Padma Awards 2025 Updates: Centre announces list of awardees on eve of Republic Day

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India News Updates: President Murmu welcomes Indonesian President Subianto, hails shared values and cooperation

President Droupadi Murmu expressed gratitude to President Subianto of Indonesia for attending India's Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. She highlighted that this was a historic moment, recalling how 75 years ago, Indonesia's first President Sukarno was the Chief Guest during India's first Republic Day in 1950. The President emphasized the long-standing relationship and democratic traditions shared between the two countries.

In her welcome address, President Murmu also noted the deep civilizational ties between India and Indonesia, which have existed for thousands of years. She mentioned that both nations share values like pluralism, inclusivity, and the rule of law, which have shaped their contemporary relations.

She recalled the historic 'Bali Jatra' in Odisha, celebrating the journeys of Indian seafarers and traders to Bali and the wider Indo-Pacific. President Murmu also acknowledged Indonesia’s significance as a key partner in India's 'Act East' policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. She congratulated Indonesia on becoming a permanent member of BRICS and noted the close cooperation between the two countries through multilateral forums like G-20 and ASEAN.

PM Modi News Updates: PM Modi hails President Droupadi Murmu's emphasis on Constitution and national progress

"An inspiring address by Rashtrapati Ji, in which she highlights many subjects and emphasises the greatness of our Constitution and the need to keep working towards national progress," posts PM Modi

Padma Awards 2025 Updates: President Droupadi Murmu approves 139 Padma Awards for 2025

India News Live: Rajesh Thakur responds to President Murmu’s support for 'One Nation One Election,' raises doubts

Congress leader Rajesh Thakur responded to President Droupadi Murmu's support for 'One Nation One Election,' stating that the idea reflects the central government's and BJP's stance. While the President highlighted the potential benefits such as preventing policy paralysis, reducing financial burden, and ensuring governance consistency, Thakur expressed doubts about the success of the proposal, suggesting that even the President might not be fully confident about its effectiveness.

India News Live: Union Minister Chouhan calls for joint Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections to promote development

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for all elections in India to be held at the same time, arguing that ongoing elections impede the country’s development and public welfare. He emphasized that holding both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections together would not obstruct the country’s growth. Chouhan also suggested that political parties should dedicate 4.5 years to serving the people instead of constantly campaigning.

India News Live: President Murmu highlights Maha Kumbh as a symbol of India's cultural richness

"There has also been a fresh engagement with our civilisational heritage. The ongoing Maha Kumbh can be seen as an expression of the richness of that heritage," says President Droupadi Murmu

Padma Awards 2025 Live: Naik Dilwar Khan of Indian Army awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously for gallant act in Kupwara

Naik Dilwar Khan, from the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery, has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his exceptional bravery in eliminating a terrorist during an operation in the Logan area of Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir, in July of the previous year.

India News Live: India leads global climate efforts with mission lifestyle for environment, says President Murmu

In her address on the eve of India's 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of individual contributions in the global fight against climate change. She highlighted India's leadership through two key initiatives: the Mission Lifestyle for Environment campaign, which encourages proactive environmental action, and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which successfully reached its goal of planting 80 crore seedlings ahead of schedule. President Murmu called these efforts exemplary and pointed out that such grassroots movements can inspire the world.

India News Live: Meet the 2025 Padma Shri Awardees

The 2025 Padma Shri awardees include a diverse group of individuals making significant contributions in various fields.

--L Hangthing, a fruit farmer from Nagaland, is recognized for his expertise in cultivating non-native fruits.

--P Datchanamoorthy from Puducherry, a master of the Thavil, is honored for his lifetime dedication to classical music.

--Shaikha A J Al Sabah from Kuwait is recognized for her yoga practice, while travel bloggers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer from Uttarakhand are celebrated for their impact on the blogging community.

--Goa's 100-year-old freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai is also honored, as well as Gokul Chandra Das, a renowned Dhak player from West Bengal.

