Every year, India displays its military might, rich cultural diversity and socio-economic progress during the Republic Day celebrations at the Rajpath -- the city's centrepiece boulevard. The people cited above said though the overall hue of the Republic Day parade will be maintained, its scale and size will be restricted to an extent in view of the coronavirus pandemic. India has invited British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade. Similarly, the size of the marching contingents is likely to be brought down from around 144 in each contingent to around 96. Sources said over 2,000 Army personnel have arrived in Delhi since late November for Republic Day and Army Day parades and they are being kept in a "safe bubble".

Source: Mint December 30, 2020 14:26 UTC