Author: News Desk

India marked its 77th Republic Day in 2026 with a strong display of indigenous defence capabilities and advanced military technology at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attending as Chief Guests. This was the first Republic Day after Operation Sindoor, the recent military operation in which Indian forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The parade reflected India’s growing focus on joint operations, indigenous weapons and technological self-reliance. The ceremony began with Mi-17 helicopters flying in formation and…

India is set to significantly reduce import duties on cars from the European Union, cutting tariffs from as high as 110% to 40%, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move is part of the final stages of negotiations on a free trade pact between India and the EU, expected to be announced as soon as Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will initially lower taxes on a limited number of cars priced above 15,000 euros ($17,739). Over time, these duties could fall further to 10%, making it easier for European automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW to…

Marina Abramović, often called the grandmother of performance art, is entering her 80th year with a presence as intense and unflinching as ever. Known for using her body as both medium and method, she has spent decades testing human limits—physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Her work is featured in the sixth Kochi-Muziris Biennale, where she will also deliver a lecture in February, alongside a presentation by Saatchi Yates at the India Art Fair in New Delhi. Emerging in the 1970s, Abramović challenged audiences with confrontational works. In Rhythm 0 (1974), she stood motionless for six hours while the public could use 72 objects…

China’s President Xi Jinping has sent warm greetings to India on the occasion of its Republic Day, describing the two nations as “good neighbours, friends and partners,” according to the official Xinhua news agency. In his message to President Droupadi Murmu, Xi highlighted that China-India relations have improved over the past year, calling their partnership significant for promoting global peace and prosperity. He used the metaphor of “the dragon and the elephant dancing together” to symbolize the potential for cooperation and mutual growth. Xi emphasized the importance of expanding exchanges, deepening collaboration, and addressing each other’s concerns to maintain healthy…

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who gained recognition during India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terror outfits last year, has been named a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal in the 2026 Republic Day honours. She played a key role in sharing operational details of the strikes, working closely with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Rising Star of the Indian ArmyAt just 35, Colonel Qureshi, an officer from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has made history with multiple groundbreaking achievements. In March 2016, as a Lieutenant Colonel, she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army…

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer of the Indian Air Force, was awarded the Ashok Chakra on the eve of Republic Day 2026. He became the first astronaut to receive India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recognising his extraordinary courage and skill during the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. Piloting the SpaceX Dragon “Grace,” Shukla marked India’s return to human spaceflight 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, carrying out complex operations in microgravity with precision and composure. From Lucknow to the StarsBorn in Lucknow, Shukla joined the National Defence Academy at 17, inspired by the Kargil War and a…

On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, honoring citizens from every walk of life for their contributions to the country’s growth and unity. She recognized the efforts of artists, craftsmen, sanitation workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, scientists, and the Armed Forces, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s progress. Highlighting India’s role as a messenger of peace, the President recalled the country’s spiritual and civilizational heritage, emphasizing harmony and the need for global peace. Quoting social reformer Shree Narayana Guru, she called for fraternity beyond caste and creed and noted efforts to reconnect sacred…

The Government of India on Sunday announced the 2026 Padma Awards, recognising individuals for exceptional contributions across various fields. Veteran actor Dharmendra and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren will receive the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan posthumously, following their passing last year. Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the awardees, calling them torchbearers of social change whose achievements and innovations inspire nation-building. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Padma Awards is to encourage citizens to contribute meaningfully to society. This year’s list features 19 women and six individuals from abroad, including NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, reflecting…

Unique World Robotics (UWR) welcomed astronaut Sunita Williams with a small but thoughtful gift during her visit for STEM Talks, organised with the Kerala Literature Festival. As she opened the package on stage, her reaction said it all. Inside was a palm-sized robot puppy named Gorby, after her much-loved dog, whose name is also tattooed on her hand. A Personal Touch Meets Robotics The robot Gorby responds with cheerful barks when its head is gently stroked, drawing smiles from the audience. The moment followed Sunita Williams’ talk on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of robotics. UWR founder and…

A new Amrit Bharat Express train service between Thiruvananthapuram North (Kerala) and Charlapalli (Telangana) has been launched, strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala and key cities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Operated by South Central Railways, the weekly superfast express will provide economical and faster travel options for passengers, including students, professionals and traders, linking important cultural, economic and pilgrimage destinations along its route. Running once a week, the train covers a distance of approximately 1,488 km with 29 scheduled halts at major stations such as Varkala Sivagiri, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Mavelikara, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Katpadi Junction and Renigunta Junction, among others. Train number 17042 departs Thiruvananthapuram North at 5:30…