--Dr. Neerja Bhatla, a Delhi-based gynaecologist, is recognized for her work in cervical cancer detection

--Bhim Singh Bhavesh from Bhojpur is acknowledged for his work in uplifting the Musahar community.

Delhi Election Live: Kejriwal calls 24-hour electricity in Delhi 'magic', reflects on 10 years of progress

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP, spoke to a public gathering in Narela constituency, emphasizing the efforts the party has made over the past 10 years. He referred to the summer of 2014 when power cuts lasting six to eight hours were common, highlighting the improvements made in Delhi's electricity supply. Kejriwal warned that any wrong decisions could undo this progress and bring back power outages, stressing that only Delhi and Punjab currently provide 24-hour electricity, which he described as "magic."

India News Live: BSF seizes Phensedyl shipment worth 1.4 crore near India-Bangladesh border

The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized a large shipment of Phensedyl valued at 1.4 crore near the India-Bangladesh border. Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, DIG PRO of South Bengal Frontier, stated that the seizure followed reliable information and a targeted operation. During the operation, 62,200 bottles of Phensedyl were found hidden in three underground storage tanks. This operation is expected to have significantly disrupted smuggling activities in the region.

Republic Day 2025 Live: NSG Officers honoured with police medals on Republic Day

National Security Guard's Inspector General (HQ) Deepak Kumar Kedia along with four other personnel of the elite force, including Group Commander Sunil Sharma, Second In Command Vishal Patidar, Squadron Commander Om Veer Singh and Ranger-I Suresh Pilania were awarded police medals on the occasion of Republic Day 2025.

Kedia was conferred with President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service for his exemplary dedication and outstanding contribution to public service while his four other colleagues were honoured with Medals for Meritorious Services.

Republic Day 2025 Live: Indonesia to feature marching contingent and military band at Republic Day Parade for the first time

Secretary (East) of MEA, Jaideep Mazumdar, announced that Indonesia's President will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade. He highlighted the historic participation of Indonesia's marching contingent and military band, marking the first time both have joined a parade abroad. Mazumdar noted that the Indonesian President, a soldier by profession, had personally overseen the rehearsals of the contingent in Jakarta.

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah clears air on welfare schemes, says PM Modi assured no discontinuation

Union Home MInister Amit Shah said that PM Modi has assured that not a single welfare scheme will be discontinued. "A serious lie is being spread to influence the Delhi elections. This morning, a staff member working at my bungalow told me he was getting calls claiming that if BJP comes to power, all welfare schemes will be stopped. I have never seen such low-level false propaganda in my public life. Today, through this press conference, I want to make it clear to the people of Delhi that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has assured that not a single welfare scheme will be discontinued. At the same time, we will fulfil all our promises."

India News Live: Uttarakhand to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27

Uttarakhand will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dehradun. The state's Chief Minister will also launch the UCC portal at 12:30 pm on the same day. According to CM's secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Uttarakhand will be the first state in independent India to implement the UCC.

Delhi Election Live: Kamaljeet Sehrawat hails BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' as visionary document for Delhi's holistic development

BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat praised the party's final 'Sankalp Patra' for the upcoming Delhi elections, calling it a comprehensive vision document. He emphasized that the manifesto promises world-class infrastructure, enhanced social welfare schemes, and support for house helps, gig workers, and other sectors. Sehrawat stated that the manifesto would lay the foundation for the overall development of Delhi.

Weather News Live: IMD scientist predicts temperature fluctuations, cold wave for North India, and snowfall in hilly regions

IMD Scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy provided a weather update, forecasting stable maximum temperatures in the coming days, with a slight dip in minimum temperatures by 1-2°C. She also noted that a Western Disturbance on 28-29 January could bring cloudy conditions, increasing the minimum temperature and slightly lowering the maximum. Snowfall is expected in hilly regions from 29 January, while cold wave conditions are likely in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh starting 27 January. A Yellow Alert has been issued for areas facing the cold wave, with clear weather expected tomorrow due to strong winds.

