Month: August 2021

Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind said that a new dawn is rising in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the people, especially the youth, of the union territory to work on realising their aspirations through democratic institutions.

“A new dawn is rising in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has initiated the process of consultation with all stakeholders who have faith in democracy and the rule of law. I urge the people, especially the youth, of Jammu and Kashmir to utilise this opportunity and work on realising their aspirations through democratic institutions.

With all-round progress, India’s stature is rising in the international arena, as it was reflected in our participation in several key multilateral forums as well as in consolidating bilateral relationships with several countries,” said President Kovind.

The President also applauded rural India, particularly the agriculture sector, which has kept growing against all odds. He said, “On a recent visit to my ancestral village Paraunkh in Kanpur Dehat district, I was quite pleased to find that better infrastructure is being developed to make life better for people in rural areas. The psychological distance between the urban and the rural is now much less as compared to the past. After all, India lives in its villages which cannot be allowed to lag behind in development. That is why special campaigns, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, are being implemented for the welfare of our farmers.”

“These efforts are consistent with the vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat, a self-reliant India. With abiding faith in the inherent capacity of the economy, the government has further opened up defence, health, civil aviation, power and other sectors. The government’s new initiatives to promote eco-friendly, renewable sources of energy, particularly solar power, have won praise around the world. If there is an improvement in the ease of doing business, it has a positive impact on the ease of living for all. In addition to these, special emphasis is being given to public welfare. For example, the dream of having a home of one’s own is being realised, thanks to the Rs 70,000 crore credit-linked subsidy scheme. The series of agricultural marketing reforms will empower our ‘annadata’ farmers and help them get better price for their produce. These are some of the measures the government has taken to unleash the potential of every Indian,” said the President.

The nation is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence from the foreign rule. The whole country has been gripped by patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organised across the country by different ministries of Government of India, various state governments and Union Territories, the Armed Forces and general public alike to mark this momentous occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating this historic 75th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2021. (ANI)

Delhi Government on Saturday initiated the rollout of the Deshbhakti Curriculum which will be taught to students in government schools of Delhi.

The Deshbhakti Curriculum is in line with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s vision of helping students become true patriots. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia presented the curriculum to Chief Minister.
Kejriwal on receiving the curriculum said, “When we started working on this Curriculum 2 years ago, we did not know how it would be. It is a dynamic and constantly evolving process.”

Sisodia while talking said, “The government seeks to combine patriotism with the guidance of teaching and learning in Delhi Government schools.

“While we keep our anecdotal experiences in mind we have to objectively assess if patriotic feelings are actually being instilled in the minds of children. Desh bhakti Curriculum will be launched in schools of Delhi to instill patriotism in young minds,” said Kejriwal.

The Deshbhakti Curriculum Framework draws three primary goals that are Knowledge, Values, and Behavior. (ANI)

To reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of security concerns, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday directed the district authorities to not allow any religious processions on the occasion of Muharram.

The order was issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi to district magistrates, senior superintendents of police, and other senior officials. As per the order, installing ‘Tazias’ publicly has been prohibited, however, they can be set up at home.

The order directed officials to pay special attention to “anti-social elements” and those spreading rumors, stating that checking should be conducted at public places like railway stations, bus stations, and religious places.

It also said that social media should be routinely monitored and appropriate action should be taken in case an objectionable post is found, adding that the post must be blocked.

The order directed the officials to maintain special alertness “as the possibility of increased sensitivity due to Muharram occurring in the month of Shravan cannot be ruled out.”

It also directed officials to talk to religious leaders to ensure strict compliance with the order.

The order said that an adequate police force will be deployed in sensitive areas and containment zones. (ANI)

Thirty-two Olympic winners, including javelin thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, India’s first-ever Gold Medallist in track and field, along with two officials of Sports Authority of India (SAI) have been invited to participate in the 75th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Sunday.

Around 240 Olympians, support staff, and SAI and sports federation officials have also been invited to grace the Gyan Path in front of the Ramparts. In Tokyo, India recorded its best-ever medal haul in the recently concluded Olympics by bagging a total of seven medals – one Gold, two silver, and four bronze.
The Nation is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence from the foreign rule. The whole country has been gripped by patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organized across the country by different ministries of the Government of India, various state governments and Union Territories, the Armed Forces, and the general public alike to mark this momentous occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating this historic 75th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2021. He will hoist the National Flag and deliver the customary Address to the Nation.

It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had launched ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ from Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad in Gujarat in March 2021 to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023.

Upon the arrival of the Prime Minister at the Red Fort, he will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. The

Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, AVSM, to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct Shri Narendra Modi to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 20 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. Indian Navy is the coordinating service this year. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander Piyush Gaur. The Naval Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Lt Commander SunePhogat, the Army Contingent by Major Vikas Sangwan, and the Air Force contingent by Squadron leader A Berwal. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP (West District) Subodh Kumar Goswami.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria. The GoC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais on the rampart to hoist the National Flag.

After being hoisted, the Tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Navy Band, consisting of 16 men will play the National Anthem during the hoisting of the National Flag and the ‘Rashritya Salute’. The Band will be conducted by MCPO Vincent Johnson.

For the first time ever, this year as soon as the National Flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi 17 1V helicopters of the Indian Air Force in Amrut Formation. Captain of the first helicopter will be Wing Commander Baldev Singh Bisht. The second chopper is commanded by Wing Commander Nikhil Mehrotra.

After the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the Nation.

At the conclusion of the speech of the Prime Minister, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will sing the National Anthem. 500 NCC cadets (Army, Navy, and Air Force) from different schools will be taking part in this festival of National Fervour.

