India, A Messenger of Peace: President Murmu's Republic Day Address Highlights Global Role and Domestic Strides

As India prepares to celebrate its 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu underscored the nation's pivotal role as a messenger of peace in a world grappling with escalating geopolitical tensions. Her remarks, delivered on the eve of Republic Day, resonated with ancient civilisational commitments to universal harmony, emphasizing that humanity's future hinges on global stability. This significant address coincided with a flurry of diplomatic activities, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's crucial meetings with European Union leadership, pointing towards an ambitious diplomatic agenda for India in the coming year.

President Murmu: India's Commitment to Global Peace and National Security

In her address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu articulated a clear vision for India's role on the international stage, positioning the country as a crucial proponent of peace amidst widespread global conflicts. "In an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India is spreading the message of peace," she declared, reiterating the nation's long-held tradition of praying for universal peace. Murmu asserted that securing humanity's future is inextricably linked to maintaining peace across the globe.

Beyond its global peace initiative, the President also reinforced India's unwavering commitment to national security. She highlighted the recent success of 'Operation Sindoor', a precise military action that dismantled cross-border terror infrastructure. This operation, she noted, demonstrated India's growing "self-reliance" in defense capabilities, showcasing the country's resolve to protect its interests. Murmu's address also touched upon a range of domestic issues, including women's empowerment, the growing economy, and the spirit of 'Vande Mataram', reflecting a holistic view of the nation's progress and aspirations. This comprehensive message set a tone of confidence and purpose as the nation prepared for its Republic Day celebrations, as reported by The Federal.

Diplomatic Engagements: EU and US Relations Take Center Stage

India's diplomatic calendar was particularly active, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaging with key international partners. On Sunday, Jaishankar held significant meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These discussions are poised to herald a "new chapter" in India-EU relations, with expectations of a major breakthrough. The two European leaders are set to be chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations, followed by summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. It is anticipated that these talks will culminate in the announcement of a free trade agreement (FTA), a strategic defense partnership, and a framework to enhance the mobility of Indian professionals within the EU. The discussions are also expected to address the broader implications of the Trump administration's economic and security policies, indicating a proactive approach to global economic shifts.

Concurrently, Jaishankar also hosted a three-member American Congressional delegation, including Jimmy Patronis, Mike Rogers, and Adam Smith. The meeting focused on various facets of India-US relations, including trade and security, at a time when both nations seek to navigate complexities in a changing geopolitical landscape. US Ambassador Sergio Gor described the talks as "productive," emphasizing the mutual interest in strengthening bilateral partnerships in critical areas such as security, trade, and advanced technologies. Jaishankar, in a social media post, affirmed the importance of these Congressional interactions as a vital component of the enduring India-US relationship, with discussions also encompassing the Indo-Pacific region and the Ukraine conflict.

Economic and Legal Developments: WinZO Chargesheet and FTA Finalization

In a significant development on the economic and legal front, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced it had chargesheeted the real-money online gaming app WinZO and its promoters. The charges allege that players were defrauded of Rs 734 crore through the manipulation of game algorithms using bots and artificial intelligence. The ED's Bengaluru zonal office filed the prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on January 23, naming Winzo Pvt. Ltd., its directors Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, and its international subsidiaries as accused. The regulatory action comes after the Union government banned real-money gaming apps in India in August 2025. The ED stated that WinZO, which boasted a user base of approximately 25 crore, primarily from tier-3 and tier-4 cities, falsely assured users that its platform was transparent and free of bots.

In a related economic highlight, India and the European Union are on the verge of announcing the conclusion of negotiations for a much-anticipated free trade agreement on January 27. This landmark deal, which has been 18 years in the making since talks began in 2007, is aimed at significantly boosting economic ties and mitigating disruptions caused by global trade dynamics. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has previously hailed this FTA as the "mother of all deals" signed by the country. While the conclusion of talks will be announced at the India-EU Summit, the official signing will follow after legal vetting, with implementation requiring approval from the EU parliament and the Indian Union cabinet.

"Unsung Heroes" Honored and Political Moves in Tamil Nadu

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, 45 individuals, recognized as "unsung heroes" for their extraordinary contributions, were chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri award. Among the distinguished recipients is Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor from Karnataka, who established 'Pustak Mane', the world's largest free-access library, housing over two million books in 20 languages. Another honoree is Armida Fernandes, a Mumbai-based paediatrician credited with setting up Asia's first human milk bank, significantly improving infant survival rates. The list also includes Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar, 90-year-old tribal Tarpa player Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda, and social worker Brij Lal Bhat from Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the diverse and impactful contributions made by ordinary citizens across India.

In the political landscape, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay officially launched his campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in Mahabalipuram. Using a whistle, the election symbol recently granted to his party by the Election Commission, Vijay criticized the state's two dominant Dravidian parties. He accused the AIADMK of "directly surrendering" to the BJP and the DMK of doing so "indirectly," asserting that his party would not succumb to any external pressures. Meanwhile, in national politics, top Congress sources vehemently denied rumors that MP Shashi Tharoor was considering defection to the CPI(M), dismissing the speculation as baseless and questioning the logic of such a move given the CPI(M)'s prior characterization of Tharoor. These developments highlight the vibrant and dynamic nature of India's political and social sphere, underscoring the many facets of a nation on the move, as reported by The Federal.