As the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya nears, craftsmen in Uttar Pradesh are working tirelessly to create unique carvings on red sandstone for the temple. Among them are several Muslim men who are proud that their traditional art will adorn the temple. The artisans from Agra-based companies are hand-carving pillars using age-old tools. The Muslim craftsmen see it as "good fortune" to contribute to the temple. About 500 cubic feet of stone have been prepared so far, with the work pace quickening for the January 2024 inauguration. The red sandstone was also used in old Parliament and other iconic buildings. The Muslim craftsmen's role highlights communal amity as their ancestral skills help construct the long-awaited Hindu temple. [Image: India Today]

Slamming the BJP government for abstaining from the UN Gaza truce vote, Priyanka Gandhi said the stand goes against India's founding principles. Gandhi expressed shock and shame at India's inaction, as the nation was founded on non-violence and truth. She said refusing to take a stand as humanity's laws are pulverized in Palestine contradicts India's moral courage guiding its global role. Gandhi said cutting off essentials and annihilating thousands in Gaza violates everything India stands for. Citing Gandhi's quote on retribution's dangers, she reminded the warring sides. Her sharp critique accused the government of failing to back the ceasefire amid the humanitarian crisis.

The Punjab Police announced Saturday the busting of a Babbar Khalsa International terror module with the arrest of four operatives. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the module was tasked by handlers to conduct targeted killings and was backed by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Rinda with ISI help. Rinda provided logistical support using drones to smuggle weapons from Pakistan, the DGP said. The arrests mark a breakthrough against the banned pro-Khalistani group actively targeting individuals in India. Pakistan's continued enablement of BKI through arms smuggling and other aid spotlights its ongoing efforts to destabilize security in India's border state of Punjab.

Tensions escalated in Kerala as Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's virtual participation at a Solidarity Youth Movement rally in Malappuram drew sharp criticism. BJP State president K Surendran condemned the event, questioning the Kerala Police's role and demanding action against Mashal's involvement. Additionally, BJP targeted Congress's Shashi Tharoor for participating in a rally supporting Palestine, branding it "pro-Hamas." These incidents have ignited debates across political circles, raising concerns about the state's communal harmony.

Police say billionaire Mukesh Ambani received a death threat via email demanding 20 crore rupees be paid to the sender's account or Ambani would be killed by the "best shooters in India." The threat was brought to attention by security at Ambani's Mumbai residence and a complaint was filed. Mumbai Police have registered a case against the unidentified sender, who went by the name Shadab Khan, under criminal intimidation and extortion charges. Ambani has faced threats in the past targeted at India's wealthiest individual. The latest warning delivered to the Reliance Industries chairman ratchets up risks faced by high-profile business leaders amid India's social and economic

After overnight clashes between Indian BSF and Pakistani Rangers along the international border, an uneasy calm returned Friday though both sides remain vigilant. Pakistani forces had resorted to unprovoked mortar and gunfire Thursday night in the Arnia sector, to which BSF responded. Villagers who had fled the shelling returned home Friday as BSF monitored any further developments. BSF said it remains alert to ensure border safety. A Pakistani mortar damaged a house but no injuries were reported. Villagers expressed fear of renewed shelling, urging bunker construction. The flare-up after over two years comes ahead of Indian elections and the festive season when Pakistani firing typically increases. [Image: Representative]

Tata Group is set to become India's inaugural homegrown iPhone manufacturer for both domestic and global markets after Wistron Corp. agreed to sell its facility, Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Private Ltd., to Tata for $125 million. The deal is pending confirmation, relevant agreements, and necessary approvals. Union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar commended Tata for this strategic acquisition, and the Indian government's production linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which has bolstered India's position as a reliable hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports. Tata is also expanding its collaboration with Apple, aiming to launch 100 Apple stores in India.  

A United Nations report warns that certain areas in the Indo-Gangetic basin, India, have crossed the groundwater depletion tipping point. By 2025, the entire northwestern region is expected to suffer critically low groundwater availability. The "Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023" by the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security identifies six environmental tipping points, including groundwater depletion, leading to irreversible ecosystem and climate changes. Over 70% of groundwater is used for agriculture, but many major aquifers worldwide are depleting faster than they can naturally replenish, risking food production and water access. India, the world's largest groundwater user, is particularly vulnerable, with Punjab and Haryana facing imminent shortages. Jack O'Connor, the report's lead author, emphasizes the need for urgent action to avert these crises.

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, during a podcast with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, advocated for Indian youth to work 70 hours a week to boost the nation's productivity and compete with rapidly progressing economies. He cited India's low work productivity and pointed to corruption and bureaucratic delays as hindrances. Murthy urged today's youth to take inspiration from post-World War 2 efforts in Germany and Japan, where citizens worked extra hours to drive economic growth. He emphasized the need for Indian youngsters to dedicate themselves to the nation's development and work tirelessly to catch up with global leaders.

Pakistani troops have fired on Indian soldiers and border posts over a dozen times since the 2021 ceasefire agreement, said Indian security officials. The latest incident occurred on Thursday in Jammu's Arnia sector, injuring two BSF jawans and three civilians. A security official said these violations show Pakistan doesn't want peace at the border, often using fire to divert attention from infiltration or during major political developments. Per BSF data, Pakistan violated the ceasefire at least 6 times in 2022 and 4 times this year. Most 2021 incidents occurred before the ceasefire agreement in February 2021 between India and Pakistan DGs. Thursday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan on the eve of the 76th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India bears political significance on both sides of the border.