Veteran actor Dharmendra and former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren will be honored with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan posthumously, respectively. India announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri, recognizing distinguished service across various fields.

The Trinamool Congress has strongly condemned BJP leader Sanjay Das for his derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including calling her a «witch» and advocating for her beheading. The TMC accused the BJP of normalizing misogyny, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's past remarks and the act of handing a sword to another BJP leader during the event.

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​The appointment coincided with visible signs of internal disquiet within the party. Hours ahead of the RJD’s national executive meeting in Patna on Sunday, Lalu Prasad’s daughter Rohini Acharya alleged that the party’s control had slipped into the “hands of infiltrators and conspirators” whose sole aim, she claimed, was to destroy “Laluvad”.

TVK chief Vijay on Sunday said that the party has strength and resolves to defeat 'evil and corrupt' forces ahead of Tamil Nadu elections which are scheduled in 2026. During the part meeting, he also launched his party symbol 'whistle'. Vijay who launched the party in 2024 sets TVK as an alternative rival to DMK and AIADMK.

Gowda, a former bus conductor from Karnataka, founded Pustakamane with the aim of making books accessible to people from remote and marginalised communities. Over the years, the initiative has grown into a vast repository of more than two million books in over 20 languages, including rare manuscripts and historical texts.

A new wave of Indian entrepreneurs, dubbed BARBIE founders, are returning from abroad to build successful startups. These individuals, who pursued undergraduate degrees overseas, are outperforming IIT and BITS alumni in creating unicorns. Their global exposure and often family business leverage contribute to their success, particularly in consumer-focused ventures.

National Voters’ Day is observed annually on January 25 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), established in 1950. The day aims to recognise voters, encourage youth participation, reinforce democratic values, and promote universal adult suffrage. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said National Voters’ Day is about “further deepening our faith in the democratic values of our nation”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 130th Mann Ki Baat on January 25, 2026, coinciding with National Voters' Day and the eve of Republic Day. He urged first-time voters to participate actively and highlighted the decade-long success of the Start-up India initiative, emphasizing the need for quality and excellence in Indian manufacturing and innovation.

Speaking during the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi highlighted the significance of the upcoming Republic Day and the constitutional values it represents. He also drew attention to the importance of January 25, which is observed as National Voters’ Day, describing it as a key occasion in the democratic calendar.

After 12 years away, an astronaut returns to India, surrounded by the echoes of her father's stories and the warmth of family bonds. This is her inaugural trip to Kerala, a land her father called enchanting.

Preeti Unhale, 51, has become India's longest-living heart transplant survivor, marking 25 years with a donor heart on January 23, 2026. Facing a critical condition in 2000, she underwent the life-saving procedure at AIIMS, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adherence to lifelong medical discipline.

The Delhi High Court ruled that blood pressure issues in military officers cannot be dismissed as mere lifestyle disorders to deny disability pensions. The court emphasized that medical boards must thoroughly examine individual cases and provide clear reasoning, rejecting the Union government's challenge to an Armed Forces Tribunal order. This decision upholds the entitlement of a retired IAF officer.

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan voiced strong dissent over the collegium's decision to transfer Justice Atul Sreedharan, citing executive influence. He argued that such transfers, especially when prompted by the central government, compromise judicial independence and the integrity of the collegium system. Justice Bhuyan emphasized the judiciary's reliance on public faith.

India voted against a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran's protest crackdown, extending a fact-finding mission. This move, aligning with China and Pakistan, signals India's commitment to non-interference and its strategic interests, particularly concerning the Chabahar port. Iran's envoy lauded India's 'principled and firm support' against what he termed an 'unjust' resolution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged over 61,000 newly-recruited personnel to recall their past difficulties with government offices and ensure citizens do not face similar issues. He emphasized their role in implementing reforms and upholding the motto 'Citizen is akin to God' to strengthen ease of living and doing business.

A 70-year-old man, Babu Lohar, pedalled his rickshaw van 300km to Cuttack with his ailing wife for medical treatment, refusing help. After two months, he is now making the arduous journey back home, showcasing immense devotion and highlighting the struggles of the poor in accessing healthcare and transport.

A Delhi court granted interim bail to J&K MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, allowing him to attend Parliament's budget session under armed escort. Rashid, jailed since 2019 on UAPA charges, recently defeated Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha polls. This limited relief permits him to participate in parliamentary proceedings while remaining in custody, a move welcomed by his party.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has granted Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to CM Omar Abdullah, the rank and privileges of a cabinet minister. This decision comes after Wani, a former legislator, was appointed as an advisor in October 2024 but lacked formal status. The move ensures Wani receives a consolidated salary, rent-free accommodation, and transport facilities.

Ahead of Republic Day, the government has approved honorary commissioned ranks for 2,241 Junior Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army. This honour, recognizing decades of selfless service and leadership, includes 437 elevated to honorary captain and 1,804 to honorary lieutenant.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) launched a sharp attack on the DMK government and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin alleging that “law and order has been reduced to a laughing stock,” in the state following a country-made bomb attack on a police vehicle on the Trichy–Chennai highway.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, during her address at DPS's vibrant sports day, celebrated the integral role of sports in nurturing essential life skills in students. She inspired them to strive for balance between academic excellence and athletic participation, emphasizing how their dedication can resonate positively within their families and society.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the success of Bihar's special intensive revision process, leading to zero appeals and record 67% turnout. He emphasized the Election Commission's dynamic approach to ensuring electoral integrity and accessibility, while urging youth to combat misinformation and announcing a new youth-centric program.

In a vibrant display at the Republic Day parade, the Union Home Ministry will unveil a captivating tableau that symbolizes the transformation of India's justice system. Say goodbye to outdated colonial laws; the spotlight will be on the innovative Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam.