Page 5 - Republic Day

Paralympic contingent, artisans among 10k invitees for R-Day Parade: Govt

Members of Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans, and forest and wildlife conservation workers are among the nearly 10,000 special guests invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path here, the government said on Thursday. "These architects of 'Swarnim Bharat', with diverse backgrounds, include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the government," the defence ministry said in a statement. In line with the objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' (public participation) in events of national importance, approximately 10,000 special guests have been invited to witness the Republic Day Parade, it said. The ministry also shared that these special guests have been drawn fro diverse areas and fields, falling into 31 categories. 'Sarpanches from top performing village', 'Disaster Relief Workers', 'Best performing Water Warriors', 'Guests from Vibrant Villages', 'Guests from North

Rashtrapati Bhavan closed for visitors from Jan 21-29 for R-Day parade

The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit-1) will remain closed for the general public from January 21 to 29 due to the upcoming Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat ceremony, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. Circuit 1 takes the visitors on a tour of the main building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, showing them the forecourt and premier rooms of the Bhavan and long drawing room among others. The change of guard Ceremony will also not take place on January 11, 18 and 25 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan due to rehearsal for the Republic Day parade, said the statement issued by the president's office. The change of guard ceremony, held in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a military tradition. It is held every week to enable a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge.

Over 50 paramilitary units to be deployed in Delhi for R-Day, elections

More than 50 companies of paramilitary forces and over 5,000 police personnel will be deployed across Delhi ahead of Republic Day celebrations and the upcoming Assembly polls, an official said on Thursday. Delhi Police on Wednesday held an inter-state coordination meeting with various law enforcement agencies to discuss security arrangements in the national capital. The meeting was chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and was attended by senior police officers from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir. "During the meeting, the senior police officers of the Delhi Police have demanded more than 50 paramilitary companies and cyber specialised officers to keep a strict vigil on any situation," a source in the police said. During the coordination meeting, the officers exchanged inputs and intelligence related to various matters and it was resolved to strengthen the anti-terror measures, .

Dream big, strive to become changemakers: Army chief urges NCC cadets

Recalling his days as an NCC cadet, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday urged the youth to dream big and strive to become the "changemakers, innovators and leaders" of tomorrow. Addressing a gathering of cadets and officers during his visit to the ongoing National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment, Gen Dwivedi also wished his best to an NCC expedition team that will attempt to scale Mount Everest later this year. "Being part of NCC is a way of life. The formative years as a cadet will forge a unique identity for each one of you, and shall form the edifice of your achievements later in life," the army chief said. It is also encouraging to know that in 2024, 100 boy cadets and 10 girl cadets joined the army's pre-commissioning training academies through NCC's entry schemes, while more than 8,800 NCC cadets joined the force as Agniveers, Gen Dwivedi said. The army chief was welcomed by the NCC cadets upon his arrival at the camp. Later, he also interac

2,361 cadets including record 917 girls join NCC Republic Day Camp

A total of 2,361 NCC cadets from across the country are taking part in a month-long Republic Day camp which began at Delhi Cantonment on Monday. The annual event will also witness participation of 917 girl cadets, the largest so far. Out of 2,361 NCC cadets, 114 are from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and 178 from the Northeast region. In addition, cadets and officers from 14 friendly foreign countries will also be participating in the camp as part of a Youth Exchange Programme, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. "The NCC Republic Day Camp-2025 commenced at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, with 'Sarva Dharm Pooja' today," it said. A total of 2,361 cadets from all 28 states and eight Union territories are taking part in the camp, the ministry said. "With the participation of 917 girl cadets, this year's camp will witness the largest number of girl cadets," the statement said. Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), welcomed the

Kejriwal slams Centre after Delhi tableau excluded from Republic Day parade

Amid reports claiming that Delhi's tableau has missed the cut for next year's Republic Day parade, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday accused the Centre of playing politics over the issue. Kejriwal also slammed the BJP, saying Delhi being the national capital, its tableau should be included in the Republic Day parade every year. "I want to ask them -- why is Delhi's tableau being excluded once again this year? Why are the people of Delhi being prevented from participating in the Republic Day celebrations," Kejriwal asked at a press conference. Claiming that Delhi's tableau has been missing the cut for several years now, Kejriwal said, "What kind of politics is this? Why is there so much hatred towards Delhi and its people? If these leaders hold such animosity, why should the people of Delhi vote for them?" Notably, Assembly elections in Delhi are due in February. Hitting back at the AAP chief, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claimed Kejriwal shows his "true colo

Foxconn chairman Young Liu meets PM Modi, discusses India investment plan

The chairman of iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn, Young Liu, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and discussed the company's investment plan in India. "Wonderful to meet Mr. Young Liu, the Chairman of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn). I highlighted the wonderful opportunities India offers in futuristic sectors. We also had excellent discussions on their investment plans in India in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh," Modi said in a post on social media platform X. Liu had also visited India in July last year to attend the Semicon India conclave where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Liu was conferred Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, on the eve of the 75th Republic Day this year. Foxconn is estimated to employ over 40,000 people in India. The company's total investment in India is estimated to be in the range of USD 9-10 billion. The company is in the process of expanding its iPhone production facility, setting up a chip

Republic Day 2024: Beating Retreat ceremony gets underway in Delhi

Amid strains of soulful music, the Beating Retreat ceremony, which marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations, got underway at the Vijay Chowk here on Monday. The Raisina Hills in the heart of the national capital reverberated with the sound of captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes played by military and paramilitary bands. President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu arrived at the venue in the traditional 'buggy' adding to the old-world charm of the event that traces its origins to the early 1950s. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several union ministers, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, senior officials, besides the general public are attending the mega event. The Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements for the ceremony. In an advisory issued on Friday, police had said that traffic restrictions will be in place from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on

