January 2024 - Page 23 of 39 - Lokmarg

Akhilesh Turns Down Jan 22 Invite

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday turned down the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, joining the list of Opposition leaders to have snubbed the temple invite.

However, Akhilesh did say that he will visit the temple with his family at a later date.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and a host of Congress bigwigs — national president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi and the party’s Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury–have already turned down the invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.

The SP chief and the former UP chief minister, on Friday, wrote to Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust entrusted with the construction of the Ram Temple, informing him of his decision to skip the event.

“Thank you for the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple and congratulations on its successful completion,” read the letter written by the SP chief.

“I will surely visit Ayodhya with my family after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony,” he added.

Earlier, on Friday, Akhilesh said that Samajwadis “100 per cent” believe in the tradition of country and Sanatana, adding, “Can anyone ever be invited to God’s abode? We visit temples impulsively, where there is an inner calling and an urge deep down.”

“We Samajwadi’s 100 percent believe in our tradition and Sanatana. Today is the birth anniversary of Vivekananda. He had said that our society teaches tolerance. Those who do not trust the Constitution can never be a Sanatani. We are people who believe in Bhimrao Ambedkar,” he said.

“
Jab Bhagwan bulayenge, Jab Shri Ram bulayenge hum jayenge
… (When God calls, when Shri Ram calls, we will go),” he added.

Earlier this month, Kharge, Sonia and Adhir turned down the invitation to the grand Ram Temple opening on January 22, calling it a ‘BJP-RSS’ event.

The opposition parties of the INDIA bloc have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of “using” the Ram Temple for electoral gains in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Pawan Khera queried whether the event would be held under the guidance of the Shankaracharyas of the four peeths–the major shrines in the country.

“There is a system and set of rituals around ‘Pran Pratishtha’. If this event is religious, then why is it not happening under the guidance of the Shankaracharyas of the Four Peeths? All four Shankaracharyas have said clearly that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ cannot be done in an incomplete temple. So, if this event is not religious, then it has to be political. I cannot accept some leaders of a party serving as middlemen between me and my avowed deity. Some of our politicians are acting like ‘Thekedars’ (contractors). Which ‘Panchang’ did the BJP refer to before finalising the date? The date was chosen keeping the Lok Sabha) elections in mind,” Congress leader Pawan Khera said on Friday.

However, the BJP, on the other hand, has been accusing the grand old party of hurting religious sentiments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to preside over the ‘Pran Pratistha’ and ceremonial opening of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

Vedic rituals for the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav.A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.

According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. (ANI)

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Taiwan: DPP Candidate Lai Ching-Te Wins Presidential Polls

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te has won the much-anticipated Taiwanese presidential polls and is set to be the next President amid concerns of escalating tensions with China, Taiwan News reported.

This marks the historic third-straight victory for the DPP after Tsai Ing-wena completed her two terms as Taiwan President since 2016.

According to the Central Election Commission report, Lai received over 5 million votes and more than 40 per cent of the vote share after counting was done from over 90 per cent of polling stations as of 7:45 pm (local time).

Previously undecided voters split three ways among the candidates, giving Lai a seven-point lead over Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih, who received 33 per cent of the total votes. In third place, the Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je took 26 per cent of the national vote, performing marginally better than expected, according to Taiwan News.

Lai, who previously served as Tainan’s mayor has pledged to continue bolstering national defense, the economy, and cooperation with democratic allies. He also said he would maintain deterrence and uphold the cross-strait status quo, during an election speech.

Lai said he would form a new government staffed by individuals based on their ‘capabilities’ rather than ‘party affiliation’, adding that this way, “it could effectively respond to challenges, be open and inclusive, and unite Taiwanese to face both domestic and international challenges”.

He also vowed to continue initiatives focusing on value-based diplomacy, cross-strait stability, defense self-sufficiency, economic upgrading, energy transition, youth investment, housing justice, and educational equality.

This will shape Taiwan to be “a stable and indispensable force in the international community,” he said.

Lai’s victory will surely cause protest from Beijing, which would have preferred the China-friendly KMT and Hou Yu-ih in power. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Thursday labelled Lai as an “obstinate Taiwan independence worker” that would bring “cross-strait confrontation and conflict”, according to Taiwan News.

