On the auspicious occasion of Navrati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a new Garba song titled "Maadi". The song, penned by PM Modi, is sung by Divya Kumar and is composed by the Meet Bros. He released the video of the same on YouTube and X, formerly Twitter. PM Modi said, "As the auspicious Navratri dawns upon us, I am delighted to share a Garba penned by me during the past week. Let the festive rhythms embrace everyone!" On Saturday, a music video featuring a Garba song written by PM Modi was released. The 190-second song, titled "Garbo", was authored by the Prime Minister several years ago. PM Modi wished people on the first day of the festival today. "May mother Durga, who gives strength, brings to everyone's life happiness, prosperity, good fortune and good health," 

Delhi and its neighboring areas experienced tremors following a magnitude 3.1 earthquake with its epicenter nine kilometers away from Haryana's Faridabad. This incident occurred days after a significant 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal, affecting several parts of North India. Additionally, Afghanistan faced another powerful earthquake of 6.3 magnitudes, striking 34 kilometers outside Herat, following a series of devastating quakes that caused widespread destruction and casualties. The region remains on high alert amid the heightened seismic activity.

The Khushwant Singh Literary Festival's second day witnessed intense discussions on the India-Canada diplomatic row. Former Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, an author, addressed the festival, emphasizing the need for objective discussions about India, Canada, Khalistan, and freedom of speech. Dosanjh expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging both nations to avoid further escalation. The festival also tackled pressing issues like the climate crisis, lack of drug regulations, and corporate challenges. Dosanjh highlighted the importance of maintaining student futures and diplomatic dialogue amid the ongoing discord.

India and Sri Lanka have resumed ferry services after a four-decade hiatus, connecting Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam with Sri Lanka's Kankesanthurai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this development as a vital step in strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing its potential to enhance connectivity, trade, and cultural links. The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, carries 150 passengers and covers a distance of 60 nautical miles. This initiative, fostering historical maritime connections, signifies a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, promoting people-to-people ties and economic cooperation.

Former student leader Shehla Rashid, once a critic of PM Modi, praised the Indian Army, Modi, and Amit Shah amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. She acknowledged feeling fortunate as an Indian, crediting the security forces for Kashmir's peace. Rashid, previously associated with the 'tukde tukde gang,' faced controversy for tweets about Kashmir in 2019. Recently, she withdrew from a petition against Article 370's scrapping, acknowledging improved human rights in Kashmir under Modi's administration. Her stance shifted from opposition politics to recognizing government efforts in maintaining peace. Rashid's praise came amidst the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted extensive raids in West Bengal and Sikkim, including Kolkata, Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Gangtok, targeting a fake passport scam. The agency arrested Gautam Kumar Saha, a senior superintendent at the Gangtok Passport Seva Kendra, and apprehended a hotel agent with Rs 1,90,000 in connection with issuing passports using forged documents. The investigation also led to the filing of a case against 24 individuals, including officials, involved in the issuance of passports based on fake documents in exchange for bribes.

Shahid Latif, a top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander and key handler in the 2016 Pathankot air base attack in India, was shot dead in Pakistan's Sialkot on Tuesday, Indian officials said. Latif was in touch with the four attackers during the assault that killed seven Indian personnel. He was designated a terrorist by India and faced an Interpol red notice. His killing comes after India handed evidence to Pakistan linking Latif and other JeM members to the Pathankot attack. However, Pakistan failed to act on the dossier or share proof with India. Latif's death provides some closure for India over the attack.

Pakistani sports journalist Zainab Abbas, in India to cover the ICC World Cup 2023, has reportedly been deported over her alleged anti-India and anti-Hindu tweets. A lawyer filed a complaint against Abbas over her old tweets, now resurfaced, accusing her of making derogatory remarks against Hindus and India. Abbas' media outlet said she left India over safety concerns and is currently in Dubai. Her departure came amid allegations involving cybercrime and her previous tweets against India. Some reports say she was deported while others state she left due to security issues before the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match in Hyderabad.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan will receive Y+ security cover from Mumbai Police following “imminent and probable” death threats from gangsters, reportedly after the success of his films 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan'. Following the 'besharam rang' row from his film Pathaan, released early this year, Paramhans Acharya, an Ayodhya-based seer, had allegedly issued death threats to the actor. Shahrukh informed the Maharashtra government about the threats, leading to increased security measures. Maharashtra State Intelligence Department (SID), reviewed the situation and recommended the Y+ with an escort scale of security to Khan with "immediate effect”.  Under the Y+ cover, Khan will be accompanied by six armed security personnel around the clock, up from his previous two-person security detail. 

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has spent Rs 900 crore on constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya between February 2020 and March 2022. The trust still has over Rs 3,000 crore remaining in its bank accounts. Trust secretary Champat Rai provided an update after a meeting, stating 18 points were discussed including taking foreign donations. The temple consecration ceremony is expected on January 22 with PM Modi and 10,000 guests attending. The trust has appealed for people to light lamps at home that evening. Rice will be worshipped and distributed to 5 lakh villages nationwide ahead of the event.