As India heads into Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the centrepiece parade on Kartavya Path is set to put the spotlight on indigenous missile systems, armoured platforms and first-time ceremonial debuts by newly raised units. The display, officials say, is meant to underline operational readiness alongside tradition—while also reinforcing the push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
On the eve of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including an Ashoka Chakra for IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The list also includes Kirti Chakras, Shaurya Chakras and multiple service medals, with several honours awarded posthumously.
Ahead of Republic Day on 26 January 2026, India is preparing a high-profile military showcase on Kartavya Path, New Delhi, with homegrown missile systems, armour and rocket launchers taking centre stage—an emphasis on self-reliance and frontline readiness.
India’s 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi will put a strong focus on indigenous, frontline military platforms and fresh Army formations, with missiles, armour and combat aviation expected to feature prominently along Kartavya Path.
A new western disturbance is expected to trigger a widespread wet spell across north, northwest and parts of central India from 26 January, with peak impact forecast on 27–28 January. IMD alerts warn of heavy snowfall in the western Himalayas, hailstorms and gusty winds in adjoining plains, along with continued fog and cold-wave pockets through Republic Day.
A new western disturbance is set to move across northwest India from 26 January, bringing a fresh wet spell to the Himalayas and renewed winter hazards to the plains. The IMD has warned of widespread rain and snowfall, squally winds and possible hail in parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, with conditions expected to peak around 27 January before easing.
Ahead of Republic Day (26 January 2026), police across NCR districts have tightened security with checkpoints, drone surveillance, and multi-layer deployment at key venues and high-footfall areas, while urging the public to report suspicious activity.
In his January 25 Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked young Indians to register as voters as soon as they turn 18, calling it a major milestone and a constitutional duty. Linking the message to National Voters’ Day and the eve of Republic Day, he framed participation as essential to strengthening democratic values.
The Centre has announced the Padma Awards for 2026, with 131 civilian honours cleared across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri categories. The list includes posthumous awards, women awardees, and several names from arts, public affairs, industry and sports, ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
In the first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tied National Voters’ Day to a wider call for civic participation, urging young Indians to register the moment they turn 18 and to treat voting as an everyday responsibility—not a one-day ritual.
On National Voters’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked eligible young Indians to register as soon as they turn 18, calling voting a key duty that strengthens democracy. The message, delivered on January 25, 2026, also framed the voter as a central force in shaping India’s future.
The Centre announced the Padma Awards for 2026 on 25 January, approving 131 honours across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The list mixes nationally known figures and grassroots contributors, with multiple posthumous recognitions and several awardees from diverse professional and social backgrounds.
