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.

In a deadly assault in Manipur's Moreh town, suspected Kuki militants targeted security forces, resulting in the death of Manipur Rifles jawan Wangkhem Somorjit and Takhellambam Sailesh, with two others injured. The militants threw bombs and fired at a security forces post near an SBI, additionally launching RPG shells, causing damage to vehicles. The attack follows the recent arrest of two individuals connected to the killing of a police officer in Moreh. Tensions rise as the state imposes a curfew, citing the likelihood of breaching peace. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping routes. He emphasized that the diversion of vessels has economic costs for India, affecting energy and economic interests. The minister called for a swift resolution to the issue, highlighting the distinct challenges posed by piracy, drone, and missile strikes. Meanwhile, during his official visit to Iran, Jaishankar discussed accelerating bilateral agreements, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan. The attacks led to shipping diversions, prompting Shell to indefinitely suspend Red Sea shipments. Global responses include US and British retaliatory strikes in Yemen.

"Lost in the esoteric world of thesaurus," Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of a "lack of depth" in understanding aviation after Tharoor slammed flight delays. "It's a ModiGovt-made disaster, a result of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s neglect and incompetence," Tharoor tweeted, highlighting passengers' woes. Scindia dubbed it "armchair" criticism and in a series of posts on X dubbed the Throor's criticism of the situation in airports a "lack of depth in understanding of technical sectors like civil aviation".  The Civil Aviation Minister also wrote, "The treatment meted out to the passengers in the instant case was unacceptable, and we have acted immediately in the form of a show cause notice to the concerned operators. Further, SOPs for better communication to passengers were also issued. Implementation is being monitored thrice daily."

"I am surprised only one person got physically assaulted because tempers were running very high (I don't condone violence)," said actor Richa Chadha, commenting on the recent flight delays and airport chaos across India. Earlier this week, a flier was arrested for slapping an Indigo Airlines pilot while he was announcing the reason for the more than 10-hour delays. Chadha shared her own frustrating experiences this week, with two IndiGo flights delayed by 4 hours each in just 3 days. She said the Indigo controversy demonstrates how "monopoly - whether airlines, airport ownership or leadership - creates lack of accountability" and causes common citizens to suffer.