Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. Watch this report for more details!

Ram Mandir: Indian temple town of Ayodhya gets a facelift

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 16), referring to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya as ‘Modi’s function’.

"The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [RSS]&nbsp;and the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] have made the January 22nd function a completely political Narendra Modi function. It's an RSS-BJP function and I think that is why the Congress president [Mallikarjun Kharge] said that he would not attend the function," said Gandhi.

"We are open to all religions, all practices. Even the authorities of the Hindu religion, the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion, have made their view public about what they think about the January 22 function, that it is a political function," he said.

"So it is difficult for us to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and designed around the RSS," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ram-mandir-ayodhya-ms-dhoni-invited-for-pran-pratistha-ceremony-after-sachin-tendulkar-and-virat-kohli-680466">Also read |&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: MS Dhoni invited for 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli</a>

<h2>Senior Congress leaders refuse to attend Jan 22 ceremony</h2>

Rahul Gandhi's comments followed a refusal from the senior leadership of the Congress to attend the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The party asserted that the consecration event had unmistakably transformed into an event aligned with the RSS/BJP.

"Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has obviously been brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event," the Congress party said in a statement.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir: Preparations in full swing for Ram Temple, 13.5 lakh ladoos being made for devotees

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In contrast, on Monday (Jan 15), prominent members of the Congress party travelled to Ayodhya, where they offered their respects to Lord Ram at the Hanuman Garhi temple. Deepender Hooda, Supriya Shrinate, Avinash Pande, and Ajay Rai, senior leaders of the party, took bath in the holy Saryu river before their temple visit. Additionally, they discussed the aspiration to establish the metaphorical 'Ram Rajya' in the nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 16), referring to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya as ‘Modi’s function’.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 16), referring to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya as ‘Modi’s function’. "The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [RSS] and the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] have made the January 22nd function a completely political Narendra Modi function. It's an RSS-BJP function and I think that is why the Congress president [Mallikarjun Kharge] said that he would not attend the function," said Gandhi. "We are open to all religions, all practices. Even the authorities of the Hindu religion, the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion, have made their view public about what they think about the January 22 function, that it is a political function," he said. "So it is difficult for us to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and designed around the RSS," he added. Also read | Ram Mandir Ayodhya: MS Dhoni invited for 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli Senior Congress leaders refuse to attend Jan 22 ceremony Rahul Gandhi's comments followed a refusal from the senior leadership of the Congress to attend the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The party asserted that the consecration event had unmistakably transformed into an event aligned with the RSS/BJP. "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has obviously been brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event," the Congress party said in a statement. Also watch | Ram Mandir: Preparations in full swing for Ram Temple, 13.5 lakh ladoos being made for devotees In contrast, on Monday (Jan 15), prominent members of the Congress party travelled to Ayodhya, where they offered their respects to Lord Ram at the Hanuman Garhi temple. Deepender Hooda, Supriya Shrinate, Avinash Pande, and Ajay Rai, senior leaders of the party, took bath in the holy Saryu river before their temple visit. Additionally, they discussed the aspiration to establish the metaphorical 'Ram Rajya' in the nation. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Mandir inauguration ‘Modi’s function’: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Indian PM

Ram Mandir: Welcome to the temple town of Ayodhya

Ram Mandir: Preparation in full swing, seven-day Vedic rituals begin at Ram temple

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Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions. <o:p></o:p>

The sector's robust performance in the latest quarter, outperforming sales expectations, has spurred investor enthusiasm and brightened the sector's outlook. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infosys Ltd. led the charge, capitalising on stronger-than-anticipated results.<o:p></o:p>

The buoyancy in India's software giants is underpinned by an unexpected surge in sales during the last quarter, defying market expectations. Wipro Ltd., in particular, experienced a notable intraday rally of up to 14 per cent, marking its most significant surge since July 2020. <o:p></o:p>

Analysts attribute this boost to the company's surprise revenue beat, prompting rating upgrades from several brokerages. <o:p></o:p>

HCL Technologies Ltd. achieved a record high, driven by its optimistic revenue growth forecast. <o:p></o:p>

Bloomberg cited analyst Siddarth Bhamre of Religare Broking Ltd., who noted that the positive shift in sentiment is evident in the management commentary, with companies like Infosys expressing newfound optimism.<o:p></o:p>

As the earnings season unfolds, the landscape for global firms' discretionary spending on technology projects remains uncertain. <o:p></o:p>

However, Indian tech giants continue to forge ahead with strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency. <o:p></o:p>

Emphasising their commitment to innovation, these companies are also leveraging their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). <o:p></o:p>

According to Bloomberg, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh highlighted the growing significance of generative AI in client discussions during an earnings call last week.<o:p></o:p>

Analysts and brokerages have responded to the sector's robust performance by upgrading ratings and revising earnings estimates.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;At least six brokerages raised their ratings on Infosys post-earnings. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. analysts upgraded ratings on both Wipro's US and India-listed shares.<o:p></o:p>

Phillipcapital analyst Karan Uppal expressed confidence that further downgrades in earnings estimates are unlikely, anticipating a rebound and growth in earnings for these companies in the next fiscal year, starting April.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions.

Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions. The sector's robust performance in the latest quarter, outperforming sales expectations, has spurred investor enthusiasm and brightened the sector's outlook. Notably, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infosys Ltd. led the charge, capitalising on stronger-than-anticipated results. The buoyancy in India's software giants is underpinned by an unexpected surge in sales during the last quarter, defying market expectations. Wipro Ltd., in particular, experienced a notable intraday rally of up to 14 per cent, marking its most significant surge since July 2020. Analysts attribute this boost to the company's surprise revenue beat, prompting rating upgrades from several brokerages. HCL Technologies Ltd. achieved a record high, driven by its optimistic revenue growth forecast. Bloomberg cited analyst Siddarth Bhamre of Religare Broking Ltd., who noted that the positive shift in sentiment is evident in the management commentary, with companies like Infosys expressing newfound optimism. As the earnings season unfolds, the landscape for global firms' discretionary spending on technology projects remains uncertain. However, Indian tech giants continue to forge ahead with strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency. Emphasising their commitment to innovation, these companies are also leveraging their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). According to Bloomberg, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh highlighted the growing significance of generative AI in client discussions during an earnings call last week. Analysts and brokerages have responded to the sector's robust performance by upgrading ratings and revising earnings estimates. At least six brokerages raised their ratings on Infosys post-earnings. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts upgraded ratings on both Wipro's US and India-listed shares. Phillipcapital analyst Karan Uppal expressed confidence that further downgrades in earnings estimates are unlikely, anticipating a rebound and growth in earnings for these companies in the next fiscal year, starting April. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

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Ahead of the Ram Mandir's inauguration ceremony next week, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has purchased a plot valued at Rs 14.5 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

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India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana. Initially declared dead by doctors in Patiala, Brar's "lifeless" body was en route to his hometown near Karnal for the final rites when a pothole altered the course of events.

As the ambulance carrying Brar hit a pothole, his grandson, who accompanied him, observed a movement in his hand. Sensing a faint heartbeat, the quick-thinking grandson urged the ambulance driver to divert to the nearest hospital. Contrary to the earlier declaration of death, doctors at the new hospital confirmed signs of life in Brar.

<h2>From 'mourning to hope'</h2>

Brar&nbsp;is presently receiving critical care at a hospital in Karnal. The family, initially plunged into grief, now sees the incident as a miraculous turn of events and anticipates a swift recovery.

"My brother in Patiala informed us around 9 am on Thursday about our grandfather's death, and he was getting him to Nising (roughly 100 km away) in an ambulance for his last rites. We had informed our relatives and other local residents who knew him and they had already gathered to mourn his passing. A tent had been set up and food had also been arranged for the mourners. We had also got wood for the cremation,"&nbsp;Balwan Singh, one of Brar's grandsons, told NDTV.&nbsp;

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During the ambulance journey near Dhand village in Haryana's Kaithal, the pothole impact prompted Brar's grandson to re-evaluate his condition.

To everyone's astonishment, the elderly man exhibited signs of life. The ambulance was redirected to the nearest hospital, where doctors confirmed Brar's vitality. Subsequently, he was referred to the NP Rawal Hospital in Karnal.

<h2>What are the doctors saying?</h2>

Although Dr Netrapal from Rawal Hospital refrained from confirming the prior death declaration, he told NDTV&nbsp;that Brar arrived breathing with stable blood pressure and a pulse, although Brar's current critical condition, marked by chest infections and laborious breathing, keeps him in the ICU.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Makar Sankranti: Here's how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different Indian states

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(With inputs from agencies)

India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana.

India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana. Initially declared dead by doctors in Patiala, Brar's "lifeless" body was en route to his hometown near Karnal for the final rites when a pothole altered the course of events. As the ambulance carrying Brar hit a pothole, his grandson, who accompanied him, observed a movement in his hand. Sensing a faint heartbeat, the quick-thinking grandson urged the ambulance driver to divert to the nearest hospital. Contrary to the earlier declaration of death, doctors at the new hospital confirmed signs of life in Brar. From 'mourning to hope' Brar is presently receiving critical care at a hospital in Karnal. The family, initially plunged into grief, now sees the incident as a miraculous turn of events and anticipates a swift recovery. "My brother in Patiala informed us around 9 am on Thursday about our grandfather's death, and he was getting him to Nising (roughly 100 km away) in an ambulance for his last rites. We had informed our relatives and other local residents who knew him and they had already gathered to mourn his passing. A tent had been set up and food had also been arranged for the mourners. We had also got wood for the cremation," Balwan Singh, one of Brar's grandsons, told NDTV. Also read | India’s oldest tigress, Rajmata, credited with reviving Sariska reserve, passes away at 19 During the ambulance journey near Dhand village in Haryana's Kaithal, the pothole impact prompted Brar's grandson to re-evaluate his condition. To everyone's astonishment, the elderly man exhibited signs of life. The ambulance was redirected to the nearest hospital, where doctors confirmed Brar's vitality. Subsequently, he was referred to the NP Rawal Hospital in Karnal. What are the doctors saying? Although Dr Netrapal from Rawal Hospital refrained from confirming the prior death declaration, he told NDTV that Brar arrived breathing with stable blood pressure and a pulse, although Brar's current critical condition, marked by chest infections and laborious breathing, keeps him in the ICU. Also watch | Makar Sankranti: Here's how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different Indian states (With inputs from agencies)

India: Pothole jolt brings 80-year-old clinically dead man to life in Haryana

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