EC writes ‘love letter’ to Adityanath for ‘insulting’ Army: Cong on ‘Modiji ki sena’ row
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
The Congress on Saturday questioned the Election Commission’s letting off of Yogi Adityanath with a light rap for his “Modiji ki sena” remark, saying that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister “insults” the Indian Army and the poll body writes a “love letter” to him.
The Congress on Saturday questioned the Election Commission’s letting off of Yogi Adityanath with a light rap for his “Modiji ki sena” remark, saying that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister “insults” the Indian Army and the poll body writes a “love letter” to him.
The opposition party also came down hard on the EC communication to NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar, saying he criticised the party’s proposed minimum income scheme NYAY and the poll body told him “don’t do it in future”.
“Has the MCC now become ‘Modi Code of Conduct’. Adityanath insults the Indian Army — EC writes a love letter to him,” Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.
“NITI Aayog vice chairman criticises the NYAY scheme — EC says ‘don’t do it in future’,” he said.
Why is the EC shying away from showing the mirror of truth to those in power, Surjewala asked.
The EC was learnt to have let off Adityanath with a light rap for his “Modiji ki sena” remark, asking him to be more careful in the future.
Not satisfied with the remarks, the EC was learnt to have told him that be “more careful in his utterances in future”, sources had said.
The EC Friday also expressed “displeasure” over the NITI Aayog vice chairman’s remarks against the Congress’ proposed minimum income scheme ‘NYAY’ and said the comments violated the model code of conduct.
In a communication sent to Kumar, the EC asked him to be cautious in future while making statements.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Indian Army kills seven militants in Kashmir as crackdown deepens
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
Indian security forces on Friday killed seven militants who they said belonged to Pakistan-based groups during four gunbattles in Kashmir – the highest number of clashes in a single day in recent years.
Indian security forces on Friday killed seven militants who they said belonged to Pakistan-based groups during four gunbattles in Kashmir – the highest number of clashes in a single day in recent years.
Police said the militants belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). JeM claimed a suicide attack last month that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troopers in Kashmir and brought the arch-rivals to the brink of their fourth war.
India has since stepped up an offensive against separatist militants in the mountainous Muslim-majority region that both countries claim in full but rule it in part.
Pakistan denies giving material support to militants in Kashmir but says it provides moral and diplomatic backing for the self-determination of Kashmiri people.
Since the attack on Feb. 14, Indian authorities say 22 militants have been killed in Kashmir.
Three of the gun battles, one in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district bordering Pakistan, started on Thursday.
In one of the clashes, police said two Lashkar militants killed a 12-year-old boy they had taken hostage before being gunned down themselves.
A police spokesman said they were from Pakistan and had been active in the region, attacking troops and harassing civilians.
Indian authorities on Friday imposed restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles in parts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir state’s summer capital, after separatists called for protests against the death in custody of a man who detained by police for suspected links with militants.
Rizwan Asad Pandit, a chemistry graduate who taught at a private school, according to his family, had been arrested as part of a “terror case investigation”.
Police said he had been trying to escape and inquiries were being carried out into the cause of his death. His brother, Zulkarnain Asad Pandit, rejected that and said he had been tortured in custody.
Indian authorities on Friday also banned another separatist organisation in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. Its chairman Yasin Malik was jailed this month under a law that allows for suspects to be held for up to two years without charge.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
A militant was killed and two policemen and a civilian injured on Thursday as security forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said. While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gun battles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts. Police said one militant was killed …
A militant was killed and two policemen and a civilian injured on Thursday as security forces and militants battled each other in three places in the Kashmir Valley, authorities said.
While the first gunfight erupted in Sopore town, two gun battles were reported later from Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
Police said one militant was killed in the exchange of fire between security forces and the militants in Mir Mohalla of Hajin area in Bandipora.
“One militant has been killed so far. Another militant is still holed up inside a house where a 12-year-old boy is also believed to be stuck. Another civilian was safely evacuated from the house during the operation,” a police officer said.
