Heavy snowfall and severe traffic jams left hundreds of tourists from Delhi NCR stranded near Manali during the Republic Day weekend. Bharat Sharma and three friends said they were stuck in their car for nearly 40 hours while returning from Solang Valley. The group reached Manali on January 23 but became trapped in slow-moving traffic for almost a full day. They said food, water and toilet access were limited, and hotel prices surged due to high demand. Videos showed several tourists abandoning vehicles and walking through icy roads. Authorities later cleared snow, allowing traffic to move. Officials have urged travellers to follow lane discipline in hilly areas.

The Indian Air Force marked the grand finale of the 77th Republic Day parade with a large flypast over Kartavya Path on Monday. The display featured Varuna, Vajraang, Arjan and Vijay formations. Aircraft included Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, P-8i, Apache, C-130 and C-295. A total of 29 aircraft took part, including fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters. Earlier, the Prahar formation showcased the Army’s Operation Sindoor flag using Dhruv helicopters. Held under the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, the parade highlighted India’s defence capability, culture and development.

India's 77th Republic Day parade showcased multiple firsts including the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System with 300 km strike capability, newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion bridging infantry and special forces, and Shaktiban Regiment equipped with drone and counter-drone technology. The 61 Cavalry appeared in battle gear instead of ceremonial uniform for the first time, while key Army assets rolled down Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation. An animal contingent featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and Army dogs participated. The 90-minute parade, attended by EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, displayed indigenous platforms including BrahMos, Akash, ATAGS artillery, with 29 aircraft in flypast formations featuring Rafale and Apache helicopters.

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)

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.

The Centre has announced the Padma award recipients for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day. Actor Dharmendra and former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan have been named for the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Other Padma Vibhushan recipients include KT Thomas, classical violinist N Rajam and P Narayanan. The Padma Bhushan list features adman Piyush Pandey, banker Uday Kotak, actor Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have received the Padma Shri for sports. The list includes 131 awardees across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Nineteen women and sixteen posthumous recipients are among those honoured. The awards will be presented by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan. (PC: NDTV)