Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to be the chief guest at the upcoming Republic Day celebrations in the capital, according to reports.

Following his visit to India, it appears that President Subianto may not travel to Pakistan as initially planned, due to concerns raised by New Delhi.

While there was an intention for the Indonesian President to visit Pakistan after India, this plan is now uncertain. India has yet to officially announce this year’s Republic Day chief guest.

During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage in extensive discussions with Subianto. Every year, India extends invitations to global leaders to attend the Republic Day festivities. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron served as the chief guest, while in 2023, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was honoured with the role.

Notably, there were no chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the chief guest was then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The previous year, in 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attended, and in 2018, all 10 leaders of ASEAN countries were present.

In the years leading up to 2017, notable guests included Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who attended in 2017, and then French President Francois Hollande in 2016. In 2015, then-U.S. President Barack Obama was the chief guest, followed by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014 and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2013.

Over the years, the Republic Day celebrations have welcomed numerous prominent leaders, including Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami, and Jacques Chirac. Noteworthy appearances include British Prime Minister John Major in 1993, Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s President in 1995, and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak in 2010.

In addition, past guests such as Sarkozy in 2008, Chirac in 1998, Nepal’s King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1999, Iran’s President Mohammed Khatami in 2003, Indonesia’s then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011, and Maldives’ President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 1991 have also attended the celebrations.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Atishi, running for re-election from the Kalkaji seat, launched a crowdfunding campaign on Sunday to support her upcoming Assembly election bid.

During the campaign launch, Atishi expressed her hope that the public would back her party’s focus on positive governance and contribute generously to help reach her fundraising goal of Rs 40 lakh for election expenses. She provided an online link for individuals to make donations in advance of the polls in Delhi.

“The people of Delhi have always supported AAP, contributing to our election campaigns. Even small donations have enabled us to contest and succeed in elections. We have received support from the most economically disadvantaged individuals in amounts as modest as Rs 10 to 100. AAP’s commitment to honest politics means we do not seek funding from corporations,” Atishi noted.

She highlighted the issue prevalent among political candidates and parties who often rely on funding from wealthy tycoons, which leads to them catering to those interests through contracts. “The Kejriwal government has consistently prioritized the needs of the common people, which has aided us in our electoral journey,” she added.

Atishi emphasized that despite being in power in Delhi for a decade, AAP has maintained a corruption-free record. “We will contest these elections with the support of the people of Delhi and across the country, just as we have done in previous elections,” she asserted.

In a subtle comment directed at the BJP, she remarked, “Perhaps they have gathered enough funds from their allies and through government contracts, so they don’t need to raise money for their election campaigns.”

As she seeks re-election from the Kalkaji assembly seat, Atishi is up against former MP and senior BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri, as well as Congress’s Alka Lamba. The 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled to hold elections on February 5, with results expected to be announced on February 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended an exhibition featuring participants of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. PM Modi announced that he would spend the entire day with over 3,000 “dynamic young leaders” selected from across the nation.

This dialogue is part of the Prime Minister’s initiative to engage 100,000 youth without political affiliations in the political arena. The event coincides with National Youth Day, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

On Saturday, Modi expressed his enthusiasm, stating that he would spend the day with “my young friends,” engaging in discussions and lunch focused on various topics aimed at fostering a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

The selected youths have demonstrated a strong interest in fields such as science, technology, innovation, and culture. The two-day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue commenced on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, organized by the Department of Youth Affairs.

The inaugural session was attended by notable figures, including Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse, Anand Mahindra, Palki Sharma, S. Somnath, Pawan Goenka, Amitabh Kant, and Ronnie Screwvala. The ceremony featured the traditional lighting of the lamp and a floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda, whose enduring principles continue to inspire the youth of the nation.

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue aims to move away from the conventional format of the National Youth Festival that has been in place for 25 years, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision expressed on Independence Day to engage one lakh youth in politics without any political ties, providing them with a national platform to turn their visions for a developed India into reality.

During the event, the Prime Minister is expected to launch a compilation of the best essays submitted by participants on ten diverse themes, including technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing, and agriculture. In a unique move, he will also join the young leaders for lunch, creating an opportunity for them to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations directly with him.

Earlier today, BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda praised the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, highlighting its empowering nature for the youth, encouraging them to play a meaningful role in nation-building. In a post on X, Nadda noted, “I hosted young leaders from Himachal Pradesh under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogues program in New Delhi. I shared my journey and experiences while listening attentively to their innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.

“Platforms like this instill a sense of empowerment and confidence among youngsters, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. I am uplifted by the energy and passion of these young minds and truly impressed by their commitment to the vision of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji for ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’,” he added in his post.