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Showing posts from January 22, 2023

Republic Day 2023: Indian theme to light up Beating Retreat ceremony

New Delhi: In keeping with the ‘made-in-India’ theme of this year’s Republic Day celebrations, the Beating Retreat ceremony will also sport a distinctly Indian feel. According to an ANI report, Indian tunes based on Indian Classical Ragas will be the flavour of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony this year which will be graced by President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu at Vijay Chowk in the national capital on January 29. According to the Ministry of Defence, 29 captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes will be played by the music bands of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the state police forces at the Beating Retreat ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the ceremony. The event will witness the country’s biggest Drone Show, comprising 3,500 indigenous drones. The drone show will light up the evening sky over the Raisina hills

Madhya Pradesh: Tragedy strikes IAF as Sukhoi-30, Mirage 2000 crash near Morena

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Tragedy struck the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday when two frontline fighter aircraft crashed near Morena in Madhya Pradesh. The two IAF fighter aircraft – a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 – which had taken off from the Gwalior air base in Madhya Pradesh, were taking part in an exercise. A search operation has been launched to rescue the survivors. Also on Saturday, a chartered plane crashed in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. A police team has reached the spot along with officials from the district administration. More details are awaited. Read all the Latest News , Trending News ,  Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/TsqWHYw FP Staff

Old video shows Indian student debating on how Britishers exploited India; Shashi Tharoor reacts

The debate over how Britishers exploited India and its resources has been going on for ages. One such debate from 1957 is gaining traction where a young Indian student named Padmanabha Gopinath can be seen taking down a British host single-handedly after she claimed that ‘India was friendly towards Britain’. The video of the same has been shared by industrialist Anand Mahindra who went on to laud the student’s knowledge and confidence while speaking on the cause of India back in 1957. Mahindra also mentioned Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to ask him about Gopinath’s whereabouts. The 2-minute 20-second video was shared on Twitter on Friday and so far, has grabbed the attention of many. Mahindra while sharing the video wrote, “This was going around furiously on social media yesterday. Wonderful to see someone so vigorously champion the cause of India back in ‘57! Shashi Tharoor, I’m sure you have seen this and perhaps know what became of Mr. Gopinath…” As the video plays, we can see the ho

Drafting History: How India’s Constitution came to being in 1950

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On Thursday (26 January), India celebrated Republic Day — when the Constitution of India came into effect — with great pomp and pageantry. And why not. India’s Constitution is the lengthiest in the world — 145,000 words in its first version. Since then, it has been amended 100 times and grown bigger. In fact, Sir Ivory Jennings, a renowned constitutionalist of that time, had said this about India’s founding document: “Too long, too rigid, too prolix.” But besides being the longest, it is also the most important document for India, as as it lays down the supreme law of the country. It is the principle governing document of the country. But, how did the Constitution come into being? Who made the Constitution of the country and what were the challenges in making it? The making of the Constitution The history of the Constitution of India dates back to the British raj in India. The roots of the Indian Constitution lie in the nationalist movement against colonial rule as well as movemen

Internet reacts as YouTuber Gaurav Taneja draws 'largest' Indian map in the air; check

While celebrations were witnessed around the country as India observed its 74th Republic Day on Thursday, 26 January, pilot and YouTuber Gaurav Taneja also called ‘Flying Beast’ made a special attempt to celebrate the day. As a part of the ‘Aasman Mein Bharat’, the pilot successfully drew the ‘largest’ Indian map in the air by flying on a plane for around three hours across 350 kilometres. Leaving the entire social media and many prominent personalities impressed with his stunt, Gaurav Taneja also shared a picture of his accomplishment on Twitter. Check out : We created History, the largest map of Bharat . Flew for almost 3 hrs and made a, 350 Km long map. . Aapke support auur Bharat Mata ke aashirvaad ke bina possible nahi tha. . #AasmanMeinBharat #HappyRepublicDay @captriturathee pic.twitter.com/EtGMw2ZeHy — Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) January 26, 2023 The picture of the Indian map shows the entire route that Taneja travelled in an airplane. He was also accompanied

