The Republic Parade at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi put up a vibrant show with tableaux by various states, Union Territories, armed forces and other government departments. Besides displaying India’s defence prowess, the parade featured glimpses of India’s rich cultural heritage, tribal culture, ‘nari shakti’ and people’s relationship with nature.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this year’s chief guest, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi are among the dignitaries present at the venue.

An all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force is one of the highlights this year. The Assam Rifles had also announced its mixed contingent, with an equal number of riflemen and riflewomen. Kerala’s tableau reflected the theme ‘Nari Shakti’. The tractor portrayed Karthyayani Amma, the winner of Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2020 who top scored the literacy examination at the age of 96.

On the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) presented a spectacular flypast and air display with 50 aircraft and helicopters of the three forces — Air, Navy, and Army.

This included 45 aircraft of the Air Force, one from the Navy, and four helicopters of the Army that exhibited their aerobatics and professional skills. Among the aircraft, some were:

Baaz, comprising three MiG- 29 ac formations flew in the VIC echelon.

Prachand, which comprised an LCH AC in lead with two Apache Helicopters and Two ALH Mk-IV ac in echelon flew in five ac Arrow Formation.

After Prachand, a Tiranga formed by five Sarang (ALH) flew in the Ladder Formation and streamed the Tricolour.

Comprising a Dakota ac in lead with two Dornier ac in echelon, a Tangail was formed that flew in ‘vic’ formation.

After Tangail, the Vajraang comprising one C-130 with four Rafale flew in Abreast formation.

Later, the ‘Garuda’ formed with IL 38 SD, and AN32 ac flew in Vic formation.

Forming an Arrow while flying, the Netra comprising of 1 x AEW & C ac with four Rafale ac in echelon also flew.

Bheem, comprising one C-17 ac with two Su-30 ac in echelon streamed fuel and flew past in ‘Vic’ formation.

Amrit, comprising six Jaguar ac, flew the water channel North of Kartvya Path in the form of an Arrowhead.

For the formation of Trishul, three Su-30 Mki ac at 900 kmph flew over the water channel North of Kartvya Path along with the IAF Marching Contingent. Approaching the Dais, the formation pulled ug outwards for Trishul manoeuvre.

Vijay, one Rafale ac also flew in at 900 kmph behind the Trishul formation over water channel North of Kartavya Path. The aircraft pulled up for Vertical Charlie and carried several turns while approaching the Dais.

Droupadi Murmu led the nation on Thursday in celebrating the 74th Republic Day from the Kartavya Path.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the Chief Guest at the parade.

Building on last year’s celebrations, in the 75th year of Independence, being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the celebrations this year were marked by zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.

The week-long celebrations commenced on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To mark the occasion, a one-of-a-kind military tattoo and tribal dance festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ was organised in New Delhi on January 23 and 24.

The events will culminate on January 30, which is to be observed as Martyrs’ Day.

Lucknow, Jan 26 BSP president Mayawati on Thursday said the Centre and state governments should use the occasion of Republic Day every year to honestly evaluate and issue a development report on the promises fulfilled by them so as to instill confidence among the people.
    The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure development of the country and its people in accordance with the humanitarian values of the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar.
    “The central and state governments need to work towards making the country ‘vishwa guru’ (global leaders) but for this it is also necessary that on this occasion every year they should do an honest self evaluation and tell the people how they have fulfilled promises and resolves in one year and give a development report,” she said in a party release.
    This will not only instill confidence and energy among the people but would also ensure that Republic Day functions do not remain mere rituals, she added.
    Holding that the vast difference between government claims of development and the ground reality has led to lack of confidence between the government and people, Mayawati said earlier it was the Congress and now the BJP which is following the same path and termed it as most “unfortunate”.
    “The fact that people have to rely on foodgrains issued by the government in the absence of respectable employment and means of livelihood goes on to prove that the economic status of people has gone down. How will the country develop in this scenario,” she asked.
    The BSP president also said that the government considers collecting record GST tax as its success whereas the reality is that barring a handful of people, the majority is feeling the pain of poverty and inflation.
    Asking what the government wanted to achieve by becoming “rich government of 125 crore poor people”, Mayawati said majority of the people are poor despite the country’s coffers being full.

President Droupadi Murmu commenced the celebrations of the 74th Republic Day, for the first time since assuming office last year, by unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path on Thursday.

