European Parliamentarian (MEP) Morten Løkkegaard, who chairs relations with India in the European Parliament has underscored the urgency for collaboration between India and Europe amidst global uncertainties, stating, "I think this is a time for India and Europe should unite, to have a lot more cooperation because we live in geopolitically uncertain times...big democracies have to work together"

EU MP Løkkegaard Urges 'Political Actions' in FTA Talks, Stresses 'Democratic Connect

European Parliament chair for relations with india and European Member of Parliament Morten Lokkegaard is in India. The European lawmaker is here to hold number of discussions with Indian authorities on range of issues.

EU MP Morten Lokkegaard speaks to WION: Big democracies need to work together

Wuhan virus variant JN.1 is spreading fast. Since December 11, cases have more than doubled in India. The Indian health ministry has advised states to take precautions and monitor the situation closely.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus variant JN.1 spreading fast | Why it's time for India to mask up again

Bodhana Sivanandan, an eight-year-old chess prodigy of Indian origin, makes history at the European Blitz Championship in Croatia. Competing against over 550 players, including grandmasters and international masters, she scored an impressive 8.5 out of 13.

Gravitas: 8-Year-Old Chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan dominates European Blitz Championship

India hits out against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for claiming that the central bank had interfered excessively in the foreign exchange market.

IMF says India's currency intervention 'excessive'

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee -- who declared yesterday that the INDIA bloc will not take a call on its Prime Ministerial candidate until after the Lok Sabha election -- took a 180-degree turn today by proposing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the position.

India: Mamata Banerjee proposes Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as PM  face of INDIA bloc

India hits out against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for claiming that the central bank had interfered "excessively" in the foreign exchange market.

The IMF's report suggested that the Indian government was attempting to manipulate the value of the rupee.

What does the IMF's report show?

The Washington-based lender said that between December 2022 and October 2023, the rupee's value fluctuated within an extremely small range.

The report indicates that the central bank's involvement "likely exceeded levels necessary to address disorderly market conditions."

As a result, the IMF stated that it has reclassified India's foreign currency regime from a "floating" system to a "stabilised arrangement."

What's the difference?

In a floating system - a currency's value is determined by the foreign exchange market based on the demand and supply of the particular currency.

In contrast, in a stabilised arrangement or a fixed regime, a country's government, through its central bank, determines the currency rate.

But top Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials have repeatedly stated that the bank intervenes in the currency market only to reduce volatility.

In reality, no country sits back and watches its currency take a roller-coaster ride. Almost every central bank intervenes.

How can they not? It's a question of economic stability and reducing the currency's volatility.

India's response

The IMF said India referred to the evaluation as "unjustified" and "strongly disagreed" with its report.

In its report, the Fund said: "The RBI strongly believes that such a view is incorrect as, in their view, it uses data selectively."

In 2022, the currency fell about 8%.

Between December 2022 and October 2023, the rupee lost around 2% against the US dollar.

However, the RBI rejected the IMF's assessment, calling the evaluation based on selective data sets referring to the Fund's report from December 2022 to October 2023.

The RBI said that the IMF is using data selectively.

India's central bank said that if the rupee's movement over two to five years is considered, then the assessment and allegation fall flat.

Forex reserves&nbsp;show a different story

Bloomberg estimates the RBI intervened in the currency market to the tune of $78 billion through those nine months.

Still, the nation's $604 billion foreign exchange reserves tell a different story.

Despite the intervention, India's import cover hovers close to 2021's all-time high of $642.5 billion.

IMF's outlook is not all bad

The IMF called India a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economic background.

However, the IMF's outlook must catch up with the RBI's growth projections for this year and next.

Still, the IMF predicts India will contribute more than 16 per cent of global growth.

The Fund said that was a result of economic changes in important areas like infrastructure and digitalisation, which have elevated India to a "star performer" among nations.

In addition, the IMF said in its annual report that attention be paid to restoring fiscal buffers, ensuring price stability, upholding financial stability, and boosting inclusive growth.

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India hits out against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for claiming that the central bank had interfered "excessively" in the foreign exchange market. The IMF's report suggested that the Indian government was attempting to manipulate the value of the rupee.

India hits out against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for claiming that the central bank had interfered "excessively" in the foreign exchange market. The IMF's report suggested that the Indian government was attempting to manipulate the value of the rupee. What does the IMF's report show? The Washington-based lender said that between December 2022 and October 2023, the rupee's value fluctuated within an extremely small range. The report indicates that the central bank's involvement "likely exceeded levels necessary to address disorderly market conditions." As a result, the IMF stated that it has reclassified India's foreign currency regime from a "floating" system to a "stabilised arrangement." What's the difference? In a floating system - a currency's value is determined by the foreign exchange market based on the demand and supply of the particular currency. In contrast, in a stabilised arrangement or a fixed regime, a country's government, through its central bank, determines the currency rate. But top Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials have repeatedly stated that the bank intervenes in the currency market only to reduce volatility. In reality, no country sits back and watches its currency take a roller-coaster ride. Almost every central bank intervenes. How can they not? It's a question of economic stability and reducing the currency's volatility. India's response The IMF said India referred to the evaluation as "unjustified" and "strongly disagreed" with its report. In its report, the Fund said: "The RBI strongly believes that such a view is incorrect as, in their view, it uses data selectively." In 2022, the currency fell about 8%. Between December 2022 and October 2023, the rupee lost around 2% against the US dollar. However, the RBI rejected the IMF's assessment, calling the evaluation based on selective data sets referring to the Fund's report from December 2022 to October 2023. The RBI said that the IMF is using data selectively. India's central bank said that if the rupee's movement over two to five years is considered, then the assessment and allegation fall flat. Forex reserves show a different story Bloomberg estimates the RBI intervened in the currency market to the tune of $78 billion through those nine months. Still, the nation's $604 billion foreign exchange reserves tell a different story. Despite the intervention, India's import cover hovers close to 2021's all-time high of $642.5 billion. IMF's outlook is not all bad The IMF called India a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economic background. However, the IMF's outlook must catch up with the RBI's growth projections for this year and next. Still, the IMF predicts India will contribute more than 16 per cent of global growth. The Fund said that was a result of economic changes in important areas like infrastructure and digitalisation, which have elevated India to a "star performer" among nations. In addition, the IMF said in its annual report that attention be paid to restoring fiscal buffers, ensuring price stability, upholding financial stability, and boosting inclusive growth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India hits out at IMF on "excessive" currency intervention comment

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has lashed out at the Pakistan military and said that India and the U.S. are not to blame for the miserable condition of the country. The three-time prime minister, who is eying his fourth term, slammed the judges for legitimising military dictators.

Not US or India, but Army to blame for Pakistan's woes: Nawaz Sharif | Race to Power

Ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the unity efforts of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. Alliance seem to be already coming under strain. The challenges became evident at a recent meeting of the bloc in New Delhi, when the Chief Minister of the state of Bihar Nitish Kumar lost his cool with DMK leader T.R. Baalu who asked for an English translation of his Hindi speech.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar snaps at DMK leader over Hindi speech | Race to Power

India has sent warships to the red sea to tackle the Houthi threat to the commercial boats in the region. INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are now patrolling in the gulf of Aden, which connects the red sea with the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy said in a statement it remains committed to being a first responder in the region and in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping.

India sends warships to the Gulf of Aden

Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance. This is the first time that this has been introduced in the hospitals. This has been done to cut on patient wait time and long queues.

All the concerned doctors have to mandatory reach the hospital and do their biometric verification to log their attendance and start the OPD schedule. The notice has been issued to key hospitals like KEM, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, BYL Nair and RN Cooper in Mumbai.

The BMC circular states, “Commencing at 8:00 am, all major medical municipal hospitals will enforce mandatory biometric registration for doctors upon entry and exit. This biometric attendance system will be intricately tied to the salary of every doctor through SAP.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-returns-with-jn1-rearing-its-head-do-you-need-to-worry-experts-speak-671776">Also read |&nbsp;Covid scare returns: With JN.1 rearing its head, do you need to worry? Experts speak</a>

In fact, the BMC Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde has asked the Deans of all these institutions to implement the orders.

