Month: January 2026

The S-400 air defence system, which shot down multiple Pakistani aircraft, would be showcased at the Department of Military Affairs tableau during the Republic Day 2026 parade by the Department of Military Affairs for the first time, according to Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal.

The S-400 systems were successfully used to bring down multiple Pakistani fighter and spy planes during Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Air Force’s system brought down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane at a distance of over 300 km deep inside Pakistan during the four-day conflict and has been termed as a game-changer by the Armed Forces.

The Department of Military Affairs this year is showcasing the “Tri-Services Tableau – Operation Sindoor”, focusing on the operational jointness and success of India’s military forces.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar will head the parade for the fourth time.

A total of 6050 military personnel are taking part in the parade. Moreover, Bhairav, Shaktibaan, UGV and ATAGS are to take part in the parade.

A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26.

According to a Ministry of Defence release, Republic Day celebrations will feature a grand display under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The tableaux will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.

The list of the participating tableaux includes Assam – Asharikandi – Terracotta Craft Village of Assam; Chhattisgarh – The Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram; Gujarat – Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram; Kerala – Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy; Maharashtra – Ganeshotsav; Manipur – Towards Prosperity; Nagaland – The Hornbill Festival – Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance; Tamil Nadu – Mantra of Prosperity; Ministry of Culture – Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting – Bharat Katha.

The Ministry of Defence will also be represented with its tableaux, including the veteran tableau, depicting the nation-building efforts through war, and the naval tableau, “Samudra Se Samriddhi”, which will reflect the country’s maritime strength.

The Ministry of Culture’s tableau will represent the soul of India through “Vande Mataram.” (ANI)

The hallowed portals of the Badrinath Dham will reopen to devotees on April 23, Manujendra Shah, the current titular Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, said on Friday on the occassion of Basant Panchmi festival.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, he said, “Greetings to all the people of Uttarakhand and of the country. It’s a matter of pride to announce that this year, the gates of Badrinath Dham will reopen on April 23 at 6:15 am. The Gadu Ghada ceremony will be held on April 7.”

The opening date of Shri Badrinath Dham temple is announced annually on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami every year.

The date declaration is done from the royal court of Tehri Naresh in Narendra Nagar of Tehri Garhwal District.

This temple of Lord Vishnu has various rituals performed on the announcement day as well as the day of commencement of the temple’s pilgrimage season.

According to the Dham’s website, the announcement is followed by the Gadu Ghada ritual, the sacred sesame oil ceremony, which is specially extracted by devotees from the sesame seeds. The oil is then sent to the Badrinath temple via Rishikesh in a revered journey named “Tel Kalash yatra”.

On the day of the opening ceremony, the seat of lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan is transferred from Narasimha Temple to Badrinath.

Acharya Krishnanand Nautiyal from the Narendra Nagar Royal Palace today said that the date and time have been finalised after carefully monitoring the astrological chart of Maharaj Manujendra Shah.

“Based on the astrological chart of Maharaj Manujendra Shah, the date and time decided for the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham is April 23, 6:15 am. The gates of Lord Badrinath will be opened for general devotees. The sesame oil sent for the anointing ceremony of Lord Badri Vishal will arrive here on April 7th and will be processed under the supervision of the Maharani ji…” he said.

Earlier, after performing traditional rituals and prayers at the royal palace, the date for the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham was formally announced.

Badarinath is one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites among the 108 divya desams incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath town is also a part of the Panch Badri temples, including Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri, along with the Badrinath temple.

The temple is approximately 50 feet tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof. The Badarinath temple is divided into three parts: the Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorum, the Darshan Mandap, where rituals are conducted and the Sabha Mandap, where pilgrims assemble.

At the Badarinath Mandir Gate, directly opposite the main Idol of Lord himself, is seated an idol of Bird Garud, the vehicle of Lord Badarinarayan. Garud is seen in a sitting position and in prayer with his hands folded. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carvings.

The Garbha Griha portion has its canopy covered with a sheet of gold and houses Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar and Narayan. The complex has 15 idols.

Earlier, the portals of the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23, which coincided with Bhai Dooj (Kartik Shukla Saptami, Anuradha Nakshatra). (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for widespread snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, warning of continued disruption to daily life as commuters face severe problems due to slippery roads, traffic jams, and fuel shortages.

According to the IMD, a new Western Disturbance is set to impact the state on January 26, bringing multiple spells of moderate to heavy snowfall and snowstorms in several districts over the next few days.

Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist, IMD Himachal Pradesh, said the Western Disturbance had already become active across the state since late last night, resulting in rain and snowfall in several regions.

