Three men have been arrested for allegedly raping a minor in Siwan’s Bhagwanpur village, officials said on Monday that a fourth accused is absconding.
The horrific incident came to light on Friday when people crossing the village in a fourwheeler heard the screams of the girl who was being violated. As the four-wheeler slowed down on hearing the cries of the girl, the four accused fled the spot.
As per reports, the survivor was abducted by four accused villagers while she was returning from her paternal uncle’s home on the occasion of the Rakshabandhan festival.
“A medical examination of the minor is underway. A case has been registered against Pawan Kumar, Ankit Kumar, Imamuddin, Dinesh Kumar, residents of Bhagwanpur on the statement of the victim,” said police.
Earlier authorities had arrested one out of the four accused who had been absconding after the incident.
Locals have complained to officials about the deserted road where drug addicts and perverts often pass remarks on local girls in the area.
Image: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ramparts of Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on Monday on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day called for unity among people while pointing out that sometimes the country’s talent is restricted by its language barriers, and urged countrymen to be proud of every language.
“Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. We need to be proud of every language in our country. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world,” asserted the prime minister in his address to the nation today.
The Prime Minister said that equality is the cornerstone of India’s progress. “We need to make sure that we are united through the mantra of India first. Respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our Nari Shakti,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s unity lies in its diversity. “We must ensure gender equality to ensure this unity… if daughters and sons are treated equally, there won’t be unity. I hope we can get rid of this attitude of upper-lower, or mine-others,” PM Modi said.
Stating that women in India face many challenges, PM Modi stated that Indians must pledge to rid of any attitude or action that disrespects women.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism. He added that Indians must also retain their connection with their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties.
In his ninth consecutive Independence Day address today, the PM urged the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation and highlighted five pledges ‘panch prans to fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters by the year 2047.
Beginning his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that it is a historic day for India as it takes a new path, a new pledge with renewed strength.
“We have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of. By 100 years of independence, for the next 25 years we need to focus on the 5 resolves – first Viksit Bharat (Developed India), second Removing every ounce of Gulami (slavery) in us, third Work on the pride for our glorious heritage, fourth. Ensuring Unity among all, fifth. Fulfilling our fundamental Duties.”
The Prime Minister said, “When dreams are big, the hard work is equally strenuous. We need to be inspired by the Sankalp and the determination of our freedom fighters who dreamt of a free India. I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India.”
The Prime Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic has been an example of this common consciousness, where citizens came together. “From supporting doctors to propelling research to taking vaccines to the remotest parts, we have stood together,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the world today looks at India with pride, hope and as a problem solver. “The world looks at India as a destination where aspirations are met. My understanding of the spirit of India, made me realise that for the growth of New India we needed to ensure inclusive development across the nation- a vision that was held dear by Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.
From the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas and Sabka Prayaas became the cornerstone of ensuring the implementation of pro-nation policies and taking development to the last mile.
Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals from helicopters. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the nation.
A multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry and exit point at the fort. Security personnel also deployed trained catchers to ensure that the premises remain monkey-free during the day. As many as 231 regular kite-flyers from the walled city area were roped in by the police to ensure a clear sky for about three hours on the morning of August 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that natural farming is one of the roads to Aatmanirbharta and “chemical-free farming” will strengthen India’s self-reliance.
“Today, natural farming is one of the roads to self-reliance. The factories of nano-fertilizer have come as a hope in the country. But natural farming and chemical-free farming will strengthen self-reliance. There are multiple employment opportunities opened with the creation of Green Jobs. From the space sector to drone manufacturing to natural farming, India is progressing rapidly in every sector,” said PM Modi while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day.
Speaking further, the Prime Minister said that India should not lack in fulfilling the needs of the world. “I call upon the private sector also. We have to spread over the whole world. One of the dreams of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is that India should not lack in fulfilling the needs of the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister also recalled former Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan” needs to be fulfilled.
“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan – as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” PM Modi said. Ahead of his speech to the nation, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag.
Flower petals were showered at the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters. The Air Force band played the National Anthem hoisting the National Flag and presenting the ‘Rashritya Salute’.
Apart from around 250 eminent personalities arrived at the Red Fort on Monday, nearly 8,000-10,000 people attended the program.
Several events have been held over the last 75 weeks to celebrate the 75 years of India’s independence.
Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday hoisted the tricolour on the occasion of 76th Independence Day at the Headquarters of the organisation in Nagpur.
The hoisting was followed by the national anthem.
Earlier, the RSS had changed its display picture on social media platforms following the call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the same
On the occasion of 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hoisted the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts
The GoC Delhi area conducted the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guards presented the general salute to him, following which PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
On his arrival in the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.
Later, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till Monday.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional, said the Union Ministry of Culture.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said his government’s priority is to work for the common man and it is committed to extending the reservation benefits to the Other Backward Classes, Maratha and Dhangar communities.
Speaking on the country’s 76th Independence Day after hoisting the national flag at the state secretariat as the CM for the first time, Shinde said several parts of the state have witnessed floods due to heavy rainfall.
“We started working from day one and our priority is to work for the common man, farmers, the working class,” he said.