Israeli diplomat extends 'musical tribute' on India's 74th Republic Day; video wins internet

India celebrated its 74th Republic Day with glory and great enthusiasm on Thursday. People observed the day with great zeal and extended special wishes and messages to each other. While the celebrations would have been incomplete without the annual parade in the capital city, this year too we saw a grand event organised in Delhi. In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the guest of honour – Egypt’s president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi witnessed the spectacular parade passing through the Kartavya Path. It was indeed a unique mix displaying the military might and cultural diversity of India. In the meantime, global leaders also extended their wishes on India’s Republic Day and greeted PM Modi and his fellow countrymen. Joining in the line, the Consulate General of Israel to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani also paid a musical tribute on the occasion. Taking to Twitter, he shared a video of himself playing the tunes of India’s

India issues notice to Pakistan to modify Indus Waters Treaty over adverse actions and refusal to engage in dialogue

New Delhi: India issued notice to Pakistan for modifications in the Indus Waters Treaty on 25 January, according to the news agency ANI. According to the agency, Pakistan’s actions have adversely affected the provisions of the bilateral treaty and their implementation. As a result of Pakistan’s actions India, the agency reports, was ‘forced’ to ask Pakistan for making modifications to the treaty signed between the two countries in 1960. Pakistan repeatedly insisted the World Bank to initiate actions on the Neutral Expert and the Court of Arbitration processes meant to resolve the issues emerging out of the use of water from the river Indus and its tributaries. India has issued notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of September 1960. Notice was conveyed on January 25 through respective Commissioners for Indus Waters: Sources — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2023 However, there are no provisions for such parallel consideration in the treaty, which gives I

What is the 'halwa ceremony' India's finance ministers perform every year before annual budget is locked-in?

New Delhi : The Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the Budget preparation process for Union Budget 2023-24, was held in North Block, today afternoon, in the presence of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Ministers of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary and Dr. Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad. A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins. Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 will also be delivered in paperless form. The Union Budget 2023-24 is to be presented on 1 February 2023. All the 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution, will available on the “Union Budget Mobile App” for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. It is bilin

Republic Day 2023 Live Updates: Multi-layer security cover in place for Republic Day celebrations

09:15 (IST) Republic Day 2023 Live Updates:   Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes all fellow Indians on Republic Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes all fellow Indians on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/jdB0LdhgII — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2023 New Delhi: A multi-layer security cover is in place for the Republic Day celebrations here on Thursday with police conducting anti-sabotage checks, verification drives and patrolling to thwart any untoward incident, according to officials. Around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed in the New Delhi district and 24 help desks set up for those attending the celebrations at the Kartavya Path, they said. Police said that around 60,000 to 65,000 people are expected to attend the Republic Day celebrations. This year, entry is based on QR code given on passes. No person without a valid pass or ticket would be allowed, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal. More than 150 CCTV cameras have been installe

Republic Day 2023: All you need to know about history and significance

Republic Day celebrates the enactment of the Constitution of India and the transition of the country to a republic on 26 January 1950. This day is a celebration of the empowerment of Indian citizens to choose their own government. Celebrations of the day features spectacular military and cultural pageantry. The country’s President hoists the national flag at Rajpath, New Delhi. The ceremonious event displays India’s cultural and historical heritage, with parades and airshows by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy as well. The President of India, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute on this memorable occasion. Every year, the President announces the Padma Awards for civilians who have contributed a lot towards their country’s betterment. History : On 26 January 1950, the Constitution of our country came into effect. The Constituent Assembly, meant to draft the Indian Constitution, organised its first session on 9 December 1946. The l

