The construction of the ground floor of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by December end, said temple Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra. The consecration ceremony is expected on January 22. Prime Minister Modi is likely to attend an event related to the 'pran pratishtha' between January 20-24, though the final date is yet to be confirmed. Work is also underway on an apparatus to be installed on the temple shikhar to make sun rays fall on Ram Lalla's forehead on Ram Navami annually. The opening of the temple for devotees is anticipated on January 24 post consecration. (Image Courtesy: @ShriRamTeerth on X)

The UK is bracing for Storm Agnes this week, with heavy rain and winds up to 80mph bringing disruption and "danger to life" warnings across much of the country starting Wednesday. However, hopes for a mini October heatwave are still alive as forecasters predict warmer than usual temperatures next month, potentially reaching 23C. Meteorologists cite the chance of an "Indian summer" once Storm Agnes passes. But first, yellow wind and rain warnings are in effect for most areas outside the southeast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Though Storm Agnes threatens damages, forecasts suggest pleasant weather could return quickly, offering optimism for an unseasonably warm October.

Two women were arrested in Bengaluru for using Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty's name, and photo to dupe people. Murty is UK PM Rishi Sunak's mother-in-law. The accused were identified as Lavanya and Shruti. Murty's office found out after seeing ads for a US event listing her as chief guest. Lavanya had posed as Murty's PA, confirming her presence. Shruti collected over INR3000 and claimed Murty attending the US program. Case filed for IT Act violation, cheating. Probe initiated into duping people using philanthropist Murty's identity without consent.

A video of former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev being kidnapped caused concern on social media, with cricketer Gautam Gambhir questioning its authenticity. However, Gambhir later clarified that it was part of a promotional shoot for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. He praised Kapil Dev's acting skills and highlighted that the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would be free on Disney+ Hotstar mobile. Kapil Dev had a remarkable international career, playing 131 Test matches and 225 One-Day Internationals, famously leading India to victory in the 1983 World Cup. He retired in 1994 after receiving the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.

  Speculation surrounds Shivraj Singh Chouhan's role in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh election as the longest-serving chief minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While top BJP sources deny reports that Chouhan will be denied a ticket, the ambiguity surrounding his immediate political future remains. The BJP's unusual move to field three union ministers and a national general secretary in the state election has raised questions about Chouhan's position. The party emphasizes "curbing nepotism" and winning seats, requiring regional leaders to prove their worth for state elections. The BJP faces a united opposition in Madhya Pradesh, making the election crucial.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India's commitment to a "free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" during the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi. This stance dislodges opposing China's attempts to create restrictive zones in the South China Sea. Singh emphasized the need for collective efforts to address security challenges and climate change. He highlighted India's "Act East Policy" and Prime Minister Modi's principles of engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The IPACC, along with related events, serves as a significant forum for land forces in the region, co-hosted by the Indian and United States armies.

The 2024 US Presidential election sees Indian American voters divided over Republican candidates of Indian origin, Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. Indian Americans make up about 16% of eligible Asian American voters, and their influence could sway swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. Many Indian Americans express frustration with both candidates' hard-line positions, with concerns that Ramaswamy's vow to dismantle the Department of Education could harm institutions crucial to Indian American success. The ideological diversity within the South Asian American community is highlighted, with some acknowledging the significance of having two Indian American candidates but also recognizing ideological differences.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that Sri Lanka has not granted permission for the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock in October, emphasizing the importance of Indian security concerns. Sri Lanka has developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for foreign vessels, consulting with India in the process. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the Chinese vessel's visit. US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland expressed concerns during a meeting with Ali Sabry but acknowledged Sri Lanka's SOP. Sabry also expressed the desire for closer ties with India, particularly in areas such as electricity, renewable energy, tourism, and port shipping connectivity.

The Manipur government has urged restraint from the public after photos of two missing students' bodies went viral on social media. Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) had been missing since July. The case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with state police and central security agencies actively investigating. Security measures have been heightened to prevent any incidents related to the viral photos. The government has promised swift action against those involved in the students' kidnapping and killing and urged people to let authorities handle the investigation.

The Indian equestrian team achieved a historic gold medal in the Team Dressage event at the Asian Games 2023, marking India's first win in the sport since 1982. India's medal count has already reached 14, with Neha Thakur winning silver in the Girl's Dinghy - ILCA 4 category and Eabad Ali securing bronze in the men's windsurfer RS:X category. Boxer Sachin has progressed to the Round of 16, while Wushu athletes Surya Bhanu Partap Singh and Suraj Yadav are set for quarter-finals, with the potential to secure bronze. Additionally, the Indian Men's 4x100m Medley Relay Team has qualified for the final with a national record time of 3:40.84s. Judoka Tulika Maan missed out on a medal in the women's 78kg bronze-medal play-off.