“The government is committed to extending the benefits of reservation to the OBCs, Maratha and Dhangar (shepherd) communities,” he added. The CM said 15 lakh hectares of land in 28 districts of the state have been affected due to floods. The assistance to the affected people has been doubled, he said.
“To find a permanent solution to the floods, we are undertaking a programme of deepening and desilting of rivers in a scientific manner,” he said.
India receives wishes from International Space Station on Independence day 7
India’s ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that India received a very special congratulatory message from the International Space Station as Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti congratulated the nation on completing 75 years of Independence.
Taking to Twitter, Sandhu shared the video and wrote, “Sky is not the limit! Good wishes from #space ISS as #India celebrates #75YearsofIndependence. Appreciate Astronaut Samantha for the warm message. A true partnership between NASA, ISRO, and ESA.”
The video was also shared by ISRO on Twitter, in which it thanked thanking NASA, ESA, and the International Space Station for their wishes on the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
ISRO’s tweet was liked by over 22,000 users and reshared more than 4,000 times, according to Al Jazeera.
The European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, Cristoforetti, on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ESA congratulated India and spoke about the Indian Space Research Organisation’s contributions to space exploration and wished it the best for future missions.
“It is a pleasure to congratulate India on 75 years of Independence,” Cristoforetti said,” adding that for decades, international agencies have cooperated with ISRO on many space and science missions.
She also wished ISRO luck with its “Gaganyan” mission to launch humans into space.
“Expanding our partnership with ISRO, and exploring the universe together is the goal for all of us, for the future of space exploration,” she said
The Indian astronauts will be sent to space on the basis of certain trials. If it becomes successful, the Gaganyaan mission will make India the fourth nation in the world to send humans to space after the US, Russia, and China
The government has said that preparations for the Gaganyaan mission are complete and humans could be launched into space in 2023.
Image: ANI | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Left), Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates (Right) .
As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, wishes poured in from across the world. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing healthcare and digital transformation while spearheading India’s development.
“As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, I congratulate @narendramodi for prioritizing healthcare and digital transformation while spearheading India’s development. India’s progress in these sectors is inspiring and we are fortunate to partner in this journey. #AmritMahotsav,” tweeted Bill Gates.
Indian-American astronaut Raja Chari also greeted India from International Space Station to celebrate the 75th Independence Day.
“On Indian Independence eve I’m reminded of Indian diaspora that I could see from @Space_Station where my immigrant father’s home town of Hyderabad shines bright.@nasa is just 1 place Indian Americans make a difference every day. Looking forward to @IndianEmbassyUS celebration,” tweeted Raja Chari.
Meanwhile, Singapore High Commission also wished India on the occasion of 75th Independence Day.
“Wishing India a wonderful 75th #IndependenceDay! Many remarkable achievements by our dearest friends. Glad India continues to forge ahead & realise its immense potential & Singapore continues to be part of its growth story. Look forward to scale new heights together,” tweeted Singapore in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, on March 12, 2021, launched the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence that started a 75-week countdown to our anniversary of independence.
India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2022, and marking its 75 years of freedom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, urged the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation and highlighted five resolves to accomplish the same.
Beginning his speech at the historic Red Fort in Central Delhi, Prime Minister Modi stated that it is a historic day for India as it takes a new path, new pledge with renewed strength. “We have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of.
By 100 years of independencee, for the next 25 years we need to focus on the 5 resolves – 1. Viksit Bharat (Developed India), 2. Removing every ounce of Gulami (slavery) in us, 3. Work on the pride for our glorious heritage, 4. Ensuring Unity amonst all, 5. Fulfilling our fundamental Duties,” PM Modi said.
Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday criticized state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after allocation of the portfolios and giving crucial Home and Finance to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while only keeping Urban Development and 11 other ministries with himself
Thackeray argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had amassed the majority of the desired ministries, resulting in a “major imbalance of power.” The Shinde-Fadnavis administration’s lack of female participation in the cabinet was another issue that the Yuva Sena leader criticised.
When the focus is on Government and not Governance, it takes 41 days for cabinet expansion (with a promise of another one), and then 5 days for portfolio allocation (with a major imbalance of power), in a dispensation with no representation for women and State’s capital- Mumbai.
“When the focus is on Government and not Governance, it takes 41 days for cabinet expansion (with a promise of another one), and then 5 days for portfolio allocation (with a major imbalance of power), in a dispensation with no representation for women and State’s capital- Mumbai,” the Worli MLA wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on the people of India to take “panch pran” (five pledges) for a developed nation and aim to fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters by the year 2047- the 100th year of India’s Independence.
The Prime Minister while addressing the nation on the 76th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort talked about the five pledges the country needs to focus on for the next 25 years.
“The first pran is to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India. The second pran is to erase all traces of servitude. Even if we see the smallest things of servitude, inside us or nearby us, we have to get rid of them.
The third is to take pride in our legacy. Four is the strength of unity for our dreams of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The fifth pran is the duties of citizens which include the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers also.
This is a big pranshakti for fulfilling the dreams of the country in the next 25 years,” the Prime Minister said.
