Month: August 2022

India on the occasion of its 76th Independence Day will hand over maritime surveillance aircraft Dornier 228 to Sri Lanka on a gratis basis for two years.

The aircraft is being provided for an interim period of two years till a plane being manufactured in India for Sri Lanka is ready.
The aircraft comes as a sequel to the dialogue between India and Sri Lanka that took place on January 9, 2018 in New Delhi, when the Sri Lankan government sought the possibility of obtaining two Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft from India.

Handing over ceremony of Dornier Aircraft will be held today. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian High commissioner Gopal Baglay will be present at the ceremony, confirmed the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

Also, Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Satish N Ghormade is in Sri Lanka for the handing over of a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft to the Sri Lankan military.

Notably, handing over of the Dornier aircraft by India comes a day before the Chinese ship ‘Yuan Wang 5’ will dock at the southern port of Hambantota on Tuesday for a week.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that the Chinese vessel ‘Yuan Wang-5’, widely believed to be a spy ship, has been given clearance to arrive at Hambantota Port on August 16.

Hambantota port, located around 250 kms from Colombo was built with high-interest Chinese loans. The Sri Lankan government struggled to repay the debt they had taken from China following which the port was handed over to the Chinese on a 99-year lease.

“Having considered all material in place, on 13 August 2022, the clearance to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China was conveyed for the deferred arrival of the vessel from 16-22 August 2022,” Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The Indian Naval Dornier (INDO – 228) is basically a Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL), multirole light transport aircraft used by the Indian Navy for electronic warfare missions, maritime surveillance, disaster relief and other work with a turboprop twin-engine, produced since 1981.

The Sri Lankan Air Force intends to effectively employ the Dornier aircraft specifically to conduct Maritime and Coastal Surveillance Operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) and Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control within Sri Lankan Search and Rescue Region (SRR) to attain SLAF ultimate vision of “Ensuring the National Security through Effective Employment of Airpower” within Sri Lankan Airspace.

Meanwhile, the Indian High commissioner to Colombo, Gopal Baglay celebrated the 75th Independence Day of India in Colombo this morning. (ANI)

After the ceremonial 21-gun salute to the National Flag at the historic Red Fort on Independence Day on Monday in which a made-in-India gun was used for the first time in 75 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the contribution of the armed forces in realising the AatmaNirbhar Bharat in the Defence sector.

PM Modi in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort said that all Indians will get inspired and feel empowered on hearing the roar of the made-in-India howitzer gun.
“After 75 years we have heard the proud sound of a Made-in-India weapon in the Independence Day gun salute. I salute the armed forces for this feat. The way they have borne the responsibility for my call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, I salute them for this,” PM Modi said.

“For how long would we be dependent on the other countries? Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the responsibility of every section of society, every person and every government. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not a government agenda or a government programme. It is a social movement which we have to carry forward,” the prime minister said.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) that was used for the ceremonial salute today has been designed by the Centre-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and public sector unit Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

The gun is a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer and was first publicly showcased at 68th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017.

The Prime Minister also saluted the small children who said no to the imported toys and said that Aatmanirbhar Bharat runs through his veins.

“I also salute the children who are saying No to imported toys. When a 5-year-old says ‘No videshi’, Aatmanirbhar Bharat runs through his veins,” he added.

Eulogising India’s journey of Make In India, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to be self-reliant in the energy sector.

“Through the PLI (production linked incentive) schemes, we are becoming the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. People are coming to India to Make In India,” he said.

“We need to be Aatmanirbhar in our energy sector. From solar energy to Mission Hydrogen to adoption to EVs (electric vehicles), we need to take these initiatives to the next level for energy independence,” the Prime Minister added.

Earlier today, PM Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort. Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

The GoC Delhi area conducted the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guards presented the general salute to him, following which PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.

On his arrival in the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.

Later, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.

MI-17 helicopters showered flowers at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till Monday. (ANI)

Actor Sonali Bendre rang in the 76th Independence Day in Atlanta, Georgia.

Taking to Instagram, Sonali shared a glimpse of her Independence Day celebrations.
She dropped a string of images in which she is seen waving the Indian Flag along with several other Indians in Atlanta. For the special occasion, she chose to wear an ethnic suit. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChRCid8P6qY/embed

“Took a little bit of home to Atlanta… #HappyIndependenceDay,” she captioned the post.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonali recently made her OTT debut with ZEE5’s series ‘Broken News’. In the show, she essayed the role of a journalist named Amina Qureshi.

