Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit India's Temple City of Ayodhya today. While the city undergoes its biggest transformation yet the prime minister is all set to inaugurate a new railway station and a new airport in the city.

Ayodhya city decked up for PM Narendra Modi's visit

New Delhi has formerly requested Islamabad to hand over Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry received the official request from the Indian government urging the initiation of the legal process.

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A faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government. They agreed to shun violence, disband the organisation and join the democratic process in the country. ULFA is the oldest insurgent group operating in Assam.

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited&nbsp;the holy town of Ayodhya on&nbsp;Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic'&nbsp;massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grand Ram temple is set to be consecrated on January 22 at the spot where one of Hinduism's principal deities&nbsp;Lord Ram was born.</p>

<p>Millions are expected to visit the temple each year and its construction was a longstanding pledge of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p>"Today, if any country in the world wants to reach great heights, it has to take care of its legacy," Modi told an audience of thousands at a city rally.</p>

<p>"This is the new India that will both preserve its culture and focus on economic growth."</p>

<h2><strong>Modi requests people to stay home on day of&nbsp;temple consecration</strong></h2>

<p>Huge crowds turned out to witness Modi's procession through Ayodhya, formally opening a new airport as well as&nbsp;upgraded road and rail services, including the country's premium Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">अत्याधुनिक सुविधाओं से सुसज्जित पुनर्विकसित अयोध्या धाम जंक्शन का लोकार्पण गर्व से भर देने वाला है। आज जिन नई अमृत भारत और वंदे भारत ट्रेनों की शुरुआत हुई है, उनसे बड़ी संख्या में मेरे परिवारजनों की यात्रा ज्यादा सुगम और सुरक्षित होगी। अमृत भारत ट्रेन में युवाओं के साथ बातचीत ने… <a href="https://t.co/ZJ5I5dWl8A">pic.twitter.com/ZJ5I5dWl8A</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1741079809059684478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Ayodhya temple, standing 50 metres (164 feet) in height and built at an estimated cost of $240 million, has helped buttress his image as a custodian of India's majority faith ahead of the vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It won't be possible for everyone to get here, and for this place to handle the numbers on the day," he told the crowd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I appeal to everyone to celebrate it at your home and come to Ayodhya later."</p>

<p>Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya around 7,000 years ago and that a mosque named babri Masjid — which later came to be known as a 'disputed structure' — was built on top of his birthplace during the rule of Mughals in the 16th century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'disputed structure'&nbsp;was torn down by a violent mob in 1992.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya</strong></p>

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<p>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;</p>

<p>But for many Hindus, the project is a means of restoring the city to the glory of its depiction in ancient Hindu texts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy town of Ayodhya on Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic' massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy town of Ayodhya on Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic' massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre. The grand Ram temple is set to be consecrated on January 22 at the spot where one of Hinduism's principal deities Lord Ram was born. Millions are expected to visit the temple each year and its construction was a longstanding pledge of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. "Today, if any country in the world wants to reach great heights, it has to take care of its legacy," Modi told an audience of thousands at a city rally. "This is the new India that will both preserve its culture and focus on economic growth." Modi requests people to stay home on day of temple consecration Huge crowds turned out to witness Modi's procession through Ayodhya, formally opening a new airport as well as upgraded road and rail services, including the country's premium Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. अत्याधुनिक सुविधाओं से सुसज्जित पुनर्विकसित अयोध्या धाम जंक्शन का लोकार्पण गर्व से भर देने वाला है। आज जिन नई अमृत भारत और वंदे भारत ट्रेनों की शुरुआत हुई है, उनसे बड़ी संख्या में मेरे परिवारजनों की यात्रा ज्यादा सुगम और सुरक्षित होगी। अमृत भारत ट्रेन में युवाओं के साथ बातचीत ने… pic.twitter.com/ZJ5I5dWl8A — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2023 × The Ayodhya temple, standing 50 metres (164 feet) in height and built at an estimated cost of $240 million, has helped buttress his image as a custodian of India's majority faith ahead of the vote. "It won't be possible for everyone to get here, and for this place to handle the numbers on the day," he told the crowd. "I appeal to everyone to celebrate it at your home and come to Ayodhya later." Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya around 7,000 years ago and that a mosque named babri Masjid — which later came to be known as a 'disputed structure' — was built on top of his birthplace during the rule of Mughals in the 16th century. The 'disputed structure' was torn down by a violent mob in 1992. Also watch | PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya × 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. But for many Hindus, the project is a means of restoring the city to the glory of its depiction in ancient Hindu texts. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi in Ayodhya pitches India’s rich cultural heritage as foundation for economic prosperity

