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India’s Military Prowess Takes Centre Stage at 76th Republic Day Parade

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PTI
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republic day, parade, military, army, india republic day
India's Military Prowess Takes Centre Stage at 76th Republic Day Parade 2

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a grand display of its military might that included elite marching contingents, missiles and various indigenous weapon systems, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital.

It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter.

The theme of the tri-services tableau was “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (strong and secure India).

The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she and Subianto, flanked by the Indian president’s bodyguards, arrived at Kartavya Path in a “traditional buggy”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union ministers, the country’s top military brass, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among the spectators on both sides of Kartavya Path.

The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was 61 Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar.

Raised in 1953, 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horsed cavalry regiment in the world. It was followed by nine mechanised columns and nine marching contingents.

Tank T-90 Bhishma, the NAG missile systems, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, the Agnibaan multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Akash weapon system, the integrated battlefield surveillance system and all-terrain vehicle (Chetak) were among the key displays by the mechanised columns.

Light specialist vehicle Bajrang, vehicle-mounted infantry mortar system Airawat, quick reaction force vehicles Nandighosh and Tripurantak and the short-span bridging system were also on display.

The Army’s marching contingents included the Brigade of the Guards, the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment and the Corps of Signals.

The Indian Navy’s contingent consisted of 144 personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Sahil Ahluwalia as the contingent commander and Lt Commander Indresh Choudhary, Lt Commander Kajal Anil Bharani and Lt Devender as platoon commanders.

It was followed by the Naval tableau, depicting a strong “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

The tableau showcased the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants, including destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri and submarine INS Vaghsheer, highlighting India’s rapid progress in indigenous warship design and construction.

The tableau showcased the Indian Navy’s commitment to build a robust and self-sufficient defence ecosystem.

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) contingent comprised four officers and 144 personnel, led by Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati. It was followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in “Baaz formation”.

Another highlight of the parade was the veterans’ tableau on the theme “Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar”, a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of the ex-servicemen towards the nation.

Several veterans who brought glory to India in sports were also part of the parade.

In its tableau, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed many home-grown critical systems and technologies developed by it.

The DRDO tableau, with the theme “Raksha Kavach –“ Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats”, featured quick reaction surface-to-air missile, airborne early warning and control system, 155 mm/52-calibre advanced towed artillery gun system and drone detect, deter and destroy system.

It also showcased a satellite-based surveillance system, medium-power radar Arudhra, advanced lightweight torpedo, electronic warfare system Dharashakti, laser-based directed energy weapon, very-short-range air defence system and unmanned aerial system.

It was for the first time that the indigenously-developed Pralay missile system was showcased.

A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia also participated in the Republic-Day parade. This was the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent participated in a national-day parade abroad.

Among the contingents marching down Kartavya Path were a 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M.

The Assam Rifles contingent was led by Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat of 29 Assam Rifles. It comprised soldiers recruited from all over the country.

The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) was under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.

The all-girls marching contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari of the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate.

The all-boys marching contingent was led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul of the Maharashtra Directorate.

The National Service Scheme’s (NSS) marching contingent of 148 volunteers was led by Deepak from Punjab.

Five Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested in Thane for Illegal Stay Amid Immigration Crackdown

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Web Team
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maharashtra police, bangladesh, bangladeshi, immigrations, thane
Five Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested in Thane for Illegal Stay Amid Immigration Crackdown 4

In a crackdown on illegal immigrants, Maharashtra police arrested five Bangladeshi nationals for residing in the country without proper documentation in Thane district, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Raids conducted on Thursday in Kalyan and Dombivli towns led to the arrests of four women and one man, who were engaged in petty jobs in the area, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Atul Zende said.

The accused were found living in a slum colony in Gandhi Nagar and near the Kalyan railway station. When questioned, they failed to produce any valid documents justifying their entry or stay in India.

The individuals have been booked under the Foreign Nationals Act, Indian Passport Act, and Passport (Entry into India) Act. Authorities are now investigating how the accused managed to enter and remain in the country undetected.

The arrests come amidst heightened scrutiny over illegal immigration in Maharashtra, following recent allegations of fraudulent documentation and an increase in delayed birth certificate registrations linked to illegal migrants.

Maharashtra Govt Launches SIT Probe into Delayed Birth, Death Certificates Amid Illegal Immigration Concerns

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Web Team
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sit probe, illegal immigration, maharashtra, sit, death certificate, birth certificate
Maharashtra Govt Launches SIT Probe into Delayed Birth, Death Certificates Amid Illegal Immigration Concerns 6

In a bid to curb illegal immigration, the Maharashtra government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the issuance of birth and death certificates based on delayed applications, an official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Saturday.