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah announces property ownership for residents of 1700 unauthorised colonies in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "In more than 1700 unauthorised colonies, people will be given ownership. They were earlier not allowed to construct, buy, or sell properties, but now all permissions will be given according to by-laws of the Ministry of Housing..."

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah promises 50,000 govt jobs and 20 lakh self-employment opportunities for Delhi youth

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Youth of Delhi will be provided 50000 government jobs with transparency. 20 lakh self-employment will also be generated. With an investment of Rs 20000 crores, we will make an integrated public transport network..."

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah questions Kejriwal’s integrity and accountability in BJP’s final manifesto for Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched BJP's final Sankalp Patra for the Delhi Assembly elections, accusing Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of failing to fulfill key promises. Shah criticized Kejriwal for contradicting his earlier vows of simplicity, pointing out his luxurious living conditions despite pledging not to take a car or bungalow. He also slammed Kejriwal for not shutting liquor shops in residential areas as promised, while granting licenses near schools and temples, resulting in a Rs 1,000 crore scam. On the issue of Yamuna pollution, Shah reminded Kejriwal of his unfulfilled promise to clean the river and take a holy dip, a vow that remains unmet.

Delhi election news live: Amit Shah announces major welfare measures for women, households, and healthcare in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined key welfare initiatives for Delhi, including Rs 2500 monthly financial aid for every poor woman and Rs 21,000 with 6 nutrition kits for pregnant women. He also announced that LPG cylinders will be provided at Rs 500, with one free cylinder given to every household during Holi and Diwali. Shah confirmed that the Ayushman Scheme will provide up to Rs 5 lakh in free treatment, and the Delhi government will add an additional Rs 5 lakh, totaling Rs 10 lakh in healthcare support.

Israel Hamas War Live: Israel blocks Gazans' return to Northern Gaza until hostage Arbel Yehoud is released

Israel has imposed restrictions on Palestinians returning to northern Gaza until the release of Israeli civilian Arbel Yehoud. A Hamas official confirmed that Yehoud is alive and is expected to be released next Saturday

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah announces welfare measures for senior citizens, women, and vulnerable groups in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined several welfare initiatives for Delhi, including free treatment worth an additional Rs 5 lakh for senior citizens, along with free OPD and diagnostic services. He also announced an increase in pensions for senior citizens to Rs 2500 and monthly financial support of Rs 3000 for widowed and helpless women. Shah emphasized the commitment to a corruption-free Delhi government and introduced a Rs 1000 per month stipend for SC and ST students. Additionally, he proposed life insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh and accident cover of Rs 5 lakh for auto and taxi drivers, as well as six months of paid maternity leave for women

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah accuses Kejriwal of failing to deliver on health promises in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised concerns about the functioning of Mohalla clinics in Delhi, questioning whether operations and X-rays are being conducted and if specialist doctors are available, as promised by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Shah also criticized Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promise to double the number of hospital beds and alleged that fake tests and scams are taking place in Mohalla clinics.

Delhi Election Live: Amit Shah unveils BJP's third part of manifesto Delhi polls, accuses Kejriwal of failing to deliver promises

Home Minister Amit Shah launched the third part of the BJP’s manifesto for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to fulfilling promises. Shah criticized Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not resigning despite his moral obligation, accusing him of failing to address key issues like cleaning the Yamuna, providing clean drinking water, and combating pollution.

Shah assured that BJP's Sankalp Patra is a realistic plan, outlining tangible work to be done, rather than empty promises. He reiterated that no welfare schemes for the poor would be stopped and emphasized the implementation of new welfare measures, including a welfare board for gig workers, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh, and life insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh for them.

Further, Shah announced that refugees from Pakistan living in colonies on lease would be granted property ownership. He also highlighted the Centre's significant investments in Delhi's infrastructure, including Rs 41,000 crore on roads, Rs 15,000 crore on railway lines, and Rs 21,000 crore on the city's airport.

