Against the backdrop of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, as well as Republic Day 2026, the Kagal State Excise Department n Kolhapur has delivered a major blow to liquor smugglers, officials said. According to the officials, raids were conducted on two illegal factories in Goa that were manufacturing country liquor using fake Maharashtra labels, exposing an interstate spurious liquor racket. In this operation, liquor and related materials worth approximately Rs 1.32 crore were sealed. This is one of the largest and most significant actions taken to date by the Maharashtra State Excise Department against the fraudulent manufacture of the country liquor brand “Santra” in Goa. For an in-depth investigation, Kagal Excise Inspector Shankar Amberkar personally visited Goa and conducted the probe. During the investigation, two companies involved in manufacturing labels, bottle caps, and boxes used for producing spurious liquor, as well as two companies, “Cans” and “Vijaya”, engaged in fake labelling and packaging for Maharashtra, were sealed with the permission of the State Excise Commissioner. Conveyor belt used for making fake bottle caps for liquor Additionally, a conveyor belt used for manufacturing bottle caps for liquor sent from Goa to Maharashtra, along with caps, labels, boxes, and other materials connected with the offence, was seized. Notably, during investigations, direct entry into another state to seal factories is generally avoided. However, after completing all legal formalities, Inspector Amberkar carried out firm action by visiting Goa, due to which the case has also drawn the attention of the Goa-based media. This operation is being regarded as the most decisive and effective action ever undertaken by the Kolhapur division. For the current financial year, the State Excise Department has set a revenue target of Rs 40,000 crore. Considering that the liquor bearing fake Maharashtra labels was illegally brought into the state from Goa, the government would have suffered a revenue loss running into crores of rupees, according to official sources. This action was carried out under the orders of State Excise Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh and Kolhapur Divisional Deputy Commissioner Vijay Chinchalkar, under the guidance of Kolhapur District Superintendent Mrs Snehalata Narawane and Deputy Superintendent Yuvraj Shinde. The operation was executed by Kagal Inspector Shankar Amberkar with the cooperation of Inspector Pramod Kharat’s team. Those who participated in the action include Sub-Inspector Ajitkumar Nayakude, Constable Sachin Kalel, Sub-Inspector Ramesh Chandure, Diwakar Waydande, Assistant Sub-Inspector Dinkar Gawali, Lakshman Yedge and Sandeep Jankar. Further investigation in the case is being conducted by Inspector Shankar Amberkar. Due to this firm action by the State Excise Department, those involved in spurious liquor manufacturing and smuggling have received a major setback, and this investigation is expected to prove a milestone in controlling such illegal rackets.
25 January,2026 11:28 PM IST | Kolhapur | Samiullah KhanGovernment on Sunday announced that Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be conferred the Ashok Chakra, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will receive the Kirti Chakra. Ahead of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry awards on 70 Armed Forces personnel for displaying exceptional courage, devotion to duty and sacrifice in the defence of the nation. Six of these awards will be given posthumously. The gallantry awards include one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumous), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (five posthumous), six Nau Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). The Ashok Chakra, to be awarded to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is the country’s highest peacetime gallantry honour. Shukla travelled to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission and undertook his space flight in 2025. After Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, he became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space. He has been honoured for displaying exceptional courage, swift decision-making and unwavering commitment to duty during the mission. During his stay in space, Shukla conducted several research experiments and also carried out agricultural trials. He successfully cultivated fenugreek and mung beans in space. Experts believe his journey will inspire future generations, demonstrating that no goal is unattainable with determination and inner strength. Despite extremely challenging conditions, he ensured the successful completion of the mission. His professional excellence, leadership and calm