Ram Mandir Ayodhya Highlights: Ram temple gets Rs 3.17 crore in donations in 1 day

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More than 2.5 lakh devotees paid obeisance at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday while donations totalling Rs 3.17 crore were recorded on the first day after the consecration ceremony, officials said.

Amid the huge rush of devotees, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with officials in Lucknow to review the steps taken for crowd management and advised VIPs planning to visit the temple to inform the authorities in advance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in West Bengal on January 28 on a two-day visit. Besides taking stock of the BJP's organisational readiness for the Lok Sabha elections during the visit, he will address a gathering of noted personalities in Kolkata and a public meeting in Purba Medinipur.

"Amit Shah-ji will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal from January 28. He will arrive on Sunday night. He is scheduled to address a public meeting in Mecheda in Purba Medinipur district on January 29 afternoon," a state BJP leader said. "He will also hold closed-door organisational meetings and take stock of the party's preparedness for the polls," he added.

“On January 24, a call was received at the SpiceJet reservation office about a bomb in the aircraft operating flight SG 8496 from Darbhanga to Delhi. The flight landed safely at Delhi airport at 6 pm and the aircraft was moved to an isolated bay. Passengers have been deplaned safely and the aircraft is undergoing a thorough search by security agencies,” SpiceJet spokesperson informs

-- Centre notifies appointment of Justice PB Varle as a judge of Supreme Court.

-- Varle is presently the chief justice of Karnataka High Court.

-- His swearing in ceremony will take place on January 25.

-- The Centre cleared the recommendation in less than a week.

-- The collegium had recommended his name for SC judgeship on January 19.

-- The newly elected BJP government in Chhattisgarh will launch a statewide drive for the renewal of all 77 lakh ration cards issued to beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) on Thursday.

-- The drive is scheduled to conclude on February 29.

-- A new mobile application has been created by the state’s Food Department for the purpose.

-- Ration card holders can download it on their phones and submit applications online.

-- The app has been uploaded on the website of the Food Department (http://khadya.cg.nic.in/).

On Republic Day security arrangements, Special CP Law and Order Dependra Pathak says, "Delhi Police has made all the necessary arrangements for the Republic Day event. The traffic unit, Security Unit and District Unit have been deployed for the arrangements... Delhi Police is in a professional readiness situation to handle anything..."

The Indian Navy and M/s BAPL have carried out successful engagement of land target at enhanced range with advanced supersonic cruise missile. This endeavour revalidates Aatma Nirbharta in extended range precision strike capability from combat and mission ready ships.

“Devotees thronged Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in large numbers for the darshan of Ram Lalla on the second day too. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had arrived at ground zero. There was proper management. Around 2 lakh devotees got darshan on the second day. Darshan is being allowed till 10 pm until further orders,” Ayodhya DM Nitish Kumar

The traffic police in Gurugram has issued an advisory for heavy and medium vehicles in the city along with no entry of heavy vehicles in Delhi on Republic Day.

As per the traffic advisory, all the goods vehicle transporters have been apprised that medium and heavy goods vehicles will not be allowed to enter Gurugram and Delhi from 5 pm on January 25 till 1:30 pm on January 26.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and to minimise inconvenience to the road users, heavy vehicles coming from the Jaipur side on NH-48 will be diverted at Pachgaon on the KundliManesarPalwal Expressway (KMP) Expressway.

Saudi Arabia plans to allow the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats for the first time, two sources familiar with the plan told AFP on Wednesday.

Alcohol "will be sold to non-Muslim diplomats" who previously had to import alcohol via a diplomatic pouch, one of the sources said.

The Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) announced on January 24 that it has initiated the demolition of 20 uninhabited, dilapidated structures at the Air India Colony, conducted in strict adherence to the law and in accordance with the permission/handover granted by AIAHL, the PSU Asset Holding Company of erstwhile Air India.

This has been done as part of its comprehensive redevelopment plan of the airport land. At present, no demolition steps have been undertaken for the remaining 80+ buildings within the colony which are currently occupied. Due process of law by filing eviction applications under the AAI Act are being followed for the same, MIAL said.

