Chennai, Jan 15 (ANI): Christian community joined 'Pongal' celebrations in Chennai. Special traditional feast was organised on the auspicious occasion at Santhome Cathedral. Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. It is one of the most auspicious festivals for Tamils which is mainly celebrated to offer prayers to the Sun God for a good harvest. Pongal coincides with 'Makar Sankranti' which is celebrated in North India.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Army Day was celebrated at Parade Ground in Delhi. Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane conferred medals to the Jawans. Army Day is celebrated every year on Jan 15. It marks a day to salute brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect country and its citizens.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Delhi during 'Raisina Dialogue 2020' stated that there are currently various forces of disruption in world, thus India should be stablising power and be a country which brings its capacities to bear on the inter-natal system for global good. "I think it is not India's way to be a 'disruptionist' power internationally, I think we should be a stablising power. There are already enough forces of disruption in the world. Somebody needs to make up a bit," said EAM. "It is also not the India way to be self-centered, to be mercantilist. Therefore it's important to be global, law abiding, consultative. India way would be a country which brings its capacities to bear on the inter-natal system for global good, which is a net security provider; which is firm in dealing with challenges like terrorism, which has its values, which addresses global issues like climate change," he added further.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): 'Raisina Dialogue 2020' is underway in national capital. Speaking on his idea of a greater Eurasia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "It is not that we are against philosophical terminology but it must be understandable. We used to say Asia-Pacific region, the reason - Indian Ocean condition. When people say we want to develop cooperation in Asian-Pacific in form of Indo-Pacific strategies, you immediately ask - Do you include African countries? Persian Gulf? No. Do you include all those who have been know as part of Asian-Pacific region? Yes. Why do you need to call it Asian-Pacific? You know the answer, the answer is to contain China. It's not even hidden. The Indian friends are smart enough to understand this threat and not to get into it." 12 Foreign Ministers including Ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Denmark and Hungary are participating in 'Raisina Dialogue 2020'.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Asha Devi, mother of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim hoped that the request of the convict Mukesh would be dismissed as 'by now everyone is aware about the case'. "He can do whatever he wants. But everything is crystal clear. SC and HC know everything. I hope his request will be dismissed," said Asha Devi.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): 'Raisina Dialogue 2020' is underway in Delhi. While addressing the meet, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "We are convinced that the overriding trend of the global development is the objective process of the formation of new centers of economic might, financial power and political influence. India is obviously, one of them. It is important to make sure that no serious matter of the global dimension is considered without new centers of influence. We believe that democratic world order should be based not on the brutal force but rather should be built as a concept of interest models of development, cultures, and traditions." 12 Foreign Ministers including Ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Denmark and Hungary are participating in 'Raisina Dialogue 2020'.
Ludhiana (Punjab), Jan 15 (ANI): A 'Mini Marathon' was organised on the occasion of 72nd Army Day in Punjab's Ludhiana on January 15. School students in large numbers participated in the marathon. Vajra Vayu Rakshak Brigade organised the marathon for school students and senior citizens. It was a 5 km-long marathon and the event was organised at Dolewala Military Camp of Ludhiana. Army Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Carriappa took over the command of Army from British General FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.
Shivamogga (Karnataka), Jan 15 (ANI): Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa greeted people on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' in Karnataka's Shivamogga on January 15. Yediyurappa met them at his residence in Shikaripura. 'Makar Sankranti' is the festival which is dedicated to deity Surya. It marks first day of the sun's transit into 'Makara', marking end of month with winter solstice.
Jammu, Jan 15 (ANI): The 2G internet on post-paid connections was restored in districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi on January 15. The internet services were restored for accessing white-listed sites, including for e-banking, government offices and educational institutions. On Jan 14, Jammu administration issued notice for restoring of internet today. As per order issued by Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, Kashmir division will establish an additional 400 internet kiosks.
