Page 4 - President Of India

Union Budget 2025: Govt allocates Rs 141.83 crore for President's office

The Union Budget on Saturday allocated Rs 141.83 crore for the staff, household and allowances of the president, a nominal increase of Rs 8.22 crore from Rs 133.61 crore earmarked in the revised estimates for ongoing fiscal. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earmarked Rs 144.18 crore in the Budget for 2024-25 which was revised to Rs 133.61 crore. The fund allocation is for salaries and allowances of the president, the expenditure on the household establishment of the president, including staff salaries, discretionary grants of the president and provision for capital section. The document shows that of the total allocation, Rs 60 lakh has been allocated for the salary and allowances of the president, which remained unchanged from the last budget. The amount allocated under the head 'president's secretariat' provides for the establishment and allied expenses with respect to it, which includes grants-in-aid for Dr Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya on the campus of the president

Sonia Gandhi's remark for President 'in poor taste': Rashtrapati Bhavan

A viral video purportedly showed Sonia Gandhi referring to the President as 'poor thing' and claiming that the latter got tired after delivering her pre-Budget address to Parliament

India has world's third largest metro network of over 1,000 km: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said India has the world's third-largest metro network spanning over 1,000 km and emphasised that efforts to streamline urban transportation are underway. Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget session, Murmu said that metro projects in Delhi, Pune, Thane and Bengaluru, along with the recently launched Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route, are shaping the cities of a 'Viksit Bharat'. To accelerate the journey towards 'Viksit Bharat', it is essential to make Indian cities future-ready, she said. In this direction, the government is focused on modernising urban amenities and making them energy-efficient. Simultaneously, the foundation is being laid for the development of new cities, she added. "Today, I am extremely pleased to share that India's metro network has crossed the milestone of 1,000 kilometres. India has now become the third-largest country in the world in terms of the metro network,"

President Murmu opens Budget session 2025: Housing, healthcare, AI in focus

The President also offered condolences to those who lost their lives in the Kumbh Mela stampede at Prayagraj

India's first Republic Day celebrations were held at Irwin amphitheatre

Huge tri-colour-themed banners have been put up along the Kartavya Path while the theme for this year's tableaux that would roll down the boulevard where the annual Republic Day celebrations take place is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution. However, the maiden celebrations marking the birth of the Republic of India were not held on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), the historical avenue that has over time become synonymous with the ceremony. It was held in the 1930s-era Irwin Amphitheatre after the country got its first president. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. And 75 years later, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at this year's ceremonial parade which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from that country. Iconic public buildings, parks and railway stations dazzled with lights

Prez Murmu approves 2 Kirti Chakras, 14 Shaurya Chakras on R-Day eve

Naik Dilwar Khan, who was killed in action in an anti-terror operation in Lolab Valley of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir in July last year has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Major Manjit, who displayed "outstanding" leadership in a separate operation against two "foreign" terrorists in Sopore in the Union Territory in April last, was also awarded the Kirti Chakra. On the eve of the Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday approved gallantry awards to 93 armed forces personnel that included 14 Shaurya Chakras, the third-highest peacetime gallantry award. The Shaurya Chakra awardees are Major Manjit of 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR); Naik Dilwar Khan, 28 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous); Major Ashish Dahiya, 50 RR; Major Kunal, 1 RR; Major Satender Dhankar, 4 RR; Captain Deepak Singh, 48 RR (Posthumous); and Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon, 4 Assam Rifles. Subedar Vikas Tomar, 1 Para; Subedar Mohan Ram, 20 JAT Regime

Ex-CJI Khehar, Osamu Suzuki, R Ashwin in list of Padma awardees 2024

Former Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, late Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki and folk singer late Sharda Sinha and former cricketer are among 139 eminent people given Padma awards on the eve of the 76th Republic Day on Saturday. The set of civilian awards announced includes seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri decorations. "Twenty-three of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of foreigners, NRI, PIO, OCI and 13 posthumous awardees," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement. Former CJI Justice (retd) Jagdish Singh Khehar has been given the Padma Vibhushan, while Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki, folk singer Sharda Sinha and M T Vasudevan Nair earned the honour posthumously. Dinamalar publisher Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer has been awarded Padma Shri for literature, education and journalism. Former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi, economist Bibek Debroy, gazal singer Pankaj Udhas have been given Padma Bhushan .

