The Indian Army's T90 battle tanks take part in a parade marking the 70th Republic Day in New Delhi, India. Republic Day marks the adoption of the constitution and transition of India to a republic on 26 January. EPA
Indian soldiers of the President's Bodyguard stand guard on their mounts during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
Indian army K9 Vajra-T tanks take part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
A tableau of the Central Public Works Department of India takes part during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
An Indian Air Force contingent marches during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
Members of the Indian Army motorcycle team 'Daredevils' take part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
Indian Army officers participate in the 70th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. EPA
A tableau of the Indian state of Delhi takes part during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
A Jammu and Kashmir state policeman performs a motorcycle stunt during Republic Day celebrations in Jammu, India. AP
Indian railway protection forces participate in the 70th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, India. EPA
An Indian officer of the all-women Assam Rifles contingent leads for the first time their contingent during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
An Indian army contingent marches during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
The Central Reserve Police Force contingent marches during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
Indian army tanks and other military equipment roll past Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard, during Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India. AP
Camel mounted Indian Border Security Force soldiers march past Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard, during Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India. AP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he walks past former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (in blue turban) ahead of the 70th Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AFP
India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the constitution in 1950, when the former South Asian British colony transformed into a sovereign, democratic and republic nation after gaining freedom in 1947.
The day is considered a significant moment in the modern history of the world’s largest democracy that witnessed the transfer of power from the post-independence monarchy to the Indian people.
It has become an occasion to celebrate the democratic traditions and military might of the South Asian powerhouse as well as its cultural and regional diversity.
Taking place on Thursday, this year's 74th Republic day, like before, will be marked with a grand military and cultural parade on Kartavya Path, the newly refurbished three-kilometre-long broadway, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Central Vista project in the heart of the capital New Delhi.
The event is taking place after a two-year pause due to the pandemic and is set to be attended by India’s newly appointed President Droupadi Murmu, Mr Modi, his cabinet colleagues, opposition leaders, foreign diplomats and the Republic Day chief guest Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
Why is Republic Day celebrated?
India’s independence movement leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawarharlal Nehru among others, believed that the country should have a sovereign, democratic and republic government. But even after its independence, India remained under a monarchy as it was under British Commonwealth.
After Nehru became the first Prime minister of independent India and cobbled a cross ideological government, the country began drafting a new Constitution through a long and complex process that involved input from leaders of various political and social groups.
The Constitution took about three years of drafting and on January 26, 1950, it was officially adopted and India was declared a republic.
How is it celebrated in India?
India showcases its defence capacities on the day, displaying its state-of-the-art land, aerial and sea military equipment to the world.
It is a tradition to pay homage to the fallen soldiers at the war memorial.
The annual national event begins with a 21-gun salute. It is followed by the President hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem in presence of thousands of citizens.
The celebrations begin with the winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps, followed by the display of fighter jets, missiles and military gadgets that roll down the broadway amid public cheers and jubilation.
A march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police and paramilitary is followed. The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.
For decades, soldiers wielding assault rifles and mounted on decorated camels have become a highlight of the parade.
The camel mounted soldiers guard the hostile Thar desert along the Pakistan border. Other military contingents showcase acrobatic skills and daredevils, the Indian Army perform stunts on motorbikes such as making human pyramids and riding bikes over fire rings.
Indian military dare devil stunt team performs during the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade, in New Delhi on January 23, 2023. ( AFP)
The military display gives way to cultural and regional floats representing various states and cultural groups, as well as performances by musicians and dancers.
A vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different states showcases cultural diversity and history of various Indian states.
Thousands of schoolchildren perform dance and exhibit cultural activities on the broadway that connects the Iconic India Gate to the President’s House.
Smaller events, including paramilitary and police parades are organised in the state capitals where the state governors hoist the Indian flag and take the salute.
Who attends the Republic Day celebrations?
Over the last 74 years, many high profile global dignitaries have become part of India's republic day celebrations. The chief guest is usually the head of state or government of a country. The invitation is considered a great honour, as it is seen as an opportunity for the country to strengthen its relationship with New Delhi.
Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest at the 1950 Republic Day. It was followed by King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal.
New Delhi invited Pakistan’s Governor-General Malik Ghulam Muhammad in 1955. Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip attended the 1959 Republic day followed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961.
Chief of Defence Staff Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was the viceroy of colonial India in 1947 and later its governor-general until 1948, returned as chief guest at the Republic Day in 1964.
Sheikh Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces at the time, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, right, and Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, second right, attend the India Republic Day Parade in 2017, on Rajpath, New Delhi. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi
King Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan was the chief guest in 1967.
Nelson Mandela, the first South African President was the chief guest in 1995. Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2006, Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2007 and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014 and US President Barack Obama in 2015. The UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed, who was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces at the time, visited in 2017.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was the chief guest at the 2020 Republic Day. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled his visit due to Covid in 2021.
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
Though mostly conservative, Florida is usually always “close” in presidential elections. In most elections, the candidate that wins the Sunshine State almost always wins the election, as evidenced in 2016 when Trump took Florida, a state which has not had a democratic governor since 1991.
Joe Biden’s campaign has spent $100 million there to turn things around, understandable given the state’s crucial 29 electoral votes.
In 2016, Mr Trump’s democratic rival Hillary Clinton paid frequent visits to Florida though analysts concluded that she failed to appeal towards middle-class voters, whom Barack Obama won over in the previous election.
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
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