1 Rajasthan’s Alwar to develop a large biological park with 81 wildlife species
Rajasthan is set to add another major milestone to its wildlife tourism footprint. A new Biological Park will be developed in the Kati Ghati area of Alwar district . This park will integrate wildlife conservation, animal care, and tourism into one facility. Upon completion, it will become the first biological park of its kind in the National Capital Region (NCR), featuring a safari, rescue center, and a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital . The proposed biological park will be built between Kati Ghati and Jaismand in Alwar district . It will span approximately 100 hectares . Approximately 30 percent of this area will be developed as a zoo, while the remaining 70 percent will remain green to preserve the natural environment. The Alwar Biological Park will house over 400 wildlife species from 81 different species . Visitors will be able to see lions, cheetahs, and various tiger species endemic to India. Giraffes imported from Africa will also be a major attraction, making the park unique in the region.
2 EU leader to be chief guest on Republic Day
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day . European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the 77th Republic Day celebrations as chief guests . Ursula described it as the greatest honor of her life. Both EU leaders are in India, where they will attend the 16th EU-India Summit on January 27th , hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi . A free trade agreement between the two countries may also be announced on this occasion. European countries have traditionally been close to the United States. Together, the EU and the US account for over 40 percent of global economic output and nearly a third of world trade. However, since President Trump’s return to power, the “tariff bomb” has impacted international relations. Today, Europe is enthusiastic about strengthening bilateral relations with India, beyond the US, and looks to India as a stable partner.
3 President Draupadi Murmu honored Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla with the Ashok Chakra for his valor.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award . President Draupadi Murmu presented the award to him during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, held in the spirit of duty. Shubhanshu Shukla traveled to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission and completed his space flight in 2025. He became the second Indian astronaut to fly to space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. During this mission, he displayed exceptional courage, quick decision-making, and unwavering dedication to duty, for which he received this prestigious honor. During his time in space, Shukla conducted numerous scientific experiments and agricultural experiments. He successfully grew fenugreek and mung bean seeds in space , which is considered a major achievement for Indian space research.
4 Republic Day Parade: Army showcases ‘Battle Array’ format
For the first time on Monday, the Indian Army displayed the ” Battle Array ” format during the Republic Day parade . “Battle Array” means battlefield formation . It demonstrated how the army advances during war, how it attacks, and how it responds to the enemy. All of this was on display in one place, in the line of duty. A glimpse of Operation “Sindoor” was also shown. This entire display was a proud salute to the success of Operation “Sindoor.” The Army’s special tableau showcased an Integrated Operations Center, where entire war plans are made. It demonstrated how targets are designated in real time, attacks are launched, and air defense systems like the “Sudarshan Chakra” protect the country. The airborne component was also included. The recce element featured the 61 Cavalry in Active Combat Uniform. Following this was the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle, India’s first indigenously designed armored light specialist vehicle. The indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, the Rudra Prahar Formation, provided air support. This was followed by the combat elements, i.e., tanks that play a leading role in the battle. These included the T-90 Bhishma and Arjun Main Battle Tank, which passed in front of the saluting dais. They received air support from the Apache AH-64E and Prachand Light Combat Helicopters. Other mechanized columns included the BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicles, along with the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2.
5 New Delhi: National Culture and Tourism Festival Bharat Parv 2026 inaugurated at Red Fort
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the six-day national culture and tourism festival, Bharat Parv 2026, at the Red Fort in New Delhi . Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Birla said the festival will provide a platform to strengthen India’s cultural heritage. He said the festival will provide an opportunity for people to learn about the culture of different states and regions. Mr. Birla said the initiative will play a vital role in enhancing the country’s tourism potential. The event is being attended by 34 state tourism pavilions, stalls from 24 central ministries, and prominent institutions and organizations from across the country.
6 Odisha has completely banned gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products.
The Odisha State Health and Family Welfare Department has announced a strict ban on gutkha, pan masala, and all products containing tobacco or nicotine . This new notification aims to prevent the misuse of these products and ensure public health protection. The ban will apply to all areas—manufacture, sale, storage, transportation, and distribution. With this, Odisha has become fully compliant with the Supreme Court’s nationwide directive. A ban on the sale of tobacco products has been in effect in Odisha since 2013. However, the new notification removes previous ambiguities and ensures strict and effective enforcement across the state. According to Health Secretary Aswathi S., this step has been taken to ensure a complete ban on gutkha and pan masala in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives.
7 Lucknow becomes UP’s first ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ city
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh , is rapidly developing. With a population of approximately 4 million and approximately 7.5 lakh shops, offices, and establishments, daily waste management poses a significant challenge. To address this challenge, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has adopted a modern and scientific waste management system aimed at ensuring cleanliness, recycling, and environmental protection. Lucknow recently commissioned its third fresh waste processing plant at the Shivri site . This has made Lucknow the first city in Uttar Pradesh to scientifically process 100% of its fresh municipal waste . This achievement has earned Lucknow the status of a “Zero Fresh Waste Dump” city, meaning that new waste is no longer dumped in the open. The new Shivri plant can process 700 metric tons of waste per day. Combined with the two existing plants, Lucknow’s total waste processing capacity now stands at 2,100 metric tons per day. This capacity is equivalent to the city’s daily waste generation, ensuring environmentally safe treatment of all waste.
8 Novak Djokovic became the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic won his 400th Grand Slam singles match, becoming the first player to achieve this feat . Djokovic recorded his 102nd win at the ongoing Australian Open, equaling Roger Federer’s record. Djokovic is the most successful Grand Slam champion, winning 24 times. He also holds the record for holding the world No. 1 ranking for 428 consecutive weeks.
9 Odia singer Abhijit Majumdar passes away
On January 25, 2026, renowned Odisha music director and singer Abhijit Majumdar passed away. He breathed his last at the AIIMS hospital in Bhubaneswar. Abhijit was 54 years old and had been battling serious health problems for the past several months. Abhijit was considered the ” Melody King ” of the Odia film industry. Abhijit contributed to the field of music for more than three decades. He began his career with Sambalpuri music in 1991. Abhijit composed more than 700 songs , including film songs, private albums, and bhajans. Abhijit composed music for several blockbuster films, including Shriman Surdas, Love Story, Sister Sridevi, Sundargarh Ra Salman Khan, Balunga Toka, Mr. Majnu, and Golmaal Love.