Sonali made her acting debut with the 1994 film ‘Aag’, which also starred Govinda, Shilpa Shetty and Shakti Kapoor. She had her first big hit with the action-romance ‘Diljale’ (1996). She later appeared several films such as, ‘Major Saab’ (1998), ‘Zakhm’ (1998), ‘Sarfarosh’ (1999), ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’ (1999), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000) and ‘Sarfarosh’ (1999) among others.

In 2018, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment for the same in the USA. After undergoing treatment for months, she finally defeated the disease and came out victorious, and since then she has been raising awareness about cancer. (ANI)

Google on Monday, displayed a doodle on its search page to celebrate India’s 76th Independence Day. The Doodle, illustrated by Kerala-based guest artist Neethi, shows India celebrating 75 years of its Independence on August 15 with soaring kites symbolizing the country has achieved great heights.

Independence Day 2022 Doodle “depicts the culture around kites – from the craft of creating bright beautiful kites to the cheerful experience of a community coming together. The vast expanse of sky brightly speckled with soaring kites is a colourful symbol of the great heights we have achieved. The GIF animation adds dynamism and brings the doodle alive.”
This day commemorates India’s independence from colonial rule after two centuries of oppression and suppression at the hands of the British. The celebration of Independence Day honours the sacrifices and tireless efforts of our courageous leaders and freedom fighters who gave their entire life for the sake of the nation and the countrymen.

Sharing his thought about the Doodle, artist Neethi said that one of our fondest memories, the age-old tradition of kite-flying has been integral to the Indian Independence Day festivities.

Freedom fighters used kites to write anti-colonial slogans and flew them in the sky as a mark of protest.

Neethi said “A Kites are also an outlet for artistic expression- many of them carry trendy motifs or even social messages. I have drawn kites depicting our national colours, a message of love and commemorating the 75 years of Indian independence. They fly as high as skyscrapers, birds and I’d like to believe the sun!”

The lengthy struggle for freedom resulted in the birth of the largest democracy in the world. Heroic freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s independence movement through civil disobedience and nonviolent protests.

The government of India has organised several events this year under the banner of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav,’ with the theme ‘Nation First, Always First.’ The government also plans to hoist 200 million tricolours to commemorate the occasion.

The Red Fort in Delhi hosts the largest annual celebration, where the Prime Minister raises the tricolour in synchronization with a 21-gun salute. After the Prime Minister delivers his televised speech, a patriotic parade honours members of the Indian armed forces and police.

Sharing his thought about the Doodle, artist Neethi said that one of our fondest memories, the age-old tradition of kite-flying has been integral to the Indian Independence Day festivities.

When asked did he draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? Neethi said, “Kites are also an outlet for artistic expression- many of them carry trendy motifs or even social messages. I have drawn kites depicting our national colours, a message of love and commemorating the 75 years of Indian independence. They fly as high as skyscrapers, and birds and I’d like to believe the sun!” (ANI)

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli wished the people on the occassion of India’s 76th Independence day and displayed the Indian Flag at their residence in Mumbai, keeping up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

On the 76th Independence Day, Anushka took to Instagram and shared a picture with her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChRFqdiJx-K/embed

In the picture, the duo is seen standing in front of the flag smiling for the camera.

“Celebrating 75 years of our Independence. Wishing all the Indians around the world a very #HappyIndependenceDay. Jai Hind,” Anushka captioned the post.

For the special occasion, Anushka chose to wear a chikankari embroidered kurta, while Kohli opted to don a casual look by wearing a black T-shirt.

Kohli, too, extended Independence Day wishes to everyone.

Taking to Instagram Story and Twitter, Kohli wrote, “75 glorious years. Proud to be an Indian. Happy Independence Day to all. Jai Hind.”

He also participated in Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative by changing his social media Display Pictures with Tiranga image.

The aim of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional, said the Union Ministry of Culture. Under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this year’s Independence Day is truly special in a number of ways.

This Mahotsav (or the grand celebration) is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

As part of the Mahotsav or grand celebration, several events and campaigns have been organised for over the last 75 weeks to celebrate independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements. The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and will end post a year on August 15, 2023. (ANI)

India on Monday recorded 14,917 new COVID-19 cases with a daily positivity rate of 7.52 per cent, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this, India’s case tally is now at 4,42,68,381. Of these, 1,17,508 are active cases which account for 0.27 per cent of the total cases.
The recovery rate is currently at 98.54 per cent. As many as 14,238 recoveries were logged in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to 4,36,23,804.

