Trump another chance".</p>

<p>He accepted "disagreements" with the former president, but added that Trump was "superior" to Biden, who is most likely to be the Democratic nominee in November's general election.</p>

<p>"I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," said DeSantis.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump receives loud cheers after DeSantis's withdrawal&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After DeSantis withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Trump on Sunday afternoon (Jan 21), Trump was greeted with loud cheers. Later, while addressing the people at a rally, Trump said that his former opponent Desantis was a "really terrific person", and added, "He ran a really good campaign, it's not easy."</p>

<p>DeSantis had earlier presented himself as the Republican candidate who could deliver the populist agenda of Trump without any baggage or drama.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-now-nikki-haley-to-take-on-donald-trump-682241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After the announcement was made by DeSantis, the Trump campaign appealed to all Republicans to rally in support of the US president, while criticising his former UN Ambassador as "the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement".</p>

<p>DeSantis also took a jibe at Haley and called her a member of "the old Republican guard of yesteryear - a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism".</p>

<p>Haley, who is a former South Carolina governor, in her response, insisted that she was the "only one" conservative candidate who can defeat Biden.</p>

<p>"There's two people in this race. That's what we wanted all along, and we're going to keep going," she said while speaking to CNN in New Hampshire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump. Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump. Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits. DeSantis was once seen as a strong contender for the nomination of the party - but on Sunday he announced that he did not "have a clear path to victory". Trump's last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, said she was the "only one" who can defeat US President Joe Biden. Trump and Haley will face each other in New Hampshire's primary election on Tuesday (Jan 23). This will be the second in a series of state-by-state contests which are being conducted to select a Republican nominee for the general election scheduled in November. DeSantis, in a five-minute long video posted on social media platform X on Sunday, said that his campaign had "left it all out on the field". "If there was anything I could do to produce a favourable outcome - more campaign stops, more interviews - I would do it," he said while announcing the end of his seven-month campaign. Also read: Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden The Florida governor said that he is now endorsing Trump who has emerged as a clear frontrunner after garnering 51 per cent of the vote and marking a major victory in the first contest held in Iowa. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill pic.twitter.com/ECoR8YeiMm — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 21, 2024 × DeSantis said it can be clearly seen that a majority of Republican voters "want to give Donald Trump another chance". He accepted "disagreements" with the former president, but added that Trump was "superior" to Biden, who is most likely to be the Democratic nominee in November's general election. "I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," said DeSantis. Trump receives loud cheers after DeSantis's withdrawal After DeSantis withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Trump on Sunday afternoon (Jan 21), Trump was greeted with loud cheers. Later, while addressing the people at a rally, Trump said that his former opponent Desantis was a "really terrific person", and added, "He ran a really good campaign, it's not easy." DeSantis had earlier presented himself as the Republican candidate who could deliver the populist agenda of Trump without any baggage or drama. Watch: US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump After the announcement was made by DeSantis, the Trump campaign appealed to all Republicans to rally in support of the US president, while criticising his former UN Ambassador as "the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement". DeSantis also took a jibe at Haley and called her a member of "the old Republican guard of yesteryear - a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism". Haley, who is a former South Carolina governor, in her response, insisted that she was the "only one" conservative candidate who can defeat Biden. "There's two people in this race. That's what we wanted all along, and we're going to keep going," she said while speaking to CNN in New Hampshire. (With inputs from agencies)

Ron DeSantis drops out of US presidential race, extends support to Trump

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<p>The Ram temple's&nbsp;new Ram Lalla idol, which was consecrated at the grand Ram temple on Monday (Jan 22), has now been named “Balak Ram” since the idol is the image of the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.</p>

<p>"The idol of Lord Ram, whose consecration was done on January 22, has been named as 'Balak Ram'. The reason for naming the idol of Lord Ram as 'Balak Ram' is that he resembles a child, whose age is five years," said Arun Dixit, a priest who was involved in the consecration ceremony, while speaking to PTI.</p>

<p>"The first time I saw the idol, I was thrilled and tears started rolling down my face. I cannot explain the feeling I experienced then," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-ram-lalla-idol-sculptor-yogirajs-wife-tells-wion-story-of-its-creation-680399">Ram Mandir Ram Lalla idol: Sculptor Yogiraj's wife tells WION story of its creation</a></p>

<p>The priest, who is based in the Indian city of Varanasi and has carried out nearly 50-60 consecrations, said, "Of all the consecrations (I have) performed so far, this is the most 'alaukik' (divine)&nbsp;and 'sarvochch' (supreme) for me."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Idol carved out of 2.5 billion-year-old black granite stone: Report</strong></h2>

<p>The 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla is said to have been created using special black granite, which was brought from the Indian state of Karnataka and was reported to be 2.5 billion years old.</p>

<p>"The stone is 2.5 billion years old," said HS Venkatesh, Director of the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, while speaking to various media outlets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) is the facility which helped in carrying out tests with the use of physico-mechanical analysis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Moment Ram Lalla's face unveiled</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-moment-ram-lallas-face-unveiled-682387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The rock is highly durable and resistant to climatic variation and will sustain thousands of years in this subtropical zone with minimum maintenance," said Dr Venkatesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh said that the Ram Temple was constructed using the highest quality stones and traditional architectural designs, and had also incorporated modern engineering and science techniques which make&nbsp;it durable. "It has been designed to last for more than 1,000 years," he added.</p>

<p>As per media reports, the stone was selected from the village Jayapura Hobli in Mysuru district, which is famous for high-quality granite mines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports suggest that the rock belongs to the pre-Cambrian era which is said to have started some four billion plus years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stone was turned into the Ram Lalla idol by 38-year-old sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, who comes from a family of five generations of sculptors. The sculptor spent nearly six months crafting the Ram Lalla idol.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Ram temple's new Ram Lalla idol, which was consecrated at the grand Ram temple on Monday (Jan 22), has now been named “Balak Ram” since the idol is the image of the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.

The Ram temple's new Ram Lalla idol, which was consecrated at the grand Ram temple on Monday (Jan 22), has now been named “Balak Ram” since the idol is the image of the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture. "The idol of Lord Ram, whose consecration was done on January 22, has been named as 'Balak Ram'. The reason for naming the idol of Lord Ram as 'Balak Ram' is that he resembles a child, whose age is five years," said Arun Dixit, a priest who was involved in the consecration ceremony, while speaking to PTI. "The first time I saw the idol, I was thrilled and tears started rolling down my face. I cannot explain the feeling I experienced then," he said. Also read: Ram Mandir Ram Lalla idol: Sculptor Yogiraj's wife tells WION story of its creation The priest, who is based in the Indian city of Varanasi and has carried out nearly 50-60 consecrations, said, "Of all the consecrations (I have) performed so far, this is the most 'alaukik' (divine) and 'sarvochch' (supreme) for me." Idol carved out of 2.5 billion-year-old black granite stone: Report The 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla is said to have been created using special black granite, which was brought from the Indian state of Karnataka and was reported to be 2.5 billion years old. "The stone is 2.5 billion years old," said HS Venkatesh, Director of the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, while speaking to various media outlets. The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) is the facility which helped in carrying out tests with the use of physico-mechanical analysis. Watch: Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Moment Ram Lalla's face unveiled "The rock is highly durable and resistant to climatic variation and will sustain thousands of years in this subtropical zone with minimum maintenance," said Dr Venkatesh. Meanwhile, Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh said that the Ram Temple was constructed using the highest quality stones and traditional architectural designs, and had also incorporated modern engineering and science techniques which make it durable. "It has been designed to last for more than 1,000 years," he added. As per media reports, the stone was selected from the village Jayapura Hobli in Mysuru district, which is famous for high-quality granite mines. The reports suggest that the rock belongs to the pre-Cambrian era which is said to have started some four billion plus years ago. The stone was turned into the Ram Lalla idol by 38-year-old sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, who comes from a family of five generations of sculptors. The sculptor spent nearly six months crafting the Ram Lalla idol. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s Ram Lalla idol to be now called ‘Balak Ram’

<p>Iran on Tuesday (Jan 23) executed a man who was convicted for killing a policeman as well as injuring others in the protests which rocked the entire nation in 2022, said the judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The death sentence of Mohammad Ghobadlou ... was carried out this morning after 487 days of legal proceedings," said the judiciary's Mizan Online website.</p>

<p>Mizan reported&nbsp;that Ghobadlou was found guilty of murdering a policeman and injuring five others. The policeman was killed during the nationwide protests which were sparked after 22-year-old Iranian-Kurd Mahsa Amini died in custody in September 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-iran-envoys-to-return-to-their-posts-easing-tensions-for-diplomatic-talks-682527">Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts days after tit-for-tat cross-border strikes, easing tensions</a></p>

<p>Amini was earlier arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds of people lost their lives in the protests, which included dozens of security personnel, and thousands of others were arrested over what officials called foreign-instigated "riots".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Eight executions conducted so far&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ghobadlou was earlier given the death sentence in November 2022 after he was convicted of "corruption on Earth for attacking police in Tehran with a car, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to five others," as reported by the Mizan website at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court in February 2023 granted him a stay of execution and his case was later referred to a new jurisdiction to deal with issues related to his mental health, as per a report published by Iran's Mehr news agency in July.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran-Pakistan tensions: Pakistan &amp; Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-pakistan-tensions-pakistan-iran-agree-to-de-escalate-after-trading-air-strikes-682612/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Mizan on Tuesday (Jan 23) reported&nbsp;that the Supreme Court had permitted a death sentence for Ghobadlou which was carried out&nbsp;in accordance with the qesas (Iran's Islamic law of retribution).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The execution of Ghobadlou brings the total number of people executed after being convicted of murder or other violence committed against security force personnel amid the protests to eight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran is known to execute more people every year than any other country except China, according to human rights groups, including Amnesty International. Generally, the executions are carried out by hanging in Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran on Tuesday (Jan 23) executed a man who was convicted for killing a policeman as well as injuring others in the protests which rocked the entire nation in 2022, said the judiciary.