China has increased military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including near-daily incursions into the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and sending military ships near its maritime borders. With Lai as president, the Taiwanese have made clear they will not back down from Chinese intimidation.

Earlier in the day, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged people to cast their ballots as she cast her own on Saturday morning in New Taipei City, Channel News Asia reported.

The leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cast her ballot at the Xiulang Elementary School voting place in New Taipei. Hsiao Bi-khim, the vice presidential candidate, and several party officials were present.

The turnout was described as positive, reaching 70 per cent in cities including Taipei, Tainan, and Taoyuan as mild temperatures and sunny weather dominated during voting between 8am-4pm (local time).

Minor incidents were reported from several polling stations, mostly involving voters ripping up their ballot papers, taking pictures with cellphones, or flashing signs thought to be referring to candidates, according to Taiwan News.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese also voted for all 113 seats at the Legislative Yuan. The legislature is divided into 73 single-seat constituencies, 34 at-large seats decided by votes for lists of candidates per political party with a 5 per cent threshold, and six seats for indigenous representatives.

Results for legislative seats were predicted to become apparent later than the outcome of the main presidential race.

An upsurge in rail and road traffic was evidently seen as Taiwanese returned home to cast their ballots for its presidential and legislative elections, reported Taiwan News.

The world is keenly watching Taiwan as its citizens prepare to vote for a new President and Parliament amidst escalating tensions with China.

Beijing’s increasing threats towards Taipei over the past eight years have raised concerns, and the world awaits not only the election results but also the response from Taiwan’s ‘authoritarian neighbour,’ as reported by CNN. (ANI)

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Everyone Agreed On Kharge’s Name As Head INDIA Bloc: Pawar

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said that all the members of the opposition’s INDIA bloc agreed to the proposal that the alliance, formed to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, should be headed by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

The senior opposition leader said that ‘everyone’ suggested Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s name for the post of the alliance’s convenor. “But the Janata Dal (United) national president’s opinion is that the one who is already in charge should continue,” Pawar said.

The NCP patriarch was speaking after attending the virtual meeting of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders, which began this afternoon to review the seat-sharing agenda, participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and other matters.

“A meeting of the INDIA bloc was held under the chairmanship of Mallikarjun Kharge. We had a discussion that we will all take a decision on seat sharing as soon as possible. It was suggested by some that the alliance should be headed by Mallikarjun Kharge and everyone agreed. We also formed a committee to make plans in the coming days. Everyone suggested that Nitish Kumar should take responsibility as the convenor, but his opinion is that the one who is already in charge should continue,” Pawar said.

On declaring the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate, he said, “After the elections, if we get the majority, then we would be able to give a better option to the country.”

Meanwhile, soon after the virtual key meeting, Kharge said that the seat-sharing talks are progressing in a positive way.

In a post on X, Kharge also invited all the INDIA bloc parties to join Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, at their convenience.

“Leaders of the INDIA Coordination Commitee today met online and had a fruitful discussion on the alliance. Everyone is happy that the seat-sharing talks are progressing positively. We also discussed about joint programs in the coming days by INDIA Parties. I, along with Rahul Gandhi ji invited all INDIA Parties to join ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ at their convenience and use the opportunity to raise the social, political and economic issues plaguing the common people of this country,” Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X.

INDIA or ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress.

The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections due in April-May. (ANI)

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Army Launching ‘Operation Sarvashakti’ To Counter Pak’s Attempts To Revive Terrorism In J-K

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

In a major step towards thwarting Pakistan’s attempts to increase terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, where the security forces will be targeting the terrorists operating on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory.

In recent times, Pakistani proxy terrorist groups have tried to revive terrorism in the South of Pir Panjal ranges especially in the Rajouri Poonch sector, where around 20 troops have been killed in attacks by terrorists, with the latest being on December 21, when four soldiers were killed in the Dera ki Gali area there.

“Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges where the formations of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps along with the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps would be carrying out simultaneous operations,” sources in the security forces told ANI.

