On her arrival, she was accorded a warm welcome in the presence of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu, Mayurbhanj Collector, and scores of people’s representatives.
Soon after arrival, the President reached the Kichakeswari temple at Khiching. Along the way, she waved at thousands of people including schoolchildren, who waited for the President amid tight security arrangements.
President Droupadi Murmu, her daughter Sushri, and Odisha Governor Raghubar Das had darshan of the Goddess at the temple. The president also offered puja. It is her first visit to the Kichakeswari shrine after becoming the President.
As per the tour schedule, after the visit to Kichakeswari temple, she will stay at her residence at Mahulagadia in Rairangpur.
Before heading for her residence, she will have a meeting with officials.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her displeasure after being unable to visit the museum on Kichakeswari temple premises in Mayurbhanj. Despite a visit scheduled, the museum was found closed. The sub-collector later said that the museum has been closed for repairs.
They took stock of the security arrangements at the place along with police officials. After discussing with the police officials about security arrangements, they returned to New Delhi.
Police officials are routinely checking security arrangements at Khiching and Sukruli. The district administration is on its toes for the President's visit.
Doulat Chandra Kar, ADM Rairangpur, said, “President Droupadi Murmu will come to Mayurbhanj on a two-day visit- on February 28 and 29. The district administration is making preparations as per the protocols. We hope everything will be ready in time.”
Chile's Interior Minister said that four people had been involved in a helicopter crash on Tuesday. While three people survived, the former President was killed. The army recovered his body, the BBC reported.
Pinera was a conservative politician who led Chile from 2010 to 2014, and again from 2018 until last year. He was also a billionaire businessman, one of the richest men in Chile.
"In situations of conflict as well as peace, our valiant soldiers are ever ready to serve the nation in every way they can. Today, a grateful nation pays tribute to those who have laid down their lives for the motherland and salutes the spirit of the Indian Army! I offer my best wishes to all members of the Army," she said in a post on X.
Army Day is observed on January 15 to mark Field Marshall K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949.
"Greetings to the Army personnel, veterans and their families on Army Day! The Indian Army has a long tradition of exemplary bravery, guarding the nation's borders with utmost dedication. Their patriotism remains a great source of inspiration for all citizens," the president added.
The three new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act -- will replace the colonial era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
While replying to a debate on the three bills in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the focus was on delivering justice rather than handing down punishment.
The three legislation aim at completely overhauling the criminal justice system in the country by giving definition of various offences and their punishments. These have given a clear definition of terrorism, abolished sedition as a crime and introduced a new section titled "offences against the state".
The bills were first introduced during the Monsoon session of Parliament in August. After the Standing Committee on Home Affairs made several recommendations, the government decided to withdraw the bills and introduced their redrafted versions last week.
Shah had said the three bills were drafted after comprehensive consultations and that he had gone through every comma and full stop of the draft legislation before bringing them to the House for approval.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita lists offences such as acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or endangering the sovereignty or unity in the new avatar of the sedition law.
According to the laws, anyone purposely or knowingly, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or by electronic communication or by use of financial means, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite secession or armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers sovereignty or unity and integrity of India or indulges in or commits any such act shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
According to IPC Section 124A, which deals with sedition, anyone involved in the crime may be punished with life imprisonment or with a three-year jail term. Under the new laws, 'Rajdroh' has got a new term 'Deshdroh', thus doing away with the reference to the British crown.
Also for the first time, the word terrorism has been defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It was absent in the IPC. Under the new laws, the magistrate's power to impose fines has been increased as well as the scope of declaring a proclaimed offender.
During her two-day visit, the President attended the Boita Bandana Utsav(ceremony), organised by the Paradip Port Authority, at Paradip on Kartika Purnima (Monday), apart from virtually inaugurating a Multi-Model Logistic Park. She also laid the foundation stones for a new reservoir and water treatment plant for Port Township and next-generation Vessel Traffic Management and Information System.
The President was accorded warm welcome from various quarters along the way to Paradip. She was seen shaking hands with children and distributing chocolates.