According to a tweet by the police, the two civilians were being held hostage by the hiding militants. While one was rescued safely with the assistance of security forces and community members, the other, reportedly a minor, was still trapped.
Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Hajin – once considered a zone “liberated” from militant control – following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants there.
The militants who were in hiding opened fire at the security forces in Mir Mohalla, sparking off the gunfight.
Another gunfight started in Kandi area of Baramulla after security forces resumed on Thursday morning a search operation which was suspended due to darkness on Wednesday evening.
“As the search operation was resumed, militants fired at the security forces, triggering an encounter in Kandi,” the officer said.
Two policemen – a station house officer (SHO) and his security guard – and a civilian were injured earlier on Thursday when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Warpora area of Sopore town and then opened fire.
“Both the policemen have been shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment. The operation against the militants is going on,” a police officer said.
A civilian sustained bullet injury in his leg in the Sopore gunfight. He too was shifted to hospital and his condition was stated to be stable.
As a precaution, authorities suspended mobile Internet service in Sopore town.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
The Narendra Modi government has said that the air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camp in Balakot has sent a tough message to Pakistan. However, the opposition has been demanding proof.
According to Reuters, a review of satellite imagery showed that the terror camp in Balakot is still intact, whereas another media reported that satellite imagery showed damage to the terror camp, but not to the extent the government may be claiming.
The other big question is, is Pakistan finally acting on India’s Pulwama dossier or are they indulging in just a face-saver by initiating action against Abdul Rauf Asghar, the brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar and banning the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat.
In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Kapil Kak, retired air vice marshal; RK Sood, former ambassador to France, Afghanistan and Nepal; Anil Trigunayat, former ambassador to Libya, Jordan and Malta and Praveen Swami, Editor, Firstpost, discussed the Balakot airstrike.
Sood said that the representatives of the government have done themselves a disservice by coming out with inconsistent statements.
“The controversy has been created largely because there are various ministers in the government that have been giving out inconsistent statements. I think the foreign secretary’s statement was very clear. He declined to give any specific numbers. However, we have seen BJP president Amit Shah talking of 250 causalities, home minister Rajnath Singh claiming a figure of 300. This is what has led to unnecessary discussion,” Sood said.
Kak said that the nation must have no doubt about the airstrike.
“The government has the evidence already. Why they are not releasing it only the government can answer. It has been a top ranking type of strike made by the 12 Mirage 2000 aircrafts. ,” he said.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returns home from Pakistan
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman finally returned home from captivity in Pakistan on Friday, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India’s retaliation over Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. Hoping to give a hero’s welcome to Wing Commander Varthaman, thousands of Indians gathered on the border carrying the tricolour and garlands since morning. Here are the latest updates on the issue:
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after a suicide bombing in the disputed region of Kashmir killed 40 Indian paramilitary police, an attack claimed by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after a suicide bombing in the disputed region of Kashmir killed 40 Indian paramilitary police, an attack claimed by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a strong response to the attack and said he had given the military a free hand. Pakistan would retaliate if attacked, his counterpart, Imran Khan, has warned.
The neighbours have twice gone to war over Kashmir since independence in 1947. Here is how their militaries stack up.
Military Budget
In 2018, India allocated four trillion rupees ($58 billion), or 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), to support its 1.4 million active troops, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Last year, Pakistan spent 1.26 trillion Pakistani rupees ($11 billion), about 3.6 percent of its GDP, on its 653,800 troops. It also received $100 million in foreign military assistance in 2018.
Between 1993 and 2006, more than 20 percent of Pakistan’s annual government expenditure was spent on the military, according to estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The military accounted for 16.7 percent of government spending in 2017, it said.
By comparison, India’s military spending as a percentage of its government expenditure remained under 12 percent during the same period, according to SIPRI. It was 9.1 percent in 2017.
Missiles And Nuclear Weapons
Both nations have ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. India has nine types of operational missiles, including the Agni-3 with a range of 3,000 km (1,864 miles) to 5,000 km (3,106 miles), according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.
