🗞️ Why in News India observed the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23, 2026, marked nationally as Parakram Diwas. Simultaneously, a major anti-Maoist operation — Operation Megaburu — was launched in the Saranda forest of Jharkhand, neutralising top Naxal leader Patiram Manjhi and over a dozen cadres.

Parakram Diwas 2026 — Netaji’s 129th Birth Anniversary

India observed Parakram Diwas (Day of Courage) on January 23, 2026 — marking the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (born January 23, 1897, Cuttack, Odisha).

2026 Celebrations (Ministry of Culture): The Ministry of Culture organised Parakram Diwas 2026 as a three-day event from January 23–25, 2026, with events at the central venue in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), Andaman & Nicobar Islands — historically significant as Netaji hoisted the Indian Tricolour at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, during the INA’s brief liberation of the islands.

Simultaneously, programmes were held at 13 other iconic locations across India.

January 23 Highlights:

  • Chief Guest: Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D.K. Joshi
  • Archival exhibition: “Subhash Abhinandan” by the National Archives of India — showcasing documents related to Netaji’s life and the INA
  • “Netaji” theatrical production: National School of Drama (NSD) performance (January 24)
  • Wreath-laying at Netaji memorials across India; special commemorative events at the Cellular Jail (Kaala Paani) in Port Blair

Why Parakram Diwas? The Central Government declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas in January 2021, beginning with the 125th birth anniversary. The word “Parakram” (courage, prowess) was chosen to reflect Netaji’s indomitable spirit and his call to action against colonial rule.

UPSC Angle: Netaji, the INA, and the legacy of armed resistance constitute a significant GS Paper 1 theme. The INA trials (1945–46) and the national outrage they generated are considered key catalysts for the final transfer of power in 1947.

📌 Facts Corner — Parakram Diwas

  • Netaji’s birth: January 23, 1897, Cuttack, Odisha
  • Parakram Diwas declared: 2021 (first observance: January 23, 2021 — 125th anniversary)
  • 2026: 129th birth anniversary
  • Central venue 2026: Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), A&N Islands
  • Significance of Port Blair: Netaji hoisted the Indian Tricolour here on December 30, 1943
  • INA established: 1942 (Mohan Singh); reorganised under Netaji: 1943
  • Azad Hind Government formed: October 21, 1943 (Singapore)
  • Father: Janakinath Bose (distinguished advocate); Mother: Prabhavati Devi
  • ICS rank: 4th in 1920 exam; resigned from ICS: 1921
  • Congress President: 1938 (Haripura session) and 1939 (Tripuri session)
  • Forward Bloc founded: 1939
  • Last confirmed location: Taiwan plane crash, August 18, 1945 (disputed)

Operation Megaburu — Major Anti-Naxal Strike in Jharkhand

Security forces launched Operation Megaburu in the Saranda forest, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand — one of the most significant anti-Maoist operations in the state’s history.

Operation Details:

  • Location: Saranda forest — the largest sal forest in Asia, a traditional Maoist stronghold
  • Forces deployed: CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) units of the CRPF, along with the Jharkhand Police
  • Outcome: 16–17 CPI(Maoist) cadres neutralised, including top regional leader Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, who carried a bounty of ₹2.35 crore

Significance:

  • Patiram Manjhi was one of the most wanted Naxal commanders operating in the tri-junction of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh
  • The operation marks a significant step towards the Central Government’s target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism from India by March 2026
  • Saranda forest had historically been a stronghold difficult to penetrate due to dense terrain

About CoBRA: CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is the elite anti-Naxal wing of the CRPF, raised specifically for jungle warfare and counter-insurgency in LWE-affected areas. It consists of 10 battalions specially trained in guerrilla tactics, intelligence gathering, and forest operations.

LWE Status in India: Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism) has been declining sharply. The number of LWE-affected districts has reduced from 106 in 2018 to significantly fewer by 2026, a result of sustained security operations, development outreach, and surrender/rehabilitation policies.

📌 Facts Corner — LWE & Operation Megaburu

  • Operation Megaburu location: Saranda forest, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand
  • Saranda: Largest sal forest in Asia; known Maoist stronghold
  • Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da: Bounty ₹2.35 crore; top regional commander
  • Cadres neutralised: 16–17 CPI(Maoist) personnel
  • CoBRA full form: Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CRPF)
  • CoBRA: 10 battalions; raised for jungle/anti-Naxal operations
  • CPI(Maoist): Formed in 2004 by merger of CPI(ML) People’s War and Maoist Communist Centre
  • UAPA: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act — CPI(Maoist) declared terrorist organisation under UAPA
  • LWE districts 2018: 106 affected; reduced significantly by 2026
  • Government target: Eliminate LWE by March 2026

Other Relevant Facts:

  • Jharkhand: LWE operations also conducted in Palamu, Latehar, Giridih, Hazaribagh districts
  • Saranda Action Plan (2011): ₹73 crore special development programme for Saranda region
  • Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy: Maoists who surrender receive support for livelihood, education, and housing

Australian Open 2026 — Third Round Underway

The Australian Open 2026 continued at Melbourne Park with third-round (Round of 32) matches on January 23. Top seeds advanced in both men’s and women’s draws. Jannik Sinner (World No. 1, Italy) and Carlos Alcaraz (World No. 2, Spain) progressed through the draw.

Note: The Australian Open 2026 ran from January 12 to February 1 in Melbourne.

Persons in News

Sombir Dangwal — Birth Anniversary

January 23 is observed as the birth anniversary of various local leaders and freedom fighters across states.

Sources: PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express