Delhi Election Live: Union Home Minister Amit Shah releases BJP's manifesto

Union Home Minister Amit Shah releases the BJP 'Sankalp Patra' at party headquarters ahead of the Delhi Elections 2025. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva and other senior party leaders also present.

Waqf Board Live: RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari criticizes suspension of board members, calls it undemocratic

RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari expressed strong disapproval of the suspension of Waqf Board members, likening the action to "dictatorship" and "Hitler-shahi." He emphasized that in a democracy, every individual has the right to present their views, and such actions are unjustifiable. Tiwari made these comments following the Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting held yesterday.

India News Live: Vibrant village programme aims to bridge physical and emotional distance, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted that the Vibrant Village programme is not just about infrastructure development but also about fostering emotional connections. He emphasized that while the construction of roads reduces physical distance between places, the programme's true goal is to reduce the 'dil ki doori' (emotional distance) between Delhi and rural villages.

Israel Hamas War Live: Hamas hands over Israeli hostages in ceasefire exchange with Palestinian prisoners

Hamas has handed over several Israeli hostages to Israel as part of a ceasefire exchange, with four female Israeli hostages seen entering ICRC vehicles in live TV broadcasts. The hostages, in military uniforms, were paraded by armed Hamas militants at a Gaza City square before being transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The exchange was conducted with dozens of Hamas fighters surrounding the vehicles positioned opposite ICRC cars, marking the significant transfer of captives amid ongoing negotiations.

Israel Hamas War Live: Hamas releases four Israeli hostages to Red Cross in Gaza swap

Hamas militants released four Israeli women hostages to the Red Cross on Saturday after parading them at a square in Gaza. The four women, who are Israeli soldiers in military fatigues, had been held captive since Hamas seized them during their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Breaking News Live: 2 cars catch fire in Maha Kumbh fire

On Saturday morning, two cars caught fire in Sector 2 of the Maha Kumbh fair area, though no casualties occurred, officials confirmed. Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma revealed that a short circuit caused a car entering from Varanasi to ignite, with the flames later engulfing a nearby car.

Breaking News Live: Yemen's Houthi rebels unilaterally release 153 war detainees, International Committee of the Red Cross says, reports AP

Breaking News Live: Deal signed in maritime security to strengthen cooperation in crime prevention, search and rescue: PM Modi after talks with Indonesian Prez.

Israel-Hamas War News Live: ICRC team in Gaza on the way to collect Israeli hostages from Hamas: Report

Israel-Hamas War News Live: Dozens of Hamas fighters gather at key Gaza square for hostage handover (AFP)

Delhi Elections Live: Congress' Sandeep Dikshit to file a criminal defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal

Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly, Sandeep Dikshit says, "On AAP's election campaign poster, Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly, Sandeep Dikshit says, "... He (Arvind Kejriwal) has a habit of making statements without any evidence and stooping down to cheap tactics... I saw the poster this morning... I hope the Congress party takes cognizance of this and we will also approach the Election Commission for the same. I am also looking into filing a criminal defamation case against Kejriwal. I have spoken to my lawyer... He will not be able to contest the next elections because anybody who goes to jail for more than 3 years is not eligible to contest elections... He has no political chronology. His entire game is to save himself... Every other member of AAP except Arvind Kejriwal is his servant..."

Kerela News Live: Man arrested for pronouncing triple talaq to wife over phone

A man has been arrested for pronouncing triple talaq to his wife over the phone, police said on Saturday. Abdul Basith, a native of Mynagappally in Kollam district, was arrested two days ago and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, they said. Basith was booked under relevant sections of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act and other charges for abuse under sections of BNS. He is currently lodged in judicial custody at Chavara sub-jail.

Delhi Elections Live: Union Home Minister should resign and apologise for disrespecting Baba Saheb Ambedkar, says Congress MP Jairam Ramesh

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, "We will hold another rally of 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan' in the birthplace of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in Mhow on 27th January. The Union Home Minister should resign and apologise for disrespecting Baba Saheb Ambedkar. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is launching an attack on Mahatma Gandhi. Union Home Minister is launching an attack on Baba Saheb Ambedkar and PM Modi is launching an attack on the Constitution of India."

