The five Supreme Court judges behind the historic 2019 Ayodhya verdict, awarding land to Ram Lalla, have been invited to the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Temple. Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, ex-Chief Justice SA Bobde, and current Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer, will attend the consecration on January 22. The verdict settled a century-old dispute, confirming a structure beneath the mosque. Bollywood stars, cricketers, and business tycoons are on the guest list. PM Modi will lead the ceremony, having prepared with an 11-day code, including penance and a 'satvik' diet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while dedicating 90,000 houses completed under PMAY-Urban in Maharashtra and 15,000 houses in Solapur. Expressing a heartfelt wish, he said, "I wish I too had a chance to live in such a house in my childhood." Overwhelmed, he struggled to hold back tears, emphasizing the joy of people's dreams coming true. The Solapur project benefited handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, beedi workers, and drivers. PM Modi urged lighting "Ram Jyoti" on January 22 during Ayodhya Ram temple's consecration ceremony and distributed PM-SVANIDHI instalments in Maharashtra.

Ahead of the Ayodhya Ram Temple's Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, traders in Gujarat are spreading cheer by awarding their employees "one day's salary" as a bonus. Approximately 100 traders embrace the idea, with sweet shops planning discounts. Telecom companies enhance connectivity, while Ayurveda major Dabur India pledges profits, and ITC donates incense cones. The celebration extends to the UK, where the Sanatan Sanstha initiates festivities at the British Parliament, resonating with the divine sound of a Shankh. Over 200 UK temples express solidarity with a declaration presented to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust before the grand ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, emphasizing its role as an innovation hub for aviation. Spanning 43 acres with a ₹1,600 crore investment, it marks Boeing's largest venture outside the US. Set to host a 3,000+ engineering workforce, the campus aims to foster collaboration with India's startup ecosystem. Boeing's partnership with the Indian armed forces is expected to bolster the defence sector, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. PM Modi also launched the Boeing Sukanya Programme, promoting STEM education for girls in aviation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the state's continued technological leadership.            

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected petitions filed by 10 out of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case seeking more time to surrender. Citing reasons like family responsibilities, health issues, and winter crop harvesting, the convicts had sought an extension of 4-6 weeks beyond the January 20 deadline set by the SC. However, the apex court refused to extend the deadline, stating the reasons given do not prevent compliance with its January 8 order cancelling their premature release. The SC had earlier scrapped the remission granted by the Gujarat government to the 11 convicted for gangraping Bilkis Bano and murdering her family during the 2002 riots.

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has imposed restrictions on flight operations from January 19 to 26 for Republic Day celebrations. Arrivals and departures will be suspended daily from 10:20am to 12:45pm IST as part of security protocols. Delhi International Airport Limited tweeted the 'no-fly period' to alert passengers on Friday, January 19. The restrictions are to ensure the smooth conduct of Republic Day festivities. Passengers are advised to confirm updated flight schedules with airlines and plan airport arrival accordingly. The no-operation hours may cause inconvenience but are necessary for national celebrations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is immersed in an 11-day religious ritual ahead of the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, according to sources. Modi, who began the special observance on January 12, is reportedly sleeping on the floor and consuming only coconut water. The ritual includes adherence to 'Yam Niyam,' encompassing austere measures such as yoga, meditation, and discipline. The consecration ceremony is set for January 22, with Modi as the chief guest. Over 7,000 attendees, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints, are expected at the event marking the inauguration of the Ram temple.

The Calcutta High Court dismissed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's plea to defer Mamata Banerjee's 'Sampriti Rally' on January 22, coinciding with the Ram Temple inauguration. The court directed the state to ensure peaceful conduct, forbidding speeches hurting religious sentiments. Adhikari accused Banerjee of disturbing communal harmony and urged the Governor for central forces. Banerjee clarified the rally's aim is not related to the temple event, focusing on infrastructure development. TMC's Kunal Ghosh hailed the court's decision, accusing the BJP of seeking societal division. The rally, spanning various faiths, will culminate in Kolkata's Park Circus Maidan.

Ayodhya's Ram Temple witnessed jubilation as the idol of Ram Lalla was joyously installed in the 'Garbha Griha' after a special puja. The prelude to the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22 unfolded with fervent chants of 'Jai Shri Ram.' Sculpted by Karnataka's Arun Yogiraj, the idol, brought in with a crane, added to the festive atmosphere. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra confirmed the selection of Yogiraj's creation for this significant phase. The ceremony is set to take place at 12:30 PM in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with elaborate arrangements and invitations to VIP guests.

Manipur's Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh disclosed that militants from Myanmar may have played a role in the attack on police commandos in Moreh. The assault resulted in the death of two commandos. Singh noted that Kuki militants initiated firing from elevated positions, making commandos vulnerable. He dismissed allegations of valley-based militia involvement and highlighted ongoing attacks by People's Defence Force insurgents. Recent incidents include the burning of buildings and shootings, escalating tensions. Security forces collaborated, seeking reinforcements to counter the situation in Moreh. The adviser emphasized the need for heightened vigilance amid the volatile circumstances in Manipur.