President Droupadi Murmu extends warm wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a heartfelt letter on the eve of the Ram Temple consecration. Murmu reflects on the sacred journey as Modi prepares for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in Ayodhya, praising the 11-day rituals as a spiritual act of sacrifice. Emphasizing the significance of Lord Ram's universal values, she hails the nationwide celebrations as an expression of India's eternal soul. Murmu acknowledges Gandhi's reliance on Ramanama and lauds Modi's efforts in governance. The letter concludes with a hope for Prabhu Shri Ram to guide the world towards peace and bliss.

Delhi's government-run morning and general schools will be closed on Monday for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. The education department's order aligns with a half-day closure of government offices, facilitating participation in the event. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the decision, with similar directives issued in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. Tripura observes closures until 2:30 pm, while some states enforce bans on liquor and meat sales. The Centre mandates a half-day for its offices and PSU banks. Private sector banks remain open. The 'Pran Pratishtha' signifies a public holiday in several BJP-ruled states.

Self-proclaimed godman Nithyananda, facing rape allegations and a fugitive since 2020, asserted being formally invited to the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a post on social media platform X, he announced his attendance at the historic event, citing the formal invocation of Lord Rama. Nithyananda, known as the "Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism," previously faced a 2010 rape case filed by his driver. Despite his arrest and subsequent release on bail, he later allegedly fled the country. The Ram Temple consecration, eagerly awaited, is set for tomorrow, with public access commencing on January 23.

A 21-year-old man from Bihar, Intekhab Alam, was arrested for posing as Dawood Ibrahim's aide and threatening to "blow up" the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The mentally unstable accused made the call to the police on January 19, using the name Chhota Shakeel. The sensitivity of the issue prompted a swift response, leading to the arrest. With the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22, security measures have been heightened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, which will see over 7,000 attendees, including politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and sportspersons.

The inauguration of Ayodhya's Ram Temple sees a surge in luxury spending as wealthy devotees prepare for the invite-only ceremony. Private jet parking lots are full, and shops run out of gold-plated idols of Lord Ram. Prime Minister Modi and tycoon Mukesh Ambani are among the 8,000 attendees. The temple's construction fulfills a key promise for Modi, with the event becoming a status symbol. Luxury charters, including the Dassault Falcon 2000, are fully booked, and jewellers benefit from high demand for gold statues. The temple triggers an economic boom, attracting property investments and notable purchases like Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan's $1.7 million plot.

With the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya just hours away, criticism arises from Hindu religious leaders, the Shankaracharyas. Two of the four pontiffs express dissatisfaction, questioning the timing of the pran pratistha before the temple's completion and the political angle to the event. Chairman Nripendra Misra responds, highlighting completion of the ground floor with Ram Lalla and the garba griha but acknowledges the first floor, Ram Darbar, remains unfinished. Misra assures devotees a step-by-step 'darshan' process. The controversy unfolds amidst last-minute preparations for this historic event.

In a conversation with NDTV, Ram temple committee chief Nripendra Mishra reveals the layout of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir complex, spanning 2.7 acres. Devotees will pass through a 795-meter outer wall, encountering five temples and the sanctum sanctorum. Mishra assures the temple's durability, highlighting the absence of iron or steel. Electronic sensors monitor potential seismic impacts on the structure. The ground floor hosts the completed idol of Ram Lalla, while construction continues on the first and second floors. Two Ram Lalla idols, including one believed to appear in 1947, will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum.

Former Punjab & Sind Bank official, Bedanshu Shekhar Mishra, allegedly stole over ₹52 crore from customer fixed deposits (FDs) to fund online gaming. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached ₹2.56 crore worth of assets, following a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Mishra, suspended in November 2022, exploited his position at the Khalsa College branch to unauthorizedly break FDs using his and other staff members' IDs. The fraudulent transactions occurred between 2021-22, as revealed in the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Mishra directed the embezzled funds to online gaming companies via diverse current accounts.

Celebrities are arriving in Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir consecration on January 22. Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram were seen in Mumbai and Ayodhya, dressed for the occasion. Anupam Kher expressed excitement, mentioning the long-awaited day. Shefali Shah called it a significant cultural moment, sharing her honor to be present. Musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Anu Malik expressed happiness and emotion at the Lucknow airport. Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Kangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Chiranjeevi, Jackie Shroff, Ram Charan, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Virat Kohli, and others are expected to attend this grand event, receiving invitations to the historic occasion.

The Indian government has clarified that the recent plane crash in Afghanistan does not involve an Indian aircraft. Contrary to initial reports, the Civil Aviation Ministry stated it is a Moroccan registered small aircraft. The crash occurred in Badakhshan province, and while Russian authorities initially mentioned it as a charter ambulance flight from India to Moscow, the exact location remains unknown. The aircraft, a French-made Dassault Falcon 10, went off radar screens. The Hindu Kush mountain range adds complexity to the search. Further details are awaited as teams are dispatched to investigate.