New Delhi, Jan15 (ANI): Equity benchmark indices swung lower during early hours on Jan 15.The BSE SandP Sensex was down by 206 points to 41,745 while the nifty 50 tumbled by 66 points at 12,296. Banking and metal stocks were the worst sufferers. Meanwhile, stocks slipped in Asian trade as investors waited for the signing of an initial US-China trade deal
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in the national capital on January 15, the rebel MLA of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Narayan Dutt Sharma spoke on the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections and ticket distribution of AAP. He said, "I have given resignation from the party and my next step is to fight election. My main aim is to expose them and to maintain the freedom of Badarpur." "I will contest as independent candidate from Badarpur area against Ram Singh Netaji and Rambir Shokeen," he added. "A warrior never thinks about the result of battle as time will itself decide the result of that," Narayan Dutt Sharma further stated.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in the national capital on January 15, the rebel MLA of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Narayan Dutt Sharma came down heavily with accusation on party's ticket distribution. He said, "If they (senior party leaders) have chosen candidates on performance basis then what about a man who got 94, 000 votes and against whom there was no allegations or any case was registered in past five years? If they are winning on performance basis then they can give ticket to any party worker." "Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia called me at his residence and said that from your area (Badarpur) Ram Singh Netaji is for ready to pay Rs 20-21 crore for getting ticket. How much you can help the party financially?" he added. "A party which was born on honesty and people have made all of us what we are today. I denied paying them money after they asked me to pay Rs 10 crore," AAP rebel MLA further stated.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Army Day 2020 was celebrated at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on January 15. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Air Staff Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh pay tribute at Army Day 2020. Army Day is celebrated every year to pay tribute to brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Thick fog engulfed Delhi on January 15. Minimum temperature will hover around 8 degree Celsius this week, predicts India Meteorological Department. Major pollutants PM 2.5 stood at 205 and PM 10 stood at 185, in 'Poor and 'Moderate' categories respectively in Delhi's Lodhi Road area according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Republic Day parade practice continued at Rajpath despite harsh weather. Commuters are facing problem due to low visibility.
Madurai (TN), Jan 15 (ANI): Swarm of people gathered in Tamil Nadu's Madurai to participate in the traditional bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu'. Spectators were seen cheering for bull tamers in Avaniyapuram village on January 15. 730 bulls are participating in Avaniyapuram. The Supreme Court (SC) in 2014 banned 'Jallikattu' after a plea was filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) but the state government insisted Jallikattu was a crucial part of its culture and identity. The ban was later lifted in January 2017 with an amendment due to massive protests along the Marina beach in Chennai.
Bengaluru (Karnataka), Jan 15 (ANI): In a bid to fight public urination in Bengaluru, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has come up with a unique idea. Large mirrors have been installed at various spots where public urination is usually reported. The mirrors also consist of QR code which helps to locate public toilet nearby. The step by BBMP comes under their Swachh Survekshan 2020 campaign. At present, the mirror boards have been installed near KR Market, Indira Nagar, Jyoti Nivas College in Koramangala and Church Street. Around two lakh rupees have been spent by BBMP under the initiative to spread awareness. BH Anil Kumar, Commissioner BBMP said, "Despite repeatedly cleaning those black spots, people kept using those places for urinating. So we came up with this idea. We have also given a QR Code which will help people locate the nearest public toilet."
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga Rajiv Ranjan Mishra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the first meeting of National Ganga Council in Kanpur not only noted the progress made in the projects in the Ganga rejuvenataion under Namami Gange, but also underscored the need to link Ganga rejuvenation with overall sustainable development of the villages, towns and cities along the river. PM Modi chaired the first meeting of National Ganga Council on December 14, 2019 during his visit to Kanpur city in Uttar Pradesh. PM also visited a Namami Gange Mission exhibition, showcasing the works done for the cleanliness of the river. Formed in 2016, the National Ganga Council is chaired by the Prime Minister. It is also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga. It aims to ensure effective control of pollution and rejuvenation of Ganga.
Konark (Odisha), Jan 15 (ANI): Uttarayana Kite Fest was organised in Odisha's Konark on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The event was organised at Marine Drive Eco Retreat. Locals and tourists thronged to the venue to celebrate the festival. Kite flyers showcased their skills. Kites of different shape, size, concept and designs dotted the sky. Kite flying is one of the traditions of Makar Sankranti festival. Since the event is eco-friendly, cotton threads are being used instead of crushed glass coated 'manjha'.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): After the debut in 2009, Microsoft is finally ending support for Windows 7, the popular OS that continues to run on millions of devices globally. Microsoft had been notifying users since last year and starting today, a full-screen notification will appear for Windows 7 users, warning them about the end of support, The Verge notes. To encourage users to upgrade to the newer Windows 10 platform, Microsoft is offering a free year of post-retirement updates to Windows 7 customers with active Windows 10 subscriptions. Even as Microsoft has ended support, it is expected to take a year or two to bring down the market share of Windows 7 which stands at a massive 26 per cent.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Jan 15 (ANI): As people are all set to celebrate Pongal festival, demand for turmeric sticks and jaggery has increased. Markets in Coimbatore are flooded with jaggery and turmeric sticks ahead of Pongal festival. Without turmeric and jaggery, Pongal festival celebrations are incomplete. Pongal will be celebrated from January 15 to January 18.