THE HEADLINES:
• India showcases military might and cultural heritage at Kartavya Path in the National Capital as it celebrates the 76th Republic Day today.
• Leaders from various countries greet India on Republic Day reaffirming their strong bonds and cooperation in various fields.
• Election campaign in Delhi assembly polls picks up; Leaders hold rallies and roadshows to woo voters.
• USAID suspends all assistance programmes in Bangladesh.
• And in Sports, India storm into semi-finals of ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets in Kuala Lumpur.
• Jannik Sinner clinches Australian Open Mens’ singles tennis title beating Alexander Zverev.
<><><>
The Nation is celebrating the 76th Republic Day today. President Droupadi Murmu led the Nation in celebrating the Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
The ceremony commenced with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he paid tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.
President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was the Chief Guest at the parade. The National Flag was unfurled by the President followed by the national anthem with a 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns.
A 160-member marching contingent and 190-member band contingent from Indonesia took part in the Parade. The parade was heralded by 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments from different parts of the country.
For the first time, a Tri-services tableau participated on Kartavya Path, displaying the spirit of jointness and integration. Haryana’s tableau showcased the Bhagwad Gita and the tableau of Uttar Pradesh depicted the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025.
Tank T-90 (Bhishma), NAG Missile System along with BMP-2 Sarath, BrahMos, Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher were on display at the Kartavya Path.
The event concluded with a flypast by 47 aircraft. The flypast witnessed a breath-taking air show by Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, Dornier-228 and An-32 aircraft and Apache and Mi-17 helicopters.
<><><>
President Droupadi Murmu hosted ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day today. President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries attended the reception. In a social media post, the President said that the guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements that were displayed during the event.
<><><>
Leaders from various countries have congratulated India on its 76th Republic Day. In a social media post, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu conveyed his heartfelt greeting and said that Maldives will always cherish the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation with India, which are built on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. Responding to it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he fully shares his sentiment regarding the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in his message said that India’s spirit of unity and vision continues to drive remarkable achievements and inspire the world.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli extended his greetings on the occasion and said that the ideals of democracy and national unity will foster deeper ties of friendship between both nations.
<><><>
The Republic Day is being celebrated across the nation today. The occasion marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. It is a day which reminds people to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. Our correspondent takes a look at the Constitutional violations which occured during the Emergency period.
“Many constitutional rights of citizens and media were withheld during the Emergency declared on 25th June, 1975. This allowed the then government to assume sweeping powers, suspending civil liberties and imposing press censorship. Fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including the right to free speech, were curtailed. Prominent opposition leaders, and activists were arrested and the media was heavily censored. This led to the suspension of most of the civil rights for more than two years. The Emergency serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance to safeguard civil liberties and fundamental rights. With Suparna Saikia , SUMIT SAHA, Akashvani News, Delhi”
<><><>
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today interacted with special guests for the 76th Republic Day parade at Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi. He said all the special guests were mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat programme for working tirelessly for the society. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Mr Vaishnaw stated that Prime Minister Modi has spread the inspiring work being done by people through his Mann Ki Baat programme.
A total of 139 special guests were present during the event. Our correspondent spoke to some of the special guests who shared their experience of attending the Republic Day parade.
Prasar Bharti Chairman Navneet Sehgal, Director General of Akashvani Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur, and Doordarshan Director General Kanchan Prasad were also present on the occasion.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) PM Rally tomorrow at the Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi. The theme for this year’s NCC PM Rally will be ‘Yuva Shakti, Viksit Bharat’. During the event, a cultural programme by more than 800 cadets will be performed, showcasing commitment of NCC towards nation building.
<><><>
Election campaigning for Delhi Assembly picks up with leaders of various political parties holding rallies and public meetings in different parts of the city. Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah today criticized Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal of depriving the residents of Delhi from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Addressing a rally in Narela, New Delhi, Mr Shah promised that if BJP comes to power, every citizen will be provided with a free treatment of upto 10 lakh rupees.
Briefing media in New Delhi, BJP Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s family tried to save Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
Addressing a press conference AAP Convener, Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP of searching for the women to take back the money which they gave under the various welfare schemes in Maharashtra. He said that If BJP comes to power all the welfare schemes will stop and the middle class will have to bear burden of approximately 25 thousand rupees.
Speaking at a press conference, Senior Congress Leader, Abhishek Manu Singhvi alleged that the BJP is spreading hatred in the Delhi assembly elections and dividing the society to get votes.
<><><>
Uttar Pradesh Government has declared no-vehicle Zone in the Mahakumbh area, Prayagraj from tomorrow. The decision has been taken to ensure smooth management of the massive crowds expected on Mauni Amavasya on 29th January.
“A huge number of devotees is being seen in the fair, even before Mauni Amavasya. In the last two days, over one crore 25 lakh devotees have taken holy dip in Sangam. Elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth movement of devotees to enter the Sangam zone and take the holy dip. Talking to Akashwani news, Additional Superintendent of Police traffic, Prayagraj Anshuman Mishra said, no vehicle movement will be allowed in the Kumbh area beyond the designated parking till 30th January.
Uttar Pradesh government has estimated that around eight to 10 crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Twelve kilometer-long ghat have been constructed for easy access for the devotees to take holy dip. With Dipendra Kumar, Aman Yadav Akashwani News Prayagraj.
<><><>
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) suspended all assistance programmes in Bangladesh.
In a letter sent to all its implementing partners in Bangladesh, the US donor agency USAID had directed yesterday to immediately stop, cease and suspend any work in Bangladesh under contracts, work orders, grants, cooperative agreements, or other acquisition or assistance instrument.
The action comes as a part of Reevaluation and Realignment of United States Foreign Aid, in consistency with the foreign policy of President Donalad Trump.
This sudden decision has raised significant concerns among various project stakeholders, including US-funded non-governmental organizations operating in Bangladesh.
<><><>
In the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, India stormed into the semi-finals with a commanding eight wicket win over Bangladesh at Bayuemas Oval Stadium in Kuala Lumpur today.
Sent in to bat first, Bangladesh managed just 64 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Sumaiya Akhter top-scored with an unbeaten 21. For India, Vaishnavi Sharma bagged 3 wickets.
India chased the target in just 7.1 overs with Trisha’s quickfire 40 off 31 balls, laced with eight boundaries.
<><><>
In the Australian Open Tennis, World No. 1, Italy’s Jannik Sinner has won the men’s singles title. In the final, he defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena this evening.
With his triumph, the 23-year-old Italian became the youngest man to win multiple Australian Open titles since Jim Courier in 1992-93. This is Sinner’s third major title in his third Grand Slam final.
In women’s doubles final, the top seeded pair of Taylor Townsend of America and Czech player Kateřina Siniaková won the title.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
• India showcases military might and cultural heritage at Kartavya Path in the National Capital as it celebrates the 76th Republic Day today.
• Leaders from various countries greet India on Republic Day reaffirming their strong bonds and cooperation in various fields.
• Election campaign in Delhi assembly polls picks up; Leaders hold rallies and roadshows to woo voters.
• USAID suspends all assistance programmes in Bangladesh.
• And in Sports, India storm into semi-finals of ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets in Kuala Lumpur.
• Jannik Sinner clinches Australian Open Mens’ singles tennis title beating Alexander Zverev.
<><><>