On the occasion of Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the Indian Army, describing its soldiers as a symbol of selfless service who protect the nation with unwavering resolve, even in the most challenging circumstances.

In a message shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said the country salutes the courage and steadfast commitment of Indian Army personnel. He noted that their dedication to duty inspires confidence and gratitude among citizens across the country.

“Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions,” PM Modi said. He added that the nation remembers with deep respect those who have laid down their lives while serving the country.

Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to commemorate a historic moment in India’s military history. The day marks the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, when he took over from British officer General Sir F R R Bucher.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s role in defending the country’s sovereignty and honour, as well as the sacrifices made by its personnel in the line of duty.

International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted on Thursday after Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial aircraft, triggering delays and cancellations on several long-haul routes.

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace without providing an official explanation, as tensions remain elevated between Tehran and Washington and protests continue across the country against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Indian airlines issue travel advisories

Air India said its flights overflying the region are now operating through alternative routes, resulting in longer flight times and possible delays. The airline also confirmed that some services have been cancelled where rerouting is not feasible.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights overflying the region are using alternate routing, which may lead to delays. Some flights are being cancelled where rerouting is currently not possible,” the airline said in a statement on social media.

Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport, with the airline reiterating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions to its international network, describing the situation as a “sudden airspace closure” beyond the airline’s control. The carrier said it is working to assist affected passengers by offering alternative travel options.

Customers have been advised to use flexible rebooking options or claim refunds, depending on their preference.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, confirming that some of its flights have been impacted due to the closure of Iranian airspace.

Airspace shutdown linked to regional security concerns

According to official notices issued to pilots, Iran’s airspace closure is expected to remain in place until 7:30 am local time. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows earlier shutdowns during military confrontations involving Israel earlier this year.

Aviation risk monitoring platforms have noted that several international airlines are already avoiding Iranian airspace, citing concerns over possible military activity, air defence operations and the risk of misidentification of civilian aircraft.

The situation continues to be monitored closely, with further disruptions possible if the airspace restrictions are extended.

Voting is underway today for civic body elections across Maharashtra, covering 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai and Pune emerging as the main political battlegrounds. The polls, being held after a long delay, are widely seen as a crucial test of political strength and identity ahead of larger state and national contests.

Polling began at 7.30 am for a total of 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the 29 civic bodies. The elections are taking place years after the scheduled term of most municipal corporations ended between 2020 and 2023. Voting will continue until 5.30 pm, while counting of votes is scheduled to begin at 10 am on January 16.

BMC election draws maximum attention

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India’s richest civic body, remains the centre of attention. Unlike other corporations, the BMC follows a single-member ward system, meaning each voter casts only one vote. In the remaining 28 civic bodies, wards have three to five seats, requiring voters to cast multiple votes.

The BMC poll is particularly significant for the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, who have come together in its backdrop after two decades. The election is seen as an opportunity for them to reassert their claim as political heirs of Bal Thackeray and revive their influence in Mumbai, a city long governed by the undivided Shiv Sena.

Test of Marathi identity politics

The elections are also being closely watched as a test of the “Marathi Manoos” plank. Rooted in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement of the 1950s and shaped politically by Bal Thackeray, the Marathi identity has remained a defining feature of Mumbai’s politics and a core theme for the Thackeray-led parties, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

BJP-Shinde alliance and NCP in fray

For Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who split the Shiv Sena in 2022, the civic polls offer a chance to regain lost ground and reinforce his claim as Bal Thackeray’s political successor. His alliance partner, the BJP, is contesting 137 of the BMC’s 227 seats, while the Shinde-led Sena is contesting the remaining 90. The BJP, which won 82 seats in the last BMC election in 2019, is aiming to significantly improve its tally.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party is contesting the polls independently after differences with the BJP over leadership issues. The party is hoping to regain influence, especially in Pune, where the undivided NCP had controlled the civic body for a decade between 2007 and 2017.

With high political stakes, delayed polls and shifting alliances, today’s civic elections are expected to offer clear signals about Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.