Ayodhya is gearing up for the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir on January 22. PM Modi will preside over the temple opening and the 'pran patishtha' ceremony on January 22 in the temple town.

Ram Mandir Consecration: World's most expensive Ramayana epic book worth $1,885 reaches Ayodhya

Ram Mandir Consecration: World's largest earthen lamp lit in Ayodhya

Ram Mandir Consecration: 5 quintal of sweets being prepared in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi

Ram Mandir: Ayodhya all decked up as countdown begins for consecration ceremony

Ayodhya set for Ram mandir Consecration | Sand murals bring Ram Leela to life

Ayodhya is bracing itself for the big day on January 22. As India celebrates Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, let us revisit some of the best portrayals of Ram that were brought to screen. Did you know that both the 'RRR' actors Ram Charan and Junior NTR have played the role of Ram in their acting careers? That's not all... 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston also voiced the role of Ram in the famous Japanese animation, 'Ramayan: The Legend of Prince Ram'. Find out more in this episode of WION.

Revisiting Ramayan: Actors who brought Lord Ram to life on screen | WION E-Club

Most parts of North India have been reeling under chilling cold wave conditions along with dense fog lowering the visibility and disrupting rail and air traffic in the national capital.

India: Cold wave in Delhi, Punjab, UP, Rajasthan for next two days

At least 16 people including schoolchildren died when a boat capsized in a lake in Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (January 18). The tragedy took place at Vadodara city's Harni Motnath Lake.

Gujarat picnic tragedy: Boat capsizes in Harni lake near Gujarat's Vadodara | 16 people dead

Ayodhya is blazing with temple devotion as the city excitedly awaits the Pran Pratishtha on January 22. A tidal wave of devotion is sweeping throughout the country, with Ayodhya Dham making extraordinary preparations to welcome the thousands of Ram Bhakts.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Idol of Ram Lalla placed in Sanctum Sanctorum

In the lead-up to the consecration ceremony for the Ayodhya temple, Indians across the world are celebrating. The entire ceremony will be live-streamed in New York's Times Square. The country has also put up billboards and organised rallies. Other countries are also celebrating. Has the Ayodhya temple become a global phenomenon?

Gravitas: Ayodhya Ram Mandir becomes global phenomenon

PM Modi offering prayers at temples across India, leads life of an 'ascetic' for 11 days. PM Narendra Modi following rituals prescribed in scriptures. Watch to know more!

Ram Mandir Consecration: PM Modi leads life of an 'ascetic' for 11 days ahead of inauguration

India’s Ministry of Education has issued fresh guidelines for private coaching centres across the country. Will they work to curb the spate of student suicides? Priyanka Sharma explores.

Gravitas | Indian govt cracks down on private coaching centres: Students under 16 cannot be enrolled

The startup ecosystem has been a success story of India. The vibrant ecosystem supports millions of jobs, and plays a big role in India's growth story. So, what do startups expect from the upcoming budget? We find out in this report.

What start-ups want from India's budget 2024?

A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards&nbsp;during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India. President Macron has been invited to be the chief guest on Republic Day on January 26, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close bilateral relations. &nbsp;

Defence has been a pivotal aspect of Indo-French relations. Following Prime Minister Modi's visit to France last year, a 25-year roadmap was unveiled. It highlighted key initiatives, such as joint exploration for Indian submarine fleet development, French assistance in constructing the "Shakti Engine," and collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-against-yemens-houthis-as-biden-says-attacks-to-continue-681349">US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue</a>

French Rafale jets and a contingent from the French army are set to participate in this year's Republic Day at Kartavya Path. Important to recall, that India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris last year. During the parade, Indian Air Force's Rafale Jets, part of the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, featured in the flypast.

Additionally, a 269-member tri-services contingent from the Indian Armed Forces marched to the tune of "Sare Jahan Se Accha" at Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Macron's most recent bilateral visit occurred in March 2018, encompassing New Delhi, Agra, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. The visit resulted in the signing of fourteen inter-governmental agreements, including one facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the respective Armed Forces. He again visited India in September of last year, to attend the G20 summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-drought-causes-major-drop-in-panama-canal-traffic-which-could-cost-millions-of-dollars-681344">Severe drought causes major drop in Panama Canal traffic which could cost millions of dollars</a>

Preceding Macron's visit, Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President visited India. He engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterparts, holding meetings with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

France holds a unique distinction as the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebration.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-cost-of-us-multiple-wars-681334">Gravitas: The cost of US' multiple wars</a>

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Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016.

Earlier, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, revealed to the media that India had invited President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration. However, President Biden couldn't fulfil the request, and the American side did not offer a specific reason for his inability to accept the invitation. Consequently, due to the US President's unavailability to travel to Delhi, the scheduled Quad summit in the Indian capital had to be postponed. 
&nbsp;

A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India.