decision-making have been recognised through this prestigious honour. His achievement is being seen as a matter of pride for the Indian Air Force and the nation, while his courage and dedication continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the youth. Meanwhile, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who has been awarded the Kirti Chakra, is a distinguished fighter test pilot. He is among the four astronauts selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. As an Air Force pilot, he has logged over 3,000 flying hours. He also served as a backup crew member for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Since 2019, he has been training in collaboration with ISRO under the Gaganyaan programme. Nair is a recipient of the ‘Sword of Honour’ and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 19, 1998. In addition, Navy Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. have been selected for the Shaurya Chakra. The two women officers successfully completed the Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition aboard INSV Tarini. The naval expedition, conducted between October 2, 2024, and May 29, 2025, saw both officers complete a historic circumnavigation of the globe through dual-handed sailing, marking a pioneering achievement in Indian maritime history. 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 11:20 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe President of India on Sunday approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards 2026. Among the notable awardees are veteran actor Dharmendra, industrialist Uday Kotak, former tennis star Vijay Amritraj, and cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, who have been honoured for their outstanding achievements and service. The awards will be presented at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan later. The awards, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, will be conferred by the President. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday announced that the President of India has approved 131 Padma Awards for 2026, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The awards will be conferred in three categories, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, recognising distinguished service across a wide range of fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service. The awards are traditionally announced on Republic Day and presented by the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April. Padma Awards 2026 list includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri. According to the list, a total of 19 women have been selected, along with 16 posthumous awardees. The list also includes six foreigners or persons of Indian origin (NRI/PIO/OCI). Additionally, there are two duo awards, where the honour is counted as one. The Padma Vibhushan for 2026 includes - Name Filed State Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra K T Thomas Public Affairs Kerala N Rajam Art Uttar Pradesh P Narayanan Literature and Education Kerala V S Achuthanandhan (Posthumous) Public Affairs Kerala Padma Bhushan awardees include Name Filed State Alka Yagnik Art Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari Public Affairs Uttarakhand Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy Medicine Tamil Nadu Mammootty Art Kerala Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu Medicine United States of America Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra S K M Maeilanandhan Social Work Tamil Nadu Shatavadhani R Ganesh Art Karnataka Shibu Soren (Posthumous) Public Affairs Jharkhand Uday Kotak Trade and Industry Maharashtra V K Malhotra (Posthumous) Public Affairs Delhi Vellappally Natesan Public Affairs Kerala Vijay Amritraj Sports United States of America Complete list of Padma Shri awardees Name Filed State A E Muthunayagam Science and Engineering Kerala Anil Kumar Rastogi Art Uttar Pradesh Anke Gowda M. Social Work Karnataka Armida Fernandez Medicine Maharashtra Arvind Vaidya Art Gujarat Ashok Khade Trade and Industry Maharashtra Ashok Kumar Singh Science and Engineering Uttar Pradesh Asok Kumar Haldar Literature and Education West Bengal Baldev Singh Sports Punjab Bhagwandas Raikwar Sports Madhya Pradesh Bharat Singh Bharti Art Bihar Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda Art Maharashtra Bishwa Bandhu (Posthumous) Art Bihar Brij Lal Bhat Social Work Jammu and Kashmir Buddha Rashmi Mani Others - Archaeology Uttar Pradesh Dr. Budhri Tati Social Work Chhattisgarh Chandramouli Gaddamanugu Science and Engineering Telangana Charan Hembram Literature and Education Odisha Chiranji Lal Yadav Art Uttar Pradesh Deepika Reddy Art Telangana Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya Art