Speaking at the Boita Bandana Utsav, the President appreciated the effort of the PPA to remember the historical memories of Bali Yatra - a symbolic boat journey of merchants from ancient Kanlinga to the islands of Java, Sumatra, Bali, etc., every year.
“Baliyatra is a unique festival celebrated in the memory of our glorious past. Celebrated since time immemorial, this festival is a symbol of the prosperity of the maritime trade of Odisha. It also highlights the rich cultural consciousness of the people of Odisha,” she observed.
The President further stated that the sea has been a major means of strengthening India's trade, commerce and international relations while literature based on the sea has also enriched Indian culture.
“Odisha and other coastal states had a long and prosperous tradition of naval commerce. Apart from trade and commerce, those merchants also played an important role in spreading Indian art and culture abroad,” she added.
The President also said that while maritime trade is playing an important role in the trade and economic development of the country, nearly 95 percent of India's total trade in terms of volume and 65 percent in terms of value are done through sea transport.
Underscoring the need for ports to function with greater efficiency as per the global standards, the President said that hence, there is a need to further strengthen the port infrastructure to increase their efficiency. She said that the Sagarmala project is a commendable step in this direction through which the Union Government is working to realise the vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity’ and ‘Ports for Progress’
The President was happy over Paradip Port’s growing cargo-handling capacity. Notably, the port which is poised to become the largest port on the east coast, has bagged ‘Port of Operational Excellence Award’ at the Global Maritime India Summit – 2023.
Inaugurating the Multi-Modal Logistics Park, the President exuded confidence that the part will give a new direction to the transparent development of trade. She said that Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS) enabled new modern signal stations will make navigation through this port safer and orderly.
Governor Raghubar Das, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu and MLA Nauri Naik were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “Education has always played an important and transformative role in building society. Moral and human values like service, equality and sympathy are the foundation of our culture.”
She also stated that youth should be inspired by these great ideals and values and take care of their elderly parents and people from the deprived sections of society so that a better society can be formed.
Emphasizing that positive attitude towards these values should be created in the minds of children through education, the President observed that moral education helps in building human life and brings positive changes in the society.
“Moral education makes us aware of the life values of compassion, kindness, friendship, and fraternity. Positive changes can occur in an individual having these qualities. Positive changes in an individual can help create a better society,” she added.
Expressing her happiness that Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is making the path to happiness, peace and joy, accessible through character-building, self-realization and divine experience, the President recited a Sanskrit Sloka: Sarbe bhabantu sukhinah, sarbe santu niramaya, sarbe bhadrani pasyantu, maa kaschit dukhaa bhaag bhabet…”
Speaking to the media, Rajajogini Parbati, said that value-based education will bring about a change in society and help build 'Swarnim Bharat'.
In a letter to Sushil Kumar Singh, joint secretary (IRSME) of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sampada Mehta, the private secretary to the President of India intimated about the President’s visit.
“The President will be pleased to be the Chief Guest at the Boita Badan function being organized by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on 27th November 2023, between 1000-1230 hrs at Paradip, Odisha,” the letter read.
ALSO READ: Railways approves first passenger train to President Droupadi Murmu’s native place in Odisha
The Boita Bandan Utsavs are held on the day of Kartika Purnima every year with pomp and gaiety across Odisha, erstwhile Kalinga, to reminisce the glorious ancient maritime heritage of the state. In the yore, scores of merchants from Kalinga used to go on the sea-faring trade with various nations commencing from the month of Kartika.
The Express UK report said that a Telegram Channel believed to be run by a former Kremlin insider reported that incident saying the Russian leader was found by guards on the floor of the bedroom "lying on the floor, rolling his eyes", Express UK reported.
Doctors were reportedly called immediately and they later diagnosed the 71-year-old as having suffered a "cardiac arrest."
Putin was then moved to a special medical facility built in the apartment where he underwent intensive care, the source claims.
The unverified report comes following persistent speculation surrounding Putin’s health amid rumors of a long-hidden medical condition.
