President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday addressed the nation on the eve of 71st Republic Day. The President's address, which began at 7 pm, is being broadcast on the entire national network of All India Radio (AIR) and telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi followed by the English version.

President Ram Nath Kovind addresses nation ahead of 'Republic Day 2020'

WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade:&nbsp;

WION: What will be the focus this time?

Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade. Besides this we have all women contingent where all the participants in the contingent will be women-- it is Assam Rifle contingent that will be participating. We have four contingent commanders who are lady officers. It will also happen for the first time. Because individually lady officers have commanded contingent but not in such large number. We have Make-in-India equipment K9 Vajra. It is going to be pride for the nation. Also, we will be using biofuel Jatropha fuel made in India and aircraft will be flying on it for the first time.

WION: How much focus will be on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-gender-bias-in-army-says-1st-woman-who-will-lead-all-male-contingent-at-republic-day-parade-192392">women power</a>?

Major General Rajpal Punia: I agree. No doubt. Women power is very powerful. This time we have a very large number of women participating including in motorcycle display. There is a lady officer who is commanding motorcycle display. We have all women continent. Women power this time is maximum compared to previous years.

WION: Use of biofuel-- Jatropha, can u explain more?

Major General Rajpal Punia: Its a plant. We trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We even think that it will be replacing oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil being used by AN-32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country its a self-sufficiency.

WION: Indian National Army (INA) veterans are also taking part this time?&nbsp;

Major General Rajpal Punia: Four INA soldiers who are participating. These people are-- Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula, Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul, Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. &nbsp;It is a matter of honour. Its a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating.

WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade: WION: What will be the focus this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade.

WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade: WION: What will be the focus this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade. Besides this we have all women contingent where all the participants in the contingent will be women-- it is Assam Rifle contingent that will be participating. We have four contingent commanders who are lady officers. It will also happen for the first time. Because individually lady officers have commanded contingent but not in such large number. We have Make-in-India equipment K9 Vajra. It is going to be pride for the nation. Also, we will be using biofuel Jatropha fuel made in India and aircraft will be flying on it for the first time. WION: How much focus will be on women power? Major General Rajpal Punia: I agree. No doubt. Women power is very powerful. This time we have a very large number of women participating including in motorcycle display. There is a lady officer who is commanding motorcycle display. We have all women continent. Women power this time is maximum compared to previous years. WION: Use of biofuel-- Jatropha, can u explain more? Major General Rajpal Punia: Its a plant. We trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We even think that it will be replacing oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil being used by AN-32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country its a self-sufficiency. WION: Indian National Army (INA) veterans are also taking part this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Four INA soldiers who are participating. These people are-- Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula, Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul, Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. It is a matter of honour. Its a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating.

Woman power will be focus of Republic Day: Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-trumps-trade-target-169316&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjU3NDDuqreAhUEMY8KHa82AcYQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bvPXN4_cJ8MLWg4EvlEDg">India's invitation</a> to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday.

The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

This comes at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-set-ink-s-400-defence-deal-during-india-visit-us-warns-against-missile-pact-169213">deal with Russia </a>to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two-three heads of states for extending invitation to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

Earlier this year, the US announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.&nbsp;

Under CAATSA, the US can punish entities and governments engaged in a transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

India and the US were in touch with each other over New Delhi's invite to Trump to visit the country.

The sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored.

In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet.

"I know that the invitation has been extended, but I do not believe that a final decision has been made," Sanders had told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017.

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations.

In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. 
This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations.

In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014.

The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. This comes at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two-three heads of states for extending invitation to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade. Earlier this year, the US announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. Under CAATSA, the US can punish entities and governments engaged in a transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. India and the US were in touch with each other over New Delhi's invite to Trump to visit the country. The sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored. In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "I know that the invitation has been extended, but I do not believe that a final decision has been made," Sanders had told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources

Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, the police have received intelligence inputs about threat to a possible terror attack on ASEAN leaders who will be attending the January 26 celebrations.

Intelligence inputs have said that the terrorists may have been hidden in unauthorised areas of Delhi following which the police have beefed up security in Jama Masjid, Majnu Ka Tila, Batla House, Krishna Nagar, Arjun Nagar.&nbsp;

These areas are under strict surveillance by the Delhi police.

The authorities have also shut down ITO Metro station gate number 3, 4, Delhi Gate Station 1,4, 5,&nbsp;Jama Masjid station gate number 3,4 and Red Fort gate number 1, 4.