“A Western Disturbance has been active over Himachal Pradesh since last night. Due to this, rainfall has been recorded across the state, while snowfall has occurred in three to four districts,” Sharma said.

He said the highest snowfall till this morning was recorded in Kothi (Kullu) at 15 cm, followed by Gondhla in Lahaul-Spiti at 12 cm, and Chamba at 6 cm. Keylong and Manali recorded around 4 cm of snowfall, while Shimla received about 1 cm, with snowfall continuing.

“Light to moderate snowfall is continuing in higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla, while Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur have recorded rainfall in the past 24 hours. Hamirpur recorded the highest rainfall at 25 mm,” he added.

Sharma said the current weather activity will continue till late night, with snowfall persisting in higher reaches and rain in parts of Kangra and Mandi. A brief reduction in intensity is expected on January 25, but another Western Disturbance will become active on January 26, triggering fresh snowfall and rainfall across the state.

“From January 26 to 28, widespread rain and snowfall is expected across Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur and Kullu districts are likely to receive heavy snowfall, for which an Orange Alert has been issued,” Sharma said.

He added that daytime temperatures have dropped sharply, falling 9 to 10 degrees Celsius below normal in many areas. Shimla’s daytime temperature is hovering around 0°C, while Kangra, Bilaspur and adjoining areas are recording temperatures near 7°C. Cold day alerts, fog warnings, and thunderstorm alerts have also been issued for several districts.

Meanwhile, snowfall in the state capital has brought traffic to a near standstill, with roads turning extremely slippery and long traffic jams reported at multiple locations. Tourists and local commuters faced major inconvenience, especially on routes leading out of Shimla.

Vikram, a local taxi driver, said he has been stuck in traffic for over an hour while trying to reach Chandigarh with tourists.

“I have to go to Chandigarh, but I’ve been stuck in a traffic jam for more than an hour. Since snowfall started, vehicles are slipping badly. Even after lowering air pressure in tyres, it’s very difficult to drive,” he said.

He added that vehicles had to be pushed or towed to clear blocked stretches, significantly increasing travel time.

“Earlier it used to take two to three hours to reach Chandigarh, but now it may take five to six hours. Snowfall is still continuing, and petrol pumps are shut, creating fuel problems,” Vikram said.

Expressing concern, he said some vehicles stranded in traffic could run out of fuel.

“If vehicles remain stuck for long, many may stop midway due to lack of fuel. It’s becoming very difficult to move ahead,” he added.

The IMD has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in higher reaches, as heavy snowfall between January 26 and 28 is expected to further worsen road conditions. (ANI)

In a groundbreaking move to protect public health, the Government of Odisha has officially banned the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, or sale of all food products containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients in the state. This includes items such as gutkha, pan masala, flavoured or scented food products or chewable food products.

The decision comes in line with directives from the Supreme Court and follows growing concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco use.

As part of the notification by the Health & Family Welfare department, Government of Odisha, all products containing tobacco and/or nicotine, whether packaged or unpackaged, sold individually or in a manner that allows consumers to mix them, or combined with any other food products, are now prohibited in the state of Odisha, regardless of the name under which they are marketed.

In a notification, the Odisha Government explained, “The wide usage of smokeless tobacco along with food items like pan masala, betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime and other processed/scented/flavoured condiments endangers public health and is especially fatal to the health of children and young adults.”

The notification cites the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which have classified chewing tobacco products as cancer-causing substances. “It causes dependence syndrome, severe impairment of the oral health, strongly associated with cancers of mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreatic, throat (pharynx and larynx) and renal, etc,” the notification stated.

The ban also follows an 2nd Round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey that showed 42% of Odisha’s adult population uses smokeless tobacco, nearly double the national average.

The Odisha Government’s decision is also a response to a 2016 Supreme Court ruling, which found that some vendors were bypassing the gutkha ban by selling pan masala mixed with tobacco in separate packages. The court observed that these products were often sold together, allowing consumers to mix them.

“The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in view of the above directed the concerned statutory authorities to comply with the above mandate of regulation 2.3.4 and directed the secretaries, health department of all the states and union territories to ensure total compliance of the ban imposed on manufacturing and sale of Gutkha and Pan Masala with tobacco and/or nicotine,” the notification further read. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that the United Nations needs to work with the newly formed “Board of Peace” on Gaza and other conflicts, arguing that the global body has failed to “live up to its potential” and that the new initiative could be “a good thing for the United Nations.”

“I’m not sure I want that, but it’s going to do great work with Gaza, and maybe other things, you know, it could be beyond Gaza. And we’ll work with the United Nations. I’ve always said the United Nations has great potential, but they have not lived up to it. I say eight wars, and I never spoke to them. You’d think I would have spoken to them a lot. But the United Nations has great potential. I think working with the Board of Peace is going to be a good thing for the United Nations,” Trump said.