The Telegram channel General SVR, reportedly run by a former Russian lieutenant-general, declared in a post :"Security officers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the president's bedroom.
"Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks."
General SVR continued: "Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes."
Doctors later reportedly arrived a "resuscitated" Putin having "previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest", Express UK reported.
The new trains are Kolkata (Shalimar)-Badampahar-Kolkata (Shalimar) Weekly Express, Badampahar-Rourkela-Badampahar Weekly Express, Rourkela-Tatanagar-Rourkela (6 days a week) and Tatanagar- Badampahar-Tatanagar (6 days a week).
"This is for the first time that Tata-Badampahar route will have Mail/Express train connectivity," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a statement issued by the ECoR.
President Droupadi Murmu’s native place Rairangpur and Badampahad in Mayurbhanj district will now get mail or express train, they said.
Vaishnaw said it was a long-pending demand of the people of the area. He added that the new train will fulfill the aspirations of local people, boost the local economy, help development of the tribal area and provide additional connectivity to the aspirational districts. These trains will be introduced soon, the minister said.
Shalimar (Kolkata) - Badampahar-Shalimar (Kolkata) Weekly Express will leave Shalimar at 11.05pm every Saturday and reach Badampahar at 05.40am the next day. While returning, Badampahar-Shalimar Express will leave Badampahar at 9.30pm every Sunday and will arrive at Shalimar at 5am the next day.
The train will stop at Santragachi, Kharagpur, Jhargram, Ghatsila, Asanboni, Tatanagar, Bahalda Road, Aunlajori and Rairangpur.
Badampahar-Rourkeka-Badampahar Weekly Express will leave Badampahar at 06.10am every Sunday and will reach Rourkela at 11.40am. While returning, Rourkela- Badampahar Express will leave Rourkela at 2.20pm every Sunday and will arrive at Badampahar at 7.25pm.
The train will stop at Rairangpur, Aunlajori, Bahalda Road, Tatanagar, Sini, Rajkharswan, Chakradharpur, Goilkera and Manoharpur.
Rourkela-Tatanagar-Rourkela (6 days a week) train will leave Rourkela at 4.50am daily except Sundays and will reach Tatanagar at 09.15am. In its return journey, it will leave Tatanagar at 3.25pm daily except Sundays and will arrive at Rourkela at 7.35pm.
The train will stop at Bisra, Manoharpur, Chakradharpur, Sini and Adityapur.
Tatanagar-Badampahar-Tatanagar (6 days a week) train will leave Tatanagar at 9.55am daily except Sundays and will reach Badampahar at 12.15pm. In the return direction, the train will leave Badampahar at 12.45pm except Sundays and will arrive at Tatanagar at 3.20pm.
The train will stop at Haludpukur, Aunlajori, Rairangpur, Kuldiha and Chhanva, the ECoR said in an official release.
He takes over from renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who was president from September 30, 2020.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to make the announcement and extended his best wishes to the National Award-winning actor.
"Heartiest congratulations to @ActorMadhavan ji on being nominated as President of @FTIIOfficial and Chairman of the governing council. I'm sure that your vast experience & strong ethics will enrich this institute, bring positive changes & take it to a higher level," Thakur wrote.
On the work front, Madhavan has come on board the biopic of inventor Gopalswamy Doraisamy Naidu, who is also known as the 'Edison of India'. The film, helmed by Mithran R. Jawahar, will have Punnagai Poo Gheetha as the female lead.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (3) of Article 77 of the Constitution, the President here by makes the following rules further to amend the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. These rules may be called the Government of India (Allocation of Business) (373rd Amendment) Rules, 2023.
“In the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, under the heading ‘Ministry of Culture’ in entry 9 in the Second Schedule, for the words 'Nehru Memorial Museum and Library’, the following words shall be substituted, namely: Prime Ministers' Museum and Library,” read the gazette notification issued by the Centre.
Earlier, the opposition Congress had slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for removing the name of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from the Museum and Library, calling it a part of “vendetta politics’’.
