A political row erupted on social media after the Congress questioned IIT Madras director V Kamakoti's Padma Shri award, linking it to research on cow dung and urine. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu strongly defended Kamakoti, highlighting his deep tech expertise and the scientific potential of traditional substances, criticizing a «slavish colonial mindset.»

In a grand tribute to innovation in agriculture, nine distinguished individuals have been honored with the Padma Shri. Among them are esteemed scientists and passionate farmers, recognized for their impactful work ranging from the creation of superior rice strains and genome-editing breakthroughs to the promotion of unique cultivation methods such as Makhana farming.

An inter-ministerial panel has advised Indian Railways to stagger station redevelopment projects, prioritizing funding for programmatic corridors. The panel also recommended linking station development expenditure to revenue generation, including user charges, and suggested rolling out Integrated Station Facility Managers to maximize income from station assets.

Opposition leaders slammed the Centre's decision to award Padma Bhushan to former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, citing his alleged role in toppling the MVA government and insulting state icons. However, CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the award, highlighting Koshiyari's societal contributions and work for development.

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing military might and cultural diversity. The event marked the EU's first military parade participation outside Europe, reflecting India's growing global ties. The celebrations honored the nation's journey since becoming a sovereign democratic republic on January 26, 1950.

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural diversity. Meanwhile, the UAE reportedly scrapped its airport management deal with Pakistan following the UAE President's India visit. In other news, a Bangladesh court sentenced three police officers to death for protest-related killings, and IndiGo cancelled flights to four Central Asian cities due to regional developments.

For the first time in over a decade, India celebrated Republic Day in Yemen with the Indian community and embassy staff. Other diplomatic missions in the US, Singapore, Japan, and Sri Lanka also marked the occasion with flag unfurling ceremonies and participation from the Indian diaspora. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings, highlighting the strong bilateral partnership.

US President Donald Trump extended heartfelt greetings to India on its 77th Republic Day, highlighting the «historic partnership» between the world's oldest and largest democracies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Sergio Gor also conveyed wishes, emphasizing strong cooperation across various sectors and the symbolic presence of US-made aircraft at the parade.

Bengaluru's new municipal structure reveals significant voter disparities across wards, with some representing over 49,000 electors while others have just over 10,000. This imbalance undermines democratic representation and could lead to unequal access to civic services and political influence. The delimitation process, based on 2011 census population figures, has resulted in these inequities.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated that a successful India contributes to global stability, prosperity, and security. She, along with European Council president Antonio Costa, were the first joint EU leaders to attend India's Republic Day parade as chief guests. Their visit precedes an India-EU summit focused on trade, security, and strategic cooperation.

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with nationwide events marking the adoption of the Constitution and highlighting the country’s cultural and military heritage. Celebrations of the 77th Republic Day at the Kartvya Path were based on the theme of the 150th Anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, a timeless mantra that awakened the spirit of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and freedom in India's national consciousness.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the main ceremony at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also attended the celebrations as chief guests. Kartavya Path, which runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, was extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey over the years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's red Rajasthani turban, adorned with golden-yellow streaks, captivated onlookers at the 77th Republic Day parade. This distinctive headwear, a recurring signature, symbolizes India's rich cultural tapestry and regional heritage. Paired with a navy kurta-pyjama and light blue Nehru jacket, his attire blended formal elegance with cultural pride, complementing the grandeur of the national celebration.

India's Republic Day 2026 parade showcased its military might, highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, a counterterror action that neutralized over 100 terrorists and enemy soldiers. The display featured advanced weapons platforms like the BrahMos missile and S-400 air defence system, emphasizing combat readiness and technological prowess in multi-domain warfare.

Marco Rubio said the US looks forward to «working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead» and mentioned the Quad to assert the significance of the India-US relationship for the Indo-Pacific region. The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region.

India's Constitution, now 76 years old, uniquely begins with art, not just law. 22 hand-drawn illustrations by Nandalal Bose and his team visually represent the spirit of each part, transforming the legal document into a tapestry of India's civilisational essence.

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing military might and cultural diversity. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president António Costa are this years chief guests, highlighting a deepening strategic partnership. Discussions on a crucial free trade agreement and a new security pact are underway, underscoring strong India-EU ties.

IndiGo has cancelled flights to Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku until January 28 due to regional developments around Iran. The airline cited a review of the security situation and emphasized passenger safety as its highest priority. This decision follows widespread unrest in Iran, with protests escalating against the country's leadership.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the main ceremony at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend the celebrations as chief guests. Kartavya Path, which runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey over the years.

President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the Constitution's makers, highlighting its role in national unity and patriotism, exemplified by 'Vande Mataram'. She emphasized India's economic growth, aiming to be the third-largest economy, driven by infrastructure investment, atma-nirbharta, and swadeshi. The President also underscored the crucial role of women's empowerment and participation in strengthening democracy and achieving 'Viksit Bharat'.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the youth's 'bhajan-clubbing' trend, a modern fusion of devotion and culture resonating with Gen Z, comparing it to global concerts. He also highlighted Malaysia's Tamil schools, the UAE's 'Year of the Family', and urged a national focus on manufacturing excellence, declaring the 'chalta hai' attitude obsolete.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a judge cannot preside over a case involving themselves, quashing proceedings against a railway official. A special railway magistrate had initiated action against the administration for insufficient staff, claiming interference. However, the apex court found the magistrate attempting to judge his own cause, ending the judicial-railway dispute.

A man jailed for eight years for his wife's murder has been acquitted. The court found critical flaws, including doubts about the recovered body's identity and a lack of established motive. The prosecution's case, built on circumstantial evidence, failed to form an unbroken chain pointing solely to the accused, leading to his immediate release.

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.