A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India. President Macron has been invited to be the chief guest on Republic Day on January 26, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close bilateral relations. Defence has been a pivotal aspect of Indo-French relations. Following Prime Minister Modi's visit to France last year, a 25-year roadmap was unveiled. It highlighted key initiatives, such as joint exploration for Indian submarine fleet development, French assistance in constructing the "Shakti Engine," and collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue French Rafale jets and a contingent from the French army are set to participate in this year's Republic Day at Kartavya Path. Important to recall, that India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris last year. During the parade, Indian Air Force's Rafale Jets, part of the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, featured in the flypast. Additionally, a 269-member tri-services contingent from the Indian Armed Forces marched to the tune of "Sare Jahan Se Accha" at Champs-Élysées in Paris. Macron's most recent bilateral visit occurred in March 2018, encompassing New Delhi, Agra, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. The visit resulted in the signing of fourteen inter-governmental agreements, including one facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the respective Armed Forces. He again visited India in September of last year, to attend the G20 summit. Also Read | Severe drought causes major drop in Panama Canal traffic which could cost millions of dollars Preceding Macron's visit, Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President visited India. He engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterparts, holding meetings with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. France holds a unique distinction as the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebration. Watch | Gravitas: The cost of US' multiple wars × Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016. Earlier, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, revealed to the media that India had invited President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration. However, President Biden couldn't fulfil the request, and the American side did not offer a specific reason for his inability to accept the invitation. Consequently, due to the US President's unavailability to travel to Delhi, the scheduled Quad summit in the Indian capital had to be postponed.

Macron's India visit: Jaipur roadshow, defence announcements on cards

India's state-owned company, Khanij Bidesh India ltd or Kabil, has signed a $24 million lithium exploration pact in Argentina. Speaking to Wion's diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal, argentina's envoy Hugo Javier Gobbi welcomed the lithium deal.

India-Argentina cooperation on lithium

At least 16 people including schoolchildren died when a boat capsized in a lake in Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (January 18). The tragedy took place at Vadodara city's Harni Motnath Lake. It is feared that the death toll may rise. The incident has shaken the state authorities who rushed personnel for rescue. Gujarat State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken serious note of the tragedy and expressed condolences. Watch to know more!

India: 16 schoolkids and teachers out on picnic drown as boat capsizes

India's PM Modi visits Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Developmental projects inaugurated in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Boeing centre & Sukanya programme launched in Bengaluru. Watch to know more!

India: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates developmental projects in Maharashtra & Karnataka

Just three days remain ahead of the planned consecration ceremony at the newly built Ram temple in India's temple town of Ayodhya and preparations are in full swing for the grand ceremony. The face of the idol of Hindu deity Ram which was placed in the sanctum sanctorum has been revealed. Watch to know more!

Ram Mandir | WION gets you ground report from Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony

Five killed as fresh ethnic violence erupts in Manipur. The latest incident occurred a day after 2 policemen were shot. Three Border Security personnel injured in fresh violence. Watch to know more!

Manipur Violence: 4 people shot dead in Bishnupur district, 1 killed in Kangpokpi

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: At least 16 people including schoolchildren died when a boat capsized in a lake in Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (January 18). The tragedy took place at Vadodara city's Harni Motnath Lake.

Gujarat boat capsized: 16 killed | First glimpse of Ram Lalla idol

The first look of the new idol of Lord Ram, with the face covered with a white cloth, has been revealed. The 51-inch idol has been sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj. The new idol of Lord Ram was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi temple on Thursday, days ahead of the grand consecration ceremony on January 22.

Ram Mandir: Preparation in full swing | World gets first glimpse of Ram Lalla idol inside Ram Mandir

Five Meiteis were shot dead, and four Border Security Force (BSF) members were injured as ethnic violence resumed in the northeastern state.

Manipur ethnic clashes: Five killed as fresh ethnic violence erupts in Manipur

Airbus is optimistic about the future of Indian aviation, projecting a robust demand for 2,840 new aircraft and a need for 41,000 pilots alongside 47,000 technical staff in the next 20 years. <o:p></o:p>

Rémi Maillard, Airbus India and South Asia President, emphasized this outlook during a press conference at the 'Wings India 2024' aviation conclave in Hyderabad. <o:p></o:p>

He anticipates India's aviation market to be a driving force globally, with an estimated investment of $12 billion for new airports and renovations, expanding the current 150 to approximately 200 airports within five years.<o:p></o:p>

Maillard underscored India's pivotal role in Airbus's operations, revealing plans to double the company's sourcing from India to $1.5 billion by the end of the decade, up from the existing $750 million. <o:p></o:p>

The President and Managing Director expressed confidence in India's economic growth, projecting it to be the world's fastest-growing aviation market, fuelled by a 6.2 per cent annual growth rate. <o:p></o:p>

Last year, Airbus secured a record order of 750 aircraft, with 75 units already delivered to Indian carriers, including Indigo, Air India, Vistara, and Go First.<o:p></o:p>

To meet the evolving needs of India's aviation sector, Airbus commits to enhancing its manufacturing presence in the country. The company, in collaboration with Air India, is set to expand its joint venture training centre in Gurugram. <o:p></o:p>

