NASA astronaut Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has shared breathtaking photos of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Captured at night, the images show the grandeur of the world's largest human gathering, illuminated near the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Pettit, known for his astrophotography, posted the images on X, highlighting the scale and vibrancy of the event. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is being facilitated with extensive upgrades, including AI-enabled security and 24/7 electricity.

Maharashtra minister Uday Samant has objected to Vicky Kaushal's upcoming film Chhaava, set for release on February 14, 2025. He criticized a scene depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing and demanded its removal. “We will not let it release,” Samant declared, urging the film be reviewed by historians to ensure accuracy. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, also requested to view the film, advocating historical precision. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj, along with Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, chronicles the life of Shivaji’s son. Samant warned of blocking the release if changes aren't made.

Delhi experienced its warmest Republic Day in 8 years on January 26, with the maximum temperature reaching 23.7°C, surpassing the normal by 2°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The previous record was in 2017 at 26.1°C. Clear skies provided an ideal backdrop for the Republic Day Parade, as foggy conditions were absent. IMD attributes the warmth to dry northwesterly winds and bright sunshine. Temperatures are expected to rise further due to an incoming western disturbance, with minimum temperatures increasing to 9-11°C by the weekend. Meanwhile, Delhi’s AQI deteriorated from 'moderate' to 'poor,' standing at 240 on Monday.

Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic moment in India's legal landscape. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal today, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit. The UCC ensures equal rights in marriage, property, and succession, prohibiting polygamy and mandating marriage registration. The legislation, passed in February 2024, received presidential assent in March. Dhami emphasized its role in fostering equality and eradicating discrimination based on religion, gender, or caste. This landmark move underscores the state's commitment to a secular, harmonious society.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared details about the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025. Speaking at NDTV Mahakumbh Samvaad, he said the government focused on sustainable development. Roads, railways, and river cleanliness were improved. A civil terminal was built in 2019, and this year, 14 underpasses and flyovers were added. The mela area now covers 15,000 acres, with 5,000 acres for parking. Around 12 crore people have already taken a holy dip at the Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence. Adityanath emphasised that events like Mahakumbh are chances to develop cities and ensure better infrastructure and connectivity for the future.

The Vande Bharat Express completed its trial run on the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic milestone. The train, specially designed for extreme weather conditions, connects Katra to Srinagar and features advanced heating systems, defrosting windshields, and climate-adaptive brakes. Covering the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, the trial run passed through engineering marvels like the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges. Northern Railway Chief Saqib Yousuf called it a "historic step," reflecting the vision to integrate Kashmir into the national rail network. Prime Minister Modi is expected to flag off the train soon.

For the first time, a tri-services tableau featured at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, showcasing joint operations across land, air, and sea. Themed "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat," it emphasized armed forces integration and national security. Indigenous platforms, including the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII, INS Visakhapatnam, and Pralay missile system with a 400 km range, were displayed. Indian Air Force helicopters carried flags of India and Indonesia, while Army and Navy contingents demonstrated advanced weaponry and coordination. The Naval Marching Contingent, led by Lt Commander Sagar Ahluwalia, highlighted India's multi-domain operational strength.

The Republic Day 2025 celebrations at Kartavya Path were marked by a stunning fly-past featuring advanced aircraft like Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and Apache helicopters. These aircraft performed captivating formations, including Dhwaj, Ajay, and the grand Vajrang formation, with the Rafale concluding the display with a Vertical Charlie maneuver. The audience was also thrilled by the Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, the 'Dare Devils', who showcased their bravery through spectacular stunts such as Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, and a Human Pyramid. The event concluded with the national anthem, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

India marked its 76th Republic Day with grandeur at Kartavya Path, celebrating 75 years of the Constitution's enactment. President Droupadi Murmu led the event, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto served as the chief guest. The parade showcased 31 tableaux with the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ highlighting cultural heritage and military prowess. Key attractions included BrahMos missiles, Pralay tactical systems, and a tri-services tableau. A flypast by 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and performances by 5,000 artistes captivated attendees. Delhi was under a six-layered security cover, ensuring the event’s success amid massive public participation and national pride.

The 76th Republic Day celebrations commenced at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial prior to the parade. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto graced the event as the chief guest. The parade featured 18 marching contingents, 15 bands, and 31 tableaux, highlighting India’s cultural diversity and military strength. This year's theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), celebrated India's rich heritage and development. Over 10,000 special guests attended, with 7,70,000 passes issued nationwide.