Iran on Tuesday (Jan 23) executed a man who was convicted for killing a policeman as well as injuring others in the protests which rocked the entire nation in 2022, said the judiciary. "The death sentence of Mohammad Ghobadlou ... was carried out this morning after 487 days of legal proceedings," said the judiciary's Mizan Online website. Mizan reported that Ghobadlou was found guilty of murdering a policeman and injuring five others. The policeman was killed during the nationwide protests which were sparked after 22-year-old Iranian-Kurd Mahsa Amini died in custody in September 2022. Also read: Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts days after tit-for-tat cross-border strikes, easing tensions Amini was earlier arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the protests, which included dozens of security personnel, and thousands of others were arrested over what officials called foreign-instigated "riots". Eight executions conducted so far Ghobadlou was earlier given the death sentence in November 2022 after he was convicted of "corruption on Earth for attacking police in Tehran with a car, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to five others," as reported by the Mizan website at the time. The Supreme Court in February 2023 granted him a stay of execution and his case was later referred to a new jurisdiction to deal with issues related to his mental health, as per a report published by Iran's Mehr news agency in July. Watch: Iran-Pakistan tensions: Pakistan & Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes Mizan on Tuesday (Jan 23) reported that the Supreme Court had permitted a death sentence for Ghobadlou which was carried out in accordance with the qesas (Iran's Islamic law of retribution). The execution of Ghobadlou brings the total number of people executed after being convicted of murder or other violence committed against security force personnel amid the protests to eight. Iran is known to execute more people every year than any other country except China, according to human rights groups, including Amnesty International. Generally, the executions are carried out by hanging in Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran executes man convicted of killing policeman in 2022 protests

<p>The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The imprisoned Putin critic said that he is now forced to listen to a pro-Putin pop sing as part of the morning ritual at 5 am. &nbsp;</p>

<p>47-year-old Navalny, who was formerly a lawyer, came to prominence nearly a decade ago by criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin and raising his voice against vast corruption. He has now been kept in a prison about 60 km (40 miles) north of the Arctic Circle.</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's erratic morning regime of national anthem, pop songs</strong></h2>

<p>The critic, who has been sentenced to prison, till he turns 74, said that his morning regime includes listening to the Russian national anthem as well as the patriotic song “I am Russian", which has been sung by a pro-Putin singer called “Shaman“.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-25-killed-20-injured-after-ukraine-shells-russian-controlled-city-of-donetsk-682073">At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’</a></p>

<p>Shaman, whose actual name is Yaroslav Dronov, has created a wave of war-fuelled patriotism and turned into a staple on state TV. He is also among the celebrities who are officially supporting Putin ahead again for the presidency in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to X, Navalny said, “The singer Shaman came to prominence when I was already in prison so I could neither see him nor listen to his music. But I knew he had become Putin’s main singer. And that his main song was ‘I am Russian’."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia locks horn with Ukraine and US at UNSC meet</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-locks-horn-with-ukraine-and-us-at-unsc-meet-682655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Of course, I was curious to hear it, but where could I listen to it in prison? And then they brought me to Yamal [the location of his Arctic prison]. And here, every day at 5 o’clock in the morning, we hear the command: ‘Get up!’ followed by the Russian national anthem and then immediately afterwards, the country’s second most important song is played – ‘I am Russian’ by Shaman," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny said that the irony was it was highlighted by the state authorities that an ultra-nationalist pop song was played for educational purposes while he carried out morning prison exercises.</p>

<p>“To be honest, I’m still not sure that I correctly understand what post-irony and meta-irony are. But if that’s not it, what is it?” quipped Putin's critic.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture.

