Varanasi district court has permitted a late priest's family to conduct Hindu prayers in the cellar of Gyanvapi mosque. Chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das expressed gratitude, stating that the court has rectified a past wrong. The order, issued by Judge A K Vishvesh, instructs the district magistrate to arrange for puja within seven days. The dispute arose when prayers were discontinued in 1993, following the closure of the cellar. The Muslim side intends to challenge the decision in the Allahabad High Court. The court's move aligns with recent ASI findings suggesting the mosque's construction atop a Hindu temple.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren encounters Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. Soren, previously "untraceable," filed an FIR against the ED for raiding his Delhi residence. Amid this, a rift emerges in the ruling Soren family, with JMM lawmaker Sita Soren opposing any move to make Kalpana Soren the CM. Protests erupt in Ranchi supporting Hemant Soren, with supporters stating he is targeted as a tribal leader. The ED's investigation unfolds as the CM's home secretary is removed, and a potential change in leadership is considered.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint session of Parliament during the Budget session, discussing the economy and highlighting 10 years of Modi government achievements. The Lok Sabha adjourned following the address. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present Budget 2024 on February 1. The Congress criticized Murmu's speech, calling it an 'election speech' focused on praising the government. Tensions rise as suspended Opposition MPs participate. The budget is interim, with a full budget scheduled after the April-May general election. Murmu emphasized the reality of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from accepting deposits or top-ups after February 29. This action follows a system audit revealing persistent non-compliance and supervisory concerns. No further banking services, including fund transfers, will be allowed after the specified date. Nodal accounts of associated entities are to be terminated by February 29. Customer withdrawals remain unrestricted. RBI directs settlement of pending transactions by March 15. PPBL faced similar restrictions in March 2022, halting new customer onboarding.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed stone-pelting at Rahul Gandhi's car near Bihar-Bengal border. However, Congress later clarified it as "wrong news." The party stated the car's glass broke due to abrupt brakes caused by a woman in the crowd. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra faced the alleged attack in Malda's Harischandrapur area. Despite tensions between Congress and Trinamool Congress over seat sharing in West Bengal, Congress emphasizes unity. Gandhi inspected the damaged car after reaching a designated halt. Tensions rise amid conflicting narratives on the incident.

A Varanasi court has ruled that Hindu devotees can now worship in the sealed basement of Gyanvapi mosque. The court's directive allows prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana,' a restricted area within the mosque, with the district administration given seven days to make necessary arrangements. Advocates representing the Hindu side celebrated the decision, likening it to a historic 1983 verdict on the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute. However, the Islamic Centre of India expressed disappointment, leaving open the possibility of moving to a higher court. This follows a Supreme Court plea by four women seeking excavation based on an Archaeological Survey of India report.

Three CRPF jawans were killed and 14 others injured in a gunbattle with Maoists in Tekalgudem village along Chhattisgarh's border. The clash occurred during a security operation aimed at curbing Naxal activities and benefiting locals. Security forces, including personnel from the CRPF's CoBRA unit, DRGs, and Special Task Forces, were patrolling the Jonaguda-Aliguda area when Maoists opened fire. The injured personnel are being airlifted to Raipur for treatment. The Maoists fled into the forest following the shootout. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces combating Naxal insurgency in the region.

This year, the Economic Survey, usually presented a day before the Union Budget, won't precede the interim Budget announcement on February 1. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to present an interim budget due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Economic Survey, a comprehensive report highlighting the past fiscal year's economic performance, will be released in July along with the complete budget. In the absence of the traditional survey, the Ministry of Finance released a report titled "Indian Economy – A Review," foreseeing India as a $5 trillion economy in the next 3 years.

To enhance air connectivity and accommodate pilgrims, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announces 8 new flight routes for Ayodhya, linking cities like Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and more. The move, following the recent Ram Temple consecration, aims to boost tourism and foster economic development in Ayodhya. Inaugurated by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the flights, operated by SpiceJet, mark a significant step in expanding accessibility to the holy city. The Ram Temple inauguration on January 22 has drawn a continuous influx of devotees, making Ayodhya a prominent pilgrimage destination.

President Sanjay Singh asserts that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will regain power within 10 days, despite the ongoing conflict with the Sports Ministry. WFI faced suspension for violating its constitution and National Sports Code. Singh, confident in the resolution, cites ongoing discussions with the government. The tussle led to competing wrestling Nationals, with Singh assuring that Pune's winners will represent India at the Paris Olympics. The ad-hoc committee's Nationals in Jaipur clash, causing confusion. Singh anticipates 4-5 more wrestlers qualifying for the Olympics through upcoming events. The executive committee will finalize selections.