LIVE! One dead, 45 injured during Dahi Handi celebrations

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Tue, 15 August 2017

One dead, 45 injured during Dahi Handi celebrations

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21:56 One dead, 45 injured during Dahi Handi celebrations

Even as Dahi Handi was celebrated with fervour in and around Mumbai, at least 45 Govindas were injured in the city while forming human pyramids as part of the festival, while another one died in Palghar district after he suffered an epileptic attack during the celebrations.

However, the dahi handi celebrations this year were relatively low-key in view of the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), income tax woes and demonetisation.

Rains and fear of injuries failed to dampen the spirit of 'govindas' as hundreds of them were seen moving around in trucks and tempos, travelling from one 'handi' venue to another in the metropolis.

The festival, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with enthusiasm across the city, including in areas like Ghatkopar, Dadar, Lalbaug and Bhandup.

"As many as 45 govindas were injured in Mumbai till 5 pm," civic officials.

"One of them was seriously injured and admitted to a hospital, while others were discharged after they were administered first aid," they added.

In Palghar, 21-year-old Rohan Kini died after he suffered an epileptic attack during the celebrations, police said.

"He got down from the human pyramid after breaking the handi. But immediately afterwards, he suffered an epileptic attack. He died on way to a hospital in Palghar around 6.30 pm," a police officer said.

Members of some Dahi Handi mandals said the dahi handi celebrations this year were slightly subdued.

"After the demonetisation, several mandals substantially reduced the prize money offered to the Govinda troupes," member of a mandal said.

Another member said, "While demonetisation has slightly hit the cash flow, the implementation of GST, has made the people doubly cautious as they fear that the Income Tax department may come knocking any time. Therefore, many have decided to reduce the prize money."

Last week, the state government had assured the Bombay high court during the hearing on a PIL that it would ensure that children below 14 years of age would not participate in formation of Dahi Handi pyramids.

The HC, however, had refused to impose any restriction on the height of human pyramid formations.

Secretary of Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, Kamlesh Bhoir, said, "After the high court removed the restrictions on the height of pyramids, we were only left with the task of ensuring that children under the age of 14 do not participate in forming the human pyramids."

Across Maharashtra, 'Govinda' troupes compete to form multi-tier pyramids and break pitchers of curd and buttermilk tied high above the ground on this day. -- PTI

IMAGE: A human pyramid formed by govindas in Thane. Photograph: Sahil Salvi

20:17

Laser show underway at Gateway of India in Mumbai on Independence Day. Photograph: ANI

19:52 CPI-M alleges Doordarshan refused to broadcast Manik Sarkar's speech

The Communist Party of India-Marxist today alleged that Doordarshan refused to broadcast Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar's speech and said it would fight this 'undeclared Emergency'.

CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said Doordarshan was 'not the private property' of the Bhsrstiys Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'instructing his cronies to black out voices' of the Opposition, including that of an elected chief minister.

There were no immediate reaction from the Prasar Bharati,which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio.

'Doordarshan refuses to broadcast Tripura CM Manik Sarkar's speech. Is this the Cooperative Federalism that PM Modi talks about? Shame!' the CPI-M's official Twitter handle said, without mentioning the speech of the prime minister but believed to be his Independence Day address.

Tagging the tweet, Yechury hit out at the central government, saying the channel's alleged refusal to air Sarkar's speech was 'illegal'.

'PM can pay homilies to cooperative federalism while instructing his cronies to black out voices of the Opposition, including an elected CM.

'If this isn't authoritarianism & undeclared Emergency, what is? This will be fought back by the CPM, people of Tripura and all our citizens,' the Marxist leader tweeted. -- PTI

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has filed three separate petitions in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to challenge the July 28 Panamagate verdict, which disqualified him from holding any office.

Sharif's lawyer Khuwaja Harris submitted the three review appeals, in reply to the petitions filed by Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid and Sirajul Haq.

The five-member apex bench that took the unanimous July 28 decision last month will hear the review petition.

The five-member bench of the top court had disqualified Nawaz from the PM's office for failing to declare a salary, which he had not withdrawn as an executive of Dubai-based company, as an asset when filing his nomination papers in 2013.

In his 34-page application, Nawaz has requested the Supreme Court to review its judgment as the petitions submitted by him also includes relevant documents concerning the iqama, a United Arab Emirates work visa, that led the judges to declare Nawaz 'unfit to hold office'.