Considering Mumbai Airport is a land constrained aviation asset, this redevelopment initiative is a crucial step in the airport's ongoing efforts to contribute to the expansion and improvement of existing passenger facilities, thus fostering the growth and progress of Mumbai.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has greeted the people of the state on 'National Voters Day'. He said that India is the largest democratic country in the world, voters play an important role in strengthening democracy. He said that to further strengthen democracy, voters should use their vote and people should also be made aware about it, this is also the moral responsibility of all of us: CMO

Fire breaks out in a high-rise building in Goregaon area of Mumbai. Eight fire tenders rushed to the spot. No injuries/casualties reported. Details awaited.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced that the state will set up an exclusive melanistic tiger safari, the first of its kind in the world, near Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj. “Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha,” Patnaik posted on his official X handle.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee addresses the media after meeting Governor C.V. Ananda Bose. She sustained an injury on her forehead while returning from Burdwan to Kolkata by road earlier today after her car applied sudden brakes as another car suddenly came in front of the CM's convoy. Due to bad weather, she didn't return by helicopter.

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi: The Rs 8,500 crore VGF has been divided into three parts. ₹4050 cr for 3 govt PSU projects; ₹3850 cr for pvt + govt PSU projects; ₹600 cr for demonstration projects (indigenous technology) and small-scale plants.

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi: CIL and GAIL will create a JV to produce syngas through Coal Gasification in West Bengal. Total investment in this project will be Rs 13,052 crore.

For coal to ammonium nitrate, another JV has been formed between CIL and BHEL. Total investment in this project will be Rs 11,782 crore in Odisha, he added.

The Union Cabinet led by PM Modi today has approved a VGF of Rs 8,500 crore for the coal gasification initiative, he added.

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi: As on date, India has around 361 billion tons of coal as proven reserve. If even half of that is used, it is sufficient to last us at least 125 years.

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi: Today the Union Cabinet has approved Ministry of Coal's Coal Gasification initiative, which will be a big step toward making the fossil fuel more sustainable.

Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) breached 400 points today as per the 4PM AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). CAQM Sub-Committee for operationalization of GRAP met today and took stock of the current air quality scenario and forecast of meteorological conditions as well as the projected air quality index by IMD/ IITM.

The Sub-Committee while comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario and relevant aspects noted that as per the air quality forecasts by IMD/ IITM, Delhi’s average AQI is likely to improve.Therefore, it was decided by the Sub-Committee unanimously to watch the situation for a day or more, before considering invoking Stage-III of GRAP.

The ongoing preventive/ restrictive actions implemented under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP shall continue for the present and the Sub-Committee shall keep a close watch on the situation for further decision.

At the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Dhubri, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "People said that you held a yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari but BJP has been spreading hatred in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam and Odisha. What about that? This is why we have embarked on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra..."

At the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Dhubri, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "We have added the word 'Nyay' to Bharat Jodo Yatra this time. We want to say that hatred and violence take place only when there is injustice in the country. Wherever there is justice, hatred and violence cannot be seen there..."

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted two more accused in the ISIS-inspired Coimbatore car bomb blast case of 2022. The supplementary chargesheet filed today by NIA names Mohammed Azarudeen alias Azar and Mohammed Idris, both residents of Coimbatore, in the terror attack case. They have been charged under various sections of IPC, UA(P) Act and Explosive Substances Act. With this, 13 accused have so far been chargesheeted in the case. NIA had earlier chargesheeted a total of 11 persons on 20th April and 2nd June last year.

--On the back of strong momentum in the domestic market, the automaker reported a 32 percent YoY growth in sales at 12,00,997 units in the December quarter.

--The company reported a total sales of 3,26,806 units in December 2023, registering a growth of 16 per cent from 2,81,514 units sold in December 2022.

"Karpoori Thakur fought all his life for the welfare of the poor and backward sections of society. I can comprehend this thought (fighting for the welfare of poor, backward section of the society) coming from someone belonging to a wealthy family. But, 100 years ago, a boy from a poor barber's family thought about it, this represents how much confidence he had in him," says Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing an event on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Karpoori Thakur in Delhi.