“It is not going to cause any problems for us. It is going to only create problems for them only. These people, what they are doing, it will definitely boomerang upon them. They have to be answerable to the country’ ’senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal had said.
President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership of the G20, the White House said in a statement.
The G20 world leaders' summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The summit is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in India. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia.
“President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including on the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putin’s war in Ukraine," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
"Increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges,” she said in a statement.
While in New Delhi, President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Modi’s leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, Jean-Pierre added.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden's talks with leaders on the sidelines of the summit will focus on climate change, Russia's war in Ukraine and other global challenges.
The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies.
The members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population.
The grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union.
From September 4-7, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit and engage with leaders from the Indo-Pacific, Jean-Pierre said.
Harris and ASEAN leaders will review the unprecedented expansion in US-ASEAN relations under the Biden-Harris Administration and the vice president will reaffirm the United States’ enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and ASEAN centrality, the press secretary said.
“This visit builds on President Biden’s participation in the U.S.-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2022, his virtual participation in the U.S.-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in November 2021, and the President’s and Vice President’s engagements with ASEAN leaders at the historic May 2022 U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, D.C.
"This is the Vice President’s third trip to Southeast Asia in the past two years, and builds on her August 2021 visit to Singapore and Vietnam and her November 2022 visit to Thailand and the Philippines,” Jean-Pierre said.
According to Mandal, she has not forgotten her friend with whom she had spent bulk of her childhood together. “I want to speak my heart out before Droupadi Murmu who is now the President of India,” said Mandal while recalling the time when she and President Murmu spent together.
Both President Droupadi Murmu and her childhood friend Tapti Mandal studied together at Uparbeda high school from standard one to five.
“Both of us used to spend a lot of time together in studies and playing. She is now holding the top post. I wish I could meet her, talk and relive our childhood,” Mandal said adding that President Murmu always used to recite poems for which she would ask the President whether she wanted to become a leader.
President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to her home state Odisha, attended the valedictory function at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack to mark the completion of 75 years of the Orissa High Court.
It is not the first time that the stopgap arrangement at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium has hurt the sentiments of people. Earlier, the matter came to notice during Amit Shah’s programme at the same venue one year back.
Several advocates, who had come to attend the valedictory function also expressed resentment over such callous attitude.
“It was earlier claimed that the roof would be repaired. Even after one year, no step was taken to resolve the issue. We were in shock after seeing that polythene sheets were used to cover the damaged roof. Odisha government has huge funds and the President’s programme was fixed at least two months in advance,” said Advocate Rabindra Nath Pal.
Pal further questioned the intention of the state government on the entire matter.
“Amit Shah during his visit had also urged for immediate repair of the indoor stadium. Today, we are really hurt over the matter,” said Advocate Sishir Chandra Das.
Local resident, Sanjit Samal said, “The President of India, Droupadi Murmu attended an important function at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. It is really unfortunate as the people, who were in charge during Amit Shah’s programme, had assured to repair the roof. But so far no step has been taken. We are surprised that the renovation work has not been taken up. It is a sheer disrespect to the President of India.”
In a tweet, the President said, "Today, on the glorious occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, all the countrymen remember the victory achieved by the extraordinary valor of our armed forces. On behalf of a grateful nation, I pay tribute and bow to the memory of the fighters who paved the way for victory by sacrificing their lives to protect the country. Their heroic stories will always inspire generations to come. Jai Hind."
The Prime Minister in a tweet said, "Kargil Vijay Diwas brings to the fore the heroic saga of those wonderful bravehearts of India, who will always remain an inspiration for the countrymen. On this special day, I bow down and salute him from the bottom of my heart. Jai Hind."
While remembering the soldiers, Shah said, "Kargil Vijay Diwas is the day of victory for the honor of crores of countrymen. It is a day to pay tribute to all the mighty warriors who defended every inch of their motherland with their sky high spirits and steely determination like a mountain. With their sacrifice, the brave soldiers of India not only kept the pride and glory of their motherland but also kept their traditions of winning alive.