Indian PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Ayodhya airport, railway station

<p lang="en-US">On the first flight which was bound for Ayodhya's newly-inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport from India's capital New Delhi, a special announcement was made by the captain for the passengers.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The flight had taken off from New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport. The flight's captain made a special announcement while welcoming all the passengers before the takeoff.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/light-diyas-but-dont-heres-how-pm-modi-wants-india-to-celebrate-ram-temples-inauguration-675059">'Light diyas, but don't...': Here's how PM Modi wants India to celebrate Ram temple's inauguration</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The captain of the flight Ashutosh Shekhar said, "It's a matter of pride for me that IndiGo has given me the command of this important flight. It's a matter of joy for IndiGo and us. We hope your journey with us is safe and sound."</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> | IndiGo pilot captain Ashutosh Shekhar welcomes passengers as the first flight takes off from Delhi for the newly constructed Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham, in Ayodhya, UP. <a href="https://t.co/rWkLSUcPVF">pic.twitter.com/rWkLSUcPVF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1741015860322705696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Passengers raise slogan of ‘Jai Shree Ram’</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">He further introduced his co-pilot and cabin in-charge to the passengers and stated that they would be informed regarding weather-related and flight-related updates.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The announcement was ended by captain with "Jai Shree Ram" greeting after which the passengers also responded with a collective and loud "Jai Shree Ram" chant.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi in Ayodhya: India's ancient town in focus ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">The airport's staff and passengers also cut a cake before the plane took off. Saffron flags were also carried by the passengers while boarding the plane.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The Ayodhya Airport, which has been named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, was inaugurated by the prime minister on Saturday (Dec 30).</p>

<p lang="en-US">The newly revamped Ayodhya railway station was also inaugurated by the prime minister. The inauguration of the airport took place less than a month ahead of the consecration of the grand Ram Temple.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the first flight which was bound for Ayodhya's newly-inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport from India's capital New Delhi, a special announcement was made by the captain for the passengers.

On the first flight which was bound for Ayodhya's newly-inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport from India's capital New Delhi, a special announcement was made by the captain for the passengers. The flight had taken off from New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport. The flight's captain made a special announcement while welcoming all the passengers before the takeoff. Also read: 'Light diyas, but don't...': Here's how PM Modi wants India to celebrate Ram temple's inauguration The captain of the flight Ashutosh Shekhar said, "It's a matter of pride for me that IndiGo has given me the command of this important flight. It's a matter of joy for IndiGo and us. We hope your journey with us is safe and sound." #WATCH | IndiGo pilot captain Ashutosh Shekhar welcomes passengers as the first flight takes off from Delhi for the newly constructed Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham, in Ayodhya, UP. pic.twitter.com/rWkLSUcPVF — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023 × Passengers raise slogan of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ He further introduced his co-pilot and cabin in-charge to the passengers and stated that they would be informed regarding weather-related and flight-related updates. The announcement was ended by captain with "Jai Shree Ram" greeting after which the passengers also responded with a collective and loud "Jai Shree Ram" chant. Watch: PM Modi in Ayodhya: India's ancient town in focus ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration The airport's staff and passengers also cut a cake before the plane took off. Saffron flags were also carried by the passengers while boarding the plane. The Ayodhya Airport, which has been named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, was inaugurated by the prime minister on Saturday (Dec 30). The newly revamped Ayodhya railway station was also inaugurated by the prime minister. The inauguration of the airport took place less than a month ahead of the consecration of the grand Ram Temple. (With inputs from agencies)

