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Thu, 15 August 2019
Amarnath Yatra concludes with subdued ceremony
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22:30 Amarnath Yatra concludes with subdued ceremony
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir concluded on Thursday in a subdued ceremony with about 3.39 lakh pilgrims offering prayers at the naturally-formed ice-shivalingam this year.
With the arrival of the 'Charri Mubarak', the holy mace of Lord Shiva, at the Himalayan shrine on Shrawan Purnima on Thursday, the yatra which was cut short by 16 days came to an end, officials said.
The custodian of the holy mace, Mahant Deependra Giri, along with about 20 other priests were flown to the cave in a helicopter where they performed the rituals in a subdued ceremony, they said.
The holy mace is carried by a group of seers and devotees led by its custodian Giri to the shrine on the conclusion of the yatra, the officials said.
Normally, the group of seers and devotees trek 42 kilometres from Pahalgam to reach the cave shrine in south Kashmir with night halts at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani.
The 46-day yatra which had begun on July 1 was suspended on July 31 for four days in the wake of 'inclement weather conditions'.
Three days later the army said Pakistan-based terrorists are planning to target the yatra and the Jammu and Kashmir administration asked the pilgrims and tourists to 'curtail' their stay in the Valley and leave immediately.
The yatra did not resume after that.
The Jammu and Kashmir Governor's administration had issued a security advisory, saying pilgrims and tourists 'may curtail their stay' and 'return as soon as possible'.
"Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the Valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the advisory by the principal secretary (Home) had said.
The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party had said the advisory will trigger panic in the Valley and called it unprecedented.
About 3.39 lakh yatris had offered prayers at the cave shrine when the yatra was suspended.
It is for the first time that the yatra was cut short in recent years, they said.
On August 5, the government moved to revoke the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and announced its bifurcation into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The Government has strictly enforced section 144 in the Valley since then as a security measure. -- PTI
21:51 'UNSC to discuss Kashmir behind closed doors'
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to discuss India's move to revoke the special status to Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting behind closed doors, diplomats told news agencies.
Poland, which currently holds the council's rotating presidency, has listed the matter for discussion at 10 am (1400 GMT) Friday, the diplomats said. -- Agencies
21:43 Triple talaq petitioner Ishrat ties rakhi to PM
Ishrat Jahan, one of the key petitioners in the triple talaq case, tied a rakhi on the wrist of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and thanked him on behalf of Muslim sisters for making the Islamic practice illegal.
Jahan, who tied a Tricolour rakhi on the PM's wrist in Delhi, said she was 'delighted' to have got the opportunity.
Independence Day this year coincided with Rakshabandhan.
"I thanked the prime minister on behalf of all my muslim sisters for his initiative to make the practice of instant triple talaq illegal. The PM, in his reply, said it was our right and we should be getting it," Jahan told PTI over phone.
President Ram Nath Kovind had on August 1 gave his assent to Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 passed by Parliament,turning it into a law.
The law makes it illegal to pronounce talaq three times in spoken, written or through SMS or WhatsApp or any other electronic chat in one sitting.
Jahan, however, lamented that she could not hand over the container of 'rosogolla' that she had taken for the PM.
"Due to security reasons, I could not give him (Modi) the rosogolla that I had brought from Kolkata. However, I am delighted to have got this opportunity of tying rakhi on the PM's wrist," she said.
Mother to a 14-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, Jahan is one of the five petitioners in the Supreme Court against instant triple talaq.
She is a resident of Howrah district of West Bengal.
She had moved the apex court after her husband divorced her over phone from Dubai by uttering the word 'talaq' thrice consecutively in 2014.
The practice of instant triple talaq was struck down by the supreme court on August 22, 2017. -- PTI
IMAGE: Children tie rakhi on the wrist of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, in New Delhi, on Thursday. Photograph: Press Information Bureau of India
20:32 Army rejects Pak claim of killing 5 soldiers
The Indian Army on Thursday called as 'fictitious' the Pakistan military's claim of killing five Indian soldiers during a cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The response by the Indian Army came after Pakistan military's spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed that three of its soldiers and five Indian personnel were killed in the cross-border firing.
In a tweet, Ghafoor also alleged that the Indian Army has increased firing along the LoC in an effort to divert attention from the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
He claimed that a number of bunkers were damaged and 'intermittent exchange of fire continues'.
When asked about Pakistan's claim, a senior Indian Army official said: "The claim made by Pakistan's military is fictitious."
There have been reports of the Pakistan army increasing its deployment along the LoC after India's decision to withdraw special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The Indian Army has also strengthened its vigil along the LoC and kept its personnel on high alert to effectively deal with any 'misadventure' by Pakistan, a senior military official said. -- PTI
20:06 Putin vows stronger India-Russia ties in I-Day greetings
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's Independence Day and expressed confidence that both the countries will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and constructive interaction on regional as well as international issues.
"Your country rightfully takes pride in great achievements in economic, scientific, technological, cultural and other spheres. India also enjoys high authority in the international arena," said Putin, according to a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
Also extending his greeting to President Ram Nath Kovind, Putin said the Russia-India relation is 'dynamically developing' in the spirit of special and privileged strategic partnership.
"I am convinced that through joint efforts we will further strengthen fruitful bilateral cooperation across all areas as well as constructive interaction in addressing topical issues of regional and international agenda," he said.
It fully meets the interests of peoples of both the countries and goes in line with the task of ensuring stability and security in Asia and the entire world, Putin added.
