Republic Day 2026 began with a poignant moment of national remembrance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi. The solemn ceremony marked the official opening of the Republic Day proceedings, with a wreath laid in honour of India’s fallen soldiers and a heartfelt moment of silence dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed everything for the nation. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh upon his arrival, and the tribute included a two-minute silence followed by the “Rouse” and the Salami Shastra command, a deeply emotional start to the nation’s grand celebration. This year’s Republic Day carries a powerful theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, celebrating India’s patriotic spirit and its journey of freedom. WATCH 

Cyclone Montha is intensifying rapidly over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on October 28. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds could reach 90–100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h. The Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF have been placed on high alert, while disaster management teams coordinate closely with state governments and the NDMA.