On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, 45 people including an ex-bus conductor and musician from across India have been selected for the Padma Shri award under the “unsung heroes” category, officials said, reported the PTI. The awardees include people who have dedicated their lives to serving society in areas such as education, healthcare, art, culture, and social welfare. One of the most notable recipients is Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor from Karnataka. He founded Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free-access library, housing more than two million books in 20 languages, including rare manuscripts. His initiative has empowered learners across the country and earned him the Padma Shri, according to the PTI. Another recipient is Dr Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based paediatrician who established Asia’s first human milk bank. Her work has significantly improved the survival chances of infants, especially those in critical condition. Celebrating cultural heritage The awards also recognise individuals preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, such as Bhagwandas Raikwar, a Bundeli war art trainer from Madhya Pradesh, Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, a 90-year-old tribal musician from Maharashtra who plays the Tarpa, a rare instrument made of bottle gourd and bamboo and Brij Lal Bhat, a social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, as per the PTI. Supporting education and tribal languages Other notable awardees include - - Budri Thati, who established schools in Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh - Charan Hembram, a Santhali author and composer from Odisha - Chiranji Lal Yadav, a skilled brass engraving expert from Moradabad - Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, an exponent of Maanbhatt, a traditional Gujarati art form - Kumarasamy Thangharaj, a geneticist from Hyderabad who traced human migration from Africa to India Honouring diverse and marginalised communities The awardees represent a wide range of communities, including marginalised and Dalit groups, tribal populations, and individuals from remote and challenging terrains. Many have faced personal hardships but continued to serve society through healthcare, education, livelihood, sanitation and sustainability efforts. Preserving traditional arts and crafts Other awardees include K Pajanivel from Puducherry, recognised for nurturing Silambam, an ancient Tamil martial art, Kailash Chandra Pant, a veteran journalist honoured for promoting Hindi across India, Khem Raj Sundriyal from Haryana, who revived traditional weaving techniques such as tapestry, Jamdani, and Panipat khes, training thousands of artisans and introducing new designs and yarn, the news agency reported.
25 January,2026 06:21 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRepublic Day is not just any other regular national holiday; the day contains an integral significance in India’s history. While India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, the nation did not immediately have its own governing framework, and it took more than two years to draft and implement a new constitution. Why is Republic Day celebrated on January 26? 26 January back in the 1950s marked a defining moment in the nation’s democratic history. On this day the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, transforming the country into a sovereign, democratic republic. However, the reason why particularly 26 January was chosen as the date for making the constitution come into effect is because in 1930, the Indian National Congress on the same day, i.e., January 26, 1930, had proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence). A significant moment in India's democracy Choosing this day for the Constitution’s implementation not only marked a significant moment in the country's freedom but also connected modern India’s democracy with the freedom struggle’s ideologies. After getting independence from the British Raj, the country for more than two years functioned under colonial-era laws until the Constitution of India came into effect. The Constitution drafted by the Drafting Committee chaired by Dr B R Ambedkar gave India its own legal, political, and administrative foundation, ensuring that power would flow from the people and be exercised through democratic institutions. Why is the Republic celebrated? Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January because on this very day, the Constitution of India came into effect, marking India as a democratic country. Soon after India got independence, Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of Independent India. More than just a celebration Republic Day is not only about ceremonies and parades; it is a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The day stands as a reminder that freedom is sustained not just by independence, but by strong institutions, rule of law, and democratic participation. Republic Day, even after 76 years, continues to symbolise the strength of India’s democracy, the resilience of its Constitution and the collective responsibility of its citizens to uphold the ideals on which the nation was built. Republic Day Parade Unlike other countries, the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi also symbolises the strength of India’s armed forces and cultural diversity.
