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Fri, 26 January 2024

Bihar BJP's 2-day meet from Sat amid Nitish's move

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22:21 India, France unveil defence industrial roadmap; Airbus, Tata agree on helicopter deal

India and France sealed an ambitious industrial roadmap to co-develop critical military hardware, firmed up a space situational awareness programme while Airbus SE and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd agreed to jointly build H125 helicopters following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra, announcing the outcomes of Thursday's Modi-Macron talks in Jaipur, also said a scheme for exchange of professionals in the age bracket of 18 to 35 years and activation of Schengen visas with a five-year validity for Indian post-graduate alumni were among other key decisions.

At a media briefing on Friday, Kwatra said both sides deliberated on various aspects to advance civil-nuclear energy cooperation and that there was a "very positive, forward leaning" ongoing conversation on small modular reactors.

Modi and Macron also delved into the situation in the Red Sea and the "potential disruptions" that it can trigger, besides exchanging views on the conflict in Gaza, he said.

There was no announcement on India's proposed procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines from France as it is understood that price negotiations for the multi-billion dollar deals are still underway. -- PTI

Amid the possibility of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making yet another switch to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, the BJP has called its state executive meeting tomorrow and the day after, the sources said.

The meeting is likely to be held on January 27 and 28.

According to the sources, the party's Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde will go to Patna on Saturday.

If reports are to be believed, the stage seems to be set for Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar to return to the BJP-led NDA again.

If Nitish switches sides, this will mark the fourth time in just over a decade that he would do it.

Nitish's shift would deal a severe blow to the ruling Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar as well as the Opposition INDIA bloc at the national level that was formed to take on the BJP-led Centre in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. -- ANI

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21:34 Fifty-eight children fall sick after eating meal at school in MP's Rewa

As many as 58 children fell sick due to suspected food poisoning after having meal following the Republic Day function at a government school in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, an official said on Friday.

The condition of most of them was stable while one girl has been admitted to a government hospital here, he said.

The children were served poori-sabzi and laddoos after the flag-hoisting ceremony at the school, located at Peadri in Sirmaur area, said district chief medical and health officer Dr K L Namdeo. Many of them began to feel uneasy with some complaining of vomiting and loose motions, he said.

The children were rushed to the local community health center.

As the condition of one of the girls turned serious, she was taken to the Government Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa where she was undergoing treatment, Dr Namdeo said. -- PTI

21:09 3 college students drown in Kerala lake

Three college students drowned in the Vellayani lake near Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday afternoon.

The three, aged between 20 and 21 years, were part of a group of four students from the nearby Christ College who used to often frequent the lake, the police said.

The four students went into the lake to take a bath, but three of them drowned and one managed to get out alive, an officer of Vizhinjam police station said.

The exact cause of the tragic accident is not yet known, the officer said.

The bodies of the three were recovered and inquest proceedings are underway, they said. -- PTI

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil/File image

21:06 Will march towards Mumbai tomorrow, if...: Jarange

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday warned Maharashtra government to issue a government resolution regarding Maratha quota adding that if demands are not met by tonight then protestors will march towards Mumbai on Saturday morning.

Reiterating his demands in Navi Mumbai, Jarange Patil urged the Maharashtra Government to withdraw all the cases registered by the police regarding the demand for Maratha reservation in the state.

"Let us wait here till tonight. Then the government should issue an ordinance and give it to us, this is important. We are giving time to the government till 11 am tomorrow (Saturday), after that we will leave for Mumbai. If we go there we will not return," Jarange Patil said.

Earlier, Maratha Reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil said on Thursday that their rally towards Mumbai will be peaceful, but no return will be made from the state capital without reservation. -- ANI

Divya Pahuja

20:47 Divya Pahuja murder: Gurugram police arrest accused Ravi Banga from Jaipur

The Gurugram police arrested accused Ravi Banga on Friday from Jaipur in ex-model Divya Pahuja murder case.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for providing information regarding Banga. Banga, a resident of Gurudwara Road Model Town in Hisar, had allegedly disposed of Pahuja's body along with another accused Balraj Gill.

The police had already arrested six accused in the case, including main accused Abhijeet Singh, Hemraj, Om Prakash, Megha, Pravesh and Balraj Gill.

"The police team produced the accused before the court and took him on remand for three days. During the remand, the accused will be interrogated thoroughly," said Varun Dahiya, ACP crime.

After Pahuja was shot dead on January 2 in a hotel room, Gill had allegedly kept her body in the trunk of a BMW car and later threw her body in the Bhakra Canal near Munak in Sangrur, Punjab.

The police said he carried out the the alleged act with his aide Banga at the behest of hotel owner Abhijeet Singh --- the main accused -- who is also in judicial custody. -- PTI

Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief and ally of the INDIA bloc on Friday said that there is "no sign" of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key figure in the opposition alliance returning to the National Democratic Alliance.

Speaking to the reporters here, Yadav also expressed his hope that Nitish will strengthen the INDIA alliance, formed to take on the BJP-led central government in the upcoming general elections.

"There is no such sign. We hope that Nitish Kumar will not go to NDA. He will strengthen the INDIA alliance," Yadav said.