"With all my heart, I wish you good health and success, and to all your compatriots - well-being and prosperity," he stated. -- PTI
19:07 Indian crew aboard Iranian oil tanker released
The Indian Captain and three other Indian crew members aboard an Iranian oil supertanker were on Thursday released of all charges by authorities in Gibraltar, even as the United States Department of Justice made a last-minute claim on the vessel.
"I am grateful and thankful for my release. And I am grateful to all who have facilitated my release in my legal team," the Indian Captain of the Grace 1 tanker said in a statement.
The arrested crew members -- the Master, Chief Officer and two Second Mates -- were aboard the Panama-flagged supertanker that was detained off Europa Point in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory on the Spanish coast, last month.
A spokesman for Gibraltar's government also confirmed that police proceedings against four members of the crew had ended.
The Gibraltar authorities had said the vessel is loaded to capacity with crude oil enroute to Syria, in breach of European Union (EU) sanctions.
"The US Department of Justice has applied to seize the Grace 1 on a number of allegations which are now being considered. The matter will return to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar," said a statement from the government of Gibraltar, in reference to a hearing expected later on Thursday. -- PTI
18:38 Normalcy returns to Kerala; toll hits 104
With abatement of rains, sun brought some respite to flood-hit Kerala on Thursday as water receded in many low-lying areas and the state began to return to normalcy, even as toll in the second spell of the south-west monsoon rose to 104 with 36 missing.
There was no 'red alert' warning in any of the 14 districts of the southern state as the intensity of rains decreased.
An 'orange alert' (isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall) was sounded in northern districts of Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday while 'yellow alert' (heavy rainfall) has been issued in Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod for Friday, IMD authorities said.
Search operations continued at Kavalappara in Malappuram and Puthumala in Wayanad, where a series of landslides had wiped out two villages last week, to trace those who were feared to have been buried alive.
It was comparatively a sunny day at Puthumala, where earth-movers and sniffer dogs were engaged in tracing the missing people.
Drones were engaged in search operations at Kavalappara.
A government update at 3 pm said a total of 104 people lost their lives across the state in floods and landslides, triggered by the second spell of monsoon, since August 8.
Though people have started shifting to their homes in many places, there are 1,75,373 still sheltered in 1,057 relief camps.
Northern Malapuram district accounted for most deaths with toll there rising to 43 on Thursday and 28 people still missing, followed by Kozhikode (17), Wayanad (12 deaths, 7 missing), Kannur 9 and Thrissur 9 deaths, it said.
According to the government update, a total of 11,901 houses have been partially damaged and 1115 fully damaged.
The state government had on Wednesday announced a package of flood compensation with an immediate financial aid of up to Rs 10,000 each to all calamity-hit families. -- PTI
17:35 Modi-Shah gave 'purna swaraj' to India: Guj CM
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday said that while Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave 'swaraj' (independence) to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave 'purna swaraj' (complete independence) to India.
He was referring to the Modi government's move of abrogating Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and dividing the state into two Union Territories.
"This year's Independence Day celebrations are historic because it came immediately after the Article 370 and 35-A were scrapped. This special status had fuelled separatism in that state. For seven decades, separatists supported and encouraged terrorism," Rupani said.
"As a result, over 41,000 innocent lives were lost and Kashmir was deprived of development all these years," he said.
He was speaking at the state's Independence Day function in Chhota Udepur town of central Gujarat.
"Two sons of Gujarat- Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel- realised our dream of 'swaraj' on August 15, 1947. Similarly, two sons of this soil, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, realised every Indian's dream of having 'purna swaraj', by scrapping Articles 370 and 35-A," he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Gujarat is walking on the path shown by Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Modi and Shah for bringing 'surajya' (good governance) in the state, he said.
Rupani said his government has taken several concrete steps for the welfare of the society without keeping any bias on the basis of caste, religion or region. -- PTI
17:14 Free Balochistan from Pak: Activists to India
Irrespective of being a province within the territory of Pakistan, people of Balochistan on Thursday expressed their solidarity with Indians on the occasion of the country's 73rd Independence Day and said they need India's support to free their land from the domination of Pakistan and its military establishment.
"I want to wish my Indian brothers and sisters a very happy Independence Day. The success they have made in the last 70 years makes Indians proud. Today, Indians are proud all around the world. We Balochs are thankful for their solidarity and help. We want them to raise their voice for a free Balochistan. We need their support. Thank you and Jai Hind," said Baloch activist, Atta Baloch.
Balochistan, the most volatile province in the southwestern borders of Pakistan has been struggling since 1948 against Pakistani occupation.
The Baloch people say that they got independence from the British on August 11, 1947.
The province, rich in natural gas fields, has also accused China of plundering their economic wealth especially after the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and special economic zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Another Baloch activist, Ashraf Sherjan, also after wishing India on this occasion urged the latter to "raise Balochistan officially in all forms, including the United Nations."
"I wish a very happy Independence Day to all my Indian brothers and sisters. We appeal to India to raise Balochistan officially in all forms, including the United Nations. The people of Balochistan are suffering genocide at the hands of Pakistan and its military establishment," Sherjan said.
"Balochistan is bleeding," he added.
The activist further requested India to be "please be the voice of the voiceless" and concluded his remarks by calling out loud in Hindi, "Bharat mata ki jai." -- ANI
17:08 CJI laments 'loud, motivated' conduct in courts
Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday said the judiciary is witnessing an unprecedented rise in instances of "indecorous" acts, and lamented that graceful discourses and deliberations were increasingly being replaced by "loud and motivated" conduct in the courts.