25 January,2026 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a recent development in the Bihar politics, Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday was appointed the National Working President of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during the party's executive meeting in Patna. Following his appointment, Tejashwi touched his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's feet to seek his blessings, as per news agency IANS. After Tejashwi Yadav was sworn in as the RJD working president, several senior party leaders welcomed the decision, asserting that the RJD will become even stronger under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership. Tejashwi’s appointment as RJD working president could be a tactical move This decision is seen as a critical component of the party's future strategy. This appointment is anticipated to enhance the RJD's influence in Bihar politics moving forward. On this occasion, the RJD, while taking it to social media X, wrote, "The beginning of a new era. Tejashwi Yadav appointed Working President of the Rashtriya Janata Dal." Rohini Acharaya takes a dig at RJD On the other hand, Lalu Yadav's daughter and Tejashwi's sister, Rohini Acharya, took a dig at the appointment, writing in an X post, "The pinnacle of politics, in a way, the grand finale of a man's glorious innings. Congratulations to the sycophants and the 'Infiltrator Gang' on the coronation of the "prince turned puppet in their hands." Earlier in the day, Rohini Acharya questioned the party's current situation, leadership role, and internal affairs in a post, as per IANS. Rohini launched a sharp attack on the party's present leadership, without naming anyone, saying the current condition of the Rashtriya Janata Dal was "dire" and "worrisome" and that those presently at the helm must be held accountable. In an emotional and strongly worded post on X, Rohini Acharya said that anyone who truly represents "Laluvad" in its real sense would inevitably raise questions about the party's present state and speak out against those responsible, regardless of the consequences. Lalu Yadav’s daughter and Tejashwi’s sister also alleged that the real control of the party had slipped into the hands of "infiltrators and conspirators", whom she claimed were planted by political opponents with the sole objective of destroying Laluvad, as per IANS. She further appealed to party workers and leaders who consider themselves true followers of Lalu Prasad Yadav's ideology to openly oppose such elements. (With inputs from IANS)
25 January,2026 04:32 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentRepublic Day, observed every year on January 26, is one of India’s most significant national holidays. It commemorates the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, officially transforming India into a sovereign democratic republic. While Independence Day on August 15 celebrates the country’s liberation from British rule in 1947, Republic Day highlights the adoption of a Constitution that established a government “by the people, for the people” and enshrined democratic values for all citizens. This year, the nation will be celebrating the 77th Republic Day on Monday. Although India became independent on August 15, 1947, it took almost three years to draft and finalise the Constitution. The inaugural Republic Day on January 26, 1950, was marked with a 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the national flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad, who assumed office as India’s first President. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually as a national holiday, with patriotic fervour and official ceremonies across the country, as per reports. Republic Day 2026: History and Significance The roots of Republic Day trace back to the Indian Independence Act of July 18, 1947, which ended British rule and transferred legislative authority to India’s Constituent Assembly. The Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution, and a drafting committee was formed under the leadership of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.” The draft Constitution was submitted in November 1948, and extensive debates and discussions followed over the next year to refine its content and ensure it addressed the aspirations of a diverse nation. January 26 was specifically chosen for the Constitution’s adoption to honour the Purna Swaraj (“Complete Self-Governance”) declaration passed by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930. The Constitution, one of the longest in the world, not only established India as a democratic republic and a union of states but also provided citizens with fundamental rights and a framework for governance. Today, Republic Day serves as a reminder of India’s sovereignty, democracy, and the responsibilities of its citizens. It is a day to reflect on the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and to celebrate the country’s journey from colonial rule to self-governance and democratic stability.