On first flight to India’s temple city of Ayodhya, IndiGo captain greets passengers with ‘Jai Shree Ram’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived in Ayodhya. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy has arrived at the Ayodhya International Airport, also known as the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the Airport.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya

The big day for Ram Mandir consecration is near and the preparations are in full swing. Indian prime minister arrived in Ayodhya city today and laid the foundation stone of 46 developmental projects worth 1.8 billion US Dollars. International airport and revamped railway station were inaugurated in Ayodhya.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: India's ancient town in focus ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration

Qatar has reduced the death sentence given to eight ex-Indian Navy personnel. The verdict reduces the death penalty of former Navy officers to jail term. India's Ministry of External Affairs said govt. is in "close touch with the legal team, as well as family members”.

Qatar commutes death sentence of 8 Indians, sentence reduced to 3-25 years in jail

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Maharishi Valmiki Int'l Airport inaugurated by PM Modi in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived in Ayodhya. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy has just arrived at the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station. He then went on a tour of the railway station along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath. From here Prime Minister Modi flags off a new series of super fast trains.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM Modi inaugurates 'Ayodhya Dham' Railway station

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Ayodhya gears up for Ram Mandir consecration

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Ayodhya Railway junction renamed Ayodhya Dham

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived in Ayodhya. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy has just arrived at the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station. From here Prime Minister Modi will flag off a new series of super fast trains. Now he is being given a tour of the railway station along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Modi given tour of Ayodhya station, accompanied by UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived in Ayodhya. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy has just arrived at the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station. He then went on a tour of the railway station along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath. From here Prime Minister Modi flags off a new series of super fast trains

PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM Modi flags off new 'Amrit Bharat' and 'Vande Bharat' trains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived in Ayodhya. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy has just arrived at the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station. From here Prime Minister Modi will flag off a new series of super fast trains.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM Modi's convoy reaches redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station

Cutting across to live visuals from Ayodhya, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the holy city and his Convoy is currently heading to the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station.

PM Modi in Ayodhya: What's on PM Modi's agenda?

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Indian pilgrim town Ayodhya in focus with Modi's visit

PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Ayodhya airport, Ayodhya Railway Station shortly

<p>Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country. Valued at an impressive USD 1 million, the buses arrived on November 14, 2023, just five days before the grand opening of the much-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, significantly bolstering the transportation infrastructure of the Solomon Islands.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, expressing his gratitude alongside Indian Envoy to the country, Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, hailed the buses as "yet another symbol of our friendship and shared commitment to addressing our common goals together."</p>

<p>He went on to emphasise the buses' crucial role during the Pacific Games, stating, "These 20 Tata buses were extremely useful during the 2023 Pacific Games."</p>

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<p>Sogavare, underscoring the prompt clearance by Ports &amp; Customs officials, highlighted the strategic arrival of the buses with an abundance of spare parts, ensuring maintenance for up to two years.</p>

<p>He expressed anticipation for additional partnership projects between the two countries, extending his "sincere and heartfelt gratitude" for the buses, which made a "huge positive difference" during the sporting extravaganza.</p>

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<p>The buses, thoughtfully designed with 32 seats and additional holding rails for standing passengers, exceeded expectations by accommodating more than 32 people in each run, sometimes nearly 60 individuals.</p>

<p>This feature proved indispensable during the Pacific Games, mitigating the transportation challenges faced by the National Hosting Authority and Games Organizing Committee.</p>

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<p>Solomon Islands is the third-largest country in the Pacific with PM Sogavare pitching&nbsp;his nation as a "growing market for motor vehicles" and suggested to the Indian ambassador that "your support to build expertise in the country of one of the largest vehicle brands in the world is worth considering."</p>

<p>With the conclusion of the Pacific Games, the National Hosting Authority is expected to distribute the buses and the beneficiaries include boarding schools in Honiara and the provinces, the Honiara City Council transport services, and the Ministry of Infrastructure&nbsp;Transport&nbsp;pool.</p>


Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country.

Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country. Valued at an impressive USD 1 million, the buses arrived on November 14, 2023, just five days before the grand opening of the much-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, significantly bolstering the transportation infrastructure of the Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, expressing his gratitude alongside Indian Envoy to the country, Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, hailed the buses as "yet another symbol of our friendship and shared commitment to addressing our common goals together." He went on to emphasise the buses' crucial role during the Pacific Games, stating, "These 20 Tata buses were extremely useful during the 2023 Pacific Games." Also Read | US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels Sogavare, underscoring the prompt clearance by Ports & Customs officials, highlighted the strategic arrival of the buses with an abundance of spare parts, ensuring maintenance for up to two years. He expressed anticipation for additional partnership projects between the two countries, extending his "sincere and heartfelt gratitude" for the buses, which made a "huge positive difference" during the sporting extravaganza. Also Read | 'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead The buses, thoughtfully designed with 32 seats and additional holding rails for standing passengers, exceeded expectations by accommodating more than 32 people in each run, sometimes nearly 60 individuals. This feature proved indispensable during the Pacific Games, mitigating the transportation challenges faced by the National Hosting Authority and Games Organizing Committee. Watch | Donald Trump blocked from Maine presidential ballot in 2024 × Solomon Islands is the third-largest country in the Pacific with PM Sogavare pitching his nation as a "growing market for motor vehicles" and suggested to the Indian ambassador that "your support to build expertise in the country of one of the largest vehicle brands in the world is worth considering." With the conclusion of the Pacific Games, the National Hosting Authority is expected to distribute the buses and the beneficiaries include boarding schools in Honiara and the provinces, the Honiara City Council transport services, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Transport pool.

India gifts Solomon Islands 20 buses for Pacific Games

In a resounding endorsement of India's economic prospects, global investors have propelled foreign portfolio inflows into Indian stocks to remarkable heights. December witnessed an influx of 6.92 billion dollars, marking the second-highest level ever and affirming India's allure amid global uncertainties. We talk to author Monika Halan for more perspective.

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China has unveiled its first ocean drilling vessel, the Mengxiang, which is designed to carry out an unprecedented mission: drilling through the Earth's crust.

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<p>Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24.</p>

<p>UNRWA, functional since 1950, carries out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees.</p>

<p>It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The Government of India had released the first tranche of its annual commitment in November, about a month ago.</p>

<p>The UN agency is struggling to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and had appreciated and welcomed India's "generous contribution" last month coming at a difficult time, particularly in Gaza.</p>

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<p>Palestinians in Gaza are bearing the brunt of the terrible conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007 since the October 7 attack by the militant organisation on Israel, prompting it to pound the territory to its southwest with continued air and ground strikes.</p>

<p>“UNRWA received a very generous contribution from India which is most welcome during these difficult times and in the face of huge needs across the region, particularly in Gaza,” a spokesperson for UNRWA, Tamara Alrifai, had told PTI last month in a text message from Amman.</p>

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<p>India’s support is meant to help the agency's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees.</p>

<p>The second tranche of the contribution was handed over to UNRWA by Charge deAffaires Elizabeth Rodrigues, a press statement from the Representative Office of India in Palestine said.</p>

<p>New Delhi has underlined its continued support for the agency's activities in the region and the services it provides to the Palestinian Refugees.</p>

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<p>Earlier on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of “humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine” via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt.</p>

<p>Since 2018, India has given USD 30 million to UNRWA.</p>

<p>During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23, 2020, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, announced that India will contribute USD 10 million to UNRWA over the next two years.</p>

<p>Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the retaliatory action by Israel, more than two-thirds of the Gaza population – of approximately 2.3 million – has fled their homes to move southwards.</p>

<p>The UNRWA has been struggling to provide basic services to hundreds of thousands of people in shelters.</p>

<p>Before the war in Gaza, UNRWA was already facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. The agency is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it across its five fields of operation.</p>

<p>Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.</p>

<p>UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees.</p>

<p>During the first-ever Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Palestine in February 2018, India increased its annual financial contribution four-fold to the UNRWA core budget, from USD 1.25 million to USD 5 million.</p>

<p>India has also made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to the agency in solidarity with the Palestine refugees.</p>

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Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24.

