The Vande Bharat Express completed its trial run on the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic milestone. The train, specially designed for extreme weather conditions, connects Katra to Srinagar and features advanced heating systems, defrosting windshields, and climate-adaptive brakes. Covering the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, the trial run passed through engineering marvels like the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges. Northern Railway Chief Saqib Yousuf called it a "historic step," reflecting the vision to integrate Kashmir into the national rail network. Prime Minister Modi is expected to flag off the train soon.

For the first time, a tri-services tableau featured at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, showcasing joint operations across land, air, and sea. Themed "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat," it emphasized armed forces integration and national security. Indigenous platforms, including the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII, INS Visakhapatnam, and Pralay missile system with a 400 km range, were displayed. Indian Air Force helicopters carried flags of India and Indonesia, while Army and Navy contingents demonstrated advanced weaponry and coordination. The Naval Marching Contingent, led by Lt Commander Sagar Ahluwalia, highlighted India's multi-domain operational strength.

The Republic Day 2025 celebrations at Kartavya Path were marked by a stunning fly-past featuring advanced aircraft like Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and Apache helicopters. These aircraft performed captivating formations, including Dhwaj, Ajay, and the grand Vajrang formation, with the Rafale concluding the display with a Vertical Charlie maneuver. The audience was also thrilled by the Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, the 'Dare Devils', who showcased their bravery through spectacular stunts such as Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, and a Human Pyramid. The event concluded with the national anthem, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

India marked its 76th Republic Day with grandeur at Kartavya Path, celebrating 75 years of the Constitution's enactment. President Droupadi Murmu led the event, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto served as the chief guest. The parade showcased 31 tableaux with the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ highlighting cultural heritage and military prowess. Key attractions included BrahMos missiles, Pralay tactical systems, and a tri-services tableau. A flypast by 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and performances by 5,000 artistes captivated attendees. Delhi was under a six-layered security cover, ensuring the event’s success amid massive public participation and national pride.

The 76th Republic Day celebrations commenced at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial prior to the parade. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto graced the event as the chief guest. The parade featured 18 marching contingents, 15 bands, and 31 tableaux, highlighting India’s cultural diversity and military strength. This year's theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), celebrated India's rich heritage and development. Over 10,000 special guests attended, with 7,70,000 passes issued nationwide.

India marked its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. The parade showcased 31 tableaux under the theme "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas," cutting-edge defence systems, and cultural performances by 5,000 artistes. Military highlights included the debut of the DRDO’s 'Pralay' missile and a tri-services tableau. The flypast featured 40 aircraft, including Su-30 jets. Over 70,000 personnel ensured tight security across Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

In her address on the eve of India's 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the transformative potential of the "One Nation, One Election" proposal. She stated that synchronized elections could prevent policy paralysis, reduce financial burdens, and promote good governance. Highlighting India's 75-year journey under the Constitution, she praised economic growth, social inclusion, and reforms like replacing British-era laws with modern jurisprudence. Ms. Murmu celebrated marginalized communities' progress, ISRO's achievements, and educational advancements. Honoring freedom fighters, she underscored Mahatma Gandhi's principles of truth, nonviolence, and morality in governance. Republic Day, she added, reflects India's collective pride and progress.                  

The Padma Awards 2025 were announced on January 25, honouring Indian cinema personalities. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actors Ajith Kumar, Nandamuri Balakrishna, and Anant Nag received Padma Bhushan awards. Renowned singer Arijit Singh, actor Mamata Shankar, and Marathi veteran Ashok Saraf were conferred Padma Shri. Other recipients include Jaspinder Narula, composer Ricky Kej, and the late Pankaj Udhas, who received a posthumous Padma Bhushan. The awards highlight contributions across music and film, celebrating talent from various regions and languages. In total, 139 Padma Awards were given this year, recognizing excellence across multiple fields.

Two French tourists cycling to Nepal were stranded in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after following a Google Maps shortcut. Brian Jacques Gilbert and Sebastian Francois Gabriel, en route to Kathmandu from Pilibhit, ended up at Churaili Dam late at night. Villagers, unable to understand their language, took them to a local police outpost to ensure their safety. Senior officer Anurag Arya provided assistance, and the tourists were hosted by the village headman overnight. The next morning, police guided them with proper directions to continue their journey. The duo had flown from Paris to Delhi on January 7.

Ahead of his film Sky Force, Akshay Kumar stated, “History books need correction. We read about Akbar or Aurangzeb but not about our own heroes.” In an interview with CNN-News18, he highlighted the absence of unsung Indian warriors like Param Veer Chakra awardees in school syllabi. Akshay, known for portraying such figures, plays Wing Commander KO Ajuha in Sky Force, inspired by OP Taneja. The film, based on India's 1965 Sargodha airbase attack, stars Sara Ali Khan and Veer Pahariya. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapoor, it releases January 24 under Maddock Films.