25 January,2026 02:15 PM IST |Several regions of Maharashtra experienced slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures on Sunday, with maximums dipping below seasonal averages in parts of the state. Ahmednagar recorded a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius, about 1.8 degrees Celsius below normal. Jalgaon and Jeur reported highs of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 31.0 degrees Celsius, respectively, remaining below average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Kolhapur and Mahabaleshwar saw more noticeable drops, with maximums of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 23.0 degrees Celsius, around 2–4 degrees Celsius lower than typical readings for this time of year. Mumbai continued to experience warm and pleasant conditions, with Colaba registering a maximum of 28.5 degrees Celsius and Santacruz reaching 29.8 degrees Celsius, slightly below seasonal norms. Minimum temperatures remained mild, hovering around 19.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba and 17.7 degrees Celsius in Santacruz. As per IMD, the northern and central Maharashtra experienced cooler nights, with Ahmednagar dropping to 11.4 degrees Celsius, Jeur at 11.0 degrees Celsius, and Jalgaon at 13.5 degrees Celsius. Malegaon recorded a comparatively warmer minimum of 13.8 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal. Other districts such as Osmanabad (14.0 degrees Celsius), Parbhani (15.6 degrees Celsius), and Udgir (16.8 degrees Celsius) experienced mild nights, slightly deviating from typical patterns. Meanwhile, the coastal and western regions recorded warmer minimum temperatures, with Dahanu at 15.9 degrees Celsius and Ratnagiri at 17.6 degrees Celsius. Harnai experienced a low of 20.4 degrees Celsius, marginally below its normal values. Overall, while daytime temperatures remained slightly below average in many interior districts, Maharashtra continued to witness pleasant winter conditions. AQI across Maharashtra Pune: 164 Nashik: 100 Nagpur: 232 Dhule: 100 Jalgaon: 92 Jalna: 110 Amaravati: 232 Mumbai records minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, AQI in city, Thane and Navi Mumbai satisfactory Mumbai is set to experience pleasant weather, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the IMD. Air quality across the city remains largely satisfactory, registering an overall AQI of 96, which may cause only minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, as reported by the Sameer app. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 114 Borivali East: 102 Byculla: 82 Andheri East: 106 Chembur: 98 Colaba: 76 Ghatkopar: 109 Meanwhile, in Thane recorded an AQI of 100 and Navi Mumbai 85, both levels being satisfactory.
25 January,2026 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFather of 27-year-old techie Yuvraj Mehta, who died in a waterlogged pit in Noida on Sunday, urged the authorities to ensure that such administrative lapses never repeat and strict action should be taken against those responsible for the negligence in this entire incident. The deceased's father, Rajkumar Mehta, said, "You raised your voice and supported my family and me in the tragic and untimely death of my son, Yuvraj, due to administrative negligence. You strengthened my resolve and guided this matter in the right direction, so that the negligent departments and their irresponsible staff could be appropriately punished. I was completely broken and devastated by my son's death. But all of you gave me complete support and effectively conveyed the negligence and disregard for my son's life to the people and the government of the country. Reflecting on the harrowing moments his son spent trapped, the father said, "My son was very brave. Even after falling into the waterlogged pit, he struggled a lot. He gave us ample time, almost two hours, for the rescue operation. But the rescue team showed great negligence and left my son to God's mercy. Whereas Yuvraj could have been easily rescued. "We can never get justice for Yuvraj because he will never come back. But we definitely want that strict action be taken against those responsible for the negligence in this entire incident, and that it be ensured that no other Yuvraj suffers such a tragedy in the future. I thank the UP Government for taking cognisance of the incident and constituting an SIT. I want that under no circumstances should any culprit be spared and that they receive appropriate punishment," he added. Meanwhile, on Thursday, two persons have been arrested by the Noida Police following the case of 27-year-old techie Yuvraj Mehta, who lost his life after his car broke through a waterlogged pit near a public road in Sector-150, officials said on Thursday. The accused have been identified as Ravi Bansal and Sachin Karanwal, police added. Following a complaint lodged by the victim's family regarding an incident, the Greater Noida Police had immediately registered an FIR under the relevant sections of law. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2026 10:05 AM IST | Noida (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIFrom the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir to the coasts of Mumbai, several cities on Saturday, including Reasi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, were transformed into a sea of saffron, white, and green on Saturday as iconic structures were illuminated to mark the lead-up to the 77th Republic Day. Major landmarks, including the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, and the Government buildings in Lucknow, reflected a vibrant, patriotic atmosphere in the cities. Salal Dam in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, was illuminated in tricolour on Saturday evening, with the massive dam structure lit in saffron, white, and green. Several buildings were illuminated in the hues of the tricolour in Mumbai