Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated, "I would love to visit the Ram Temple one day, but not on the day of the grand political extravaganza or before the 2024 elections." Tharoor emphasized viewing temples as places for spiritual connection rather than political platforms, saying, "Speaking for myself as a Hindu, I see a temple as a place to connect with the divine rather than a stage for political theatre." The invitations to Congress leaders for the Ram Temple event have caused internal debates, with Tharoor advocating for individual decisions. He urged against political interpretations of personal choices and highlighted the need for each invitee to make decisions without being labeled "anti-Hindu" or accused of "playing into the BJP's hands."

Zomato's stocks stumbled 5% to Rs 120.7 following a Rs 402-crore show-cause notice from GST authorities. The notice, issued under Section 74(1) of the CGST Act, questions Zomato about alleged tax dues from October 29, 2019, to March 31, 2022. Zomato asserts it's not liable for the tax, as delivery charges were collected on behalf of partners. The company, backed by legal and tax advice, plans a detailed response. While no penalties are imposed yet, Zomato, as a precaution, voluntarily discloses the matter, expressing confidence in its robust legal position amid this sizable alleged tax demand.

The Enforcement Directorate's recent charge sheet reveals links between Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi, and land transactions facilitated by real estate agent CC Thampi. While Vadra has been named in earlier charge sheets, this marks the first mention of Priyanka. The document alleges a "long and thick" relationship between Thampi and Vadra, emphasizing shared business interests. Although both Vadra and Priyanka are not accused, the charge sheet aims to establish connections between them and Thampi. The broader investigation involves fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and accusations of money laundering and other financial irregularities.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a campaign song titled 'Fir Aayega Modi' (Modi will be back). Released prior to the Ayodhya Ram Temple inaugural event, the song credits Lord Ram's wisdom and envisions voters returning Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power. Emphasizing key decisions like the Ram Temple construction and Article 370 abrogation, the song targets the Opposition's INDIAbloc. The BJP reinforces Modi as the nation's symbol and the party as its culture, showcasing the Prime Minister's leadership in the upcoming campaign.

A celebrity party in Moscow's Mutabor nightclub, featuring stars in various states of undress, has ignited a swift and powerful backlash. Amid Russia's conservative social agenda and ongoing conflict with Ukraine, attendees, including rapper Vacio, face consequences. Putin reportedly unamused, sponsors cancel contracts, and even troops fighting in Ukraine complained. Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, refrains from public comment, while Maria Zakharova of the Foreign Ministry states the event "stained" participants. Organizer Anastasia Ivleeva issues public apologies as legal actions and public outrage intensify. The scandal underscores tensions in Russia's social landscape.

The Indian government has officially appealed to Pakistan for the extradition of Hafiz Saeed, founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The Ministry of External Affairs sent a formal request, urging Pakistan to initiate the legal process. Saeed, listed as one of India's most wanted terrorists with a $10 million US bounty, faces repeated demands for extradition. The absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries complicates the process. Despite legal challenges and previous arrests, Saeed's status remains unclear, with reports suggesting his release after a 31-year prison sentence in April.

The Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its office-bearers triggers a storm. Newly-elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, accuses protesting wrestlers, stating, "These players are past their prime." Singh alleges politics and disruptions to junior wrestlers' progress, emphasizing the need for proof if he has disrespected anyone. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's return of awards adds a personal touch. The Indian Olympic Association appoints Bhupinder Singh Bajwa to lead the ad-hoc committee, aiming to navigate the turmoil. Wrestling faces a significant shakeup as allegations and protests dominate the scene.

Two Mumbai advocates, Ashish Rai and Pankaj Mishra, have lodged a complaint at Ghatkopar police station against Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and his family. The complaint alleges that a viral video of Kapoor lighting a Christmas cake and saying 'Jai Mata Di' while wine was poured on it hurt religious sentiments. Claiming deliberate disrespect to Hindu practices, the advocates seek an FIR against Kapoor under sections 295A, 298, 500, and 34. The video, showcasing Kapoor's Christmas celebration at Kunal Kapoor's house, has sparked controversy, but as of now, no FIR has been registered.

Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth, 71, has passed away at a Chennai hospital. Initially on ventilator support following a positive Covid-19 test, the hospital's statement clarified that pneumonia led to his demise. Admitted for a routine health check on Tuesday, his party had deemed him "healthy." With a notable film career and political legacy, Vijayakanth served as an MLA and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016. Recent health concerns had prompted a reduced political role. The news marks the end of a significant era in Tamil cinema and politics.

Canada's The Globe and Mail reveals that the alleged killers of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, implicated in a June 18 murder outside a Surrey Gurdwara, have never left Canada. Under police surveillance for months, the suspects are reportedly close to arrest by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The charges are expected to shed light on their involvement and any connection to the Indian government. Nijjar's killing strained India-Canada relations, resulting in diplomatic fallout, visa suspensions, and the return of Canadian diplomats. India is ready to cooperate with the murder investigation, while the U.S. indictment of an Indian man adds a nuanced dimension to the situation.