It was important that these are quickly identified, isolated and put in "quarantine" by stake holders to ensure the decorum and dignity of the judiciary was not lost, he said.
The CJI was speaking during the Independence Day celebrations in the Supreme Court's lawn where he unfurled the national flag in the presence of other dignitaries, including Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Attorney General K K Venugopal and senior advocates.
Gogoi said instances of inappropriate behaviour have raised their ugly head in all courts including the Supreme Court
"Indian judiciary has since some time past witnessed an unprecedented rise of instance of indecorous acts... Such instances of inappropriate behaviour have raised their ugly head in all courts including the Supreme Court. Graceful and pleasant discourses and deliberations are increasingly being replaced by loud and motivated conduct," he said.
He said, " It was important that stake holders quickly identify and isolate and put them in quarantine. They must ensure that the decorum and the dignity of this institution is not lost."
The CJI said that reinventing the decades old infrastructure of the apex court would not be a mean task and asked all stake holders to rise to the constitutional needs and "overcome parochial overtones and myopic considerations".
"The Supreme Court administration looks forward to cooperation from all stake holders in reinventing our decades-old infrastructure to match the demands of the rising number of litigants in the constitutional order and seek justice. Reinventing the infrastructure would not be a mean task and it is expected to test our metal and our character to be able to move out of our comfort zones and aid our institution.
"I am confident eventually all stake holders will rise to the constitutional needs and overcome parochial undertones and myopic considerations. Multi-stakeholder institutions like the judiciary do not have any place for parochialism and their growth demands be sensitive an brave," he said. -- PTI
17:06 Will save water: People after PM's appeal
For many children and teachers who participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Thursday, the most important takeaway from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech was the message to conserve water.
During his nearly 92-minute address to the nation, Modi flagged the growing water crisis in the country and said half of India's homes didn't have drinking water.
The words of the prime minister struck a chord with many children and their teachers who participated in the event.
Prinsu Pathak, 14, a student of Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, said, "I am sad to know that many children my age don't have access to clean drinking water. Our city is already grappling with a water crisis and steps have been taken to readdress the issue. Not only the government's, it's everybody's responsibility to save water."
Rekha Verma, a teacher at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, said, "The main issue is that people who have enough water think it is not their problem. This attitude needs to change. Saving even half a litre of water can save somebody's life."
Lakshmi Om Prakash, a Class 8 student, who chose not to dispose of her plastic bottle which had some water left in it, said in many places where there isn't enough drinking water, children often collect water for their households. This keeps them away from school.
"I am surely going to do my best and ask others, including my parents, relatives and friends, to get involved. Together we can make a difference in the lives of kids like us," she said.
In his sixth consecutive Independence Day address, Modi announced roll out of 'Jal Jivan' mission to provide piped drinking water to all households and said his government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it.
A Class 5 student, Sunit Gupta, said it is essential to conserve water because there's a scarcity.
"After using a tap, we should close it. I will also tell my friends to not waste water," she said.
Asha Mahalwal, a teacher at Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Roop Nagar, said, "We teach children to close the tap when it is not in use and to minimise flushing of toilets. We ask them to make every effort to save water. This effort needs greater participation of people. The prime minister's speech will inspire everyone."
Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi reiterated that providing drinking water to all people remained a priority.
"The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated in this movement," he said. -- PTI
17:03 Liquor ban benefitted society: Bihar CM on I-Day
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday unfurled the national flag at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day of the country.
Kumar, in his speech, particularly lauded the liquor ban imposed by his government three years ago as a path-breaking initiative which benefitted the society immensely.
"We enforced liquor ban on the demand of women which benefitted the society as people were taken away from the bottle and engaged in productive work. Over four crore people from the state joined in the movement supporting the liquor ban," he said.
"Some educated people say that drinking liquor is a fundamental right. I strongly object this and there is data to back the claim that liquor is evil for society. The World Health Organization published a report which stated that 30 lakh people died due to drinking liquor in 2016 which is around 5 per cent of the total deaths reported in the year," he added.
The chief minister detailed out the other policies and schemes of the state government in his speech and the benefits accrued by the common people from them. -- ANI
16:50 World leaders greet India on I-Day
World leaders on Thursday greeted the Indian people on the 73rd Independence Day and described New Delhi as a close friend.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering were among the first leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"India is our neighbour and close friend and we shall continue working with the Indian government to further strengthen the ties between Maldives and India," Solih said in a tweet.
Modi thanked him, saying India cherishes the strong friendship between the two nations.
Nepal's Oli said his country is delighted to observe India's rapid economic growth achieved over the past seven decades.
Modi responded by expressing hope that the friendship between the neighbours continue to scale new heights and enhance prosperity for the two peoples.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering tweeted he "sees new chapters of friendship unfold for the two countries."
"But for today, I wish the people of India a happy Independence Day. We pray for a peaceful and prosperous India," he wrote.
Modi, who is visiting Bhutan later this week, said Tshering is correct about the unwavering friendship between India and Bhutan.
"This friendship is growing in a wide range of sectors, which is a great sign. I look forward to meeting you during my upcoming Bhutan visit," the PM said. -- PTI
16:44 SC to hear petitions against Article 370 on Friday
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday the petitions posing legal challenges to the Centre's decision to scrap provisions of Article 370 which abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent measures putting restrictions on the working of media in the region.
A special bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer, will hear the petitions filed by advocate M L Sharma and Executive Editor, Kashmir Times, Anuradha Bhasin.
While the advocate has challenged the scrapping of provisions of Article 370 which has resulted in the creation of two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the journalist has sought directions for restoring of all modes of communication, including mobile Internet and landline services, throughout the state to provide an enabling environment for the media to practise its profession.