The death toll has climbed to 5,27,069 with 32 fatalities, the government data updated at 8 am stated.

Of the 1,98,271 COVID-19 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, a positivity rate of 7.52 per cent was observed and weekly positivity rate is at 4.65 per cent.

On the COVID-19 vaccination front, 25,50,276 doses were administered in last 24 hours. Further, over 208.25 crore total vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in his Independence Day speech on Monday took aim at the twin evils of nepotism and corruption and sought the people’s cooperation to fight them.

The prime minister said that the country needs to shift its mentality from “Bhai-Bhatijawad” and Parivaarwad (nepotism) and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.
Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that there is no place for corruption in our society and that the people of the country need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated the evil of corruption.

“Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace,” Prime Minster Modi said.

“Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it,” said PM Modi on the occasion of the country’s 76th Independence Day.

Though India is faced with numerous challenges and restrictions, the PM highlighted that the country has the ability to overcome them all for a New India.

PM Narendra Modi said, “We have to fight against corruption with all our strength. In the last eight years, through the use of Aadhaar, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfers) and mobile were used to prevent nearly find Rs 2 lakh crores of black money from falling into the wrong hands,” said the Prime Minister.

“We have to weed out corruption. We are making efforts to seize properties of people who have fled the country and trying to create a situation where what has been looted by the corrupt is returned to the country. Corruption is hollowing out our country like termites, I will fight against it and I need the country’s blessings and cooperation to win this war and request you all to help me fight corruption,” he said.

The prime minister said that the second issue that the country has to tackle is that of ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’, which he said is not just limited to politics but in other spheres as well. He said there was a need to start a revolution against the practice.

“When I talk about bhai-bhatijawad, people think I am talking about politics. But it is not so, I am not talking only about politics. the bhai-bhatijawad has entered many institutions in the country which is depriving eligible, talented people,” PM Modi said.

With respect to sports sector PM Modi said selection of sportspersons is now conducted on the basis of talent and not ‘bhai-bhatijawad’ “India’s flag is flying high now,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, urged the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation and highlighted five pleges ‘Panch prans to fulfil the freedom fighters’ dreams by the year 2047.

Beginning his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that it is a historic day for India as it takes a new path, new pledge with renewed strength.

“We have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of. By 100 years of independence, for the next 25 years we need to focus on the 5 resolves – first Viksit Bharat (Developed India), second Removing every ounce of Gulami (slavery) in us, third Work on the pride for our glorious heritage, fourth. Ensuring Unity among all, fifth. Fulfilling our fundamental Duties.”

The Prime Minister said, “When dreams are big, the hard work is equally strenuous. We need to be inspired by the sankalp and determination of our freedom fighters who dreamt of a free India. I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India.”

The Prime Minister said that COVID-19 pandemic has been an example of this common consciousness, where citizens came together. “From supporting doctors to propelling research to taking vaccines to the remotest parts, we have stood together,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the world today looks at India with pride, hope and as a problem solver. “The world looks at India as a destination where aspirations are met. My understanding of the spirit of India, made me realise that for growth of NewIndia we needed to ensure inclusive development across the nation- a vision that was held dear by Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas and Sabka Prayaas became the cornerstone of ensuring the implementation of pro-nation policies and taking development to the last mile.

Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals from helicopters.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

A multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry and exit point at the fort. Security personnel also deployed trained catchers to ensure that the premises remain monkey-free during the day. As many as 231 regular kite-flyers from the walled city area were roped in by the police to ensure a clear sky for about three hours on the morning of August 15. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, urged the citizens to “change the mentality towards women” in everyday life while also stating that the pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India.

“I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life. Pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for Women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our Nari Shakti,” PM Modi said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort as India celebrated its 75th year of Independence.
“Be it education or science, women of the country are at top…Be it sports or battlefield, India’s women are stepping forward with a new capability and confidence. I see immense contribution by women in 25 yrs to come, much more than that in the 75-year journey,” he added.

The Prime Minister also stressed on duties and disciplined life while mentioning those who achieved something.

“The countries which have achieved something or even the individuals who have achieved something, some things come to the fore. One is a disciplined life. The other is dedication towards duties. We will have to stress on duties. It is the duty of the administration to make effort to provide 24-hour electricity. But it is the duty of the citizens to save as much electricity as possible,” PM Modi said.