Gujarat Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad Art Andhra Pradesh Gafruddin Mewati Jogi Art Rajasthan Gambir Singh Yonzone Literature and Education West Bengal Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (Posthumous) Art Andhra Pradesh Gayatri Balasubramanian & Ranjani Balasubramanian (Duo) Art Tamil Nadu Gopal Ji Trivedi Science and Engineering Bihar Guduru Venkat Rao Medicine Telangana H V Hande Medicine Tamil Nadu Hally War Social Work Meghalaya Hari Madhab Mukhopadhyay (Posthumous) Art West Bengal Haricharan Saikia Art Assam Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar Sports Punjab Inderjit Singh Sidhu Social Work Chandigarh Janardan Bapurao Bothe Social Work Maharashtra Jogesh Deuri Others - Agriculture Assam Juzer Vasi Science and Engineering Maharashtra Jyotish Debnath Art West Bengal K Pajanivel Sports Puducherry K Ramasamy Science and Engineering Tamil Nadu K Vijay Kumar Civil Service Tamil Nadu Kabindra Purkayastha (Posthumous) Public Affairs Assam Kailash Chandra Pant Literature and Education Madhya Pradesh Kalamandalam Vimala Menon Art Kerala Kewal Krishan Thakral Medicine Uttar Pradesh Khem Raj Sundriyal Art Haryana Kollakal Devaki Amma G Social Work Kerala Krishnamurty Balasubramanian Science and Engineering Telangana Kumar Bose Art West Bengal Kumarasamy Thangaraj Science and Engineering Telangana Prof. (Dr.) Lars-Christian Koch Art Germany Liudmila Viktorovna Khokhlova Literature and Education Russia Madhavan Ranganathan Art Maharashtra Maganti Murali Mohan Art Andhra Pradesh Mahendra Kumar Mishra Literature and Education Odisha Mahendra Nath Roy Literature and Education West Bengal Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar Literature and Education Delhi Mangala Kapoor Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai Art Gujarat Mohan Nagar Social Work Madhya Pradesh Narayan Vyas Others - Archaeology Madhya Pradesh Naresh Chandra Dev Varma Literature and Education Tripura Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala Social Work Gujarat Nuruddin Ahmed Art Assam Othuvaar Thiruthani Swaminathan Art Tamil Nadu Dr. Padma Gurmet Medicine Ladakh Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy Medicine Telangana Pokhila Lekthepi Art Assam Dr. Prabhakar Basavprabhu Kore Literature and Education Karnataka Prateek Sharma Medicine United States of America Praveen Kumar Sports Uttar Pradesh Prem Lal Gautam Science and Engineering Himachal Pradesh Prosenjit Chatterjee Art West Bengal Dr. Punniamurthy Natesan Medicine Tamil Nadu R Krishnan (Posthumous) Art Tamil Nadu R V S Mani Civil Service Delhi Rabilal Tudu Literature and Education West Bengal Raghupat Singh (Posthumous) Others - Agriculture Uttar Pradesh Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar Art Maharashtra Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar Art Tamil Nadu Rajendra Prasad Medicine Uttar Pradesh Rama Reddy Mamidi (Posthumous) Others - Animal Husbandry Telangana Ramamurthy Sreedher Others - Radio Broadcasting Delhi Ramchandra Godbole & Ms. Suneeta Godbole (Duo) Medicine Chhattisgarh Ratilal Borisagar Literature and Education Gujarat Rohit Sharma Sports Maharashtra S G Susheelamma Social Work Karnataka Sangyusang S Pongener Art Nagaland Sant Niranjan Dass Others - Spiritualism Punjab Sarat Kumar Patra Art Odisha Saroj Mandal Medicine West Bengal Satish Shah (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra Satyanarayan Nuwal Trade and Industry Maharashtra Savita Punia Sports Haryana Prof. Shafi Shauq Literature and Education Jammu and Kashmir Shashi Shekhar Vempati Literature and Education Karnataka Shrirang Devaba Lad Others - Agriculture Maharashtra Shubha Venkatesha Iyengar Science and Engineering Karnataka Shyam Sundar Medicine Uttar Pradesh Simanchal Patro Art Odisha Sivasankari Literature and Education Tamil Nadu Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi Medicine Karnataka Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj Social Work Rajasthan T T Jagannathan (Posthumous) Trade and Industry Karnataka Taga Ram Bheel Art Rajasthan Tarun Bhattacharya Art West Bengal Techi Gubin Social Work Arunachal Pradesh Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam Art Tamil Nadu Tripti Mukherjee Art West Bengal Veezhinathan Kamakoti Science and Engineering Tamil Nadu Vempaty Kutumba Sastry Literature and Education Andhra Pradesh Vladimer Mestvirishvili (Posthumous) Sports Georgia Yumnam Jatra Singh (Posthumous) Art Manipur About the Padma awards Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honours. They recognise individuals for exceptional service and contributions in their fields. The awards are announced on Republic Day and are presented by the President at a formal ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan.
