Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India's energy sector offers USD 500 billion investment opportunities and urged global investors to invest in the country. Addressing the India Energy Week 2026, he said, "India is a land of opportunities for the energy sector as demand is continuously increasing. India will soon become the world's largest oil refining hub" The Prime Minister said the nation is targeting USD 100 billion investments in the oil and gas sector by 2030, and the oil refining capacity will be expanded from 260 million tonnes per annum to 300 MTPA. He said that India is riding the reforms express and undertaking reforms across sectors. Modi said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement complements the India-UK trade deal, as it will boost the manufacturing sector and support services. He said people are discussing the India-EU trade deal as the "mother of all deals" and this agreement has brought a lot of opportunities for 140 crore Indians as well as Europeans. This is an excellent example of coordination between two economies. This agreement accounts for 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade, Modi said. India Energy Week 2026 serves as a premier global platform uniting policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to advance energy security, sustainability and inclusive growth. 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.
27 January,2026 12:20 PM IST | New Delhi | PTICongress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday criticised the Centre over changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), alleging that the employment scheme meant for poor labourers was being weakened. He also questioned the government’s move to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s name with VB-G RAM G, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said the employment guarantee scheme was introduced during the Congress-led government to support rural workers. “When the Modi government came to power, they mocked MNREGA, but people continued to depend on it. Later, they realised its importance and removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name, replacing it with G-RAM G,” he said, reported ANI. Questions removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from scheme Questioning the decision, Wadettiwar asked, “Mahatma Gandhi ka naam hata ke kya milega?” (What will they gain by removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name?). He said the Father of the Nation played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle, adding that while the government invokes his name, employment opportunities are being curtailed. “That is why public anger is rising,” he said, reported ANI. Mentions MNREGA Bachao protests, alleges unfulfilled assurances Referring to the ongoing MNREGA Bachao protests, the Congress leader said earlier agitations had ended with assurances from the government that were not honoured. “Earlier, the government compromised midway and made promises, but those assurances were never fulfilled. This time, I don’t think people will step back. The government will have to answer for misleading the public,” he said, reported ANI. Alleges neglect of farmers, comments on weakening rupee Wadettiwar also accused the Centre of neglecting farmers, saying it reflected the government’s attitude towards the agrarian community. Commenting on the weakening rupee ahead of the Union Budget, he said the currency had become very weak and claimed the government appeared weaker than the rupee. “The rupee falls when foreign investment declines. The public understands the condition of the country and the government,” he added, reported ANI. Union minister Chouhan hits back at Congress criticism Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week hit back at the Opposition’s criticism of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram G) Act, accusing Congress leaders of spreading misinformation and creating confusion over the legislation. He said it was not “Gandhi’s truth”. Calling the Congress’s nationwide “Bachao MNREGA” campaign misleading, Chouhan said such narratives amounted to a mockery of the truth. He also reiterated that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, persons with disabilities and the poor remain central to the government’s employment commitment. (With inputs from ANI)
27 January,2026 12:01 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAt least eight people were killed and several others went missing after a fire erupted in two adjoining warehouses in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Monday, police said. The blaze in the twin units in the Najirabad area within Narendrapur police station limits, on the outskirts of Kolkata, was brought under control after a seven-hour firefight. However, pockets of fire in certain parts still raged, a senior police officer said. While three badly charred bodies were recovered around 5 pm during a search operation in the adjacent godowns, five more bodies were discovered later, the officer said. Baruipur police district SP Shubhendu Kumar said the identity of the eight deceased could not be ascertained as the bodies were charred beyond recognition. "Whether more people were trapped and killed in the blaze will be known only after the debris is completely cleared and the pockets of fire are completely put out by the fire brigade", he said. Initially, six people were reported missing, but families of those trapped said the number could be more than, 10 as the two warehouses housed labourers employed by a decorating firm and a popular momo chain, police said. Fire services minister Sujit Bose said rescue operations were continuing and that teams were working to douse lingering pockets of fire across different floors of the gutted structures. He said high mast lamps had been installed at the spot. To a question about fire safety rules followed by the management of two units, he said, "While fire audit is conducted twice a year and every loophole is attended to, it is the duty of the owners and company officials to ensure fire safety SOPs are followed in letter and spirit." Asked about him not visiting the disaster site throughout Monday, Basu said, "I had been monitoring the situation since morning. Also, I think our visit to the place is not for demonstrative purposes but to ensure the operation continues in full spirit." Bose referred to the recent case of fire in Goa and insisted that such incidents also happened in other states. Several relatives of the deceased and missing people gathered at the site as dusk fell, approaching fire services and police officers for updates on the