New Delhi, January 25, 2026 — As the winter chill grips the capital, the nation has enveloped itself in the tricolor spirit on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. A massive security blanket has been thrown over New Delhi as India prepares to host two high-profile chief guests, marking a significant pivot in its foreign policy towards Europe.

EU Leaders Arrive as Chief Guests

Breaking from the tradition of a single head of state, India this year welcomes the European Union’s top leadership—Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council)—as the Chief Guests for the Republic Day parade.

Their presence signals a deepening of India-EU strategic ties, with talks expected to focus on a free trade agreement, green technology, and digital cooperation. The choice of EU leaders is seen as a diplomatic balancing act amidst global geopolitical churn.

Padma Awards 2026: The "Unsung Heroes"

On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced the list of Padma Awardees, continuing the recent tradition of honoring "Unsung Heroes" from the grassroots. Among the notable Padma Shri recipients announced today are:

• Bhagwadas Raikwar and Brij Lal Bhat, honored for their lifelong contribution to folk arts.
• Anke Gowda (Karnataka) and Dr. Armida Fernandes (Maharashtra), recognized for their selfless social work and contributions to healthcare, respectively.
• The list this year places a heavy emphasis on tribal artists, organic farmers, and social workers who have worked away from the limelight.

President Murmu Addresses the Nation

President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation at 7:00 PM IST today. In her televised address, she is expected to highlight India's economic resilience, the importance of youth participation in democracy (coinciding with National Voters' Day today), and the country's stride towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Global Economy: US Signals Tariff Relief

In a significant development for the Indian economy, reports from the World Economic Forum in Davos suggest a thaw in US-India trade tensions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has signaled a potential rollback of the controversial 25% tariff on Indian goods.

The tariffs, imposed by the Trump administration earlier, may be lifted as data shows a sharp decline in India’s import of Russian oil—a key demand from Washington. This potential relief has cheered Indian markets, which have faced volatility in recent weeks.

National Voters' Day and Strikes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today penned a message to the youth on National Voters' Day, urging first-time voters to recognize their power in shaping the nation's destiny. "Participation of our Nari Shakti and youth is crucial for an inclusive democracy," the PM stated.

Meanwhile, citizens should prepare for banking disruptions early next week. Bank unions have threatened a strike on January 27, following the Republic Day holiday, which could affect public sector banking operations across the country.