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24. UNRWA, functional since 1950, carries out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees. It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The Government of India had released the first tranche of its annual commitment in November, about a month ago. The UN agency is struggling to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and had appreciated and welcomed India's "generous contribution" last month coming at a difficult time, particularly in Gaza. Also Read | India gifts Solomon Islands 20 buses for Pacific Games Palestinians in Gaza are bearing the brunt of the terrible conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007 since the October 7 attack by the militant organisation on Israel, prompting it to pound the territory to its southwest with continued air and ground strikes. “UNRWA received a very generous contribution from India which is most welcome during these difficult times and in the face of huge needs across the region, particularly in Gaza,” a spokesperson for UNRWA, Tamara Alrifai, had told PTI last month in a text message from Amman. Also Read | Watch out for THESE new Covid symptoms as JN.1 variant cases see a spike India’s support is meant to help the agency's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees. The second tranche of the contribution was handed over to UNRWA by Charge deAffaires Elizabeth Rodrigues, a press statement from the Representative Office of India in Palestine said. New Delhi has underlined its continued support for the agency's activities in the region and the services it provides to the Palestinian Refugees. Watch | India: ISRO to usher in 2024 with XPoSat mission × Earlier on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of “humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine” via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt. Since 2018, India has given USD 30 million to UNRWA. During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23, 2020, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, announced that India will contribute USD 10 million to UNRWA over the next two years. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the retaliatory action by Israel, more than two-thirds of the Gaza population – of approximately 2.3 million – has fled their homes to move southwards. The UNRWA has been struggling to provide basic services to hundreds of thousands of people in shelters. Before the war in Gaza, UNRWA was already facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. The agency is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees. During the first-ever Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Palestine in February 2018, India increased its annual financial contribution four-fold to the UNRWA core budget, from USD 1.25 million to USD 5 million. India has also made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to the agency in solidarity with the Palestine refugees.

India releases 2nd installment of $2.5 million for Palestinian refugees

Indian entertainers ruled the roost this year globally. 'Naatu Naatu' had Hollywood dancing as it won the Golden Globes and the Oscars. 'The Elephant Whisperers' established that India was not just about song and dance as the short documentary bagged the Oscars. And finally, Vir Das put Indian comedy on the international stage after winning the Emmys for his Netflix stand-up special 'Vir Das: Landing'.

Recapping 2023: How India utilised its soft power around the globe

The Men in Blue might have lost the ODI World Cup but there was lots to cheer for the supporters of Indian sports. India won a record number of medals at the Asian Games 2023 that including the a gold medal in women's cricket. Neeraj Chopra continued to be India's golden boy. Chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa was second only to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the Chess World Cup.

Recapping 2023: India's triumph and trials in sports

The Indian defence minister responded strongly to attacks on trade vessels plying on the red sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. India’s maritime forces are braving through adversaries with its latest missile destroyers and recon assets to secure the region along with international players. But which groups are behind these incessant attacks? Is India ready for a maritime conflict in the red sea? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Houthi attack on India-bound ships – India vows to find perpetrators in Red Sea

The central conference on work relating to foreign affairs was held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the conference.

China: Central conference on work relating to foreign affairs held in Beijing

2023 saw floods wreaking havoc in several parts of the globe. From Australia's heaviest rainfall in decades in December to the horrific scenes of destruction in Himachal Pradesh, India in July. Heavy rains are becoming more and more unpredictable and dangerous.

Nightmare floods: From Australia to India

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