"On behalf of the grateful nation, I salute your dedication to keep the integrity of the country intact by hoisting the tricolor proudly again on the inaccessible hills of Kargil," Shah added.
Several programmes are being held across the country to mark the Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to commemorate the war that was fought between May 1999, and July 26, 1999, against Pakistan intruders, who in the winters of 1998 had entered the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with an aim of dominating all military and civil movements.
In a recorded message during the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas celebrations on the occasion of Ashadha Purnima, the President highlighted the importance of following Lord Buddha's teaching.
Stress was given on Buddha’s three teachings: Sheel, Sadhachar, and Pragya. By embracing these teachings, the younger generation can empower themselves and create a positive impact on society, the President said.
"On Ashadha Purnima, we not only honor the Dhamma of Lord Buddha, which is an integral part of our ancient cultural heritage, but we also recognize its relevance in our daily lives," stated the President.
The President also emphasised the significance of studying and comprehending Lord Buddha's first sermon delivered in the sacred land of Sarnath to gain a deep understanding of Buddha Dhamma, PIB reported.
Addressing the celebrations organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the President reflected on how Lord Buddha planted the seeds of the middle path of the Dhamma through his first sermon on Asadha Purnima. On this auspicious day, it is essential for us to internalise the teachings of Lord Buddha and incorporate them into our thoughts and actions.
She made this announcement on Monday after witnessing a cultural festival in capital Paramaribo on the occasion of the commemoration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname.
She said that the OCI card can be seen as an important link in their 150 year old relationship with India.
The President urged members of the Indian diaspora to continue to make efforts to maintain their connections with India.
President Murmu said that at a time when Suriname is celebrating the legacy of its ancestors and its links with India, India stands with Suriname in solidarity and reverence.
Murmu further noted that both Suriname and India have made efforts to rebuild their economies and social systems after a long period of colonial rule.
"This experience has created a feeling of solidarity between the two countries," she said.
The first ship -- Lalla Rookh -- carrying 452 Indian labourers, had arrived in Suriname's capital Paramaribo on June 5, 1873.
Most of the labourers hailed from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Murmu is on her first state visit since becoming president of the country, to Suriname.
"I am greatly honoured to receive Suriname's highest distinction, "Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star," she said in a tweet through her official Rashtrapati Bhavan handle.
"This recognition holds tremendous significance, not only for me but also for the 1.4 billion people of India whom I represent. I also dedicate this honor to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between our two countries," she further added.
The president went on to add: "Receiving this decoration during the historic commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Indian arrival in Suriname makes it more special. If this honor serves as a beacon of empowerment and encouragement for women in both our countries, then it becomes even more meaningful."
Murmu is on a three-day visit to Suriname, which will conclude on Tuesday.
Several agreements were also signed between the two countries during the president's visit.
The first MoU related to pharmaceuticals, and drug regulators for cooperation in the field of medical product regulation, exchange of good practices and capacity building.
Another MoU related to the pharmaceutical sector was signed.
The recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia by the Suriname side is expected to facilitate the sale of pharma products manufactured by India in Suriname as per Indian pharmacopoeia standards.
A joint work plan in agriculture and allied sectors for the period 2023 to 2027 under an existing MoU was also signed and exchanged.
The buyer's credit which India had extended to Suriname has also been restructured.
After Erdogan took the oath at the parliament, a lavish inauguration ceremony was held at the presidential palace in the capital Ankara with the attendance of world leaders.
The President named his new cabinet later on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Erdogan won 52.18 per cent of votes in the presidential runoff on May 28 against his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the centre-left Republican People's Party (CHP).
The President, who has been leading the country since he became Prime Minister in 2003, became the first executive president of Turkey in 2018 following a constitutional referendum in 2017 which changed Turkey's parliamentary system into a presidential system.
President Murmu also lauded Mayurbhanj by stating that her first identity is that she is the daughter of this soil.
