From the thunderous debut of the ‘Operation Sindoor’ tableau to the ‘Unsung Heroes’ of the Padma Awards, here are the top stories dominating the headlines on Aaj Tak this Republic Day.
As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, millions of viewers have tuned in to major news outlets like Aaj Tak to witness the grand parade at Kartavya Path. The coverage today has been dominated by a mix of patriotic pride, breaking military revelations, and sporting glory.
If you missed the live telecast, here is a comprehensive roundup of the most important news stories making waves on Aaj Tak and other national platforms today.
1. Republic Day Parade: ‘Vande Mataram’ and Military Might
The biggest story of the day is undoubtedly the 77th Republic Day parade. As reported by news agencies, this year’s parade was themed around “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Read more: Republic Day 2026
Key Highlights Covered:
- Chief Guests: The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the parade, marking a deepening of India-EU strategic ties.
- The President’s Arrival: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in the traditional horse-drawn buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, a visual that dominated morning news feeds.
- Nari Shakti: For the first time, the parade featured a higher number of female commanders leading contingents, including the CRPF and SSB “Daredevil” bikers.
2. The Big Reveal: ‘Operation Sindoor’ Tableau
Breaking news segments on Aaj Tak and other channels focused heavily on the Tri-Services Tableau titled ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’.
- What it Showcased: The tableau publicly confirmed the details of the precision strikes on terror launchpads across the border. It displayed models of the Rafale jets and S-400 air defence systems used in the mission.
- The Message: Defence experts on panel discussions analyzed this as a clear signal of India’s new “offensive-defence” doctrine. The slogan “Detection to Destruction” was a key talking point.
3. Padma Awards 2026: Honouring the ‘Unsung Heroes’
On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced 131 Padma Awards. News channels have been profiling the “Unsung Heroes” who received the honour this year.
- Simanchal Patro: The 99-year-old folk artist from Odisha, known for keeping ancient traditions alive.
- Anke Gowda: A former bus conductor from Karnataka who built a library with over 2 million books.
- Cricket Stars: Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were announced as recipients of the Padma Shri, a story that is trending heavily among sports fans.
4. International Scoop: The White House Audio Leak
In a major international exclusive covered by global desks, a leaked audio clip involving US Senator Ted Cruz has gone viral.
- The Controversy: The clip allegedly features Cruz blaming Donald Trump’s inner circle for delaying the India-US Trade Deal. This revelation has sparked debates on news hours regarding the future of India-US economic relations under the current geopolitical climate.
5. Sports: India Crushes New Zealand
While the morning was about the parade, the afternoon headlines shifted to cricket.
- The Win: Team India defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets in the 3rd T20 International.
- The Impact: With this win, India has sealed the series 3-0. Youngsters like Abhishek Sharma (who scored a blistering knock) are being hailed as the next generation of superstars.
Why This Matters
For the average citizen, today’s news cycle is a “morale booster.” The combination of a military victory (Operation Sindoor), a diplomatic win (EU Chiefs present), and a sporting triumph (Series win) paints a picture of a nation on the rise. However, the international leak regarding the US trade deal adds a layer of caution for economic watchers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I watch the replay of the Republic Day parade on Aaj Tak?
You can watch the full replay of the parade and the specific ‘Operation Sindoor’ segment on the official Aaj Tak YouTube channel or their website under the ‘Republic Day 2026’ tab.
Q2: Who are the Chief Guests shown on the news today?
The Chief Guests for the 2026 Republic Day were European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.
Q3: What is the ‘Operation Sindoor’ mentioned in the headlines?
‘Operation Sindoor’ was a joint military operation by the Indian Armed Forces to neutralize terror threats across the border. It was officially showcased for the first time in today’s parade.
Q4: Did Rohit Sharma win a Padma Award?
Yes, reports confirm that Rohit Sharma has been conferred with the Padma Shri award for his contribution to cricket.
Q5: What is the theme of the 2026 Republic Day?
The theme celebrated “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and the vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).