Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad AL Thani upon his arrival in New Delhi for a two-day visit. The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks to further strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two countries. This is the second visit of the Amir of Qatar to India, the first one being in 2015. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the visiting leader at the airport, showing the importance of the visit.
In a move to showcase southern India's cultural diversity, President Droupadi Murmu is incorporating elements from five southern states in the reception of the At Home event at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day. From the welcome program to the guest list and cuisine, the event will be infused with a southern flavour. By featuring artisanal handicrafts from the region and promoting sustainability and inclusivity, the event aims to spotlight local expertise. This move also coincides with the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who have both highlighted the cultural similarities between their countries and South India. The event will also be more inclusive for the disabled and feature individuals from various professions, ensuring representation from different parts of the country at the seat of power.
In a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Arjuna Award upon para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar, who hails from Reasi district, is the third para-archer to receive this prestigious award, and his exceptional performance in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo made him a top contender. He represented India at the Paralympics and has a world ranking of No. 1 in compound archery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have both congratulated Kumar on his achievement.
Four elite Indian athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances and achievements in the field of sports by President Droupadi Murmu. The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was presented to D. Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s success in various international events. Along with these four honorees, 32 athletes were also awarded with the Arjuna Award during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu honoured some of the country's top athletes with the prestigious sports award - Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This award is given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports and is given to sportspersons for their outstanding performance in their respective fields over a period of four years. This year's recipients include the youngest-ever World Chess Champion Gukesh D, Paris Olympics and Paralympics medallists Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. Additionally, 17 para-athletes were also honoured with the Arjuna Award, which is given for outstanding performance in sports and games with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
The Indian sports community is in celebration as shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been selected as recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker's historic double-medal win at the Olympics, along with Harmanpreet's leadership in securing a second consecutive bronze for the Indian hockey team, were highlights of their achievements. Gukesh's victory as the youngest ever chess world champion and helping India win the gold in Chess Olympiad, and Praveen's T64 championship win in Paralympics, have also earned them the prestigious award. The award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the awardees will receive this recognition from the President of India.
Indian athletes Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh have been selected to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honor in the country. This announcement comes alongside the nomination of Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar for the same award. The recipients will receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2025. Bhaker and Gukesh have made their mark in their respective sports, with Bhaker making history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics, and Gukesh becoming the youngest ever World Chess champion.
In a special event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute and recognized the crucial contributions of 15 women members of the Indian Constituent Assembly in shaping the country's constitutional framework. During her address, President Murmu highlighted the significant impact of these women in ensuring gender equality and representation in the democratic process, and their tireless efforts in making the Constitution inclusive and progressive. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of India.
After his formal appointment by the Union government, Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended him as his successor in line with constitutional norms. With a distinguished four-decade long judicial career, Justice Khanna is set to serve a short six-month tenure before his retirement in May 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu of India has renamed two iconic halls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, marking a shift towards Indian cultural values and ethos. The Durbar Hall, which is used for important ceremonies and celebrations, has been renamed to honour India's status as a Republic. Similarly, the Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom, has been renamed to honour Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence. This move is seen as a step towards removing British influence and upholding key Indian values.