The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture. The imprisoned Putin critic said that he is now forced to listen to a pro-Putin pop sing as part of the morning ritual at 5 am. 47-year-old Navalny, who was formerly a lawyer, came to prominence nearly a decade ago by criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin and raising his voice against vast corruption. He has now been kept in a prison about 60 km (40 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Navalny's erratic morning regime of national anthem, pop songs The critic, who has been sentenced to prison, till he turns 74, said that his morning regime includes listening to the Russian national anthem as well as the patriotic song “I am Russian", which has been sung by a pro-Putin singer called “Shaman“. Also read: At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’ Shaman, whose actual name is Yaroslav Dronov, has created a wave of war-fuelled patriotism and turned into a staple on state TV. He is also among the celebrities who are officially supporting Putin ahead again for the presidency in March. Taking to X, Navalny said, “The singer Shaman came to prominence when I was already in prison so I could neither see him nor listen to his music. But I knew he had become Putin’s main singer. And that his main song was ‘I am Russian’." Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Russia locks horn with Ukraine and US at UNSC meet “Of course, I was curious to hear it, but where could I listen to it in prison? And then they brought me to Yamal [the location of his Arctic prison]. And here, every day at 5 o’clock in the morning, we hear the command: ‘Get up!’ followed by the Russian national anthem and then immediately afterwards, the country’s second most important song is played – ‘I am Russian’ by Shaman," he added. Navalny said that the irony was it was highlighted by the state authorities that an ultra-nationalist pop song was played for educational purposes while he carried out morning prison exercises. “To be honest, I’m still not sure that I correctly understand what post-irony and meta-irony are. But if that’s not it, what is it?” quipped Putin's critic. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin's new torture trick? Jailed Alexei Navalny claims he is made to hear pro-Putin song every day

<p>Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24&nbsp;soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Among them, 21&nbsp;soldiers lost their lives after a tank and a building were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a televised statement.</p>

<p>Hagari said that a total of 21 soldiers lost their lives in an explosion which took place in central Gaza.</p>

<p>He said that the troops were operating around 600 metres from the border while destroying structures and Hamas sites as part of the efforts of the army to establish a buffer zone which will allow the residents of Israeli border communities to go back to their homes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-makes-first-death-toll-estimate-of-hamas-fighters-report-682133">Hamas justifies October 7 attacks in report, Netanyahu rejects conditions for hostage release</a></p>

<p>“As far as we know, at around 4 pm, an RPG was fired by terrorists at a tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-story buildings. The buildings collapsed due to this explosion, while most of the forces were inside and near them,” he said.</p>

<p>Hagari added that the explosion occurred most probably because of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings, however, the cause of the detonation is still being investigated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Netanyahu says Army investigating 'disaster'</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said&nbsp;that the army is investigating&nbsp;the "disaster" which led to the deaths of 21 soldiers in Gaza "The IDF (Israeli army) has launched an investigation of the disaster. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors," said Netanyahu, in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Deaths compel us to achieve war’s goals’, Israel's defence minister reacts to deadly attack</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reacting to the reports of the attack, said that it is a “difficult and painful morning”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our hearts are with the dear families in their most difficult times. This is a war that will determine the future of Israel for decades to come – the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting,” wrote the defence minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Names of the best of our sons added to headstones of heroes: President Herzog</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressing his grief about the killing of 21 soldiers, said that “more and more of the best of our sons” have died in the war.</p>

<p>“An unbearably difficult morning, in which more and more names of the best of our sons are added to the gravestones of heroes, in a war that has no justice,” wrote Herzog on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: War will continue at all fronts, says PM Netanyahu</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-war-will-continue-at-all-fronts-says-pm-netanyahu-682684/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The intense battles are taking place in an extremely challenging space, and we send strength to the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces, who are working with endless determination to realise the goals of the fighting,” he added.</p>

<p>“On behalf of the entire nation, I console the families and pray for the healing of the wounded,” he wrote. “Even on this sad and difficult morning, we are strong and remember that together we will win," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24 soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27.

Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24 soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27. Among them, 21 soldiers lost their lives after a tank and a building were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a televised statement. Hagari said that a total of 21 soldiers lost their lives in an explosion which took place in central Gaza. He said that the troops were operating around 600 metres from the border while destroying structures and Hamas sites as part of the efforts of the army to establish a buffer zone which will allow the residents of Israeli border communities to go back to their homes. Also read: Hamas justifies October 7 attacks in report, Netanyahu rejects conditions for hostage release “As far as we know, at around 4 pm, an RPG was fired by terrorists at a tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-story buildings. The buildings collapsed due to this explosion, while most of the forces were inside and near them,” he said. Hagari added that the explosion occurred most probably because of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings, however, the cause of the detonation is still being investigated. PM Netanyahu says Army investigating 'disaster' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the army is investigating the "disaster" which led to the deaths of 21 soldiers in Gaza "The IDF (Israeli army) has launched an investigation of the disaster. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors," said Netanyahu, in a statement. ‘Deaths compel us to achieve war’s goals’, Israel's defence minister reacts to deadly attack Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reacting to the reports of the attack, said that it is a “difficult and painful morning”. “Our hearts are with the dear families in their most difficult times. This is a war that will determine the future of Israel for decades to come – the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting,” wrote the defence minister. Names of the best of our sons added to headstones of heroes: President Herzog Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressing his grief about the killing of 21 soldiers, said that “more and more of the best of our sons” have died in the war. “An unbearably difficult morning, in which more and more names of the best of our sons are added to the gravestones of heroes, in a war that has no justice,” wrote Herzog on X. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: War will continue at all fronts, says PM Netanyahu “The intense battles are taking place in an extremely challenging space, and we send strength to the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces, who are working with endless determination to realise the goals of the fighting,” he added. “On behalf of the entire nation, I console the families and pray for the healing of the wounded,” he wrote. “Even on this sad and difficult morning, we are strong and remember that together we will win," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas War: IDF faces deadliest single attack, 24 soldiers dead

