Politics

Maoists call shutdown in Jharkhand over Obama's visit

Latehar/Palamu, Jharkhand, Jan 26 (ANI): Maoists in Jharkhand called for a shutdown on Monday to protest US President Barack Obama's visit. All roads and market places were deserted as very few people dared to come out in open. Residents said they were scared of stepping out of their houses. In another Maoist stronghold Palamu district, there was a curfew-like situation with very few vehicles on roads. Transport services were hit in the district as people were stranded at railway and bus stations.The Maoists have also decided to observe January 26 as a Black Day in protest. The Maoists, also known as Naxals in India, are inspired by the political philosophy of China's late Chairman Mao Zedong. They say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers.

Jan 26, 2015

PM Modi extends greetings on Australia Day

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings to the people of Australia on their official national day. Prime Minister Modi took to twitter to wish Australia. "Best wishes to people of Australia on Australia Day! Will always cherish the warmth of the people of Australia during my visit last November," he posted. Australia Day, which is celebrated annually on 26 January, marks the anniversary of the raising of the flag of Great Britain by Governor Arthur Phillip at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788.

Jan 26, 2015

Nitin Gadkari celebrates Republic Day at his residence

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday celebrated Republic Day at his residence in New Delhi. Gadkari hoisted the National Flag as the National Anthem played in the background. He wished Happy Republic Day to all the citizens and hoped for a better future in terms of economic growth and GDP.

Jan 26, 2015

Bengal Tableaux for Republic day showcasing Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed: Derek O' Brien

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): Trinamool Congress leader Derek O' Brien on Monday while speaking on the missing of West Bengal tableaux from the 66th Republic Day parade said that the tableaux from West Bengal depicting the path-breaking Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed by the Centre. He added that UN is also partnering this scheme and almost 10 lakhs girls have been benefitted by this. He further said that repeated attempts were made to include the tableaux in the parade but it was rejected.

Jan 26, 2015

Republic Day Celebrations: Arvind Kejriwal hoists flag at Kaushambi

Kaushambi, Jan 26 (ANI): AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hoisted the Indian flag at Kaushambi as the nation celebrated the 66th Republic Day. Kejriwal along with his supporters also sang the national anthem. Kejriwal also extended his greetings to the nation and hoped that the values inhibited in our constitution will be put into practice.

Jan 26, 2015

Egyptian female cyclists pedal for acceptance

Yasmine Mahmoud cuts a defiant figure as she weaves her bicycle through the chaotic streets of Cairo, a place where few women dare to pedal. Duration: 01:57

Jan 26, 2015

Separatists Kashmir call for shutdown on Republic Day

Srinagar, Jan 26 (ANI): Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir gave a shutdown call as the country celebrates its 66th Republic Day on Monday. The shutdown call was given by leaders of several Kashmiri separatist groups. All shops, business establishments and the public transport remained shut. Every year the separatists announce shutdown on Republic Day and Independence Day. The main Republic Day function of the state will be held at Bakshi Stadium in the state's summer capital Srinagar amid tight security. Meanwhile, heavy security arrangements have been made across India fearing militant attacks or attempts to disrupt Republic Day celebrations.

Jan 26, 2015

Major Mukund Varadarajan, Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee presented the prestigious Ashok Chakra award to the families of Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh on the 66th Republic Day here on Monday. The Republic Day celebrations started with the unfurling of the national flag by the President. Thereafter, the national anthem was played and President Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama and Vice President Hamid Ansari and other dignitaries paid respect to the tri-coloured flag. The Ashok Chakra award, which was conferred to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously, is given for the 'most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice' other than in the face of the enemy.

Jan 26, 2015

Artist paints 30-feet long portrait of US President Barack Obama

Moradabad, Jan 26 (ANI): An artist in Uttar Pradesh painted a 30-feet long portrait of US President Barack Obama, who arrived in New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations. Obama is the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on Monday in the capital, where tanks, troops and floats showcasing India's cultural diversity will pass along Rajpath. The artist, Narendra Singh painted portrait of Obama with Indian and United States flags at the backdrop with a message reading, 'All Indians salute you'. Obama will leave India slightly earlier than first scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah, skipping a planned visit to the Taj Mahal.

Jan 26, 2015

Cameron said on Friday he planned to introduce new legislation to make it harder for Britons to travel to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamist extremists. Cameron, who said he would detail his plans in parliament on Monday to confiscate passports, w

David Cameron Hoax Call: Posing as GCHQ Director, Prank Caller Chats with UK PM

A hoax caller claiming to be the director of GCHQ managed to have a conversation with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Jan 26, 2015

Three blasts rock Imphal on Republic Day

Imphal, Jan 26 (ANI): Low intensity blasts rocked Imphal in Manipur on Monday (January 26). No causalities have been reported as yet. Soon after the blast, a team of Imphal West district police rushed to the spot and inspected the site. Police personnel have been deployed at key locations in Imphal leading towards the venue of Republic Day celebrations. Gun totting security personnel manned streets and checked vehicles. Every year, rebels call for a boycott of Republic Day, often attacking security forces and government buildings. The country is celebrating 66th Republic Day. January 26 marks the adoption of the Constitution by India in 1950 after independence from British in 1947.

Jan 26, 2015

First all women march by army, navy and air force personnel

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): India witnessed the first march by women army, navy and air force personnel at the 66th Republic Day parade on Monday. Captain Divya Ajith Kumar of the Corps of Army Air Defence led the first all-women contingent of 154 women officers and cadets during the parade, where US President Barack Obama was present as the chief guest. Kumar was the first woman cadet in the history of the Army to have been awarded the prestigious 'Sword of Honour' at the passing out parade of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai in 2010. Currently, the Indian Air Force has the highest number of women officers, followed by the army and navy. The Republic Day celebrations started with the unfurling of the national flag by the President.

Jan 26, 2015

Anti-austerity Syriza storms to historic Greek victory

Radical left party Syriza sweeps to power in Greece promising to end years of painful austerity policies, in an election victory that puts the country on a collision course with the EU and international creditors. Duration: 01:15

Jan 26, 2015

PM Modi, US President arrives for Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath, salutes to Indian flag

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): Even as rain continues to try dampen the enthusiasm for the Republic Day parade, none seems to get on to the celebrations of the day on Monday. The day started with the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajpath where he met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The Prime Minister later met Vice President Hamid Ansari and greeted him along with other union ministers present at the venue. Following the same, arrived the chief guest for the day US President Barack Obama who arrived at the venue amidst much cheer from the crowd. Obama was accompanied by elegant American first lady Michelle Obama. He is the first US president to be the chief guest at the Republic Day. PM Modi warmly greeted the guests and escorted the Obamas to the saluting base. The US President also met Vice President, Defence Minister among others.

Jan 26, 2015

PM Modi pays tribute to martyrs at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' on Republic Day

New Delhi, Jan 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the memorial dedicated to martyrs on the 66th Republic Day in the national capital. Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who received him at the memorial. The prime minister also laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and maintained two minutes of silence to pray for the martyrs. He was also accompanied by three heads of service, that is, Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan. PM Modi also signed the record book at the India Gate. Modi will now move on to Rajpath for the Republic Day celebrations with US President Barack Obama as the chief guest.

Jan 26, 2015