Highlights
- Polity: India observed its 76th Republic Day. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, transforming India into a sovereign democratic republic.
- International: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day parade.
- Defence: The Republic Day parade displayed the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas Mk II, Advanced Light Helicopter, and INS Visakhapatnam in a first-ever Tri-Services tableau.
- Awards: 139 Padma Awards and 93 Gallantry Awards were announced for 2025.
- Culture: The parade's theme was "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
1. Republic Day: Constitutional Significance
GS area: Polity
Republic Day marks 26 January 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force.
- Why 26 January: The date was chosen to honour the Indian National Congress's Purna Swaraj declaration of 26 January 1930, when the Congress formally demanded complete independence from British rule.
- Transformation: On 26 January 1950, India ceased to be a Dominion under the Crown and became a sovereign democratic republic. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President.
- 76th Republic Day: Marks 75 years since the Constitution's commencement (26 January 1950 to 26 January 2025).
- Parade venue: Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi.
- President's role: The President of India presides over the Republic Day celebrations as the constitutional head. The President takes the salute at the parade.
Static linkage: Constitutional history, Constituent Assembly, Preamble to the Constitution (Polity, GS Paper 2).
2. Chief Guest: Indonesia's President
GS area: International Relations
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended as the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day.
- India-Indonesia ties: Formal diplomatic relations established in 1950. Treaty of Friendship in 1951.
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2018): The highest level of India-Indonesia bilateral engagement.
- Bilateral trade (FY 2023-24): $29.4 billion.
- Why Indonesia: India's Act East Policy targets deeper engagement with ASEAN. Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and shares civilisational links with India (Sanskrit-based place names, shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage).
- Bali-Yatra: India-Indonesia maritime historical connection. Odisha's traders sailed to Bali for centuries.
- Indonesia in BRICS: Indonesia joined BRICS as the 10th full member in January 2025.
Static linkage: India-ASEAN relations, Act East Policy (International Relations, GS Paper 2).
3. Republic Day Parade: Key Features
GS area: Defence, Culture
The 76th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path featured several firsts and highlights.
- Tri-Services Tableau (First time ever): Theme: "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (Strong and Secure India). Displayed:
- Arjun Main Battle Tank
- Tejas Mk II fighter aircraft (under development)
- Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv)
- INS Visakhapatnam destroyer
- DRDO Tableau: Showcased Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems, Medium Power Radar, drone detection systems, and unmanned aerial systems.
- Cultural inclusion: The Mannan tribal king from Kerala participated for the first time, representing indigenous community inclusion.
- Marching contingents: Include all three Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG), and contingents from various states.
Static linkage: Defence technology, cultural integration (GS Papers 1 and 3).
4. Padma Awards 2025
GS area: Governance, Culture
The Padma Awards for 2025 were announced on the eve of Republic Day and bestowed on Republic Day.
- Total awards announced: 139.
- Padma Vibhushan: 7
- Padma Bhushan: 19
- Padma Shri: 113
- Gallantry Awards: 93 awards to Armed Forces and paramilitary personnel.
- Defence Decorations: 305.
- Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards: 49 awards recognising civilian bravery in lifesaving situations.
- Padma Award categories: Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order), Padma Shri (distinguished service). Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award and is separate.
Static linkage: Civilian honours (Governance, GS Paper 2).
5. Theme: Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas
GS area: Governance, Culture
The theme of the 76th Republic Day was "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
- Jan Bhagidari: The overarching spirit of people's participation in national celebration. Extended to digitally include citizens across the country.
- ODOP at Republic Day: One District One Product artisan products (GI-tagged items from across states) were selected for gifting to dignitaries. Examples include Kalamkari bamboo boxes from Andhra Pradesh and Ikat-Pochampalli covers from Telangana.
- Cultural tableaux: State tableaux from every region of India were presented, showcasing handicrafts, classical dance forms, and developmental achievements.
Static linkage: Governance, Indian culture (GS Paper 1).
6. Briefly noted
- Purna Swaraj Declaration (1930): The Congress session at Lahore in December 1929 under Jawaharlal Nehru's presidency adopted the Purna Swaraj resolution. 26 January 1930 was observed as Independence Day throughout the freedom struggle. The date was chosen for the Constitution's commencement in 1950 in honour of this history.
- Republic Day significance for UPSC: The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (Article 53). The salute at the Republic Day parade by the President exercises this symbolic role. Also note: the National Flag is unfurled (let fly from the top) on Republic Day, whereas on Independence Day the PM "hoists" it (pulls it up on the flagpole).
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