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.

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.