25 January,2026 11:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and is moving towards achieving its goal of becoming the third-largest economy in the near future, despite global uncertainties. In her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, she said the country is recording continuous economic growth, driven by large-scale investments in world-class infrastructure and guided by the principles of 'atmanirbharata' and 'swadeshi'. "By investing in the creation of world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength at a much larger scale," she said, adding that India is shaping its economic destiny through self-reliance and indigenous capabilities. Highlighting key economic reforms, the President said the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the most significant decision for economic integration after Independence, establishing the framework of "One Nation, One Market". She noted that recent decisions to make the GST system more effective would further strengthen the economy. The President also underlined the importance of labour reforms, saying the four Labour Codes issued by the government would benefit workers and accelerate enterprise development. She said the Republic Day was an occasion to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and urged citizens to work together with the resolve of "Nation First" to make the Republic more glorious. She extended Republic Day greetings to the people and expressed confidence that their lives would be filled with happiness, peace, security and harmony. 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 10:00 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress and other political leaders on Sunday expressed grief over the death of veteran journalist Mark Tully and hailed him as a towering voice of journalism. Veteran BBC correspondent Mark Tully, widely known as the broadcaster’s “voice of India”, died at the age of 90, the BBC confirmed on Sunday. He passed away in New Delhi, the city that remained his home for much of his life. "Saddened by the passing of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism. His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works," the prime minister said in a post on X. "His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse. Condolences to his family, friends and many admirers," Modi said.Tully, 90, breathed his last in a Delhi hospital on Sunday afternoon. Saddened by the passing of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism. His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works. His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse. Condolences to his family, friends and many… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2026 Born in India in 1935 during British rule, Tully built both his personal life and professional career in the country. Over the decades, he became one of the most recognised foreign journalists in India, respected for his deep understanding of the region and its people. Congress leader expresses grief Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday paid tribute to Mark Tully, recalling his lasting influence on generations of Indians who grew up listening to his voice and reading his books. In a message shared on social media, Khera said many, including himself, had grown up with Tully’s journalism and later found a deeper connection to him. He noted that he came to live in the same locality where Tully had resided for years, a place the journalist had grown to love. Describing Tully as a respected figure in Indian public life, Khera bid him farewell, saying, “Travel well, Padma Shri Sir Mark Tully,” and expressed his condolences following the veteran journalist’s passing. Many like me, grew up listening to his voice, reading his books. I ended up living in the very locality in which he lived for years and fell in love with. Travel well, Padma Shri Sir Mark Tully. #RIP pic.twitter.com/uV8ROeaEYh — Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) January 25, 2026 Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also expressed grief and wrote on X, "Sad to hear about the passing of veteran journalist and author Mark Tully. A delightful man and a journalist who told the story like very few others did. Deep condolences." Mamata Banerjee condoles death of Tully West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed grief over his death. In a post on social media, she described Tully as a celebrated newsman who was deeply connected to India and regarded as one of the country’s own. Recalling his long association with India, Banerjee said the Calcutta-born journalist worked with the BBC to cover the country and had a deep affection for its people and culture. She added that he was admired by generations of viewers. Saddened by the demise of the famous journalist Mark Tully. The Calcutta-born newsman worked for BBC to cover India, and he famously loved India to embrace India. We saw him as one of our own.My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 25, 2026 The Chief Minister extended her condolences to Tully’s family, friends and his many admirers, mourning the loss of a respected voice in journalism. Hardeep Singh Puri pays tribute to Tully Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also expressed sorrow over Tully's death, remembering him as a voice that defined news for generations across the Indian subcontinent. In a message shared on social media, Puri said Tully’s calm and distinctive voice had become synonymous with credible journalism. He noted that as the BBC’s long-serving correspondent and bureau chief in India, the Kolkata-born journalist reported on many of the most significant moments in the region’s history. Deeply saddened by the demise of the celebrated journalist and author Mark Tully.For generations across our subcontinent, his calm and unmistakable voice was synonymous with news. As the BBC’s long-time correspondent and bureau chief in India, the Kolkata born Tully reported on… pic.twitter.com/sl37uhyfC1 — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) January 25, 2026 Honours and recognition Tully received the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honours, awards rarely given to foreign nationals. In 2002, he was knighted by Britain for his services to broadcasting and journalism — an honour he later described as “an honour to India”.