In R-Day eve address to nation, Murmu bats for 'One Nation, One Election'

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday advocated for the "One Nation One Election" initiative, asserting it has the potential to redefine "good governance" in the country by promoting consistency in governance, preventing policy paralysis, mitigating resource diversion, and alleviating financial burdens on the state. In her address to the nation ahead of the 76th Republic Day, she emphasised the government's ongoing efforts to "eliminate remnants of a colonial mindset that have lingered in the country for decades" and cited the replacement of the British-era criminal laws with three new modern laws. "We have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset... Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision," she said. Highlighting the significance of the proposed bill aimed at synchronising election schedules across the country, Murmu noted, "The 'One Nation One Election' plan can offer numerous benefits, including enhanced governance and reduced financial strain." In

30 unsung heroes honoured with Padma Shri for diverse contributions

A 100-year old freedom fighter from Goa, a Dhak player from West Bengal who trained 150 women in the male-dominated field and India's first woman puppeteers are among 30 unsung heroes who were awarded Padma Shri, a government statement said on Saturday. Libia Lobo Sardesai, who played an important role in Goa's freedom movement, cofounded an underground radio station -- 'Voz da Liberdabe (Voice of Freedom)' -- in a forested area in 1955 to rally people against the Portuguese rule. She has been awarded the Padma Shri by the President on the occasion of 76th Republic Day. Also among the awardees is Gokul Chandra Dey, a 57-year old Dhak player from West Bengal who broke the gender stereotype by training 150 women in the male-dominated field. Dey also created a lightweight Dhak type, 1.5 kg less than the conventional instrument, and represented India at various international platforms and performed with Maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain. A vocal advocate of wom

R-Day parade: India to showcase military prowess, rich cultural heritage

India is set to showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage and display a symbolic confluence of 'virasat' and 'vikas' on Kartavya Path here to mark the 76th Republic Day on January 26 when the nation will also commemorate the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia. He will be the fourth Indonesian president to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. While 75 years of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'. Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will roll down the ceremonial boulevard o

Statistical tools, quantitative techniques crucial for governance: Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that statistical tools and quantitative techniques play a significant role in effective governance by providing empirical foundation for policy decisions. The governments rely on national statistical systems to collect data on health, education, population size and employment among others, which form the basis for policy-making, she said addressing the probationers of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), who had called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Murmu said statistics were used even in ancient civilisations, when the rulers used basic census data for taxation purposes. "Statistical analysis is a tool to bring in transparency and accountability in governance. Statistics is not only the backbone of efficient governance but also a tool for socio-economic development," the president said. Murmu said it is their duty to collect accurate data, which can be the foundation for sound and objective decisions. "Government needs d

India's achievements in milk products extraordinary: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday termed India's achievements in the field of milk products "extraordinary", saying livestock plays an important role in the rural economy of the country. The president made the remarks after virtually inaugurating/launching cow induction, Giftmilk and market support for the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation (OMFED) initiatives of the National Dairy Development Board from the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. India has a diverse range of livestock breeds, all of which have contributed to the rich agricultural heritage of the country, she said. Stating that livestock plays an important role in the rural economy and rural household income, Murmu said, "To support and promote our livestock, several measures and policy efforts have been taken by the government for their breed development and genetic upgradation." India's achievements in the field of milk and milk products are extraordinary, she added. "The productivity of our Milch cattle has

President to confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, MEA announces names

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman during the valedictory session of the upcoming PBD Convention, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday as it announced the names of the awardees for this year. The awardees, who "represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields", include among others Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the UK (in the field of politics), Dr Sharmila Ford from the US for community service. There are a couple of institutions as well who will be given the award. The names for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 were recommended by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee. The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. The award is conferred by the President as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in "recognition of their outstanding .

Let's take nation on path of excellence: Prez Murmu's New Year message

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted citizens on New Year's Eve and urged everyone to take "our society and nation" further on the path of unity and excellence. The coming of the new year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams and aspirations, she said in a message. The occasion provides an opportunity to march forward with renewed vigour to fulfil "our wishes", Murmu said. "Let us welcome the new year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence," she said. The president extended her "heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, living in India and abroad".

