Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026, the Indian Army is set to present a high-visibility mix of tradition and operational readiness on Kartavya Path. The parade will feature frontline platforms such as BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the indigenous Arjun main battle tank, and the debut of newly raised units, underscoring the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
In the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used National Voters’ Day (25 January) to urge eligible young Indians to register as soon as they turn 18, calling voting a milestone that strengthens democracy. He also linked the message to Republic Day and the constitutional values it represents.
On January 25, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used National Voters’ Day and his Mann Ki Baat outreach to push a clear message: as soon as Indians turn 18, they should enrol and participate in elections. He framed voting not only as a right, but as a responsibility that strengthens institutions and keeps democracy responsive.
In his latest Mann Ki Baat address on National Voters’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged young Indians to register as voters as soon as they turn 18, describing it as a major life milestone and a constitutional responsibility. He linked the message to the spirit of Republic Day and the values enshrined in the Constitution.
India’s 77th Republic Day parade on 26 January is set to feature a wide display of indigenous and frontline military hardware, underscoring the push for defence self-reliance and modernisation. The lineup is expected to include systems such as BrahMos and Akash, alongside armoured and rocket artillery platforms, with new Army units also making their debut on Kartavya Path.
India announced the Padma Awards 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, recognising achievers across public affairs, arts, social work, science and more. Banker Uday Kotak features among Padma Bhushan awardees, while many grassroots contributors have also been included.
The Padma Awards list for 2026 was announced on 25 January, with President Droupadi Murmu approving 131 honours across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The list recognises public life, arts, sports, medicine, industry and grassroots service, including posthumous honours and a set of ‘unsung heroes’ whose local work created national impact.
India’s Padma Awards 2026 list has been cleared, with 131 civilian honours spanning arts, public service, sports, academia and more. The list includes awards to leading cultural figures and sportspersons, as the country heads into Republic Day celebrations.
On 25 January 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used National Voters’ Day and his Mann Ki Baat message to nudge young Indians to enrol as soon as they turn 18, calling voting a key civic duty and a pillar of the Constitution.
India announced the Padma Awards 2026 list, recognising contributions across arts, public affairs, social work, science and sports. Veteran actor Dharmendra, veteran leader Shibu Soren and cricketer Rohit Sharma featured among the prominent names, as the government highlighted a wide cross-section of achievers from different states and fields.
On National Voters’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on young Indians—especially those turning 18—to register to vote and treat participation as a civic duty. The message, echoed in his outreach to youth volunteers, framed voting as both a constitutional responsibility and a practical way to shape India’s future.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit that sets up high-level India–EU summit talks later this week. Officials say the agenda includes moving the long-discussed free trade agreement toward conclusion, firming up a strategic defence partnership framework, and creating a mobility arrangement to ease pathways for Indian professionals.