Notably, the unity of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance appeared in jeopardy amid growing speculation that Nitish Kumar, a key figure in the bloc may exit the 28-party Opposition bloc, formed to take on the BJP-led Central government. -- ANI

19:52 BSF recovers China-made drone in Amritsar

The Border Security Force on Friday recovered a China-made drone from a farming field in the Roranwala Khurd village in Punjab's Amritsar, an official statement by the BSF said.

According to the official statement, the recovery of the drone took place during the patrol by the BSF troops.

"On January 26, 2024, during the morning hours, while carrying out area domination patrolling ahead of the border fence, BSF troops observed a suspicious item at about 09:00 hrs," read the official statement.

"On reaching nearby, the suspicious item revealed itself to be a small drone. BSF troops successfully recovered it," it added.

The recovered drone is a quadcopter made in China, according to the official statement.

Earlier this month, in a joint operation with the Punjab police, the BSF recovered a made-in-China drone from a field near Bharopal village in Amritsar. -- ANI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

19:38 Will accept leaders' decision: Bihar BJP on Nitish's move

Amid speculations that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may pull out of the ruling 'Mahagathbandhan' and return to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, leader of opposition in the assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha on Friday said the saffron party's state unit will accept whatever its the central leadership decides.

Talking to PTI, Sinha said, "Our central leadership is watching the political situation in Bihar. Whatever decision is taken by our central leadership, will be accepted by BJP leaders here".

Asked whether the party will join hands with Kumar's Janata Dal-United in forming the government in the state, Sinha said, "I have already made it clear that we will accept our central leadership's decision."

He, however, denied that the BJP has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Saturday in the backdrop of recent political developments in the state.

"We have not called a meeting of our legislature party tomorrow", he said. -- PTI

18:55 Modi to address annual NCC PM Rally today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual NCC PM Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground here on Saturday .

The Prime Minister's Office said the event will include a cultural programme on the theme 'Amrit Kaal Ki NCC' showcasing contribution and empowerment of the young generation.

In the true Indian spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, it said, more than 2,200 NCC cadets and young cadets from 24 foreign countries will be a part of this year's rally.

As special guests, more than 400 Sarpanches of the "Vibrant Villages" (villages on borders) and more than 100 women belonging to various self-help groups from different parts of the country will also attend the NCC PM Rally. -- PTI

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18:28 Delhi AQI severe for second time in 3 days, Centre delays stricter curbs

The Centre on Friday decided to delay implementation of stricter measures to curb pollution in Delhi-NCR despite the 24-hour average AQI in Delhi breaching the 400-mark for the second time in three days.

Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index stood at 409 at 4 pm, a level requiring authorities to invoke stricter curbs under Stage III of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan to control air pollution.

The CAQM sub-committee for operationalisation of GRAP convened an emergency meeting and took stock of the air quality situation, projected AQI and meteorological forecasts, a statement said.

According to the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, a dip in temperature and foggy weather allowed accumulation of pollutants in Delhi on Friday.

Forecasts by the IMD and the IITM suggest an improvement in Delhi's air quality from Friday itself.

It is expected to be in the 'very poor' category in the coming days, the statement said. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party ally and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular leader Santosh Kumar Suman said on Friday that the Bihar government may fall in a day or two, amid indications that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could snap ties with the INDIA bloc and return to the NDA.

Suman, who is an MLC and son of former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, said the BJP has so far not categorically told his party about any impending alliance with the JD-U, which is headed by Kumar.

"It appears to me that this government will fall in a day or two," he told PTI.

Amid deepening fissures in Kumar's ties with the RJD and the Congress, BJP leaders have indicated that they are open to tie up with him again.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said doors are never permanently closed to anyone in politics.

He told reporters, "As far as Kumar or the JD-U are concerned, doors are never permanently closed in politics. Closed doors open when the time comes but whether they will open or not is for our central leadership to decide."

The BJP has been keeping in touch with its Bihar allies, including Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha and Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, amid evolving political developments in the state.

Manjhi's party has four MLAs who could play a critical role in the balance of power in the state.

Charging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi with behaving like a puppet in the hands of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the organisation and the Bharatiya Janata Party of conspiring to distort the Constitution.

He also called upon Congressmen and party leaders to face the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with unity and protect the Constitution and democracy.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha was speaking after unfurling the national tricolour at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office here on the occasion of Republic Day.

"Probably if there was no Constitution for this country, it would not have been possible for us to save democracy. With lots of effort, leaders of our freedom struggle and the Constituent Assembly members gave this country the Constitution," Kharge said.

Addressing Congress workers and leaders, he said the Constitution contains important principles like equality, fraternity, secularism and justice.

"The RSS and BJP are conspiring to distort this Constitution and to make changes to it. All efforts are being made by the BJP to destroy or weaken our autonomous bodies one by one. Especially as Modi is behaving like a puppet in the hands of RSS, our judiciary or our secularism is facing the brunt," he added.

State Congress President D K Shivakumar, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other senior party leaders were present.

The Congress party has fought for the freedom of the country, the AICC chief said, but the BJP is claiming to be the "only saviours" of this country. They speak about patriotism and are projecting to the youth that only they are true patriots, and rest all are traitors.

Recalling the struggle by the Congress and several of its stalwarts including Mahatma Gandhi in getting freedom for India, he said, "but today the BJP, the Prime Minister and Home Minister (Amit Shah) are making all efforts to make it the puppet in their hands. So it is important for us to save our freedom and Constitution for the good future of our younger generation." -- PTI

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday said he is neither happy nor unhappy about the possibility of the Nitish Kumar-led Janaat Dal-United reviving its ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party as the Bihar chief minister's equations with INDIA bloc partners turn sour.