The police suspects of a possible terror attack that might have been planted in the unauthorised areas.&nbsp;

The terrorists may employ new ways to attack, Intelligence inputs said.&nbsp;

Delhi is hosting ASEAN Summit on January&nbsp;25 and 26.

Intelligence inputs have said that the terrorists may have been hidden in unauthorised areas of Delhi following which the police have beefed up security in Jama Masjid, Majnu Ka Tila, Batla House, Krishna Nagar, Arjun Nagar

Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, the police have received intelligence inputs about threat to a possible terror attack on ASEAN leaders who will be attending the January 26 celebrations. Intelligence inputs have said that the terrorists may have been hidden in unauthorised areas of Delhi following which the police have beefed up security in Jama Masjid, Majnu Ka Tila, Batla House, Krishna Nagar, Arjun Nagar. These areas are under strict surveillance by the Delhi police. The authorities have also shut down ITO Metro station gate number 3, 4, Delhi Gate Station 1,4, 5, Jama Masjid station gate number 3,4 and Red Fort gate number 1, 4. The police suspects of a possible terror attack that might have been planted in the unauthorised areas. The terrorists may employ new ways to attack, Intelligence inputs said. Delhi is hosting ASEAN Summit on January 25 and 26.

Terror threat looms as ASEAN leaders to attend Republic Day parade

A couple of days ahead of the Republic Day, Twitter launches the India Gate emoji to commemorate the event.&nbsp;

The emoji will be available in nine languages.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rFcbIw-yX9I" width="560"></iframe>

The Prime Minister visits the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year to pay tribute to the martyrs before the Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;

Defence Minister&#39;s official Twitter handle tweeted out using the India Gate emoji in nine languages.

&quot;#RepublicDay Parade will showcase the might of the Indian armed forces &amp; indigenously developed defence equipment along with the country&#39;s cultural heritage,&quot; noted the tweet.&nbsp;

The emoji will be made unavailable after January 29.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The emoji will be made unavailable after January 29.

A couple of days ahead of the Republic Day, Twitter launches the India Gate emoji to commemorate the event. The emoji will be available in nine languages. The Prime Minister visits the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year to pay tribute to the martyrs before the Republic Day celebrations. Defence Minister's official Twitter handle tweeted out using the India Gate emoji in nine languages. "#RepublicDay Parade will showcase the might of the Indian armed forces & indigenously developed defence equipment along with the country's cultural heritage," noted the tweet. The emoji will be made unavailable after January 29.

Now, celebrate Republic Day with India Gate emoji on Twitter

Ahead of the 69th Republic Day in India, Congress President Rahul Gandhi extended wishes to people by tweeting a letter.

He tweeted &quot; On the eve of our 69th Republic Day, I&#39;m writing this #LettertotheNation, to remind ourselves of the commitments we made in our Constitution.

I wish each of you a very Happy Republic Day!

Jai Hind&quot;

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On the eve of our 69th Republic Day, I&#39;m writing this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LettertotheNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LettertotheNation</a>, to remind ourselves of the commitments we made in our Constitution. 
 
I wish each of you a very Happy Republic Day! 
 
Jai Hind. <a href="https://t.co/VaJ3WOeBqx">pic.twitter.com/VaJ3WOeBqx</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/956564180915466240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Through his letter, he reminded the citizens of the Indian Constitution and the commitments that it offers.

The letter was issued by All India Congress Committee.&nbsp;

He tweeted 'On the eve of our 69th Republic Day, I'm writing this #LettertotheNation, to remind ourselves of the commitments we made in our Constitution'

Ahead of the 69th Republic Day in India, Congress President Rahul Gandhi extended wishes to people by tweeting a letter. He tweeted " On the eve of our 69th Republic Day, I'm writing this #LettertotheNation, to remind ourselves of the commitments we made in our Constitution. I wish each of you a very Happy Republic Day! Jai Hind" On the eve of our 69th Republic Day, I'm writing this #LettertotheNation, to remind ourselves of the commitments we made in our Constitution. I wish each of you a very Happy Republic Day! Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/VaJ3WOeBqx — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 25, 2018 × Through his letter, he reminded the citizens of the Indian Constitution and the commitments that it offers. The letter was issued by All India Congress Committee.

Rahul Gandhi extends Republic Day wishes, tweets letter

President Ram Nath Kovind today appeared emotional after he awarded the Ashok Chakra, India&#39;s highest peacetime military decoration, posthumously to Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala here.

Corporal Nirala laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Bandipora district in November.

After presenting the award to Corporal Nirala&#39;s wife Sushmanand and his mother Malti Devi at the Republic Day Parade, Kovind was seen wiping his face and eyes with his handkerchief.

