Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to attend the 76th Republic Day Parade, at Kartavya Path, in New Delhi, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Beijing on Sunday (January 26, 2025) for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials, in the second such high-profile visit from India to China in less than one-and-a-half months.

77,000 witness Republic Day parade; Delhi covered in thick security blanket

Drawing thousands of people from across the country, the 76th Republic Day celebrations witnessed loud cheers, a sense of pride from parade goers and a thick layer of security in the national capital on Sunday (January 26, 2025). The buzz for the parade on the Kartavya Path began early in the morning as queues started as early as 4 a.m. The Ministry of Defence had issued more than 77,000 passes, including 32,000 passes that were sold and 10,000 special invitees.

Missile systems at Republic Day parade capture evolving long-range tactical strike options of the military

The missile systems showcased on Kartavya Path during this year’s Republic Day parade capture the evolving long-range tactical strike options for the Indian military, especially the Army, the need for which is one of the key lessons from the war in Ukraine. 

MGNREGS stares at fund crunch; no additional allocation forthcoming  

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has not received an additional budget for financial year 2024-25, resulting in delay in disbursal wages to workers. As per sources, the Union Rural Development Ministry is falling short of ₹4,315 crore for the wages for which Fund Transfer Order (FTO) has been generated. 

CBI to step up crackdown on cybercrime syndicates by coordinating with international agencies

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, will this year further intensify action against cybercriminals operating as syndicates with links in multiple countries. In many cases, “lone wolf” perpetrators have also been found indulging in online frauds using various modus operandi.

Amit Shah terms AAP ‘Avaidh Aamdaniwali Party’; promises to make Delhi free from Rohingyas, Bangladeshis

Terming the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as ‘Avaidh Aamdaniwali Party‘ (illegal income party), Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (January 26, 2025) tore into the AAP, accusing it of corruption worth thousands of crores in the past 10 years in power in Delhi.  

Trump orders tariffs, visa restrictions on Colombia over rejection of deportation flights

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (January 26, 2025) that he was ordering tariffs, visa restrictions and other retaliatory measures to be taken against Colombia after its government rejected two flights carrying migrants. Mr. Trump said the measures were necessary, because the decision of Colombian President Gustavo Petro “jeopardized” national security in the U.S.

One Nation, One time: Government drafts rules for mandatory adoption of Indian Standard Time across all official, commercial platforms

In a move to standardise timekeeping, the government has drafted comprehensive rules mandating the exclusive use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all official and commercial platforms, with the Consumer Affairs Ministry seeking public feedback by February 14, 2025.

Coldplay’s final India concert: Chris Martin celebrates Republic Day; Bumrah surprises fans in Ahmedabad

“Happy Republic Day, India!” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin greeted the crowd as he kicked off his final performance in the country at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where he touched many hearts by singing the patriotic anthem “Vande Mataram.” A major surprise for fans came with the presence of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the crowd.

Russia says captured east Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka

Russia on Sunday (January 26, 2025) said its forces had captured the east Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka in the embattled Donetsk region, almost three years into their offensive. Russia has made steady advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine for months.