The SIT, led by Inspector General Datta Karale, will scrutinise applications filed at least a year after the birth or death of an individual. This move comes amid growing concerns over the infiltration of Bangladeshi immigrants into Maharashtra.

The urgency for such an investigation intensified after the arrest of Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, in connection with a knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the probe, stating that it will cover both previously issued certificates and pending applications. The investigation follows allegations of a widespread birth certificate scam raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.

Somaiya claimed that 269 delayed birth registration orders were issued by the magistrate court in Akola City between January 2021 and December 2023, but the tehsildar approved 4,849 delayed birth registrations. He further alleged that 11,864 delayed applications were filed in Yavatmal, 15,845 in Akola, and 4,350 in Nagpur districts during the same period.

According to Somaiya, nearly two lakh Bangladeshi Rohingyas have applied for birth certificates in Maharashtra. He also highlighted the suspension of a tehsildar in Malegaon linked to these irregularities.

The SIT’s findings are expected to shed light on the scale of the issue and determine whether these delayed registrations are being exploited to aid illegal immigrants in obtaining official documentation.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Order Redefining Birthright Citizenship, Calls It ‘Blatantly Unconstitutional’

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Afternoon Voice
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donald trump, executive orders, foriegn policy, immigration, us, us president
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Order Redefining Birthright Citizenship, Calls It 'Blatantly Unconstitutional' 8

A federal judge temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order seeking to deny U.S. citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants, calling the measure “blatantly unconstitutional.” The ruling came during the first hearing in a multi-state legal challenge to the order.

The executive order, issued shortly after Trump’s second-term inauguration, aimed to deny citizenship to children born after February 19 whose parents are in the country illegally. It also prohibited federal agencies from issuing or accepting documents recognising citizenship for these children.

Citing the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary 14-day restraining order, halting the administration’s plans. “This is as clear-cut a constitutional violation as I’ve seen in over four decades on the bench,” said Coughenour, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan.

The case, filed by 22 states and immigrant rights groups, was spearheaded by Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Illinois. The states argued that Trump’s order was an affront to constitutional protections and would cause immediate and irreparable harm to families and state systems.

Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola, representing the states, lambasted the order as “absurd,” highlighting that undocumented immigrants are still subject to U.S. laws and jurisdiction. Polozola argued that the executive order would force states to spend millions restructuring healthcare and benefits systems to accommodate its demands, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals.

The Department of Justice, defending Trump’s order, claimed it “correctly interprets the 14th Amendment” and vowed to vigorously defend the policy. DOJ attorney Brett Shumate asserted that the arguments supporting the order were unprecedented but valid, despite the judge’s skepticism.

Trump’s executive order also reignited debate over the legal interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. Historically, the clause was ratified in 1868 to ensure citizenship for former slaves and their descendants. However, Trump’s order contended that children of undocumented immigrants are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, a claim opponents deemed baseless.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown criticized the order as an attack on fundamental constitutional principles, likening it to the dark legacy of the Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans. “The law is clear—if you are born on American soil, you are an American citizen. This principle has stood for generations, and no executive order can erase it,” Brown said.

Legal experts also pointed to the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed the citizenship of a man born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants under the 14th Amendment, despite restrictive immigration laws of the time.

Trump’s latest move sparked outrage among immigrant rights advocates and personal reflections from attorneys general like Connecticut’s William Tong, who emphasized the deeply personal impact of birthright citizenship on immigrant families. “There is no legitimate legal debate here. Trump is wrong, and his order threatens American families like my own,” Tong said.

The next hearing on the case is scheduled for February 6, where the court will decide whether to extend the restraining order as the case proceeds. Meanwhile, the political and legal battle over birthright citizenship continues to divide the nation.

MP Government Shuts Liquor Shops in 17 Holy Towns: CM Mohan Yadav Announces

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Web Team
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madhya pradesh, mp, liquor shop, liquor
MP Government Shuts Liquor Shops in 17 Holy Towns: CM Mohan Yadav Announces 10

In a significant move, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to shut down liquor shops in 17 holy towns across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the decision following a cabinet meeting held on Friday in Khargone.