He argued that he did not conceal the documents in his nomination papers for the 2013 polls, which became the ground for his disqualification, was not included in any of the petitions against Sharif, therefore, the bench did not have any authority to rule over it.

He mentioned in the application that under Article 188 of the Constitution, he cannot be disqualified without a trial.

Being deprived of the right to appeal against the verdict is in violation of the Constitution, the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

The bench had also directed NAB to file references against Nawaz, his sons Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz, daughter Maryam Nawaz, son-in-law Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and then finance minister Ishaq Dar. -- ANI

17:45 Death toll in Bihar flood rises to 56

Bihar disaster management department on Tuesday confirmed that death toll rose to 56 due to floods in the state.

Officials of the department said the flood situation has worsened and there is little chance of respite by Wednesday."So far 56 people died due to floods" .

According to local Hindi TV news channel, flood victims in these districts have complained that neither relief has reached them nor any official has approached them for evacuation.

-- M I Khan in Patna

To honour the death of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz, who was abducted and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army on the occasion of Independence Day, renamed a school after the former as "Lt Ummer Goodwill School."

Earlier, Indian Army officials had met the bereaved family members of Lt Fayaz in May, and informed his kin that the Goodwill School Behibagh would be renamed as 'Shaheed Lt Ummer Fayaz Goodwill School'.

Earlier in May, Fayaz went to attend the wedding of his uncle's daughter at Batapura (near Behibagh), from where he was reportedly abducted by terrorists and a day after that his bullet-riddled body was found at Harmen.

His mortal remains underwent post mortem at the District Hospital in Shopian and was subsequently brought to Sursun for burial with full military honours.

Lt Fayaz was commissioned on December 10, 2016 from the National Defence Academy and was set to head for the Young Officers Course in September this year.

The police said that the officer was shot by terrorists five times in an orchard.

Barely over a week after the incident of stalking of an IAS officer's daughter, another woman has complained of being chased by three men in a car.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that last night while returning home from market in a two-wheeler she was chased by three men in a car from Sector 36 till Sector 40 here last night, the police said today.

"The men started chasing her after she bought some fruits from the market," Chandigarh Police Deputy Superintendent of Police, Deepak Yadav said.

The woman, who belonged to Hisar and has been staying as a paying guest, noted down the vehicle's number and informed the police, the DSP said.

A case has been registered on her complaint under section 341 (wrongful restraint), 354D (stalking), and section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC, the DSP said.

"We will soon apprehend the accused," he said.

Earlier, on August 5, a 29-year-old disc jockey and daughter of a senior IAS officer was allegedly stalked by the son of Haryana BJP chief and his friend.

Justice has to be certain and swift in order to tackle crime against women, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, advising politicians to

keep their "errant sons" indoors instead of imposing restrictions on women.

Kejriwal said governments should ensure freedom for women instead of imposing restrictions on them. A politician's son, guilty of such crimes, should be awarded double the punishment as stipulated in statute books, he said.

"Son of a very influential leader was recently caught for committing crime against women. Another leader commented that women should not venture out at night. I wish to slap that leader," Kejriwal said, adding that such politicians should instead keep their sons indoors if they can't keep them under control.

"The most important thing in such cases is deterrence. There should be certainty and swiftness when it comes to punishment. Now when a politician's son commits any such crime, the entire system comes together to shield him," he said.

16:26 Kamal Haasan takes on Tamil Nadu CM on Twitter

After sparring with the Tamil Nadu state ministers and even engaging them with political attacks over corruption and NEET, actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday took on Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Twitter.

In spite of reports about several acts of crime and corruption, he wondered why no one has sought the resignation of the chief minister.

"If one state's CM should resign for a mishap & corruption under his government. How come no party calls for resignation in TN. Enough crimes done," Kamal Haasan tweeted on Tuesday, as if sending out an Independence Day message. The tweet was re-tweeted by thousands within minutes.

This is the first time that the actor has directly taken on the chief minister, ever since he started openly making political statements and questioning the ministers over rampant corruption.

"My aim is a better Tamil Nadu. Who dares to strengthen my voice. DMK, AIADMK and parties are tools to help. If those tools are blunt find others," Kamal Haasan said, in a second tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech today drew flak from the opposition, with the Congress describing it as "most disappointing" and the Left downplaying it as "nothing spectacular".

Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said Modi had not shown "sensitivity" to the Gorakhpur tragedy -- the death of infants in a UP hospital -- by comparing it with natural calamities and said the PM should have given an account of the "failure" of his government.

"The PM's Independence Day address has been most disappointing. After three years, it was time for him to give an account of the failure of his government in fulfilling its promises to the people, especially the youth, farmers and weaker sections," he told reporters here.

On Modi's call for embracing strife-hit Kashmiris, Sharma said, "We have never stopped him from embracing Kashmiris. He should talk to all sections and create a national consensus as well as in Kashmir."

CPI national secretary D Raja said there was "nothing spectacular" in Modi's speech and alleged he lacked conviction when he talked about embracing Kashmiris.

Bareillys Barelvi madrasas on Tuesday openly defied the Uttar Pradesh governments directive that the national anthem be mandatorily sung at all Islamic educational institutions across the state on the occasion of Independence Day.

Earlier, the UP government had directed all madrassas (Islamic schools) to hold celebrations on Independence Day and videograph the event.

Minority welfare minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary defending the move had said that the celebration will inspire students and they will learn more about the contribution of the freedom fighters.

He said the children can treasure the memories of the Independence Day celebrations through the photographs and videos which will also act as a source of inspiration for others.

At a time when people across the country are busy celeberating Independence Day on Tuesday, nearly 70 lakh people have been affected by the floods in Bihar and fighting for survival and safety.

Though the floods officially claimed lives of 41 people, unconfirmed reports say the death toll due to the floods is 90.

Bihar disaster management department officials said that nearly 70 lakh people in 895 panchayats under 86 blocks in 15 districts have been affected by the floods in the state."So far 41 people were killed due to floods in the state".

But unconfirmed reports put the death toll to 90.

Bihar disaster management department principal secretary Pratyaya Amrit said government has deployed 4 army teams, 22 NDRF, 15 SDRF teams in relief and rescue operations in flood affected districts.

According to officials, crops worth crores of rupees were damaged and road link to several places had been snapped.

-- M I Khan in Patna

A class eight girl has been raped while she was returning home from school after Independence Day celebrations in Chandigarh. Police have said that a case has been registered and investigation have begun.

The rape comes after the Varnika Kundu stalking case rocked the nation in which Varnika, an IAS officer's daughter was stalked by Haryana BJP's chief's son Vikas Barala.

Today, while delivering his Independence Day speech from Red Fort, PM Modi outlined a 'New India in which he said that women would be free and able to realise all their dreams.

Government has directed internet majors - Google, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo - to immediately remove the links of dangerous online game Blue Whale Challenge, which has led to suicide of

children in India and other countries.

"Instances of children committing suicide while Blue Whale Challenge have been reported in India...You are hereby requested to ensure that any such link of this deadly game in its own name or similar game is immediately removed from your platform," Ministry of Electronics and IT said in a letter dated August 11 to the internet majors.

The letter was issued following instructions from Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, an official source said.

The Blue Whale challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the player is given certain tasks to complete for a period of 50 days and the final task leads to suicide. The player is also asked to share photos after finishing the

challenge.

With seven decades of unending hostility, peaceful coexistence between India and Pakistan is very obviously a distant prospect, one of Pakistans leading newspapers, The Daily Times, said on Tuesday.

In an editorial, The Daily Times said Pakistan and India had not yet learned to live with each other.

In fact, their bilateral relationship continues to deteriorate with time - as does their ability to cause harm to one another.

Both countries continue to engage in that most toxic activity: defining oneself against their neighbour.

Since the powerful hawks in both countries paint the very existence of the other side as an existential threat, and are currently directing the foreign policies of their respective countries, peaceful coexistence is very obviously a distant prospect, it added.

The editorial accused both countries of waging proxy wars against the other.

Today, it can no longer be said that it is only Pakistans conflict with its own demons that drives Indo-Pakistan hostility.

New Delhi now has an administration which is very much committed to becoming the mirror image of some of the worst elements from Pakistan.

Pakistan is likely to nominate former attorney general Makhdoom Ali Khan as an ad-hoc judge for the Kulbhushan Jadhav case being heard by the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

The federal government has started consultation in this regard.

The Express Tribune quoted sources, as saying that the Attorney General's office had recommended the names of senior lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan and former Jordan prime minister Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh to Prime Minister Office for the nomination of one name as an ad-hoc judge.