rescue efforts. "My uncle, who hails from Tamluk in Purba Medinipur, had been staying in the small rooms inside the godowns. He used to work in a decorating firm. He had last called around 1 am, and now his phone is switched off," said Tanmoy Giri, adding he had been waiting since 9 am. Another youth said that his father came for the night shift at the momo unit but has remained incommunicado since the blaze broke out. All those dead or missing are from Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts. BJP MLA Ashok Dinda, who visited the spot late evening, told reporters several victims belonged to the Moina area in the district of Purba Medinipur. Dinda said he was informed that many labourers of the decorating firm used to stay in the makeshift shelter inside the warehouses, and four of them managed to come out immediately before the flames could spread. He said there could be several others who remained trapped as the main gate was locked at midnight. Earlier in the day, Power Minister Aroop Biswas, who visited the spot, told reporters that only after the thick smoke clears can it be verified whether anyone was trapped inside. "The demolition squad of Kolkata Municipal Corporation had been brought to break the walls to let the smoke out," he said. Twelve fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze, which was reported at 3 am, the official said. The blaze was brought under control around 10 am. The cause of the blaze and the extent of damage are yet to be ascertained, the officer said. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the TMC government of showing "insensitivity and little coordination in disaster management during a fire of such magnitude". "Ministers and senior government and police officials are enjoying the Republic Day holiday and have no concern for the poor. The earlier this government goes, the better," he said. Reacting to Adhikari's remark, Biswas said, "This is not the time to do politics over a human tragedy". Fourteen people were killed when a fire engulfed a hotel in central Kolkata on April 30 last year. 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
27 January,2026 11:36 AM IST | Kolkata | PTIIn a strongly-worded retort in the UNSC, India said it is not normal to tolerate Pakistan's continued use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, as New Delhi hit back at Islamabad's envoy for advancing a "false and self-serving" account of Operation Sindoor. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp response to comments made by Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Ahmad spoke about Operation Sindoor, Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty in his remarks at the UN Security Council open debate on Monday on 'Reaffirming International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism.' Harish said Pakistan, an elected member of the Security Council, has a single-point agenda - to harm India and its people. With Ahmad telling the Council that Pakistan's response to Operation Sindoor "established that there can be no 'new normal' based on coercion or impunity", Delhi slammed Islamabad, with Harish asserting that terrorism can never be normalised as Pakistan wishes to do. "We have heard talk from the Representative of Pakistan about the new normal. Let me reiterate again that terrorism can never be normalised as Pakistan wishes to do. It is not normal to tolerate Pakistan's continued use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy," Harish said, adding that India will do whatever is required to protect and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. "This hallowed chamber cannot become a forum for Pakistan to legitimise terrorism," Harish said. Harish said Pakistan's envoy "advanced a false and self-serving account" of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May last year, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. "The facts on this matter are clear. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians in a brutal attack in Pahalagam in April 2025. This august body itself called for holding the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and brought to justice. That is exactly what we did," Harish said. Harish's reference was to the press statement issued by the Security Council in April last year. In the statement in which the 15-nation body had condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and had "underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice", with the Council stressing that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable. Harish underscored that India's actions in Operation Sindoor were measured, non-escalatory, and responsible, and focused on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists. "Till May 9, Pakistan was threatening more attacks on India. But on May 10, the Pakistani military called our military directly and pleaded for a cessation to the fighting," he said, adding that the destruction caused to multiple Pakistani airbases by the Indian operation, including images of destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars, is in the public domain. Hitting out strongly at Pakistan for raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Harish said Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India. "The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," he said. On the Indus Waters Treaty, Harish said India had entered into the agreement 65 years ago in good faith, in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. "Throughout these six and a half decades, Pakistan has violated the spirit of the Treaty by inflicting three wars and thousands of terror attacks on India. Thousands of Indian lives have been lost in Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks," he said. In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Harish said India was "compelled to finally announce that the Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan, a global epicentre of terror, credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border and all other forms of terrorism."Further, India asserted that Pakistan is well advised to introspect about the rule of law. "It could start by asking itself how it has let its armed forces engineer a constitutional coup through the 27th amendment and giving life-time immunity to its Chief of Defence Forces," a reference to the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed in November last year under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that gives Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir lifelong immunity from any legal prosecution. 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.