Dr Shinde says, “This was one of the oldest issues in the public hospitals, absence or unavailability of senior doctors on time leading to patients waiting for long hours. This tardiness contributes to a backlog, causing patients to endure long queues. This situation further inconveniences patients who have travelled from distant areas.”

All the four hospitals see a footfall of over 10,000 patients from various parts of Maharashtra. And majority of them travel from locations outside Mumbai, approximately 50-60 km.

“If doctors and concerned department are late and not on time, then registration and documentation takes time. And beyond 1 pm, they are turned away as the OPD hours concludes. This always leads to delay in treatment as well,” says concerned official from the health department.

Installing biometric system will lead doctors to improve their time-management, matching their schedules with the convenience of patients rather than their commitments to other work.

Also watch |&nbsp;Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face

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On the first day of the implementation, all the OPDs witnessed doctors coming on time leading to starting registrations on time. There was significant reduction of the crowd till conclusion hours of the OPD as all the patients were treated on time.

On the other hand, during Dr Shinde’s visit to the mentioned hospitals, it has also been alleged that several senior doctors run their personal clinic close by and leave the OPD ahead of closing time.

Dr Shinde says, all the allegations will be checked and if anyone is found guilty then serious charges will be initiated against the concerned doctor.

Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance.

Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance. This is the first time that this has been introduced in the hospitals. This has been done to cut on patient wait time and long queues. All the concerned doctors have to mandatory reach the hospital and do their biometric verification to log their attendance and start the OPD schedule. The notice has been issued to key hospitals like KEM, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, BYL Nair and RN Cooper in Mumbai. The BMC circular states, “Commencing at 8:00 am, all major medical municipal hospitals will enforce mandatory biometric registration for doctors upon entry and exit. This biometric attendance system will be intricately tied to the salary of every doctor through SAP.” Also read | Covid scare returns: With JN.1 rearing its head, do you need to worry? Experts speak In fact, the BMC Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde has asked the Deans of all these institutions to implement the orders. Dr Shinde says, “This was one of the oldest issues in the public hospitals, absence or unavailability of senior doctors on time leading to patients waiting for long hours. This tardiness contributes to a backlog, causing patients to endure long queues. This situation further inconveniences patients who have travelled from distant areas.” All the four hospitals see a footfall of over 10,000 patients from various parts of Maharashtra. And majority of them travel from locations outside Mumbai, approximately 50-60 km. “If doctors and concerned department are late and not on time, then registration and documentation takes time. And beyond 1 pm, they are turned away as the OPD hours concludes. This always leads to delay in treatment as well,” says concerned official from the health department. Installing biometric system will lead doctors to improve their time-management, matching their schedules with the convenience of patients rather than their commitments to other work. Also watch | Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face On the first day of the implementation, all the OPDs witnessed doctors coming on time leading to starting registrations on time. There was significant reduction of the crowd till conclusion hours of the OPD as all the patients were treated on time. On the other hand, during Dr Shinde’s visit to the mentioned hospitals, it has also been alleged that several senior doctors run their personal clinic close by and leave the OPD ahead of closing time. Dr Shinde says, all the allegations will be checked and if anyone is found guilty then serious charges will be initiated against the concerned doctor.

India: Mumbai doctors working in public hospitals to mark biometric attendance to cut patients’ wait time

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić looks set to tighten his grip on power — with early exit polling suggesting a sweeping election win for his ruling party — although his government is facing accusations of major irregularities over the course of Sunday’s vote.

Serbian elections marred by vote buying: Reports

Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader.

India's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that NDA members will stand for an hour in the House to express support to Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar.

"We strongly condemn this. They are crossing all limits. They are repeatedly insulting people on constitutional posts. They have been insulting the Prime Minister for 20 years because he comes from a humble background and the OBC community. They insulted the President because she is a tribal woman. You are a farmer's son. For the first time, someone from the Jat community became Vice-President. They have insulted this post. We are making it clear, we will not tolerate the insult of the Vice-President and the Constitution," said Joshi.&nbsp;

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"...I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House..,"… <a href="https://t.co/vLxUAtw6VG">pic.twitter.com/vLxUAtw6VG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737380979650748926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"So, in your honour and to protest against them, we will stand and participate in the question and answer session," he said.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Dhankhar said that he doesn't care if insults are directed towards him as an individual, but added that he will not tolerate the insult of vice-president's office. Without taking the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he raised questions on the values of those who were filming the act and trying to amplify the mimicry of Trinamool Congress Kalyan Banerjee in Parliament premises.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-years-and-counting-pm-modi-expresses-anguish-over-mocking-of-vice-president-dhankhar-671593">&nbsp;'20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar</a>

Speaking to Congress MP Digvijaya Singh in Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar asked why the top brass of Congress is in "silence" over the incident. "You say your party is 138 years old. Your silence is ringing in my ears. (Congress chief Mallikarjun) Kharge ji's silence is ringing in my ears. Everyone knows what is happening," Dhankhar said.

"A person derives fun (from the mimicry) by videographing it, amplifying it. These are the manners? The level is so low now?" the vice president added.

The Rajya Sabha chairman further said that he doesn't care if he is getting insulted. "But the office of the Vice-President, the farmers' community, my community... I will sacrifice... I tolerate if someone insults me. Khoon ke ghoont peeta hoon (I suffer grief silently), but I will not tolerate if I feel that I could not protect the decorum of this position," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Mimicry is an art in which PM also indulged, says Trinamool MP</h2>

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee meanwhile said that "mimicry is an art" in an effort to defend his parody of Vice President Dhankhar, and added that he has high respect for the leader.

Banerjee was caught mimicking Dhankhar while Rahul Gandhi was seen making his video.&nbsp;

Speaking about his act, he said that he had no intentions of hurting anyone and added that he greatly respects Dhankhar. "I had no intention to hurt anyone. Mimicry is an art. Have high respect for him&nbsp;(Jagdeep) Dhankhar," said Banerjee.

Watch:&nbsp;Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises

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"I have not said it was Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha...a mock parliament was going on. If he has taken this to his shoulder, I am really helpless. Does he really behave like this in the Rajya Sabha?" he questioned.

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If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason… 
 
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! <a href="https://t.co/5o6VTTyF9C">pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C</a>
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He further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also indulged in mimicry in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

"I have great respect for Dhankhar ji. But, I did not want to hurt anyone...and it's one type of art. Mimicry was done also by the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha itself during the last term. I can show you a video. But no one took it seriously," said Banerjee.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader.

Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader. India's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that NDA members will stand for an hour in the House to express support to Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar. "We strongly condemn this. They are crossing all limits. They are repeatedly insulting people on constitutional posts. They have been insulting the Prime Minister for 20 years because he comes from a humble background and the OBC community. They insulted the President because she is a tribal woman. You are a farmer's son. For the first time, someone from the Jat community became Vice-President. They have insulted this post. We are making it clear, we will not tolerate the insult of the Vice-President and the Constitution," said Joshi. "...I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House..,"… pic.twitter.com/vLxUAtw6VG — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2023 × "So, in your honour and to protest against them, we will stand and participate in the question and answer session," he said. Meanwhile, Vice-President Dhankhar said that he doesn't care if insults are directed towards him as an individual, but added that he will not tolerate the insult of vice-president's office. Without taking the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he raised questions on the values of those who were filming the act and trying to amplify the mimicry of Trinamool Congress Kalyan Banerjee in Parliament premises. Also read: '20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar Speaking to Congress MP Digvijaya Singh in Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar asked why the top brass of Congress is in "silence" over the incident. "You say your party is 138 years old. Your silence is ringing in my ears. (Congress chief Mallikarjun) Kharge ji's silence is ringing in my ears. Everyone knows what is happening," Dhankhar said. "A person derives fun (from the mimicry) by videographing it, amplifying it. These are the manners? The level is so low now?" the vice president added. The Rajya Sabha chairman further said that he doesn't care if he is getting insulted. "But the office of the Vice-President, the farmers' community, my community... I will sacrifice... I tolerate if someone insults me. Khoon ke ghoont peeta hoon (I suffer grief silently), but I will not tolerate if I feel that I could not protect the decorum of this position," he said. Mimicry is an art in which PM also indulged, says Trinamool MP Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee meanwhile said that "mimicry is an art" in an effort to defend his parody of Vice President Dhankhar, and added that he has high respect for the leader. Banerjee was caught mimicking Dhankhar while Rahul Gandhi was seen making his video. Speaking about his act, he said that he had no intentions of hurting anyone and added that he greatly respects Dhankhar. "I had no intention to hurt anyone. Mimicry is an art. Have high respect for him (Jagdeep) Dhankhar," said Banerjee. Watch: Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises "I have not said it was Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha...a mock parliament was going on. If he has taken this to his shoulder, I am really helpless. Does he really behave like this in the Rajya Sabha?" he questioned. If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason… TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C — BJP (@BJP4India) December 19, 2023 × He further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also indulged in mimicry in the Lok Sabha. "I have great respect for Dhankhar ji. But, I did not want to hurt anyone...and it's one type of art. Mimicry was done also by the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha itself during the last term. I can show you a video. But no one took it seriously," said Banerjee. (With inputs from agencies)