26 unsung heroes among Padma awardees along with Mulayam Singh, Zakir Hussain

New Delhi: Medical professional Dilip Mahalanabis, who returned from the United States to serve in the 1971-Bangladesh war refugee camps and promoted worldwide use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) saving over five crore lives globally, figured among 26 unsung heroes named for the prestigious Padma awards on the eve of India’s 74 th Republic Day. Mahalanabis (87) from West Bengal has been selected for this year’s Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award, officials said. Retired government doctor from the Andaman Islands– Ratan Chandra Kar, who is working with the Jarawa tribe in the Nicobar Islands, Siddi tribal social worker from Gujarat Hirabai Lobi, war veteran Munishwar Chander Dawar who has been treating underprivileged people in Madhya Pradesh were selected for Padma Shri. Naga social worker Ramkuiwangbe Newme who protected and promoted Heraka indigenous culture through awareness camps and programmes, established 10 primary schools and encouraged educati

On eve of 74th Republic Day, President Murmu says every Indian has reason to be proud of ‘India’s Story’

New Delhi: In her first address as India’s President on the eve of Republic Day on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu has said that every Indian citizen has ample reason to be proud of the achievements of the country and what the world knows as the “Indian story”. President Murmu extended greetings to the people of the country on the eve of the 74th Republic Day and said that it was a celebration of what generations of Indians had achieved together as a nation. Calling India home to one of the oldest living civilisations in the world, the President said, “On the eve of the 74th Republic Day, I extend my heartiest greetings to every Indian, at home and abroad. From the day the Constitution came into effect to the present day, it has been an amazing journey that has inspired many other nations. Every citizen has reason to be proud of the Indian Story. When we celebrate the Republic Day, we celebrate what we have achieved, together, as a nation.” President Murmu said India had succee

How’s the 'Zor'? India to roll out its high altitude China killer tank in April

New Delhi: The Indian Army may receive a major boost at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in April. The Zorawar light tank, which being developed in a joint collaboration between DRDO and L&T, is scheduled to be rolled out that month. The joint venture between the DRDO and L&T for the Zorawar light tank project is part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the central government that intends to boost indigenous defence production. According to a report by ‘Times now’, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the defence ministry last month approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for purchasing 354 units of the Zorawar light tank through the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW) said in a report that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the lead system integrator of the program to develop the prototype of the Zorawar light tank. A scale model of the Zorawar light tank, which is expected to

Why India chose Egypt’s Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as chief guest for Republic Day

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After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, India is hosting a Republic Day guest. This time, sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to witness the parade at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, earlier known as the Rajpath, will be Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This is the first time India has invited a leader from the Arab country. Also read: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as Republic Day chief guest: India, Egypt make up for lost time, seek strategic convergence El-Sisi’s India visit The Egyptian president arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit on Tuesday and has a packed schedule. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders. Murmu will also host a State Banquet in his honour in the evening. Sisi held a meeting and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional and global issues. “I am thankful to PM Modi for

Congress veteran AK Antony's son resigns from party after uproar over BBC documentary on PM Modi

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader AK Antony’s son Anil K Antony on Wednesday resigned from all Congress posts following widespread criticism of his tweet against the controversial BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots. Taking to Twitter, he said,” I have resigned from my roles in @incindia @INCKerala . Intolerant calls to retract a tweet, by those fighting for free speech. I refused. @facebook wall of hate/abuses by ones supporting a trek to promote love! Hypocrisy thy name is! Life goes on. Redacted resignation letter below.” I have resigned from my roles in @incindia @INCKerala .Intolerant calls to retract a tweet,by those fighting for free speech.I refused. @facebook wall of hate/abuses by ones supporting a trek to promote love! Hypocrisy thy name is! Life goes on. Redacted resignation letter below. pic.twitter.com/0i8QpNIoXW — Anil K Antony (@anilkantony) January 25, 2023 Sharing his resignation letter on Twitter, Anil, who was p