The initiative is being touted as the first step toward eradicating alcohol consumption in the state. “Liquor shops in these towns will not be relocated—they will be permanently shut. This includes a complete ban on liquor vends within Ujjain Municipal Corporation limits,” Yadav told reporters.

The 17 designated areas include one municipal corporation, six municipalities (nagar palikas), six urban councils (nagar parishads), and six village panchayats. Among the affected towns are Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Maihar, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak. The village panchayats impacted include Salkanpur, Barman Kala, Linga, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, and Barmankhurd.

Yadav also confirmed that the existing liquor ban within a 5-kilometer radius of the Narmada River will remain in force. The move aligns with the state’s broader efforts to curb alcohol consumption and promote a healthier social environment.

Deadly Explosion Rocks Bhandara Ordnance Factory: 8 Dead, Several Injured

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Web Team
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ordinance factory, bhandara, factory blast, central ordinance
Deadly Explosion Rocks Bhandara Ordnance Factory: 8 Dead, Several Injured 12

A tragic explosion at the ordnance factory in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district claimed the lives of eight people on Friday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed. Preliminary reports also indicate that seven individuals sustained injuries in the blast.

The explosion occurred in the LTP section of the factory located in the Jawahar Nagar area around 10:30 am, causing the roof of the unit to collapse. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site, according to officials.

District Collector Sanjay Kolte reported that 13 to 14 workers were inside the unit at the time of the incident. Six individuals were rescued, one of whom succumbed to injuries, while the others are receiving medical treatment.

Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had stated that efforts were underway to save the trapped workers. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures in such high-risk facilities.

Balasaheb Thackeray Was Uncompromising in His Core Beliefs: PM Modi

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Web Team
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balasaheb thackeray, balasaheb, pm modi, narendra modi, homage
Balasaheb Thackeray Was Uncompromising in His Core Beliefs: PM Modi 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his 99th birth anniversary, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to public welfare and Maharashtra’s development.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and towards Maharashtra’s development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture.”

Balasaheb Thackeray, a staunch proponent of Hindutva, intertwined it with a nativist ideology rooted in “Marathi pride,” transforming his party into a powerful force in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai. His legacy continues to influence the state’s political landscape, resonating with his steadfast dedication to his principles.

Consent for Sex Doesn’t Extend to Filming, Sharing Private Moments: Delhi High Court

By
PTI
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Delhi High Court,Tihar Prison,NGO
Delhi High Court | Image : Representative/PTI

The Delhi High Court has significantly held that consent to have sex doesn’t allow capturing private moments and posting them on social media.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while dismissing the bail application by a rape accused, said consent did not extend to permitting misuse and exploitation of private images.

“Even if the consent for sexual relations had been given at any point in time by the complainant, such consent cannot, in any manner, be construed as consent to capture and post her inappropriate videos on social media platforms. Consent to engage in physical relations does not extend to the misuse or exploitation of a person’s private moments or their depiction in an inappropriate and derogatory manner,” the court held in a January 17 verdict.

The accused, in the present case, alleged it was a case of a “long friendly relationship” turning sour owing to the woman failing to repay a loan he gave her.

Refusing to grant any reprieve, the court said even if the initial sexual relationship between the parties was consensual, the alleged subsequent acts of the accused were “clearly rooted in coercion and blackmail.”

“While the first sexual encounter may have been consensual, the subsequent ones were allegedly based on blackmail, with the accused taking advantage of the videos to exert control over the complainant. The accused’s actions in preparing the videos and using them to manipulate and sexually exploit the complainant prima facie reflect a strategy of abuse and exploitation, transcending any initial consensual interaction,” it said.

It prima facie appeared that the accused had exploited his relationship under the guise of a loan transaction but such an arrangement—even between friends—did not entitle one party to exploit the other’s vulnerability or dignity, the court said.

The court rejected the accused’s plea that, being married, the woman was mature enough to understand the significance of her actions and said an “attempt to weaponise” her marital status and professional background to diminish the gravity of the allegations was “unacceptable.”

The mere fact that, said the court, the complainant worked in a massage parlour could not be used to diminish the seriousness of the alleged offences committed against her when there was no evidence of her engaging in illicit or unlawful activities.

The complainant alleged she was lured by the accused, who also gave her Rs 3.5 lakh in loan to enrol in a course but subsequently began blackmailing her to comply with his sexual demands.

She alleged that by 2023 end, the accused came to Delhi and showed an allegedly objectionable video of her on his cellphone and forced her to have sex for two days while threatening to make the videos public.

He reportedly posted the content on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. 