Sharma had filed the petition on August 6, a day after the Centre had abrogated the Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
The advocate in his plea has claimed that the Presidential order on Article 370 was illegal since it was passed without the consent of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
In a separate petition filed on August 10, Bhasin said she is seeking a direction for the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately relax all restrictions on freedom of movement of journalists and media personnel in Kashmir and some districts of Jammu.
The direction was sought to enable media personnel to practise their profession and exercise their right to report in furtherance of their rights under Articles 14, 19 (1) (a) and 19 (1) (g) and 21 of the Constitution as well as the right to know of the residents of the Kashmir Valley, the petition said.
In the petition, the editor said that since August 4, all connectivity was shutdown leaving Kashmir and some districts in Jammu completely isolated and cut-off from all possible modes of communication and information.
Earlier on Tuesday, the apex court had refused to interfere with the restrictions, including the communication clampdown in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that reasonable time should be given for bringing normalcy in the sensitive situation and posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. -- PTI
16:41 Shah Faesal shifted to detention centre in Srinagar
Former IAS officer Shah Faesal, who is under detention, has been taken to a makeshift detention centre at the Centaur Hotel in Srinagar, officials said on Thursday.
He was shifted from his home to the hotel during the night, they said.
Faesal who was stopped from taking a flight to Istanbul at the Delhi airport during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday was flown back to Srinagar where he was detained under the Public Safety Act, they said.
During preliminary questioning, Faesal said he was taking a connecting flight to London from Istanbul, the officials said.
The former bureaucrat from Jammu and Kashmir had floated the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement party after resigning from the Indian Administrative Service.
After being detained at the Delhi airport, he was again detained under the PSA on his arrival in Srinagar, the officials said.
Faesal had criticised the "unprecedented" lock-down in the Valley with its eight million population "incarcerated" like never before post the removal of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, provided under Article 370.
He is among the last political leaders who have been placed under house arrest. -- PTI
15:50 PM reviews state of economy with FM, officials
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday comprehensively reviewed the state of the economy with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as his government scrambled for solutions to tackle a fast-spreading slowdown in various sectors, which is eroding wealth and causing job losses.
Modi, after delivering his sixth straight address to the nation on the Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, went into brainstorming with Sitharaman and all top officials in her ministry, sources privy to the development said.
The meeting, they said, was to assess the nature of the slowdown and its long-term impact.
There are expectations that the government would come out with sector-specific stimulus sometime soon.
An email query sent to the spokesperson of the finance ministry remained unanswered.
India's economic growth has slowed to 6.8 per cent in 2018-19 - the slowest pace since 2014-15, consumer confidence is waning and foreign direct investment has plateaued. International trade and currency war is further aggravating the problem.
While the finance ministry has remained tight-lipped on measures being contemplated to take the economy out, Reserve Bank Governor had earlier this month stated that the slowdown is more cyclical than structural and the growth is expected to review by the fourth quarter.
But there are ominous signs showing that slowdown may be deep. The auto sector is facing its worst crisis in two decades and reports suggest thousands of job losses in the automobile and ancillary industry.
In the real estate sector, the number of unsold homes has increased while fast-moving consumer goods companies have reported a decline in volume growth in the first quarter.
Though lending by banks to industries has shown a significant jump from 0.9 per cent in April-June quarter in 2018 to 6.6 per cent for the same period this year, the same to job-creating MSME sector has slipped from 0.7 per cent in 2018 to 0.6 per cent in June quarter.
Also, direct tax collections have grown by just 1.4 per cent. The growth in GST collection till July this fiscal too has been only 9 per cent as against 18 per cent estimated in the Union Budget. -- PTI
15:48 Soumitra Chatterjee stable but has breathing problem : family
Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee is in stable condition at the hospital but has cough and breathing problems, his family said on Thursday.
Chatterjee is still under observation at ICU but his condition is better than Wednesday, his daughter Poulomi Basu told PTI.
"Baba talked to me this morning but he had difficulty in speaking due to cough. He has been advised not to speak much," she said.
To a question, Basu said the doctors did not tell the family how long Chatterjee would be kept in the ICU. "We have been told he will be under observation for some more time."
Actor Shankar Chakraborty, who went to visit Chatterjee at the hospital but could not meet him due to restrictions, said "I heard from the hospital and his family that he is in stable condition and showing signs of
improvement. We all pray for his speedy recovery."
Chatterjee was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday after he complained of breathing problems.
A hospital statement had said on Wednesday that he is suffering from respiratory tract infection and is out of danger.
The 84-year-old actor in his six-decade-long career acted in over 250 films.
He featured in 14 films by Satyajit Ray, including in Apur Sansar, the last of the famed Apu Trilogy and the maestro's penultimate Sakha Prasakha.
He had also featured in a number of films by Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha and modern day directors and had been a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Legion d'honour from the French government.
15:16 Actor Vidya Sinha passes away
Veteran actor Vidya Sinha passed away on Thursday.
She was 71.
Sinha is best known for her performances in Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat and Pati Patni Aur Woh, among others.
She has also acted in TV shows like Kkavyanjali, Qubool Hai and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala.
Sinha was admitted to CritiCare Hospital in Juhu on Thursday.
As per reports, she was suffering from lung and heart disorders and was on ventilator in the ICU.
15:09 Veterans, experts laud Modi's CDS move
Military veterans as well as strategic and defence experts on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of creating the post of Chief of Defence Staff, saying it was a long pending move that will help in greater integration of the three services.
