India's Republic Day, celebrated annually on January 26th, holds immense national significance as it commemorates the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. This transition marked India's status as a republic, completing its transition towards becoming an independent country after its long struggle for freedom from British rule.
The main Republic Day celebration is held in New Delhi at the Kartavya Path, formally called Rajpath, before the President of India. This grand event showcases India's defense capability, cultural and social heritage. The President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, presides over the parade. The ceremony begins with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, in memory of all soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The highlight of the parade is the marching contingents from various arms of the military, paramilitary forces, and police. Cultural tableaux from different states reflecting the diversity of India, performances by school children, and the breathtaking motorcycle stunts by military personnel are other attractions.
Republic Day also sees the distribution of national awards such as Padma Awards and bravery medals. The event fosters a sense of national pride and unity, reflecting India's journey as a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. It's a day that reminds Indians of their country's rich cultural heritage and the sacrifices of their forefathers in the freedom struggle.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent.
In this Get Real India segment, watch this story from Uttarakhand's Kotwar, where Bajrang Dal workers targeted a school uniform shop over its name, demanding that Baba be removed from the name.
This news bulletin reports on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's sharp criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Dibrugarh, Assam. Shah accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of disrespecting North-Eastern culture by allegedly refusing to wear a 'gamosa'—a traditional Assamese cloth of deep cultural significance—presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Republic Day reception. Shah claimed that while every other dignitary accepted the 'gamosa' as a mark of respect, Rahul Gandhi did not. The Home Minister further 'vowed that as long as the BJP is in power, it will not allow any insult to the North-East culture.' The report highlights the escalating political tension over the incident, noting that it remains to be seen how the Congress leader will respond to these allegations regarding the cultural symbol of Assam.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting the North-East. Amit Shah stated that Rahul Gandhi disrespected the region by 'refusing to wear the gamosa that was presented to him by President Draupadi Murmu' during the at-home reception hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day. The incident has become the latest flashpoint between the two parties, with the BJP alleging a pattern of disregard for North-Eastern culture. While the Congress has yet to issue an official response to these specific claims, the report explores the details of the event where an Assamese delegation presented the traditional scarves to all delegates. The programme examines the political implications of this confrontation and the significance of the gamosa as a cultural symbol of the North-East.
In this special edition of 5 Live, the focus is on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, which marked the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.
On this special edition of Five Live, Sonal and Gaurav Sawant provide live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant highlights the 'major change' in the musical repertoire, noting, 'There’s a lot of decolonization as the government puts it. More Hindi music, instrumental music, Saare Jahan Se Achha of course remains.' The programme captures the arrival of President Draupadi Murmu, escorted by the elite President's Bodyguard, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The report details the shift from British-era hymns to Indian instruments like the Mridangam and Tabla, and the historic renaming of Darbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular lighting display of the North Block, South Block, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising a modern, self-reliant India proud of its indigenous cultural heritage and military discipline.
Bands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and paramilitary enthralled the audiences with an array of foot-tapping melodies, including 'Vande Mataram', 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja', 'Vijay Bharat', 'Sitare Hind' and 'Brave Warrior', at the Beating Retreat ceremony at Delhi's Vijay Chowk on Thursday.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides expert commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations. Sawant highlights the significant shift towards 'decolonization' in the ceremony's music, noting that 'there's a lot of decolonization as the government puts it more Hindi music instrumental music started'. He explains the historical transition from the first ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II to the modern-day event presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. The report details the elite nature of the President's Bodyguard, describing them as paratroopers and tankmen who have served in major operations from the 1971 war to Siachen and Kargil. As Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive the President, Sawant captures the synergy of 'marching and melody' that defines this national tradition.
This report covers a significant moment during a national military ceremony where the bands of the Indian Armed Forces proceed in formation. The commentator notes that the proceedings are 'repeating Netaji's resolutions' as the military bands of all three armies—the Army, Navy, and Air Force—move forward. The event highlights the integration of historical nationalistic ideals with contemporary military tradition. The display showcases the discipline and musical heritage of the Indian military services during a formal parade. The programme captures the atmosphere of the event as the armed forces pay tribute to the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose through their coordinated movement and musical performance. This segment focuses on the ceremonial aspect of the armed forces and the symbolic importance of the resolutions mentioned during the broadcast. The footage provides a glimpse into the precision and tradition maintained by the Indian military bands during high-profile national celebrations in the capital.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal end of Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'Post 2014 and especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi very keen on decolonization, now you have the Mridangam, you have the Dhol, you have the Tashe, you have the Nagade.' The report highlights the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, escorted by the President's Bodyguard from the Ganatantra Mandap, formerly known as Darbar Hall. Sawant explains the military significance of the tradition where troops withdraw at sunset and weapons are symbolically sheathed. The ceremony features Indian classical compositions and military bands, including a special performance of Vande Mataram to mark its 150th year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and the three Service Chiefs were present to receive the President at the majestic Raisina Hill setting.
India celebrated the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. The prime focus of this year's annual parade was India's Operation Sindoor against the Pakistani terror network and 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram. Watch this out of the box take on India's Republic Day celebrations.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political and bureaucratic storm in Uttar Pradesh following a controversy at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh has resigned from his post, stating, 'In support of Mouni Yogi Adityanath, in support of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in support of Mouni Amit Shah, and in opposition to Swami Aumyukteshwaranand Shankaracharya.' Singh's resignation follows the departure of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who cited the alleged mistreatment of the Shankaracharya's disciples. The Uttar Pradesh government has since suspended Agnihotri and ordered a departmental inquiry. The row began on January 18 during Mouni Amavasya when authorities reportedly blocked the movement of Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, leading to a sit-in protest. The situation has triggered a sharp face-off between the BJP and opposition parties like the Congress and Samajwadi Party, who allege attempts to polarise the state.