<p>After the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir which saw the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as various politicians and celebrities, the&nbsp;Hindu temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya has been opened for the public, starting Monday (Jan 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the gates were opened, massive crowds gathered in front of the Ram Mandir as early as 3 am on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gates of the temple have been opened for the people from 7 am to 11:30 am and will again be opened from 2 pm to 7 pm local time.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees gather in large numbers at Shri Ram temple on the first day after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony <a href="https://t.co/EGo9yr9sXS">pic.twitter.com/EGo9yr9sXS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1749610495047610714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony was carried out on Monday after which PM Modi prostrated himself before the temple's Ram Lalla idol.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-30-years-300-columns-3d-structural-analysis-architect-narrates-journey-of-temple-designing-682206">Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing</a></p>

<p>The ceremony was also attended by dignitaries including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ceremony will be etched in memory for years: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>After the consecration ceremony, Indian PM Modi posted a video of the grand rituals that took place in the temple and wrote on X, "What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Heavy rush outside the Ram Temple as devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and have Darshan of Shri Ram Lalla on the first morning after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony <a href="https://t.co/gQHInJ5FTz">pic.twitter.com/gQHInJ5FTz</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1749596750581793024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the ritual, the prime minister spoke to a gathering of nearly 8,000 people, consisting of seers as well as individuals related to the Ram Janmabhoomi (Lord Ram birthplace) movement, and personalities from different fields.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come. <a href="https://t.co/8SXnFGnyWg">pic.twitter.com/8SXnFGnyWg</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1749645944881287268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister further visited the Kuber Tila and spoke with workers who had carried out the construction of the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple city's atmosphere was filled with divinity by a devotional "Mangal Dhwani," which featured 50 traditional musical instruments from across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ram Temple was constructed after a prolonged legal battle ended with the Supreme Court ruling allowing its construction in November 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: 'Entire nation is celebrating Diwali, says PM Modi</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-entire-nation-is-celebrating-diwali-says-pm-modi-682619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>While addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Modi declared the consecration of Ram Lalla- Lord Ram's idol in the form of a child- as the beginning of a new era.</p>

<p>"I have come before you are witnessing the divine consciousness in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. There's so much to say but, but there's a lump in my throat. After unprecedented patience, innumerable sacrifices and penance, our Lord Ram has arrived. I congratulate the country on this occasion," said the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi further appealed for unity and said the temple is not only a symbol of triumph but also humility, which showcases the maturity of India in resolving historical disputes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir which saw the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as various politicians and celebrities, the Hindu temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya has been opened for the public, starting Monday (Jan 22).

After the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir which saw the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as various politicians and celebrities, the Hindu temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya has been opened for the public, starting Monday (Jan 22). Before the gates were opened, massive crowds gathered in front of the Ram Mandir as early as 3 am on Tuesday morning. The gates of the temple have been opened for the people from 7 am to 11:30 am and will again be opened from 2 pm to 7 pm local time. #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees gather in large numbers at Shri Ram temple on the first day after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony pic.twitter.com/EGo9yr9sXS — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024 × The temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony was carried out on Monday after which PM Modi prostrated himself before the temple's Ram Lalla idol. Also read: Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing The ceremony was also attended by dignitaries including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Ceremony will be etched in memory for years: PM Modi After the consecration ceremony, Indian PM Modi posted a video of the grand rituals that took place in the temple and wrote on X, "What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come." #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Heavy rush outside the Ram Temple as devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and have Darshan of Shri Ram Lalla on the first morning after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony pic.twitter.com/gQHInJ5FTz — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024 × After the ritual, the prime minister spoke to a gathering of nearly 8,000 people, consisting of seers as well as individuals related to the Ram Janmabhoomi (Lord Ram birthplace) movement, and personalities from different fields. What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come. pic.twitter.com/8SXnFGnyWg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024 × The prime minister further visited the Kuber Tila and spoke with workers who had carried out the construction of the temple. The temple city's atmosphere was filled with divinity by a devotional "Mangal Dhwani," which featured 50 traditional musical instruments from across the country. The Ram Temple was constructed after a prolonged legal battle ended with the Supreme Court ruling allowing its construction in November 2019. Watch: Ram Mandir Ayodhya: 'Entire nation is celebrating Diwali, says PM Modi While addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Modi declared the consecration of Ram Lalla- Lord Ram's idol in the form of a child- as the beginning of a new era. "I have come before you are witnessing the divine consciousness in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. There's so much to say but, but there's a lump in my throat. After unprecedented patience, innumerable sacrifices and penance, our Lord Ram has arrived. I congratulate the country on this occasion," said the prime minister. PM Modi further appealed for unity and said the temple is not only a symbol of triumph but also humility, which showcases the maturity of India in resolving historical disputes. (With inputs from agencies)

A sea of devotees throngs Ram Mandir following grand consecration on Monday

Six Historic Moments From Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enters the compound of Ayodhya's Ram Temple and makes his way to the sanctum sanctorum.


