India Marks 77th Republic Day with Grand Celebrations and Military Display
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with nationwide events commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and highlighting the country's rich cultural and military heritage. The main parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi featured the Indian Army's first-ever "phased battle array" display, a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force, and vibrant tableaux representing the nation's diverse cultural traditions.
The event drew top political leaders and thousands of spectators, emphasizing democratic values, military preparedness, and national unity. Cultural performances and defense exhibitions underscored the pride and constitutional spirit of the occasion, creating a powerful showcase of India's progress and heritage.
UAE Abandons Islamabad Airport Management Deal Following Presidential Visit to India
In a significant diplomatic development, Abu Dhabi has reportedly scrapped its planned agreement to manage Islamabad International Airport, just days after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to New Delhi. According to Pakistani media reports, the UAE lost interest in the project and could not nominate a suitable local partner, leading to the abandonment of the airport management deal.
The timing of this decision, following closely on the heels of the UAE President's India visit, has sparked discussions about shifting geopolitical alignments and economic priorities in the region.
Bangladesh Court Sentences Former Police Officials to Death for Crimes Against Humanity
A Bangladesh court on Monday delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing three former police officials to death for crimes against humanity related to the killing of six protesters during the July 2024 mass uprising. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 handed down the death penalty to former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman, former joint commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, and former additional deputy commissioner Shah Alam Mohammad Akhtarul Islam.
The July 2024 protests ultimately led to the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, making this verdict a significant moment in Bangladesh's ongoing reckoning with political violence and human rights abuses.
IndiGo Cancels Flights to Four Cities Amid Regional Tensions Near Iran
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has announced the cancellation of all flight operations to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku until January 28, citing "ongoing developments in the region around Iran" as the primary reason. In an official statement, the airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety as the highest priority and stated it is maintaining vigilance while proactively reviewing flight operations.
The precautionary measure affects scheduled flights from January 26 to 28, with the airline closely monitoring the regional situation before resuming normal services to these Central Asian and Caucasus destinations.
Shreyas Iyer to Remain with India T20I Squad as Tilak Varma's Return Delayed
In cricket news, Shreyas Iyer will continue with the Indian T20 International team for the remaining two matches against New Zealand after Tilak Varma's return to cricket was postponed due to injury management requirements. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Iyer, who was originally scheduled to leave the tour after the third T20I for rest, will now stay with the squad to bolster team strength.
This adjustment in squad planning comes as India manages player workload and fitness ahead of ongoing limited-overs fixtures, demonstrating the team's flexible approach to squad management during international series.
