Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accuses the Tamil Nadu government of prohibiting puja in over 200 temples for Lord Ram on the day of Ayodhya Ram Mandir's consecration. Sitharaman claims restrictions on live telecast and police interference in privately organized events. Tamil Nadu Minister P K Sekar Babu refutes the allegation, stating no ban exists, and it's a rumor diverting attention from a DMK youth wing conference. Babu deems Sitharaman's post as false with ulterior motives, expressing regret over the dissemination of fake news. The conflicting statements highlight political tensions surrounding religious events in the state.

AIIMS in Delhi faces backlash as it initially announces a half-day closure for the Ram Temple event, aligning with nationwide celebrations. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi and Trinamool Congress's Saket Gokhale, express concern over the impact on patients. The decision prompts public and social media outcry, leading AIIMS to reverse its closure after concerns about potential disruptions to critical clinical services. Critics question prioritizing a political event over healthcare. The "pran pratishtha" of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set for Monday, generating both anticipation and controversy over the temporary halt of routine medical activities.

The ongoing Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir enters its sixth day, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lead priest Lakshmikant Dixit. Today's events include morning puja, the kindling of the sacred fire (Havan), and a significant ceremonial bath for the Ram Lalla idol using medicated water from 114 Kalash. The 'Vyahati Hom' ritual, sacred offerings, night vigil, and regular puja conclude the day. Friday witnessed Vedic rituals, including sugar and fruit offerings, with the placement of the idol by renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj.

ISRO showcases images of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, captured by Indian satellites. The 2.7-acre site, including Dashrath Mahal and Sarayu River, is vividly seen, offering a glimpse of the under-construction temple ahead of its consecration ceremony. Dense fog posed a challenge, but the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad processed the images. ISRO's technology played a pivotal role in the temple's construction, aiding in identifying the precise location for Lord Ram's idol. Sophisticated GPS and signals from India's 'NavIC' satellite constellation ensured meticulous placement in the sanctum sanctorum.

Manipur witnesses a 48-hour bandh called by the Joint Action Committee in response to the alleged killing of village guard Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh. The bandh, from January 20 to 22, paralyzed normal life, impacting marketplaces, towns, and transport services. The committee demanded government action within a 24-hour ultimatum, including the removal of Central forces, withdrawal of Kuki militant groups' SoO agreement, and implementation of the National Register of Citizens. Manipur grapples with heightened violence, with seven recent casualties and ongoing ethnic tensions. The bandh underscores the community's demand for enhanced security measures amid the volatile situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a symbolic gesture, visited the Arichal Munai near Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu, where the legendary Ram Setu was believed to have been built. Performing 'anulom vilom,' he immersed in spiritual practices at the site linked to Lord Ram's journey to Lanka. Modi also conducted puja at Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple, associated with significant events from the Ramayana. These visits hold profound significance as they precede the pran-pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Amid heightened security preparations, Modi's spiritual journey culminates in the much-anticipated event in Ayodhya, marking a pivotal moment in India's cultural and religious landscape.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has rescinded its earlier announcement of a half-day closure on January 22 due to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha ceremony. Facing severe backlash, the central government-run hospital will now remain fully operational. The reversal follows criticism for aligning its schedule with the temple event. AIIMS clarified that outpatient services and critical clinical care will continue without interruption. The Ayodhya Ram temple's consecration ceremony is set for Monday, with the "Pran Pratishtha" ritual scheduled from 12:20 pm to 1 pm.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, ahead of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, delves into the historical context, urging an end to decades-long Ayodhya dispute conflict. Reflecting on India's 1,500-year struggle against invaders, Bhagwat emphasizes the systematic destruction of religious places and the foreign forces' aim to weaken society. He notes the invaders' strategy encompassed the demolition of the Shri Ram temple. Bhagwat calls for unity, envisioning a society embodying Lord Ram's virtues, stressing the need to end bitterness and the Ayodhya dispute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in religious rituals at the Lord Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram after a sacred dip at the 'Agnitheerth' beach. Wearing a rudraksha-mala, PM Modi prayed at the ancient Shiva temple, receiving traditional honors from priests. The temple, with a connection to the Ramayana, holds significance as Lord Ram and Sita Devi prayed there. Earlier, PM Modi worshipped at the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirappalli before a warm reception from BJP workers and locals upon his arrival in Rameswaram via Air Force chopper.

Four law students from MNLU, Mumbai, GLC, and NIRMA law school have moved the Bombay High Court opposing the Maharashtra government's declaration of a public holiday on January 22 for the Ram Temple consecration. Arguing that such a move violates constitutional principles of secularism, the students contend that the state should not endorse or celebrate religious events. They emphasize that public holidays should commemorate patriotic figures or historic events, not cater to specific religious communities. The special bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale is set to hear the case tomorrow at 10:30 am.