According to the report, Khan has experience in international arbitration cases, having represented eight different countries in international courts.

Khasawneh has served as an ICJ judge for over a decade.

Sources informed that the nomination of the ad-hoc judge will be finalised after getting inputs from the Foreign Office and the military establishment.

Jadhav, an Indian spy arrested from Balochistan last year, was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan on April 10 for 'fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi'. His execution was stayed on May 18 by the ICJ on India's request.

Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora in the UK took part in the first-ever Freedom Run to mark India's 71st Independence Day with the one-mile journey beginning from the historic Parliament Square in London.

The runners, sporting 'India@70' T-shirts and waving tricolour glow sticks, kick-started a one-mile journey from the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the historic square in the heart of the British capital to India Place at the Indian High Commission in London.

Just after midnight, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Y K Sinha, addressed the gathering as tea and samosas were served to all participants.

"We started at Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament Square and have come over a mile to India House to commemorate this historic occasion 70 years of Indian independence we celebrate the massive achievements and great strides that India has made in the last seven decades," Sinha said.

Amid a border row, a customary Border Personnel Meeting held between India and China on India's Independence Day is unlikely as Beijing has not responded to communications from New Delhi.

These meetings are held at five points - Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

They are held on the national days of both countries.

11:36

That's the front page of the Times of India back on August 15, 1947. The front page was basking in glory of the jubilation being observed across the cities of Delhi and Bombay as Nehru delivered his tryst with destiny speech

11:28 South Koreas leader to prevent war at all costs as Kim Jong-un holds off on Guam missile attack plan

South Koreas President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday there will be no military action upon the Korean peninsula without Seouls consent and that the government would prevent war by all means.

Military action on the Korean peninsula can only be decided by South Korea and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea, said Moon in televised comments.

The president was making an annual speech to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the nations liberation from Japanese military rule that began in 1910 and ended in 1945.

The government, putting everything on the line, will block war by all means, Moon said.

Air India has ushered in a new era for military fliers beginning this Independence Day. As a mark of gratitude for the services of soldiers, the state-owned carrier has declared that they will be invited to board its flights ahead of all other travellers.

It has been decided that in order to show gratitude towards members of the Armed Forces, serving members of the Armed Forces from Army, Air Force and Navy would be invited to board our flights first, Air India executive director Sarabjot Singh Uberoi wrote in an e-mail to top officials.

Serving soldiers will be invited to board all Air India flights even before First Class and Business class travellers. The country is grateful to them for their services and this is our way of honouring the soldiers for their contribution, Uberoi said.

As India is celebrating its 71st Independence Day, Indians around the world are rejoicing too. To mark 70 years of India's independence, Indian embassies in many countries have been lit up in colours of the Indian flag as they celebrate the day.

US, Turkey, Belgium embassies were all lit up in the colour of the Tricolour.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi today stressed the need for every Indian to unite and fight against separatism, terrorism and all such forces that divide and spread hatred in society.

In her Independence Day message, Gandhi greeted fellow Indians and wished them progress and prosperity on the 71st Independence Day.

"The need today is that all Indians in one voice should fight separatism, terrorism and all such forces who divide and spread hatred in society, and unite to protect the basic principles of Indian-ness," she said in her message.

She said, "I pray that this nation must always progress and move forward and we all feel proud being an independent Indian... My best wishes to you all that this 71th year will bring prosperity and happiness to all of you and will be in good health and will get immense opportunities for growth and

progress."

Gandhi unfurled the national flag at the AICC headquarters on Akbar Road here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new website today to honour all the gallantry award winners since Independence.

Announcing the launch of the website http://gallantryawards.gov.in/ in a series of tweets, the PM said the portal will preserve and tell the stories of our bravest men and women, civilians as well as armed forces personnel.

In remembrance of our heroes who have been awarded gallantry awards since Independence, launched the site http://gallantryawards.gov.in/

The portal http://gallantryawards.gov.in/ will preserve & tell the stories of our bravest men & women, civilians as well as armed forces personnel.

"If you have any information/photo that is missing and can be added to the portal, please share it through the feedback link on the site., the PM said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised an Independence Day speech under 50 minutes this year. He went just over at 54 minutes. Today's address to the nation from the Red Fort was the Prime Minister's shortest so far in the last four years.

