LEAD

The death sentence awarded to eight former Indian Navy officers, after more than a year of detention, by a Qatar court has shocked India. An early resolution of this case would now prove to be a great diplomatic challenge for the mandarins in Raisina Hills. In the backdrop of the current geopolitical environment in the Middle East, the challenge would be felt even sharper as Qatar's ruling elite will not be able to focus attention on this issue. If the eight Indians are executed, it would not only cast a shadow on India’s fast evolving security relationship with Qatar but also question the relevance of indulging in similar defence cooperation relationships with the rest of the Arab world.

Israel’s military said it had intensified its air and ground assaults on Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Friday night, amid reports of fierce clashes with Palestinian fighters near the border. The military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Israel was targeting tunnels and other facilities used by Hamas, and hinted at a possible ground invasion of the enclave. Hamas said its armed wing was engaged in battles with Israeli troops in Beit Hanoun and Al-Bureij.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised statement on Wednesday that Israel is preparing a ground invasion of Gaza. “We have already killed thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning,” Netanyahu said.

“Simultaneously, we are preparing for a ground invasion. I will not elaborate on when, how or how many. I will also not elaborate on the various calculations we are making, which the public is mostly unaware of and that is how things should be,” he added.

A big update has come related to Ram temple opening in Ayodhya. According to the latest update, pran pratistha (consecration) of Lord Ram's idol will take place on January 22. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idol consecration ceremony will take place around 12.30 pm. General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Champat Rai, Chairman of the construction committee of Ram Janmabhoomi trust Nripendra Mishra and Shankracharya of Udipi today met PM Narendra Modi and extended invitation for the ceremony which PM Modi heartily accepted. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to root out social distortions like casteism and regionalism. PM Modi, addressing a gathering at a Dussehra event in Delhi's Ram Leela Maidan in Dwarka, also urged people to take 10 pledges, including uplifting the socio-economic status of at least one poor family.

"Today, 'Ravana Dahan' should not be only about burning of an effigy but also about forces which try to divide 'Maa Bharati' in the name of casteism and regionalism," PM Modi said.