Voting will be held today to decide which idol of Lord Ram Lalla will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust will vote among three options crafted by different sculptors, choosing the one with the best divine and childlike look to represent the god. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on December 30th to inaugurate the redeveloped railway station and airport ahead of the consecration ceremony to be held on January 22nd, which Modi will also attend. The city is preparing for the event with enhanced security near the temple site and decorations like new ceremonial gateways.

Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the 'King of Ayodhya,' anticipates a thriving future as the city undergoes a remarkable transformation before the Ram Temple's grand consecration on January 22. Revealing a surge in development, he notes, "More than 100 applications for five-star hotels have come in." Ayodhya, once lacking proper accommodations, is set to become a Smart City with a new airport and revamped railway station. Mr. Mishra expresses optimism, stating, "Ayodhya will be known as the best holy town in the country." The developments signal a positive turn as the city sheds the historical shadow of 'Mata Sita's Curse.'

As New Year approaches, cities including Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bengaluru brace for restrictions. Mumbai enforces Section 144 till January 18, banning drones and aerial activities for 30 days. Lucknow follows suit with Section 144 till January 2, restricting public gatherings in various places. Bengaluru tightens security, imposing strict measures on drunk driving and traffic, setting a 1 AM deadline for New Year parties. Police Commissioner B Dayanand outlines restricted zones, aiming to curb traffic congestion in key areas. Citizens urged to adhere to guidelines for a safe celebration. Check local updates for comprehensive details on New Year festivities in these cities.

Sanjay Singh, the recently elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, asserts that the sports ministry failed to follow the "proper procedure" in suspending the WFI. Singh, citing the democratic election process, states, "We have won the elections (of WFI) democratically... After all these, if you say we are suspended, we are not going to accept it." He plans to challenge the suspension in court, emphasizing, "A democratically-elected body was not given a chance to explain its position which is against the principle of natural justice which everybody is entitled to under the Constitution of India." Singh dismisses the IOA-formed ad-hoc committee and accuses Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik of playing politics. Singh hopes for a favorable response from United World Wrestling regarding the ban imposed on WFI, stating, "We have written to the UWW requesting to lift the ban imposed on the WFI, as the elections were held democratically."

The Enforcement Directorate's recent charge sheet reveals links between Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi, and land transactions facilitated by real estate agent CC Thampi. While Vadra has been named in earlier charge sheets, this marks the first mention of Priyanka. The document alleges a "long and thick" relationship between Thampi and Vadra, emphasizing shared business interests. Although both Vadra and Priyanka are not accused, the charge sheet aims to establish connections between them and Thampi. The broader investigation involves fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and accusations of money laundering and other financial irregularities.

The Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its office-bearers triggers a storm. Newly-elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, accuses protesting wrestlers, stating, "These players are past their prime." Singh alleges politics and disruptions to junior wrestlers' progress, emphasizing the need for proof if he has disrespected anyone. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's return of awards adds a personal touch. The Indian Olympic Association appoints Bhupinder Singh Bajwa to lead the ad-hoc committee, aiming to navigate the turmoil. Wrestling faces a significant shakeup as allegations and protests dominate the scene.

Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth, 71, has passed away at a Chennai hospital. Initially on ventilator support following a positive Covid-19 test, the hospital's statement clarified that pneumonia led to his demise. Admitted for a routine health check on Tuesday, his party had deemed him "healthy." With a notable film career and political legacy, Vijayakanth served as an MLA and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016. Recent health concerns had prompted a reduced political role. The news marks the end of a significant era in Tamil cinema and politics.

The national capital woke up to near-zero visibility as dense fog shrouded Delhi and adjacent areas. With the mercury plummeting to 6 degrees Celsius, the cold wave persists, compelling the homeless to seek refuge in night shelters. Transport, including trains, faced delays due to low visibility. The India Meteorological Department forecasts "dense to very dense" fog until December 29. Changes in weather patterns are anticipated after December 30, offering relief from the chilling conditions. Amid the cold wave, Uttar Pradesh alters school timings, and a 15-day winter vacation is declared from December 31.

During his Rajouri-Poonch visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured justice to the families of three civilians who died after an army ambush. Singh pledged, "Whatever has happened...there will be justice." The civilians, picked up for questioning, alleged torture, leading to a court of inquiry and officer removals. Singh emphasized soldiers' duty, stating, "Not only to safeguard the nation's interests but also to win the hearts of the people." Families received ex-gratia payments, and Singh paid tribute to slain soldiers, underscoring the country's indebtedness to their sacrifice. The incident raises questions about military conduct.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared photos wrestling with Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia at Virendra Akhara, Haryana. The visit follows the suspension of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by Sports Ministry. Rahul highlighted the struggle of athletes amid controversies over WFI elections, stating, "If these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path?" Deepak Punia explained, "He came to see how the daily life of a wrestler goes." The suspension, prompted by allegations of past influence, led to protests by athletes, including Bajrang Punia returning Padma Shri.