Amid speculation that Kumar -- the JD-U chief -- could pull out of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and return to the National Democratic Alliance, Singh was asked by reporters if he would welcome his return as an ally.

"I am not welcoming nor am I against anyone. It is the decision of the central leadership. Whatever decision they take, I am sure it will be in the interest of the state and the party," he said.

Asked if he was happy about the possibility of a fresh BJP-JDU alliance, Singh said, "I am neither happy nor unhappy. I am a worker of the party, I will abide by whatever decision is taken."

He also attacked the INDIA bloc, calling the alliance "opportunistic".

"There is no INDIA alliance anymore. It was an opportunistic alliance. They were working against Sanatan Dharma and the Congress was the anchor," he said.

Singh also refused to answer if the BJP will benefit from an alliance with the JD-U in Bihar.

"I am not an analyst, I am a worker. A workers' job is to follow the orders of the party," he said. -- PTI

Britain's King Charles III was on Friday admitted to a private hospital here for treatment for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announced.

The procedure will be carried out at the London Clinic private hospital, where Catherine, the Princess of Wales, had surgery last week.

The 75-year-old King visited the Princess of Wales in the hospital this morning, ahead of his own scheduled treatment.

It is not yet known how long King Charles will remain in hospital.

King Charles III had made his health problem public as a way of sending a message to other men to get their prostates checked.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said the King was "delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness".

He also thanked those who had "sent their good wishes," the BBC reported.

The plan for King Charles to have a "corrective procedure" for his enlarged prostate was revealed by the palace last week.

Nitish Kumar is likely to take oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar on January 28, 2024 with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party, sources told Rediff.com.

"It is more or less finalised that Nitish will join hands with the BJP to form a new government. This is a matter of one or two days." a senior JD-U leader told Rediff.com.

The JD-U leader said one thing is certain that Nitish Kumar is going to be a part of BJP-led NDA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, the JD-U has cancelled all its scheduled programme till end of this month.

The party has also directed all its MLAs to come to Patna by Friday night.

M I Khan/Rediff.com reports.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday attended the high tea ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Patna, where his deputy Tejashwi Yadav remained absent.

The development comes in the backdrop of speculations that Kumar, the Janata Dal-United president, could pull out of the Mahagathbandhan and return to the National Democratic Alliance , led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. -- PTI

16:12 Firmly with INDIA bloc but...: Nitish's JD-U

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United on Friday asserted that the party was "firmly with INDIA coalition" but wanted the Congress to do "introspection" with regard to alliance partners and sharing of seats.

State JD-U president Umesh Singh Kushwaha made the statement, refuting rumours that his party, headed by the chief minister, was thinking of a return to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA.

"All is well in Bihar's ruling Mahagathbandhan and the media speculations are driven by some agenda," Kushwaha told reporters.

He also said, "I met the CM yesterday as well as today. It is a routine affair. There is no truth in the rumours doing the rounds. We also reject the rumours that party MLAs have been asked to rush to Patna".

He also made light of Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, who is in RJD, sitting far from each other at the Republic Day parade, asserting that "we are firmly with INDIA coalition".

Kushwaha, however, said, "We want the Congress, which is our alliance partner, to do some introspection with regard to its stance towards other constituents and sharing of seats. Our leader Nitish Kumar has for long been stressing on the need for early finalisation of seat-sharing deal so that we could concentrate on Lok Sabha polls".

The statement of the JD-U leader came in the backdrop of two opposition bloc INDIA partners, the TMC and the AAP, ruling out the possibility of a truck with the Congress in West Bengal and Punjab respectively.

To a pointed query about his party's return to the NDA, which it had junked less than two years ago, the JD-U leader said, "these are rumours spread by those with some agenda".

Kushwaha was also asked about social media posts of Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, in which she appeared to have taken a swipe at Kumar.

The JD-U leader replied, "We take no notice of that because Rohini Acharya is not an RJD office-bearer".

Meanwhile, when asked about the delay in seat-sharing in the opposition bloc INDIA, state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh asked, "why nobody asks about the BJP-led NDA? They, too are yet to sort out sharing of seats with allies".

Replying to another query, he said, "Nitish Kumar is our leader in Bihar. I have no idea from where rumours of his going back to NDA have emanated." -- PTI

15:53 No going back on Maratha quota stir: Jarange

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange on Friday asserted that he won't abandon his agitation midway till the community is granted reservation in government jobs and education, while Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar said the activist's demands have been accepted.

Jarange was addressing protesters at Shivaji Chowk in the Vashi area of neighbouring Navi Mumbai after a meeting with a government delegation.

The activist said the delegation has given him some documents which he will discuss with his supporters to announce their future course of action.

"There is no going back on the agitation till we get reservation," he asserted.

The government is trying to persuade Jarange not to proceed to Mumbai.

State education minister Deepak Kesarkar told reporters that Jarange's demands have been accepted and they will be fulfilled as per government procedure.

So far, 37 lakh Kunbi certificates have been given and the number will go up to 50 lakh, he said.

Earlier, the Maratha quota leader reached Navi Mumbai with thousands of supporters to push for reservation for the Maratha community.

Jarange and other Maratha activists reached the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the outskirts of Mumbai around 5 am by bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos and trucks.

