Both parties trained guns at one another after the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi refused to wear the traditional Assamese scarf given to all the guests at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. BJP called it an insult to the northeast, with Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma snubbing what he called the attitude of the «de facto supremo».

Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, sent his resignation by e-mail to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh, the officials told news agency PTI. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.

The Indian Air Force released a video showcasing its fighter jets armed with advanced missiles like Meteor and BrahMos, silencing critics who doubted India's possession of the beyond-visual-range Meteor missile. The footage featured Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas jets, confirming the missile's presence and capabilities for air-to-air combat.

Women military personnel shone at the 77th Republic Day parade, leading contingents, showcasing skills, and participating in key ceremonial events. From Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar unfurling the flag to Captain Harshita Yadav leading an animal contingent and Captain Samira Z Buttar commanding a tableau, women made significant contributions.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi's seating at the Republic Day parade sparked a row, with the BJP accusing the Congress of entitlement. The Congress countered, calling it «petty politicking» and an insult to the Constitution. This controversy echoes past seating disputes and a recent incident at the Red Fort.

Sirhind, once a significant historical hub, now lies neglected with its ancient monuments crumbling and forgotten. Despite its rich past, from the era of Prithviraj Chauhan to Guru Gobind Singh's sons, the town has faded from public consciousness. Archaeological exploration and preservation efforts are minimal, leaving its historical treasures buried and overlooked.

Republic Day celebrations prominently featured the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram,' with performances and tableaux across states. The national song's significance was highlighted, becoming a focal point for political discourse, particularly between the BJP and TMC ahead of West Bengal's assembly polls. Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, among others, showcased tributes to the patriotic anthem.

UK intelligence warns of global food and water crises by the 2030s due to ecosystem collapse, potentially sparking conflict. Himalayan river decline could escalate tensions between China, India, and Pakistan, risking nuclear war. The report highlights threats to UK food security and calls for ecosystem protection and restoration.

Three British nationals have been charged with targeting two prominent Pakistani dissidents in the UK, supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan. The men allegedly conspired to assault journalist Adil Raja and former Khan advisor Mirza Shahzad Akbar on December 24th. One suspect also faces charges for attempted arson at Akbar's home on New Year's Eve.

A British civil servant of Indian origin, Dr. Francis Vijay Narasimhan Rangarajan, faces social media backlash over the controversial Chagos deal. He led negotiations to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, retaining use of the Diego Garcia base. Critics, including former politicians, have voiced strong opposition to the agreement.

«The previous governments spread fear that the BJP would stop free electricity and water, but these slum dwellers can now live peacefully. We are committed to providing them a good and quality life,» Gupta told reporters.

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.