Equipped with 10 simulators, the centre aims to train 5,000 pilots over the next decade. Earlier collaborations, such as the deal with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in 2021 to manufacture C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, showcase Airbus's commitment to strengthening its ties with India. <o:p></o:p>

The agreement includes delivering the initial 16 aircraft from Spain and subsequent manufacturing in India through an industrial partnership with TASL.<o:p></o:p>

Maillard highlighted the transformative role of the A350 aircraft in revolutionizing international travel in India. Six of these planes were delivered to Air India in the previous year, symbolising a significant step in the country's aviation landscape. <o:p></o:p>

The Airbus executive anticipates sustained economic growth for India over the next two decades, supporting the need for extensive aircraft, skilled pilots, and technical staff.<o:p></o:p>

<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;mso-fareast-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">(With inputs from PTI)

Airbus is optimistic about the future of Indian aviation, projecting a robust demand for 2,840 new aircraft and a need for 41,000 pilots alongside 47,000 technical staff in the next 20 years.

Airbus is optimistic about the future of Indian aviation, projecting a robust demand for 2,840 new aircraft and a need for 41,000 pilots alongside 47,000 technical staff in the next 20 years. Rémi Maillard, Airbus India and South Asia President, emphasized this outlook during a press conference at the 'Wings India 2024' aviation conclave in Hyderabad. He anticipates India's aviation market to be a driving force globally, with an estimated investment of $12 billion for new airports and renovations, expanding the current 150 to approximately 200 airports within five years. Maillard underscored India's pivotal role in Airbus's operations, revealing plans to double the company's sourcing from India to $1.5 billion by the end of the decade, up from the existing $750 million. The President and Managing Director expressed confidence in India's economic growth, projecting it to be the world's fastest-growing aviation market, fuelled by a 6.2 per cent annual growth rate. Last year, Airbus secured a record order of 750 aircraft, with 75 units already delivered to Indian carriers, including Indigo, Air India, Vistara, and Go First. To meet the evolving needs of India's aviation sector, Airbus commits to enhancing its manufacturing presence in the country. The company, in collaboration with Air India, is set to expand its joint venture training centre in Gurugram. Equipped with 10 simulators, the centre aims to train 5,000 pilots over the next decade. Earlier collaborations, such as the deal with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in 2021 to manufacture C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, showcase Airbus's commitment to strengthening its ties with India. The agreement includes delivering the initial 16 aircraft from Spain and subsequent manufacturing in India through an industrial partnership with TASL. Maillard highlighted the transformative role of the A350 aircraft in revolutionizing international travel in India. Six of these planes were delivered to Air India in the previous year, symbolising a significant step in the country's aviation landscape. The Airbus executive anticipates sustained economic growth for India over the next two decades, supporting the need for extensive aircraft, skilled pilots, and technical staff. (With inputs from PTI)

Airbus Forecasts Soaring Demand: India to require 2,840 aircraft and 41,000 pilots in next 2 decades

New details reveal that at least two previously unknown incidents of skirmishes between the Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control.

Gravitas: India, China clashed twice near LAC after 2020 Galwan standoff

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday described India as an “extraordinary success story” and said that the policies and programs implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have proven highly advantageous for the people of India.

US State Secretary Blinken Hails Modi's India at World Economic Forum

Amid the Red sea maritime crisis, India is helping ships coming under attacks. In the latest, Indian navy swiftly came to the rescue of a cargo ship that came under drone attack in the Gulf of Aden. The incident highlights the volatile geopolitical landscape.

Gravitas: India's daring rescue of ship caught in Red Sea crossfire

India-Maldives FM's meet amid deepening diplomatic tensions. India-Maldives core group to hold second meeting next month. Maldives to buy Turkish drones to patrol high seas. India & Maldives jointly patrolled the seas traditionally. Watch to know more!

India-Maldives Row: Jaishankar-Zameer meet on India-Maldives ties

Reserve Bank Of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has expressed confidence in India's economic trajectory. Highlighting a recovery in the banking sector and international trust in India's stability, Das emphasised the opportune moment for businesses to invest in the Indian ecosystem.

Indian rupee to become global currency?

India is eyeing $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment (FDI) "in the next few years", its IT minister said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to attract investors ahead of a reelection bid.

India eyeing $100 bn in annual foreign direct investment

India's Ministry of External Affairs confirms consular access to jailed Navy veterans in Qatar. Legal team looking into appeals aspect of 8 detained Indians, says MEA. Watch to know more!

India gets consular access to Navy veterans jailed in Qatar

In a global race for economic security, the top ten nations are stockpiling massive gold reserves. The United States leads with over 8,000 tonnes, followed by Germany, Italy, and France. Even India, ranking ninth, surpasses wealthy West Asian nations. These gold reserves, crucial for national stability, serve as a financial safeguard, bolstering currencies and providing a hedge against economic uncertainties. As geopolitical tensions rise, these shimmering reserves highlight their timeless role in national economic strategies.

Gravitas | Top 10 countries with the largest gold reserves: The global gold race

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