In a monumental stride for space exploration, the Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine lander, riding atop the pioneering Vulcan rocket, is en route to the Moon, poised to achieve the first soft landing by the United States in over 50 years. Laden with symbolic cargo, including a fragment of Mount Everest rock and the remains of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, Peregrine targets a historic lunar touchdown on February 23. Engaged in a space race with a Houston-based contender, Astrobotic and others, funded by NASA, are at the forefront of private lunar exploration. The $108 million Peregrine contract underscores the pivotal role of private entities in advancing lunar missions and signifies a transformative era in space exploration.

India has summoned the Maldivian High Commissioner and conveyed its outrage over derogatory social media remarks against PM Modi by Maldivian ministers. India said the onus is on President Muizzu to repair ties spoiled by his ministers' uncouth behavior. The MEA read the riot act to the envoy, asserting the 3 junior ministers must be sacked, not just suspended. The remarks followed Modi's Lakshadweep tourism pitch. India wonders if the comments were deliberate ahead of Muizzu's China visit. The MEA met the envoy briefly, underscoring India's anger. New Delhi feels Muizzu's silence indicates his tacit approval of the unacceptable remarks targeting the Indian PM.

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 The 11 convicts, released in 2022 under an outdated law, faced legal challenges led by Bilkis Bano.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan joins the chorus promoting Lakshadweep as a tourist destination amid tensions with the Maldives. Responding to cricketer Virender Sehwag's call to name unexplored places, Bachchan praises Lakshadweep's "astonishingly beautiful locations," highlighting stunning beaches and underwater experiences. The endorsement follows a wave of support from Bollywood stars and cricketers encouraging domestic island exploration. The Maldives-India row ignited after derogatory posts by Maldivian ministers on PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. #BoycottMaldives trended as Indians reconsidered Maldives trips. The Maldives government suspended the ministers, emphasizing their views don't represent the nation's stance.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured a record fourth straight term after her Awami League party won a landslide victory in Bangladesh's general election. With Hasina's party winning over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, she is set to become Bangladesh's longest serving prime minister. The opposition BNP boycotted the polls over fairness concerns. Hasina defeated her rival in her constituency by a huge margin. Despite low 40% turnout and sporadic violence, Hasina said the people rejected the BNP boycott. This emphatic win cements Hasina's position as one of the most enduring political figures in South Asia.

As the rift between Maldives and India escalates over insulting comments made by three Maldivian ministers targeting PM Modi, former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla apologizes, condemning the remarks as "shameful and racist." Abdulla urges an end to the #BoycottMaldives campaign, emphasizing that the comments do not reflect the views of the Maldivian people. Tensions rose after PM Modi's posts from Lakshadweep sparked calls for it as an alternative tourist destination. The Maldivian government suspends the ministers responsible, while Abdulla stresses the importance of strong India-Maldives ties and hopes for a crackdown on such comments in the future.

At the 81st Golden Globe Awards, "Oppenheimer" claimed the spotlight with five victories, securing Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. On the television front, "Succession" led with four wins, including Best Drama Series. The ceremony, hosted by Jo Koy, marked a pivotal moment for the Globes, addressing past controversies by dissolving the HFPA and embracing diversity. New categories, such as Best Blockbuster ("Barbie") and Best Stand-Up Comedy Special (won by Ricky Gervais), signaled a shift in recognizing diverse forms of entertainment. The night showcased unexpected triumphs, underscoring Hollywood's evolving landscape and commitment to change.

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.

As Delhi woke up to a bone-chilling morning with the mercury dropping to 5.3 degrees Celsius, 20 Delhi-bound trains faced delays due to adverse weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department reported a relative humidity of 95% at 8:30 am. The IMD predicts shallow fog throughout the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 17 degrees Celsius. The cold spell impacts transportation, causing disruptions in the morning commute. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly amid the winter chill gripping the national capital.

Actor duo Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor received official invitations for the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram temple on January 22. RSS leaders Sunil Ambekar and Ajay Mudpe, along with producer Mahaveer Jain, presented the invites. The star-studded guest list includes Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, Prabhas, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, and Akshay Kumar. The ceremony gains prominence as Bollywood's elite joins the historic event, showcasing solidarity with the cultural and religious significance of the Ram temple.