The reaction came after Trump formally launched the Board of Peace at the WEF, signing its charter and describing the move as a major step towards global conflict resolution.

Calling it a “very exciting day, long in the making”, Trump said, “We’re going to have peace in the world,” and added, “And we’re all stars.

Earlier, Trump came down heavily on the United Nations, arguing that its lack of competence led to his decision to establish the “Board of Peace” for Gaza to implement the 20-Point Peace Plan to end conflict in the Middle East.

Addressing the press, Trump said, “US President Donald Trump says, “We just created the Board of Peace, which I think is going to be amazing. I wish the United Nations could do more. I wish we didn’t need a Board of Peace. With all the wars they settled, the United Nations never helped me in one war.”

When asked whether he wants the Board of Peace to replace the United Nations, Trump said they “haven’t been very helpful,” but believed in the organisation’s potential.

“The UN just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of the UN’s potential, but it has never lived up to its potential. The UN should have settled every one of the wars that I settled. I never went to them. I never even thought to go to them. You’ve got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great,” he said.

The Board of Peace was proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflict more broadly.

The high-profile international effort invites world leaders of 60 countries to join a new body aimed at promoting stability and overseeing post-conflict reconstruction, especially in the Gaza Strip. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday criticised the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s demand to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India, asserting that the neighbouring country is being “used” by Pakistan to create a rift. The MP pointed out that although the ICC has already rejected the request, only Pakistan has come forward to support Bangladesh’s stance on the matter.

Expressing her concerns over the humanitarian situation, Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “The ICC has also rejected Bangladesh’s demand to play the match outside. Out of all the committee members present on the board, only Pakistan has supported them; no one else has. It is clearly visible that Pakistan is using Bangladesh. There is continuous oppression of minority Hindus in Bangladesh; instead of responding to that, they are talking about cricket. Rather, we should have told the ICC that we neither want Pakistan’s team nor Bangladesh’s team until these people stop their antics. At this time, whatever the ICC has said, Bangladesh will have to follow it.”

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary slammed Bangladesh’s decision not to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, alleging political interference in the country’s cricket board.

He questioned the security concerns, noting that Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina is safely residing in India, and asked why players wouldn’t be safe.

While speaking to ANI, Manoj Tiwary said, “It wasn’t from the board’s side. Today, if you watched the press conference, the Sports Minister gave a statement to the media, saying there is a security risk, but the board president was standing right next to him. Generally, in other countries, the cricket board is an autonomous body, and political and ministerial involvement is limited only to organising the events. But in their country, politics has entered the picture, and political figures have become heavily involved in the board, and these kinds of decisions are emerging. Regarding the safety, if that’s the question, then Sheikh Hasina also came to our country after the protests there, and she is safe here, isn’t she? The central government of our country has provided her with good security and given her refuge here. So, if a country’s Prime Minister can come and live safely here, then the players will definitely get safety.”

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are scheduled to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Litton Das-led side will then face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before facing England in Kolkata again. After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. (ANI)

One of the most loved films, Airlift, has just turned 10. To celebrate this special day, actor Nimrat Kaur walked down memory lane as she shared an emotional post.

Taking to her Instagram account on Friday, Nimrat shared a series of unseen behind-the-scenes photos with Akshay Kumar, giving fans a special look at memories from the set of the 2016 film. The pictures included candid moments from the shoot, showcasing the making of Airlift. The photos brought back memories of the intense yet meaningful journey the cast and crew shared while working on the film.

While sharing the pictures, Nimrat wrote a note full of gratitude and emotion. Her caption read, “10 years ago today, this celluloid magic happened. The music, the moments, the love just keeps growing – as does my gratitude!!”

Soon after she posted, fans chimed in on the comment section with love and praise. One fan wrote, “Great show and amazing performances.” Another added, “Loved each and everyone’s performance in the show.”

Released in 2016, Airlift was based on real events during the 1990 Gulf War, when thousands of Indians were rescued from Kuwait. Akshay Kumar played the role of Ranjit Katyal, a businessman who helps lead the evacuation, while Nimrat Kaur portrayed his on-screen wife, Amrita. Both actors were praised for their strong and honest performances.

Nimrat was last seen in the action drama Sky Force, opposite Akshay Kumar and newcomer Veer Pahariya. (ANI)

Actor Prakash Raj met National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Sunita Williams at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode on Thursday.

Taking to his official X handle, Prakash Raj shared glimpses from the meeting, cherishing his conversation with Williams.

