India marks 77th republic day: Who are this year’s chief guests? 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.
How ink, art and India came together in the Constitution 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.
'A historic bond': US extends greetings to India on 77th Republic Day 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.
92-yr-old green activist among Padma winners Kerala's Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, along with other 'unsung heroes' like Gambir Singh Yonzone and Hally War, has been recognized with Padma awards for their significant environmental conservation efforts. Amma transformed sandy land into a green sanctuary, while others established national parks and revitalized living root bridges, showcasing dedication to nature.
Kargil hero among 2,241 JCOs to get honorary officer rank Kargil war hero Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, has been elevated to honorary captain for his distinguished service. He is among 2,241 JCOs receiving honorary commissioned ranks on Republic Day. This recognition highlights the crucial, often overlooked, contributions of senior non-commissioned officers who form the backbone of the Army.
Jammu & Kashmir police tops gallantry list, Maharashtra second On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced 982 service medals for police, fire, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services. Jammu and Kashmir led in gallantry awards, with 125 Medals of Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service conferred.
Hinterland's 'unsung heroes' on Padma rolls The government recognized 84 districts, including ten new ones, for Padma awards, highlighting hinterland talents. Notable recipients include folk musician Taga Ram Bheel and environmentalist Hally War. Maharashtra leads with 15 awardees, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The selection process involved over 39,000 nominations, emphasizing diverse representation.
ED attaches 37 properties of Pearl Agro Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 2,000 crore in Ludhiana and Jaipur, bringing the total attachment in the Pearl Agro Corp Ltd case to Rs 7,600 crore. The multi-level marketing firm allegedly defrauded lakhs of investors, raising over Rs 60,000 crore and siphoning funds into personal assets abroad. The Supreme Court has formed a committee to facilitate investor refunds.
Young voters can transform destiny of country, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the pivotal role of voters as the "soul of democracy" and urged the celebration of youth as agents of national transformation. He highlighted schools and colleges as key institutions for voter enrollment drives, particularly for first-time voters, underscoring the significance of National Voters' Day.
IndiGo cancels Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent and Baku flights Rising tensions around Iran are impacting Indian aviation, leading IndiGo to cancel several services and implement refuelling halts. Air India is reassessing transcontinental operations and has stopped overflying Iran on Europe-bound routes due to safety advisories warning of heightened risks to civil aviation.
UGC issues new rules to curb caste bias as plaints up 118% The University Grants Commission has introduced new regulations to combat caste-based discrimination on Indian campuses, with institutions now directly accountable for preventing bias and addressing complaints. The framework mandates Equal Opportunity Centres, equity committees, and round-the-clock helplines, aiming for greater transparency and timely action to ensure student welfare.
