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.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Wednesday and held talks over a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine.

Mr Putin invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year.

“We will be glad to see our friend, Mr Prime Minister Modi, in Russia,” Mr Putin told Mr Jaishankar, who is on a five-day official visit to the country.

Mr Jaishankar also met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov earlier on Wednesday.

The Russian President said he knows PM Modi is willing to do his outmost to resolve the Ukraine crisis peacefully. Mr Putin said Russia is willing to share information with India on how the Ukraine crisis can be resolved peacefully.

“Many times I advised him (PM Modi) on how things are going there (Ukraine) and I know he is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So we will delve into that deeper now and we will give additional information to you,” Mr Putin said during the meeting with Mr Jaishankar.

Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message.

Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of… pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023

During a joint media appearance along with Mr Lavrov after their talks, Mr Jaishankar said he was confident that PM Modi and Mr Putin would meet for an annual summit next year. In his opening remarks earlier, Mr Jaishankar said that the two leaders have been in frequent contact.

The summit between PM Modi and Mr Putin is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two sides. So far, 21 annual summits have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The last summit took place in Delhi in December 2021.

Mr Putin said the trade turnover between Russia and India is growing, particularly on account of crude oil and high technology areas.

“Our trade turnover is growing, for the second year in a row at the same time and at a steady pace. The growth rate this year is even higher than in the last year,” the Russian President said.

On Tuesday, Mr Jaishankar held a “comprehensive and productive” meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation during which they saw the signing of some “very important” agreements related to the construction of future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.

The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

India’s import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries.

With inputs from PTI

Step into the dynamic realm of men’s fashion in 2023, where individuality met innovation, and style took centre stage. The best-dressed males of the year were not merely fashion icons; they were architects of a new era in sartorial expression.

From high-profile red-carpet events to the gritty authenticity of street style, these trendsetters mastered the art of crafting unforgettable looks that seamlessly blended sophistication with audacity.

Join us as we navigate through their curated wardrobes, each outfit telling a unique story of confidence, self-expression, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. In 2023, these style pioneers redefined the standards, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving canvas of men’s fashion.

Here are the best-dressed international male stars of 2023:

1. Harry Styles

In 2023, Harry Styles fearlessly pushed fashion boundaries with sequined jumpsuits and floral suits. His standout moment at the Grammys featured a memorable rhinestone onesie, worn shirtless to flaunt tattoos, gold necklaces, and rings. As a former One Direction member, Styles continues to show that men can embrace vibrant and stylish looks without hesitation about their masculinity.

2. Jacob Erodi

Jacob Erodi emerged as a style maestro in 2023, seamlessly blending classic sophistication with contemporary flair. His fashion choices, showcased on red carpets and city streets alike, reflected a unique fusion of high-end luxury and accessible streetwear. Erodi’s versatile wardrobe, characterised by impeccable tailoring and a fearless approach to experimentation, made him a trendsetter who left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.

3. Jungkook of BTS

Jungkook, a member of BTS, displayed a versatile fashion sense in 2023, effortlessly blending streetwear with high-end styles. From casual streetwear staples to polished looks for music performances, he showcased a unique ability to navigate various fashion realms with confidence. Jungkook’s fashion choices were characterised by a mix of comfort, urban aesthetics, and personalised accessories, solidifying his status not only as a music sensation but also as a global style icon.

4. Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet openly embraced his passion for fashion, although he hardly needed to state it explicitly. By then, the young Hollywood actor’s adeptness in effortlessly navigating red-carpet events, promotional junkets, and off-duty fashion moments was abundantly clear.

V of BTS

V from BTS, also known as Kim Taehyung, is a standout fashion icon. His style seamlessly blends boldness and sophistication, with a versatile wardrobe ranging from vibrant streetwear to polished ensembles. V’s meticulous attention to accessories, such as statement hats and jewellery, adds a personal touch to his fashion, making him a trendsetter in the K-pop world. Whether on stage or in public appearances, V’s unique fashion choices contribute to BTS’s distinctive visual identity, showcasing his individuality and global style influence.

See Also: Filmfare Year-Ender 2023: Top 10 chic airport looks donned by our favourite stars