Born on June 20, 1958, Droupadi Murmu is an Indian politician who is serving as the 15th President of India since July 25, 2022. She was born to a Santhal family in Uperbeda village in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.
Despite being from a tribal community, she was the first girl in her village to go to college. Before politics, she worked as a clerk in the state irrigation and power department from 1979 to 1983 and then as a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre in Rairangpur.
Murmu made her political debut by winning an election to the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat in 1997 and served as a councillor.
She was first elected to the Odisha assembly in 2000 and went on to become a minister of state for commerce and industry and the fisheries and animal resources development minister in the BJD-BJP coalition government. In 2004, she won a second term in the state assembly.
Murmu held various posts in the cabinet of the Government of Odisha between 2000 and 2004.
Prior to her presidency, she served as the 9th governor of Jharkhand between 2015 and 2021. She was the first woman governor of the state.
On the personal front, Murmu is a keen practitioner of meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after she lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in just six years between 2009-2015.
A political controversy has erupted over the BRICS gala dinner menu after Rahul Gandhi questioned the decision to serve an entirely vegetarian spread, arguing that it does not reflect the dietary diversity of India where a majority consume non-vegetarian food. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by criticising the opposition for focusing on the menu rather than India's diplomatic achievements at BRICS. The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased traditional Indian dishes and millets, including Khandvi, Paneer Lababdar, Millet Pulao, Mushroom Galouti, and Jalebi. The debate has drawn attention to previous diplomatic banquets, such as the 2023 G20 Summit dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and international events where plant-based spreads were served. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon nutritional profiles of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, alongside national consumption statistics and the economic role of livestock and fisheries.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an interview with India Today, Pezeshkian highlighted the historical and cultural connection between India and Iran, stating that relations with the Indian Prime Minister have been improving steadily. He noted that the two nations share deep-rooted civilisational ties spanning millennia, which provide a foundation to build stronger cooperation and counter rising global totalitarianism. Pezeshkian addressed critical international and regional subjects during the conversation, including bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, the ongoing war, relations regarding Donald Trump, the status of the Supreme Leader, and domestic economic conditions in Iran. The discussion also touched upon the Strait of Hormuz, regional diplomatic engagements with the Arab world, and Iran's position on nuclear enrichment and nuclear weapons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Defence co-production, trade, crude purchases, energy security, cross-border payments in local currencies, nuclear power, connectivity, and pharmaceuticals are featured prominently on the bilateral agenda. Russia has also proposed the sale and India-specific customization of its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet alongside showcasing civilian aircraft and jet engines, such as the SJ-100, MC-21, and IL-114-300, for the Indian aviation market. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached a record 68.69 billion dollars in financial year 2025-26. Prime Minister Modi is hosting global leaders at Bharat Mandapam, which serves as the venue for the summit meetings, bilateral interactions, and the BRICS Business Forum. President Droupadi Murmu is also slated to host the visiting heads of state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks in New Delhi, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The talks occur amid an escalation in the West Asia conflict. The agenda includes discussions on the impact of the regional conflict, energy security disruptions linked to the Hormuz crisis, and the safety of Indian seafarers navigating targeted shipping routes. Iranian President Pezeshkian is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu.
The 18th BRICS Summit is witnessing elaborate arrangements at Bharat Mandapam, where President Droupadi Murmu will host global leaders as part of the summit protocol.
President Droupadi Murmu will host world leaders visiting the national capital for the BRICS Summit at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold key bilateral talks, including an evening meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian and a high-profile bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam. Following their bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will tour the INNOPROM Russian technology exhibition, which showcases Russian industrial advancements, aviation products like SJ-100 and MC-21 aircraft, bullet train models, and cultural and consumer goods tailored for the Indian market. The exhibition also highlights bilateral rupee-ruble trade, cultural ties, and expanding strategic, economic, and defense partnerships between India and Russia.
For the first time in over seven decades, the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is moving out of the national capital and will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, at Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity. President Droupadi Murmu will honour the awardees at the end of the month, celebrating artists including Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Randeep Hooda, and Sanjay Mishra, alongside filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, who won Best Direction in the Non-Feature category for 'Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Pratik'. The surprise relocation from New Delhi has triggered debate, with opposition parties alleging political favouritism towards Gujarat. Critics have drawn parallels to previous landmark events, such as the Cricket World Cup final and the proposed Commonwealth Games bid in Ahmedabad, questioning why significant national events are repeatedly shifted to the state. Authorities and the concerned ministry remain tight-lipped, offering no official clarification on the reasons behind the venue shift or whether it represents a permanent change.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the Padma Awards 2026 during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. According to an official statement, a total of 65 Padma Awards were conferred, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri honours, recognising distinguished contributions across various fields.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended warm birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu. The Prime Minister said that her journey, marked by courage, simplicity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service, continues to inspire people across the country.
