Devotees flock to newly inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya
Hindus say the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and was holy to them long before Muslim Mughals razed a temple at the spot to build the Babri Masjid, or mosque, in 1528
On Tuesday (23), the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a city in northern India, witnessed a massive influx of Hindu devotees. Thousands gathered to offer prayers at this newly inaugurated sacred site, just one day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the temple at a site revered as the birthplace of the god-king Lord Ram.
Hindu groups, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its affiliates have portrayed the opening as part of a Hindu renaissance after past centuries of subjugation by Muslim invaders and colonial powers.
"I was adamant about this ... I will only leave after I have seen my Lord Ram," one of the visitors, Guddu Shukla, who queued at the temple gate at 4 a.m. in temperatures of about 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit), told news agency ANI.
He was among more than 50,000 devotees who lined up before dawn on Tuesday to enter the temple, among some 200,000 who arrived in the city after the consecration, said a government official, Murli Dhar Singh.
The site was bitterly contested for decades by Hindus and minority Muslims, sparking nationwide riots in 1992 that killed 2,000 people, mainly Muslims, police say, after a Hindu mob destroyed the 16th-century mosque there.
Hindus say the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and was holy to them long before Muslim Mughals razed a temple at the spot to build the Babri Masjid, or mosque, in 1528.
The Supreme Court handed the land to Hindus in 2019, ordering that Muslims be given a separate plot.
"Devotees inside are hugging the temple walls and crying," said a worshipper from central India, who did not give his name.
"If you are a true follower of Hindu tradition, you'll have tears in your eyes, because that idol represents the 500-year long struggle."
Police on social media urged people to stay away from the temple area because of the large crowds there and diversions on the route.
Analysts say the temple inauguration is expected to boost Modi's effort to secure a third term in general elections due by May.
Celebrations were held on Monday (22) across the nation, where Hindus form most of a population of about 1.42 billion, after Modi's call to treat the day like Diwali, the festival of lights, which marks Ram's return to Ayodhya in Hindu mythology.
Muslims, who plan to begin building a new mosque in the city in May, have signalled they have moved on from the dispute, saying the temple was built following court orders and they bear no ill-will.
A special publication marking the 75th birthday of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday (17) in a celebration that brought together political leaders, spiritual figures, and members of the British-Asian community.
The event, hosted by the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK in collaboration with Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye, coincided with the Hindu festival of Navratri.
His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK, led the gathering, which was attended by Padmashree Bob Blackman CBE MP, Lord Rami Ranger, Swami Abhiramacharya Ji Maharaj of Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, and Shree Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj of Ahmedabad.
His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK, led the gathering
Cultural performances by Siddhashram’s troupe added to the festive spirit, while attendees donning Modi masks created what organisers described as a symbolic “Modi on every seat” display inside Parliament.
In his address, Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji described Modi as “a saint in a civil role guiding India and the world,” while commending Blackman for his consistent support of the diaspora. Blackman in turn praised Modi as a “remarkable leader” who had transformed India’s global position through reforms and development initiatives. He also called for renewed progress on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Lord Rami Ranger highlighted India’s rise on the world stage, saying the country’s economic progress was “a testament to Sanatan Dharma’s resilience and the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.” He also applauded Asian Media Group and the Solanki family for empowering the British-Asian community through Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye.
The occasion also saw the announcement of Siddhashram’s upcoming Navratri Festival in Harrow
The programme featured remarks from Kamal Rao, associate editor of Garavi Gujarat, and finance manager Kamal Desai, who honoured community leaders and youth performers. Recognition was also presented to 12 distinguished contributors, including Swami Abhiramacharya Ji Maharaj, Shree Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Dr Uday Pratap Singh, and Samjibhai Patel.
Mahesh Liloriya, head of strategic partnerships at Asian Media Group, anchored the evening, which drew diaspora representatives from London, Birmingham, and other UK cities. The occasion also saw the announcement of Siddhashram’s upcoming Navratri Festival in Harrow (22 September–2 October), coinciding with Harrow Council’s 60th anniversary.
