The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
The Jammu and Kashmir government has honored 56 individuals for their significant contributions. Adil Hussain Shah, who died saving tourists from terrorists, received a posthumous award. Awards were given across fields like media, literature, sports, performing arts, and social reforms. Former IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit was also recognized posthumously for lifetime achievement.
Metamorphosis signifies a profound transformation, not just a minor shift. This term, rooted in Greek, describes dramatic changes in living organisms, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, and is also used metaphorically for significant personal or societal evolution. From biological life cycles to literary narratives, it captures a complete change of form and substance.
New Delhi is under a massive security blanket for India's 77th Republic Day. Over 30,000 police personnel are deployed across the city. The New Delhi district, the parade route, and sensitive areas have extra personnel and strict access control. Advanced technology, including AI-enabled smart glasses and over 3,000 CCTV cameras, is being used for surveillance.
Rajasthan police seized 10,000 kg of ammonium nitrate and explosives in Nagaur ahead of Republic Day 2026, arresting one man. This seizure occurs amidst heightened terror alerts nationwide, with intelligence agencies investigating coordinated threat signals linked to Pakistan-based groups and Punjabi gangsters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed greetings to India's President Droupadi Murmu. He stated China and India are good neighbors, friends, and partners. Xi noted relations have improved and are significant for world peace. He expressed hope for expanded exchanges and cooperation. The two nations share a disputed border. Ties were strained after a 2020 clash.
2026 Republic Day Parade Timings: India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. The main event is the grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will take the salute. European leaders Antnio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests. The day commemorates India's constitution adoption. Security will be tight for the event.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has placed India at the centre of Europes trade strategy, urging closure of the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement. The deal could boost economic ties, reflect Indias strategic confidence, and alter global trade dynamics.
Chennai and surrounding districts will see cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorms on Monday. Some interior and delta regions may receive heavier showers. Puducherry is also expected to experience similar weather. Rainfall intensity is forecast to decrease from Tuesday. Residents are advised to stay alert. Fishermen should exercise caution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on India's 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'. Grand celebrations are underway at Kartavya Path, with the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission attending as Chief Guests. The event features a blend of India's cultural legacy, developmental progress, and military strength.
India Republic Day: India gears up for its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu will lead celebrations at Kartavya Path. European leaders will attend as Chief Guests. The event will showcase India's military strength, cultural diversity, and developmental achievements. A grand parade will feature various contingents and advanced weaponry.
India is set to significantly reduce import duties on cars from the European Union. Tariffs will drop to 40% from as high as 110%. This move is part of a major free trade agreement expected soon. European automakers like Volkswagen and BMW will see easier market access. This pact aims to boost bilateral trade and Indian exports.
India Republic Day: Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th, marks the adoption of India's Constitution and honours democracy, unity, and patriotism. The article offers a collection of 70 wishes, quotes, and messages to share the joy and pride of being Indian with loved ones.
A ferry carrying over 350 people sank near an island in the southern Philippines early Monday. Rescuers have saved at least 244 passengers and retrieved 13 bodies. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 reportedly encountered technical problems and sank after midnight, with an investigation into the cause underway.
President Donald Trump disclosed the use of a secret weapon, 'The Discombobulator', during Nicolas Maduro's capture. This device reportedly disabled Venezuelan military equipment. Trump also reiterated threats of military action against drug cartels, potentially extending operations into Mexico. The US recently conducted a strike on a drug-trafficking boat in the Pacific Ocean.
A massive winter storm brought sleet, freezing rain, and snow across the U.S., causing widespread power outages and halting travel. Subzero temperatures followed, exacerbating dangerous conditions and impacting infrastructure. The storm's extensive reach, spanning 2,000 miles, prompted emergency declarations in numerous states.
Super Bowl 2026: It will be New England Patriots' first Super Bowl appearance since the glory days of predecessor Tom Brady as countdown begins for Super Bowl LX.
Super Bowl 2026 week will unfold across several days in the Bay Area, with the game itself serving as the final act in a tightly coordinated mix of sports, music, media and celebrity appearances.