After his arrival at the Red Fort, the PM inspected the inter-services and police Guard of Honour at Red Fort., which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
Ahead of his speech to the nation, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag. Flower petals were showered at the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters. The Air Force band played the National Anthem hoisting of the National Flag and presenting of the ‘Rashritya Salute’
Apart from around 250 eminent personalities are arrive at the Red Fort on Monday, nearly 8,000-10,000 people attended the programme.
Several events have been held over the last 75 weeks to celebrate the 75 years of India’s independence. Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till today.The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes.
The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 76th anniversary of independence.
Youngsters run holding the flag ahead of 75th Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu. Credit: PTI
Wish you all a very happy 75th Independence Day.
Today is a day to gloat on our achievements. And these achievements are the achievements of every single Indian – regardless of political affiliations and the Nation. And there should be no politics, no one upmanship or pettiness in celebrating these achievements.
Sixth largest economy in the world
In 2022, Indian GDP was at $3.21 Trillion, making it the sixth largest economy in the world. And we are just marginally short of the UK, with a $3.3 Trillion GDP in 2022 and with the projected growth rate upwards of 7% for FY 23, India is set to become the fifth large economy in the world, overtaking the looters and plunderers of India, which is poetic justice. And the growth in the Indian economy began in 1991, courtesy Mr. Narasimha Rao, and India has only gone from strength to strength since then.
We are no longer apologetic about our growth aspirations. We are no longer shy of flaunting our capabilities. And this shows in our Economic policies. Today, despite COVID, our forex position is really strong. It has not happened by chance. It is by choice. And for the second year running, we are likely to be the fastest growing large economy in the world.
Vibrant democracy
Whatever, the Congress and the opposition may say, we are and will remain a vibrant democracy. We take a decision to choose the people who will govern the country. This happens time and again. And no one but no one can take the electorate for granted. A B Vajpayee did some great work and went in with a campaign, India Shining. And India truly was shining those days. But the electorate rejected him and the campaign. Because they did not see the shine.
We may see political parties doing their circus and changing governments and chief ministers post elections and what have you. Latest example being change over in Bihar who switched partners from BJP to the most corrupt political family in India. But when the politicians go back to the people, the people will decide who needs to be given a chance. I would take this choice any day and celebrate our democracy by going and voting in each and every election.
However, we also are the people (especially the upper EDUCATED middle class), who would not step out of the comfort of our airconditioned homes and if a wrong person or party is elected, we let our mouths run. You have a chance and a choice. Exercise it or shut the hell up.
Our democratic credentials are borne out by the fact that we have four prime ministerial candidates for 2024. Kejri baba has already called out the PM for treason and all his advertisements on the eve of Independence Day is almost like he is the Prime Minister; Nitish Kumar has split with the BJP as he has believed he would be a better PM than the current PM. And dear old Didi is ever ready to throw her hat into the PM sweepstakes and she has collected a cash pile to fund the campaign. And the fourth – Clown Prince – all his protests inside and outside parliament. Must say he looked cute in black.
Vaccinators to the world
When COVID imploded, India was in the forefront of the vaccination effort, including our own home-grown vaccine. Global Pharma ensured that our home-grown effort was subjugated. And when we started exporting vaccines, there were all kinds of noise, including from three of the above-mentioned PM candidates, that we were ignoring the nation and doing service to the world.
When the dust finally settled down, not only did we vaccinate all our citizens, but we also discharged our obligation to the world by supplying vaccines. And I must say here, when the world powers were grappling with the outbreak, our very own Prime Minister took the leadership to exhort the world to come together to fight the pandemic. India had gone from being a follower to a leader.
Supplier of brain power to the world – especially developed economies
Why is it that Indians when we leave the country, we end up heading the largest corporations in the world. Today, virtually all the largest global corporations are headed by Indians. That’s because our brain power is allowed a free reign abroad while there are serious attempts to curtail free thinking in the Country. Therefore, the best and brightest leave the Country because they have the freedom to think outside the box and reach for the stars. It is also interesting that in the developed economies, the countries are ruled by a few very bright people but because they have strong processes and strict adherence to law, execution is easier. For India to be truly a world beater, we need to imbibe this. Do I see this happening? Not in my lifetime.
Aggressive New India
This is an aggressive, new India. The credit for this muscular approach should go to Mr. A B Vajpayee, who set off nuclear testing and was not at all bashful about it. He believed that India should be on the high table of Nuclear Powers and went about achieving the same. And in Cricket, the great Dada, Saurav Ganguly demonstrated what India can do, when he twirled his T-shirt at Lords after winning an impossible game, with absolute rookies.
Today, our External Affairs Minister is accused of letting go of Indian “soft” diplomacy and flaunting our capabilities. What is wrong?. We are strong. We have confidence in our capabilities. Let us flaunt it. If you are not open and proud of your capabilities, no one else will come and take you seriously. What happens if you flaunt. The Pappus of the world will criticize. Let them, after all they must have their soundbites.
All in all, India at 75 is a vastly different nation, proud of its achievements, its capabilities and its rightful place under the sun. We all should be truly honored and proud to be Indians and more importantly, being here at this moment in history.
