Highlights: Prez confers 'bal puraskars', urges kids to play sports

From flight delays at IGI airport Delhi to the preparations for Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

7:49 PM

IHCL hospitality group to build hotel spread over 1.3 acre in Ayodhya

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced the signing of its third hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, coinciding with the inauguration of the Ram temple. The brownfield project, covering 1.3 acres, will consist of 150 keys and will be branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel, as stated by the hospitality group. IHCL's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Puneet Chhatwal, noted that Ayodhya's notable transformation into a world-class pilgrimage destination, coupled with the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, is expected to attract tourists from around the world.

7:29 PM

Excise case: Delhi court extends interim bail of Sameer Mahendru till Feb 9

A city court extended the interim bail for liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru, who is arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The extension is until February 9. Special Judge M K Nagpal, who initially granted interim bail to Mahendru due to his wife's surgery, further extended the relief. The judge noted that Mahendru's wife is still hospitalized for post-operative care. The court directed Mahendru to surrender before the relevant jail superintendent by 5 pm on February 9, 2024.

7:15 PM

Ram temple inauguration indicative of growing majoritarianism in India: Pak

Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed its view that the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is reflective of increasing majoritarianism in India. These remarks from Pakistan followed the consecration of the new Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

6:57 PM

Sena Vs Sena: SC seeks response of Maha CM Shinde on Thackeray group's plea

The Supreme Court took action on a plea filed by the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the order of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The order had declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena bloc as the "real political party" following a split in June 2022. The bench, comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the arguments presented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Thackeray faction. The court has requested responses from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other lawmakers within a two-week period.

6:17 PM

BJP attacking central ideas of India, says Rahul at Nyay Yatra

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is scheduled to enter Bihar on January 29 and cover four districts in three days. During this time, top leaders from the INDIA bloc may join him for public meetings, as announced by the party. Rahul Gandhi is expected to reach Kishanganj district from Siliguri in West Bengal, engage with the public, and later proceed to Purnea after a night halt, according to senior leader and MLC Prem Chandra Mishra.

6:05 PM

Saif Ali Khan admitted to hospital in Mumbai

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been hospitalized at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, as per ANI report. The reports indicate that Saif has sustained a fracture. However, an official update on Saif's health is still pending.

6:02 PM

MoS MEA V Muraleedharan delivers India statement at the 3rd South Summit in Kampala, Uganda

In his address, Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS MEA) V Muraleedharan emphasized the importance of the Global South as a future growth engine for the world. He highlighted the need for South-South Cooperation to find innovative solutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing future challenges.

5:49 PM

EU pushes for Palestinian statehood

European Union foreign ministers stated on Monday that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the only credible path to achieve peace in the Middle East. They expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's explicit rejection of the idea. French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne remarked, "The declarations of Benjamin Netanyahu are worrying. There will be a need for a Palestinian state with security guarantees for all." The EU ministers discussed the war in Gaza during their meeting in Brussels.

5:36 PM

Domestic coal-based power generation rises 7% in Apr-Dec

Domestic coal-based power generation in India increased by 7.14% to 872 billion units (BU) during the April-December period of the current fiscal year. The rise in electricity generation from domestic coal sources is attributed to the abundant supply of coal, enabling the country to meet the growing energy demand, according to a statement from the coal ministry.

5:13 PM

Dozens buried, 8 killed in China landslide

A landslide occurred in a remote and mountainous area of southwestern China on Monday, resulting in dozens of people being buried and eight confirmed killed. The landslide struck in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan province, burying 18 homes and prompting the evacuation of over 200 people. As of the latest report, eight people have been confirmed dead, and rescuers have extracted four individuals. The conditions of the rescued individuals were not immediately clear. Two hundred rescue workers, along with dozens of fire engines and other equipment, have been dispatched to the site for rescue efforts.

5:12 PM

Delhi HC refuses to interfere with Lokpal proceedings against Shibu Soren

The Delhi High Court has declined to intervene in the proceedings initiated against Shibu Soren by Lokpal based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.

5:03 PM

SC issues notice on Uddhav Thackeray faction's plea against Speaker's order on ‘real’ Shiv Sena

The Supreme Court has issued a notice in response to a plea filed by the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Speaker's order that declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led bloc as the 'real' Shiv Sena. This notice is a crucial step in addressing the political turmoil within the Shiv Sena party. The dispute emerged when the Speaker made a decisive declaration in favor of Eknath Shinde's faction, prompting Uddhav Thackeray's supporters to contest the decision through legal channels.

4:53 PM

Govt may increase agri-credit target to Rs 22-25 trn in interim Budget for FY25

In the upcoming interim Budget, the government is expected to announce a significant increase in the agricultural credit target to Rs 22-25 trillion for the next fiscal year. The aim is to ensure that every eligible farmer has access to institutional credit. The current agri-credit target set by the government for the ongoing fiscal year is Rs 20 trillion.

4:47 PM

Court extends remand of Senthil Balaji, minister files bail plea in HC

A city court in Tamil Nadu extended the judicial remand of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, until January 29. The DMK leader was produced before the Principal Sessions Judge S Alli via video-conferencing from the Central Prison in the city.

4:38 PM

PM Modi to meet artists, NCC cadets who will participate in R-Day parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet tableau artists and NCC cadets at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on January 24, as announced by Defence PRO Manoj Roorkiwal during a press conference. The interaction aims to involve both tableau artists, who work behind the scenes, and NCC cadets participating in the Republic Day Parade.