On this special report, the focus is on the historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the European Union. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact as the 'biggest ever free trade pact', noting it will provide Indian small industries greater access to European markets and stabilize the global order. European Council President Antonio Costa, who expressed pride in his Indian roots from Goa, described the agreement as the 'mother of all deals,' creating a market of 2 billion people. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the deal would cut approximately 4 billion euros in annual tariffs, strengthening global supply chains and manufacturing power. The leaders highlighted that this win-win partnership between the world's second and fourth largest economies serves as a blueprint for joint prosperity and a resilient international system amidst global turbulence.
On this special broadcast, European Council President Antonio Costa addresses the media alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a transformative phase in India-EU relations. Highlighting his personal connection to India, Costa stated, 'I'm very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father's family came from.' The President announced the conclusion of historic trade negotiations and the establishment of the first-ever overarching defence and security framework between the European Union and India. He emphasized that as the world's two largest democracies, both entities are committed to a rules-based global order and shared prosperity. The summit focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), clean energy cooperation, and a joint strategic agenda toward 2030. Costa also addressed global security, calling for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, while praising India's role as a strategic and reliable partner in a fundamentally reshaping global landscape.
On this Special Report, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses the media following the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Highlighting the economic significance of the meeting, she stated, 'We delivered the mother of all deals,' referring to a comprehensive trade agreement creating a market of two billion people. Von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership between the world's second and fourth largest economies will integrate supply chains and reduce strategic dependencies. Beyond trade, she announced the launch of the first-ever India-EU security and defence partnership, focusing on maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism. The President also detailed new initiatives in innovation, including India’s association with the 100-billion-euro Horizon Europe program and a mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of students and skilled workers. Reflecting on her experience as the Republic Day Chief Guest, she described the summit as a new chapter of growth and 'fresh momentum' for the India-EU friendship.
In a landmark 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, announced the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Modi described the pact as 'a new blueprint for shared prosperity' and the largest trade agreement in India's history, coinciding with the 27th of the month and the 27 nations of the EU. The summit also marked the launch of a first-ever Security and Defence Partnership to enhance cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber threats. President Costa, noting his personal roots in Goa, emphasized the strategic trust between the two largest democracies. President von der Leyen hailed the deal as the 'mother of all deals,' creating a market of 2 billion people. The leaders also signed a Comprehensive Framework on Mobility to benefit students and professionals, and launched the 'Towards 2030' strategic agenda to guide bilateral ties.
On this Special Report, the focus is on an incident at the Sastan Plaza near Udupi, Karnataka, involving Shamaraj, a decorated former para commando and double amputee. Shamaraj, a war casualty of Operation Parakram, expressed his frustration after being stopped and asked to pay a toll despite presenting documents. He stated, 'I am a war casualty of Operation Parakram... why am I sitting in a wheelchair? You tell me.' While Shamaraj claimed he had passed other tolls without issue, staff at the Sasthana toll booth insisted on payment. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) defended the action, citing the rule book which stipulates that toll exemptions apply only to serving army personnel on official duty, not ex-servicemen. Reports suggest the exemption letter produced was in the name of his wife, Sivapriya, who was not present. The veteran has called upon Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to address the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled ex-servicemen at national highway tolls.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Republic Day celebrations. The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of 'disrespecting the culture and people of the North-East' by allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' or scarf during the 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The party further claimed that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha declined to wear the headgear despite requests from President Droupadi Murmu. In response, the Congress party has rejected these allegations, pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not wear the traditional scarf. The Congress further alleged that the BJP is 'staging a drama to divert attention from real issues' and urged the party to stop involving the President in political disputes. The programme examines the friction over protocol and cultural symbolism between the two major political parties.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as negotiations reach a historic conclusion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, visiting India for the summit, stated, 'There's still work to do, but we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement.' Described by many as the 'mother of all deals', the pact is expected to significantly boost Indian exports in textiles and garments while expanding opportunities for the IT and services sectors. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described the agreement as balanced and forward-looking, noting its potential to reshape global trade flows. With a combined GDP of $23.4 trillion, the India-EU partnership represents a global heavyweight, accounting for nearly a third of world exports. The deal, set for a formal announcement today, aims to deepen economic integration and provide greater market access, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between India and Europe.
This special report examines the strategic shifts in India’s global diplomacy highlighted during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. It underscores the presence of European Union leaders as chief guests at the Kartavya Path parade, reflecting a strengthening partnership at a time of global trade uncertainty. The upcoming India-EU free trade agreement is presented as a landmark deal that could unify a market of around 2 billion people and account for about a quarter of global GDP. The programme also highlights India’s growing defence capabilities through the domestic production of military hardware such as the Tejas aircraft and BrahMos missiles, illustrating the country’s evolution from a defence importer to an innovator. In addition to these developments, it touches on international events, including the recent fatal shooting of a US citizen by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, which has sparked national controversy and calls for accountability. The report also notes a high-profile corruption probe into a senior Chinese military official, providing a broad overview of key geopolitical issues shaping the current global landscape.