PM Modi unveils the Ram Lalla idol during the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple.


The prime minister concludes the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the idol by bowing (Dandavat Pranam) in front of the idol.


PM Modi breaks his 11-day satvik fast during which the leader slept on the floor and only consumed fruits and coconut water.


Bollywood celebrities pose for a photograph at the Ayodhya consecration ceremony.

PM Modi addresses the congregation of invitees at the ceremony, and says 'Our Ram Lalla will not live in the tent now'.


Six Historic Moments From Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony

7 Interesting Facts About Ayodhya's Newly-Built Ram Temple


The Ram Temple is spread over an expansive area of 2.7 acres and has a built-up area of 57,400 square feet.


The temple's original design was made 30 years ago, and the new design is just an extension of the old.


The temple's height is 161 feet and its length is 360 feet. Its total width is 235 feet and there are 12 gates in the temple compound.


The temple complex has 392 pillars and 44 doors. After entering the main gate of “Singh Dwar”, there are 32 steps one needs to take to reach the main temple.


The temple has been built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, which is the most developed style architecturally.


The temple has not been made using any iron or steel. Only stones, plain cement concrete and cement slurry have been used for the construction.


This is the world's first temple to undergo 3D structural analysis and has been built to withstand natural calamities for the next 2,500 years.


7 Interesting Facts About Ayodhya's Newly-Built Ram Temple

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the completion of the Ram Mandir&nbsp;consecration ceremony in India's temple city of Ayodhya, showered flower petals on 'shramiks' (workers) who carried out the temple's construction. Flowers were also showered&nbsp;by the prime minister on the idol of Jatayu which is present in the premises of Ram Temple. He further offered prayers to Lord Shiva in Ayodhya Dham.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian PM Modi, while speaking to the dignitaries who were invited to the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, said that the moment of Ram Lalla idol's unveiling is an occasion not just of triumph but also of humility.</p>

<h2><strong>PM calls consecration ceremony a 'moment of celebration'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past," Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | PM Modi showers petals on 'shramiks' (workers) who were involved in the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamMandirPranPratishtha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamMandirPranPratishtha</a> <a href="https://t.co/jsgSWOqJES">pic.twitter.com/jsgSWOqJES</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1749372754833613283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister called&nbsp;the temple's construction a symbol of harmony, patience, peace, and integration in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-30-years-300-columns-3d-structural-analysis-architect-narrates-journey-of-temple-designing-682206">Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing</a></p>

<p>"There was also a time when some people used to say 'Ram Mandir bana toh aag lag jaegi' (the construction of the temple will set off a firestorm). Such people could not understand the purity of India's social spirit. The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of peace, patience, mutual harmony and coordination of the Indian society. We are seeing that this construction is not giving birth to any fire, but to energy," the PM said.</p>

<p>The prime minister&nbsp;unveiled Ram Lalla idol at the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony after priests carried out hour-long rituals. He also performed multiple rituals at the temple and the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony took place during the 84-second 'Abhijeet muhurta'. After the rituals ended, PM Modi prostrated himself in front of the idol, which is&nbsp;the depiction of child Ram.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ayodhya Ram Mandir: PM Modi performs aarti in front of Ram Lalla's idol</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pm-modi-performs-aarti-in-front-of-ram-lallas-idol-682393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The prime minister walked into the temple premises carrying a silver 'chattar' (umbrella) which was kept on a red folded dupatta. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat were also present inside the sanctum sanctorum during the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the completion of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in India's temple city of Ayodhya, showered flower petals on 'shramiks' (workers) who carried out the temple's construction.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the completion of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in India's temple city of Ayodhya, showered flower petals on 'shramiks' (workers) who carried out the temple's construction. Flowers were also showered by the prime minister on the idol of Jatayu which is present in the premises of Ram Temple. He further offered prayers to Lord Shiva in Ayodhya Dham. Indian PM Modi, while speaking to the dignitaries who were invited to the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, said that the moment of Ram Lalla idol's unveiling is an occasion not just of triumph but also of humility. PM calls consecration ceremony a 'moment of celebration' "This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past," Modi said. VIDEO | PM Modi showers petals on 'shramiks' (workers) who were involved in the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.#RamMandirPranPratishtha pic.twitter.com/jsgSWOqJES — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024 × The prime minister called the temple's construction a symbol of harmony, patience, peace, and integration in the country. Also read: Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing "There was also a time when some people used to say 'Ram Mandir bana toh aag lag jaegi' (the construction of the temple will set off a firestorm). Such people could not understand the purity of India's social spirit. The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of peace, patience, mutual harmony and coordination of the Indian society. We are seeing that this construction is not giving birth to any fire, but to energy," the PM said. The prime minister unveiled Ram Lalla idol at the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony after priests carried out hour-long rituals. He also performed multiple rituals at the temple and the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony took place during the 84-second 'Abhijeet muhurta'. After the rituals ended, PM Modi prostrated himself in front of the idol, which is the depiction of child Ram. Watch: Ayodhya Ram Mandir: PM Modi performs aarti in front of Ram Lalla's idol The prime minister walked into the temple premises carrying a silver 'chattar' (umbrella) which was kept on a red folded dupatta. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat were also present inside the sanctum sanctorum during the ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: PM Modi showers petals on workers who constructed Ram Mandir