Gen (retd) V P Malik, the former chief of the army who led the force during the Kargil conflict in 1999, described it as a "historic step" that will ensure better jointmanship and multi-disciplinary coordination.
"Thank you PM Modi for announcing historic step of institution of CDS. This step will make our national security more effective and more economical. It will ensure better jointmanship and multi-disciplinary coordination. Salute!" Malik tweeted.
Admiral (retd) Sunil Lanba, former navy chief and ex-chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, said it is a great step, which was "long overdue".
"What had been worked out for the permanent chairman of Chiefs of Staffs, if the same role and responsibility are given to CDS, (then) there will be a greater level of integration both in planning and management of the (defence) budget," Lanba said.
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Manmohan Bahadur said one should wait for details of how the government plans to take forward the process of creation of CDS.
"The details are yet to be announced as that will determine inter-say responsibility of the CDS, the three service chiefs and the defence secretary. It also has to be known whether he will also be the operational head or would it be as envisaged by the Kargil review committee which said the CDS would not be the operational head. These vital details are awaited," Bahadur said.
In a landmark military reform, Modi, in his Independence Day speech, announced that the country will now have a CDS as head of the tri-services, a proposal pending since the Kargil conflict in 1999.
The CDS will be senior to the service chiefs and his primary role will be to work towards increasing operational coordination among the army, the navy or the air force and deal with India's national security with a comprehensive approach.
He will also act as a single-point military adviser to the prime minister and defence minister on key defence and strategic issues. -- PTI
14:33 J-K incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits: Malik
Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day.
"Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The administration is committed towards their homecoming and rehabilitation in Kashmir. This is possible with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders including Valley people who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Malik said.
Congratulating Kashmiri people for cooperating with the administration during the Amarnath Yatra and concluding it in a peaceful manner, he said: "Over 3 lakh pilgrims paid a visit to the Holy cave. Hajj and Amarnath were organised in a manner which is an excellent example of the true essence of Kashmiriyat which is exemplary for its communal harmony."
The Governor asserted that 3,000 vacancies out of 6,000 in the public sector were established for Kashmiri migrant Pandits and these vacancies are soon to be filled. "The process for recruitment against the remaining 3000 posts out of 6000 created for Kashmiri migrants and the construction of transit accommodation for the employees serving in the Valley has been expedited," he said.
Malik informed that the foundation stone for new Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Airport terminal building at Leh has been laid and the process is underway to establish a full-fledged commercial airport at Kargil.
The process to establish the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the block development councils shall be held very soon, he said.
"I request all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forward and participate in these elections. Both Block Development Councils and District Development Boards play a key role in ensuring the participation of people and development in their respective areas," he added. -- ANI
14:28 Kerala CM cautions against Constitutional violations
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday cautioned against attempts to weaken and violate the Constitution and said the values enshrined in the Constitution should be protected.
In a veiled attack on the Centre for scrapping the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, he said India is a country where states enjoy special privileges and any infringement into their rights would amount to the
violation of the Constitution and federal principles.
Apparently referring to the detention of political leaders in Kashmir, the CPI(M) veteran said it should be introspected whether the country was distancing or moving closer to socialist and democratic values at a
time when even leaders of democratic parties were placed under house arrest.
Vijayan was speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram marking the Independence Day celebrations in the state.
"Each Independence Day gives the message of the need to safeguard the values enshrined in the Constitution," he said.
Federal spirit is the crux of the Constitution and any attempt to replace it with a "unitary" system can only be viewed as a violation of the constitutional principles, the chief minister said.
Kerala was going through a tough situation due to the floods, he said, adding the state would overcome the difficulties, like the August deluge last year, through united efforts.
The chief minister also condoled the deaths of over hundred people in torrential rains and landslides in the recent days. -- PTI
14:09 I-Day: 4 NSG officials get police medal
Four officials of the counter-terror force National Security Guard have been awarded the police medal for meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day.
The awardees include Group Commander Rakesh Kumar, posted at the headquarters of the force in New Delhi.
Kumar is a 1993-batch officer of the Border Security Force cadre and has served in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency grid in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states for over 14 years.
He joined the NSG on deputation in March, 2017.
The other decorated officers are Group Commander Binod Toppo, second-in-command rank officer R K Langeh and agency law officer K N Chaudhary.
The NSG was raised in 1984 as a federal counter-terror and counter-hijack crack commando unit under the Union home ministry. -- PTI
13:28 PM delivers his 2nd-longest I-Day speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Independence Day speech, after assuming the office for the second term with a thumping majority, was his second-longest address from the ramparts of Red Fort.
Only four-minutes short of his longest Independence Day speech delivered in 2016, today's 92-minute long address touched upon wide-varieties of the subject and showcased a five-year road-map of his government's ongoing term.
Today's speech on India's 73rd Independence Day also is also the second-longest speech delivered by any Indian Prime Minister on the occasion, since 1947.
From the 17th century Mughal monument, Prime Minister Modi had delivered a 96-minute long speech in 2016, making it the longest ever Independence Day address by an Indian Prime Minister.
Modi's last address from Red Fort in 2018 was 82 minutes long.
Prime Minister Modi has so far addressed the nation on Independence Day six times and barring 2017 (57 minutes), all his speeches have been over an hour long.
Independence Day speeches of his predecessor, Manmohan Singh, during his 10 years as Prime Minister were all less than 60 minutes.
