People in Delhi can now access Ayodhya directly as IndiGo and Air India Express launch daily flights. IndiGo initiated services on January 10, with positive passenger response, while Air India Express is set to start on January 16. The flights are timed to accommodate travelers, particularly with the upcoming Ram temple consecration on January 22. The flight duration between the cities is 80 minutes. This direct connectivity enhances accessibility to Ayodhya for pilgrims and tourists, recognizing the city's historical and cultural significance.

ED summons former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah in alleged money laundering case related to JKCA irregularities. Abdullah, charged in 2022, to be questioned on Jan 11 in Srinagar. The probe centers on funds misappropriation within Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, involving alleged transfers to personal accounts and unexplained cash withdrawals. Investigation linked to 2018 CBI charge-sheet. Opposition leader Abdullah is the latest figure summoned by ED, following Kejriwal, Soren, and others. In April 2023, son Omar Abdullah faced ED questioning in a J&K bank fraud case.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Formally Invited to Ayodhya's Ram Temple Consecration on January 22. Bhagwat expresses 'good fortune' to be part of the grand occasion, emphasizing the significance of rebuilding India's symbolic self. He sees the event as a declaration of India's resilience and a step towards global prosperity and peace. The Ram Temple construction committee extends the invitation, joined by VHP working president Alok Kumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and seers from across India are expected to attend. RSS volunteers conduct nationwide outreach, inviting people to offer prayers at local temples for the ceremony's success.

Doctors working at al-Aqsa hospital, the only operating medical center in central Gaza, have warned of an impending "unmitigated disaster" as fighting encroaches. British doctors with Medical Aid for Palestinians said only a skeleton crew remains at al-Aqsa as heavy bombardment has forced mass evacuations. With over 600 patients still inside, including many who cannot be moved, the lack of staff puts lives at grave risk. The UN called for the hospital's protection under international law as the closest fighting has flared within just over a mile. Since October, over 23,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed as Israel presses its military campaign against Hamas.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, viewed as a pro-China leader, meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing amid a diplomatic row with India. The visit follows tensions over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, leading to cancellations of Indian tourist reservations. Muizzu, accorded a red carpet welcome, praises China's Belt and Road Initiative in a speech. The nations reportedly sign a $50 million project for an integrated tourism zone. Seeking more Chinese tourists, Muizzu addresses the Maldives Business Forum. The visit aims to strengthen ties with one of their "closest allies and development partners," while India remains a significant tourism contributor.            

Despite pledging to scale back operations in Gaza earlier this week, Israel intensified airstrikes across the territory Wednesday. The attacks were focused in southern and central areas, including Rafah where 15 members of the Nofal family were killed overnight in an Israeli strike that demolished their home. Other towns reported heavy overnight bombardment as tanks moved deeper into civilian areas. Israel insists the ongoing military campaign is needed to eliminate Hamas, which killed over 1,200 Israelis in an attack last October. But the US has pressed Israel to reduce Gaza's civilian death toll, now topping 23,000. Visiting Ramallah Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated US support for a Palestinian state and PA reforms.

In a significant decision, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar declares Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction legitimate, rejecting disqualification. The ruling emphasizes Uddhav Thackeray's lack of authority to remove Shinde as the legislative party leader. Narwekar cites the 1999 Shiv Sena constitution, stating the 2018 amendment wasn't submitted to the Election Commission. The verdict concludes a prolonged feud initiated when Shinde rebelled against Thackeray, causing the Maha Vikas Aghadi government's collapse. With Assembly polls looming in 2024, the ruling holds political implications for Maharashtra. Shinde, now with the BJP, continues to navigate the state's political landscape.

Despite expectations, Elon Musk's Tesla refrains from unveiling investment plans in India at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Gujarat's Managing Director, Rahul Gupta, asserts the government's readiness to support Tesla but emphasizes investment remains the company's decision. Gujarat maintains its appeal as a top choice for electric vehicle investments. Talks initiated during PM Modi's US visit in June 2023 continue, with Tesla exploring a potential $2 billion investment in an Indian EV factory. However, the company seeks concessions on import duties for initial years. The decision prolongs anticipation for Tesla's entry into the Indian market.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issues a dire warning, stating, "He (Putin) won't finish this (war), until we all finish him together," during a news conference in Vilnius. Zelensky stresses potential threats to neighboring nations, declaring, "Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova may be next" if Ukraine doesn't withstand Russian aggression. Amid a delayed $100 billion aid approval, Russia resumes missile attacks on Ukraine, prompting Zelensky to assert, "The Russian president won’t calm down until he ruins Ukraine." In a bid for solidarity, Ukraine and Lithuania sign military cooperation agreements, while discussions on security guarantees unfold. Zelensky's Baltic tour aims to fortify alliances and address NATO integration.

Odisha, known for its cultural heritage, unveils a culinary gem as Red Ant Chutney, locally named Similipal Kai Chutney, secures the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This traditional delight, crafted from red weaver ants found in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh districts, is hailed for its unique flavor and health benefits. Alongside six other Odisha products, including Khajuri Guda and Kalajeera rice, the chutney gains national recognition. Priced at Rs 10-20, it graces village markets, endorsed by locals for its immunity-boosting properties. Experts urge the government to promote and market these GI treasures beyond state borders.