Since the consecration ceremony on January 22, the Ram temple has seen a remarkable turnout, with 2.5 million devotees visiting in the past 11 days. The offerings and donations during this period have surpassed Rs 11 crore. Temple trust official Prakash Gupta shared that around Rs 8 crore was deposited in donation boxes, while Rs 3.50 crore came through cheques and online transactions. The temple employs a team of 14, including 11 bank employees, to count the offerings in four donation boxes, all monitored by CCTV cameras for transparency.

During a US Senate hearing, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued an apology to families who claimed their children suffered harm from social media, emphasizing that "no-one should go through" such experiences. Senators grilled Zuckerberg, TikTok CEO, and others for nearly four hours on child safety online. The session focused on legislation holding social media companies accountable. TikTok denied sharing data with the Chinese government. Meta announced new safety measures, including restricting messages to minors on Instagram and Messenger. Parents, present at the hearing, rallied for urgent legislation, citing the impact on families from online harms.

Indian Navy is set to commission the first large survey vessel, Sandhayak, on February 3 at Naval Dockyard, Vizag. The ceremony, graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks the induction of the vessel, part of a project led by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau. Delivered on December 4, 2023, Sandhayak plays a crucial role in hydrographic surveys for safe navigation. Equipped with advanced technology, it boasts a length of 110 meters, 3400-ton displacement, and 80% indigenous components, showcasing India's shipbuilding prowess in line with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat vision.

Ukraine's military intelligence reports the successful destruction of the Russian missile boat "Ivanovets" near occupied Crimea. Video footage released shows direct hits to the hull, causing the vessel to sink. The operation, executed by special unit "Group 13" in Lake Donuzlav, inflicted damage preventing the boat's further movement. Russian authorities have not commented on the incident. This marks another achievement for Ukraine, following previous successes damaging Russian warships. The boat, valued at $60-70 million, adds to the list of vessels impacted by Ukrainian actions in the ongoing conflict around the Black Sea.

The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee swiftly approaches Allahabad HC contesting a Varanasi court's ruling permitting Hindu prayers in 'Vyas Tehkana.' The Muslim side criticizes the hurried opening of the cellar, accusing the administration of bias. Varanasi court's order triggers first prayers in 31 years within hours. The Muslim faction emphasizes supporting evidence favoring them, claiming the Hindu side lacks proof predating 1993. Tensions rise, and legal battles intensify amid a complex historical and religious dispute. Supreme Court may intervene following the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's plea.

India's Interim Budget for 2024-25 reveals a 22% reduction in developmental assistance to the Maldives, allocating Rs 600 crore compared to the previous year's Rs 770.90 crore. The overall foreign aid allocation sees a 10% decrease, with Rs 4883.56 crore earmarked. Bhutan and Nepal lead in grants, receiving Rs 2068.56 crore and Rs 700 crore, respectively, despite reduced allocations. Amid a diplomatic row, India emphasizes tourism development in Lakshadweep. Aid cuts extend to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Latin American nations, while Sri Lanka, African countries, Mauritius, and Seychelles witness increased allocations.

Cases of syphilis in the U.S. have spiked by nearly 80% to over 207,000 between 2018 and 2022, marking the highest levels in more than seven decades, reveals the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shockingly, in 2022 alone, 3,755 cases of babies born with syphilis were reported, signifying a distressing 937% increase in the past decade. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra deems the crisis "unacceptable," emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue. Experts attribute the surge to decreased condom use and a shortage of penicillin, while health officials intensify efforts to combat this preventable disease.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas exit their $20 million Los Angeles home due to mold infestation caused by water damage, initiating a legal battle since May 2023. The couple, along with their daughter, has moved to another property temporarily. The ongoing lawsuit, filed last year, claims damages exceeding $1.5 million for waterproofing issues and an estimated $2.5 million for general damages. The luxurious mansion, purchased in 2019, features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and various extravagant amenities. The couple aims to rescind the purchase and seeks compensation for damages in the legal proceedings.

Canadian officials achieve the "largest drug seizure in the history of the Prairies" with the arrest of Indian-origin trucker Komalpreet Sidhu. The 406.2 kg methamphetamine haul, valued at over 51 million Canadian dollars, was discovered at the Boissevain port of entry in Manitoba. Packed in suitcases, the illicit substances are estimated to equate to 4 million doses. Sidhu faces charges for importing and possessing methamphetamine, with the RCMP, CBSA, and international agencies jointly investigating the cross-border drug trafficking operation. The seized drugs will be destroyed after further investigations.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accuses PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of practicing "vendetta politics" in response to Hemant Soren's arrest. Ramesh claims the BJP's agenda aims to politically harass opposition leaders, referencing ED's actions against Lalu Yadav, MK Stalin's associates, and AAP leaders. Hemant Soren approaches the Supreme Court, denouncing ED's alleged abuse of power and illegal custody. The top court agrees to hear his plea on Friday. Soren, arrested in a money laundering case, asserts innocence and vows to fight against oppression in a video message.