Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Veerbhadra Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Lepakshi, a site of significance in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Lepakshi is believed to be where the giant eagle Jatayu tried to protect Goddess Sita after her abduction by Ravan. Dying Jatayu conveyed information about Sita's captivity and was granted 'Moksha' by Lord Ram. Modi's spiritual journey comes just before the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, which lakhs of pilgrims are expected to attend. The Prime Minister is on a two-day trip launching development projects in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, including a ship repair facility. On Wednesday, PM Modi will offer prayers at the Guruvayur and Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami temples in Kerala.

EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti responds to allegations that the company's decision to suspend flight bookings to the Maldives instigated the recent diplomatic standoff. Pitti clarifies the move was in response to the Maldivian president's "pro-China" stance and anti-India sentiments. Highlighting the 95% support from the Indian public, he asserts the decision was about upholding the country's dignity. The travel aggregator faced criticism for exploiting the row, leading to a surge in interest for Lakshadweep trips. The India-Maldives tension continues following critical remarks about PM Modi by suspended ministers. The Maldives insists on Chinese tourist influx, escalating the diplomatic rift.

A transformative journey unfolds as NITI Aayog's report discloses that 24.82 crore people in India exited multidimensional poverty from 2013-14 to 2022-23. The national decline from 29.17% to 11.28% showcases a significant reduction in poverty levels. Uttar Pradesh leads the states with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Modi applauds the achievement, emphasizing inclusive growth. The report projects India reaching single-digit poverty levels by 2024, and it foresees the realization of Sustainable Development Goals ahead of 2030. Noteworthy initiatives and global collaboration contribute to this substantial positive shift.

In Ayodhya, the town resonating with spiritual significance, the seven-day 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals for the consecration of the Ram temple have commenced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intimately linked to the temple's history, is set to preside over the grand ceremony on January 22. The intricate rituals, following Hindu traditions, include the 'Dashvidh' bath, atonement, Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and diverse poojas. The installation of Golden Doors in the temple's Garbh Griha adds a touch of opulence. As Ayodhya becomes the focal point of these sacred practices, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, echoing the aspirations and devotion that have fueled this decades-long journey.      

In an unprecedented incident at Delhi Airport, frustrated passengers resorted to sitting on the tarmac and having meals next to an IndiGo aircraft after enduring a 12-hour delay. The chaos unfolded as hundreds demanded answers from airlines due to widespread flight disruptions caused by dense fog. The situation escalated, leading to a man slapping an IndiGo pilot inside a parked aircraft. The airline, along with others, faced operational challenges and diversions. Air India issued a statement expressing regret for disruptions. The incident highlights the strain on air travel amidst weather-related challenges, impacting both passengers and airline operations.

In the 10-day period for public feedback, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee established by the Law Ministry has amassed over 8,000 responses regarding simultaneous elections. The committee, initiated in September 2023 to explore possibilities for synchronized polls at various levels, received diverse suggestions. Respondents included the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), expressing concerns about the impact on parliamentary democracy, and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi opposing the move without clear rationale. The committee will analyze the submissions in an upcoming meeting, expecting the final count to rise. Former Chief Election Commissioners have also been invited to share their insights by January 15.      

In response to escalating complaints about flight disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Airlines are now mandated to proactively cancel flights, well in advance, if delays due to prevailing adverse weather conditions exceed 3 hours. The SOPs also emphasize real-time information dissemination, staff sensitization, and transparent cancellation policies. The move aims to prevent airport congestion, minimize passenger inconvenience, and address recent incidents of passenger outbursts triggered by prolonged delays. The DGCA's directive comes after incidents of flight delays, cancellations, and passenger frustration, particularly at airports like Delhi.

Senior Congress leaders, including Deepender Hooda and Supriya Shrinate, made a significant visit to Ayodhya on Monday, engaging in rituals at the Hanuman Garhi temple. The visit precedes the scheduled consecration ceremony on January 22. Leaders took a dip in the Saryu river and later expressed their commitment to bring about the metaphorical 'Ram Rajya' in the country. The Congress, previously labeling the ceremony a "political event," opted not to attend, but these leaders emphasized their cultural and spiritual connection to Ayodhya. Deepender Hooda refrained from political questions, stating, "We come from a culture where we greet each other with 'ram ram.'"

A passenger on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa physically assaulted the pilot as he made an announcement regarding lengthy delays on Sunday. The now-viral video of the attacker, identified as Sahil Kataria, shows him abruptly rushing up and hitting the co-captain, Anup Kumar. The incident occurred after the flight was held up for hours due to fog, requiring the crew to be replaced because of flight duty time limitations. Kumar has filed a complaint and the airline plans to press charges. The disruptive passenger was quickly removed from the plane and handed over to authorities after the assault. Regulations on duty hours are in place to ensure pilot well-being and mitigate fatigue-related safety issues. [Video Courtesy: @rose_k01 on X]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar breaks silence on the India-Maldives diplomatic row, acknowledging, "Politics is politics; I cannot guarantee universal agreement." At a Nagpur townhall meeting, he emphasized India's decade-long success in building strong global connections, stating, "What we are trying to do is to build a very strong connect." Despite recent tensions, Jaishankar highlighted India's role in global infrastructure development, saying, "We are involved today in building roads, electricity, transmission, supplying fuel, providing trade access, making investments, and having people holiday in other countries." The row ignited after Maldivian leaders posted derogatory remarks against PM Modi, leading to India's strong condemnation and a call to boycott Maldives. The Maldivian government distanced itself, suspending the ministers.