Market News

In a spirited Friday session, equity indices delivered a captivating performance. The NSE Nifty 50 secured a 0.24% gain, adding 52.20 points to close at 21,710.80, while the BSE Sensex leapt 0.25%, rising 178.58 points to finish at 72,026.15. Smallcap and Midcap stocks stole the limelight with notable gains, while the Bank Nifty index took a minor dip of 0.08%, closing at 48,159.00, injecting a hint of intrigue into the upbeat day.

In the market spotlight, IT and Auto stocks stole the show with a stellar performance, outshining the rest. Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy, SBI Life Insurance, LTI Mindtree, and Infosys emerged as the day's champions on the NSE Nifty 50. However, Healthcare stocks experienced a downturn. On the flip side, Nestle India, Britannia, UPL, JSW Steel, and Kotak Mahindra found themselves in the ranks of the day's underperformers.

Ayodhya is buzzing with anticipation as the Ram Mandir Trust extends invitations to 8,000-10,000 guests for the momentous consecration ceremony. Scheduled for January 22, this historic event is poised to capture global attention, marking a significant milestone in Ayodhya's cultural and religious landscape.

Adding to the spectacle, the upcoming ceremony in Ayodhya is set to witness the arrival of nearly 100 chartered planes. In response to this aerial influx, preparations are in full swing to ready airstrips in Sultanpur, Ambedkarnagar, and Azamgarh.

In a delightful gesture, all the guests and devotees attending the momentous consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 will be treated to the iconic 'Srivari laddu.' This renowned prasadam, traditionally offered to Lord Venkateshwara in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati, adds a touch of divine sweetness to the grand occasion, symbolizing the unity of diverse religious and cultural traditions.

The word for this week is:

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake wreaked havoc on Japan's west coast, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure and rendering 23,000 homes powerless in the Hokuriku region. Tragically, the death toll climbed to 110, with 16 additional casualties confirmed in Wajima city and Anamizu town by 1 pm (04:00 GMT) on Saturday.

According to the Kyodo news agency, the Ishikawa prefectural government and other sources reported that Wajima city recorded the highest number of deaths at 59, followed by Suzu with 23. The disaster also resulted in over 500 injuries, with at least 27 classified as serious. The affected communities now grapple with the aftermath of this devastating seismic event.
 

Japan, located at the meeting point of four tectonic plates, experiences frequent earthquakes, with hundreds occurring each year. While most are harmless, the country's preparedness and robust infrastructure play a vital role in minimizing potential damage.