Los Angeles Faces New Crisis as Hughes Fire Forces Evacuations for Over 50,000 Residents

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Web Team
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us, los angeles, united states, wildfire
Los Angeles Faces New Crisis as Hughes Fire Forces Evacuations for Over 50,000 Residents 17

More than 50,000 residents in Los Angeles County found themselves under evacuation orders or warnings on Wednesday as the Hughes Fire erupted in the mountains near Lake Castaic. The wildfire, which began late Wednesday morning, rapidly consumed over 15 square miles of vegetation within hours, spurred by dry conditions and gusty winds.

While no homes or structures have been reported damaged, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Cal Fire mounted an aggressive response. Firefighting aircraft dropped tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant on the advancing flames, leveraging calmer winds compared to the ferocious conditions that fuelled the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires.

“This fire received a robust response today, and the teams are making progress in containing it,” said Joe Tyler, director of Cal Fire. Despite this, officials warned that the danger is far from over, with wind speeds expected to surge to 60 mph by Thursday.

A critical stretch of Interstate 5 was temporarily closed to aid emergency operations but was later reopened. Fire crews worked to prevent the Hughes Fire from jumping the interstate and threatening nearby communities, including Castaic.

Among the evacuees was Kayla Amara, a Valencia resident, who rushed to help a friend retrieve belongings before hosing down the property as flames loomed nearby. “It’s stressful,” Amara admitted, referencing weeks of anxiety from Southern California’s ongoing fires.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles officials are bracing for potential rainfall forecasted for the weekend, which could trigger mudslides and debris flow in areas ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires. “The threat of mud and debris flow is real,” warned LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

The Palisades and Eaton fires, which have been burning since January 7, have claimed 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures. While containment progress has been made—68% for the Palisades Fire and 91% for the Eaton Fire—authorities remain vigilant, with red flag warnings extended until Friday.

Adding to the crisis, LA Mayor Karen Bass cautioned residents about toxic ash carried by winds, urging precautions to protect against exposure. Public health officials have also issued warnings, noting that the ash may contain heavy metals and other hazardous substances.

As fire crews race to contain the Hughes Fire, lawsuits against Southern California Edison are piling up, alleging that the utility’s equipment sparked the deadly Eaton Fire. Investigations into the causes of all three fires remain ongoing, with no conclusions released thus far.

The Hughes Fire now joins a grim chapter in Southern California’s battle with wildfires, leaving communities on edge as they face continued threats from nature’s fury.

Jalgaon Train Accident Toll Rises to 13; 8 Bodies Identified: Police

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PTI
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jalgaon, train, train accident, jalgaon train, pushpak express
Jalgaon Train Accident Toll Rises to 13; 8 Bodies Identified: Police 19

The death toll in the Jalgaon train accident has gone up to 13 with the recovery of a headless body along the railway tracks, police said on Thursday.

Some passengers of the Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express, who got off the train after an alarm chain-pulling incident, were run over by the Karnataka Express heading from Bengaluru to Delhi on the adjacent tracks in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening.

“Of the 13, we have identified eight bodies so far, including two from their Aadhaar cards,” Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale told PTI.

The eight identified deceased include four hailing from Nepal, Jalgaon district information officer Yuvraj Patil told PTI.

Out of the 15 persons injured in the incident, 10 were currently undergoing treatment – nine at the Pachora civil hospital and one at a medical facility in Jalgaon city- while the others who suffered minor injuries were discharged, he said.

Meanwhile, the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express reached the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), its final destination in the Maharashtra capital, at around 1.20 am on Thursday, a railway spokesperson said.

The Central Railway’s general manager and other senior officials also reached the accident spot at night and inspected the site, he said.

They also visited the hospitals where the injured persons were taken for treatment.

The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday evening when passengers onboard the Pushpak Express, fearing a blaze, hastily jumped onto the adjacent tracks and were run over by the oncoming Karnataka Express, officials earlier said.

The accident took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora town in north Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, when the Pushpak Express halted after someone pulled the chain at around 4.45 pm on Wednesday, Central Railway officials said.

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board, however, denied that any spark or fire inside the coach caused passengers to pull the alarm.

In a video message from Davos in Switzerland, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said, “Some passengers in the train mistakenly assumed that smoke is coming out of the train and they jumped. Unfortunately, they were run over by another train.”

The CM announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of the kin of the passengers who died in the tragedy.

The Railway Board separately announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for grievous wounds and Rs 5,000 for simple injuries.

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