<p>Two US Navy SEALs who went missing during an operation to seize Iranian weapons bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels have been declared dead after a 10-day search failed to locate them, the US military said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously said that two SEALs who were reported as lost at sea were involved in the January 11 operation, in which the elite special operations personnel boarded a dhow off the coast of Somalia and seized missile components made in Iran.</p>

<p>"We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing US Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased," CENTCOM said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported missing during the boarding of an illicit dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons... concluded and we are now conducting recovery operations," the statement said.</p>

<p>CENTCOM described the capture of the missile components as "the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons... to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023."</p>

<p>That month, the Houthis began targeting ships in the Red Sea they claimed were linked to Israel -- attacks they said were in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas.</p>

<p>The United States and Britain carried out strikes on dozens of rebel targets earlier this month, and American forces have since hit a number of missiles that Washington says were ready to launch and posed a threat to both civilian and military vessels.</p>

<p>The Houthis -- who declared American and British interests to be legitimate targets -- are still undeterred, and have continued to carry out attacks on ships.</p>

<p>Around 12 per cent of global trade normally passes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea's entrance between southwest Yemen and Djibouti, but the rebel attacks have caused much shipping to be diverted thousands of miles around Africa.</p>


Two US Navy SEALs who went missing during an operation to seize Iranian weapons bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels have been declared dead after a 10-day search failed to locate them, the US military said on Sunday.

Two US Navy SEALs who went missing during an operation to seize Iranian weapons bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels have been declared dead after a 10-day search failed to locate them, the US military said on Sunday. The Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously said that two SEALs who were reported as lost at sea were involved in the January 11 operation, in which the elite special operations personnel boarded a dhow off the coast of Somalia and seized missile components made in Iran. "We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing US Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased," CENTCOM said in a statement. "The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported missing during the boarding of an illicit dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons... concluded and we are now conducting recovery operations," the statement said. CENTCOM described the capture of the missile components as "the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons... to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023." That month, the Houthis began targeting ships in the Red Sea they claimed were linked to Israel -- attacks they said were in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas. The United States and Britain carried out strikes on dozens of rebel targets earlier this month, and American forces have since hit a number of missiles that Washington says were ready to launch and posed a threat to both civilian and military vessels. The Houthis -- who declared American and British interests to be legitimate targets -- are still undeterred, and have continued to carry out attacks on ships. Around 12 per cent of global trade normally passes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea's entrance between southwest Yemen and Djibouti, but the rebel attacks have caused much shipping to be diverted thousands of miles around Africa.

US military declares two Navy SEALs lost at sea ‘deceased’

<p>Indian sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who is based in Karnataka and is the artist&nbsp;who carved the Ram Lalla idol that was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya's Ram Temple&nbsp;on Monday (Jan 22), expressed his happiness at the selection of his idol and called himself as the the "luckiest person" on earth.</p>

<p>"I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth now. The blessings of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram Lalla have&nbsp;always been with me. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream world," said Arun Yogiraj, while speaking to news agency ANI.</p>

<p>The 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony at the Ram Temple was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who revealed the idol in its final form just before the 'Pran Pratishtha'. Ram Lalla's new idol was placed inside temple premises last week. The idol is of five-year-old Ram Lalla standing on a lotus.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Ram Lalla idol sculptor, Arun Yogiraj says "I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth now. The blessing of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram Lalla has always been with me. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream world..." <a href="https://t.co/Eyzljgb7zN">pic.twitter.com/Eyzljgb7zN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1749306734869643365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Wife rejoices at selection of Yogiraj's idol</strong></h2>

