How Doors To Ayodhya Ram Temple Go Via Hyderabad

The doors to Ram temple in Ayodhya --- that will be consecrated in January -- open via Hyderabad. A city-based firm is crafting the door to the sanctum sanctorum as well as 17 doors in the main temple and those in structures around.

The inauguration of the temple will take place on January 22 and most of the construction on the first floor of the temple is done. The work has now progressed to the level of decorations, which will take up the rest of the remaining period.

Sarath Babu, director Of Anuradha Timbers International, told NDTV in an exclusive interview that the door to the sanctum sanctorum --- which will house the idol of 5-year-old Lord Ram -- will be a formidable one. The 8-feet tall doors will be 12-feet wide and six inches thick.

"So far 18 doors of the main temple are competed and 100 frames around the temple. Until yesterday, we completed 118 doors," he said, predicting that the number is likely to go up.

The doors -- being built by craftsmen from Tamil Nadu -- will be designed in Nagara style, displaying traditional Indian motifs of lotus, peacocks and other birds.

Nagara is the north Indian style of temple architecture that is said to have started in the Gupta period in the Third Century CE and continued till the advent of Muslims.

The wood used for the doors is Balarshah teak from Maharashtra, which will be covered with gold leaf.

Asked about the selection process, Mr Babu said the temple committee had "invited" the biggest names in the business. They were asked to build a model of the temple, after which his firm was called in and given the job of doing the doors.

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Explosives "Detonated Fully": Navy Finds Debris Of Drone That Hit Ship

The explosives that had struck merchant ship MV Chem Pluto had detonated fully, experts who examined the remains have found. It was suspected that the ship, which returned to Mumbai yesterday with a huge gash on her stern, was struck by a drone 400 km off India's west coast. Going by the remains of the attack vehicle, the experts who examined the ship today, have concluded that it was indeed a drone.

After sanitisation and preliminary analysis, which is now in Mumbai, Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists have said that the explosive charge on the drone "detonated completely causing extensive damage above waterline".

"Remnants of projectile have been collected by the Indian Navy for further forensic analysis," the Indian Navy told the media.

Consequent to the drone strike, India will now deploy warships, aircraft and other assets in the Indian Ocean to protect merchant vessels.

"In light of the recent maritime incidents in the Arabian Sea, IN has commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. The presence of IN warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced. Actions are being progressed in coordination with national maritime agencies towards ensuring safety of merchant marine in the region," the Navy said.

Already, the Navy and the Indian Coast Guard have moved destroyers in the Arabian Sea. Three warships  -- MV Mormugao, Kochi and Kolkata -- and maritime patrol aircraft was deployed on Saturday soon after the UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, reported the drone attack.

Yemen's Houthi rebel group has been stepping up its attack on ships in the Red Sea shipping lane in retaliation to Israel's air strikes in Gaza.

The MV Chem Pluto, though, was struck while passing Iran -- the obvious conclusion from the situation has been vehemently denied by Iran.

The US Defence headquarters Pentagon has said the ship was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran".

India will track down those behind attacks on Merchant Navy ships, "even from the depths of the sea" and take action against them, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.

MV Chem Pluto, an oil tanker, had sailed from Saudi Arabia and was headed for Mangaluru in Karnataka when it was attacked.

A second oil tanker - the Gabon-registered MV Sai Baba, with 25 Indian crew members on board - was also attacked by a drone in the Southern Red Sea, Indian and American military officials have said.

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'Zombie Deer Disease' Could Spread To Humans, Warn Experts As Cases Surge

Researchers in the US have warned that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) spreading among wildlife across North America, could also spread to humans, the Independent reported. Also known as 'zombie deer disease', the illness that leaves animals confused and drooling, was first detected in Yellowstone National Park in November. The disease has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk, and moose across Wyoming. 

Experts have labeled CWD as a ''slow-moving disaster'' and are strongly advising governments to prepare for the likelihood of its transmission to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease has been reported in 31 states in the US.

''The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people. We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it's going to happen, but people need to be prepared,'' CWD researcher Dr Cory Anderson told The Guardian.

He added that it is worrying that there is no known way to eradicate it, ''neither from the animals it infects nor the environment it contaminates.''

No known case of CWD in humans has ever been recorded, according to Fox News.

However, some studies have suggested chronic wasting disease is a risk to monkeys that eat infected animal meat or come in contact with infected animal brains or bodily fluids. 

''These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people. Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain,'' the CDC website reads.

What is Zombie Deer Disease?

'Zombie Deer Disease' also known as Chronic wasting disease (CWD), is a contagious and fatal illness that affects cervids, a group of animals that includes deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. 

It is caused by a malformed protein (prion) which accumulates in the brain and other tissues causing physiological and behavioral changes, emaciation, and ultimately death. It is transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through contact with infectious particles persisting in the environment such as feces, soil, or vegetation. Animals can also become infected if their feed or pasture is contaminated with the prions carrying it. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it may take over a year for symptoms in the deer to develop. It usually starts with the deer drastically losing weight, stumbling around, and losing all energy. At present, CWD does not have any cure or vaccine.

