India

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand military parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing missiles, indigenous weapon systems and new formations. President Droupadi Murmu led celebrations themed on “Vande Mataram,” with EU leaders attending as chief guests

Reliance Industries halted Russian crude purchases in January as Indian state refiners boosted imports amid steep discounts. IOC and BPCL raised intake, while Nayara Energy continued heavy buying, reflecting shifts driven by sanctions, pricing and evolving supply channels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on the 77th Republic Day, laying a wreath and observing silence. The ceremony honoured martyrs from multiple wars, with top defence leadership present

Eleven security personnel were injured when Maoist-planted IEDs exploded during an anti-Naxalite operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. Most injured belong to the DRG, with one CoBRA commando hurt, as forces continue operations in Maoist strongholds

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at Republic Day celebrations, honouring his historic achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 mission

Republic Day Parade enclosures along Kartavya Path have been uniquely named after Indian rivers, replacing VVIP labels. Musical instruments will name Beating Retreat enclosures, reflecting cultural themes as celebrations highlight the sesquicentenary of “Vande Mataram"

Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce to record highs amid global uncertainty, while silver crossed $100. Analysts cite strong safe-haven demand, central bank buying and supportive liquidity, maintaining a bullish outlook for precious metals through 2026 despite brief corrections

CINIC hosted a one-day GenAI micro film hackathon in Hyderabad, where over 60 shortlisted participants created 90-second films within six hours using AI tools, exploring the future of technology-driven storytelling

Forty-seven villages in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-affected Bastar region celebrated Republic Day for the first time, unfurling the Tricolour amid improved security, growing public trust and expanding development, marking a milestone in democratic restoration

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi extended Republic Day greetings, honouring fallen heroes and reaffirming the Army’s commitment to national security, while the force showcased its discipline and preparedness during Republic Day parade rehearsals

Five US states have proclaimed January 26, 2026, as India’s Republic Day, recognising the adoption of India’s Constitution, shared democratic values and the growing contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to cultural and economic life.

Sainyam of Chandigarh and Gaurav Kumar of Uttar Pradesh won the women’s and men’s 10m Air Pistol Trial 2 finals at the National Selection Trials in New Delhi. Rhythm Sangwan and Yogesh Kumar finished second, while Meenu Pathak and Harsh Swami took third

World Champion D Gukesh lost to Anish Giri in round 7 of Tata Steel Masters, while Arjun Erigaisi and Aravindh Chithambaram also suffered defeats. Nodirbek Abdusattorov leads with 5.5 points, as Indians struggle in the prestigious chess event

Tiigers of Kolkata defeated Falcon Risers Hyderabad by 13 runs in ISPL Season 3 at Surat. Saif Ali’s 61 powered Kolkata to 119/4, while Shivam Kumar and Firdos Alam starred with the ball to restrict Hyderabad to 106/6

Former BCCI president IS Bindra, who transformed cricket marketing and played a key role in organising the 1987 World Cup, passed away in New Delhi at 84. He also served as Punjab Cricket Association president for decades

Sonali Mondal scored a brilliant hat-trick as India defeated Sri Lanka 5-2 to finish runner-up at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Bangkok. Mithila Ramani and Pooja Gupta added goals, while Bangladesh claimed the overall title

Teen racers Ishaan Madesh and Sai Shiva Sankaran clinched the Formula 2000 and Formula 1600 titles at the Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 in Chennai. Other winners included Biren Pithawalla, Joel Joseph, Aman Nagdev and Tarushi Vikram across categories

At its best, slow home is not about consumption; it’s about deceleration, an act of resistance

BCB’s confrontational stance has exposed deep fear and frustration within Bangladesh cricket

Abhishek Sharma’s stunning 12-ball fifty and Suryakumar Yadav’s fluent 57 not out powered India to an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Guwahati. Bishnoi and Bumrah starred with the ball as India sealed the series 3-0

Ranchi Royals defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-2 in qualifier 2 of the Hockey India League 2026 at Bhubaneswar. Tom Boon’s hat-trick sealed the win, setting up a final clash against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers. Amandeep Lakra and Jacob Anderson scored for Toofans

Vamshi Kumar will captain Osmania University in the South Zone inter-university cricket tournament starting January 27 in Mysuru. The squad includes Paras Raj, Kunal Daswani, Anivith Reddy and others, with N Surya Teja as coach

Telangana’s Nayana Sri Talluri clinched her second gold medal at the Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh, winning the 1000m short track event. She became the third skater to secure two individual golds, highlighting India’s rising ice skating talent

Uttarakhand defeated Hyderabad by one wicket in the BCCI Senior women’s one-day practice match at AOC Ground. Despite Drithi Kesari’s brilliant 5/44, Hyderabad’s 144 was chased down as Nandini Kashyap scored 39 to guide Uttarakhand home