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.

Former model Divya Pahuja, killed on January 2, was shot at point-blank range, revealed the post-mortem conducted at Agroha Medical College in Haryana's Hisar. Her body, recovered 11 days later from a canal in Haryana, led to the arrest of Balraj Gill and another person. Pahuja allegedly extorted money from hotel owner Abhijeet Singh, who orchestrated the murder. The autopsy removed a bullet from her head, with viscera preserved for further investigation. Gurugram Police's SIT is examining pistols recovered from the accused. CCTV footage captured Singh and others dragging Pahuja's body through a hotel lobby. Four arrests were made in connection with the case.

Esteemed poet Munawwar Rana, born in 1952 in Rae Bareli, breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences on Sunday night. The 71-year-old, suffering from throat cancer, was hospitalized for 14 to 15 days. Rana, awarded the Gyanpeeth Award in 2014, resonated with the masses through his simple yet profound poems. His iconic work, 'Maa,' holds a special place in Urdu literature. Survived by his wife, four daughters, and a son, Rana's demise prompted condolences from political figures, including Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav. Funeral rites are scheduled for Monday.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern, stating, "We should certainly be alert about the proximity of the Maldives to China." At the 54th annual day of 'Thuglak' magazine, he emphasized the need for India's awareness, citing China's attempts to expand influence in India's periphery. Tharoor acknowledged the right of nations to establish relations but underscored, "Some things we would see as a serious concern for our interests." Reflecting on the recent India-Maldives diplomatic row, he stressed a serious level of engagement and urged, "India's foreign policy should not be discussed on social media." Tharoor also emphasized respecting the sensitivities of smaller neighbors in diplomatic matters.