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Police officers stand guard between an anti fascist group and Tommy Robinson supporters during an anti-immigration rally organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, September 13, 2025.
THE British government has defended its new migrant returns deal with France after a High Court ruling temporarily blocked the deportation of an Eritrean asylum seeker, marking an early legal setback to the scheme.
The 25-year-old man, who arrived in Britain on a small boat from France on August 12, was due to be placed on an Air France flight from Heathrow to Paris on Wednesday (17) morning. But on Tuesday (16), Judge Clive Sheldon granted an interim injunction, saying there was a “serious issue to be tried” over his claim to be a victim of trafficking.
The ruling gives the asylum seeker 14 days to provide more evidence before a full legal hearing.
Government minister Liz Kendall acknowledged the court’s decision was a setback but insisted it would not derail the wider “one-in, one-out” pilot deal with France.
“This is one person, it is not going to undermine the fundamental basis of this deal,” she told Times Radio. “This decision is disappointing but it won’t prevent the rest of that deal going ahead.”
Under the agreement, signed in July and launched in August, Britain can return migrants who arrive by small boats and are judged ineligible for asylum, including those who passed through a safe country. In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France who apply for visas through an online platform. The pilot scheme will run until June 2026.
So far this year more than 31,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats, adding to political pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer. Immigration has become a dominant issue in Britain, often eclipsing concerns over the economy, as the government struggles to deter irregular crossings.
The returns were expected to begin this week, but several deportation attempts have already been delayed after migrants lodged last-minute legal challenges. More than 90 people detained for removal have pending cases, according to charities. France is due to begin its first repatriations under the deal on Saturday (20), its home ministry confirmed.
Lawyers for the Eritrean man argued that sending him back to France would expose him to “a real risk of destitution” and that his trafficking claim should be resolved before any removal. Sonali Naik, representing the asylum seeker, said the government had acted prematurely.
The Home Office, however, argued in court that the UK-France scheme was essential to “disincentivise illegal and dangerous crossings and favour legal migration routes.” Kate Grange, counsel for the government, warned that delays in one case could encourage others to file similar claims, undermining the agreement’s deterrent effect.
Charities have also raised concerns that the deal will face “all sorts of challenges”. Pierre Makhlouf, from Bail for Immigration Detainees, said: “If the government presumed that the removals would actually take place this week, then they might be premature. Those who are here will fight very hard.”
The Starmer government regards the deal as a central part of its efforts to control migration and to blunt the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has made gains in opinion polls with its anti-immigration message.
Despite the court ruling, ministers stressed the government remained committed to the returns policy. “Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” said Kendall. “We will continue to pursue this agreement because it is in the interests of both countries and of the migrants themselves.”
AN ASIAN senior heart surgeon, who abused his position to sexually assault female members of staff, has been jailed for six years.
Dr Amal Bose, from Lancaster, was convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault against five colleagues at Blackpool Victoria Hospital between 2017 and 2022. He was cleared of two other charges.
According to Lancashire Police, the jury heard during the trial earlier this year that Bose was “the root cause of a toxic and sexualised culture” at the hospital. His behaviour included inappropriately touching women and making sexualised comments.
Despite claiming his actions were “only flirting” and “banter”, Bose was found guilty by a jury in June. He appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday (15), where he was sentenced to six years in prison.
In personal statements read to the court, the victims said Bose’s behaviour had left them feeling unsafe at work and less able to trust male colleagues. Some changed their working patterns to avoid him, called in sick, or were even forced to leave the profession.
One victim said Bose had not only violated her body but also the trust and respect that should exist in any professional workplace. Others described experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and a loss of confidence.
Detective chief inspector (temporary) Kirsty Wyatt said: “Everyone should feel able to go to work and feel safe, confident and secure. Bose has undermined that by abusing his position of power to sexually assault female members of staff, and in doing so he has caused enormous damage.”
She added: “I would like to thank the victims for having the courage to come forward and speak about what happened to them – that cannot have been easy. While he may have considered his behaviour as merely flirting, his actions have clearly had a deep and lasting impact on his victims, and in some cases have caused them to abandon the profession they loved.”
Wyatt also praised the jury and the Crown Prosecution Service for their handling of the case. “I hope the guilty verdicts give others who may have suffered similar ordeals the confidence to report it to us, safe in the knowledge we will investigate professionally and sensitively,” she said.
(PTI)
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Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.
Both leaders reaffirm commitment to India-US partnership
Trade talks resume in New Delhi amid tariff tensions
India defends purchase of discounted Russian oil
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call sparked hopes of a reset in India-US ties, which had been under strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.
In a social media post, Modi said that like Trump, he is also "fully" committed to taking the India-US comprehensive and global partnership to "new heights."
"Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday," Modi wrote on X. "Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict."
Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2025
Trump praises Modi
Trump said Modi is "doing a tremendous job" and thanked him for supporting his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
"Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job," Trump said on Truth Social. "Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine."
The call came a day before Modi’s 75th birthday and was the first since the US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India.
Trade talks in New Delhi
The call coincided with a new round of India-US talks in New Delhi on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
A spokesperson at the US embassy said: "Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch had a positive meeting in Delhi with his counterpart Ministry of Commerce and Industry special secretary Rajesh Agrawal on September 16 to discuss next steps in bilateral trade negotiations."
Tariffs and tensions
The phone call followed social media exchanges between the two leaders in recent days, which indicated intent to rebuild ties.
Relations had been strained after the Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."
In recent weeks, several Trump administration officials, including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, used offensive language while criticising India’s energy ties with Russia.
India defends Russian oil purchases
India has maintained that its energy procurement is based on national interest and market factors. It turned to Russian crude offered at discounted prices after Western sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ongoing trade negotiations
The fresh round of trade talks came after Modi responded to Trump’s recent remarks on addressing "trade barriers."
Trump had said he looked forward to speaking with Modi in the "upcoming weeks" and expressed confidence that both sides could finalise the proposed deal.
Modi has said India and the US are natural partners and that both sides are working to conclude the negotiations.
In the past few months, several rounds of talks were held, but a deal could not be reached due to differences in areas including agriculture and dairy.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Forecasters say 30–40mm of rain is likely to fall widely
Two yellow weather warnings issued for parts of Wales and the Midlands
Up to 70mm of rain expected, bringing risk of flooding, power cuts and travel delays
Flood alerts in place for rivers in Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall and Carmarthenshire
Residents advised to prepare emergency kits and stay updated with forecasts
Heavy rainfall set to cause disruption
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings covering parts of Wales and the Midlands today, with forecasters warning of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts. Between 6am and 11am, persistent downpours are expected to sweep eastwards, bringing nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours.
Areas under warning
South and southwest Wales are expected to be worst affected, with Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd and Powys in the Midlands also on alert. In Wales, warnings apply to Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Rainfall and flood risks
Forecasters say 30–40mm of rain is likely to fall widely, with some southwest-facing hills facing totals of 50–70mm. The Met Office has cautioned that flooding of homes and businesses is possible, while spray and standing water could make journeys hazardous. Public transport, including bus and rail services, is also likely to be affected.
Flood alerts already in place
Flood alerts have already been issued in parts of Cumbria, including along the River Greta and River Derwent near Keswick, where nearby campsites face risk. In the southwest, alerts are in force for the Exmoor rivers in Devon and the Upper River Tamar on the Devon-Cornwall border. Natural Resources Wales has issued further alerts for rivers in Carmarthenshire, Llanelli, Llangennech, Pwll and Burry Port.
Public advice and emergency preparation
The Met Office has urged residents in affected areas to prepare a flood plan and consider assembling an emergency kit. Recommended items include torches, spare batteries, a mobile phone power pack and essential supplies in case of power cuts. Officials stress the importance of checking travel updates and staying informed, as weather warnings can change quickly.