“The Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and the intelligence agencies would be working in close coordination to thwart Pakistani designs to revive terrorist activities in the UT, especially in the Rajouri Poonch sector,” they added.

The operations are expected to be on the lines of Operation Sarpvinash, which was launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists from the same areas in the South of Pir Panjal range.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently stated that terrorist activities had almost vanished in the area since 2003, but the western adversary is now trying to revive it there.

He along with the Northern Command had also held detailed discussions with the Corps Commanders on ways to tackle the threat from these terrorists.

The operations are being launched in close monitoring by the Army Headquarters and the Northern Army Command in Udhampur and were planned soon after Home Minister Amit Shah held a security meeting with all stakeholders including the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army, intelligence agencies including both internal and external ones, police officials from both state and central agencies.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has held coordination meetings with the top security forces brass in both the Jammu and the Kashmir regions for coordinated action against terrorists.

The Indian Army has also started the process of inducting more troops in the Rajouri-Poonch sector

The troops’ induction process has also started, along with the strengthening of the intelligence setup in the region.

The security forces are also confident about the local support to thwart terrorism in the areas.

Sources said that despite provocation by terrorists to attack an Army vehicle in the Krisna Ghati area, the troops did not fire back as a lot of civilians were present there. The swift action initiated by the Indian Army against own officers and men in the death of civilians post December 21 encounter has also helped. (ANI)

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Indira, Sanjay Died Due To Cow Slaughter Curse: Anantkumar

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Sparking a controversy, BJP MP and former Union Minsiter Anantkumar Hegde said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi were cursed with cow slaughter, adding that “Indira Gandhi was shot dead on Gopasthami day,” a result of the curse by the revered ascetic Karpatri Maharaj during a significant agitation for the ban on cow slaughter.

Anant Kumar Hegde who attended a programme in Kumta on Saturday said that when Indira Gandhi was the PM, there was a big agitation about the ban on cow slaughter.

“When Indira Gandhi was the then prime minister, there was a big agitation about the ban on cow slaughter. Dozens of saints died in the movement and there was assassination of many saints and cows were slaughtered in the presence of Indira Gandhi, Hundreds of cows were also shot and killed. The great ascetic Karpatri Maharaj cursed Indira Gandhi,” he said.

“He cursed that your clan would be destroyed on “Gopasthami day” itself. Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash on Gopashtami, and Indira Gandhi was shot dead on Gopasthami,” he added.

BJP MP Hegade also spoke vividly about the origin of many mosques.

Giving another controversial statement, Anantkumar Hegde connected the fate of Bhatkal’s golden village to the destruction of Babri Masjid. He remarked that just as the Babri Masjid was distroyed, Bhatkal’s mosque would meet a similar fate.

“As Babri Masjid was destroyed, Bhatkal’s golden village will also join its line soon, Bhatkal’s masjid will also be Demolished like Babri Masjid, This is the decision of Hindu society, It is not the decision of Ananthkumar Hegade,” he said.

“Consider it a threat if you want. There is also a mosque in CP Bazaar of Sirasi. This was earlier the Vijaya Vitthal Temple. Our opponent is not Congress but the mentality of some people,” he asserted.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah slammed the BJP MP over his controversial remarks and said that the language used by the latter reflects his culture.

“The language used by Uttara Kannada MP Anantakumar Hegde for political purposes reflects his culture. Is it possible to expect a better culture from Anant Kumar Hegde, who said that he would change the Constitution when he was a central minister?” Siddaramaiah said in a post on X. (ANI)

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‘I See Myself as a Symbol of Nari Shakti, the Emerging Spirit of India’

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Diksha Dagar, an Arjuna Award recipient, recounts her journey of turning challenges into stepping stones to success as India’s star professional golfer. Her story:

Looking back at my life, I realize that each challenge I faced was an opportunity waiting to be seized. I was born with profound bilateral hearing loss, hence my world was initially silent. However, my parents, undeterred by my congenital limitation, embarked on a relentless journey to help me overcome the disability. Little did they know that this journey would lead me to become India’s No. 1 Ladies Amateur Golfer and an inspiration to many!