Breaking News live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House in New Delhi

Uttar Pradesh News Live: 4 killed, 2 injured as car collides with truck in Shahjahanpur

Four people were killed and two injured when a car collided with a truck in this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Rajesh S told PTI that the victims, residents of Gora and Dahena villages located within the Allahganj police station limits, were travelling in a car when the accident occurred around 11 pm on Friday near Kateli village. The car collided head-on with a truck coming from the opposite direction. "The deceased have been identified as Rahul Kumar (25), Vinay Sharma (27), Akash (22) and Gopal (24). All of them were killed on the spot," the officer said.

Delhi Elections Live: Delhi only state providing free health services through mohalla clinics, 24x7 electricity, says Chief Minister Atishi

Delhi AQI News Live: Delhi CM Atishi unfurls the national flag during the Delhi government's Republic Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium: Watch

Breaking News Live: BSP leader shot dead in Haryana's Naraingarh

A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader from Haryana's Ambala was shot dead by armed assailants here in Naraingarh, police said on Saturday. Police said that BSP leader Harbilas Singh Rajjumajra was accompanied by two friends, Puneet and Gugal, when the attack occurred while they were in their car on Friday evening. Puneet also sustained bullet injuries, reported PTI. After the attack, they were rushed to PGIMER, Chandigarh where Harbilas succumbed to his injuries late at night while Puneet was stated to be out of danger.

Delhi Elections Live: Arvind Kejriwal is betraying the mothers and sisters of Delhi, says BJP President Virendra Sachdeva

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says, "Arvind Kejriwal made big claims about the Mahila Samman Yojana that he will give Rs 2,100 in Delhi and the registration has also been done. There are about 30 thousand forms of this Mahila Samman Yojana. PAN number, Aadhar card, voter ID and bank details, all these documents were found with a junk dealer. The junk dealer gave these to our Timarpur candidate Surya Prakash Khatri...Arvind Kejriwal is betraying the mothers and sisters of Delhi."

US News Live: Trump fires at least 12 independent inspectors general in late-night purge

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration fired the independent inspectors general of at least 12 major federal agencies late on Friday, the Washington Post reported. The agencies include the departments of defense, state, transportation, veterans affairs, housing and urban development, interior, and energy, the newspaper said.

Jammu and Kashmir News Live: After a suspicious movement in the Bhatodi area of Kathua late last night, an exchange of fire took place and a few rounds were fired. Search Operation is underway. More details awaited: Indian Army

Nagaland News Live: Drugs worth Rs 35 crore destroyed in Dimapur

Drugs worth over Rs 35 crore were destroyed by the Nagaland Police during two operations in Dimapur and Mon districts, officials said on Saturday, reported PTI. The destroyed drugs include brown sugar, heroin, crystal meth, Yaba tablets, cough syrup bottles and opium straw, they said. The District Drug Disposal Committee Dimapur (DDDCD) destroyed seized narcotics to the tune of Rs 34.82 crore on Friday, the officials said, adding, the figure in Mon district was Rs 22.5 lakh.

Rajasthan News Live: Hindu Sena national president alleges miscreants fired at his car

Hindu Sena national president Vishnu Gupta, who claimed that there is a temple in Ajmer Dargah, has alleged that two unidentified miscreants fired at his car

US News Live: Pete Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation's defense secretary Friday in a dramatic late-night vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. Rarely has a Cabinet nominee faced such wide-ranging concerns about his experience and behavior as Hegseth, particularly for such a high-profile role atop the U.S. military. But the Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran who has vowed to bring a "warrior culture" to the Pentagon, rounding out President Donald Trump's top national security Cabinet officials.

Israel-Hamas War News Live: Israel to receive 4 female soldiers held by Hamas today

Israel confirmed receiving the names of four female soldiers held hostage by Hamas following the October 7 attack, who are set to be returned as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal, CNN reported. Hamas said earlier that it intends to release Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20) and Liri Albag (19)