Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, marking the completion of the country's longest sea bridge. The 21.8-km-long, six-lane bridge aims to significantly reduce travel time between Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. Delayed by eight months due to the pandemic, the MTHL connects key areas with interchanges at Sewri, Shivaji Nagar, Jassi, and Chirle. With 16.5 km above the sea and 5.5 km on land, the bridge integrates with the Mumbai Pune Expressway, enhancing connectivity between the state's major cities.

Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, countered Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's claim of not receiving an invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration. Das clarified, "Invitations are only extended to those who are devotees of Lord Ram." He refuted the notion that BJP was exploiting the temple for political gains, emphasizing the Prime Minister's respectful leadership. The Chief Priest also criticized Sanjay Raut's comments, accusing him of insulting Lord Ram and asserting that Shiv Sena had played a significant role in the Ram Mandir movement. The consecration ceremony is set to span seven days, commencing on January 16.

Delhi and several parts of North India, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, woke up to a thick blanket of dense fog and cold weather on New Year's Day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for January 1, cautioning residents about the challenging visibility conditions. Delhi recorded a temperature of 10.8 degrees Celsius, 2.2 notches below normal. The dense fog disrupted transportation, causing 21 trains to run behind schedule. The IMD predicts 'Cold Day' conditions in Punjab (Jan 2-4) and Haryana (Jan 1-4). An orange alert is in place for Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh on January 1.            

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi celebrated New Year's Eve by making homemade orange marmalade together in their kitchen. They filmed the process in a 5-minute video posted on YouTube, showing them plucking oranges from their garden, cooking the marmalade, and packaging it in jars "with love." Rahul joked that BJP members were welcome to try their marmalade too. Sonia said the recipe belonged to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She also recalled adjusting to Indian flavors like chilies after moving to India. The lighthearted video aimed to present the Gandhis bonding as a family ahead of a challenging election year. It carried the logo of Congress's recent Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

Shimla, famed for its picturesque New Year celebrations, experienced an unexpected dip with a mere 50-60% occupancy, marking the lowest in four decades. Despite the Winter Carnival's vibrant display along the Mall Road and The Ridge, hotel bookings fell short of expectations. The anticipation of a 'white New Year' was met with disappointment as the likelihood of snowfall remained bleak. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's directive to welcome tourists with warmth and leniency towards revelers did not translate into increased occupancy. Stakeholders attribute the decline to unregistered tourism units, capturing tourists, and adverse social media publicity causing diversions to alternative destinations.

In a late-night raid near Mumbai, Thane police detained 80 individuals for illegally consuming drugs at a rave party. LSD, charas, ecstasy pills, and marijuana were confiscated during the operation. Two organizers, Tejas Kubal and Sujal Mahajan, have been arrested, with suspicions of involvement from individuals outside Maharashtra. The party, located near Vadavali Creek, attracted attendees primarily comprising students and corporate professionals. Police traced the event through Instagram invites. Detainees are undergoing medical examination. The raid reflects authorities' crackdown on illegal drug activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in curbing such events.

India resiliently faced global challenges in 2023, achieving a GDP growth of 7.6-7.8% in the last three quarters. Predicted to sustain growth in Q4, India is set to be the world's fastest-growing major economy in 2024. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, India's economic diversity and effective policies contribute to its success. Projections by OECD indicate a growth of 6.3% in 2023, surpassing China. For 2024, India is expected to grow at 6.1%, outperforming major economies. Positive indicators include trade relations, investment, and robust foreign exchange reserves, providing optimism for India's economic trajectory.

Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, enhance security measures for New Year's Eve. Delhi deploys over 10,000 personnel, with 250 traffic teams monitoring violations. Section 144 imposed in Noida, Gurugram issues traffic advisories, and Bengaluru restricts vehicular movement in key areas. Mumbai Police deploys 2,051 officers to maintain order. Chennai deploys 18,000 personnel, bans firecrackers in residential areas, and monitors coastal regions. Hyderabad intensifies actions against drug consumption with special test kits and canine units. Cities aim to prevent disruptions, ensuring safety during celebrations with strict regulations and increased law enforcement presence.

Real estate mogul Niranjan Hiranandani, co-founder of Hiranandani Group, surprises commuters by traveling on Mumbai's local train to Ulhasnagar. The 73-year-old shared the journey on Instagram, emphasizing saving time and experiencing the city's lifeline. The video gains over 22 million views, with praise for his use of public transport. Some criticize him for boarding the handicapped coach, reserved for specific passengers. Despite the debate, Hiranandani's train ride sparks admiration, with many lauding him as a role model for contributing to pollution reduction and infrastructure development. [Screengrab from n_hiranandani/instagram]

Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari of Delhi's Jama Masjid criticized the Muslim world, stating, "Muslim world not lived up to its responsibilities" in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Hope PM Modi exerts diplomatic pressure on Israel." Bukhari emphasized, Immediate and permanent solution based on UN, Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council resolutions. Stressing the 'two-state theory,' he called for resolving the Palestinian issue. As the Israel-Gaza war enters its 86th day, the Imam's plea highlights the need for international intervention. The conflict's gravity prompts a plea for urgent diplomatic efforts, echoing calls for peace in accordance with established resolutions.