The Election Commission (EC) informs the Centre that ₹10,000 crore every 15 years is required for new EVMs if 'One Nation, One Election' is implemented. Stating EVMs' 15-year shelf life, the EC estimates the need for 46,75,100 ballot units, 33,63,300 control units, and 36,62,600 VVPAT machines for simultaneous polls. Each EVM set costs ₹7,900 (ballot unit), ₹9,800 (control unit), and ₹16,000 (VVPAT). The EC underscores the necessity of constitutional amendments, citing changes to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356. Acknowledging logistical challenges, EC indicates 2029 as the earliest feasible year for simultaneous elections.

The UK Ministry of Defence achieves a breakthrough as it conducts the first high-power firing of the DragonFire laser against aerial targets. Costing less than £10 per shot, the laser, with "pinpoint accuracy," cut through drones during the trial at the Hebrides Range in Scotland. The "line of sight weapon" operates at the speed of light, aiming to reduce reliance on costly ammunition for the Army and Royal Navy. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlights the potential to revolutionize battlespace, emphasizing investments in advanced technologies like DragonFire. The successful trial marks a significant step toward deploying the laser in future air defence capabilities.

AAP MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh asserts his commitment to attend the Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, expressing indifference to opposition parties boycotting the event. Singh declares, "Don't care what others do, I'll go. This is my stand as an individual who believes in God." His resolute stance, "Won't bow to political pressure," follows AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's decision to skip the ceremony. Singh emphasizes the significance of seeking blessings at this opportune time. AAP's Delhi Health Minister, Saurabh Bhardwaj, supports the four Shankaracharyas' decision to abstain, citing scriptural concerns. Despite varied stances within AAP, Singh remains steadfast in his personal choice to participate in the auspicious event.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India will fence its 1643-km border with Myanmar, mirroring the Indo-Bangladesh model, and abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Addressing the passing-out parade of Assam Police Commando battalions, Shah stated that the government aims to enhance border security. The FMR, allowing border residents to travel 16 km without a visa, will be discontinued. Shah highlighted changes in India's internal security, reporting a 73% decrease in violence in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Naxal-affected areas over the past decade. The decision follows Manipur's appeal last year to halt FMR for curbing illegal immigration.    

Delhi police have arrested the perpetrator behind the deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna, which went viral in November. The video initially showcased British-Indian influencer Zara Patel, seamlessly morphing into Mandanna's likeness through deepfake technology. Mandanna expressed her concern, describing the incident as "extremely scary" and emphasizing the vulnerability caused by technology misuse. Following the viral deepfake, the Centre issued advisories to social media platforms, stressing legal provisions and potential penalties. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized compliance, while Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged platforms to aggressively identify and remove deepfakes to maintain Safe Harbour Clause eligibility.

Pakistan's cricket sensation, Shoaib Malik, exchanged vows with popular TV actor Sana Javed on Saturday, sharing joyful snapshots on social media. The wedding comes amidst swirling rumors of Malik's separation from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. The couple had kept their private lives under wraps, but speculations heightened when Mirza posted a cryptic message about the challenges of marriage. Notably, both Malik and Mirza had made adjustments to their social media bios in recent months. Fans were surprised by this turn of events, given Malik's previous marriage to Mirza in 2010.

Amidst the ongoing conflict between rebel forces and Myanmar's junta, approximately 600 Myanmar Army soldiers have fled to Mizoram, India. Seeking refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after Arakan Army militants captured their camps, the soldiers are currently housed in an Assam Rifles camp. Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the urgency during talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing the need for a prompt repatriation to address regional stability concerns. Lalduhoma stated, "People are fleeing for shelter, and we are helping them on humanitarian grounds." The situation underscores the challenges posed by the escalating tensions on the region.

A prominent member of Israel's war cabinet, Gadi Eisenkot, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being untruthful about military objectives in Gaza. Eisenkot, a retired general whose son died in Gaza, contradicted Netanyahu's stance of seeking "complete victory" against Hamas, stating that those advocating for Hamas's "absolute defeat" were not truthful. He also asserted that Netanyahu bears "sharp and clear responsibility" for a security failure on October 7, calling for fresh elections due to a lack of trust in the current leadership. Tensions within the cabinet coincide with strained relations between Israel and its Western allies, notably the U.S., over differing views on a Palestinian state.

E-commerce giant Amazon has removed sales options and initiated action against sellers involved in the 'Ram Mandir Prasad' scam, where sweets were deceptively sold under this guise. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice to Amazon following a complaint by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The CCPA warned of action under the Consumer Protection Act if Amazon fails to respond within seven days. Amazon acknowledges the communication from CCPA, stating they are investigating and taking appropriate action against the listings as per their policies. The scam came to light through an India Today report, exposing misleading claims by sellers.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, demands an investigation after the first image of the new Ram Lalla idol leaks online ahead of the Ayodhya temple's consecration on January 22. Expressing concern, Das emphasizes that the idol's eyes should not be revealed before the pran pratishtha rituals. Officials suspect the leak was done by those involved in temple construction and contemplate action against them. The 51-inch idol, carved in black stone, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the consecration ceremony.