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Ronit Roy Remarries Wife Neelam On Their 20th Wedding Anniversary

Shehzaada actor Ronit Roy renewed his wedding vows with his wife Neelam Bose Roy on his wedding anniversary. Ronit Roy and his wife  who has many hit Bollywood films to his credit, marked their 20th wedding anniversary by re-marrying each other at a temple in Goa. The actor also shared pictures and videos from the ceremony with his Instagram fans and followers. In the pictures, Ronit looked can be seen wearing a white sherwani with a red dupatta while his bride looked lovely in a red saree. Ronit Roy captioned the post as, "Doosri baar toh kya, hazaaron baar byaah tujhi Se karoonga! Happiest 20th anniversary my love."

Take a look at the post below:

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A post shared by Ronit Roy (@ronitboseroy)

In a different video, both are seen holding hands during the pheras and seeking blessings from their family elders. The two sealed it with a kiss in the end. Reacting to Ronit's posts, Bhagyashree wrote in the comment section, “Awwwww God bless you both.” “Wow,” added Aahana Kumra.

Take a look at some other videos of their rituals below:

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A post shared by Ronit Roy (@ronitboseroy)

For the unversed, Ronit Roy, who is a celebrated actor, had earlier this year uploaded a cryptic post on his wall, inviting speculations from his friends and co-stars in the industry. In his post, the actor hinted at being betrayed by someone who he called his "bhai" or "bro". Without taking any names, the actor vented his frustration and concluded the post by saying that though it stings him, it is "their falling, not mine." The Student Of The Year star captioned the post, "Money, status, all materials lost can be regained. Time, love, respect, relationships once lost can never be. At least not to its fullest glory. Why be #fake when you #needtobereal."

The post grabbed the attention of many of his friends and co-stars. Former actor, Minister of Minority Affairs and friend Smriti Irani replied to the post by asking “Kya hua? (What happened),” in the comments. Actor Rupali Ganguly also commented to show her support for Ronit and said, “I feel u …. Take it with a pinch of salt and move on …. Ekla Cholo re(Tread alone)!"

Ronit Roy, the actor was last seen in Shehzada, starring Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon in the lead.

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"Permanent Husband": Case Against RSS Leader For Triple Talaq Remarks

A case has been filed against an RSS leader in Karnataka for his alleged remark that while Muslim men are unhappy with the BJP government at the Centre for passing a bill declaring triple talaq illegal, Muslim women are happy because they now have a "permanent husband". 

In a speech during an event in Karnataka's Srirangapatna on Sunday, RSS Leader Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka had said, "Until recently, the practice of divorce through triple talaq was legal, but it has been done away with since the Modi government came to power. Muslim men must be very unhappy about this."

"But the Muslim women must be very happy with this move as they used to have a new husband every day because they used to say talaq, talaq, talaq and leave. They couldn't say they have a life-long husband. It's the Modi government that has given you a permanent husband," Mr Kalladka said.

The event, called the Sankeerna Yatra, was organised by a right-wing outfit, the Hindu Jagrana Vedike.

After the statement went viral on social media, a social worker, Nazia Nazeer, filed a complaint at the Srirangapatna police station. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Mr Kalladka under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings and insulting the modesty of a woman.

The practice of divorce through triple talaq had been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2017 and the Parliament passed a law declaring it illegal in 2019. 

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On INDIA Bloc Not Naming PM Face, Sharad Pawar's Morarji Desai Reference

With the Opposition bloc INDIA yet to announce its prime ministerial face for the upcoming general elections, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said there are no consequences if a PM face is not projected as voters will take the call to bring a change if they are in the mood.

Even in the 1977 Lok Sabha polls (post Emergency) no one was projected as the PM face, Sharad Pawar, responding to a question about the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance not having a prime ministerial face, said.

"In the 1977 elections, no face was projected for PM and after the election, Moraraji Desai was elected for the post. His name was nowhere before the elections and, in fact, a new party came into existence. After the polls, Mr Desai was made PM. There are no consequences if a face is not projected. If people are in the mood for a change, they will take the call to bring that change," the former Union Minister said.

Morarji Desai, who became the country's first non-Congress PM, remained in office for 856 days. He served as the fifth PM from 1977 to 1979, in the post-emergency government led by the Janata Party.

Asked about a poll survey that gave the Maha Vikas Aghadi an edge over the ruling alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Mr Pawar said surveys are just indications and one should not jump to conclusions on the basis of such exercises.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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12 Of The Best New Restaurants In Chennai You Must Visit In 2023

Was 2023 the most vibrant year for Chennai's booming F&B scene? It certainly presented a diverse array of dining experiences. Local flavours took centre stage, and so did national brands like Mustard and Farzi Café expanding their footprint to include Chennai. Comfort food held its own - everyone loves a good pizza - while seasoned Chennai brands like Cake Walk successfully reinvented themselves. The evolved café scene in Chennai welcomed a couple of intriguing additions, and Asian cuisine continued to be a popular choice among the city's well-heeled. Although it's impossible to capture all of Chennai's stellar restaurant debuts in 2023 in one list, we certainly made an attempt: 
Also Read: 7 Of Chennai's Best Whisky Bars You Must Visit

Photo Credit: Bask By Coffee

Here Are 12 Of The Best New Restaurants You Must Visit In Chennai: 

1. Lazy Leopard

We've witnessed the pizza scene in Chennai come of age in the 2020s. Lazy Leopard, named after the spots on the corner of a pizza, has made its mark among Chennai's finest pizzerias since its debut this year. Positioned as a Neapolitan Pizzeria and Trattoria, Lazy Leopard maintains authenticity with its wood-fired oven. 

