India’s cultural diversity, military might and socio-economic progress are on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations in the capital Delhi.
It’s the anniversary of the day when the country was declared a republic in 1950.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is the chief guest at the 90-minute long official ceremony.
Celebrations are also underway in the UAE with the Indian diplomatic missions leading the way.
Some Indian curriculum schools have given students the day off.
India begins voting in election as Modi seeks historic third term
India began voting on Friday in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term in office on the back of growth, welfare, his personal popularity and Hindu nationalism.
Teenager charged with terrorism over Sydney bishop stabbing
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly stabbing an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney during a church service, Australian police said on Friday, as investigations continued into a riot after the knife attack.
Kenya's military chief among 10 killed in helicopter crash
Kenya's military chief, General Francis Ogolla, was among 10 people killed when their military helicopter crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday.
Security Council to vote on Palestinian UN membership
The UN Security Council is due to vote on Thursday on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership.
Toll from Russia's deadliest airstrike on Ukraine in weeks rises to 18
The death toll from a Russian airstrike on Chernihiv in northern Ukraine has risen to 18, officials said on Thursday, while another 78 were wounded when three missiles slammed into the city centre.