Prez Murmu, PM Modi pay tribute to Vajpayee, BJP holds nationwide events

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the dignitaries who joined a prayer ceremony at 'Sadaiv Atal', the memorial of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on Wednesday to pay tributes to him on his birth centenary. Union ministers, including Amit Shah and J P Nadda, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge besides BJP allies such as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union ministers Lalan Singh of the JD(U) and Jitan Ram Manjhi of HAM(S) also paid homage to the BJP stalwart. Kharge, Nadda, who is also the BJP president, besides many parliamentarians, including ministers, visited the Central Hall of the old parliament building, now called Samvidhan Sadan, to offer floral tributes to Vajpayee's portrait. Ruling alliance members were also present in the prayer ceremony at Sadaiv Atal where Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla besides the members of Vajpayee's adopted family joined as well. Modi said in a po

Adopt 'nation first' mindset to counter inimical forces, says V-P Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday stressed on the need for citizens to adopt a "nation first" mindset to counteract forces, both internal and external, that struggle to accept India's rapid progress. Dhankhar, who was speaking at a convention of organic farmers in Medak district of Telangana, also underscored that dialogue is the only way to address problems in a democracy. "Today, I see that farmers are worried about certain issues. If any section of society is worried, it is necessary to resolve it positively and without delay. In a democracy, the only way to resolve issues is through dialogue. I have said on numerous occasions that dialogue is the only way to find solutions to problems in a democracy," he said. Dhankhar added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at international forums, has also advocated for dialogue. The conflagrations that are seen in the world are ended only through dialogue." Dhankhar stressed that every Indian must maintain an ...

President appoints new Guvs for Kerala, Bihar, Odisha, Mizoram, Manipur

Former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been appointed the governor of strife-torn Manipur, ex-Army chief Vijay Kumar Singh is the new Mizoram governor while Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has been shifted to Bihar as part of gubernatorial appointments effected by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been named the governor of Kerala in place of Khan, according to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Arif Mohammed Khan has been appointed as Bihar Governor, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement. President Murmu has accepted the resignation of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, it said. Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has been appointed as the new Odisha Governor in place of Das, the statement said. These appointments will take effect from the dates they will assume charge of their respective offices, it added.

President Murmu extends Christmas greetings, calls for unity, peace

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted citizens on the eve of Christmas and hoped that the "forces of trust and forgiveness" will be strengthened around the world, bringing people closer to each other. "As we celebrate this sacred day, let us imbibe Jesus Christ's message of love and harmony in our lives. His teachings of brotherhood and welfare of all continue to light the path to a better world. This festival inspires us to foster unity and peace," she said. In this season of peace, "I hope the forces of trust and forgiveness will be strengthened around the world, bringing people closer to each other," Murmu said. The President extended her heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, especially Christians, according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

It's time to launch new phase of self-reliance in defence production: Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the time is now ripe for launching a new phase of self-reliance in defence production by manufacturing technologically advanced equipment within the country. Speaking after awarding the President's Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM) here, she said the Union Government has taken several measures to enhance indigenous capabilities of the defence industry. Through initiatives such as Make in India, Ease of Doing Business and development of defence industrial corridors, the government is encouraging Indian and foreign investors to invest in the defence sector, she said. With emphasis on indigenization, many defence products have been identified for domestic manufacturing and will not be imported. "The time is now ripe for launching a new phase of self-reliance by manufacturing technologically advanced equipment within India," she said. The officers of the defence forces are expected to wholeheartedly contribute towards achieving

More women in medicine show our progress towards a developed society: Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the rising participation of women in the medical profession and their significant contributions demonstrate that India is becoming a truly developed society. Addressing the first convocation of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) at Mangalagiri near here, she said relentless promotion of holistic health and ensuring health for all should be the guiding principle of every medical professional of this institute. "The rising participation of women in the medical profession and their significant contributions demonstrate that we are becoming a truly developed society. This also highlighted the fact that given opportunity, our daughters excel in every field," the President said. The government has taken up several schemes, including Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme and made treatment accessible for those facing difficulties in accessing treatment, she said. Along with the government, it is also the responsibility of a consciou