The 76th Republic Day is celebrated on January 26, commemorating the day its Constitution came into effect in 1950. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his greetings, emphasising the significance of preserving the Constitution’s core principles of democracy, dignity, and unity.

He paid tribute to the architects of the Constitution, acknowledging their instrumental role in shaping India’s democratic journey. His message on X expressed hope that the day would reinvigorate efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous nation, firmly rooted in the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

“Happy Republic Day. Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of being a Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity and unity,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and working towards a stronger and prosperous India,” the Prime Minister said.

The celebrations, held at Kartavya Path, were a spectacular display of India’s rich diversity, its remarkable progress, and its powerful military. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the event, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The meticulously planned parade, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and military might, commenced at 10:30 AM and lasted approximately 90 minutes.

Before joining the festivities, Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the National War Memorial, honouring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. This poignant tribute underscored the nation’s gratitude for those who defended its sovereignty and security.

The Republic Day parade, a vibrant tapestry of India’s national identity, served as a testament to its democratic spirit, its unwavering unity, and its remarkable journey as a nation. The event was a fitting tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and a symbol of its continued progress and aspirations.

26/11 Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Hussain Rana has lost his appeal in the US Supreme Court against being extradited to India on Tuesday, the day after US President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national, is wanted in India for the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. This was possibly his last chance to avoid extradition to India. He had lost cases in federal courts, including the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco.

Rana is detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

Earlier, the US government argued in the US Supreme Court that Rana’s petition for a writ of certiorari should be denied. US Solicitor General Elizabeth B Prelogar said Rana was not entitled to relief from extradition to India in this case.

She said the US government’s case against Rana does not cover the grounds on which India wants him to be extradited and be tried. She said the forgery charges against him for giving false information while seeking clearance to open an immigration centre branch was not covered in the US case against him. The US had indicted him for conspiracy charges and his conviction here doesn’t mean all the charges India wishes to accuse him of have been already death with the jury in the US.

Rana, a retired doctor in the Pakistan Army, migrated to Canada after his retirement. The Pakistan military utilizes retired personnel for covert action. Rana is a link to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid an almost three-day siege, attacking iconic and vital locations. 

Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh surrendered to a Barh court on Friday, facing charges related to a shootout on the outskirts of Patna. The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening, involved an alleged attack on Singh’s convoy by the notorious Sonu-Monu gang. The ensuing exchange of gunfire, according to eyewitness accounts, involved a significant volume of shots – estimates ranging from 60 to 70 rounds, though police reported a lower figure of 16-17.

Remarkably, Singh escaped unharmed. Following his surrender, he was remanded to Beur jail. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Awkash Kumar confirmed the surrender and the filing of three separate FIRs concerning the incident.

The shootout unfolded amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in Mokama, a region with a history of violent crime and political rivalry. The involvement of the Sonu-Monu gang, known for its criminal activities, added a layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

Singh’s supporters retaliated to the initial attack, leading to the intense exchange of gunfire that gripped the area. The incident underscores the deep-seated power struggles and lawlessness that persist in certain parts of Bihar.

Adding to the escalating tension, another shooting incident was reported on Friday in Hamza village, under the jurisdiction of Panchmahal police station in Mokama. Three spent cartridges were found near Mukesh Singh’s house, prompting an immediate investigation.

Senior police officials were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and gather evidence. The timing and location of this second incident suggest a possible connection to the previous day’s events, raising concerns about further escalation of violence.

Police have apprehended two suspects, Sonu and Roushan, in connection with Wednesday’s shooting. Investigations suggest that the Sonu-Monu gang specifically targeted Mukesh Singh, a former associate of the gang who had allegedly sought protection and assistance from Anant Singh. This suggests a complex network of allegiances and betrayals within the criminal underworld of Mokama.

Anant Singh, a controversial figure with a history of both political success and criminal accusations, has been a prominent figure in Mokama’s political landscape for years. His past includes a conviction in 2020 related to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other weapons from his ancestral home, resulting in his disqualification from the assembly.

However, he was acquitted of these charges in August 2024. His wife, a former MLA, recently shifted her political allegiance from the RJD to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), further complicating the political dynamics of the region.