"Today is truly the New Year for me. I have smiled for the first time in over a year and half," said Bilkis Bano reacting to Supreme Court verdict cancelling bail of 11 men convicted of gang-raping her and killing her family in 2002 Gujarat riots. Bano expressed relief saying she can now breathe as the "mountain-like stone" has been lifted off her chest. The 11 men were convicted in 2008 but released by Gujarat government in 2022. The court termed their release "unconstitutional" and ordered them to surrender within two weeks. Bano's three-year-old daughter was among seven murdered by the convicts.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism that the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 would pave the way for unity and diminish hatred against Muslims. Abdullah, who openly praises Lord Ram, emphasized, "There is nothing wrong with it." Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's vision, he added, "Ram Rajya is what Gandhi ji desired for India." Abdullah, unafraid of criticism, urged citizens to transcend divisive rhetoric, asserting, "Ram is as much mine as yours." He criticized parties exploiting religion in elections, stressing the importance of unity for the nation's well-being.

Around 500 students from Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa, Haryana, have accused a professor of sexual assault, prompting them to write a letter to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The students allege the professor exploited them after summoning them to his chamber, with claims of threats when objections were raised. Despite two internal investigations clearing the professor, the students persist, asserting evidence destruction and political influence. The accused professor denies the allegations, attributing them to political vendetta. Authorities are set to register an FIR following a preliminary probe, amid heightened concerns over university safety.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lauds the Supreme Court's verdict, declaring the Gujarat government's release order for 11 Bilkis Bano rape case convicts null and void. Gandhi takes a dig at the BJP, asserting they are 'patrons of criminals.' He states, "The tendency to 'kill justice' for electoral gains is dangerous for the democratic system." Bilkis Bano's tireless struggle, he notes, is "a symbol of the victory of justice against the arrogant BJP government." Sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoes the sentiment, saying, "With this order, the veil over the anti-women policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party has been removed." Opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena, express satisfaction, hailing Bilkis Bano's relentless pursuit of justice.

Search interest in Lakshadweep has hit a two-decade high, surging globally after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, coinciding with a diplomatic clash with Maldives. Google data spanning 20 years reveals a remarkable 2024 spike, prompting India's MyGov platform to highlight the renewed global fascination. MakeMyTrip notes a 3,400% surge in Lakshadweep searches, capitalizing on which, the platform announces a 'Beaches of India' campaign. This surge follows controversial remarks by Maldivian ministers, sparking a diplomatic row with India. The intensified interest showcases a global captivation with the archipelago's natural beauty and cultural richness.

The Supreme Court directs 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, previously granted remission by Gujarat in 2022, to return to jail within two weeks. The court rules that the Gujarat government lacked jurisdiction to pass remission orders, emphasizing complicity with the convicts. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan state, "The state of Gujarat acted in complicit with the convicts." The decision follows an October 2023 hearing where the court reserved judgment and requested original records. The 11 convicts, released in 2022 under an outdated law, faced legal challenges led by Bilkis Bano.

The Supreme Court quashes Gujarat's decision to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano rape and murder case, terming it a "fraud act." Justices BV Nagarthana and Ujjal Bhuyan rule Gujarat lacked competence, designating Maharashtra as the appropriate authority. Bano's petition challenging the release is validated. The court condemns the suppression of facts by a convict, leading to the 2022 release order. The Gujarat government faced criticism for exceeding its jurisdiction. The 11 convicts, released on August 15, 2022, served 15 years. Bilkis Bano, a victim of the 2002 post-Godhra riots, faced sexual assault and lost seven family members.

The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on the premature release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case today. Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven family members killed. The 11 men were convicted in 2008 but released prematurely on August 15, 2022 after 15 years in jail. A bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna will decide if the remission granted by the Gujarat government was valid. The verdict is significant as it will have implications on the rights of victims versus convicts when remission is considered. Bilkis Bano and others have challenged the early release, calling it unconstitutional and opposing the remission process.

Ahead of Ayodhya's Shri Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal advises Assam's Muslims to avoid train travel from January 20-25. Accusing BJP of hostility towards Muslims, Ajmal prompts controversy. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calls for unity, stating Lord Ram symbolizes India. BJP's Giriraj Singh rebukes Ajmal, emphasizing BJP's inclusive approach. PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the grand temple with over 60,000 expected attendees. Ajmal's remarks draw criticism, while BJP emphasizes respect for all religions amidst preparations for the historic event.

Indian Navy successfully averted a hijacking bid on the merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea, rescuing 21 crew members, including 15 Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Navy's swift 2000 km rescue mission at the DGP conference, where the grateful crew chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. PM Modi also praised ISRO's achievement, with Aditya L1 reaching its final orbit for uninterrupted solar observation. The solar observatory, positioned 1.5 million km from Earth at the Lagrange L1 point, is set to enhance our understanding of solar activities over the next five years.