"This is the first time that Republic Day parade is dedicated to the 'nari shakti' of the country. Today, I am seeing daughters from different parts of the country gathered here. You have not come alone here; you have brought along the essence of your state, the experience of customs and traditions, and the rich thinking of your society," says PM Modi while interacting with NCC and NSS Volunteers in Delhi, ahead of Republic Day.

During his interaction with the NCC and NSS cadets-volunteers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today is National Girl Child Day. It is the day to celebrate the achievements of our daughters... Yesterday you all witnessed that the nation took a huge step by announcing that the late socialist leader Karpoori Thakur will be awarded the Bharat Ratna..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with the NCC and NSS cadets-volunteers who will take part in the Republic Day parade this year. He says, "This year, the Republic Day parade will be even more special because of two reasons, firstly, this will be the 75th Republic Day and secondly it is dedicated to the women's power of the nation...."

Government notifies direct listing of stocks at GIFT City’s India International Exchange and NSE International Exchange.

PM Modi to inaugurate, lay foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 19,100 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr on Thursday.

Punjab and Haryana High Court sets aside Chandigarh administration order postponing mayoral polls, elections now to be held on Jan 30.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee got an injury on her forehead while returning from Burdwan to Kolkata by road after her car immediately applied brakes as another car suddenly came in front of the CM's convoy. Due to bad weather, she didn't return by helicopter: Sources

Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath Temple: ASI survey report to be made public; both sides to receive hard copy

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inspects an exhibition on former Bihar CM late Karpoori Thakur, at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. The event has been organised on the occasion of the late CM's birth anniversary. Central Government announced Bharat Ratna for him yesterday.

Bihar CM & JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar in Patna says, "Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur has been conferred with 'Bharat Ratna'. We had been demanding 'Bharat Ratna' for him since 2007 till 2023 from every government including the previous Congress govt and the present govt. But they had not done so. Now, they gave him a 'Bharat Ratna'. I congratulate the PM & Central govt for accepting our demand."

President of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis says, "There is no doubt in anyone's mind that India's outreach to Africa particularly in regard to its facilitating the membership of the African Union in the G20, demonstrates India's leadership in the international arena. But more than that demonstrates its long-standing commitment to assist and facilitate development in the third world, in the global south. Africa is a region whose potential is yet to be fully realized. In a world of digitalization that is way below what can be considered satisfactory. So India has a lot to share with other developing countries, so much of its success and its prowess have been achieved in the last ten to 15 years. We're talking about digitalization. You have to talk about India's successes in digitalization...Others in the past have not engaged in outreach in quite the same way as India is doing now. They have relations, yes, but those relations have been exploited in ways that benefit those countries rather than benefit the Africans. India is willing to share and to engage and facilitate Africa's engagement and its voice in global policy-making as it relates to economic development and finance..."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participates in the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. The Government of India on Tuesday announced that the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India, would be posthumously conferred on Thakur.

"On board were 65 captured Ukrainian army servicemen being transported to the Belgorod region for exchange, six crew members and three escorts," the defence ministry was quoted as saying by the RIA-Novosti news agency.

A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane crashed on Wednesday in Russia's Belgorod region. Video posted on the Telegram messenger app by Baza, a channel linked to Russian security services, showed a large aircraft falling towards the ground and exploding in a vast fireball. The Il-76 is a military transport aircraft designed to airlift troops, cargo, military equipment and weapons. It has a normal crew of five people, and can carry up to 90 passengers.

Caste survey in Bihar was inspired by Karpoori Thakur''s social justice pitch; it must be replicated across India: Nitish

President of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis says, "Terrorism is a global phenomenon. It is everywhere...India has been a victim of terrorism. Many countries around the world have. UN has a program of action on anti-terrorism..."

