India’s Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path will feature several first-time military displays, including the “Suryastra” rocket launcher system and the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion. About 6,000 defence personnel will take part in the 90-minute parade, along with 18 marching contingents and 13 bands. The defence ministry said key weapon systems such as BrahMos, Akash missiles, artillery guns and drones will also be displayed. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests. The parade theme is “150 years of Vande Mataram”. (PC: HT)

Rajasthan Police seized nearly 10,000 kg of explosive material from a deserted farmhouse in Nagaur district on the eve of Republic Day. One man, identified as Suleman Khan, was arrested during a joint operation by the district special team and local police. Officials said the explosives were stored in four rooms of a farmhouse in Harsaur village. The seizure included ammonium nitrate, detonators and detonator wires. Police said initial questioning showed the material was meant for use in illegal mining activities. A case has been registered under laws related to explosives. Further investigation is underway to trace the full supply network. (PC: India Today)

India’s Republic Day parade in 2026 will be held on the theme of “Vande Mataram”, marking 150 years of the national song, officials said. The celebrations on Kartavya Path will combine military displays and cultural tableaux from across the country. President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend the parade as chief guests. The Ministry of Culture said the theme reflects the song’s role in India’s freedom movement and national identity. Visual displays, floral designs and a dedicated tableau will trace the journey of “Vande Mataram” during the parade. The theme was also widely discussed during Parliament’s winter session. (PC: HT)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, saying India and the European Union are showing “another way” in a divided world. Ahead of the 16th India-EU Summit, she said the partnership is built on strategic cooperation, dialogue and openness. Von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day parade as chief guest, signalling stronger political ties. Talks during her visit will focus on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, earlier described as the “mother of all deals”, along with cooperation in trade, technology, climate action, supply chains and security. Officials said both sides aim to deepen economic engagement and strengthen strategic coordination.

The Centre has announced the Padma award recipients for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day. Actor Dharmendra and former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan have been named for the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Other Padma Vibhushan recipients include KT Thomas, classical violinist N Rajam and P Narayanan. The Padma Bhushan list features adman Piyush Pandey, banker Uday Kotak, actor Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have received the Padma Shri for sports. The list includes 131 awardees across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Nineteen women and sixteen posthumous recipients are among those honoured. The awards will be presented by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan. (PC: NDTV)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour, for his role in the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. Shukla served as mission pilot during the 18-day flight in June 2025. The mission marked India’s first human visit to the ISS in more than four decades. He flew aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and took part in over 60 experiments, including several led by Isro. Officials said his work provided key data for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Shukla returned safely to Earth in July 2025, becoming the second Indian to travel to space. (PC: India Today)

The President of India has approved 131 Padma awards for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, the government announced on Saturday. The list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. Veteran actor Dharmendra has been named for the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the art category. Former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandhan has also received the honour posthumously for public affairs. Among Padma Bhushan awardees are actor Mammootty, former diplomat Piyush Pandey (posthumous) and banker Uday Kotak. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been selected for Padma Shri in sports. The 2026 list includes 19 women, 16 posthumous awardees and six foreign or overseas Indian recipients. The awards will be presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April. (PC: HT)

Veteran journalist and author Mark Tully passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi on Sunday. He was 90. Tully had been unwell and was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket for the past week. A close friend confirmed his death. Tully served as the BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief for 22 years and was known for his reporting on India and South Asia. He covered major events, including wars, political unrest, and social crises. Born in Calcutta in 1935, Tully wrote several books on India and later hosted a BBC Radio 4 programme. He received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the ₹22 crore revenue generated by the Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane over the last two financial years is proceeds of crime under anti-money laundering law. The agency claims the club operated without statutory licences, using forged NOCs and documents, and earned money illegally, which was diverted to personal and related accounts. ED conducted raids in Goa, Delhi, and Haryana on January 23, freezing suspected accounts and uncovering evidence of possible foreign remittances. The case ties to the December 6 deadly fire at the club that killed 25 people. (PC: Reuters)

A 33-year-old Mumbai college professor, Alok Kumar Singh, was stabbed to death by a fellow commuter after a minor argument aboard a Borivali–Churchgate local train near Malad railway station on Saturday evening. The dispute unfolded as both men were disembarking, escalating into violence when the unidentified attacker pulled out a sharp weapon and stabbed Singh in the abdomen. He collapsed on the platform and was later declared dead at hospital. Police are examining CCTV footage and searching for the suspect as a murder case is registered at Borivali GRP station. (PC: NDTV)