As per his plan, Jarange, along with his supporters, will begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Friday. The protesters are demanding Kunbi (OBC) status to the Maratha community.

Despite the Mumbai Police issuing a notice to him denying him permission to hold a hunger strike in the city, Jarange announced on Thursday that he will reach Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on January 26.

In a notice issued under section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code that enables the police to prevent cognisable offences, the police said, Mumbai is the financial capital of the country and various financial institutions, international advocacy and other financial centers are working in Mumbai.

Hema Malini, Malini Awasthi, Anup Jalota, Anuradha Paudwal and Sonal Mansingh are among artistes who will perform at the newly-constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya to offer "Shree Ram Rag Seva".

The 45-day devotional music festival dedicated to Lord Ram that begins on Friday will conclude on March 10.

"In line with classical tradition, 'Rag Seva' will be organised at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple from January 26. This event will be organised in the 'gudi mandap' before the Lord in which more than 100 well-known artistes from different provinces and art traditions from across the country will offer their 'Rag Seva' at the feet of Lord Ram for the next 45 days," a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra said.

The 'gudi mandap' is located in front of the 'garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum)' where the new idol of Lord Ram was consecrated in a grand ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

"The architect and coordinator of this programme on behalf of the trust is Yatindra Mishra and the curation has been supported by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Delhi," the trust member said.

"'Rag Seva' is a classical tradition. First in the series is Malini Awasthi from Uttar Pradesh whose rendition will include 'sohar', 'badhawa' and 'mangal gan'," the member said.

Among the artistes who will perform 'Rag Seva' are Vyjayanthimala, Sikkil Gurcharan , Pandit Sajan Mishra, Jasbir Jassi, Aruna Sairam, Swapna Sundari, Rahul Deshpande, Suresh Wadkar, Darshana Jhaveri, Uday Bhawalkar, Jayanth Kumaresh, Purna Das Baul, Rajani and Gayatri and Devaki Pandit.

Basanti Bisht, Prerana Shrimali, Sunanda Sharma, Meeta Pandit, Padma Subrahmanyam will also perform during the 45-day festival.

Yatindra Mishra also orchestrated the 'Mangal Dhwani' that reverberated during the consecration ceremony. Fifty traditional musical instruments from across the country were part of the grand musical rendition.

These included pakhawaj, flute and dholak from Uttar Pradesh; veena from Karnataka; algoja from Punjab; sundari from Maharashtra; mardala from Odisha; santoor from Madhya Pradesh; pung from Manipur; nagada and kali from Assam; and tambura from Chhattisgarh.

There was also shehnai from Delhi; ravanahatha from Rajasthan; shrikhol and sarod from West Bengal; ghatam from Andhra Pradesh; sitar from Jharkhand; santar from Gujarat; pakhawaj from Bihar; hudka from Uttarakhand; and nagaswaram, tavil and mridangam from Tamil Nadu. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Friday said doors are never permanently closed to anyone in politics amid indications that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may revive ties with his former ally as his equations with INDIA bloc partners turn sour.

Sources in both the BJP and the Janata Dal-United suggested such a possibility but it remained unclear if Kumar, the unquestioned leader of his party, has finalised a deal with the BJP top brass.

Speaking to reporters, Modi said, "As far as Kumar or the JD-U are concerned, doors are never permanently closed in politics. Closed doors open when the time comes but whether they will open or not is for our central leadership to decide."

After Kumar snapped his ties with the BJP in 2022, the party maintained that its doors were permanently closed to Bihar's longest-serving chief minister but its leaders have turned more conciliatory of late as the INDIA bloc lurches from one internal crisis to another.

Modi was deputy chief minister for a long time in governments headed by Kumar but was not repeated when the BJP-JDU alliance came to power after the 2020 assembly polls.

However, he has been part of the confabulations by the BJP top brass this time, in an indication that the seasoned politician may be trusted with a key responsibility if the two parties join hands again.

The Rajya Sabha MP enjoyed warm relations with Kumar when they were together but turned a staunch critic after the JD-U leader dumped the BJP for a second time in 2022.

The BJP has been in touch with its Bihar allies, including Chirag Paswan and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, over the developments in the state but they have not been given a clear idea about the possibility of Kumar's return to their fold, the sources said. -- PTI

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said protecting the fundamental principles of the Constitution is the true tribute to our freedom fighters.

Wishing fellow citizens on Republic Day, he said the Constitution, which unites the dreams of the freedom fighters, is the soul of the Indian Republic.

"Our great Constitution, which unites the dreams of the freedom movement, is the soul of the Indian Republic.

"Protection of the fundamental principles of the Constitution and loyalty to them is the true tribute to the immortal freedom fighters," he said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Best wishes to all the countrymen on Republic Day. Jai Hind," Gandhi said.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh too called on his fellow countrymen to protect the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

"It is our duty to raise our voice against injustice and oppression.

"It is the responsibility of all of us to maintain the unity in diversity of the country," Ramesh said in a post in Hindi.

"Today on Republic Day, we reiterate our resolve to protect Baba Saheb's Constitution and democracy.

"We will continue to raise our voice until we get our right to justice," the Congress leader said. -- PTI

Former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu who has been conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in the country, has said he was truly humbled by it and dedicated the award to farmers, women, youth and all fellow citizens.