MPs stand in solidarity with India’s vice-president as Dhankhar says ‘won’t tolerate’ insult of office

Some 800 train passengers have been stranded in the state's Thoothukudi district. Villages, towns, highways and railroads in several regions of southern Tamil Nadu now resemble rivers.

Tamil Nadu rains: Rescue operations underway, IAF air-drops relief material

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, for the first time, responded to allegations of an Indian assassination plot in the US, saying he will “look into” any evidence but a “few incidents” would not derail US-India ties.

India PM Narendra Modi responds to Khalistan row, says 'will look into any evidence provided' | WION

The Indian Navy has evacuated a bruised sailor from a Malta-flagged hijacked vessel off the coast of Somalia. Indian Navy aircraft and warship respond to hijacked Maltese ship's mayday call in Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy rescues injured Bulgarian sailor, flown to Oman for treatment | World News | WION

Political parties are gearing up for general elections in 2024. The ruling party BJP will fight elections on PM Modi's face. Meanwhile, opposition bloc 'INDIA' is facing a dilemma & a conflict. INDI Alliance is unable to unite on their PM candidate. Watch this video for all details.

Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face

India: Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu; at least 10 killed so far | India News | WION

Cases of a new Omicron sub-variant called JN.1 are rising worldwide; Singapore, India, UK, Germany among many nations report rising cases. The World Health Organisation urges nations to take strict measures.

India: 2,311 active Covid cases, highest surge in Kerala; 341 new JN.1 Covid strain cases | WION

The row over a suspended Indian lawmaker mimicking the vice president has exploded. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their support to the vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party MPs also staged a protest outside the parliament in solidarity with the vice president.

Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises

Ram temple inauguration is around the corner. All eyes are set on the grand ceremony in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Ram Temple Trust has requested a few not to come. Watch this video to know more.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Are BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi invited?

Amid the ongoing communal clash between the Meitei and Kuki tribes in India's Manipur state, fresh instances of violence were reported from the Churachadrapur district on Tuesday. Curfew orders were imposed in the district for 2 months which is until the 18th of February and nearly 30 people were injured in the clashes that broke out between the two groups.

Manipur: Communal clashes between Meitei & Kuki groups in Churachandrapur

The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.&nbsp;

While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004.

Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

<h2>Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration</h2>

Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjp-veterans-lk-advani-mm-joshi-requested-not-to-come-for-ram-temple-event-671185">India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event</a>

Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992,&nbsp;a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram.

In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come."

Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy

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In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque.&nbsp;

The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.

The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024. While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004. Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party. Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age. On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event. Also read | India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992, a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram. In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come." Also watch | Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy × In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque. The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi to make 'every effort' to attend Ram Temple consecration ceremony

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