India voices apprehension regarding the security situation in the Red Sea, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and commerce in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal labels the escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as a "matter of concern." The recent drone attack on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden led to the evacuation of all 21 crew members by India's INS Visakhapatnam. Houthi rebels' support for Hamas and targeting commercial ships intensifies global worries, altering maritime routes. The US and UK respond with airstrikes, impacting crucial shipping lanes.

In a heartbreaking incident near Vadodara, Gujarat, a boat carrying 27 students and teachers on a picnic capsized in Harni Lake, claiming 16 lives, including schoolchildren. The overloaded vessel, designed for 16, prompted a search operation, with 10 rescued so far. Gujarat's education minister deploys NDRF and fire brigade for the ongoing rescue. Vadodara MP assures strict action against negligence. Prime Minister's Office announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expresses condolences, while Congress President Kharge urges expedited relief efforts. Questions arise about life jacket usage.            

The Indian government declares a nationwide 'half-day' on January 22 in celebration of the Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. All central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments will close till 2:30 pm, allowing employees to partake in the festivities. PM Narendra Modi, urging simplicity, directs ministers to mark the event as 'Deepotsav' and join devotees in trains to Ayodhya post the ceremony. Ayodhya readies for the grand event, set to be attended by dignitaries including Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and CM Yogi Adityanath, with over 7,000 invitees spanning politicians, Bollywood, and more.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled ambitious projections at the Wings India 2024 conclave, forecasting a surge in India's domestic air passengers to 300 million annually by 2030, doubling from 153 million in 2023. Under PM Modi's leadership, the nation anticipates surpassing 200 airports and waterdromes, a significant leap from the current 149. Scindia highlighted India's rise to the third spot in the global domestic civil aviation market and seventh in international rankings. Despite a decade of robust growth, he emphasized the vast untapped potential, with 85% market penetration yet to be achieved.

In celebration of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, central government offices across India will observe a half-day holiday on January 22, announced Union minister Jitendra Singh. The decision aims to honor the sentiments surrounding the event, allowing employees to participate in the festivities. The pran-pratishtha ceremony, scheduled for 12:30 pm on January 22, will witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi and dignitaries attending. Pre-consecration rituals, initiated on January 16, include the arrival of the idol of Lord Ram. The Bar Council of India also appealed for a nationwide holiday on this significant day in India's religious and cultural history.

On the third day of 'Pran Pratishtha' at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, the consecration ceremony reaches a significant phase with the anticipated installation of the 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla in the 'Garbh Grah' (sanctum sanctorum). Commencing at 1:20 pm with 'sankalp,' the day involves elaborate rituals, including Jaladhivas and Vastu Pujan. The seven-day Vedic proceedings, initiated on Tuesday, lead up to the temple's consecration on January 22. Chairperson Nripendra Mishra expresses the meticulous nature of the ceremonial proceedings. The consecration event holds profound cultural and religious significance for millions awaiting the completion of the Ram Temple.

Three convicts in the Bilkis Bano rape case have appealed to the Supreme Court, urging an extension of their surrender deadline from six to four weeks before jail authorities. The plea, citing familial responsibilities and personal commitments, is set to be heard on Friday. Govindbhai, one of the convicts, emphasizes caring for elderly parents, while Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana requests time for his son's wedding arrangements. Mitesh Chimanlal Bhat seeks an extension for harvesting winter produce. Earlier, on January 8, the Supreme Court overturned the state's order to release 11 convicts involved in the Bilkis Bano case, terming it a "fraud act."

Escalating unrest in Manipur sees three Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel sustaining bullet injuries in a mob attack on the Thoubal district police headquarters. The violence follows the killing of two police personnel in Moreh just hours earlier, marking the second such incident in two-and-a-half months. Security forces dispersed the mob at the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion complex, but armed miscreants fired live rounds during an attempt to breach Thoubal Police Headquarters. Amid the chaos, Manipur's Home Department Commissioner urgently requests "air assets" or helicopters for a minimum of seven days to address emergency requirements in the region.

India comments on Iran's missile attack on Pakistan, stating it's a matter between the two nations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscores India's unwavering zero-tolerance for terrorism and acknowledges countries' actions in self-defense. Iran's dismantling of Jaish al Adl bases in Pakistan triggers tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian defends the strikes, emphasizing respect for sovereignty. Pakistan condemns the attack, citing sovereignty violations and potential serious consequences. Foreign Minister Jilani urges coordinated efforts against terrorism, cautioning against unilateral actions for regional stability. The incident follows Iran's strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting "anti-Iranian terrorist groups."          

The civil aviation ministry imposed significant fines on IndiGo and Mumbai Airport over viral videos of passengers dining on the tarmac. IndiGo faces a ₹1.20 crore penalty, with ₹30 lakh from BCAS and ₹60 lakh from DGCA. Mumbai Airport receives a ₹90 lakh penalty from DGCA and BCAS. Air India and SpiceJet also face fines for violations. The penalties highlight strict measures addressing the incident of passengers eating on the tarmac, emphasizing regulatory actions for aviation security and compliance.