ahead of the Republic Day 2026 celebration, including the Western Railway headquarters, which were lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag on Saturday night. Government buildings and major roads in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh were illuminated. The city witnessed tricolour lighting on Saturday as primary roadways were decorated for the 77th Republic Day. The full-dress rehearsal for the 2026 Republic Day parade was held on Saturday in front of the Assembly building in Lucknow, where senior district officials were in attendance. During the rehearsal, the contingents of the participating forces, schoolchildren, and artists impressed everyone with their flawless performance. Meanwhile, the Indian Army will present a powerful, future-ready combat profile at the 77th Republic Day Parade, scheduled to be held on 26 January at Kartavya Path in the national capital, through a unique, first-of-its-kind "Battle Array" (Ranbhoomi Vyuh Rachna) formation. This display will offer citizens a rare visual insight into how the Army deploys and fights as an integrated, networked and technology-enabled force on the modern battlefield. For the first time within the parade's parameters, the Indian Army's marching and mechanised columns will be organised in a combat-oriented offensive formation, depicting the sequence of forces employed during operations. A number of platforms and units will make their Republic Day Parade debut, highlighting the Army's rapid modernisation and technological transformation. The 77th Republic Day Parade will thus stand out as a vivid demonstration of the Indian Army's transformation into a technology-driven, integrated and combat-ready force, firmly anchored in indigenous capability and operational excellence. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2026 09:52 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIPolice on Friday reclassified the deaths of Rajeshwariba Jadeja and her husband Yashrajsinh Gohil as a case of murder followed by suicide, a day after the incident at their NRI Tower residence was initially reported as an accidental firearm discharge. Gohil, a Class-1 officer with the Gujarat Maritime Board and nephew of Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil, had claimed his licensed revolver went off accidentally while being handled. Based on this statement, the police had initially registered a case of accidental death. However, forensic and ballistic reports received on Friday ruled out the possibility of an accidental firing. Officials said modern licensed revolvers are fitted with safety mechanisms that prevent discharge unless the trigger is deliberately pulled. The trajectory of the bullet and the nature of the wound also indicated a deliberate shot fired at the back of Jadeja’s head. Investigators said the couple had an argument before the incident. After shooting his wife, Gohil called the 108 emergency service and continued to claim the gun had misfired. He waited for medical personnel to arrive, and after doctors declared Jadeja dead, he walked into another room and shot himself in the presence of paramedics and his mother. Police have now registered a murder case against Gohil. While the accused is no longer alive to face trial, officials said the legal reclassification was necessary to reflect the true nature of Jadeja’s death. The tragedy is underscored by the couple’s personal history. Both had been married previously and had remarried each other only two months ago. Neighbours told police they had not noticed any serious disputes. Police are recording statements from family members and others and are investigating the motive behind the crime. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2026 09:16 AM IST | Ahmedabad | AgenciesFormer Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the party's consistent electoral failures, claiming unwillingness within the party to address the issues, while pointing out that there's a lack of competence at the top leadership. Speaking exclusively with ANI, Ahmad took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi and said, "Even if Rahul Gandhi wants, he still can't take Congress below the 2nd position. The reason is that every other party is only in one state." Shakeel Ahmed claimed that Rahul Gandhi is "uncomfortable" about collaborating with popular, veteran leaders. "There are many leaders in Congress who have been politicians long before Rahul Gandhi became one. The day Rahul Gandhi ji won his first election, I won my fifth election. I believe he is uncomfortable sitting with those who don't think of him as their boss. I have felt this for a long time, but when you stay in party you don't say such things," Ahmad told ANI. He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi has a sense of superiority because of his Nehru-Gandhi lineage. "I used to tell him don't do this, don't do that. I think he used to feel offended that someone is telling me these things; I belong to the Nehru-Gandhi family. He feels that everything is given to Congress by his family," he said. Ahmed also alleged, "There is no internal democracy in the Congress party...In the Congress party, whatever Rahul Gandhi says is final." The former leader said that many Congress leaders who are "disappointed" do not raise their voices because they want to secure their next generation's future in the party. "There are many leaders in Congress who are disappointed, but their next generation has joined Congress. So they are in Congress even after facing humiliation," he said. When asked about Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's rift with the party's leadership, Shakeel Ahmed said, "I wanted vote for Shashi Tharoor (for the post of Congress President). But when I saw that the loyalists of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were seeking votes for Kharge ji. I voted for Kharge Sahib against my will as I did not want to waste my vote," he said. Tharoor has clearly signalled that there are some "issues" with him and the party, and he would like to discuss them with the party's leadership. "Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so. I'm not entering into this issue in public at all," he said, earlier in the day. Tharoor has missed a key strategy meeting of the party to discuss the upcoming Kerala assembly polls, indicating his displeasure over the party's functioning. His absence came a few days after he was reportedly 'ignored' by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the party's "Mahapanchayat" organised in Kochi, Kerala, on January 19. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
