The BCCI has announced India's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, featuring a comeback for Rohit Sharma as captain and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts return to T20Is after a hiatus since the 2022 World Cup. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal retain their spots, while Sanju Samson makes a comeback. The bowling lineup sees Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin attack. With the series commencing on January 11, the squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talents, aiming to prepare for the T20 World Cup in June. Full Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Gujarati folk singer Geetaben Rabari for her emotional song 'Shree Ram Ghar Aaye' ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Modi expresses the anticipation of Ram Lala's arrival in the grand temple, calling the bhajan touching. The song, posted on YouTube on January 1, has garnered over six lakh views. Modi, who has previously shared devotional songs, including those by Swasti Mehul, Jubin Nautiyal, Hansraj Raghuwanshi, and Swati Mishra, will participate in the inauguration and consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.

Trinamool Congress leader Satyan Chowdhury was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in Baharampur, West Bengal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the assailants, riding bikes, opening fire at close range. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Chowdhury was declared dead on arrival. The police have initiated an investigation into the murder. Chowdhury, who previously had close ties with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had later joined the ruling TMC. The motive behind the attack remains under scrutiny.

Maldives Deputy Minister's derogatory remarks against PM Modi trigger India-Maldives tension. Indians express outrage on social media with #ExploreIndianIslands, promoting domestic tourism. Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, John Abraham, and Randeep Hooda join the trend, praising India's beauty. Political fallout in Maldives as opposition criticizes government; calls for reprimand of officials. Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid emphasizes the enduring friendship with India and urges decorum. Government signals possible action against the minister. Tensions escalate as diplomatic channels engage.

India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, asserts that Thomas Babington Macaulay was dispatched to India to mentally enslave its people by undermining traditional education. Speaking at the Patanjali Gurukulam's foundation ceremony, Singh advocates for gurukul revival to counter Macaulay's impact. He stresses the integration of traditional education with modern technologies like AI and quantum tech. Singh criticizes Macaulay's disparagement of India's cultural heritage and praises efforts to revive gurukuls. He commends Yoga Guru Ramdev for promoting Yoga globally and underscores the need to preserve Sanskrit. Singh participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony along with other dignitaries.

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, facing charges in a ₹538 crore alleged fraud case, emotionally appealed to a Mumbai court, expressing a loss of hope and deeming it "better to die in jail." Goyal, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in September, cited deteriorating health, painful conditions, and his wife's advanced-stage cancer. Tearfully, he requested to remain in jail, stating, "I have lost every hope of life." The court, noting his physical state, assured care while directing his lawyers to address health concerns. Goyal's bail plea will be further examined on January 16 in connection with the Canara Bank fraud case.

A Delhi-based lawyer, Ajay Srivastava, gained attention by purchasing four properties linked to India's most wanted terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim, in a recent auction. Paying a staggering ₹2 crore for the smallest land parcel, Srivastava aims to stand up to the underworld don, stating, "I want to defeat Dawood. So, I will stay wherever he is." He previously bought two shops owned by Dawood in 2001 and even acquired the terrorist's ancestral bungalow in 2020. Despite facing challenges and threats, Srivastava remains steadfast, considering his actions a form of patriotism. His mission to "defeat Dawood" continues, emphasizing a unique approach to fight against the notorious figure.

A massive fire erupted in the forest area near the Modi Mill flyover in central Delhi, leading to traffic disruptions on Mathura road. The Delhi Traffic Police reported vehicular movement issues from Ashram Chowk towards Apollo Hospital. Emergency services, including seven fire tenders, swiftly responded to the incident. As of now, there are no reports of casualties or injuries. Commuters are urged to steer clear of roads near the affected flyover. Authorities are actively managing the situation to ensure the safety of the public and control the fire's impact on the surrounding area.

Madhya Pradesh Police successfully located 12 out of the 26 girls reported missing from an illicitly operated children's home in Bhopal. Two Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) faced suspension over alleged negligence, and notices were issued to two others. The illegal shelter home, managed by a missionary without a license, housed children rescued from the streets, practicing Christianity in secret. The NCPCR chairman exposed the irregularities during a surprise visit, revealing discrepancies in the shelter home's register. The missing girls, from various states, were living without Child Welfare Committee orders. Investigations continue.

Singapore, as a partner country, will announce investments exceeding ₹2,300 crore at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Strengthening economic ties with Gujarat, Singapore will focus on expanding investments in the state's green economy and sustainability sector. The summit, scheduled from January 9 to 12, will host a dedicated Singapore Pavilion featuring nine companies across various sectors, including finance, renewable energy, waste management, and logistics. The delegation, led by Singapore's High Commissioner to India Simon Wong, aims to explore new collaborations, including space initiatives and investments in emerging zones like GIFT City and Dholera Special Investment Region.