Corporal Nirala was part of a Garud Special Forces Unit of the IAF, a detachment of which was attached to a Rashtriya Rifles battalion under the aegis of &#39;Op Rakshak&#39;.

On November 18 last year, an offensive was launched in Chanderger village of Bandipora based on specific intelligence. The Garud detachment covertly approached the target house where the terrorists were hiding and laid a close quarter ambush.

In the violent exchange of fire, Corporal Nirala was hit by a volley of small arms fire. Despite being critically injured, he continued the retaliatory fire.

He later succumbed to the fatal gunshot wounds.

President Ram Nath Kovind today appeared emotional after he awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration, posthumously to Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala here

President Ram Nath Kovind today appeared emotional after he awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration, posthumously to Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala here. Corporal Nirala laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district in November. After presenting the award to Corporal Nirala's wife Sushmanand and his mother Malti Devi at the Republic Day Parade, Kovind was seen wiping his face and eyes with his handkerchief. Corporal Nirala was part of a Garud Special Forces Unit of the IAF, a detachment of which was attached to a Rashtriya Rifles battalion under the aegis of 'Op Rakshak'. On November 18 last year, an offensive was launched in Chanderger village of Bandipora based on specific intelligence. The Garud detachment covertly approached the target house where the terrorists were hiding and laid a close quarter ambush. In the violent exchange of fire, Corporal Nirala was hit by a volley of small arms fire. Despite being critically injured, he continued the retaliatory fire. He later succumbed to the fatal gunshot wounds.

R-Day: Prez turns emotional after honouring Garud commando

The first poster of Sidharth Malhotra-starrer&nbsp;&quot;Aiyaari&quot;&nbsp;is out and the verdict is that it reeks of patriotism.

Sidharth took to Twitter to share the poster with his fans and wrote: &quot;#AiyaaryPoster is out now! This one is for all those who serve our nation selflessly. #Aiyaary in cinemas this #RepublicDay #VijayDiwas @neerajpofficial @BajpayeeManoj @Rakulpreet&quot;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiyaaryPoster?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AiyaaryPoster</a> is out now! This one is for all those who serve our nation selflessly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aiyaary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aiyaary</a> in cinemas 
this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/neerajpofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neerajpofficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BajpayeeManoj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BajpayeeManoj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rakulpreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rakulpreet</a> <a href="https://t.co/UTYmHDYBOQ">pic.twitter.com/UTYmHDYBOQ</a>
&mdash; Major Jai Bakshi (@S1dharthM) <a href="https://twitter.com/S1dharthM/status/941962923085201409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The poster is coloured in the Indian tricolour while the stars Sidharth Malhotra,&nbsp;Anupam Kher, Rakul Preet Singh, Naseeruddin Shah and Manoj Bajpayee in an intense look with a flair of Indian national flag all over it.

The film is directed by Neeraj Pandey and reportedly revolves around two strong-minded intelligence officers, a mentor, and a prot&eacute;g&eacute;.&nbsp;Not much has been revealed about the film.&nbsp;

It is set in Delhi, London Kashmir, among others and is set for a release&nbsp;on January 26, Indian Republic Day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The film is set to release on Indian Republic Day, January 26.

The first poster of Sidharth Malhotra-starrer "Aiyaari" is out and the verdict is that it reeks of patriotism. Sidharth took to Twitter to share the poster with his fans and wrote: "#AiyaaryPoster is out now! This one is for all those who serve our nation selflessly. #Aiyaary in cinemas this #RepublicDay #VijayDiwas @neerajpofficial @BajpayeeManoj @Rakulpreet". #AiyaaryPoster is out now! This one is for all those who serve our nation selflessly. #Aiyaary in cinemas this #RepublicDay #VijayDiwas @neerajpofficial @BajpayeeManoj @Rakulpreet pic.twitter.com/UTYmHDYBOQ — Major Jai Bakshi (@S1dharthM) December 16, 2017 × The poster is coloured in the Indian tricolour while the stars Sidharth Malhotra, Anupam Kher, Rakul Preet Singh, Naseeruddin Shah and Manoj Bajpayee in an intense look with a flair of Indian national flag all over it. The film is directed by Neeraj Pandey and reportedly revolves around two strong-minded intelligence officers, a mentor, and a protégé. Not much has been revealed about the film. It is set in Delhi, London Kashmir, among others and is set for a release on January 26, Indian Republic Day.

Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee look menacing as Indian soldiers in 'Aiyaari' poster

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