On TMC leader Mamata Banerjee saying "Will fight alone" during Lok Sabha polls in Bengal, Punjab CM & AAP leader Bhagwant Mann says, "...In Punjab, we will not do anything (alliance with Congress) like that, we have nothing with Congress."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has opted for a road journey back to Kolkata instead of a helicopter due to adverse weather conditions. Initially, she had flown to Burdwan in a helicopter from Dumurjla Helipad in Howrah on January 24 morning, according to several media reports.However, as the weather deteriorated towards the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that the CM would travel back to Kolkata by road instead of using the helicopter. Consequently, her convoy departed from the meeting venue at Godar field in Burdwan for the road journey back to Kolkata.

On Mamata Banerjee's statement, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "This had to happen...When there is a selfish, opportunistic alliance (INDIA)...then such things happen."

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde along with Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and their cabinet colleagues to visit Ayodhya Ram Temple in the first week of February

On Mamata Banerjee's statement, NCP working president Supriya Sule says "She is our didi and we love and respect her. The alliance (INDIA) is united and we will all fight together. There will be no loss to the alliance. The model in every state will be different. There is no infight in the alliance. We are in frequent conversation..."

On Mamata Banerjee's statement, NCP working president Supriya Sule says "She is our didi and we love and respect her. The alliance (INDIA) is united and we will all fight together. There will be no loss to the alliance. The model in every state will be different. There is no infight in the alliance. We are in frequent conversation..."

The Trinamool Congress is unlikely to join the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' when it enters West Bengal on January 25, a senior party leader said on Wednesday.

The Yatra, currently in Assam, is scheduled to enter West Bengal through Bakshirhat in Cooch Behar district on January 25. After a recess of two days –January 26-27, it will be traversing Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur and Darjeeling before reaching Bihar on January 29.

It will re-enter West Bengal on January 31 through Malda and travel via Murshidabad, both strongholds of the Congress, before leaving the state on February 1. (PTI)

"Mamata Banerjee's party (TMC) is the biggest and ruling party of (West) Bengal that contests against Congress and Left Front. As both of these parties are in INDIA bloc, the seat-sharing will be complex. But soon this will all be resolved and INDIA bloc will contest together in the election," says Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Mamata Banerjee's decision of contesting alone in West Bengal.

"I made a lot of offers, but they were immediately rejected. We have since made the decision to run in Bengal alone for the elections."The Chief Minister of Bengal asserted that she was not aware of Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra's route through the state, refuting the Congress's assertion that they had extended invitations to INDIA bloc parties to participate in the Yatra: Mamata Banerjee

"We will decide on what to do at the all-India level. We are a secular party. We will do whatever we can to defeat the BJP. The alliance does not comprise any one party. We have said that they should fight in some states and the regional parties should be left to fight alone in the other states. They should not interfere" she added.

Mamata Banerjee has clearly said we will fight against the BJP. With the same thought, we are entering West Bengal. In the process of a journey, we do face hurdles, red-lights on road, which eventually turn into green. TMC is a great pillar in INDIA alliance and without her we have no standing. Consultations are happening and there is nothing like that she has broken the alliance: Jairam Ramesh

Delhi High Court issues notice to the Central Government on a plea of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) challenging the continuation of commercial operations at Hindon Air Force station. The high court noted the submissions of the petitioner DIAL that permitting regular commercial operations at Hindon Air Force Station will affect the petitioner. The bench directed the Central Government to file a reply and listed the matter on March 7 for further hearing.

DGCA says Air India's leased Boeing 777 plane flew to the US without having the required system of emergency oxygen supply.
DGCA says Air India's leased Boeing 777 plane was not in line with regulatory/ OEM performance limit.

DGCA statement : Pursuant to the receipt of a voluntary safety report from an airline employee alleging safety violations of flights operated by M/s Air India on certain long range terrain critical routes, DGCA conducted a comprehensive investigation into the alleged violations. Since the investigation prima facie revealed non-compliance by the airline, a Show Cause Notice was issued to the Accountable Manager of Air India Limited. The response to the Show Cause Notice was duly examined with respect to the laid down stipulations under the relevant statutory provisions and the performance limits stipulated in critical documentations laid down by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Since the said operations of the leased aircraft were not in line with regulatory/ OEM performance limits, DGCA has initiated enforcement action and imposed a penalty of Rs. 1.10 crore on M/s Air India.