In a post on "X", Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday night said the award makes him even more conscious of his role in the national endeavour to create a Shreshth Bharat.

"Truly humbled by the honour of Padma Vibhushan award conferred upon me. As I continue to serve the people after my tenure as the Vice President of India, this honour makes me even more conscious of my role in the national endeavour to create a Shreshth Bharat. I dedicate this honour to the farmers, women, youth & all my fellow citizens of Bharat. Let us rededicate ourselves to the service of the motherland & strive to take Bharat to greater heights of glory," he said in the post.

Meanwhile, actor Chiranjeevi, reacting to the Padma Vibhushan award in a video post on "X", said he was speechless and thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing the honour and indebted to people for their love and support.

"After hearing this news, I became speechless. I am really overwhelmed. I am humble and grateful for this honourIt is the unconditional and invaluable love of the people, audiences and fans and my blood brothers and blood sisters that allowed me to reach here," the former union minister said. -- PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will equal the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai when she presents her sixth straight budget on February 1.

Sitharaman, the first full-time woman finance minister of the country, has presented five full budgets since July 2019 and will present an interim or vote-on-account budget next week.

With the presentation of interim budget on February 1, Sitharaman will surpass the records of her predecessors like Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram, and Yashwant Sinha, who had presented five budgets in a row.

Desai, as finance minister, had presented five annual budgets and one interim budget between 1959-1964. The interim budget 2024-25 to be presented by Sitharaman on February 1, will be a vote-on-account that will give the government authority to spend certain sums of money till a new government comes to office after the April-May general elections.

As the Parliamentary elections are due, Sitharaman's interim budget may not contain any major policy changes. Speaking at an industry event last month, Sitharaman had ruled out any "spectacular announcement" in the interim budget, saying it would just be a vote-on-account before the general elections.

A vote-on-account, once approved by Parliament, will authorise the government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India on pro-rata basis to meet expenditure for the April-July period.

The new government, which is likely to be formed around June, will come up with a final budget for 2024-25 sometime in July. Usually, interim budgets do not contain major policy announcements, but nothing stops the government from taking steps which are necessary to deal with the urgent issues facing the economy.

After the Modi government came to power in 2014, Arun Jaitley took charge of the finance ministry and presented five budgets in a row from 2014-15 to 2018-19. It was in 2017, that Jaitley departed from the colonial-era tradition of presenting budget on the last working day of February to 1st of the month.

Piyush Goyal, who was holding the additional charge of the ministry due to ill health of Jaitley, presented the interim budget for 2019-20 on February 1, 2019. Goyal had hiked standard deduction for salaried taxpayers by Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. Also, the tax rebate for taxpayers whose annual taxable income did not exceed Rs 5 lakh was increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 12,500.

After the 2019 general elections, in the Modi 2.0 Government, Sitharaman was given the charge of the finance portfolio. She became the second woman to have presented budget after Indira Gandhi, who had presented the budget for financial year 1970-71. -- PTI

The movement of flights and passenger trains to and from the National Capital continued to remain affected on Friday due to dense fog and adverse weather conditions.

Delays plagued departures and arrivals for domestic air travel and added to the woes of the passengers.

At least 22 domestic departures were delayed, while 5 flights were cancelled, impacting thousands of travellers. International travel appeared relatively unaffected. While 17 international flights arrived in India, only nine international departures took place.

The mercury dipped to 4.7 degrees Celsius in the national capital on Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

As per the IMD, Lodhi Road recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degree Celsius, Safdarjung recorded 4.4 degrees Celsius, while the Ayanagar, Ridge and Palam areas of the national capital recorded 4.9, 3.2 and 7.1 degrees Celsius.

According to Northern Railways, around 34 long-distance trains to Delhi were delayed on Friday due to fog and poor visibility conditions. -- ANI

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday presented the state government's award for promotion of communal harmony to fact-checker Mohammed Zubair in recognition of his contribution in prevention of violence by debunking claims in social media that migrant workers were under attack in Tamil Nadu.

Co-founder of AltNews, Zubair was presented the award by Stalin at the 75th Republic Day celebrations here. The government said in March 2023, claims were made in social media that "migrant workers were being attacked in Tamil Nadu."

After verifying the authenticity of the video clips that made such claims, Zubair made it amply clear in AltNews that such claims were false and such attacks did not take place in Tamil Nadu at all.

"Thus, he stopped the spread of rumours against Tamil Nadu and acted to prevent violence caused by caste, religion, race and language," in the state, the government said in the citation.

"In appreciation of the services rendered by him in maintenance of communal harmony, Thiru Mohammed Zubair is presented with the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award for the year 2024."

Further, the government said that he has been rendering various services to promote communal harmony.

The Tamil Nadu government instituted the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award in the year 2000 for nurturing communal harmony. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked down the Kartavya Path on Friday after the conclusion of the 75th Republic Day parade and waved at people seated in enclosures.

The attendees erupted into cheer when the PM passed by their enclosures and welcomed him with claps and slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai".

PM Modi also crossed over to other side of the Kartavya Path where he was greeted by excited audience as they clicked pictures.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron left from Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, which made a comeback after 40 years. -- PTI

Indian Air Froce aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas,' Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29 Upgrade, P-8I, Jaguar, Dakota, Dornier, C-17, C-130J, as well as the Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand,' Advanced Light Helicopters, and Apaches, showcased various formations amid low visibility due to thick fog.