Prime Minister Narenrda Modi and President Droupadi Murmu are on a visit to Odisha's Mayurbhanj district to celebrate the President's 68th birthday in her hometown of Paharpur. During the visit, both leaders offered prayers at the sacred Santali Jahera and Ho Jahera groves, participating in traditional nature-based worship revered by the local tribal communities.
In a fresh blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led party, now Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev resigned from the party and the Rajya Sabha.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who is in Delhi on a three-day visit, met President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and the Gandhi family in the national capital.
Newly sworn-in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who is in the national capital for his first official visit since assuming office, met President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He will also meet Prime Minister Modi later today.
On this Special Report, Maria Shakil and Piyush Mishra analyze the expectations surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 13th budget. Maria Shakil highlights the consistent rise in social sector spending, noting that 'the projection is 73K, it is likely to go up again' for the Awaas Yojana residential scheme. Piyush Mishra, reporting from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's residence, details potential reforms including a 50% hike in Kisan Samman Nidhi from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 and a reduction in the Ayushman Bharat age limit from 70 to 60 years. The discussion covers the transition from the traditional briefcase to the digital budget and the political significance of these schemes ahead of assembly elections in five states. The bulletin outlines the customary pre-budget schedule, including the Finance Minister's meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before tabling the budget in Parliament at 11 AM, with a focus on providing relief to the common man and salaried individuals through increased standard deductions.
This news bulletin reports on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's sharp criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Dibrugarh, Assam. Shah accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of disrespecting North-Eastern culture by allegedly refusing to wear a 'gamosa'—a traditional Assamese cloth of deep cultural significance—presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Republic Day reception. Shah claimed that while every other dignitary accepted the 'gamosa' as a mark of respect, Rahul Gandhi did not. The Home Minister further 'vowed that as long as the BJP is in power, it will not allow any insult to the North-East culture.' The report highlights the escalating political tension over the incident, noting that it remains to be seen how the Congress leader will respond to these allegations regarding the cultural symbol of Assam.
On this special report, the focus is on the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, commemorated at Delhi's Rajghat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, stating that Bapu's emphasis on 'Swadeshi' is a 'fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India.' The Prime Minister was joined by President Droupadi Murmu, the Defence Minister, and other senior cabinet members in honoring the Mahatma's legacy. During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of non-violence for the protection of humanity and noted that Gandhi's personality and deeds continue to inspire the nation to walk the path of duty. The programme captures live images from Rajghat as the country observes Martyrs' Day, reflecting on the principles of 'Make in India' and self-reliance as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides expert commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations. Sawant highlights the significant shift towards 'decolonization' in the ceremony's music, noting that 'there's a lot of decolonization as the government puts it more Hindi music instrumental music started'. He explains the historical transition from the first ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II to the modern-day event presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. The report details the elite nature of the President's Bodyguard, describing them as paratroopers and tankmen who have served in major operations from the 1971 war to Siachen and Kargil. As Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive the President, Sawant captures the synergy of 'marching and melody' that defines this national tradition.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal end of Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'Post 2014 and especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi very keen on decolonization, now you have the Mridangam, you have the Dhol, you have the Tashe, you have the Nagade.' The report highlights the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, escorted by the President's Bodyguard from the Ganatantra Mandap, formerly known as Darbar Hall. Sawant explains the military significance of the tradition where troops withdraw at sunset and weapons are symbolically sheathed. The ceremony features Indian classical compositions and military bands, including a special performance of Vande Mataram to mark its 150th year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and the three Service Chiefs were present to receive the President at the majestic Raisina Hill setting.
In this address to the Honourable Members of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlights the government's initiatives to preserve indigenous heritage, including the construction of a dedicated museum and the relocation of the Bir Narayan Singh Indigenous Independence Movement memorial in Chhattisgarh. She emphasizes the cultural milestone of translating the Indian Constitution into the Santali language to empower tribal communities. Regarding the nation's progress, she states, 'The goal of a developed India is not limited to a single government or a single generation.' Murmu also notes the global recognition of Indian traditions, citing UNESCO's inclusion of Deepavali in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She calls upon all representatives to remain united on issues of national interest, asserting that the decisions made today will shape the country's trajectory for years to come. The President concludes by describing the path toward a developed India as a collective journey of independence requiring the perseverance of the administration and citizens alike.
In her address to the Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted India's significant economic and infrastructural strides. She stated, 'My government has spent more than 25 lakh crores on the construction of modern infrastructure in the past few years,' emphasizing that this investment has generated substantial employment for the youth. The President noted that India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with nearly 2 lakh startups currently operational. She also lauded the expansion of Digital India and the 5G network across the country. Highlighting achievements in sports, she congratulated the women's cricket teams and announced that India has been tasked with hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, she discussed the National Education Policy's role in fostering innovation through Atal Tinkering Labs and the government's commitment to making 1,000 ITIs future-ready under the PM Setu scheme to build an industry-ready workforce.