27 January,2026 11:30 AM IST | United Nations | PTIA thin layer of smog enveloped several parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) across the national capital recorded at 294, placing it in the "poor" category at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path showed smog lingering over central Delhi. Similar conditions were observed near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, where haze persisted during the early morning hours. Several areas record ‘very poor’ air quality levels As per CPCB data, the AQI near India Gate stood at 240, categorised as "poor". In Pandav Nagar, the AQI was recorded at 362, falling in the "very poor" category. Several air quality monitoring stations across the city reported elevated pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 362, while Ashok Vihar stood at 348. Bawana reported 340, Burari 309, and Chandni Chowk 319. Dwarka Sector 8 and ITO both recorded AQI levels of 312, while Mundka stood at 314. Okhla Phase-2 registered 325, Rohini 359, Punjabi Bagh 337, and Wazirpur 363. Narela recorded an AQI of 286, Alipur 289, and RK Puram 317. IMD forecasts rain and gusty winds during the day Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds during the day. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected during the morning, forenoon, afternoon, evening, and night. The temperature is likely to range between 19 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius. Stage III of GRAP revoked amid improving conditions In a related development, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in view of improved air quality levels and favourable forecast trends. Authorities urge adherence to GRAP norms However, considering the winter season and the possibility of unfavourable weather conditions, authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP framework to prevent further deterioration in air quality. According to AQI classification, values between 0 and 50 are considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
27 January,2026 10:42 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSecurity teams at Cochin International Airport have stopped a major drug smuggling attempt and arrested a foreign national, officials said here on Tuesday. They said around 6 pm on Monday, alert screeners at the Domestic Terminal noticed something wrong with a suitcase belonging to a woman from Togo. The passenger had just arrived from Doha and was planning to fly to Delhi on an Air India flight. When officers took her bag to a separate area for a physical check, they discovered a secret "false bottom" hidden under the lining of the suitcase.Tucked away inside this hidden space were two packets of a banned drug called Methaqualone. The drugs weighed nearly 4 kg and are estimated to be worth about Rs 2 crore. Following the discovery, airport officials immediately handed the woman and the seized packets over to the Customs department.A formal case has been registered against her, and she remained in Customs custody overnight. The Togolese national is scheduled to be presented in court on Tuesday, as officials investigate whether she is part of a larger smuggling network. 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.
