Welcome to ExamChamps.in! Your go-to platform for the most accurate and updated current affairs for UPSC, SSC, APPSC, TGPSC, and other competitive exams. The last two days have been monumental for India, featuring the 77th Republic Day and the announcement of the prestigious Padma Awards. Here is the detailed analysis of the top stories.

1. 77th Republic Day: Celebrating 150 Years of Vande Mataram

India marked its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a grand display of military and cultural heritage at Kartavya Path.

• Chief Guests: Signaling strong diplomatic ties, Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission President) and António Costa (European Council President) graced the event.
• Special Milestone: The parade celebrated the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876.
• Atmanirbhar Defense: For the first time, a 100% indigenous 21-gun salute was performed using the 105 mm Indian Field Guns.

2. Padma Awards 2026: Recognizing Icons

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced 132 Padma Awards this year. The list reflects a blend of cinematic legends and grassroots heroes.

• Padma Vibhushan: Awarded to actor Dharmendra (Posthumous) and legal luminary Justice K.T. Thomas.
• Regional Spotlight: From the Telugu states, actor Rajendra Prasad and dancer Deepika Reddy received the Padma Shri, while Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu was honored with the Padma Bhushan.

3. National Voters’ Day & Democracy

On January 25, India observed the 16th National Voters’ Day.

• Theme: “My India, My Vote” – emphasizing the citizen’s role at the heart of democracy.
• Digital Leap: The ECI launched an upgraded e-EPIC with secure QR codes to facilitate easier voting for migrants and NRIs.

4. Defense & Science Breakthroughs

• INS Vikrant: The Indian Navy declared the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, now equipped with Rafale-M jets.
• Wings India 2026: Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport is set to host Asia’s largest civil aviation show starting January 28th.

5. Wildlife Conservation: Madras Hedgehog

Environmentalists highlighted the conservation needs of the Madras Hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), a unique mammal found in South India’s arid regions, currently facing habitat loss.

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