It may be noted that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had made a 72-minute-long speech on the occasion of India's first Independence Day. -- ANI
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day in New Delhi. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo
13:07 Shut up or apologise: Bruce Lee's daughter to Tarantino
Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon Lee has shot back at filmmaker Quentin Tarantino over his recent comments that the martial arts legend was an "arrogant guy" in real life.
Tarantino has come under fire for Lee's portrayal in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which according to many people, including Lee's protege Dan Inosanto and daughter Shannon, paints the late actor as an "arrogant a**hole who was full of hot air".
Both Inosanto and Shannon have criticised a fight scene in the film involving Lee and Brad Pitt's Cliff Booth.
Talking to Variety, Shannon said, "He could shut up about it. That would be really nice. Or he could apologize or he could say, 'I don't really know what Bruce Lee was like. I just wrote it for my movie. But that shouldn't be taken as how he really was.'"
Her statement was in response to the comments made by Tarantino at a press conference in Moscow where he finally addressed the controversy.
"Bruce Lee was kind of an arrogant guy. The way he was talking, I didn't just make a lot of that up. I heard him say things like that to that effect. If people are saying, 'Well he never said he could beat up Mohammad Ali,' well yeah he did. Alright?
"Not only did he say that but his wife, Linda Lee, said that in her first biography I ever read. She absolutely said that," the filmmaker said.
Shannon said her father's confidence should not be mistaken as his arrogance.
"(Tarantino) can portray Bruce Lee however he wanted to, and he did. But it's a little disingenuous for him to say, 'Well, this is how he was, but this is a fictional movie, so don't worry too much about it'," she added. -- PTI
13:04 I didn't announce any retirement: Gayle
West Indies' third one-dayer against India here appeared to be the last international match for Chris Gayle but the 'Universe Boss' has suggested after the game that he has not yet retired.
Gayle played the third ODI, which India won by six wickets under D/L method, on Wednesday with a special '301' jersey -- indicating the number of ODIs he has featured in throughout his career, a record for any cricketer from the West Indies.
The Jamaican, who made 72 off 41 balls, was applauded by the Indian players as he walked off after being dismissed in the 12th over of West Indies innings. He raised his bat, helmet perched on top of it, and the crowd continued to cheer, wondering if it was the last time they would see him bat.
But after the game, Gayle dismissed suggestions that this was his farewell game.
"I didn't announce anything...any retirement," he said in a short video posted by Cricket West Indies, when asked whether he has retired from ODI cricket or not.
Asked if he will still be around, he said, "Yeah, until further notice."
Gayle had earlier announced that the ICC World Cup in the United Kingdom would be his last international assignment, before revealing a change of plans towards the end of the marquee tournament.
During the World Cup, he said he wanted to play the ODIs and Tests in the home series against India, possibly setting up a farewell Test at his hometown Kingston. However, Gayle was not selected for the two-match Test series, which made it likelier that he might have played his last international match in the third ODI against India here on Wednesday.
At the a post-match press conference, West Indies captain Jason Holder said, "To my knowledge he hasn't retired from international cricket."
"But today was an example of his career. The knock he played was outstanding. He got us off to a really good start. He was entertaining, he showed presence, and that's just what people have come to expect of Chris Gayle over the years." -- PTI
12:52 Kejriwal announces free travel for women in Delhi buses
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday that rides on the Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses will be free for women from October 29 on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj.
He made the announcement at the Delhi government's Independence Day event at Chhatrasal Stadium.
"On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety," Kejriwal said. -- PTI
12:13 PM continues turban tradition for I-Day speech
Continuing the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sported a multi-coloured turban as he gave his sixth Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Thursday.
"Safa" has been a highlight of the PM's sartorial choices at Independence Day and Republic Day events.
Modi donned a half-sleeve white kurta, pyjama and a stole with saffron border along with a multi-coloured turban replete with hues of yellow, red and green with 'leheriya' pattern.
For his maiden Independence Day address as the prime minister in 2014, Modi had opted for a Jodhpuri bandhej turban in bright red colour with green at the tail.
A yellow turban covered with criss-cross lines in different shades of the same colour, along with a few in red and deep green, marked his 2015 look, and he chose a 'tie and dye' turban in hues of pink and yellow for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2016.
The prime minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with criss-crossed golden lines all over it followed by a saffron turban in 2018.
From bright red bandhni turban from Kutch to mustard Rajasthani 'safa', turbans have been a highlight of Prime Minister's Republic Day appearances too.
The country celebrated its 73rd Independence Day today where Modi addressed the people of India from the ramparts of Red Fort for the first time after returning to power for a second term with a thumping majority. -- PTI
12:02 TN CM Palaniswami announces trifurcation of Vellore district
Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami on Thursday announced trifurcating the large Vellore district into three and asserted his government's commitment to the two-language formula.
In his Independence Day address after unfurling the tricolour at the Fort St George in Chennai, Palaniswami said dividing Vellore district was following consideration of representations from ministers, MLAs and the general public.
Two new districts with Ranipet and Tirupattur as headquarters respectively will be carved out from Vellore and K V Kuppam in Vellore district will be upgraded into a new taluk, he said.
Vellore will continue to function as a separate district.
Palaniswami had recently announced new districts of Chengelpet and Tenkasi and with the two new districts, Tamil Nadu is set to have a total of 37 districts.
Quoting late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, he expressed his government's commitment to the two-language formula of Tamil and English.
This is the third time Palaniswami is hoisting the national flag as chief minister. -- PTI
11:38 Pak to give top military awards to 2 pilots for downing Indian jet
Pakistan will confer top military awards to two of its Air Force officers for showing valour during an aerial combat with India in February, President Arif Alvi has announced.