25 January,2026 09:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentVeteran BBC correspondent Mark Tully, known to millions as the broadcaster's "voice of India" for covering defining moments across the subcontinent, died on Sunday aged 90, the BBC said. Born in India in 1935 under British rule, he made the country his home and his career, becoming arguably the best-known foreign correspondent in the country. "Sir Mark opened India to the world through his reporting, bringing the vibrancy and diversity of the country to audiences in the UK and around the world," BBC News interim chief Jonathan Munro said in a statement. Tully, who died in New Delhi, covered the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war and the demolition of the Mughal-era Babri mosque in Uttar Pradesh in 1992. "For generations across our subcontinent, his calm and unmistakable voice was synonymous with news," Hardeep Singh Puri, India's petroleum minister said in a statement, adding he was "deeply saddened". "Kolkata-born Tully reported on some of the most defining moments in the region's history," he added. The Times of India called him "a chronicler of India and an acclaimed author". Tully studied theology at Cambridge University before joining a seminary. But he returned to India in 1965, joining the BBC in New Delhi as an office administrator. After a brief stint in London at the BBC's Hindi and World Service, he was appointed the public broadcaster's correspondent in New Delhi in 1971. Tully was named bureau chief a few years later, overseeing coverage of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka — a position he held for two decades. He resigned from the BBC in 1994 after criticising the then director general John Birt, denouncing the "revolution" taking place at the corporation, beginning with a "sweeping attack on the BBC's journalism". Tully was awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, among India's highest civilian honours, and rarely bestowed on foreigners. Britain also knighted him for his services to broadcasting and journalism in 2002 - a recognition Tully would later describe as "an honour to 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
25 January,2026 09:22 PM IST | New Delhi | AFPAll India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning governors into instruments to harass opposition-ruled states. Kharge, while slamming the BJP, alleged that a new pattern of direct interference from the Centre has been troubling the Congress-run states. While addressing a large rally in Hubballi on Saturday, Kharge alleged that governors are now receiving instructions directly from the central government to trouble non-BJP governments, reported ANI. Kharge said, "BJP has taken governors under their control. They're causing trouble through governors. Except in BJP states, governors are harassing others everywhere," as per ANI. Dismissing BJP's claims of political dominance, he added, "You're not permanent; this country is. They prioritise RSS and BJP first, then the nation. Teach such people a lesson in elections." Hailing the Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We have empowered people with rights. But Modi is bringing laws to snatch those rights," as per ANI. The Congress chief rallied the crowd with a spirited call, saying, "Shout 'Jai Hind' loudly! If it reaches the skies, it will reach Modi too." Congress criticises BJP’s interference through constitutional authorities. The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Karnataka, with Congress intensifying its criticism of central interference through constitutional authorities. Congress chief Kharge pays tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Meanwhile, Kharge also paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 129th birth anniversary. While taking it to social media platform X, he said, "On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, former Congress president, and our source of inspiration, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who awakened patriotism and revolutionary spirit among his countrymen through powerful slogans like 'Jai Hind' and 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi doonga', we pay him our heartfelt tributes." The Congress chief also added, "His unparalleled love and devotion to the motherland, along with his unwavering opposition to communalism, continue to inspire us all to serve the nation," as per ANI. Congress President Kharge, hailing Netaji Bose, also said, “Netaji Bose is remembered for his revolutionary leadership and enduring impact on India's independence movement.” (With inputs from ANI)
25 January,2026 07:14 PM IST | Hubballi | mid-day online correspondentOn 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 |ADVERTISEMENT
