♦ India celebrated the 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2025. President Droupadi Murmu led the Nation in celebrating the Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi, where the national flag was unfurled by her as the national anthem played, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The parade showcased the country’s military strength, cultural diversity and developmental journey. It also commemorated 150 years of Vande Mataram, the national song.

♦ Adding diplomatic significance to the celebrations, president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council Antonio Luís Santos da Costa attended the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. 

♦ The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased several of its path-breaking innovations aimed at strengthening national security during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. Among the key systems showcased were the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and the DRDO tableau themed ‘Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines’.