President Droupadi Murmu on Monday accepted the credentials of ambassadors and high commissioners from six countries during a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the formal commencement of their diplomatic assignments in India.

The envoys representing Mozambique, Nicaragua, Suriname, Gabon, Mongolia, and the Bahamas presented their Letters of Credence to the President in accordance with diplomatic protocol. The ceremony signifies the official recognition of the diplomats as representatives of their respective governments in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs follows the established practice under which newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners formally present their credentials to the President before assuming their official diplomatic responsibilities.

The dignitaries who presented their credentials were:

Armando Pedro Muiuane Junior, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique

Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua

Hanisha Jayaram, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname

Aurelien-Marcel Mintsa Nguema, High Commissioner of the Gabonese Republic

Dr. Ulziit Luvsanjav, Ambassador of Mongolia

Peter Nicholas Simonette, High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

The presentation of credentials is an important diplomatic tradition that formally establishes an envoy's authority to represent their country before the Head of State. It also reflects the continued strengthening of India's bilateral engagement with partner nations across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

India maintains diplomatic and development partnerships with all six countries in areas such as trade, investment, capacity building, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and multilateral cooperation. The appointment of new envoys is expected to further enhance bilateral dialogue and cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was conducted with customary diplomatic protocol and was attended by senior government and diplomatic officials.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra on 13 military and police personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also present at the ceremony.

In a ceremony that drew attention to the quiet, often unheralded courage of India's security forces, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the Shaurya Chakra to 13 soldiers and police officers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present.

The honours spanned branches — Army, Navy, and state police — and ranged from counterterrorism operations along the Line of Control to anti-Naxal engagements deep in Chhattisgarh's conflict zones.

Colonel Who Killed Three Terrorists Honoured

Among the most noted recipients was Lieutenant Colonel Nitesh Bharti Shukla of the Indian Army's 19th Battalion, Sikh Regiment, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for eliminating three terrorists along the LoC. The citation reflects the kind of direct combat engagement that rarely makes headlines but shapes the security calculus in the border hinterland.

Major Aditya Pratap Singh also received the award for showing exceptional bravery during a military operation in a border area of Arunachal Pradesh, while Major Anshul Baltu of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and 32 Assam Rifles was recognised for his service and demonstrated valour in the field.

Navy's Long-Distance Sailors Recognised

In a departure from the predominantly land-based recognitions, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A of the Indian Navy were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their role in the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition — a demanding circumnavigation mission that tested seamanship, determination, and endurance over an extended period. Their inclusion underlines a broadening definition of operational courage within the armed forces.

Chhattisgarh Anti-Naxal Officers in the List

Two police officers from Chhattisgarh — Inspector Laxman Kewat and Inspector Rameshwar Prasad Deshmukh — were also conferred the Shaurya Chakra for bravery during anti-Naxal operations in the state. Chhattisgarh has seen a significant intensification of counterinsurgency operations in recent years, with several high-value encounters drawing national attention. Recognising police officers at this level signals acknowledgment of the state-level forces that carry much of the operational load in left-wing extremism-affected districts.

A Posthumous Honour

The ceremony also carried a sombre note. Martyr Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand of 4 Rashtriya Rifles was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. President Murmu presented the honour to his wife and mother — a moment that encapsulated both the cost of service and the state's formal recognition of sacrifice.

A Cross-Service Ceremony

The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of bravery, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield or in the face of the enemy. Monday's ceremony brought together recipients from diverse operational theatres — Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, the open ocean, and the jungles of central India — in one room. That range, perhaps more than any individual citation, speaks to the breadth of active threat environments Indian forces currently operate within.

With PM Modi in attendance, the event also carried political weight, taking place against the backdrop of continued security operations in border regions and the government's stated commitment to zero tolerance on insurgency.

Raghav Chadha Alleges ‘Vendetta’ After AAP Turncoats Join BJP 

Chadha claims he is the “next target” as Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets President Murmu, demanding disqualification of seven rebel Rajya Sabha MPs.

A day after seven Aam Aadmi Party MPs formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha has alleged a campaign of political retribution from the Punjab government, claiming he is now in their crosshairs.

‘I am their next target’

Addressing reporters after a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, Chadha accused the Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation of weaponising state agencies to settle scores.

“They have started a dangerous game of revenge with the help of agencies such as the Vigilance Board and the Pollution Board. According to sources, I will be their next target,” Chadha said. He added that threats were being circulated through official state resources on social media, an allegation the Punjab government has not yet responded to.