DGCA has initiated enforcement action and imposed a penalty of Rs 1.10 crore on Air India over allegations of safety violations of flights operated by Air India on certain long-range terrain critical routes: DGCA

Six killed, nine injured as truck overturns in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district: Police

At least six people died and nine injured after a Jatra party truck overturned at Dharsuni ghat on NH-49 in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district this morning. After getting information, local police and fire service officials rushed to the spot and launched rescue operation. The injured have been admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital, Baripada.

HSBC India January Flash Manufacturing PMI at 56.9 versus 54.9 in December
HSBC India January Flash services PMI at 61.2 versus 59.0 in December
HSBC India January Flash composite PMI at 61.0 versus 58.5 in December

Granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister and social justice icon Karpoori Thakur, Dr Jagriti says, "I feel very proud...I did not see him but have heard his stories from my parents..."

It's a challenge to play good, consistent cricket over the next two months and we are geared up for it: India skipper Rohit Sharma on eve of first Test vs England.

It is our duty that Test cricket stays alive. This is the format that challenges you: Rohit Sharma on health of Test format.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says "I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we will alone defeat BJP. I am a part of the INDIA alliance. Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra is passing through our state but we have not been informed about it..."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says "I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we will alone defeat BJP. I am a part of the INDIA alliance. Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra is passing through our state but we have not been informed about it..."

IAF aircraft participating in Exercise Desert Knight along with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force conducted over the Arabian Sea on Jan 23.

The Centre has decided to posthumously honour the late Chief Minister of Bihar and renowned socialist leader, Karpoori Thakur, with the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Thakur's son, Ramnath Thakur, over the phone and invited him, along with his family, to visit the PM's residence. Ramnath Thakur expressed gratitude to the PM for the honour.

Thakur, often regarded as the 'Jan Nayak' or people's hero in Bihar politics, was nominated for the Bharat Ratna on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary. PM Modi paid tribute to Thakur on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his leadership and stating that the central government draws inspiration from Thakur's legacy, evident in the positive changes reflected in government policies nationwide.

Because of the overwhelming number of devotees visiting the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the temple administration has taken the decision to extend the darshan timings. Devotees will now have the opportunity to have darshan of Ram Lalla until 10 pm, as opposed to the earlier closing time of 7 pm. The morning shift for darshan will be from 7 am to 11:30 am, according to a report in the News 18 Hindi website.

Official sources indicate that approximately five lakh devotees are currently encamped in Ayodhya, with a continuous influx of more devotees. In response to this, the Ayodhya district administration has issued an appeal, urging devotees to plan their visits to Ayodhya after a span of 10-15 days to facilitate a smoother experience in having darshan of Ram Lalla.

It is noteworthy that over eight thousand policemen are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth functioning of the system and the safety of the devotees.

In an investigation conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), 40 medicines and injections manufactured in 25 pharmaceutical industries in Himachal Pradesh have been identified as sub-standard, according a report in the News 18 Hindi website. These medicines failed to meet the required quality standards and included drugs for the treatment of various conditions such as asthma, fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, allergy, epilepsy, cough, antibiotics, bronchitis, and gastric issues. The list also included multivitamins and calcium supplements.

The CDSCO issued a drug alert in December, leading to the discovery of these sub-standard medicines. The pharmaceutical industries involved in manufacturing these medicines are located in Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, Solan, Kala Amb, Pawanta Sahib, and Sansarpur Terrace in Himachal Pradesh.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) of being the most corrupt in the country, according to a blog post on the Indian Express website. During a public address in Barpeta, Assam, Gandhi alleged that the CM spreads hatred consistently. Additionally, he claimed that the control of Assam's CM is in the hands of Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister.

In addition to targeting the Assam CM, Gandhi also accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to divide the nation by fueling conflicts based on religion, caste, and language. In contrast, he emphasised that the Congress party is committed to uniting the nation.

Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group conducted three missile attacks on Israeli bases near the Lebanon border. The missile strikes targeted Cobra Hill, Mount Meron, and Khirbet Maar Air Base along the Israel-Lebanon border, according to several media reports.