<p>While earlier narrating the journey of the 'god-maker' to WION, Yogiraj's wife Vijetha Arun Yogiraj said: "In January 2023 many artists from India were invited to present their previous work in the national capital Delhi and after scrutiny, three artists were selected to make Lord Ram's idol. Arun started working on the idol in the month of June in Ayodhya and completed the idol after six months of hard work."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-ram-lalla-idol-sculptor-yogirajs-wife-tells-wion-story-of-its-creation-680399">Ram Mandir Ram Lalla idol: Sculptor Yogiraj's wife tells WION story of its creation</a></p>

<p>"The stone was already given to him by the Ayodhya temple's committee. The stone was selected and researchers had conducted a testing of the stone and after it was found suitable for making an idol, it was handed over to the artist," she added.</p>

<p>The stone used for making the Ram idol – Krishna Shila – came as a surprise to many especially because of its bluish-grey colour.</p>

<p>Speaking about how Krishna Shila stone is a good choice for making the idol, Vijetha said: "It was decided by the temple authorities what kind of stone has to be used for making the idol. The Krishna Shila stone is a monolithic stone – which is one stone from which the whole idol is made."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ayodhya Ram Mandir: PM Modi performs aarti in front of Ram Lalla's idol</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pm-modi-performs-aarti-in-front-of-ram-lallas-idol-682393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Krishna Sila is a stone which does not react to anything like acid. When you pour milk on the idol, the stone will not react to anything. Krishna sila is bluish grey and when you apply coconut and burnt cocoa powder, it turns black. Over the years, it hardens and does not react to anything. There are 5,000-year-old temples where idols have been made using Krishna Shila stones and have till now not reacted to any weather conditions."</p>

<p>Expressing how exhilarated the family is on Arun's feat, Vijetha said, "When he was shortlisted for sculpting the idol of Ram Lalla, we were all excited. We were so happy and felt that we had done some good deed, that is why we have got such an opportunity. We were informed by the media. We started celebrating from the day he was chosen to make the idol. When they told us that all three idols would be installed in the temple itself, that was the happiest moment."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who is based in Karnataka and is the artist who carved the Ram Lalla idol that was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya's Ram Temple on Monday (Jan 22), expressed his happiness at the selection of his idol and called himself as the the "luckiest person" on earth.

Indian sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who is based in Karnataka and is the artist who carved the Ram Lalla idol that was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya's Ram Temple on Monday (Jan 22), expressed his happiness at the selection of his idol and called himself as the the "luckiest person" on earth. "I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth now. The blessings of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram Lalla have always been with me. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream world," said Arun Yogiraj, while speaking to news agency ANI. The 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony at the Ram Temple was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who revealed the idol in its final form just before the 'Pran Pratishtha'. Ram Lalla's new idol was placed inside temple premises last week. The idol is of five-year-old Ram Lalla standing on a lotus. #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Ram Lalla idol sculptor, Arun Yogiraj says "I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth now. The blessing of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram Lalla has always been with me. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream world..." pic.twitter.com/Eyzljgb7zN — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024 × Wife rejoices at selection of Yogiraj's idol While earlier narrating the journey of the 'god-maker' to WION, Yogiraj's wife Vijetha Arun Yogiraj said: "In January 2023 many artists from India were invited to present their previous work in the national capital Delhi and after scrutiny, three artists were selected to make Lord Ram's idol. Arun started working on the idol in the month of June in Ayodhya and completed the idol after six months of hard work." Also read: Ram Mandir Ram Lalla idol: Sculptor Yogiraj's wife tells WION story of its creation "The stone was already given to him by the Ayodhya temple's committee. The stone was selected and researchers had conducted a testing of the stone and after it was found suitable for making an idol, it was handed over to the artist," she added. The stone used for making the Ram idol – Krishna Shila – came as a surprise to many especially because of its bluish-grey colour. Speaking about how Krishna Shila stone is a good choice for making the idol, Vijetha said: "It was decided by the temple authorities what kind of stone has to be used for making the idol. The Krishna Shila stone is a monolithic stone – which is one stone from which the whole idol is made." Watch: Ayodhya Ram Mandir: PM Modi performs aarti in front of Ram Lalla's idol "Krishna Sila is a stone which does not react to anything like acid. When you pour milk on the idol, the stone will not react to anything. Krishna sila is bluish grey and when you apply coconut and burnt cocoa powder, it turns black. Over the years, it hardens and does not react to anything. There are 5,000-year-old temples where idols have been made using Krishna Shila stones and have till now not reacted to any weather conditions." Expressing how exhilarated the family is on Arun's feat, Vijetha said, "When he was shortlisted for sculpting the idol of Ram Lalla, we were all excited. We were so happy and felt that we had done some good deed, that is why we have got such an opportunity. We were informed by the media. We started celebrating from the day he was chosen to make the idol. When they told us that all three idols would be installed in the temple itself, that was the happiest moment." (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Mandir I Ram Lalla idol sculptor Arun Yogiraj says he's ‘luckiest person on Earth’ after consecration

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