India's state broadcaster Prasar Bharti launched a new OTT platform called Waves, available for free on the Play Store. Along with popular shows like Ramayan and Mahabharat, Waves also offers a unique streaming experience with games, shopping, and educational content. As a government-run platform, Waves also provides exclusive content such as FTII and NFDC films and live streams of aartis from the Ram Mandir. With its wide range of content, Waves aims to disrupt the existing private OTT players and provide a convenient alternative for Indian consumers.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya for the first time since the historic Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan in 2020. He inaugurated the Airport and the newly constructed Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. During his visit, he also took part in a public roadshow and participated in the inauguration of Ram Mandir. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 255 km out of the 272-km rail link has been completed. The visit is seen as a milestone in the development of Ayodhya as a modern pilgrimage destination.
Journalist Ajeet Bharti is facing legal troubles after an FIR was filed against him by the Karnataka Congress legal cell. Bharti had accused Rahul Gandhi of claiming to remove the Ram Mandir and bring back Babri. He further stated that three men claiming to be from the Karnataka Police came to his house to deliver a notice, but soon after, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrived and took the men away. Subscribe now to read more about this developing story and keep updated on the political situation in India.
In a surprising turn of events, BJP's candidate Lallu Singh is trailing behind SP's Awadesh Prasad in Faizabad constituency, where the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was recently inaugurated in a grand event. This is a big blow to the saffron party, which was expected to emerge victorious in this key constituency. The trends of the Lok Sabha election results also show a strong performance by the I.N.D.I.A bloc, consisting of the SP and Congress, in the saffron heartland of Uttar Pradesh. With the NDA and Congress-led coalition leading in 37 and 42 seats respectively, the battle for the most number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh remains tight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return to Ayodhya after three and a half months was marked by a grand welcome from thousands of people lining the route, showering flower petals and chanting mantras. The city was dressed in its Sunday best and adorned with twinkling lights, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. This visit marks PM Modi's first trip to Ayodhya since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in January, and he was greeted by numerous saints and citizens carrying placards showing their support.
At the launch of a book on the yearnings for the Ram Mandir, retired Supreme Court judge and National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra highlighted the need for Parliament to function like 'Ram Rajya'. He stated that the ideals of the Hindu god and king, Lord Ram, should be preserved in the Indian Constitution, which calls for justice for all religions and social development for all. Justice Mishra also expressed his belief that the return of Lord Ram to his rightful place at Ayodhya reflects his relevance and inspiration even in modern times.
In a mega rally in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the decision to build Ram Mandir in Ayodhya should have been taken right after India gained Independence in 1947. He criticized the Congress party for delaying the construction and accused them of disrespecting the temple. PM Modi also urged the people to vote for the BJP in the upcoming elections.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka has lodged a case against BJP candidate Tejasvi Surya for posting a video on a social media platform that aimed to garner votes through religious sentiment. Surya had shared a video of 'Surya Tilak' being performed at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, urging people to support his party. He faces a tough competition from Congress candidate Sowmyam Reddy in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. In his defense, Surya stated that while BJP supporters make up the majority, they do not turn out to vote as actively as Congress supporters.
In an exclusive interview with DH, Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha candidate KC Venugopal opens up about the party's campaign strategy and its prospects in the upcoming elections. He dismisses PM Modi's recent remarks on beef and Ram Mandir as desperate tactics to polarize voters, stating that people are smarter and can see through BJP's true agenda. He also addresses the perception that Congress and their alliance with I.N.D.I.A. are stronger in the south, arguing that the party's support in the north is also growing.