Wing Commander Muhammad Nouman Ali, who downed an Indian Air Force jet piloted by Abhinandan Varthaman on February 27, will be conferred with Sitar-e-Jurat while Squadron Leader Hassan Mahmood Siddiqui will be awarded with Tamgha-e-Shujaat.
The investiture ceremony will be held on March 23 next year after Pakistan Day parade in the capital, Paistan Army said in a statement.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot in February.
It came 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.
Following the bombing of the JeM training camp, the Pakistan Air Force carried out a retaliatory aerial combat, unsuccessfully targeting several Indian military installations.
Pakistan claims that its Air Force jets shot down two Indian fighter planes during the dogfight on February 27 and debris of one of planes fell on Pakistan side of the Line of Control while the other fell on the Indian side.
India has maintained that Pakistan downed a MiG 21 aircraft of the Indian Air Force while Indian Air Force shot down an F-16 jet of the PAF during the dogfight.
Varthaman, who downed a Pakistani jet in the aerial combat and was held captive for three days, has been conferred the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest war time gallantry medal. -- PTI
11:37 We must resolve to safeguard fundamentals of Republic: Yechury
Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday reminded the country of its diversity and the need to hold on to it while wishing the nation on its 73rd Independence Day.
He said safeguarding the "fundamentals" of the country was essential.
"We must never forget that all Indians are equal and free, irrespective of the language they speak, the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the person they marry, the god they pray to (or don't) or the colour of their skin.
"Happy Independence Day! We must resolve to safeguard the fundamentals of our Republic secular democracy, federalism and social justice," he said. -- PTI
11:34
From left, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kapil Sibal, Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, Anand Sharma, A K Antony and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Congress HQ to celebrate 73rd Independence Day.
11:31 Sonia Gandhi unfurls national flag at Congress HQ
Congress president Sonia Gandhi unfurls the national tricolour at the party headquarters in New Delhi on the 73rd Independence Day.
10:48 Pompeo greets India on I-Day
Greeting the people of India on the eve of the country's Independence Day, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said over the past two decades India-US friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership.
He said that the shared democratic values of the two nations, strong people-to-people ties and commitment to economic growth have further cemented the relationship.
"Over the past two decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership and we now cooperate on a range of important issues, from defense and counter-terrorism, to freedom of navigation and cutting-edge science, including in space," Pompeo said in a statement.
"As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day," he said. -- PTI
10:40 Guv hoists tricolour in J-K on I-Day
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the national tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar in the first Independence Day celebration in the Union Territory after the abrogation of its special status.
After unfurling the flag, Malik inspected the parade of para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Restrictions were put in place in Srinagar in the wake of the abrogation of the special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.
Principal secretary in the J-K administration Rohit Kansal had said restrictions were eased out in various parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, where peace prevailed on Wednesday.
He, however, said reasonable restrictions are put in place to maintain the law and order situation in the Valley.
The situation in Kashmir continued to be calm since the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 as no major incidents were reported and due to this, the government has given further relaxation in prohibitory orders in many areas, the officer had said. -- PTI
10:15 China asks for UNSC meeting to discuss Kashmir
China has formally asked for "closed consultations" in the United Nations Security Council to discuss India revoking the special status to Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistan, Beijing's closest ally, wrote a letter on the issue to Poland, the Council President for the month of August, a top diplomat here said.
The UN diplomat said that a request for such a meeting was submitted very recently, but no date has yet been scheduled for it.
"China asked for closed consultations on the Security Council agenda item 'India Pakistan Question'. The request was in reference to the Pakistani letter to Security Council President," the diplomat said.
Pakistan formally called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss India revoking the special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi recently said.
The diplomat said that China also submitted a formal request for such a meeting but Poland has to consult and take into account preferences of other Council members before deciding on time and date for the meeting.
The official said that so far no final decision on the time of the meeting had been made and Friday morning is the "earliest realistic option" for the meeting.
Qureshi has sent a formal letter to the president of the Security Council, Polish Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, through country's Permanent Representative Maleha Lodhi to convene the meeting. Qureshi said the letter will also be shared with all members of the UNSC.
Qureshi had said he sent a formal letter to the president of the UNSC through Permanent Representative Lodhi to convene the meeting. -- PTI
10:11 Art 370 could be removed due to society's resolve: Bhagwat
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 could be revoked because the entire society showed determination.
Greeting people during the Independence Day celebrations at the RSS headquarters here in Nagpur, he said it is the day to remember the sacrifices made for the country's freedom.
"Article 370 could be removed because the entire society made a resolution, so on this day we renew that resolve again," Bhagwat told reporters.
"Today is the day to remember the sacrifices made for the independence and to resolve for it again," he said.
Image: Mohan Bhagwat unfurls the tricolour at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. Photograph: ANI
10:09
Home Minister Amit Shah hoists tricolour at his residence on India's 73rd Independence Day
10:08 PM meets 3 service chiefs at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at the Red Fort.
10:04
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets children at Red Fort after his I-Day speech.
09:34 Visit 15 domestic tourist destinations by 2022: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to visit at least 15 tourist destinations within India by 2022, saying there is a "huge" scope to improve India's tourism sector.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 73rd Independence Day, he said India has much to offer and if domestic tourism increases, international footfalls too will increase.
"I know people travel abroad for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom," the PM said.
He said people should visit Indian destinations even if there were no hotels or infrastructure there, as their visits would boost tourism in these areas and automatically lead to better facilities.
He also said that earlier people aspired to have a good mobile phone, but now they want more data and better speed.
