The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an enduring cold wave gripping northern India, with dense to very dense fog disrupting states like Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab for the next four days. Travel, especially train journeys, is expected to face disruptions due to limited visibility. IMD's alerts include predictions of Cold Day to Severe Cold Day conditions in Haryana, Chandigarh, West Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The chilling weather is set to persist, prompting residents to prepare for an extended period of cold and foggy conditions in the region.

The Indian government declares a nationwide 'half-day' on January 22 in celebration of the Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. All central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments will close till 2:30 pm, allowing employees to partake in the festivities. PM Narendra Modi, urging simplicity, directs ministers to mark the event as 'Deepotsav' and join devotees in trains to Ayodhya post the ceremony. Ayodhya readies for the grand event, set to be attended by dignitaries including Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and CM Yogi Adityanath, with over 7,000 invitees spanning politicians, Bollywood, and more.

Forensic experts in Kyiv's research facility reveal Russia's use of imported components in attacks on Ukraine, defying sanctions. The Kyiv Institute's team, examining missile remnants, uncovers global sourcing despite attempts to erase foreign markings. Concerns arise over declining missile quality, with former military experts noting precision issues. The institute maintains a database tracing weapon components to 30+ countries. Ongoing investigations stress the need for constant pressure on countries supplying Russia. The United States alleges North Korea supplied missiles to Russia for attacks on Ukraine, pending Kyiv's confirmation. Analysts submit findings to courts, aiding potential war crimes investigations.

In a tight vote, Chancellor Rishi Sunak secures approval for the controversial Rwanda bill in the House of Commons. The legislation, aimed at preventing legal challenges to asylum seekers' deportation to Rwanda, faced a potential rebellion, but only 11 Tories opposed it. The bill now heads to the House of Lords, where strong opposition is anticipated. Sunak asserts the plan deters illegal migration, while critics, including Labour, denounce it as an expensive "gimmick." Divisions within the Conservative Party persist, with ongoing concerns about the bill's compliance with international law. Further challenges loom in the Lords despite Sunak's push for swift passage.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled ambitious projections at the Wings India 2024 conclave, forecasting a surge in India's domestic air passengers to 300 million annually by 2030, doubling from 153 million in 2023. Under PM Modi's leadership, the nation anticipates surpassing 200 airports and waterdromes, a significant leap from the current 149. Scindia highlighted India's rise to the third spot in the global domestic civil aviation market and seventh in international rankings. Despite a decade of robust growth, he emphasized the vast untapped potential, with 85% market penetration yet to be achieved.

A new study from Columbia University’s Teachers College reveals that for children aged 10-12, reading on paper fosters "deeper reading" compared to screens. As nationwide reading scores decline among American youth, the study challenges the push towards digital learning. With illuminated screens becoming common in education, the research suggests a potential link between paper reading and improved comprehension. The study, analyzing brain responses of 59 children, emphasizes the critical age of fourth grade when a shift occurs from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." The findings question the rush towards digital education platforms.

Taipei's defense ministry reports 24 Chinese warplanes, with 11 crossing a sensitive line, circling Taiwan within 24 hours post-presidential election. China, claiming Taiwan as its territory, sent a message with the Democratic Progressive Party's win. Despite warnings, China refrained from an immediate military surge after the election but orchestrated a diplomatic blow as Nauru switched recognition to China. The ongoing presence of Chinese military assets around Taiwan, a "grey zone" tactic, falls short of open conflict. Tensions persist between the democratic island and Beijing, which continues to assert its territorial claims.

Mumbai police register an FIR against a gaming site and a Facebook page following Sachin Tendulkar's complaint about a deepfake video falsely depicting him endorsing a gaming app. The FIR, under defamation and IT Act sections, originates from Tendulkar's personal assistant. The manipulated video falsely showed Tendulkar winning money with his daughter in an online game. Tendulkar labeled it a "disturbing" misuse of technology, urging people to report such instances. The police haven't disclosed the gaming site and Facebook page owners' details yet. Tendulkar emphasizes the need for swift action against misinformation on social media.

HMRC's relentless pursuit of the "loan charge" since 2017 has left tens of thousands facing severe tax demands, leading to 10 suicides. The campaign targets those paid through loan schemes, making individuals liable for unpaid employer taxes. Critics call it an unjust campaign causing mental health issues. MPs urge HMRC to focus on scheme organizers. The loan charge, with no legal basis, overrides taxpayers' protections, say lawyers. Parliament debates the issue, emphasizing the need to reconsider the policy's impact on ordinary workers. HMRC emphasizes its responsibility to collect owed taxes but faces growing criticism.

In celebration of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, central government offices across India will observe a half-day holiday on January 22, announced Union minister Jitendra Singh. The decision aims to honor the sentiments surrounding the event, allowing employees to participate in the festivities. The pran-pratishtha ceremony, scheduled for 12:30 pm on January 22, will witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi and dignitaries attending. Pre-consecration rituals, initiated on January 16, include the arrival of the idol of Lord Ram. The Bar Council of India also appealed for a nationwide holiday on this significant day in India's religious and cultural history.