Pakistan’s missile programme, built with Chinese assistance, includes mobile short- and medium-range weapons that can reach any part of India, CSIS said. The Shaheen 2 has the longest range, of up to 2,000 km (1,242 miles)
Pakistan has 140 to 150 nuclear warheads, compared with India’s 130-140 warheads, according to SIPRI.
Army
India has a 1.2 million-strong army, supported by more than 3,565 battle tanks, 3,100 infantry fighting vehicles, 336 armored personnel carriers and 9,719 pieces of artillery, according to IISS.
Pakistan’s army is smaller, with 560,000 troops backed by 2,496 tanks, 1,605 armored personnel carriers, and 4,472 artillery guns, including 375 self-propelled howitzers.
Despite its larger army, the capability of India’s “conventional forces is limited by inadequate logistics, maintenance and shortages of ammunition and spare parts”, IISS said in a report this month.
Air Force
With 127,200 personnel and 814 combat aircraft, India’s air force is substantially larger but there are concerns about its fighter jet fleet.
India’s defence plans require 42 squadrons of jets, about 750 aircraft, to defend against a two-pronged attack from China and Pakistan. With older Russian jets like the MiG-21, first used in the 1960s, retiring soon, India could have 22 squadrons by 2032, officials say.
Pakistan has 425 combat aircraft, including the Chinese-origin F-7PG and American F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. It also has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft, three more than India, IISS said.
“The (Pakistan) air force is modernizing its inventory while improving its precision-strike and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities,” IISS said in its 2019 assessment.
Navy
India’s navy consists of one aircraft carrier, 16 submarines, 14 destroyers, 13 frigates, 106 patrol and coastal combatant vessels, and 75 combat capable aircraft. It has 67,700 personnel, including marines and naval aviation staff.
Pakistan, which has a significantly smaller coastline, has 9 frigates, 8 submarines, 17 patrol and coastal vessels, and 8 combat capable aircraft.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Northeast rebel groups face Myanmar Army crackdown, could move closer to Indian border
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
The Myanmar Army has captured more outposts, arms and ammunition of Northeast rebels operating from their soil following a ten-day crackdown on these insurgent groups at the ‘Naga self-administered zone of Sagaing region and surrounding areas’.
The Myanmar Army has captured more outposts, arms and ammunition of Northeast rebels operating from their soil following a ten-day crackdown on these insurgent groups at the ‘Naga self-administered zone of Sagaing region and surrounding areas’.
A press release by the office of the commander-in-chief of defence services, Myanmar on February 3 said the Myanmar Army, or Tatmadaw Kyee, could occupy two outposts and two training schools in the southwest of Takar village, one temporary outpost in the north, and one outpost in the west of Takar in a four-day long operation that started on January 29.
Another release on February 6 said the crackdown continued, with Tatmadaw taking security measures to ensure that illegal armed insurgent groups do not infiltrate into their territory.
Tatmadaw columns capture further outpost of Assam and Katha Insurgents, arms and ammunition.
The Tatmadaw has so far arrested six members of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang faction), and two ‘Kathe’ (Manipuri) insurgents along with 11 small weapons of different kinds and a huge cache of ammunition including AK series rifles.
The release also mentioned that Tatmadaw took hold of the evidence that Kathe and Assam insurgents resided in Ta Ga (headquarters of most northeast militant groups) with the help of NSCN (K).
Future strategy – ULFA (I) and NSCN-K?
With both the NSCN-K and the proscribed United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) base camps under siege, it is now presumed that the militant outfits will possibly operate from the other adjacent camps in the area, with sources saying that ULFA (I) cadres including senior leaders had vacated the Ta Ga camp well before the siege.
Questions are being asked if the banned outfits might shift base to the Chinese border, a possibility ruled out by defence analysts.
“There have been many attacks by Myanmar’s army in NSCN and ULFA camps in the past, but despite heavy loss, these outfits have survived. The terrain of the region and anti-Myanmarese tribal environment helped them to survive. It is unlikely that the rebel organizations will shift to Chinese side unless the region is saturated by the Myanmar army, which is logistically not possible at present. It will remain a type of attritional attack by the Myanmar army and their joint operations with the Indian army,” said Harekrishna Deka, former director general of police in Assam.