In 2005, when I was four year old, a ray of hope emerged when I was evaluated for a Cochlear Implant at a prestigious medical institutions like Army Hospital, Delhi, AIIMS, and AFMC Pune. The surgical fitting of the implant in my right ear by Cdr (Dr) Dilip Raghavan at AFMC in August 2005 proved a turning point. Systematic rehabilitation, speech therapy, and hearing exercises in Pune, Indore, and Delhi followed. This gradually built my vocabulary and helped me integrate into a school with normal students, a milestone that boosted my confidence.

My journey into the world of golf began at the Army Golf Course in Delhi. Though my hearing limitations affected my friendships, my mother stood by as a pillar of strength. Inspired by my brother’s early interest in golf, my parents encouraged me to start playing at the age of seven. Little did we know that this would unearth a hidden talent.

Seven years later, at the age of 14, I proudly claimed the title of India’s No. 1 Ladies Amateur Golfer in 2015. This was just the beginning. In time I would see myself competing on the international stage.

In 2019, when I was 18, I transitioned into professional golf, making a splash on the Ladies European Tour by winning the South African Ladies Open, and became the youngest and only the second Indian to achieve this feat. Subsequent victories in the Ladies Czech Open (2023), Armco Team Series London (2021), Singapore Ladies Amateur Championship (2018), and others solidified my position.

ALSO READ: ‘Quit Self-Pity, Learn To Swim Against The Tide’

During the 2023 Ladies European Tour, I set a new record, finishing 3rd on the year-long OOM (order of merit). My participation in 29 international tournaments across 21 countries in four continents showcased my determination and love for the sport.

As of now, I stand qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, ranked 44th, a testament to the progress I’ve made. My current World Ranking of 161 has seen a remarkable improvement from 415 at the beginning of the year.

Beyond the golf course, I found recognition in the Forbes Asia 2021 under 30 list, with even Mr. Amitabh Bachchan acknowledging my journey on a KBC show. Nominated for the Arjuna Award for three consecutive years, I have been felicitated by dignitaries such as the Prime Minister of India, Chief Minister of Haryana, Chief of Army Staff, Forum of Sports Journalists of India, and the Delhi Government.

In this incredible journey, the support of the Indian Army, particularly from late Gen Bipin Rawat and Lt Gen (retd) Abhay Krishna, played a crucial role. Their encouragement and assistance during the years 2014 to 2019 were instrumental in shaping my path. The Army Golf Course in Delhi, where Lt Gen (retd) Abhay Krishna, spotted my talent, became a decisive moment.

Turning my disability into strength, despair into hope, and adversity into opportunity, I consider myself a symbol of Nari Shakti, reflecting the emerging spirit of India. My story aims to inspire girls, youth, and parents to embrace challenges and turn them into stepping stones towards success. The happiness I felt knew no bounds when I received the prestigious National Sports Award, the Arjuna Award, from the President of India on January 9, 2024.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc

Nitish Declines Convenor Post Of INDIA Alliance

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) national president Nitish Kumar on Saturday rejected the post of convenor of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, sources said. According to sources the Bihar CM suggested that someone from the Congress should take responsibility of the post.

A virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders began on Saturday afternoon to review the seat-sharing agenda, participation in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and other matters related to the alliance.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar attended the meeting of INDIA bloc leaders via video conferencing in Mumbai.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended the meeting via video conferencing in Chennai. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was absent as she was attending a pre-decided state program.

Earlier in its last meeting Mamata Banerjee and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav had proposed the name of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial candidate.

INDIA or ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile there are parallel meeting are on with the Congress’ alliance committee taking the lead in consulting with various parties of the INDIA bloc on state level alliances. On Friday there was a meeting of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party leaders on Friday evening regarding seat sharing. The meeting lasted for about two hours at Mukul Wasnik’s house, and the leaders of both parties described the meeting as a positive move, as per sources. On Saturday the Congress alliance committee is meeting leaders from Jharkhand to continue efforts to stitch up the alliance.

As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, India’s political landscape is undergoing a significant reshuffling. The emerging INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) consortium is gearing up to challenge the established National Democratic Alliance, setting the stage for an electoral showdown.

Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 353 seats, the UPA stood at 91, and Others won 98. The voting was staggered in seven phases between April 11 and May 19, in which around 67 per cent of the nearly 900 million eligible people exercised their franchise to elect 542 members of the Lok Sabha. (ANI)

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Veteran Classical Singer Prabha Atre Passes Away At 92

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Veteran classical music singer and recipient of three Padma awards, Prabha Atre passed away this morning due to a heart attack. The singer breathed her last at the age of 92.

After suffering a heart attack, she was taken to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. She died before reaching the hospital.

She was going to participate in a program in Mumbai today. But even before this, her health deteriorated.

Prabha Atre was born on 13 September 1932 in Pune. She was awarded Padma Shri in the year 1990, Padma Bhushan in the year 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in the year 2022, recently on 25 December, he was also given the Atal Sanskriti Award by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis.

Expressing grief over her demise, Fadnavis said, “Her leaving the world is very painful, Indian music will always be indebted to her, I pay my heartfelt tribute to her and may God give strength to her family to bear this loss.”

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed grief and said, “Prabha ji’s demise marked the end of a glorious era of classical music. Her demise is a big loss to the country’s music sector and art sector, he pays tribute to her. Am.”

Expressing grief over her demise, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra directed the administration to perform the last rites of the singer with full state honours.

Her relatives are currently abroad and after their return to the country, her last rites will be performed in Pune on Tuesday. (ANI)

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INDIA Bloc Leaders Attend Virtual Meet

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

A virtual meeting of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders began on Saturday afternoon to review seat-sharing agenda, participation in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and other matters related to the alliance.

The bloc leaders are also likely to discuss the name of the convener for the alliance.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar attended the meeting of INDIA bloc leaders via video conferencing in Mumbai.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended the meeting via video conferencing in Chennai.

Earlier, there was a meeting of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party leaders on Friday evening regarding seat sharing.

The meeting lasted for about two hours at Mukul Wasnik’s house, and the leaders of both parties described the meeting as a positive move, as per sources.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday informed that the meeting will also discuss the participation of the alliance parties in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which is set to begin on January 14 in Manipur.

“INDIA party leaders will be meeting over Zoom tomorrow, January 13th, 2024. They will review various issues like seat-sharing talks that have begun, participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra that will begin from Thoubal near Imphal, the day after tomorrow, and other important matters. Badlega Bharat Jeetega INDIA!,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, India’s political landscape is undergoing a significant reshuffling. The emerging INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) consortium is gearing up to challenge the established National Democratic Alliance, setting the stage for an electoral showdown.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held this year that is likely to be between the Modi government’s NDA alliance and the INDIA bloc. (ANI)

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Army To Showcase Made In India Weapons At R-Day Parade

By LokMarg 13th January 2024

Made-in-India weapon systems and platforms would be the main attraction in this year’s Republic Day parade from the Indian Army including the LCH Prachand chopper, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and Nag anti-tank missiles.

The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. It has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and potent air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield.

NAG has been developed by DRDO to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions. The missile has “Fire & Forget” “Top Attack” capabilities with passive homing guidance to defeat all MBTs equipped with composite and reactive armour. The NAG missile carrier NAMICA is a BMP II based system with amphibious capability.

The latest armoured vehicles and specialist vehicles produced by the Indian industry indigenously are also going to be showcased at the parade where French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest, Army officials said.

The Quick Fighting Reaction Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicle and the All Terrain Vehicle would be marching on the Kartavya Path this year.

The weapon systems would also include the T-90 tank, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, c, Drone jammers, Advanced Sarvatra bridge, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile launcher and multi-function radar, they said.

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, is an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through Counter Bombardment by own firepower resources. This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire.

Along with the Light Combat Helicopter, the Indian Army would also be showcasing the weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv choppers which is also known as the Rudra.

The weapon systems to be showcased at the parade also include the Pinaka and the Swathi radar which have been successfully exported to foreign customers by Indian entities. Both have been developed by the DRDO.

The enhanced range version of Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 kms. The rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

The Army is also going to showcase the growing role of women in defence forces as 60 of its women soldiers are going to be part of the tri-services all-women marching contingent which would include women from the Air Force and Navy too. (ANI)

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