Sun Jan 26 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India Celebrates Republic Day with Military Display and Cultural Showcase

**New Delhi, January 26, 2025** – India marked its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing its military might and cultural heritage along Kartavya Path. The celebrations also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment, symbolically blending tradition (“virasat”) and progress (“vikas”).

President Droupadi Murmu, in her eve-of-Republic-Day address, lauded the proposed “One Nation, One Election” initiative, predicting it would streamline governance, curb policy paralysis, and reduce financial burdens.

This year’s celebrations included the conferring of Padma Vibhushan awards, with notable recipients including former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest, reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security. Mr. Subianto announced Indonesia would send a high-level defense delegation to India following “very intensive and very frank” bilateral talks.

In other news:

* **Delhi Elections:** Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
* **Gaza Reconstruction:** Palestine’s acting ambassador urged India to play a key role in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
* **Congo Conflict:** Nine South African soldiers were killed in eastern Congo as fighting intensified.
* **Gallantry Awards:** Ninety-three Gallantry Awards, including two Kirti Chakras and 14 Shaurya Chakras, were presented to Armed Forces and CAPF personnel.
* **Uniform Civil Code:** Uttarakhand will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 27th.
* **Vande Bharat Express:** The Vande Bharat Express reached Kashmir for the first time, marking a significant transportation milestone.
* **North Korea Missile Test:** North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile test.
* **India-England Cricket:** India beat England in the second T20I match, thanks to a stellar performance by Tilak Varma.

The Republic Day celebrations were a significant display of India’s strength and cultural richness, occurring against a backdrop of both domestic political activity and international developments.

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