Hezbollah asserted direct hits in all three attacks and supported its claims with a released video. The group stated that the missile attacks were in response to recent assassinations in Lebanon and Syria.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 24, raising concerns about alleged security lapses during party leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam.

Kharge expressed deep concerns and highlighted a series of incidents, stating that the Assam Police had been inadequate in providing security for the Yatra participants, including Gandhi, who is entitled to Z+ security.

The Congress president alleged that Assam police prioritised protecting BJP posters instead of ensuring a safe passage for the yatra. Highlighting the Sonitpur incident, he further alleged that BJP workers assaulted the Congress' social media team and party general secretary Jairam Ramesh's vehicle.

Devotees continue to flock to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, with the influx persisting two days after the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla. Visuals from the temple's surroundings portray a sizable crowd braving the cold winter morning, all in a fervent pursuit to catch a glimpse, or 'darshan,' of Lord Ram.

To ensure a smooth and orderly flow of devotees and facilitate their 'darshan' of Ram Lalla, approximately 1,000 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in and around the temple complex. This security measure aims to maintain crowd control and provide a secure environment for the devotees visiting the temple.

The opposition alliance, INDIA, has not yet finalised seat distribution, leading to a series of allegations and counter-allegations among the participating parties. A notable contention has arisen between the Congress and Mamata Banerjee's TMC over seat sharing in West Bengal.

Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has criticised the Congress for delaying discussions on seat sharing in the state. She terms Congress's demand for 10 to 12 seats as unjust, considering that TMC has offered only two seats to Congress.

The CM clarified her stance during an organisational meeting with the party unit of Birbhum district, a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress. She urged party leaders to be prepared for the upcoming elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national president, JP Nadda, is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on January 24. During his visit, Nadda, along with his family, will offer prayers to Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. In anticipation of Nadda's arrival in Ayodhya, top officials of the state unit of the BJP had already reached Ramnagari on January 23.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to visit Ayodhya on February 4 to seek darshan of Ram Lalla along with his family. The process of cabinet ministers of the state making a collective visit to Ram Lalla is set to start on February 1.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 24 morning took action once again in the ration scam case in West Bengal. The federal agency's team conducted a raid on the house of absconding TMC (Trinamool Congress) leader Shahjahan Sheikh.

The ED team reportedly entered Shahjahan's house in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, breaking the lock, and was accompanied by a Central Force team. Approximately 100 soldiers, along with the ED team, surrounded the TMC leader's house, according to several media reports. It is worth noting that the ED had previously issued a lookout notice for Shahjahan.

In the ration scam case, just 19 days prior, the ED team had faced an attack when they attempted to raid Shahjahan's house. During that incident, supporters of the TMC leader assaulted the ED team, resulting in injuries to several officers.

Bulldozers, accompanied by a substantial contingent of police and security personnel, have dismantled "illegal" constructions in Mumbai's Mira Road suburb. This action comes in the aftermath of violence that occurred before and after the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, according to a report in NDTV.

According to the police, 15 "illegal" properties in the area are being demolished, reflecting an approach initially undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh government and subsequently adopted by several other BJP-led states against individuals with alleged criminal associations.

On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly urged the armed forces, the military-civilian bureaucracy, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to collaborate effectively, eliminate cost overruns, address project delays, and prioritise the success of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in the realm of defence manufacturing.

More than five lakh devotees gathered at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya when its gates opened to the public on January 23, following the pran pratishtha rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of the town and later visited the temple complex to supervise the situation. While some stampede-like situations occurred due to a sudden burst of the crowd, over 8,000 police officers were deployed for crowd management.

Despite instances where the crowd appeared to lose control, top police officials quickly intervened and took charge of the situation. They efficiently organised the crowd into queues, ensuring a more orderly environment, and allowing devotees to have darshan of Ram Lalla.

The cold wave continues to affect large parts of North India, as well as central and eastern regions, due to the continuous drop in temperatures in high-altitude areas. Bihar is experiencing a severe cold wave, with minimal sunlight, leading to discomfort for residents.
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are also facing harsh winter conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department predicted light rain in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi and surrounding areas on January 24 morning, providing hope for relief from dense fog