"There is a huge scope to improve our tourism sector," he said.
He said the time has come to boost exports and each district of India has much to offer.
"Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect," he said.
He said the world is eager to explore trade with India and the government was working to keep prices under check and increase development.
"The fundamentals of our economy are strong," he said. -- PTI
09:16 People want Vande Bharat Express: Modi
People of India are no longer happy with merely the proposal for a new railway station, they want to know when the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express will come to their area, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in I-Day speech speaking of the changing aspirations of the people.
Modi said that the government has decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure development.
"People's thinking has changed. Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to set up a railway station. Now people ask- when will Vande Bharat Express come to my area. People do not want only good railway stations or bus stations, they ask when is a good airport coming," he said.
Currently only one Vande Bahrat Express is operational between Delhi and Varanasi, while another between Delhi and Katra is in the pipeline.
08:59 India to have a Chief of Defence Staff: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces creation of Chief of Defence Staff to ensure coordination and provide effective leadership to three services.
"Our forces are India's pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort. India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more effective," the PM said in his Independence Day address.
08:39 One Nation, One Constitution is reality now: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that One Nation, One Constitution spirit has become a reality and India is proud of that.
>> Discussions should now be held on one nation one election, it is imperative to make the country great
>> One Nation, One Constitution spirit has become a reality and India is proud of it
>> Time has come to take on key challenges head on
>> Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount
>> GST brought to life the dream of One Nation, One Tax. India has also achieved One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector.Arrangements have been made for One Nation, One Mobility Card.Today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election
08:39 Modi expresses concern over 'population explosion'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over "population explosion" in the country saying it causes new challenges for the coming generations, and asserted that the central and state governments should launch measures to deal with the issue.
Modi said the issue of ever-rising population is a matter of concern and said that a small section of society, which keeps their families small, deserves respect. What they are doing is an act of patriotism, he said.
This is the first time Modi has raised the issue, even though a section of the BJP has been vocal about the matter.
If population is educated and healthy, the country too will be educated and healthy, he said.
08:35 Govt to launch Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water to households: PM
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government will launch a Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water to households and resolved to spend more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore in coming years.
Modi said half of the country's households do not have access to piped water.
"I want to announce from the Red Fort that we will move forward with Jal Jeevan Mission. The Centre and states will work towards it and in coming years, more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be spent," he said.
Modi said for water conservation, efforts need to quadruple in the next five years as to what was done in the last seven decades.
08:15 If we can ban Sati, why not triple talaq: PM
Talking about instant triple talaq, the PM said that scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life.
Here are some highlights of his I-Day speech:
>> If we can take steps against 'Sati' custom, female foeticide and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq
>> Scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life. The decision should not be seen through political prism
>> In the last five years, we tried to improve ease of living. We will work harder in the next five years
>> Peoples trust in us have given us new strength. The 2019 mandate shows that hopelessness has given way to hope among masses
>> If 2014-19 was an era to fulfil people's needs, the time since 2019 is about meeting aspirations and dreams
08:10 We neither nurse problems nor keep them pending: PM on Art 370
Referring to decision of scrapping Article 370, PM Modi said that his government neither nurse problems nor keep them pending.
He said, "Why did those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for J and K and kept it a temporary measure."
"Different governments made efforts in 70 years to deal with Kashmir, but it did not bear results. A new approach was needed," Modi added.
07:55 Scrapping of Art 370 fulfills Patel's dreams: PM
PM Modi begins his speech with extending greetings for the festival of Raksha Bandhan and also expressed his concern for the people in flood-affected areas of the country.
>> I congratulate all my brothers and sisters a very happy Rakshabandhan. May this festival of love fulfills all our aspirations
>> Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods
>> As we celebrate Independence day today, I bow down to all brave freedom fighters who laid their lives for our freedom
>> The new govt has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. These include decisions on Article 370, the end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders.
>> Article 370 and 35A being revoked is a step towards realising the dream of Sardar Patel
07:43
Jai Hind!
07:33 PM Modi unfurls national flag
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort.
07:29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the Guard of Honour at the Red Fort.
07:28 PM Modi arrives at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort, to address the nation shortly.
07:23 PM pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi ahead of the Independence Day speech.
07:12 Modi greets nation on 73rd Independence Day
Ahead of his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes citizens on India's 73rd Independence Day
'Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!,' Modi tweeted.
Shortly, the PM will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Watch PM's full speech HERE
01:05 Pak to honour 2 pilots for 'downing Indian jet'
Pakistan on Wednesday announced that it will give top military awards to its two Air Force officers for showing valour during an aerial combat with India in February.
President Arif Alvi announced that Wing Commander Muhammad Nouman Ali, who downed an Indian Air Force jet piloted by Abhinandan Varthaman on February 27, will be conferred with Sitar-e-Jurat while Squadron Leader Hassan Mahmood Siddiqui will be awarded with Tamgha-e-Shujaat, the Army said in a statement.
The investiture ceremony will be held on March 23 next year after Pakistan Day parade in the capital.
Pakistan claims that its Air Force jets shot down two Indian fighter planes in the dogfights on February 27 and debris of one of them fell on Pakistan side of the Line of Control while the other fell on the Indian side.
India has maintained that Pakistan downed a MiG 21 aircraft of the IAF while Indian Air Force shot down an F-16 jet of the PAF during the dogfight.
Wg Cdr Varthaman, who downed a Pakistani jet in the aerial combat and was held captive for three days, has been conferred the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest war time gallantry medal. -- PTI
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