Ashok Chakra Likely For Captain
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is likely to be conferred the Ashok Chakra this Republic Day. The Indian Air Force officer was part of the Axiom-4 crew and spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station in June 2025, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS.

Odia Music Loses Maestro
Renowned Odia music director Abhijit Majumdar passed away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Sunday. He was 54. Majumdar had been undergoing treatment for serious health complications since September last year and remained under intensive medical care for several months.

Faith Fills Konark Shores
Thousands of devotees gathered at Chandrabhaga beach near Konark to mark Magha Saptami, offering prayers to the Sun God and taking a holy dip before sunrise. Pilgrims believe the ritual cleanses sins and cures ailments, making the annual Magha Mela a major spiritual event.

Koraput Revokes Meat Ban
The Koraput district administration has withdrawn its January 23 order banning the sale of non-vegetarian food on Republic Day 2026. Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan revoked the directive with immediate effect, stating the decision was taken after reconsideration of the earlier recommendation.

Padma Honour for Odias
Three eminent personalities from Odisha are likely to receive Padma Shri awards. The list includes Santali writer Charan Hembram, literary figure Mahendra Kumar Mishra, and artist Seemanchal Patra, recognised for contributions to literature, education and art.

Odisha Personnel Get Medals
The Union Home Ministry selected 26 personnel from Odisha Police and allied services for gallantry and service medals on Republic Day 2026. Awardees include officers from Police, Fire Services, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and the Correctional Service.

No Early Panchayat Polls
The Odisha State Election Commission clarified that panchayat elections will be held only after completion of the five-year tenure. State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi said no final decision has been taken yet, though preparatory work has begun in line with constitutional provisions.

Minority Killing in Bangladesh
A 23-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Chandra Bhoumik, was burnt to death inside a garage in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district. The incident occurred late Friday night while he was sleeping. The victim, a migrant worker, was the sole breadwinner of his family.

ICC Warns Pakistan
The ICC has cautioned Pakistan against any potential boycott of the T20 World Cup, warning of serious consequences. Sources said a withdrawal could trigger unprecedented sanctions and financial losses for the PCB, following remarks by its chairman backing Bangladesh’s exit over security concerns.

Muchhal Files Defamation Case
Music composer Palash Muchhal filed a defamation case against actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, who claims to be a friend of Smriti Mandhana. Muchhal seeks Rs 10 crore in damages over cheating allegations. Recently, Mane stated that Muchhal cheated on Mandhana, which led to their wedding being called off.