IMPORTANT DAYS

National Voters’ Day 2026 observed on 25 January

• National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed annually on 25 January to promote voter awareness and democratic participation.

• The day commemorates the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on 25 January 1950.

• NVD-2026 marks the 16th edition of the observance, continuing a tradition started in 2011.

• The theme for 2026 is “My India, My Vote” with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”.

• The national-level celebration was held in New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.

• The event reaffirmed the role of citizens as the core strength of India’s electoral democracy.

• Two key publications were released, including “2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations” by the ECI.

• Another publication, “Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv”, highlighted the successful conduct of Bihar General Elections.

Republic Day 2026: Constitutional Legacy, Cultural Pride and National Service

• 77 Years of the Constitution: Republic Day 2026 commemorated 77 years of the Constitution coming into force on 26 January 1950, with the central theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”

• Historical Roots of 26 January: The date honours the Purna Swaraj Resolution of 1929, when 26 January 1930 was first observed as Independence Day, symbolising India’s resolve for complete self-rule.

• India Becomes a Republic: With the Constitution enforced in 1950, India replaced the Government of India Act, 1935, ended dominion status, and the President became the Head of State, affirming true republicanism.

• Grand Tableaux Showcase: The parade featured 30 tableaux from States, UTs and Ministries, reflecting freedom, self-reliance, culture, innovation and national development.

• Cultural Diversity on Display: Tableaux highlighted themes such as Assam’s terracotta art, Gujarat’s freedom legacy, Bengal’s Vande Mataram roots, Punjab’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, Kerala’s Water Metro, and Maharashtra’s Ganeshotsav.

• Military Strength & Jointness: The Tri-Services tableau showcased integrated warfare capabilities including Rafale, BrahMos, S-400 and joint operations, underlining modern defence preparedness.

• Global & New Military Presence: The parade marked the debut of the Bhairav Battalion and witnessed the European Union’s first-ever participation in a national parade outside Europe.

• Padma Awards 2026: A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced, recognising excellence across arts, public affairs, science, sports and social service.

• Gallantry & Defence Decorations: 70 Armed Forces personnel received gallantry awards, while 301 defence decorations honoured distinguished and wartime service across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

• Police & Civil Services Honours: 982 personnel from Police, Fire Services, Home Guards, Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded medals for bravery, dedication and exemplary service.

• Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards: Civilians from all walks of life were honoured for acts of courage in saving lives, across Sarvottam, Uttam and Jeevan Raksha Padak categories.

• Spirit of the Republic: Republic Day 2026 stood as a powerful blend of constitutional values, cultural unity, military strength and public service, reflecting India’s democratic maturity and collective resolve.

NATIONAL NEWS

Bactrian Camels at Republic Day 2026: Heritage, Survival and Strategic Strength

• For the first time, Ladakh’s double-humped Bactrian camels marched on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade, symbolising India’s high-altitude heritage.

• The camels, Galwan and Nubra, drew attention to a rare Himalayan species and its historic link to the ancient Silk Route.

• India has fewer than 400 Bactrian camels, with most found in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh.

• Extreme Climate Adaptation: These camels thrive in cold deserts, enduring sub-zero temperatures, thin air, strong UV radiation, and scarce vegetation.

• They can carry 150–170 kg, travel long distances at 14,000–17,000 feet, and survive weeks without food using fat stored in their humps.

• Bactrian camels can withstand temperatures down to –40°C and even use snow as a water source in winter.

• Trials by DIHAR under DRDO confirmed their superiority over mules and ponies for transport in extreme high-altitude terrain.

• With standard protocols in place for care and load management, these camels remain reliable assets for border logistics where machines fail.

AWARDS

Graça Machel Chosen for Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025

• Graça Machel, noted human rights activist from Mozambique, has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025.

• The announcement was made by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, following the recommendation of an international jury chaired by Shivshankar Menon.

• The award honours her lifelong work in education, public health, nutrition, humanitarian action, and economic empowerment.

• The prize includes a cash award of ₹1 crore, along with a citation and a trophy.

• She is globally recognised as a leading African stateswoman and advocate for human rights and social justice.

• In the 1990s, she headed a UN study on children affected by armed conflict, which reshaped global child protection policies.

• Graça Machel has founded and led several international institutions focused on women’s empowerment and child welfare.

• She served as First Lady of Mozambique and later First Lady of South Africa, being married to Samora Machel and Nelson Mandela, respectively.

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026

• The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 was announced to honour outstanding work in disaster management.

• Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) received the award in the Institutional Category.

• Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke was honoured in the Individual Category for exemplary leadership.

• The award, instituted by the Government of India, recognises exceptional service and dedication in disaster response.

• It is declared annually on 23 January, commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

• Lt Col Shelke played a key role in humanitarian and rescue operations during the 2024 floods and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, including restoring connectivity through a Bailey Bridge.

• SSDMA was recognised for its community-based disaster risk reduction model, supported by trained Aapda Mitras across districts.

• SSDMA’s effective coordination during disasters like the 2016 Mantam landslide and 2023 Teesta floods significantly reduced loss of life and property.

President Approves Gallantry & Service Awards for Armed Forces Personnel

• President Droupadi Murmu has approved 70 gallantry awards, including six posthumous honours, for acts of exceptional courage.

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry decoration.

• Kirti Chakra recipients include Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba Singh, and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair.

• The list also features 13 Shaurya Chakras, with one awarded posthumously.

• Other gallantry honours comprise Sena, Nao Sena, and Vayu Sena Medals, including bars and posthumous recognitions.

• In addition, 301 distinguished service decorations have been sanctioned across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• These include Param Vishisht, Ati Vishisht, Uttam Yudh, Yudh, and Vishisht Seva Medals.

• The President also approved 98 Mentioned-in-Despatches, including five posthumous, for operations such as Rakshak, Snow Leopard, Meghdoot, Rhino, and Sindoor.

Padma Awards 2026 Announced

• The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards 2026, honouring 131 eminent personalities from diverse fields.

• The list includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.

• 19 women are among the awardees, while 16 honours will be conferred posthumously.

• Prominent names include Dharmendra, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Rohit Sharma, K.T. Thomas, and V.S. Achuthanandhan.

• Padma Bhushan recipients feature distinguished personalities from arts, public affairs, literature, sports, business, and social service.

• Piyush Pandey, V.K. Malhotra, and Shibu Soren have received the Padma Bhushan posthumously.

• Several sportspersons such as Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Savita Punia, and Vijay Amritraj have been honoured for excellence in sports.

• The Padma Vibhushan 2026 awardees include Dharmendra (posthumous), K.T. Thomas, N. Rajam, P. Narayanan, and V.S. Achuthanandhan (posthumous).

Jharkhand Police Officers Conferred President’s Medals

• On the eve of Republic Day, the Union Home Ministry announced police honours for Jharkhand personnel for distinguished and meritorious service.

• DSP Sudhir Kumar of Jharkhand Jaguar received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service for his 25 years of exceptional policing, especially in anti-Naxal operations.

• Eleven officers were selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service, awarded after 18 years of outstanding service.

• The awardees include senior officers, DSPs, havildars, constables, and women constables from various wings of Jharkhand Police.

• Jharkhand Jaguar, a specialised anti-Naxal force, features prominently among the recipients.

• The honours recognise professionalism, discipline, and sustained commitment to internal security.

• Police medals are traditionally announced on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Veer Gatha 5.0 Awards: Celebrating Young Voices of Bravery

• The Veer Gatha 5.0 awards ceremony was held in New Delhi, honouring students who creatively portrayed stories of India’s gallantry heroes.

• Winners were felicitated by Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, and Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education.

• Veer Gatha is a joint initiative of the Ministries of Defence and Education, launched in 2021 during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

• Under Veer Gatha 5.0, 100 national-level winners were selected from 91 schools across 18 countries in three categories.

• Each awardee received a ₹10,000 cash prize and an invitation to attend the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path.

• The 5.0 edition witnessed record participation, with nearly 1.92 crore students from about 1.92 lakh schools.

• Students showcased gallantry stories through poems, paintings, and drawings, highlighting heroes like Rani Gaidinliu, Kamlesh Kumari, and Shivaji Maharaj.

• The initiative reinforces patriotism, historical awareness, and creative expression among young learners by connecting them with stories of courage and sacrifice.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

India Energy Week 2026: Advancing Global Energy Cooperation

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 4th India Energy Week 2026 on 27 January 2026, followed by an address to global delegates.

• The three-day conclave is being hosted in South Goa, with the inauguration ceremony held at Betul village.

• The event was attended by Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri along with senior global energy leaders.

• Key participants included UAE Minister Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.

• Ministers and officials from Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and other Global South regions took part.

• IEW 2026 emphasises strengthening energy security, attracting large-scale energy investments, and supporting global cooperation.

• The conclave promotes practical, scalable pathways for decarbonisation and cleaner energy transitions.

• The event is hosting delegations from over 120 countries and is expected to engage more than 75,000 energy professionals across continents.