“Logistically, the rebels are in a better position. It may be that the two armies will try to cut off all routes of the rebels – and that may cause major difficulties for the rebels. If the army has some pinpointed information of rebel camps, aerial attacks may wreak more destruction in rebel positions, if at all it an aerial mapping happened, in this case, is not known. Still, these groups will continue to be in Myanmar by shifting to new areas that may give them better human and logistic support,” he added.
Strategic analyst and former DGP in Assam and Tripura, GM Srivastava maintained that ULFA (I) does not have a camp in one location alone, but there are numerous camps in the same area. According to Srivastava, the rebels can trek long distances for months together, but it is unlikely that they would move to the Chinese border.
“All cadres had moved out of the camp before this happened– somebody must have leaked out the information and alternative arrangements must have been made. There was firing by Myanmar side, but that was probe fire- more to ensure their presence. There was no confrontation or collateral damage,” said Srivastava.
Myanmar Army Unable to Control Rugged Border
Bertil Lintner, long-time Myanmar observer and author of China’s India War: Collision Course on the Roof of the World (2018), believes that the Northeast insurgents would now move closer to the Indian border.
“There’s nowhere near the Chinese border they could have a proper camp. ULFA (I) Chief Paresh Baruah is in Ruili in China, but there are no troops there. There are many rebel camps in and around Ta Ga, and a lot of camps in the surrounding mountains.”
The release by the office of the commander-in-chief of defence services, Myanmar also stated that ‘necessary action would be taken against NSCN-K for violating clauses in the preliminary agreement signed with the Sagaing government for building peace and that no opposing organization to India would be allowed to reside in the Naga self-administered zone.
“They said it right, but how will they enforce the ‘ban’ – that will remain a problem. It’s an extremely rugged area with few roads and virtually no government control,” said Lintner.
The Indo-Myanmar border is controlled by the Assam Rifles that operate Border Outposts (BOP) and Company Operating Bases (COB) along the border. While India continues to build road infrastructure up to the border, the same is lacking on the other side.
“The Myanmar army is unable to control and maintain the rugged border area. The normal practice has been to go into an area, hold it for a few months and vacate, thus allowing insurgent groups to come back and set up bases again. They have tried to have separate ceasefire agreements with various rebel groups, who control the border areas but have not been fully successful. The very presence of same ethnic groups on both side of the border prevent any short term solution,” said Kargil war veteran Dilip Kumar Borah.
“Only when you have both sides of the border fully developed and there is control over the drug trade, we can think of finally ousting these groups. Till then, this cat and mouse game will continue. We have to defeat these groups internally to make them an unattractive option for our youth,” he added.
Positive Outcome of Indian Diplomacy
The Tatmadaw has regional military commands and light infantry divisions under the commander-in-chief of the Army, Regional Operation Commands (ROC) and Military Operation Commands (MOC).
At a time when both Indian and Chinese agencies are trying to influence the various Tatmadaw divisions, the recent operation against Northeast rebels is being seen as a positive outcome of Indian diplomacy.
“As with rest of North East, Myanmar remained out of focus of India till the first NDA government came to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The army ruled from 1962 to 2011 and may have been the main reason for this freeze. Though formal diplomatic relations remained, India never pushed Myanmar to settle its insurgency problem,” said retired Colonel Borah.
Colonel Borah observes that military of both countries have, however, maintained a close relationship and there has been a continuous exchange of personnel for visitor training – India was also providing low-level military help to the country.
“With the Chinese actively pursuing Myanmar for trade, defence cooperation, port facilities, road building, the Indian government finally woke up to the reality of being surrounded by hostile countries. Presently India is heavily invested in Myanmar. We have taken up various developmental activities within Myanmar. The only thing we have asked in return is border security and controlling our insurgent groups unlawfully staying in their country.”
With inputs from Biju Kumar Deka
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Republic Day 2019: PM Narendra Modi greets people on Republic Day
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar and J P Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to extend their greetings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the country’s 70th Republic Day on Saturday. “Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians,” he tweeted.Several leaders took to social media to extend their greetings on the occasion.