During last month's Mann Ki Baat -- his radio programme - PM Modi had said he had received letters from people complaining that his Independence Day speeches were "a little too long". He had then promised to make a shorter speech.

At 54 minutes, PM Modi's address today was the shortest by far since his first speech from the Red Fort in 2014; his Independence Day addresses had been getting longer by the year. PM Modi had spoken for 94 minutes last year, 86 minutes in 2015 and 65 minutes in 2014.

10:04 From Afghanistan with love & sincerity

India celebrates her 70th year of independence alongside the confidence and strength to project power more than ever before. This for Afghanistan is cause for jubilation. For us Afghans, India is not only a country and an ancient civilization but a contemporary brand too. An iconic brand representing diversity, tolerance, culture, humility, deep knowledge amid humility and a sincere friend.

Read full HERE

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his statement on resolving the ongoing crisis in Kashmir, which according to the latter can be possible by embracing the natives, rather than bullets and abuses.

"Actually he said the Kashmir issue will not be resolved by abuse and bullets. I guess that covers both sides - terrorists and security forces," he tweeted in response to Prime Minister Modi.

Further, countering the revelations made on the amount of black money recovered during the demonetisation phase, Abdullah satirically remarked that the availability of figures highlights that the Reserve Bank of India completed the counting of demonetised currency notes.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi opined that the situation in the Valley cannot be solved by bullets or abuses, but by embracing Kashmiris.

Strongly condemning the rise of terrorism, Prime Minister Modi assured that while national security remains the top priority of the Centre, no leeway will be given to terrorists.

Internet and mobile phone services were suspended in Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure on Independence Day today, officials said.

Only BSNL landline service was functional in the valley.

Internet facilities and services of all other mobile phone operators were suspended as a precautionary measure on the 71st Independence Day, the officials said.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday was detained from hoisting the national flag in Karnakkiyamman School in Kerala.

The District collector issued a memo to the school in this regard, categorically stating that it was inappropriate for a political leader to hoist the national flag in an aided school. He added that only a teacher or elected representative of the people was allowed to do so.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party challenged the Collector's decision; standing affirmative that Bhagwat would hoist the flag.

Meanwhile, in his Independence Day addressal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opined that the country, in unison, can bring a positive change.

"Everybody is equal in our nation, no one big or small. We together can bring a positive change in the nation," he said.

On the 71st Independence Day of India today, search engine giant Google displayed an artistic doodle.

The doodle includes a motif of Indian Parliament, a symbolic wheel for the Ashok Chakra and India's national bird peacock, all submerged in shades of saffron, green, white and blue.

The word "Google" is displayed across the Parliament House, made out of ribbons of the Indian tricolour.

"A unique paper-cut art style has been used to create a Doodle fit for the bold and colorful celebration of today's events. The Parliament House depicted commemorates this day, this movement, and this triumph of independence," Google said in a statement.

The special doodle has been designed and created by Mumbai-based artist Sabeena Karnik.

On last Independence day, Google had dedicated a doodle to the historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech of the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

In what may be his shortest speech yet, PM Modi highlights a new India, which will be clean, unaffected by terrorism and where dreams come true

>> We are fighting corruption - for the bright future of India and the wellbeing of our people

>> After demonetisation, 3 lakh companies were discovered as shell companies and the registrations of 1.75 lakh companies were cancelled

>> We shall build a nation where youngsters and women will be able to realise their dreams

>> We shall build a nation where terrorism will be a thing of the past

>> We shall come together and work to make a clean India

PM Modi raises the issue of violence in the name of religion. He says violence in the name of 'Astha' (faith) is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted.

>> Congratulate and salute the women who stood up against the scourge of triple talaq

>> The poison of castesim and communalism can never be beneficial for our nation. This is the country of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi

>> This country will never accept violence in the name of religion, says PM, It was Bharat Chhodo then, now the slogan is Bharat Jodo

>> We are taking the nation on a new track (of development) and are moving ahead with speed

>> We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further

More highlights:

>> Our fight against corruption is being strengthened by technological advancements

>> Fight against black money, corruption to continue

>> We can reach Mangalyaan within 9 months, this is our capability, but one rail project was stuck for last 42 years

>> Development is only possible through mass participation, individual contribution

>> We are nurturing our youngsters to be job creators and not job seekers

>> 'New India' is the strength of democracy. Democracy is not just limited to the ballot paper

Amid the debate on the special status granted to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes it a point to talk about the state in his Independence Day speech.

