Will the national capital breathe free in 2026? Experts weigh in

On this special report, India Today’s Piyush Mishra provides a detailed breakdown of the Padma Awards announced on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 131 individuals have been honoured across various categories, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Mishra highlights that 'The biggest name which we can see and which is also the first number is Narendra Modi, who has also been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.' The list features prominent figures such as veteran politician Shibu Soren, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his work with tribals in Jharkhand, and former cricket captain Rohit Sharma in the sports category. Other notable awardees mentioned include singer Alka Yagnik, politician V.K. Malhotra, and actor Dharmendra Deol. The awards recognise lifelong contributions in fields ranging from medicine and art to public affairs and literature, including several individuals of Indian origin and foreign nationals from Russia and Germany.

In this exclusive interaction, veteran theatre personality and scientist Anil Kumar Rastogi expresses his 'great satisfaction and happiness' upon being conferred with the Padma Award. Rastogi, who retired as the Head of the Biochemistry Department at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) after 41 years of service, discusses his transition from a career in science to his lifelong passion for theatre. Having performed in over a thousand shows and recently completing his 100th play, he highlights the significance of national recognition despite having previously received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kalidas Samman, and Yash Bharti. Rastogi also reflects on the posthumous Padma Vibhushan awarded to the late actor Mithun Chakraborty (referred to as Dharmendra in the transcript context of iconic status), noting that such legends deserve the highest honours for their immense contribution to Indian cinema. The interview captures the joy of a veteran whose dual contributions to science and the performing arts have finally been celebrated at the highest level by the government.

The death of software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in an unbarricaded construction pit in Noida’s Sector 150 was not just a tragic mishap.

On this Special Report, India Today's Shivani Sharma provides details on the high-profile visit of European Union leaders to India. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have arrived in New Delhi, where they were accorded a red carpet welcome and a Guard of Honour. Shivani Sharma notes that the visit is extremely crucial as both sides work towards a free trade agreement, described as the 'mother of all deals', which could create a market for 2 billion people. The EU leaders will attend the 77th Republic Day Parade as chief guests and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, technology, and security. The report also highlights the geopolitical context, including the impact of US trade measures and tariffs. The Ministry of External Affairs has described this engagement as a new phase of the India-EU strategic partnership based on shared values and mutual trust.