“Giving water to every field is the duty of every government, but per drop more crop voice should rise from every field, saving as much water as possible,” he added.

Reposing faith in the people, the Prime Minister said that if every citizen fulfils his duty, the country can achieve the target before the deadline.

“Be it police or people, nobody is untouched with duties. If every citizen fulfils his duty, I believe we can achieve our desired target before the designated time,” PM Modi said.

President Droupadi Murmu, who is the second woman President of the country, on Sunday said that India’s new-found confidence stems from the spirit of its youth, its farmers, and above all, its women and further highlighted that gender inequalities are going down.

“India’s new-found confidence stems from the spirit of its youth, its farmers, and above all, its women. Gender inequalities are reducing and women are moving ahead, breaking many glass ceilings. Their increasing participation in social and political processes will prove decisive. At the grassroots level, we have more than 14 lakh elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions,” the President said in her first address to the nation.

The President highlighted that India’s daughters are the biggest hope for the nation and some of them brought laurels to the country at the recently held Commonwealth Games.

“Our daughters are the biggest hope for the nation. Some of them brought laurels for the country at the recently held Commonwealth Games. Of course, India’s sportspersons have been making the country proud with their performance in international competitions. A large number of our winners come from underprivileged segments of society. From becoming fighter pilots to space scientists, our daughters are scaling great heights,” the President said.

The President highlighted that India is full of diversity and together, everyone should work with the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

“In celebrating Independence Day, we are celebrating our ‘Bharatiyata’. Our country is full of diversity. But, at the same time, we all have something in common. It is this common thread which binds all of us together and inspires us to walk together with the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” said the President.

President Murmu said that India is a very beautiful country, because of its mountains, rivers, lakes and forests and the animals and birds that live in such landscapes. “When the environment is facing new challenges, we must remain determined to preserve all that makes India beautiful. Conserving water, soil and bio-diversity is our duty towards our children. Caring for Mother Nature has been part and parcel of Indian culture. With our traditional life style, we Indians can show the way to the rest of the world. Yoga and Ayurveda are India’s invaluable gifts to the world. Their popularity is on the rise all over the globe,” she said.

The President said that citizens’ existence will become meaningful only in building a glorious India.

“Our beloved country has given us everything we have in our life. We should pledge to give everything we can for the sake of safety, security, progress and prosperity of our country. Our existence will become meaningful only in building a glorious India,” she said.

President Murmu delivered her maiden address to the nation on Sunday on the eve of the 76th Independence Day, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement.

Murmu, 64, a tribal hailing from Odisha, took oath as the 15th president on July 25. She is the youngest and first tribal to hold the top constitutional post. She is the first president to be born after independence. (ANI)

Thousands of aspirants from four districts of Haryana, namely Jind, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, participated in the Agniveer recruitment rally that commenced at Hisar Cantonment Centre on August 12.

Zonal Recruitment Officer (ZRO) Major General Ranjan Mahajan at Hisar recruitment centre said,” 85 rallies will be conducted from August to December. 11 rallies will be conducted to induct women in the military police. Around 40,000 agniveers will be recruited and lakhs of candidates have applied or they are in process.”

Major General Mahajan also highlighted that Sunday marked the third day of the recruitment of the rally.

“Today was the third day of the recruitment rally covering four districts. “We are conducting it on the occasion of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ which makes it even more significant. Four more rallies are underway in other cities,” Mahajan added.

The ZRO emphasised that the whole recruitment process is transparent with various checks and balances in place.

One of the aspirants, Gagan Tiwari, said he had dreamt of joining the army since he was a child and was happy with the arrangements.

“I started preparing two years ago. There are adequate arrangements for food and water here. The ‘Agniveer’ is a welcome scheme,” he said.

The “transformative” Agnipath scheme, announced by Union Minister Rajanath Singh on June 14, in the presence of the three service chiefs provides for the recruitment into the armed services of youths in the age bracket of 17-and-a-half-years to 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. The Centre later extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.

The Union Cabinet also approved the Agnipath scheme on June 14 and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

The government had announced that 46,000 Agniveers to be recruited this year. It had said that the armed forces will have “a younger, fitter, diverse profile” to face future challenges.

There have been protests against the Agnipath scheme in some states and the government has announced support measures to allay apprehensions. (ANI)