• Where: Peters Road, Royapettah

2. Kaylir Canteen

Offering traditional vegetarian cuisine from Tamil Nadu, it's the setting that is truly unconventional. This casual dining restaurant serves delicious South Indian-style 'full meals' in a self-service setup with vibrant interiors. Additionally, there's a pet-friendly section, and the restaurant has recently introduced a 'tiffin' menu for those comforting evening nibbles.

• Where: CIT Colony, Mylapore  

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3. Farzi Café

After teasing the city for a while, Farzi Café finally kept its date with Chennai. Located in the heart of the city, Farzi doesn't deviate from its pan-Indian template. It's not just the bold interiors; the menu is filled with all the customary twists we've come to expect from Farzi. The starters hit all the right notes, featuring bestsellers like the Dal Chawal Arancini and the Aslam Chicken in the mix. 

• Where: Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam  

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4. Cake Walk Café

Part of Chennai's dessert landscape since the 1990s, Cake Walk is truly one of Chennai's original pastry destinations, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for many Chennaiites. Cake Walk Café launched earlier this year, aims to tap into that nostalgia in a contemporary setting with an extensive menu that includes their popular cake mash-ups and delicious pastas.  

• Where: Kothari Road   

5. Bistrograph

Made a splash in the city as one of the country's first photography-themed cafes. The baristas are well-trained and have quite a few tricks up their sleeves - you can even get your picture snapped and printed onto your cappuccino foam. It's not just about coffee; the menu is quite eclectic, featuring bestsellers like smoked chicken soup and a burrata salad. 

• Where: 10th Cross Street, Sastri Nagar 

6. Mustard

Mustard has remained one of our favourite restaurants in Goa over the past few years. It takes its name from the use of mustard, a condiment used in its purest form in both French and Bengali cuisine. The menu brings together iconic Bengali dishes and fine French cuisine in a an atmospheric setting backed by a bar menu packed with innovative cocktails.  

• Where: Sterling Road 

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7. Chettinad Stories

How far will you travel for authentic Chettinad flavours? If you're in Chennai, all you have to do is head to Chettinad Stories, located at Hotel Aadithya. The menu includes true-blue Chettinad delicacies and dishes with a delicious twist. Even if the interiors don't transport you to Chettinad (in Southern Tamil Nadu), the authentic flavours certainly will. 

• Where: Hotel Aadithya, Arcot Road, Vadapalani  

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Also Read: Where To Get Find Best Ambur Biryani In Chennai - 5 Options To Try

8. Sangamithirai

If there's one reason why diners return to Sangamithirai, it's nostalgia. Executive Chef Prem Kumar and his enthusiastic team bring some of Tamil Nadu's finest cuisine to your table. From Kari dosai to Karuppu Kavunni halwa, this is a fantastic culinary journey across Tamil Nadu. If you grew up in Tamil Nadu, it might evoke childhood memories and remind you of your grandmother's recipes. 

• Where: Feathers - A Radha Hotel , Manapakkam  

9. Ambur Canteen

You had to be invited to a wedding or travel to Ambur to sample authentic Ambur biryani. Ambur Canteen has changed all that. We appreciate the casual vibe and the slice-of-life images from Ambur and the Arcot region that adorn the walls, but it's the biryani that steals the show. Their key unique selling proposition (USP) is the culinary production team, all hailing from Ambur, and their rice-to-meat ratio that elevates the biryani.  

• Where: Habibullah Road 

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10. ETC (Elba Trading Company)

Pasta might be ubiquitous in Chennai, but there are not too many spots where you can sample an authentic Italian pasta crafted with fine ingredients. That's why ETC, which debuted in the last quarter of 2023, has our attention. From spaghetti to ravioli, all their pastas are terrific and made with ingredients shipped from Italy. It's also one of the only spots in the city that offers fine, fresh black truffles. 

• Where: St Mary's Road, Alwarpet

11. Sky, The Residency Towers

The name is a giveaway. This is Chennai's best new rooftop restaurant with a choice of indoor and alfresco options - four dining spaces in all. It's the two alfresco sections with views of the city and the coastline that win our vote. This all-day dining space is perfect for sundowners and a hearty Asian meal with a local twist.  

• Where: Sir Theagaraya Road 

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12. Bask By Coffee

It's one of the most 'Instagrammed' F&B hotspots of 2023. Set in a sprawling bungalow in a swish neighbourhood, Bask quickly became one of Chennai's preferred social spaces. Large community-style dining tables, a brilliant blend of outdoor and indoor seating options, and an exhaustive menu that captures the city's evolving palates, all come together in this high-energy cafe.

• Where: Kasturi Rangan Road  

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