“As we celebrate #RepublicDay2019, let us renew our vow to our country: let us strive to live up to the ideals of justice, liberty and equality as enshrined in the constitution. Let us move towards a stronger, better India. Let us, with fierce pride, say in one voice: JAI HIND!” Union Minister Rajya Vardhan Singh Rathore tweeted.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who is recuperating after a surgery in a hospital in the US, tweeted, “#RepublicDay2019 greetings to everyone. Happy 70th #RepublicDay2019”.
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “70 & Growing Strong: As India celebrates its 70th #RepublicDay, let us cherish the memory of the day when we became an Independent Republic, and look ahead with aspiration & zeal towards building a New India.”
Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar and J P Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to extend their greetings.
BJP chief Amit Shah unfurled the national flag at the party headquarters in the national capital and took to Twitter to greet people on the occasion.
India Saturday celebrated the 70th Republic Day with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath — the city’s centrepiece boulevard — in the presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country’s top political and military brass.
South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the anniversary of the day when the world’s biggest democracy was declared a republic in 1950.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Republic Day 2019: Facets of Mahatma Gandhi’s life depicted in 22 tableaux take centre stage at Rajpath
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
While 16 tableaux were from states and Union Territories, six were from various central ministries and departments — agriculture, power, drinking water and sanitation, Indian Railways, CISF and CPWD.
Various facets of Mahatma Gandhi’s life journey were displayed by the 22 tableaux that rolled down the Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation.
While 16 tableaux were from states and Union Territories, six were from various central ministries and departments — agriculture, power, drinking water and sanitation, Indian Railways, CISF and CPWD.
The Uttarakhand tableau featured Kausani’s Anasakti Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in 1929. The tableau showed Gandhi writing his book ‘Anasakti Yoga’ at the ashram in the backdrop of mountains and deodar trees.
The tableau of Uttar Pradesh had “commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi” as its theme, with Gandhi at the Kashi Vidyapith.
“Gandhi’s ray of hope ; our composite culture” was Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau theme this year. The tableau showcased Gandhi along with his charkha and ethnic diversity of the Valley.
“Peace Within”-themed Arunachal Pradesh’s tableau shows a tribal Monpa placing flowers at Gandhi’s feet. It also shows the dancing Monpa tribe stressing on peace and cleanliness.
The Delhi tableau showcased a theme of “Mahatma Gandhi and Delhi” and displayed his association with the national capital and the Birla House which is now known as Gandhi Smriti.
The tableau of West Bengal depicted two phases in Mahatma Gandhi’s life — his stay in Kolkata during India’s Independence and association with Rabindranath Tagore.
The Railways Ministry, whose tableau made a come back at the Republic Day parade after three years, depicted the “transformation of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma Gandhi” and highlighted the yet-to-be-launched bullet train and Train 18.
The tableau highlighted the incident in 1893, when the young Mohandas was thrown out of a “European only” compartment at Pietermaritzburg railway station in South Africa which acted as a catalyst for him to practice ”Satyagrah”.
The front portion of tableau showcased a steam engine on whose top was perched a bust of Mahatma Gandhi which is similar to the bust installed in June 2018 at the Pietermaritzburg railway station of South Africa.
Incidentally, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. He became the second South African president to be invited to the event as the chief guest. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was the chief guest for the prestigious event in 1995.
The theme for Andaman and Nicobar’s tableau was “Role of Gandhiji on inmates of Cellular Jail in Andaman”. The tableau showcased the effect that Mahatma Gandhi had amongst the inmates of the historic jail.
Gujarat with the “historical Dandi March” theme depicted the great movement which shook the foundation of the British Empire by lifting a handful of salt.
Similarly, the theme for Karnataka tableau was the “Gandhiji and the Belagavi Congress session”, whereas the theme for Maharashtra was the Quit India movement.
The theme for Goa’s tableau was “Unity in Diversity”, while for Tripura it was “empowerment rural economy in Gandhian Way”.
The tableau of Tamil Nadu will have “transformation of dress code of Mahatma Gandhi” as theme.
