Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena approves a half-day closure for Delhi government offices on January 22 in honor of the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal orders offices to shut until 2:30 pm. Over 11,000 VIP attendees, including PM Narendra Modi, will witness the 'pran-pratishtha' of Ram Lalla. Several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana, declare public holidays or half-days. The central government already announced a half-day holiday for its employees. Chandigarh and other states ensure closures for government institutions, allowing participation in the historic event.

The Election Commission (EC) informs the Centre that ₹10,000 crore every 15 years is required for new EVMs if 'One Nation, One Election' is implemented. Stating EVMs' 15-year shelf life, the EC estimates the need for 46,75,100 ballot units, 33,63,300 control units, and 36,62,600 VVPAT machines for simultaneous polls. Each EVM set costs ₹7,900 (ballot unit), ₹9,800 (control unit), and ₹16,000 (VVPAT). The EC underscores the necessity of constitutional amendments, citing changes to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356. Acknowledging logistical challenges, EC indicates 2029 as the earliest feasible year for simultaneous elections.

AAP MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh asserts his commitment to attend the Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, expressing indifference to opposition parties boycotting the event. Singh declares, "Don't care what others do, I'll go. This is my stand as an individual who believes in God." His resolute stance, "Won't bow to political pressure," follows AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's decision to skip the ceremony. Singh emphasizes the significance of seeking blessings at this opportune time. AAP's Delhi Health Minister, Saurabh Bhardwaj, supports the four Shankaracharyas' decision to abstain, citing scriptural concerns. Despite varied stances within AAP, Singh remains steadfast in his personal choice to participate in the auspicious event.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India will fence its 1643-km border with Myanmar, mirroring the Indo-Bangladesh model, and abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Addressing the passing-out parade of Assam Police Commando battalions, Shah stated that the government aims to enhance border security. The FMR, allowing border residents to travel 16 km without a visa, will be discontinued. Shah highlighted changes in India's internal security, reporting a 73% decrease in violence in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Naxal-affected areas over the past decade. The decision follows Manipur's appeal last year to halt FMR for curbing illegal immigration.    

Amidst the ongoing conflict between rebel forces and Myanmar's junta, approximately 600 Myanmar Army soldiers have fled to Mizoram, India. Seeking refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after Arakan Army militants captured their camps, the soldiers are currently housed in an Assam Rifles camp. Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the urgency during talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing the need for a prompt repatriation to address regional stability concerns. Lalduhoma stated, "People are fleeing for shelter, and we are helping them on humanitarian grounds." The situation underscores the challenges posed by the escalating tensions on the region.

E-commerce giant Amazon has removed sales options and initiated action against sellers involved in the 'Ram Mandir Prasad' scam, where sweets were deceptively sold under this guise. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice to Amazon following a complaint by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The CCPA warned of action under the Consumer Protection Act if Amazon fails to respond within seven days. Amazon acknowledges the communication from CCPA, stating they are investigating and taking appropriate action against the listings as per their policies. The scam came to light through an India Today report, exposing misleading claims by sellers.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, demands an investigation after the first image of the new Ram Lalla idol leaks online ahead of the Ayodhya temple's consecration on January 22. Expressing concern, Das emphasizes that the idol's eyes should not be revealed before the pran pratishtha rituals. Officials suspect the leak was done by those involved in temple construction and contemplate action against them. The 51-inch idol, carved in black stone, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the consecration ceremony.

In a tragic incident during the silver jubilee celebrations at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, Vistex CEO Sanjay Shah lost his life, and a colleague suffered serious injuries. The CEO and his colleague entered an iron cage for a descent, but a broken iron chain led to a fall. Despite immediate hospitalization, Sanjay Shah succumbed to his injuries, while his colleague remains in critical condition. A case has been registered against the event management authorities based on a complaint from another company official. The unexpected accident has cast a pall over the firm's milestone celebration.            

In anticipation of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, the Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on January 22. The decision, prompted by a request from BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha, received approval from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office despite initial opposition. Following the Centre's announcement of a 'half-day' for central government offices, BJP-led states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa have also declared closures for government offices and educational institutes. Private sector banks will remain open, while certain states impose bans on liquor and meat sales. The Ram Mandir inauguration will witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries in attendance.

Reliance Industries has announced a company-wide holiday on January 22 to commemorate the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This decision aligns with various state governments and private companies allowing holidays for employees to partake in the celebrations. The move follows the Indian government's half-day holiday declaration for central offices on Jan 22. Reliance's announcement comes after reporting an 11% YoY rise in net profit for the December quarter. Maharashtra government has also declared a state holiday on Jan 22, with the stock market closed, ahead of the grand inauguration attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.