The bodies of 87 Kuki-Zo ethnic clash victims in Manipur were finally laid to rest on Wednesday in a mass burial ceremony in Churachandpur district. Thousands gathered to bid farewell amid emotional scenes, Christian rituals and gun salutes. The event was held under tight security following violent clashes and curfew imposition. It came after a long wait for families who lost loved ones as young as a one-month-old baby to as old as a 70-year-old. Groups now vow to continue the struggle for justice and a separate Kuki-Zo administrative area. This was the second recent mass burial this month after bodies of 64 other victims were shifted from morgues per Supreme Court order. (Image Source: Hindustan Times)

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, but reports suggest they might not attend. Invitations extended to former PMs Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda. Notably, chief ministers and governors are excluded from the invitee list. LK Advani and MM Joshi, pivotal in the Ram Mandir movement, express intent to attend if health permits. PM Modi will participate in the installation of Ram Lalla's idol. Public darshan begins on January 23 post the consecration ceremony, set to span 48 days starting January 24.

As the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration approaches on January 22, 2024, a colossal 108-foot incense stick is being readied in Vadodara, Gujarat, for transport to Ayodhya. The upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony, signifying the installation of an infant Lord Ram idol, will witness the participation of 4,000 saints, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. Vedic rituals, led by renowned priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit, precede the ceremony from January 16. Additionally, 42 specially blessed bells from Namakkal are en route to Ayodhya, commissioned by devotee Rajendra Prasad, embodying meticulous craftsmanship for the auspicious occasion.            

The residents of a Madhya Pradesh village had been worshipping fossilized dinosaur eggs they found as "Kuldevtas" - a deity that safeguards farmland - for years before experts revealed their true identity. "We used to offer coconuts to Bhilat Baba and performed the puja. Villagers also used to offer goats during rain," said Padlya villager Vesta Mandaloi about the stones they called "Kakad Bhairav". However, a visiting team found the "stones" were million-year-old dino eggs. "Many times people find such fossils and start worshipping them," said DFO A.S. Solanki. Over 250 such eggs have been found in MP's Dhar district, home to the Dinosaur Fossil National Park that stores various ancient fossils.

Torrential rains in Tamil Nadu have left at least 20,000 people stranded, prompting the army and disaster response teams to undertake rescue operations. The situation remains dire in the worst-affected Srivaikuntam area which saw heavy flooding due to overflowing rivers, though officials say no lives are endangered. With aerial food drops underway and teams striving to reach cut-off regions, Tuticorin MP Kanimozhi called the conditions challenging as even boats couldn't navigate submerged zones. This comes as Chennai recovers from Cyclone Michaung's destruction last month. Given the widespread damage, CM Stalin sought ₹2000 crore interim relief from the National Disaster Fund to aid victims and repair infrastructure battered by the unprecedented floods. (Video Courtesy: ANI on X)

The prestigious INS Shivaji, the Indian Navy's premier technical training establishment, was presented with the original 'Vir Chakra' awarded posthumously to Vice-Admiral Benoy Roy Chowdhury for his exceptional valor during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. In a solemn ceremony at Lonavala, Vice-Admiral Dinesh Prabhakar, Distinguished Chair-Marine Engineering at INS Shivaji, received the distinguished military bravery award. Vice-Admiral Chowdhury, the sole technical officer of the Navy ever decorated with this honor, showcased remarkable leadership and technical prowess during the war, earning acclaim and the title of 'An Engineer Par Excellence' from Admiral SM Nanda.

Struggling with high unemployment, Haryana has advertised 10,000 construction jobs in Israel, which faces a labour shortage amid its prolonged war with Hamas. The move has drawn criticism from workers and opposition for considering sending Indians to a "warzone". It came despite the MEA recently informing Parliament that no discussion was held with Israel on replacing Palestinian labourers. Haryana has defended it, claiming the aim is to stop agents from fleecing people over foreign job offers and there's no compulsion to go. A worker, Chandan, said, "Israel is involved in a war, why is the government sending us there? The government keeps saying that our country is becoming wealthy." The opposition Congress also slammed the BJP-led regime for not providing enough local jobs to youth.

Heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu results in 10 deaths, with 7 in Tirunelveli and 3 in Thoothukudi. Wall collapses, drowning, and electrocution reported. Evacuations underway as floods affect Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. IMD's rainfall forecast termed "wrong" by Chief Secretary. Schools closed in Tirunelveli, exams postponed. Bridge collapse and waterlogging reported in Thoothukudi. Relief efforts ongoing, with 160 camps set up, 17,000 people accommodated. Indian Coast Guard and Air Force involved in rescue operations. Governor reviews coordination concerns. Severe waterlogging hampers power restoration. Situation remains critical; further relief efforts planned.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced that Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, have been invited to the grand inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. This comes shortly after the Ram temple trust told the media that the veterans were "requested not to come" owing to their age and health issues. Alok Kumar, VHP's international working president, revealed, "Both the seniors said they would try their best to come for the event." The earlier move by the Ram temple trust sparked controversy about the dynamics within the Ram Mandir movement, as the leaders, aged 96 and 89 respectively, navigate their roles in the landmark event despite concerns about their well-being.

Persistent heavy rainfall in southern Tamil Nadu has resulted in three fatalities and disrupted normal life. The India Meteorological Department issues a yellow alert for Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi. Flooded roads, submerged bridges, and breached lakes cut off transportation, affecting several regions. Stranded passengers from the Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore Chendur Express receive food drops, and efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining 500. Governor RN Ravi convenes a meeting to mobilize resources, declare holidays, and shut schools in affected districts. The Indian Army aids evacuations, highlighting the severity of the situation.