French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the sixth visit by a French head of state since 1976. This follows the United States' inability to accept India's invitation for President Joe Biden. Macron's expected attendance strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France, given their collaborations in defense, maritime security, and climate change. The announcement is awaited, highlighting France's significant role in fostering Indo-French ties. Macron's close rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France's bid to sell Rafale-Marine combat jets further underlines their robust alliance.            

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh confirmed that Sonia Gandhi, CPP Chairperson, received an invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22. Singh stated that Sonia Gandhi is positive about the matter, and either she or a party delegation will attend the event. Despite not expecting an invitation himself, Singh mentioned that BJP might not invite certain figures. The ceremony, organized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has also invited political, religious leaders, Bollywood actors, and South Indian celebrities. Preparations, including Vedic rituals, are underway for the significant event in Ayodhya.

In a tragic turn of events, three jawans lost their lives and three sustained injuries in a terrorist ambush on two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The targeted convoy was transporting personnel involved in a critical anti-terror operation near Bufliaz, focused on the DKG (Dera ki Gali), Thanamandi, Rajouri region. The attack occurred at approximately 3:45 pm in the Savni area along the Rajouri-Thanamandi-Surankote road. Following hard intelligence, a joint operation was launched, and an encounter is underway. Additional forces have been deployed to the site. This incident adds to recent security challenges, including an explosion in a police unit compound in Poonch. Authorities are actively managing the situation, with updates pending.            

Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh announces her resignation following Sanjay Singh's victory in the Wrestling Federation of India elections. She expresses her concern over continued harassment. Singh, a long-time aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, triumphs with 40 out of 47 votes. Disappointed top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, criticize unfulfilled government promises. Malikkh, who advocated for a female chief, states, "If the new president is Brij Bhushan's aide, his business partner, then I quit wrestling," placing her boots on the table. Singh assures no injustice to women wrestlers. The WFI election process faced delays and suspension, now cleared by the Supreme Court.

The Lok Sabha has passed the bill to regulate appointments of top election officers, after it was already cleared by the Rajya Sabha. The highly contentious bill aims to establish procedures for selecting the three Election Commissioners, but conflicts with the Supreme Court's direction that they should be chosen by a panel including the Chief Justice of India. The new law drops the CJI from the selection committee in an attempt to limit judicial oversight. A key amendment is a clause protecting election commissioners from lawsuits over actions taken in their official capacity. Courts cannot entertain civil or criminal cases against current or former election commissioners for acts done in discharging duties. The bill's passage comes despite opposition objections over its impact on the independence of the election body.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will take over comprehensive security of the new Parliament building after the security breach on December 13th. The Home Ministry has directed a security survey of the complex to enable regular CISF deployment for security and fire protection. Currently, CISF guards key government buildings and critical infrastructure. Experts from CISF's government building security unit along with Parliament's current security team will start the survey this week. This comes after two men, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, breached security by jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery during a session, raising concerns over loopholes.

In a rare interview with the Financial Times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphatically denies allegations of discrimination against religious minorities in India, stating, "There is no feeling of discrimination." Modi highlights the economic success of Parsees, describing them as a "religious micro-minority" thriving in India. While the interview avoids explicit mention of Muslims, Modi dismisses critics, saying, "Critics have the right to level allegations, but others have an equal right to respond with facts." Addressing concerns about anti-Muslim hate speech, Modi laughs off questions about his government's alleged crackdown, expressing confidence in disproving doubters, much like historical underestimations of India's potential.

The bodies of 87 Kuki-Zo ethnic clash victims in Manipur were finally laid to rest on Wednesday in a mass burial ceremony in Churachandpur district. Thousands gathered to bid farewell amid emotional scenes, Christian rituals and gun salutes. The event was held under tight security following violent clashes and curfew imposition. It came after a long wait for families who lost loved ones as young as a one-month-old baby to as old as a 70-year-old. Groups now vow to continue the struggle for justice and a separate Kuki-Zo administrative area. This was the second recent mass burial this month after bodies of 64 other victims were shifted from morgues per Supreme Court order. (Image Source: Hindustan Times)

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, but reports suggest they might not attend. Invitations extended to former PMs Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda. Notably, chief ministers and governors are excluded from the invitee list. LK Advani and MM Joshi, pivotal in the Ram Mandir movement, express intent to attend if health permits. PM Modi will participate in the installation of Ram Lalla's idol. Public darshan begins on January 23 post the consecration ceremony, set to span 48 days starting January 24.

As the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration approaches on January 22, 2024, a colossal 108-foot incense stick is being readied in Vadodara, Gujarat, for transport to Ayodhya. The upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony, signifying the installation of an infant Lord Ram idol, will witness the participation of 4,000 saints, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. Vedic rituals, led by renowned priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit, precede the ceremony from January 16. Additionally, 42 specially blessed bells from Namakkal are en route to Ayodhya, commissioned by devotee Rajendra Prasad, embodying meticulous craftsmanship for the auspicious occasion.