24 January,2026 11:01 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to present a special tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, highlighting the nationwide implementation of the three new criminal laws that came into force on July 1, 2024. As per the MHA, the tableau will showcase the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replacing colonial-era laws Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The new laws, collectively referred to as the 'Naveen Nyaya Sanhita', mark a comprehensive overhaul of India's criminal justice system, replacing British-era statutes with a modern, Indian-centric legal framework. Described as one of the biggest legal reforms of the century, the new laws replace the colonial-era framework based on punishment with an Indian philosophy centred on justice, symbolised by the theme "Dand Se Nyay Ki Or" (from punishment to justice). The tableau will depict India's transition towards a modern, technology-driven, time-bound and citizen-centric justice system, aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. Key technological advancements under the new laws will be prominently displayed, including e-Sakshya for digital evidence collection, the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) for biometric identification, and e-summon, which enables courts to issue digitally signed summons electronically. The tableau will also showcase technology-enabled court processes such as virtual hearings. The integrated functioning of police, forensics, prosecution, courts, and prisons under the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) framework will be a major highlight. Mobile forensic units featured in the tableau will symbolise enhanced forensic reach and faster response at crime scenes. Swift response mechanisms will be depicted through integrated control rooms, improved surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV networks, and the growing role of trained women police personnel in field operations and response units. The tableau will also underline the introduction of community service as a reformative form of punishment, reflecting a more humane and progressive approach to justice. Additionally, the multilingual display of the new law books will emphasise the government's commitment to accessibility, inclusiveness and transparency, ensuring that citizens across the country can understand the reformed legal framework. Through this tableau, the MHA aims to convey India's decisive shift towards a professional, technology-driven justice system that strengthens constitutional values and builds public trust through certainty, speed and dignity in the delivery of justice. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
24 January,2026 09:44 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe 'Granth Kutir', inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 23, has been developed to enhance awareness among the people regarding the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. "Granth Kutir has been developed at Rashtrapati Bhavan to enhance awareness among people about the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. The people can see the collection of books and manuscripts in the Granth Kutir during their tour to Rashtrapati Bhavan," the Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X. Granth Kutir has a rich collection of manuscripts and books in 11 classical languages of India-- Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. The Granth Kutir showcases India's rich and diverse cultural, philosophical, literary and intellectual heritage. This Kutir has a collection of about 2,300 books in 11 Indian classical languages. The Government of India conferred the 'Classical Language' status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali languages on October 03, 2024. Before that, six languages held the status of classical languages. The Granth Kutir collection covers a wide range of subjects, including epics, philosophy, linguistics, history, governance, science, and devotional literature, as well as the Constitution of India in these languages. Around 50 manuscripts are also part of the collection. Many of these manuscripts are handwritten on traditional materials such as palm leaf, paper, bark, and cloth. The Granth Kutir has been developed through collaboration with the central government, state governments, universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, and individual donors from across the country. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, and institutions associated with them have supported this initiative. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is providing professional expertise in the management, conservation, documentation and display of manuscripts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
24 January,2026 09:08 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1769275541971_d.png "Rahul Gandhi is uncomfortable about collaborating with popular, veteran leaders, said Shakeel Ahmad. File Pic")
-1769270271470_d.png "MHA to highlight ‘Naveen Nyaya Sanhita’ in its tableau at the Republic Day parade in Delhi. PIC/PTI")