The fly-past is one of the major attractions during the parade.

People stood at their places with their phone cameras open but faced trouble capturing aircraft formations due to the layer of fog and smoke cloaking the capital.

12:38 265 women daredevils perform motorcycle stunts

Exhibiting the prowess of 'Nari Shakti', 265 women on motorcycles performed various stunts to showcase bravery, valour and determination during the 75th Republic Day parade here on Friday.

Women personnel of the Central Armed Police Force deployed across the length and breadth of the nation provide 'Sarvatra Suraksha', read a message of unity and inclusiveness at the Kartavya Path during the parade.

The women bikers of the CRPF, BSF and SSB exhibited the strength of Indian values, including yoga.

The 'commandant abhivadan' display was carried out by Assistant Commandant Seema Nag. It was followed by a display of 'Lakshita' by HC Rita Bisht and seven others.

'Sarvatra Suraksha' was displayed by CT Amandeep Kaur and 25 others armed with the latest weaponry.

Inspector Promila Sethi and 21 others showcased the tech edge of the forces while CT Anupam with 15 others represented women deployed on the borders providing security.

Exhibiting 'Naari Shakti', Inspector Sehnaaz Khatoon and 13 other personnel represented women deployed in the hinterland of the country. -- PTI

In a spectacular display of cultural richness and "Nari Shakti", the third edition of the "Vande Bharatam" in the Republic Day parade of Friday showcased the theme "Cultural expression of women power - accomplishment through resolve".

A group of 1,500 dancers under the banner of "Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti" graced the parade with a message of unity in diversity. The performance showcased 30 distinctive folk dance styles, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles.

Adding a touch of tradition and diversity, 120 dancers adorned masks representing various tribal and folk performing arts, while another 120 dancers performed with traditional umbrellas and artistic objects from Gujarat, Manipur, Kerala and Maharashtra.

In the talented ensemble were 199 were tribal dance artistes, 486 represented folk dance, 399 were skilled in classical dances and 56 showcased the vibrancy of Bollywood.

Notably, 57 masks were associated with tribal dances, while 63 adorned the folk dance performances. -- PTI

12:11 Women scientists participate in R-Day parade

The landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the south pole of the Moon and the Aditya L-1 mission to study the Sun found a prominent place in ISRO's tableau in the Republic Day parade on Friday.

The tableau also showcased the participation of women scientists in various missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which is now planning to carry out India's maiden human space flight next year.

The tableau had a model of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 that took Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon from Sriharikota. The lunar landing site of the spacecraft which was named Shiv Shakti Point by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also featured.

The tableau illustrated the successful Aditya L-1 mission to study the Sun as well as future missions such as Gaganyaan and Bhartiya Antariksh Station among others.

Also depicted on the tableau are ancient astronomers and space pioneers such as Aryabhatta and Varahamihir. -- PTI

Tableaux of 16 States, Union Territories (UTs) begin rolling down the Kartavya Path, showcasing India's rich cultural diversity and creativity.

The three wings of the armed forces on Friday showcased India's rising military might here with an impressive display of assets as their Republic Day tableaux complemented the over-arching theme of 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'.

Highlighting India's growing prowess in shipbuilding, the Indian Navy tableau depicted the imposing indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and highly capable escort ships INS Delhi, INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik, the LCA, the ALH and the Kalvari-class submarine.

The Navy tableau's theme was 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'.

The recent announcement of the Navy welcoming women in all roles and ranks is indeed a "shining symbol of progressive India", read the description about the tableau in an official booklet on the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

The naval band played 'Hum Taiyyar Hain', representing the force's might and combat readiness, and to its tune, marched a naval contingent of 144 young sailors, both male and female Agniveers.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprised 144 airmen and four officers and was led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur.

Squadron leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil marched along as supernumerary officers behind the contingent commander.

The Air Force band, comprising three drum majors and 72 musicians, played 'Sound Barrier Quick March'.

The IAF tableau depicted its overall theme of 'Bharatiya Vayu Dena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar' or 'Indian Air Force: Potent, Powerful and Self-reliant'.

The frontage showed a symbolic representation of a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by two women aircrew in the cockpit.

The presence of IAF GARUD commandos also signifies the enhancement of IAF's combat capabilities both in the air as well as on the ground, read the description about the tableau.

The middle portion of the IAF tableau depicted an IAF Tejas and a Su-30 aircraft flying over the Indian Ocean Region, signifying the ever-expanding reach of the IAF -- over land, as well as over the sea.

The rear portion of this float depicts humanitarian assistance rendered by the IAF, both within and across borders. -- PTI

11:40 Swiggy looks to cut 350-400 jobs

On-demand convenience platform Swiggy is understood to be preparing to cut around 400 jobs across various verticals as part of preparations for its initial public offering.

As the company works to simplify structure and bring operational efficiencies, around 350 to 400 jobs are expected to be pruned, sources said.

These will be across teams spanning technology, call centre and corporate roles, and the job cuts are expected to initiate gradually in the coming weeks.

When contacted Swiggy declined to comment.

The development comes at a time when Swiggy is preparing for its IPO.

"Swiggy has been working on simplifying work processes and building operational efficiencies," a person aware of the development said.

Swiggy's headcount is estimated to be around 6,000 at present. -- PTI

The Armed Forces Medical Services on Friday showcased an all-women contingent for the first time in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

The tableau represented the pinnacle of military pageantry, highlighting the strength, discipline and resolute dedication of women officers of the Armed Forces Medical Services.

It also depicted their hard work, devotion and unwavering commitment extending far beyond the borders, encompassing patient care, logistics, casualty evacuation and public health initiatives in conflict zones in India as well as abroad.

Led by Major Srishti Khullar, the contingent comprised Captain Amba Samant from the Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana from the Indian Navy and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya from the Indian Air Force, serving as the squadron officers.

The procession was followed by 144 officers from the Military Nursing Service.

Operation Dost conducted in February 2023 in Turkiye's Iskenderun was a prominent overseas relief operation for earthquake victims by the Indian Army's medical officers and staff. -- PTI

Two Rafale fighter jets flanked by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared through Delhi's sky as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day at a grand parade on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing it as the chief guest.

As soon as around 95 French troops marched down the Kartavya Path at the heart of the national capital, the whizzing warplanes pierced the morning sky making thousands of spectators crane their necks in wonder.

A 30-member band contingent from France also drew attention at the grand parade.

It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India's Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last year.

The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets and a tri-services marching contingent took part in the Bastille Day parade. -- PTI

The 75th Republic Day parade commenced on the Kartavya Path on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute.

Parade Commander and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar led the parade, followed by Parade Second-in-Command and Chief of Staff HQ, Delhi Area, Major General Sumit Mehta.

Winners of the highest gallantry awards, including the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra, followed the parade commander.

They include Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retired), and Ashok Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalla (retired), Colonel D Sreeram Kumar and Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (retired).

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice, other than in the face of the enemy.

The armed forces will display an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade.

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will be part of the event.

10:51 R-Day: President Murmu unfurls national flag

President Droupadi Murmu unfurls the National Flag at Kartavya Path on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.

He led the nation in paying solemn tributes by laying a wreath.

The iconic memorial in the India Gate complex was inaugurated by Modi in 2019.

It is dedicated to soldiers killed during the India-China War in 1962, India-Pak Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka and in the Kargil Conflict in 1999, and also those in the UN peacekeeping missions.

Spread over an area of approximately 40 acres, the National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles, namely -- the 'Amar Chakra', 'Veerta Chakra', 'Tyag Chakra' and the 'Rakshak Chakra' with names of 25,942 soldiers inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets.

It also includes a central 15.5-m obelisk, an eternal flame and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by the Indian Army, Air Force and the Navy in a covered gallery (Veerta Chakra). -- PTI

Dense fog engulfed Delhi on Republic Day and the minimum temperature in the city settled at 4.7 degrees Celsius, officials said on Friday.

The conditions are expected to improve by the time the 75th Republic Day parade commences on Kartavya Path.

According to the weather office, the Indira Gandhi Airport and the Safdarjung airport reported dense fog with visibility of 100 metres and 300 metres respectively at 8.30 am.

The morning was cold, with the minimum temperature recorded four notches below the season's average.

The weatherman predicted partly cloudy skies for the day and said the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 20 degrees Celsius.

The IMD had issued an orange alert for Friday.

Delhi on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches below the season's, and a maximum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius. -- PTI

Search giant Google has come up with a special doodle to mark India's 75th Republic Day, depicting the country's transition from the era of analogue TVs to smartphones.

The creative artwork signifies how the ceremonial parade would have been seen on screens across these decades.

India became independent in 1947 and a republic on January 26, 1950.

From big TV sets with cathode ray tubes to smaller ones and eventually, to smartphones, a lot has changed in India in these years.

The doodle depicts two TV sets and a mobile phone, with the letter 'G' on the left face of the first analogue television set, and the screens of the sets forming the two 'O's of 'GOOGLE'.

The remaining three letters 'G', 'L' and 'E' of the Google logo are displayed on the screen of the mobile handset placed in that order.

The first TV screen depicts scenes of the parade in black and white while the second one shows a camel contingent in colour, signifying the transition in technology. -- PTI

French President Emmanuel Macron extended Republic Day wishes on Friday to the people of India and expressed his happiness for being part of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.

Macron is the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations today at the Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard in the heart of the national capital.

Prime Minister Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last.

"My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let's celebrate!," Macron said on X.

On Thursday, Modi and Macron held wide-ranging talks to further consolidate India-France strategic cooperation, especially in areas of defence, security, trade and clean energy, after the French leader was accorded a red-carpet welcome in Jaipur.

The talks took place at a 19th century palace after Modi and Macron held a roadshow from the astronomical observation site of Jantar Mantar to iconic Hawa Mahal in the Pink City.

09:19 'Jai Hind': Modi greets people on Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people on the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day.

In a post on 'X', the prime minister said, "Best wishes on special occasion of the 75th Republic Day. Jai Hind!"

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 as its Constitution came into effect on this day in 1950.

India is set to celebrate its 75th Republic Day on Friday with an impressive display of its military might and rich cultural heritage at the Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital.

The grand celebrations, with an overarching theme of projecting the nation's women power and democratic values, will be graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day with a 90-minute parade on the ceremonial boulevard -- Kartavya Path.

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will be part of the event.

Also, the parade will be heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands.

Around 15 women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past, representing 'Nari Shakti'. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.

The Republic Day parade is slated to commence at 10:30 am and will be held for around 90 minutes.