27 January,2026 10:19 AM IST | Kochi | PTIMaulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticised the decision to bar non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham, calling it “divisive” and harmful to communal harmony. According to the news agency ANI, he warned that such measures threaten Hindu–Muslim unity and undermine the nation’s social cohesion. Speaking to ANI on Monday, Barelvi said, "A strange spectacle has been created in India by a few people with communal mindsets. Whenever a Hindu festival or fair starts, a signboard is displayed beforehand, indicating that Muslims are not allowed. Recently, at Gangotri Dham, the committee announced that Muslims would not be allowed." "Plans are now underway to implement the same measure at Kedarnath and Badrinath. Such actions and sentiments foster extremist beliefs and empower those who aim to weaken the nation, undermine Hindu-Muslim brotherhood, and sow division in society. These individuals are enemies of society," he said, reported ANI. This comes after a decision taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday that non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand. Following this development, Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), stated that at their upcoming board meeting, they will table a proposal to prohibit non-Hindus from entering the Shri Kedarnath and Shri Badrinath Dhams. Speaking to ANI, the Chairman asserted that these shrines are not tourist destinations but the supreme spiritual centres of Sanatan traditions; hence, the entry of non-Hindus to these sites is a matter of religious faith. "Shri Kedarnath Dham and Shri Badrinath Dham are not tourist destinations. They are the supreme spiritual centres of Sanatan traditions. The question of entry here is not a matter of civil rights, but rather a matter of religious faith," Dwivedi said. He apprised of bringing forward a proposal to completely ban anyone who does not have faith in Sanatan Dharma. Uttarakhand temple committee to bar non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham and Mukhba The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee on Sunday decided to bar non-Hindus from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand, including Mukhba, the deity’s winter residence. The move was approved unanimously during a Sunday meeting, according to Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal, reported ANI. Meanwhile, Hemant Dwivedi, chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, said a proposal to restrict non-Hindu entry to all temples under the committee will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. Separately, the Uttarakhand government is considering limiting non-Hindu access to Haridwar’s 105 ghats, covering 120 sq km, following requests from certain seers and the Ganga Sabha. The state also plans to designate Haridwar and Rishikesh as “sanatan pavitra shehar” (sacred cities). (With ANI inputs)
27 January,2026 09:26 AM IST | Bareilly | mid-day online correspondentBanned Chinese manja claimed another life in Telangana, with a five-year-old girl becoming the latest victim in Hyderabad on Monday. The incident occurred in the Kukatpally area in Telangana when the girl was riding a motorcycle with her father and sister. According to police, the manja of a flying kite got entangled around her neck and caused a deep cut. Nishvika Aditya (5) died on the spot due to profuse bleeding. She was sitting in front of her father, who was driving the bike while her sister was riding pillion. They were coming to Kukatpally from Khajipalli in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Police registered a case and took up the investigation. This is the second such incident in Telangana in less than two weeks. A 35-year-old man in Sangareddy district lost his life in a similar incident on January 14. Avidesh, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, was riding a motorcycle when the manja got entangled around his neck. He suffered a deep cut and died on the spot. More than a dozen people were injured by Chinese manja in Hyderabad and its outskirts this month. The injured included an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a 70-year-old woman. In 2024, a Naik-rank officer of the Indian Army died after his throat was slit by a Chinese manja in Hyderabad. Kagithala Koteswar Reddy (30), a native of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, succumbed at a hospital. The incident took place when he was riding a scooter on the Indra Reddy flyover in the Langar Houz area. Despite the ban, Chinese manja was used rampantly for flying kites during the recent Sankranti festival season. Hyderabad Police had launched a special drive against Chinese manja (synthetic/nylon kite string) to curb its sale, storage, and transportation in the city. From January 8 to January 11, the police seized 2,150 bobbins of Chinese manja worth Rs 43 lakh. The police registered 29 cases against those involved in the sale and arrested 57 people. During the last one month, police registered 132 cases and seized 8,376 bobbins worth Rs 1.68 crore. A total of 200 people were arrested. 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
27 January,2026 07:11 AM IST | Hyderabad | IANSAn Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district came under fire from armed insurgents on Monday, triggering a fierce exchange of fire, officials said. According to sources, the COB located at Ranglum village in Changlang district was fired upon from multiple directions. The remote border village lies close to the India-Myanmar border, near international border pillar number 168. Assam Rifles troops retaliated effectively, and the counter-insurgency operation is still underway, the sources said, adding that no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far from either side. Additional forces have been deployed in and around the area, while the region has been cordoned off and the operation further intensified to neutralise the armed insurgents. A senior police official said that police teams have rushed to the border areas to gather further details. However, the identity of the militant group involved is yet to be confirmed, as detailed information is awaited from the Assam Rifles. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-km unfenced border with Myanmar, making the region vulnerable to cross-border insurgent movements. Meanwhile, security agencies recalled that a few months ago, militants of the NSCN-K (YA) faction had launched a standoff attack on the Hedman Camp in Changlang district, which was successfully foiled due to an instant and swift response by alert troops. Subsequently, ULFA (Independent) extremists attempted a similar attack on the Kakopathar Camp in Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. The attack was repulsed, resulting in casualties among the insurgents and the apprehension of an Over Ground Worker (OGW) involved in the plot. Following those incidents, Assam Rifles intensified counter-insurgency operations by activating an extensive security grid supported by modern surveillance assets, drones, and intelligence-based high-tech teams. The heightened operations culminated in a successful ambush at the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area in Namsai district of south Arunachal Pradesh, leading to the neutralisation of one ULFA (I) cadre and the recovery of warlike stores. During a subsequent search operation, security forces recovered the body of a militant identified as Iwon Axom, a self-styled Sergeant Major of ULFA (I). One rifle, one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) round, and three rucksacks were also recovered from the spot. Sources said that such rapid and precise actions have repeatedly foiled insurgent attempts and helped maintain the morale dominance of security forces across the region. The Assam Rifles’ steadfast role, professional planning, and resolute execution continue to uphold peace and stability in the Northeast, reaffirming their legacy as the “Sentinels of the North East,” the sources added. 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
27 January,2026 07:08 AM IST | Itanagar | IANSPresident Droupadi Murmu on Monday hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, bringing together prominent dignitaries to mark the conclusion of the day’s celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and several other distinguished guests attended the reception. The ‘At Home’ event is a long-standing tradition held every year on Republic Day to commemorate the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950. This year’s reception carried added significance with the presence of the two European leaders, who had earlier served as joint Chief Guests at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. Their participation highlighted the strengthening ties between India and the European Union. Discussions on trade, security, and multilateral cooperation are expected to continue during the 16th EU-India Summit scheduled for January 27. The invitation for the reception featured artistic elements inspired by the cultural heritage and diversity of India’s North-Eastern states. Guests gathered in the historic setting of Rashtrapati Bhavan, exchanging greetings and reflecting on the day’s events. Earlier, the Republic Day parade showcased India’s military capabilities, cultural diversity, and commitment to self-reliance through various tableaux and performances. The reception offered an opportunity for informal interactions among India’s leadership and international partners, reinforcing bonds of friendship and cooperation. Vice President Radhakrishnan, who had earlier extended Republic Day greetings emphasising India’s democratic values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, joined Prime Minister Modi in welcoming those present. The evening event reflected the inclusive spirit of the Republic, blending long-standing traditions with contemporary diplomatic engagement. As India continues its journey as the world's largest democracy, the ‘At Home’ reception provided a warm and fitting conclusion to a day marked by patriotic pride, unity, and optimism for the future. 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
27 January,2026 07:06 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi shared highlights from the 77th Republic Day celebrations held at Kartavya Path in the National Capital, emphasising the importance of strengthening constitutional values and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat. In a post on X on Monday, the Prime Minister shared a video capturing key moments from the Republic Day parade and captioned it, "Here are the highlights from the Republic Day celebrations 2026. May we always keep strengthening Constitutional values and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat." India's enormous cultural diversity, growing capabilities across domains, and military prowess were on display in the parade as people in Delhi and other parts of the country celebrated the Republic Day with enthusiasm at Kartavya Path. Here are the highlights from the Republic Day celebrations 2026. May we always keep strengthening Constitutional values and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/Hm1t3JiYLo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026 The President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, were Chief Guests at the celebrations. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations and took the salute of the parade on Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, which was decked up for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan reflected on the 'At Home' reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion. In a post on X, the Vice President shared photographs from the reception with the Prime Minister, the President, and the Chief Guests, including the President wearing the traditional Indian Patka. He wrote, "Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 'At Home' reception hosted by the Hon'ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, in honour of the Chief Guests, the President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen at Rashtrapati Bhavan today." Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, in honour of the Chief Guests, the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, and the President of the… pic.twitter.com/KcmmUCMZmh — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 26, 2026 Meanwhile, the official X handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan, shedding light on the reception, stated, "President Droupadi Murmu hosted 'At Home' reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, attended the reception." The post further added, "Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and in Lok Sabha, eminent citizens who have made remarkable contributions in different fields and beneficiaries of various developmental programmes of the Government were also present on the occasion. The guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements as well as the cuisine of the North Eastern states of India." 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
27 January,2026 06:53 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1769495286286_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Modi hails India-EU trade deal as the")
-1769487631090_d.png "India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the UN Security Council. Representational Pic")
-1769488693330_d.png "Togolese woman held with four kg Methaqualone at Cochin airport. Representational Pic")