“What a moment to cherish …. to meet .. to have conversed with such a courageous woman of our times .. #SunithaWilliams at #KLF … sharing with you all my over the moon memories,” the actor wrote in his caption.

In the post, a cheerful Prakash Raj could be seen posing for pictures while also enthusiastically showing his phone to Williams.

Speaking at the event, Sunita Williams spoke about the importance of technology.

“Dreams are only as big as their imaginations, and particularly in this environment today, things are changing so rapidly, and people are coming up with ideas and actually making them come true. In the past, inventions were potentially hindered by technology, and now technology is racing up to the inventions people are having. Imagination is really the only limitation,” she told ANI.

She further emphasised how the cultural ties have played a significant role in shaping her identity, adding, “In both countries, it’s pretty amazing. I’m really happy and honoured to be here in India with everyone.”

Speaking on India’s space aspirations, Williams expressed excitement about the country’s growing space program, saying, “I’m excited for the Indian Space program. Any ideas are becoming reality. I think as they get more and more involved internationally, as well as on that with their own program, standing on their own two feet, they’re going to go to space before too long.”

Held annually in Kozhikode, India’s first UNESCO City of Literature, the Kerala Literature Festival has emerged as one of the world’s largest literary gatherings. The previous edition recorded over 6.5 lakh visitors and featured more than 600 speakers. (ANI)

Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema has opened up about his initial fears of being typecast before joining the cast of ‘Border 2’.

Paramvir Cheema will be seen portraying the character of Subedar Nishaan Singh in the upcoming war drama, co-starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh.

Speaking to ANI, he shared, “When I heard the name Border, I obviously liked it as it’s a big film. But I also had a doubt that I might get lost amid all the big stars. When you think about your journey, you think about how to move forward. Also, there’s a lot of type casting. I wore a turban in Tabber and Black Warrant. So I didn’t want people to see me in only turban roles where there’s a lot more.”

He recalled having a meeting with director Anurag Singh, with whom he shared his concerns and was then selected.

“I come from an army background. My great-grandfather and many of them were in the army. They also served during World War II. So, there were a lot of responsibilities. Border is such a big film. It is about patriotism and about our soldiers. I had to make sure that nothing went wrong,” he added.

Cheema went on to speak about his experience of working with Sunny Deol, describing it as “surreal”.

“I didn’t have much to do with Sunny sir, as I have only one or two scenes with him. But Sunny Deol is Sunny Deol. There is no ‘Border’ without Sunny Deol. It was a very surreal experience that you can’t forget. We had been shooting for 30-32 days with Sunny sir. When I saw his solo frame at the beginning, I got that feeling of ‘Border’,” he added.

On sharing the screen with Varun Dhawan, Paramvir Cheema recalled how the actor praised his work in ‘Black Warrant’.

“I thought that he was such a big star, and what if he has tantrums? But, there was nothing. He was our boss in the film. I remember Varun Dhawan coming to talk to me. At that time, Black Warrant was also released, and he saw it. He used to tell me, ‘I like your work a lot, Param’. If you see our scenes, there are very interesting ones,” he said.

Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, will open in theatres on January 23. (ANI)

Actor Mahesh Babu has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to his wife Namrata Shirodkar, appreciating her major role in his life. Mahesh Babu also shared a picture of Namrata along with his message.

“Happy birthday NSG…Thank you for holding everything together with so much grace and love…Couldn’t ask for more,” the actor wrote.

In a warm response, Namrata shared his post on her Instagram story and added, “Love love and more love to you for making my life so so beautiful.”

Namrata and Mahesh Babu’s children, Sitara and Gautam also penned sweet notes for their mother. “My constant, my compass, my home. Happy Birthday, Amma,” Sitara wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of her younger self, her brother, and Namrata.

Gautam added, “Happy Birthday, Amma!! Thank you for always guiding my way and for being the best mom ever. Love you more than you know.”

Reacting to their posts, Namrata showered the kids with love and warmth.

Birthday wishes also poured in from her sister, actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who dropped a series of throwback pictures to send her love.

“Happiest Birthday to my gorgeous sister, my chintukli @namratashirodkar! Life is so much brighter with you by my side. Here’s to more laughs, more memories, and more endless chats. Love you endlessly!” Shilpa wrote in her Instagram post.

Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar tied the knot in 2004. They are proud parents of two children, Gautam Ghattamaneni and Sitara Ghattamaneni.

On the work front, Mahesh Babu will be next seen in ‘Varanasi’, alongside Priyanka Chopra. The film is written by Vijayendra Prasad and directed by Rajamouli. Further details about the cast are still under wraps. (ANI)