More highlights from his speech:

>> GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has

come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped

>> Good governance is about speed and simplification of processes

>> You will be happy to know that today we are not alone against our fight against terrorism, many countries supporting us actively

>> India's stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so

>> We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir

>> There is no question of being soft of terrorism or terrorists

>> We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. The problem will not be solved through 'gaali' (abuses) or 'goli' (bullets). It can only be solved by embracing each and every Kashmiri

More highlights from Modi's Indepdence Day speech

>> In our nation, there is no one big or small...everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation

>> 1st January 2018 will not be an ordinary day- those born in this century will start turning 18. They are Bhagya Vidhatas of our nation

>> We have to leave this 'Chalta Hai' attitude. We have to think of 'Badal Sakta Hai'- this attitude will help us as a nation

>> India's security is our priority

>> Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on the occasion of Independence Day. Wearing an orange & yellow Rajasthani turban, Modi makes his fourth speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Here are the highlights from his speech

>> Today, the entire country is celebrating not only Independence Day but also Janmashtami

>> We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India's freedom

>> People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters & the tragedy in Gorakhpur

>> This is a special year -- 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav

>> We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a 'New India

The national capital, including the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address the nation on the 71st Independence Day, has been put under an unprecedented ground-to-air security cover.

Close to 70,000 Delhi Police personnel are guarding the national capital owing to the twin occasions of the Independence Day and Janmashtami festival, a senior police officer said.

Thousands of security personnel, including 9,100 personnel from the Delhi Police, have been deployed in and around the historic Mughal fort which will see the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people during the PM's address.

Two dozen Parakram Vans manned by quick reaction teams of NSG-trained commandos have been stationed in areas with high footfall to thwart any attempt by terror groups to disrupt peace. As many as 11 such vans have been deployed in the area around the Red Fort.

At Red Fort, a special team of NSG snipers and commandos will form the inner layers of the security cordon while anti-aircraft guns have been deployed to thwart any aerial intrusion by objects like drones and projectiles, senior police officials said.

Over 60 sniffer dogs of paramilitary forces and Delhi Police are also part of the extensive security deployment.

According to a statement by the Delhi Metro rail Corporation, train services will run as usual. However, stations like Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate and ITO will have restricted entry and exit during the ceremony owing to security considerations.

07:20

ANI's Smita Prakash tweets, "PM in an orange & yellow Rajasthani turban. 3rd year in a row he has chosen to wear this festive headgear."

07:16 PM pays his respects at Rajghat ahead of I-Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute at Rajghat ahead of his Independence Day speech, which he will deliver from Red Fort.

PM Modi will unfurl the National flag from ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 71st Independence Day. He will be received by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for defence Dr Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra at Lahori Gate of Red Fort on his arrival.

This is PM Modis fourth Independence Day speech.

07:12

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and BMC headquarters illuminated in the colours of the national flag on the eve of Independence Day. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo

07:07 PM wishes country on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter gave Independence Day greetings to the citizens.

In a tweet he said, Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind.

He also gave Janmanashtmi wishes on Twitter.

06:50 Experts scan Red Fort for snakes, lizards

A team of wildlife experts scanned the Red Fort area for snakes and monitor lizards after a significant presence of these reptiles was noticed during a recent recce of the Delhi Police.

The Delhi Police and the city government recently approached Wildlife SOS, an NGO known for its work of rescuing trapped animals, for this purpose, a functionary of the oganisation said.

"The police noticed a significant presence of wild animals like snakes and monitor lizards during a recent recce and have sent a written request to Wildlife SOS to scan the area as a safety precaution and to also deploy trained personnel during the August 15 celebrations as a safeguard," the NGO said in a statement.

Accordingly, the NGO deployed a special team which is working with the police and the forest department.

India today celebrates 70 years of freedom from British rule, an event that will be celebrated with the customary pomp and glory. The highlight of today's Independence Day celebrations will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech from the ramparts of Red Fort.

This will be the fourth time Modi will be addressing the nation from the Red Fort, and he has promised to keep his speech to under an hour, jokingly saying on the last Mann Ki Baat episode that he has received complaints about his speeches being too long.

Modi received nearly 13,000 such ideas via the MyGov portal.

Suggestions sent by citizens on PM Modi's Independence Day speech range from topics like defence and environment to security of women and education.

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