Lt Commander P Priyambada Sahoo will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag. It will be synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery is commanded by Lt Col Jitendra Singh Mehta, SM, and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (AIG) Anil Chand.

The National Flag Guard comprising five officers and 130 men from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Commander Kuldeep M Neralkar from the Indian Navy will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard.

The Navy Contingent in the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Commander Praveen Saraswat, the Army Contingent by Major Anshul Kumar, and the Air Force contingent by Sqn Leader Rohit Malik. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP (South West District) Shri Amit Goel.

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police have intensified security arrangements in the national capital by deploying police forces and commandos across Delhi, according to a security plan chalked out with the coordination of State governments and security agencies.

Superintendents of Police of all districts in Delhi have been instructed to be vigilant ahead of Independence Day, informed Delhi Police on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, a high-level meeting of top officials of Delhi Police was held to discuss a new intelligence alert about miscreants who could try to infiltrate the security at the Red Fort on August 15.

The security has been tightened near Red Fort, ahead of Independence Day celebrations in the national capital.

The posters of the most wanted terrorists have been put around the area to alert people and to report any suspected person to the police.

There will be a 360-degree drone coverage to counter unfriendly objects on Independence day and to counter the anti-drone challenge staff is being trained on how to respond to unfriendly objects. Coordinated training with Air Force, National Security Guard (NSG), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in progress,” said Anita Roy, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, North. (ANI)

The ‘Khela Hobe’ slogan will reverberate across India in the coming days, said Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra on Saturday.

“Khela Hobe to be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Haryana, Bihar and many other states. Some will celebrate under the flag of Trinamool Congress while others may not use any party symbol. But the slogan Khela Hobe will reach across India,” said TMC leader Mitra while speaking to ANI.
This Khela Hobe slogan became famous during West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year. This became the poll beugel for the party.

“BJP wanted to obstruct as they are fond of violence but our party wants peace, soon TMC will reach across the country. Without the TMC an alliance or any front is not possible,” said Mitra.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave a clarion call to the leaders of Opposition parties to set up a united front for 2024 general elections and had said, “‘Khela’ (game) will happen in all states until BJP is removed from the country.” (ANI)

Amid Taliban advances in Afghanistan post US drawdown, 400,000 people have been displaced unfolding humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that about 400,000 people have been displaced in the country, including 120,000 who have fled to the capital Kabul, reported NHK World.
As widespread fighting intensifies, the United Nations in Afghanistan continues to call for a permanent ceasefire and a negotiated settlement in the interests of the Afghan people, reported UNHCR.

The human toll of spiralling hostilities is immense. The United Nations Assistance Mission has warned that without a significant de-escalation in violence, Afghanistan is on course to witness the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since the UN’s records began, said UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo.

Our teams, as part of the broader UN effort, have assessed the needs of almost 400,000 internally displaced civilians this year. Responding initially to the most critical priorities, we are providing food, shelter, hygiene and sanitary kits and other life-saving assistance, together with partners, added Mantoo.

UNHCR has called on countries neighbouring Afghanistan to keep their borders open in light of the intensifying crisis in Afghanistan.

Ongoing fighting has been reported in 33 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

The overwhelming majority of Afghans forced to flee remain within the country, as close to their homes as fighting will allow. Since the beginning of this year, nearly 120,000 Afghans have fled from rural areas and provincial towns to Kabul province.

The anti-government forces are overrunning large parts of the country as the US military proceeds with a withdrawal that is set to finish by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Taliban declared they had seized the capital of southeastern Paktika Province on Saturday. They are now believed to have taken more than half of the country’s 34 provincial capitals.

The agency says about 80 per cent of those who have been displaced since May when fighting intensified are women and children, and warns of a heightened humanitarian crisis caused by the lack of support, reported NHK World.

Following the deterioration of the security situation, European countries have started evacuating embassy staff, reported NHK World.

The UK and Germany said that they will reduce staff at their embassies in Kabul, moving some members to other countries.

The UK will send a military unit consisting of 600 troops to help evacuate its nationals.

Norway and Denmark said on Friday that they will temporarily close their embassies and evacuate their staff to other countries. (ANI)

Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, on Saturday, shared a photo from her fun night out in London with the incredible actor Sandra Oh, along with some of the cast of Marvel’s upcoming film ‘Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings’ that includes Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh.

Flaunting her Asian pride, Priyanka seemed to be having a gala time with the brilliant multifaceted actors ahead of the film’s global release. The ‘Baywatch’ actor shared the photo on her Instagram handle and in the caption, wrote, “When u get a seat at the cool kids’ table. #queens #asianpride.”

In the photo, the girl gang could be seen smiling joyfully while posing for the groufie. The post garnered more than 3 lakh likes with an hour of being shared.

In ‘Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings’, which is the first Asian superhero film for the studio, Awkwafina will be seen playing Katy and Michelle will portray Jiang Nan.

The film features Simu Liu as Shang Chi in the lead, which explores the narrative of a young Super Hero whose journey of self-discovery unfolds in this never-before-seen origins story.

Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the 25th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed and co-written by Destin Daniel Cretton, ‘Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings’ will soon be in Indian theatres.

Separately, on the work front, Priyanka has been shooting in London for her upcoming show ‘Citdel’, which is a spy-thriller directed by The Russo Brothers. It stars Priyanka and ‘Game of Thrones’ fame actor Richard Madden in lead roles.

She recently launched an Indian restaurant called Sona in New York and also released her memoir titled ‘Unfinished’ earlier this year.

Priyanka will next be seen in ‘Text For You’ which also features Celine Dion and Sam Heughan in the lead roles. Apart from that, she will also be seen in ‘Matrix 4’ and the recently announced Bollywood film ‘Jee Le Zaraa’, which will mark actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s return as a director. (ANI)