Page 671 - Video Gallery

2 gelatin sticks, detonators recovered during encounter with Naxals in Odisha's Kalahandi

Kalahandi (Odisha), Aug 16 (ANI): An encounter took place between a Special Operations Group (SOG) of Odisha police and Naxals in a forest area in Odisha's Kalahandi. Superintendents of Police in Kalahandi, B Gangadhar told, "We spotted blood stains there. We think there must have been a casualty, we are searching for the body or an injured person." Police have also recovered 2 gelatin sticks, 2 detonators, bags, water-bottles, rice and medicines from the site of the encounter.

12-year-old boy felicitated for guiding ambulance in floodwater

Raichur (Karnataka), Aug 16 (ANI): As part of Independence Day celebrations, the Raichur administration felicitated 12-year-old Venkatesh for guiding a stuck ambulance in floodwater. The incident occurred near the Hirerayanakumpi village in Karnataka's Raichur district. Hearing the driver's call for help, Venkatesh agreed to guide him in taking his vehicle out of the water safely. In the footage Venkatesh was stumbling several times while attempting to help the driver.

Flavonoid-rich diet protects against cancer, heart disease: Study

New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): Consuming flavonoid-rich items such as apples and tea protects against cancer and heart disease, particularly for smokers and heavy drinkers, suggests a recent research. Researchers from Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences analysed data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort that assessed the diets of 53,048 Danes over 23 years. According to the study published in the journal -- Nature Communications -- researchers found that people, who habitually consumed moderate to high amounts of foods rich in flavonoids, compounds found in plant-based foods and drinks, were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease.

Ladakh is a land of all religions: Ram Madhav

Ladakh, Aug 16 (ANI): BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav met with religious representatives and prominent people of the region here and said that Ladakh is the land of all religions. He also urged people not to pay attention to the "lies and rumours being spread" in the region. "Ladakh is the land of all religions including Shia, Sunni, Buddhist, and others. No one should feel that there's no future," said Ram Madhav. The BJP leader was in Leh to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.

Sister ties Rakhi on his slain brother CRPF jawan's rifle

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), Aug 16 (ANI): CRPF Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal's sister tied Rakhi on his slain brother's rifle on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. CRPF jawan lost his life in a Naxal ambush in Aranpur along with two other policemen and a DD cameraperson. The gun has now been allotted to her in service after she joined CRPF after her brother's death. After tying Rakhi to Rakesh Kaushal's gun Constable Kavita Kaushal said, "I had requested the department that I want to use the same gun that my brother once used in service. Naxals are coward. I want to join Danteshwari fighters and take revenge for my brother's death." Kavita Kaushal got the post of Constable on his brother place. Danteshwari fighters is the new all- woman anti - Naxal unit deployed in Naxal infested areas in Chhattisgarh

Brave elderly couple receives award for fighting armed robbers in Chennai

Chennai (TN),Aug 16 (ANI): An elderly couple S Shanmugavel and Senthamarai displayed extraordinary courage by fighting robbers who barged into their residence. Robber with machete tried to strangle 70-year-old Shanmugavel, but with the help of his wife, Shanmugavel managed to turn the tables. The couple was felicitated by Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami on Independence Day for their courageous stand against robbers.

I-Day celebrations across JandK concluded peacefully: Govt

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 15 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir government on August 15 said the Independence Day celebrations across the region concluded "peacefully" including the main function at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar where Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the national flag. "Independence Day celebrations in all the districts of JandK and Ladakh concluded peacefully. The main function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar where JandK Governor unfurled the flag," said Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary for Planning Commission in JandK.

Retired Lt Gen welcomes PM's announcement to appoint Chief of Defence Staff

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Retired Lieutenant General DB Shekatkar shared his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Welcoming the announcement, he said that this recommendation is one of the most important ones. "There's been a demand for this for last 40 years. Committee of Experts headed by me also recommended this. Of 188 recommendations given to present government, it's one of the most important ones," Shekatkar said. "Along with the world, the form of warfare is changing; therefore, challenges in front of the nation are changing. There are a number of countries who have CDS. Unless there is a unity of thinking, vision, action and coordination, we'll be doing things in our own way," he added. Today, PM Modi announced the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who will be above the three Service Chiefs.

I-Day 2019: Locals hoist tricolour in flood-affected village of Karnataka

Bagalkot (Karnataka), Aug 15 (ANI): Locals in flood-affected Shurpali village of Bagalkot district in Karntaka celebrated Independence Day despite the village being in knee-deep water. The residents also hoisted the tricolour to mark the 73rd Independence Day. Several districts in Karnataka are reeling under flood situation due to continuous rainfall.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel announces hike in quota for OBCs, SCs and STs

Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Aug 15 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Aug 15 announced hike in the reservation quota for the Other Backward Caste (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Baghel said the OBC community will now get 27 percent reservation, while the SCs and STs to enjoy 13 percent and 32 percent quota, respectively in government jobs and education. "In our state people belonging to ST, SC and OBC categories have been raising issues about their rights in a peaceful manner. Taking a major step in this direction, today I announce 27% reservation for OBCs, 13% to the SCs and 32% to the STs," Baghel announced the step in his Independence Day speech in Raipur. CM Baghel also announced the creation of a new district Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi out of Bilaspur, after which the state now has 28 districts.