The ceremony will start with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Minutes later, President Murmu and her French counterpart Macron will arrive in the 'traditional buggy', a practice that is making a comeback after a gap of 40 years, the defence ministry said.

The national flag will be unfurled followed by the national anthem with a 21-gun salute to be given with indigenous gun system 105-mm Indian Field Guns.

Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of the 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by 'Aavaahan', a band performance by over 100 women artistes playing various types of percussion instruments. -- PTI

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

01:43 'He's a foreigner': Adhir's snide remark at Derek amid seat-sharing tussle in WB

West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Wednesday called TMC MP Derek O'Brien a "foreigner", and said that he knew a lot.

He made the comment while reacting to O'Brien's statement that Chowdhury was working at the behest of the BJP, and it was because of him that the alliance between the TMC and the Congress did not work out in West Bengal.

"He is a foreigner, he knows a lot more, you can ask him," Chowdhury told reporters when asked about the TMC leader's comment.

When contacted, O'Brien declined to comment on Chowdhury's remark.

Chowdhury claimed that the Congress was facing problems in getting permission for organising some public meetings as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Bengal.

"The Yatra will continue as scheduled in West Bengal, but in some places, we are facing roadblocks. We wanted to organise public meetings in certain places, but due to various kinds of exams, we are not getting permission in accordance with Supreme Court directives. We thought we would get relaxations in some places, but we are not getting it from the administration, they are saying that they can't give it. However, the Yatra will go on, there will be no change in it," he said.

Two persons were detained for allegedly spreading rumours by circulating a video on Whatsapp, a Mumbai police official said on Thursday.

A probe began on Wednesday after a video, which intended to create enmity among communities, came to light, the official said.

"Two persons were apprehended in this connection. A 30-year-old man from Cheetah Camp in Trombay had created the video on the information of the second accused, who is a resident of Amar Nagar in the same suburb," he said.

A case has been registered and further probe is underway, he added. -- PTI

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01:24 Clash after Sardar Patel's statue pulled down in MP town

Members of two communities clashed and pelted stones at each other after a statue of former deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was pulled down by unidentified persons in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district on Thursday morning, officials said.

No injuries were reported in the clash.

The police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the Makdone area, located about 50km from the district headquarters, where the incident took place, while two senior officers were suspended for alleged negligence, they said.

In a video of the incident which went viral on social media, a group of people was seen pulling down the statue with a tractor.

They wanted that a statue of social reformer and Constitution's chief architect Dr B R Ambedkar be installed at the site, instead of Patel's, police sources said.

The statue of Patel was installed at a site close to the Makdone bus stand late Wednesday night, they said.

However, additional superintendent of police (Rural) Nitesh Bhargav told PTI over phone that they were still trying to find out when the statue was installed. -- PTI

Singer Sidhu Moosewala

00:37 Punjab DSP, his team awarded gallantry medal for neutralising two killers of Moosewala

Deputy superintendent of Punjab police Bikramjit Singh Brar and four members of his team have been conferred with the President's gallantry medal for eliminating two shooters involved in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, officials said on Thursday.

The two gangsters -- Manpreet Singh alias Mannu and Jagroop Singh alias Roopa --were neutralised in Amritsar on July 20, 2022. Singer Sidhu Moosewala was killed in May 2022.

Along with Brar, four other police officers -- sub-inspector Rahul Sharma, assistant sub-inspectors Jagjit Singh, Baljinder Singh and head constable Surinderpal Singh, who were part of the five-member team by him, were also conferred with the President's gallantry medals on the eve of the 75th Republic Day.

Senior IPS officer Promod Ban, chief of the Anti Gangster Task Force, and Assistant Inspector General (Intelligence) Swarandeep Singh were selected for the President's Medal for Distinguished Service, according to a statement.

DSP Dalbir Singh, ASI Malkeet Singh and late senior constable Mandeep Singh (posthumous) were conferred with gallantry medals, the statement said. -- PTI

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00:03 CRPF officer awarded Shaurya Chakra

Central Reserve Police Force officer Bibhor Kumar Singh, who lost his legs during an anti-Maoist operation in the forests of Bihar in 2022, has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra on the eve of the 75th Republic Day.

He is the lone recipient of a military medal, the third-highest peacetime medal, among the central paramilitary forces.

Singh was named for the decoration by the defence ministry in a statement issued on Thursday, a day before the commando-trained officer turns 33.

The assistant commandant-rank officer of the 205th CoBRA battalion, who had joined the CRPF in May 2017, suffered grievous injuries in an improvised explosive device blast on February 25, 2022, while his patrol was out in the Chakrabandha forest area in the Gaya and Aurangabad districts of Bihar.

The officer was evacuated to Gaya district headquarters after about seven hours and he was later shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.

An association of ex-paramilitary forces personnel and other retired central paramilitary forces officers had lamented the delay in awarding a bravery medal to the gallant officer who displayed "extreme tenacity and strength" during the operation where he lost his legs.

Singh, according to his citation provided by the CRPF, "Kept on leading and directing his troops with his indomitable spirit, regardless of his personal safety. Their audacious action led to the retreat of Naxals from the ambush site." Central Reserve Police Force, the country's largest paramilitary force, was also awarded 65 police gallantry medals on the eve of the Republic Day. -- PTI

Bihar BJP's 2-day meet from Sat amid Nitish's move

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