Nation pays homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 72nd death anniversary today. It was on this day in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi fell to the bullet of his assassin. The day is also observed as Martyrs Day.

A Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha has been organised at his Samadhi - Rajghat in the national capital. All India Radio Delhi will broadcast live commentary on the Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha and Bhakti Sangeet from Rajghat. It can be heard on Rajdhani channel from 9:40 AM.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has paid tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary today. In a series of tweets, Mr Naidu said, Mahatma Gandhi’s life and message of peace and non-violence are relevant for all times and find resonance in every part of the world. He said, through the philosophy of Ahimsa, Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation, Gandhi Ji galvanised masses and spearheaded the national movement.

For better planning and monitoring of government projects, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Bhuvan Panchayat web portal's version 3.0. For the first time, a thematic data base on a 1:10,00 scale for the entire country is available with integrated high resolution satellite data for planning.
In the project that will last for at least two years, ISRO will collaborate with the gram panchayat members and stakeholders to understand their data requirements. The third version of the portal will provide database visualisation and services for the benefit of panchayat members, among others. The project is meant to provide geo-spatial services to aid gram panchayat development planning process of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Jitendra Singh, Minister Of State in the Prime Minister's Office, launched the programme. “This kind of technical empowerment benefits officers dedicated to the rural development ministry. It’s a proud moment to be associated with ISRO in its most interesting time. ISRO and the Department of Science & Technology will be an essential tool in making of Modi's new India," he said.

Qatar appointed a new Prime Minister today replacing Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Quoting an Emiri order, the State News Agency reported that Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani has been named as the new Prime Minister.

According to reports, the earlier Prime Minister has submitted his resignation.

The state-run Qatar News Agency reported that no reason for the change has been specified.

Beating the Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of four-day long Republic Day celebrations, will be held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi today. Indian tunes will be the flavour of ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony even this year too.  Beating Retreat marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat.

The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands.  It has emerged as an event of national pride.

AIR correspondent reports that as many as 24 performances on Vijay Chowk will enthrall the spectators with captivating and foot-tapping music of the bands from Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Force today.  Fifteen Military Bands, 16 Pipe and Drums Band from Regimental Centres and Battalions are participating in the ceremony. The Principal Conductor of the ceremony will be Flying Officer Rupachandra.

Union Health Ministry has opened a dedicated Helpline for queries on Novel Corona virus. A 24x7 Call Centre is active for responding to queries on the virus. The number is 91-11-23978046 (Can be read as 011-23978046). If people want to seek any help, they can call to know about District and State Surveillance Officers and in case of any clinical query connect with Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, IDSP Officer.

Passengers who have a travel history of China since 1st of January this year have been urged to come forward for self-reporting to the Call Centre, the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, respiratory diseases and also inform their treating doctor.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today gave away Best Tableaux awards for Republic Day Parade, 2020 in New Delhi. Assam's tableau which portrayed the unique craftsmanship and culture of the state has been chosen as the best tableau, followed by Odisha and Uttar Pradesh who were tied for the second position. Odisha's tableau depicted Lord Lingaraja's Rukuna Rath Yatra whereas the tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcased the state's cultural and religious heritage.

The tableaux of National Disaster Relief Force and Jal Shakti Mission were chosen as the best among the Ministries and Departments.

Central Public Works Department got the Special Prize for their tableau which based on the theme - Kashmir se Kanyakumari. 

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec announced today for step down and called for fresh elections, following weeks of rising tensions within his minority five-party coalition government. Mr Sarec's resignation came almost at the same time as Finance Minister Andrej Bertoncelj announced that he too would quit in a row over health care funding.

Mr Sarec, is Slovenia's youngest-ever Prime Minister. He was previously best known as a comedian and political satirist before he launched himself as an anti-establishment politician.

President Borut Pahor will now have to start talks with political parties to see whether any of them can form a new coalition that commands a Parliamentary majority and thus avoid a fresh poll.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give awards to meritorious cadets in a National Cadet Corps, NCC rally at Cariappa Parade ground in New Delhi today. He will inspect the Guard of Honour and review the March Past by various NCC contingents and will address the gathering. Along with cultural performance, NCC cadets will present before the Prime Minister their capabilities in fields such as adventure sports, music and performance arts.

The rally is a part of Republic day celebrations. Every year, hundreds of NCC cadets come to New Delhi for the Republic Day Camp.

Last year, Prime Minister while addressing the NCC rally had applauded their efforts in the relief and rescue operations during natural disasters as well as the efforts for promotion of initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.