National Tourism Day 2023: History and significance

India boasts of a rich and diverse cultural heritage, exquisite mountains and dense green forests. Its calming beaches and natural beauty make India one of the most preferred locations for a holiday. To celebrate this rich heritage and spread awareness about tourism and its impact on the Indian economy, National Tourism Day is celebrated yearly on 25 January. The day was established to promote the tourism industry. The occasion recognises the contribution of the sector towards the growth and sustainability of local communities and places. This day is all about drawing attention towards the significance of tourism, and its political, social, financial, and cultural value. History It was the year 1948 when a tourism traffic committee was established for the promotion of tourism culture in India. In 1958, a tourism department was setup under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication. For years, the government has focused on taking steps to to boost tourism in the nation. Significance

Republic Day 2023: All you need to know about role of President’s Bodyguard

Marking the enactment of the Constitution of India, 26 January is observed as the Republic Day in the country. As we are inching closer to the much-awaited national festival, rehearsals are in full swing. However, as per the official government website, this time the Change of Guard Ceremony will not be taking place between 14 and 28 January, as the rehearsals of Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony have started. For the unversed, one key element of the Change of Guard Ceremony is the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), that is the oldest regiment in the Indian Army. The origins of the military tradition of this ceremony are lost in antiquity. The guards and sentries at forts, palaces, and defense establishments are changed periodically from time to time to allow a fresh body of troops to take charge. The Ceremonial Army Guard battalion at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the Indian President. Role of President’s Bodyguard Ra

Quake Science: Is Delhi due for a really big one?

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On Tuesday afternoon, Delhi and its surrounding areas witnessed strong tremors after a 5.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Nepal. Residents said the tremors lasted over 30 seconds, leaving ceiling fans swaying and household objects teetering. On Tuesday, an #earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck #Nepal . Residents from the #DelhiNCR & #Noida felt the tremors that lasted over 30 seconds, swaying ceiling fans & household hanging objects. No damage or casualties have been reported so far. Read: https://t.co/RlOWtAlouY https://t.co/nvuqY1eKLR — The Weather Channel India (@weatherindia) January 24, 2023 The earthquake, with its epicentre in the Mela area of Bajura district in Sudurpaschim province, hit the region at 2:43 pm local time, Lokvijaya Adhikari, head of the Earthquake Measurement Centre, was quoted as saying by Ekantipur news portal. There was no immediate report of damage to life or property. The quake comes just a month after three tremors jolted Western Nepal

India crosses T-72 with T-90 to create deadly hybrid tank

New Delhi: With the weaknesses of Russia’s tanks being exposed during the ongoing war with Ukraine, the Indian Army has decided to upgrade the Russian armour in its inventory. The latest move by the Indian Army to improve the firepower and overall performance of its fleet of Russian tanks involves a unique improvisation that has produced a hybrid of two iconic tanks – the T-72 and the T-90. The move intends to upgrade the now vulnerable T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) with newer technology and improved firepower. This is expected to provide the Russian tanks in the Indian Army a better chance to survive the battlefields of modern day warfare. This is especially important given the not too impressive performance of Russian tanks during the invasion of Ukraine. The T-72 tanks have not only underperformed during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, but have also prompted the Russians to develop the latest T-90M variant of the T-90 in an effort to create a decisive impact in the conflict. Th

Explained: How India is shedding colonial past at R-Day parade through its gun salute

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This Republic Day parade will be a spectacle unlike any other. It will be the first time that tanks, weaponry and soldiers will march down Kartavya Path — the new name for the ceremonial boulevard Rajpath. It will also be the first time that the 21-gun salute accorded to the President prior to the beginning of the parade will be given by Indian guns, rather than the British guns — as an attempt by the government to step away from the vestiges of the colonial era. Chief of Staff Delhi Area Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar said the move was taken in accordance with the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ push . “We are transitioning towards indigenisation and the time is not far when all are equipment will be ‘swadeshi’. All equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations are made-in-India.” Let’s take a closer look at the Indian guns which will replace the British ones and the history of the 21-gun salute itself. The guns used Till date, the 21-gun salute has b