While the Punjab tableau had “Jallianwala Bagh” theme, Sikkim had “agricultural and environmental non-violence” theme.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) tableau showcased the non-violent struggle by Gandhi, which led to freedom of India. The tableau was crafted in natural flowers. The front part of the tableau showed Gandhi, the middle part showed his non-violent followers while the rear portion depicted the message given by him for world peace and unity.
The tableau by the Ministry of Power represented the flagship scheme “Saubhagya” with the front portion showing Gandhi’s Talisman of serving poorest and weakest sections of society as the inspiration behind the Saubhagya scheme.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Republic Day 2019: India celebrates 70th Republic Day; highlights Mahatma’s life
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
Twenty-six children including six girls and 20 boys awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar for their “exceptional achievement” also graced the occasion.
India Saturday celebrated the 70th Republic Day with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath — the city’s centrepiece boulevard — in presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country’s top political and military brass.
South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the anniversary of the day when the world’s biggest democracy was declared a republic in 1950.
A total of 22 tableaux, 16 from states and union territories and six from central government ministries and departments, were part of the cultural parade overall theme of which was life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. This year, India is celebrating 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation.
Ramphosa’s presence at the celebrations was significant as Gandhi’s 21-year stay in South Africa played a pivotal role in moulding him into the apostle of peace.
The national capital was brought under a massive security cover for the event as it took place days after two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were arrested.
The Republic Day parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a yellowish orange turban, leading the nation in paying homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti under India Gate.
An eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of our armed forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country.
As per tradition, after unfurling the tri-colour, the national anthem was played with a 21 gun salute following which President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of marching contingents.
Alongside Ramphosa, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the country’s top political and military brass.
A major highlight of the parade was participation of four Indian National Army (INA) veterans — Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal, all aged over 90 years, for the first time. The other highlights include the display of American howitzers M777, the Main Battle Tank (MBT) T-90 and indigenously developed Akash weapons system.
‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) was on full display at the Rajpath with an all-woman Assam Rifles contingent creating history by participating for the first time in the parade, which was led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar.
Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were also led by women officers.
The tableau of Maharashtra portrayed the ‘Quit India movement’ while the tableau of Andaman and Nicobar showcased Mahatma Gandhi’s message to the inmates of the cellular jail in Andaman.
Jallianwala Bagh was the theme of Punjab tableau, which evoked memories of the watershed moment in the independence struggle. Assam came out with a tableau depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s movement in the state and his dream of rebuilding the rural economy by encouraging the growth of cottage industry.
Tableau of Gujarat depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s historical ‘Dandi March’, which shook the foundation of the British empire. Karnataka showcased his momentous efforts at the Belagavi Congress session on 26-27 December 1924 while the tableau of Uttarakhand depicted Anashakti ashram. India’s cultural diversity was also on full display at the celebrations.
Twenty-six children including six girls and 20 boys awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar for their “exceptional achievement” also graced the occasion.
The marching contingents of the Army included the Madras Regiment, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment and the Gorkha Brigade.
The naval contingent comprised of 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant Commander Ambika Sudhakarn. It was followed by naval tableau titled, ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready Force for National Security’.
The Indian Air Force marching contingent also comprised 144 air warriors. It was followed by the IAF tableau titled ‘Indian Air Force Encouraging Indigenisation’ showcasing the scaled-down models of the aircraft, radar and missile system which have been indigenously designed and manufactured.
The models displayed were Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Low-Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), Sukhoi-30MKI and Akash missile system.
Para-military and other auxiliary forces also participated in the parade along National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.
The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF.
The fly-past commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three advanced light helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
One C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKI fighter jets also displayed their aerial manoeuvring.
Next in line was five Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Following the Jaguars were five MiG-29 upgraded air superiority fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation.
The culmination of the parade was a lone Su-30 MKI flying at a speed of 900 km/hr with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais.
The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons.
Modi waved to the crowd after the conclusion of the ceremony and were greeted with loud cheers.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
5 Minutes Read
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Daily Newsletter
