Search interest in Lakshadweep has hit a two-decade high, surging globally after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, coinciding with a diplomatic clash with Maldives. Google data spanning 20 years reveals a remarkable 2024 spike, prompting India's MyGov platform to highlight the renewed global fascination. MakeMyTrip notes a 3,400% surge in Lakshadweep searches, capitalizing on which, the platform announces a 'Beaches of India' campaign. This surge follows controversial remarks by Maldivian ministers, sparking a diplomatic row with India. The intensified interest showcases a global captivation with the archipelago's natural beauty and cultural richness.

The Supreme Court directs 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, previously granted remission by Gujarat in 2022, to return to jail within two weeks. The court rules that the Gujarat government lacked jurisdiction to pass remission orders, emphasizing complicity with the convicts. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan state, "The state of Gujarat acted in complicit with the convicts." The decision follows an October 2023 hearing where the court reserved judgment and requested original records. The 11 convicts, released in 2022 under an outdated law, faced legal challenges led by Bilkis Bano.

The Supreme Court quashes Gujarat's decision to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano rape and murder case, terming it a "fraud act." Justices BV Nagarthana and Ujjal Bhuyan rule Gujarat lacked competence, designating Maharashtra as the appropriate authority. Bano's petition challenging the release is validated. The court condemns the suppression of facts by a convict, leading to the 2022 release order. The Gujarat government faced criticism for exceeding its jurisdiction. The 11 convicts, released on August 15, 2022, served 15 years. Bilkis Bano, a victim of the 2002 post-Godhra riots, faced sexual assault and lost seven family members.

The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on the premature release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case today. Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven family members killed. The 11 men were convicted in 2008 but released prematurely on August 15, 2022 after 15 years in jail. A bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna will decide if the remission granted by the Gujarat government was valid. The verdict is significant as it will have implications on the rights of victims versus convicts when remission is considered. Bilkis Bano and others have challenged the early release, calling it unconstitutional and opposing the remission process.

Ahead of Ayodhya's Shri Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal advises Assam's Muslims to avoid train travel from January 20-25. Accusing BJP of hostility towards Muslims, Ajmal prompts controversy. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calls for unity, stating Lord Ram symbolizes India. BJP's Giriraj Singh rebukes Ajmal, emphasizing BJP's inclusive approach. PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the grand temple with over 60,000 expected attendees. Ajmal's remarks draw criticism, while BJP emphasizes respect for all religions amidst preparations for the historic event.

Indian Navy successfully averted a hijacking bid on the merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea, rescuing 21 crew members, including 15 Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Navy's swift 2000 km rescue mission at the DGP conference, where the grateful crew chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. PM Modi also praised ISRO's achievement, with Aditya L1 reaching its final orbit for uninterrupted solar observation. The solar observatory, positioned 1.5 million km from Earth at the Lagrange L1 point, is set to enhance our understanding of solar activities over the next five years.

The BCCI has announced India's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, featuring a comeback for Rohit Sharma as captain and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts return to T20Is after a hiatus since the 2022 World Cup. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal retain their spots, while Sanju Samson makes a comeback. The bowling lineup sees Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin attack. With the series commencing on January 11, the squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talents, aiming to prepare for the T20 World Cup in June. Full Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Gujarati folk singer Geetaben Rabari for her emotional song 'Shree Ram Ghar Aaye' ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Modi expresses the anticipation of Ram Lala's arrival in the grand temple, calling the bhajan touching. The song, posted on YouTube on January 1, has garnered over six lakh views. Modi, who has previously shared devotional songs, including those by Swasti Mehul, Jubin Nautiyal, Hansraj Raghuwanshi, and Swati Mishra, will participate in the inauguration and consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.

Trinamool Congress leader Satyan Chowdhury was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in Baharampur, West Bengal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the assailants, riding bikes, opening fire at close range. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Chowdhury was declared dead on arrival. The police have initiated an investigation into the murder. Chowdhury, who previously had close ties with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had later joined the ruling TMC. The motive behind the attack remains under scrutiny.

Maldives Deputy Minister's derogatory remarks against PM Modi trigger India-Maldives tension. Indians express outrage on social media with #ExploreIndianIslands, promoting domestic tourism. Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, John Abraham, and Randeep Hooda join the trend, praising India's beauty. Political fallout in Maldives as opposition criticizes government; calls for reprimand of officials. Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid emphasizes the enduring friendship with India and urges decorum. Government signals possible action against the minister. Tensions escalate as diplomatic channels engage.