The clearest sign of escalating tension came when both Chadha and rebel MP Sandeep Pathak met the President in the morning, followed hours later by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking the exact opposite—action against the very same leaders.

Mann seeks disqualification

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who also met President Murmu later in the day, demanded the immediate cancellation of the rebel MPs’ membership.

“The way the Constitution was violated when seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs claimed they were a different party and merged with the BJP is unconstitutional. We demanded the cancellation of their membership. If the Central government misuses its power in Punjab, we will take action,” Mann told reporters.

Several AAP MLAs from Punjab have travelled to New Delhi in a show of strength, signalling that the party intends to fight the defections legally and politically.

‘Fake FIRs and intimidation’

Chadha alleged that the pressure was not just political but bureaucratic. He claimed that industrialist Rajinder Gupta’s factory had faced punitive action, including having its water supply disconnected, and that former AAP leaders were being hit with fabricated cases.

“We made the President aware of the misuse of Punjab’s state machinery. She has assured us of protection and of upholding the Constitution,” Chadha said.

Sandeep Pathak echoed similar concerns. “We exercised our constitutional right to leave the party. Now, fake FIRs are being filed to threaten us. We are not scared and will fight this legally,” Pathak said, referring to cases he claims were registered by Punjab Police.

A warning to officials

In a remark that drew sharp reactions, Chadha issued a pointed warning to state bureaucrats. “I want to tell Punjab government officers to be cautious, as the present government has only a few years remaining.”

He further alleged that AAP workers, possibly with police help, vandalised former cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s residence by scrawling “deshdrohi” (traitor) outside his home. The cricketer has not yet commented on the incident.

Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO dismissed the political crossovers as “undemocratic,” adding that the manner in which the seven MPs switched sides was a betrayal of the mandate.

With both sides now taking their battle to the President’s door, the coming days could see legal petitions and potential disqualification proceedings. For now, the political corridor in Delhi is watching how the Rashtrapati Bhavan responds to two opposing demands from the same state.

The first day of the Parliament Budget Session 2026 commenced with a high-voltage address by President Droupadi Murmu, setting a defiant and ambitious tone for the year ahead. Speaking to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the President lauded the historic success of Operation Sindoor and outlined a roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), even as the opposition benches erupted in protest over new rural labor reforms.

A Decisive Stand on National Security: Operation Sindoor

A major highlight of the President’s address was the mention of Operation Sindoor, the high-precision military strike conducted in May 2025 against terror infrastructure. Murmu emphasized that the operation showcased India's military valour and sent a "strong and decisive" message to global terror networks.

"With its own resources, our country destroyed terror hotbeds. My Government gave a strong message that the response to all attacks on India will be resolute," President Murmu stated, drawing loud cheers from the treasury benches.

She further confirmed that the Indus Water Treaty remains in abeyance as part of the ongoing fight against terrorism, and introduced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a new initiative aimed at further fortifying India’s security systems.

The VB-G RAM G Controversy: Replacing MGNREGA

While the President spoke of progress, the chamber witnessed significant chaos when she mentioned the VB-G RAM G Act (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin). This new law, which replaces the long-standing MGNREGA, has become a massive political flashpoint.

Key features of the VB-G RAM G Act mentioned include:

• Increased Employment: Guarantees 125 days of work, up from 100 days under the old system.

• Transparency: Integration of AI-based fraud detection and GPS monitoring.

• Seasonal Pause: A 60-day work pause during peak agricultural seasons to support local farm labor demand.

Opposition MPs raised slogans of "Vapas lo" (Take it back), arguing that the law dilutes the rights-based framework of the original MGNREGA.

Economic Milestones and Future Tech

Despite the disruptions, the President highlighted several economic victories that will define the Parliament Budget Session 2026:

• Defense Exports: Crossed a record ₹23,000 crore.

• Mobile Manufacturing: India is now the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer.

• AI Revolution: One million youth are currently being trained in Artificial Intelligence.

• Space Aspirations: Following Subhanshu Shukla’s ISS achievement, India is moving toward building its own space station.

Conclusion: A Session of High Stakes

The first day concluded with both houses being adjourned until January 29. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget on February 1—notably a Sunday—all eyes are on how the government will navigate 50% Trump tariffs and a volatile global economy.

As the Parliament Budget Session 2026 progresses, the clash between the government’s "Reform Express" and the opposition’s demands for social safeguards is expected to intensify.