A dispute erupted in the Uttarakhand Assembly during discussions on the Uniform Civil Code Bill when Congress MLA Adesh Singh Chauhan questioned the BJP about the color of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Chauhan claimed, "According to Hindu scriptures, Ram was 'sanwala' (dusky), but you people made the Ram Lalla idol black." BJP ministers countered the remark, defending Lord Ram, while Speaker Ritu Khanduri intervened, urging focus on the UCC. The Ram temple in Ayodhya was inaugurated on January 22, attended by PM Modi, marking a significant event in India's cultural landscape.

The IMF issues a warning, citing a high risk of "debt distress" for the Maldives, which extensively borrowed from China and shifted allegiance from India. Urgent policy adjustments are advised to address elevated fiscal deficits and public debt. Despite economic recovery post-COVID, uncertainties persist, with risks tilted downward. Pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, expressing gratitude for China's assistance, emphasizes the need for defense amid a request for Indian troops' departure. Former President Yameen's heavy borrowing from Beijing has left a significant debt burden. The IMF underscores the critical need for policy changes to avert prolonged financial challenges.

Tata Steel announces a partnership with South Eastern Railway to create eco-friendly rail infrastructure using slag-based aggregates. The joint initiative aims to utilize Tata Aggreto and Tata Nirman, sustainable alternatives, in constructing railway tracks' blanketing layers. SER General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra emphasizes the importance of eco-conservation. Tata Steel's efforts involve an accelerated weathering facility to process LD slag for sustainable aggregate production, reducing natural aggregate mining and transportation. The project aligns with the Ministry of Railways' plan to enhance rail infrastructure. The initiative contributes to biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading falsehoods, asserting, "Modi ki Guarantee is only to spread lies." Kharge challenged Modi's claims on unemployment and GDP growth, citing discrepancies in data. He highlighted the surge in unemployment rates and the decline in GDP growth during the current government's tenure. Kharge emphasized the need for transparency and factual discourse in political debates. He questioned why the unemployment rate surged to a 45-year high and why the GDP growth rate dropped compared to the UPA era. Kharge urged a focus on pressing issues like price rise and unemployment, criticizing Modi for solely targeting the Congress party.

UK PM Rishi Sunak draws backlash for making a political jab about transgender issues directed at Labour leader Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions. The comment occurred while Esther Ghey, mother of murdered trans teen Brianna Ghey, attended the session. Sunak accused Starmer of breaking promises on defining a woman, prompting criticism for insensitivity. Despite calls for an apology, Sunak's press secretary denies the remark being transphobic. Opposition politicians condemn the incident, with Labour's Ben Bradshaw calling Sunak's comments "disgusting." Stonewall charity demands an unreserved apology from the prime minister.

Dentists in England's underserved regions are offered a £20,000 bonus by the UK government to address NHS dental care shortages. The plan also includes increased payments for new patient intake and teeth-cleaning in schools. Criticized by dental leaders and Labour, the "recovery plan" aims to encourage dentists to work in areas with limited access to NHS care. The British Dental Association calls it "deckchair rearranging." The government hopes for 1.5 million additional treatments in the next year. Critics argue the plan falls short of addressing the broader challenges in NHS dentistry.

In the fifth incident this year, 23-year-old Indian-origin doctoral candidate Sameer Kamath was discovered dead at a nature reserve in the US. Kamath, a student at Purdue University, was set to complete his program in 2025. This follows the recent death of another Purdue student, Neel Acharya, prompting concerns about the mental health challenges faced by the Indian student community in the US. Experts stress the need for increased awareness and support systems to address issues like mental stress, loneliness, and substance abuse among international students. Authorities are conducting investigations into the incidents.

Railways Sports Promotion Board secretary Prem Chand Lochab, recently elected as general secretary in Wrestling Federation of India, emphasizes rebuilding trust with wrestlers. Lochab, backed by protesting athletes, faces opposition from WFI supporting former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Amidst differences, Lochab advocates prioritizing wrestlers' confidence in the federation after a year-long hiatus. WFI, currently suspended by the sports ministry, faces challenges with decisions made under new president Sanjay Singh. Lochab underscores adherence to rules and constitution, urging a transparent approach. Despite WFI's derecognition by UWW, Lochab outlines plans for grassroots strengthening, coach training, and future wrestling improvements.

Unknown terrorists opened fire in Srinagar's Shaheed Gunj area, killing Amritpal Singh from Punjab's Amritsar and critically injuring another non-local, Rohit. The attackers fired at close range, fatally striking Singh while Rohit sustained abdominal injuries. The incident occurred around 7 pm in Habba Kadal. Security forces have cordoned off the area, launching efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Rohit is receiving treatment at SMHS hospital. Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the attack, stating that Singh succumbed to his injuries while Rohit was evacuated for medical attention. Further details are awaited as the investigation unfolds.

The Uttarakhand assembly approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2024 after two days of discussion, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailing it as a historic moment. The Congress, while not opposing the bill, called for further deliberation in a select committee. Dhami emphasized the significance of the UCC in ensuring equality for all, regardless of religion or caste. The bill, aimed at providing a common legal framework, received input from extensive public consultations. Provisions include equal rights in marriage, adoption, succession, and divorce, with exemptions for Scheduled Tribes. The house also passed a bill for reservation for statehood agitators in government jobs.