Several firsts on India's 66th Repulic day

NEW DELHI: The 66th Republic Day celebrations today was marked by many firsts.

1. It witnessed the first ever march by an all-women contingent drawn from the army, navy and air force.

2. A US President was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade for the first time.

3. The recently acquired long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft P-8I and the advanced air fighter MiG-29 K made their maiden appearance.

4. President Pranab Mukherjee and Obama arrived in different motorcades, a departure from the standard practice of arriving together.

5. CRPF's anti-naxal special forces Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) marched on the Rajpath for the first time.