Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, from the President on Republic Day for extraordinary courage during a high-risk space mission aboard a space station. The citation emphasized exceptional composure under extreme conditions and unwavering commitment where minor errors prove fatal. This rare recognition marks a significant milestone as the Ashoka Chakra, traditionally associated with counter-terrorism and disaster response, is awarded for spaceflight operations. The accomplished test pilot demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills during complex orbital operations with unforeseen challenges. Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, backup crew for the Axiom-4 mission, received the Kirti Chakra. The awards signal space as a new frontier of national service.

The UAE scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport shortly after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's surprise three-hour India visit. Abu Dhabi lost interest in the project, agreed upon in August 2025, and failed to name a local partner. While Pakistani media didn't cite political motivations, the development comes amid growing UAE-Saudi tensions over Yemen and shifting Gulf alliances. As Pakistan pursues an "Islamic NATO" with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the UAE has strengthened India ties through new defence deals. Following his Delhi visit, the UAE President approved releasing 900 Indian prisoners as goodwill. Both nations signed a Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Rajasthan Police seized a massive cache of explosives from a Nagaur district farm just hours before Republic Day celebrations. The late Saturday night raid in Harsaur village recovered 9,550 kg of ammonium nitrate packed in 187 sacks, along with nine cartons of detonators and multiple bundles of fuse wires. Suleman Khan, a local resident with three prior criminal cases, was arrested on-site. Preliminary interrogation revealed he allegedly supplied explosives to legal and illegal mining operations. The recovery is particularly significant as ammonium nitrate was previously linked to the November 2025 Red Fort blast. Central agencies have been notified and will question the accused as part of a broader investigation under the Explosives Act. (PC: News 18)

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the grand parade at Kartavya Path, featuring European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests. Themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram, the 90-minute parade showcased military might through Operation Sindoor's joint forces display, indigenous defense systems including DRDO's hypersonic Long Range Anti-Ship Missile achieving Mach 10 speeds, Apache helicopters, Rafale jets, and advanced autonomous systems. The event featured 30 state and ministry tableaux, 2,500 cultural artists, all-women Coast Guard contingent, and a 29-aircraft fly-past. Special initiatives included Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees marching alongside robotic military dogs and Bactrian camels.

India’s Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path will feature several first-time military displays, including the “Suryastra” rocket launcher system and the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion. About 6,000 defence personnel will take part in the 90-minute parade, along with 18 marching contingents and 13 bands. The defence ministry said key weapon systems such as BrahMos, Akash missiles, artillery guns and drones will also be displayed. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests. The parade theme is “150 years of Vande Mataram”. (PC: HT)

Rajasthan Police seized nearly 10,000 kg of explosive material from a deserted farmhouse in Nagaur district on the eve of Republic Day. One man, identified as Suleman Khan, was arrested during a joint operation by the district special team and local police. Officials said the explosives were stored in four rooms of a farmhouse in Harsaur village. The seizure included ammonium nitrate, detonators and detonator wires. Police said initial questioning showed the material was meant for use in illegal mining activities. A case has been registered under laws related to explosives. Further investigation is underway to trace the full supply network. (PC: India Today)

Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been named for the Padma Shri as the President approved 131 Padma awards for 2026. The honours were announced on the eve of Republic Day. The list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. The Padma Shri recognises distinguished service in sports and other fields. Officials said the 2026 list includes 19 women and 16 posthumous awardees. The Padma awards will be conferred by the President at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually held in March or April. (PC: X)

India’s Republic Day parade in 2026 will be held on the theme of “Vande Mataram”, marking 150 years of the national song, officials said. The celebrations on Kartavya Path will combine military displays and cultural tableaux from across the country. President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend the parade as chief guests. The Ministry of Culture said the theme reflects the song’s role in India’s freedom movement and national identity. Visual displays, floral designs and a dedicated tableau will trace the journey of “Vande Mataram” during the parade. The theme was also widely discussed during Parliament’s winter session. (PC: HT)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, saying India and the European Union are showing “another way” in a divided world. Ahead of the 16th India-EU Summit, she said the partnership is built on strategic cooperation, dialogue and openness. Von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day parade as chief guest, signalling stronger political ties. Talks during her visit will focus on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, earlier described as the “mother of all deals”, along with cooperation in trade, technology, climate action, supply chains and security. Officials said both sides aim to deepen economic engagement and strengthen strategic coordination.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on US President Donald Trump to pull federal immigration agents out of the state after a federal Border Patrol agent shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Local and federal officials have given different accounts of the moments before the shooting during an immigration enforcement action. Homeland Security said an agent fired “defensive shots” after Pretti “reacted violently.” Walz rejected that account as “nonsense” and has demanded answers. Pretti, a US citizen and ICU nurse, was remembered by his family as “kind-hearted” and they are asking for the “truth” about his death. The incident follows another recent fatal shooting involving federal agents in the city. (PC: BBC)