Keeping with traditon the unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by the national anthem and a customary 21 Gun Salute. Notably, it was for the first time that the 21 Gun Salute was given with 105 mm Indian Field Guns. It replaced the vintage 25-pounder gun.

The Gun Salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 871 Field Regiment. The Ceremonial Battery was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vikas Kumar, SM. The Gun position officer was Naib Subedar Anoop Singh.

The 21 Gun Salute is presented during Republic Day, Independence Day and visits of foreign Heads of State.

The President on her arrival at Kartavya Path was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The National Flag was unfurled at Kartvya Path by an Air Force Officer, Flt Lt Komal Rani. Simultaneously, the National Anthem was played and the 21 Gun Salute was presented to the President.

President Murmu was earlier escorted from her residence by the President’s Bodyguard on their Bay and Dark Bay-coloured mounts. The President’s Bodyguard is the seniormost Regiment of the Indian Army.

This year’s Republic Day is special as ‘The President’s Bodyguard’ marked 250 years since its raising, in 1773, at Varanasi.

The Commandant of the President’s Bodyguard, Colonel Anup Tiwary, rode to the right of the President’s Car, leading this elite body of horsemen, mounted on his charger Glorious.

To the left of the President’s Car was the Second-in-Command of the Regiment, Lt Col Ramakant Yadav, mounted on his charger Sultan. It is the senior-most Cavalry Regiment carrying out mounted ceremonial duties for the President.

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the Chief Guest at this year’s parade.

New Delhi, Jan 26: India saw a single-day rise of 132 new coronavirus infections, while active cases declined to 1,906, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.
The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4,46,82,338.
The death toll stood at 5,30,738 with one previous death reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.08 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 0.08 per cent.
Active cases now account for 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry website.
A decrease of 16 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,49,694, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
According to the ministry’s website, 220.35 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day.

“We wish to move ahead unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters of the country come true.” “Many wishes for Republic Day. This time the occasion is more special because we are celebrating it during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. I wish we move ahead unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters of the country come true. Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians!” PM Modi said in his tweet in Hindi.

The Prime Minister will commence the day’s ceremonies by visiting the National War Memorial where he will lead the nation in paying homage to the fallen heros. Inter-Services Guards will be formed by seven soldiers from each service.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

This year’s Republic Day celebration will witness the country’s military prowess, cultural diversity, and many other unique initiatives. Building on last year’s celebrations, in the 75th year of Independence, celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the celebrations this year shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and ‘Jan Bhagidari’, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade.

The week-long celebrations commenced on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To mark the occasion, a one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram ka’ was organised in New Delhi on January 23 and 24. The events will culminate on January 30, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.

The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 1030 hrs, will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a ‘New India’.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. Amongst the many firsts, the 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns. It replaces the vintage 25-pounder gun, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.

The parade will commence with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute and will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

As India marks its 74th Republic Day on Thursday, security has been increased across the national capital to ensure a peaceful celebration of the event.

This also comes in the wake of the arrest of two terrorists in Delhi earlier this month who were in touch with foreign terrorist organisations, police had earlier said. In light of some reports on threats from anti-social and terrorist elements to the Republic Day celebrations, flying of sub-conventional and aerial platforms in the National Capital Territory of Delhi has been prohibited until further notice.

The Delhi Police Commissioner, in an order issued on Monday, said some criminal and anti-social elements inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations.

According to the Delhi Police, around 65,000 people will attend the parade on January 26, for which they can register through a QR code. Entry will be given only to valid pass holders and ticket buyers.

About 6,000 jawans have been deployed for security for the January 26 parade, which includes the paramilitary forces, and NSG apart from Delhi Police.

Movement on Kartavya Path will be monitored with the help of around 150 CCTV cameras, which also have high-resolution cameras.

The high-rise buildings around the Kartavya Path and parade routes have also been closed from the evening of January 25. Entry of heavy vehicles is also restricted in Delhi from Wednesday night.

Heavy vehicles have been stopped at all the borders of Delhi. This time heavy vehicles are not allowed to enter inside the Ring Road, ie towards New Delhi. Vehicles with passes are given entry into these areas.

“Entry will be given in the New Delhi district only after verifying the local people,” officials said.

According to the Delhi Police, around 30,000 people are expected to reach through the metro to watch the parade, for which the Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations have been made available.

All metro stations are open this time. The movement of vehicles has been stopped on all major routes including Kartavya Path, Janpath, India Gate, and Copernicus Marg from early 4 am.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the Chief Guest on this year’s Republic Day.