India: The republic of India celebrates on Jan 26 every year to mark the coming into force of its constitution and the day India was proclaimed to be a sovereign, democratic republic. Republic Day, Jan 26, 1950, is when India cut its last ties to the UK after independence was declared on Aug 15, 1947.

Republic Day celebrations are held throughout the country with processions and ceremonies. Traditionally, the highlight is the Republic Day parade, which is held in central Delhi to display the nation’s cultural heritage and military strength. This year at the 64th Republic Day parade, India's new Agni-V ballistic missile, which is capable of striking targets some 6,000 km away, was mounted on a mobile launcher and paraded through the Rajpath from the Presidential Palace to the Indian Gate.

 India prepares for coming Independence Day