Independence Day celebrations held across Jammu and Kashmir

Bandipora/ Pulwama/ Doda/ Baramullah/ Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 15 (ANI): Independence Day was celebrated in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir on August 15. Independence Day events were held in Bandipora, Pulwama and many other areas. Tricolour was hoisted to mark the Independence Day. Security Personnel performed guard of honour. Restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir considering security measures on Independence Day.

21 overstaying prisoners released in Agra after businessman pays penalties worth Rs 1.73 lakh

Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 15 (ANI): Rajesh Sehgal, a businessman in Uttar Pradesh, came to the rescue of 21 prisoners who were overstaying in Agra District Jail despite serving their full sentence due to their failure to pay penalties. The businessman paid the penalties worth Rs 1,73,000 of the 21 prisoners who were then released on Independence Day. "We are thankful to Rajesh Sehgal Ji. Because of him, the 21 prisoners are able to celebrate RakshaBandhan and IndependenceDay with their family," said Shashikant Mishra, Superintendent of Agra District Jail.

Transgender community celebrate Independence Day in Chennai

Chennai, Aug 15 (ANI): Members of transgender community celebrated Independence Day at Thozhi Transgender's shelter in Chennai. Thozhi is a transgender shelter run by Chennai metropolitan in which more than 50 transgenders stay. Tansgenders hoisted national flag. A transgender dressed up as 'Bharat Mata' carrying national flags in her hand. National Anthem was sung by all those who were present. Nation is celebrating 73rd Independence Day on August 15.

Indian Embassy celebrates Independence Day in London

London (UK), Aug 15 (ANI): Indian Embassy in London celebrated Independence Day on August 15. Ruchi Ghanashyam, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), unfurled the tricolour. National Anthem was sung with fervour. Patriotic slogans such as 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' were raised. Nation is celebrating 73rd Independence Day this August 15.

CM Fadnavis hoists national flag in Mumbai on occasion of Independence Day

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Minty Agarwal, Squadron Leader, IAF who operated as flight controller during Pakistan's retaliation to IAF's Balakot airstrike, spoke about the mission and said that her team was expecting retaliation after the Balakot mission, but due to competency of Indian pilots, controllers and team, their mission was thwarted. While speaking to ANI, Agarwal said, "On 26 Feb we successfully carried out Balakot mission over non-military camps. We were expecting retaliation, we were extra ready and they retaliated in just 24 hours. She added, "We had few aircrafts which were stationed as air defense measure and we subsequently scrambled additional aircrafts to counter them (Pak aircrafts).They came with an intention of destruction but because of competency of our pilots, controllers and team their mission was thwarted."

Wing Cdr Abhinandan was in 'two way communication' while fighting Pakistani aircrafts: Squadron Leader

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): While speaking to ANI about the air skirmish with Pakistan Air Force a day after the Balakot airstrike, Squadron Leader of Indian Air Force (IAF), Minty Agarwal informed that Wing Commander Abhinandan was in "two way communication" with her when he was fighting Pakistani aircrafts. Squadron leader said, "I participated in both the missions on 26th February as well as on 27th February. Wing Commander Abhinandan was in a two way communication with me when he was on air. I was the one who was providing him the air picture." She added, "F16 was taken down by Wing Commander Abhinandan, that was a situation of intense battle. The situation was very flexible. There were multiple aircrafts of enemy and our fighter aircraft were countering them all along the axis."

CM Raghubar Das unfurls tricolour in Ranchi on occasion of Independence Day

Ranchi (Jharkhand), Aug 15 (ANI): Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das took part in an official flag hoisting ceremony on August 15 in Ranchi to celebrate Independence Day. He unfurled the tricolour on Independence Day. Das also received Guard of Honour during the flag hoisting ceremony. India is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day on Aug 15.

PM Modi meets children at Red Fort on occasion of Independence Day

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met children at the Red Fort in national capital on August 15. He met them on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day. During his speech, he extended greetings to the people of the nation. This was PM Modi's sixth consecutive address to the nation at Red Fort. A horizontal rectangular tricolour of saffron, white and green with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre, the Indian flag is described in the constitution as a symbol of hopes and aspirations of the people of India.

Disappointment has turned into optimism as country's mood has changed in 2019: PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): While addressing the nation in the national capital on the auspicious occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Before the elections in 2013-2014, I went all over the country in order to try and understand the feelings of the people. There was disappointment on everyone's face and people used to think can this country change?" "In 2019, I was amazed, the mood of the people of the country has changed, disappointment had turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change," he added.

If we can abolish 'Sati', why not 'Triple Talaq'?, asks PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): While addressing the nation in the national capital on the auspicious occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this?." This is PM Modi's sixth consecutive address to the nation in which he focused on several issues. He spoke for around 92 minutes during his speech.