Amazon to ONGC, military veterans hired to lead corporate crack teams

Retired officers tasked with getting cybersecurity to operations units combat ready

Delhi Police issues traffic advisory for Beating Retreat ceremony

The Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements for the Beating Retreat ceremony to be held at Vijay Chowk on Monday, officials said. The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations. In an advisory issued on Friday, the police said traffic restrictions will be put in place from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday and Vijay Chowk will remain closed to traffic. Traffic will not be allowed on Rafi Marg between Sunehri Masjid roundabout and Krishi Bhawan roundabout, Raisina Road from Krishi Bhawan roundabout towards Vijay Chowk, beyond Dara Shikoh roundabout, Krishna Menon Marg roundabout and Sunehri Masjid towards Vijay Chowk, the advisory said. Traffic will be restricted on Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and 'C' hexagon, it said. The commuters are advised to take alternative routes like Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madrasa T-Point, Lodhi Road, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road, it said. The buses wil

Retailers expect to shrug off January blues over Republic Day weekend

Electronics and consumer durables are also expected to witness a rise in sales and customers are expected to pick-up more mobile phones this long weekend

Comfort of India-France friendship will illuminate path forward: President

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the comfort of the India-France friendship and the strength of "our partnership will illuminate the path forward". Murmu received Emmanuel Macron, the President of the French Republic at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and hosted a banquet in his honour. Welcoming President Macron, she said the leaders of the two countries being guests of honour in each other's successive National Day parade and celebrations, is a historic moment, and "a symbol of the depth of our friendship and the strength of our partnership". Macron was the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations on Friday at Delhi's Kartavya Path. Murmu expressed satisfaction that both sides have outlined an ambitious vision of "our partnership for India's Amrit Kaal and added that this visit has strengthened our resolve to realise this vision". "The president was confident that the comfort of the India-France friendship and the strength of our partnership will illuminate the path

Resetting the Republic

Legatees of political forces Indira Gandhi locked up during Emergency are now redefining some of India's foundational principles. They can be challenged, just as she was in the 1970s

Yoga guru to Sanskrit scholar: Prestigious Padma awards' French bond

These French nationals include 100-year-old yoga exponent Charlotte Chopin and Kiran Vyas, the 79-year-old veteran yoga and Ayurveda practitioner

LIVE: Pneumonia outbreak kills over 200 children in Pakistan, says report

LIVE news updates today: Catch all the latest updates from around the world here

Republic Day parade 2024: Main attractions of platinum celebrations

The 75th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Friday showcased India's rich cultural diversity, military prowess, and 'Nari Shakti'. The parade began at 10.30 am with the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and French President Emmanuel Macron gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Here are some of the main attractions of the grand celebrations themed 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka': * Aavaahan: After the tricolour was unfurled followed by the national anthem, a band of 112 women artists skilfully played folk and tribal percussion instruments sourced from different corners of the country in a historic first. The enchanting performance symbolised the strength and prowess of women. * French Contingent: A 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France took part in the parade while two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared ...

Nari Shakti and military prowess take centre stage at Republic Day parade

The parade had themes of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka' (India - the mother of democracy)

Putin commends privileged strategic ties between Russia and India on R-Day

Extending his greetings on India's 75th Republic Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said India enjoys a "deserved influence in the international arena" and is playing "an active role" in solving the most important issues on the international agenda. Putin also commended the privileged strategic partnership with India as he congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 75th Republic Day, the state-run TASS news agency reported. We value the privileged strategic partnership between our countries. I am confident that, through joint efforts, we will continue to systematically boost the constructive cooperation between Russia and India across the board, the Russian leader said in a telegram message. This fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples as it in line with strengthening security and stability both regionally and globally, he added. According to Putin, India has achieved impressive success in the socio-economic sphere, as well as in the fields of research

Panchayats should develop sources of revenue: Union minister Giriraj Singh

Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday said panchayats should not depend on MGNREGA funds and have their own sources of revenue. Addressing representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions who came to Delhi to attend the Republic Day parade, the Union minister also emphasised the role of panchayats in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Panchayats should become self-reliant and develop revenue models, Singh said. "Panchayats should not depend on NREGA funds. If a petrol pump opens on panchayat land, the state collects VAT. Can the panchayat not get a share out of it? If a factory is built on a panchayat's land, it should earn tax from it," he said, suggesting revenue models. He underlined that panchayats can play a huge role in achieving the SDGs and said that they should look at 'Jan Bhagidari' (people's participation) for meeting these targets. "When we talk of a 'shiksha yukt panchayat', I am told that there is a shortage of teachers... There should be .

World leaders congratulate India on R-Day, laud progress in bilateral ties

Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of several countries on Friday wished India on its 75th Republic Day and expressed their hope for progress in bilateral relations and close people-to-people ties. These leaders included those from the immediate neighbourhood in South Asia and some from far-flung nations such as Australia. Almost all of them posted their greetings on social media handles and some of them wrote letters or messages to Indian leaders. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his warm wishes to the people of India on the same day as his country celebrates its national day and said, We have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship. Australia and India have never been closer. In a message to President Droupadi Murmu, the British King Charles III said he cherishes the close bond shared between the two countries. I am confident that our ties will continue to flourish in this very special seventy-fifth anniversary year of the ...