Super Bowl has been the most-viewed event in the United States every year for decades. Last year's game averaged nearly 130 million viewers in the United States and 62.5 million international viewers, according to the NFL.
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. As the economy navigates a wave of external pressures, we can expect a focus on robust domestic strategies to sustain impressive growth. Controlling fiscal deficits will remain pivotal, and all eyes will be on the critical figures presented.
Miner Vedanta has embedded AI, automation, IoT, drones, digital twins, and predictive analytics into daily operations to drive measurable gains in safety, productivity, and resource efficiency. Tata Steel is leveraging AI to analyse workforce safety data, identifying critical safety insights including recurring root causes of incidents, flag high-risk zones, and monitor critical safety gaps.
Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's energy system, causing widespread power outages and leaving over a million residents in Kyiv without electricity and heating amid sub-zero temperatures. The assault, which also affected other regions, occurred as U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine continued without compromise.
India and the European Union are on the verge of sealing a landmark free trade agreement, with both parties displaying a positive outlook on its potential benefits. This pivotal deal, culminating nearly two decades of discussions, promises to strengthen economic connections and reduce expenses for businesses and consumers alike.
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu emerged among the top recipients of unsung hero Padma Awards announced ahead of Republic Day 2026, with six and five awardees respectively. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra received four awards each, while Jammu and Kashmir was conferred two. In total, 45 unsung Padma awardees were recognised across states and Union Territories.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the Election Commission is in the process of making public the list of unmapped and logical discrepancy voters after it was uploaded on the ECI website.
The Union home ministry announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours across fields such as arts, public affairs, science, sports, medicine and social work. Actor Dharmendra Singh Deol received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, along with former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, classical violinist N Rajam, former Supreme Court judge KT Thomas and writer P Narayanan.
S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq investors will look for a positive trading day in the U.S. Stock Market.
The maximum number of bravery medals, at 45, have been given to personnel deployed in the Jammu and Kashmir operations theatre, followed by 35 from Naxal violence-affected areas, and five who are posted in the northeast region.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has flagged serious lapses in the electoral hearing process at Basirhat, West Bengal, and directed the Chief Secretary to suspend Sumitra Pratim Pradhan, AERO and BDO of Basirhat-II, and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS on the Axiom-4 mission, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his historic feat. Returning to India after his space odyssey, Shukla, once a shy boy inspired by Rakesh Sharma, now confidently shares his journey and experiences, inspiring many.
The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police concluded a six-day joint training exercise, 'Agni Pariksha,' in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative focused on enhancing inter-force combat synergy by familiarizing non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures and firing drills, fostering integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit reward.ff.garena.com to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.
Delhi Police personnel are set to receive prestigious medals for gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions this Republic Day. The awards recognize acts of bravery, including confronting terrorists and gangsters, and highlight exemplary service in areas like forensic contributions and women's safety initiatives.
President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel. This includes the highest peacetime award, the Ashok Chakra, for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He made history by visiting the International Space Station. Other awards include Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras. Many brave soldiers are being honored for their courage and sacrifice.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, isolated spells of heavy rainfall and snowfall are very likely on January 27, particularly in the high-altitude districts of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Rishabh Sharmas kurta collection blends classical artistry with bold styling. From regal velvets to contemporary drapes, his wardrobe proves tradition can be powerful, expressive, and undeniably statement-making.
Governors in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may alter their Republic Day speeches. This follows recent assembly incidents where governors refused to read government-drafted speeches. The opposition-ruled states are now awaiting the governors' actions on Monday. The national flag will be hoisted as usual. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between state governments and their respective governors.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated HD Kumaraswamy will not become Chief Minister again. He believes the BJP would prevent it if their alliance wins. Kumaraswamy, however, expressed confidence, recalling a past prediction by Siddaramaiah that proved incorrect. He mentioned public support for his return as CM.
India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26th, honoring the nation's sovereign, democratic journey and the values of its Constitution. The occasion is marked by a collection of messages, wishes, and statuses to share the patriotic spirit and renew commitments to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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