Also Read: Power outage during President Droupadi Murmu's address in Odisha varsity draws sharp criticism
“The university has completed 25 years, but this educational institution has carved its niche in the field of higher education in this short span. I am seeing a new trend in the country and it is also visible here. Out of 1500 students at the university, 550 students are boys and 950 girls while 161 students are from tribal community. Of the 90 PhD holders, 50 students are girls and 21 girls students are among the 34 gold medalists. It is the achievement of women in higher education,” said Murmu.
According to the first citizen of India, girls need to be encouraged and it is everybody’s responsibility. Providing education to girls is the highest contribution. Education and learning don’t stop as it is a never-ending process. Instead of running after jobs, it is greater to be job givers, she said.
During her address, the President also said that the world today is going through complex situation of global warming and climate change which have emerged as major challenges. India proposed to the world to lifestyle for the environment.
“Similipal holds a special place as far as biodiversity is concerned. Safeguarding biodiversity, wildlife and preventing forest fires are of paramount importance to us. It is imperative that we leverage 21st century technology, smart sensors, satellite systems, artificial indolence and others to address the challenges of climate change, forest protection and biodiversity,” said President Murmu.
President Droupadi Murmu also said that Similipal’s unexplored territories harbour many unidentified species of flora and fauna that need to be studied, protected and brought to the attention of the world.
Murmu, who stayed at her house in Rairangpur on Thursday night, started the second day of her Mayurbhanj visit by paying tributes to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the inventor of Ol Chiki script of Santali language, at his birthplace Dandabosh village on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal president of the country, belongs to the Santal tribe.
The Odisha government, which had supported Murmu's presidential candidature last year, has announced a Rs 10 crore package for development of the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Memorial.
Droupadi Murmu visited her hometown nearly after 10 months for the first time after becoming the President in July last year.
Her visit to Similipal was the first by any President of India.
Similipal National Park authorities said elaborate arrangements have been made for the President’s visit. She is scheduled to visit Chahala in the core area, where she will be served local tribal food and then taken to a guided to see deer, sambhar and elephants.
Spread over 2,750 sq km area, the national park is home to Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant.
The President is scheduled to visit waterfalls at Bareipani and Joranda. Bareipani is the second highest waterfall in India at 399 metres, while Joranda is 150 metre high.
The national park has been made out of bounds for visitors for two days from May 4 in view of the President's visit.
After her return from Similipal, she is scheduled to visit Baripada, where she will spend the night and attend the convocation of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University on Saturday before flying back to Delhi.
Murmu will be on a three-day visit to the state starting May 4.
According to sources, the tiger reserve will remain closed on May 4 and 5 as President Murmu will visit the national park on May 5 and will spend the entire day inside the sanctuary.
President Murmu’s visit to the national park, a tiger reserve that covers an area of 2,750 km, will be the first by a President of the country, sources added.
Notably, President Murmu will pay a three-day visit to her home district from May 4 and visit her in-law's village Pahadpur in Rairangpur sub-division.
The president will reach Kalaikunda Air Force station in West Bengal on May 4, from where she will travel by helicopter to Badampahar helipad and reach Pahadpur the same day, the official said.
Murmu had visited the state twice earlier after assuming office in July 2022 and this time her visit will be confined to Mayurbhanj district.
According to the schedule made available to the media, the President will visit the memorial of her husband Shyamcharan Murmu and her two sons and attend various programmes at Rairangpur. She is also slated to lay the foundation stones for two projects at Pahadpur and spend the night at Rairangpur Inspection Bungalow, the officials said.
Murmu will visit Baripada, the district headquarters town of Mayurbhanj and attend the convocation of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University the next day before winding up her visit.
If confirmed by the World Bank Board of Directors, Banga would be the first-ever Indian-American and Sikh-American to head either of the two top international financial institutions: International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Banga, 63, currently serves as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Previously, he was President and CEO of Mastercard, leading the company through a strategic, technological and cultural transformation. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.
"Ajay is uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history," President Biden said in a statement.
"He has spent more than three decades building and managing successful, global companies that create jobs and bring investment to developing economies, and guiding organisations through periods of fundamental change," Biden said.
Banga has a proven track record managing people and systems, and partnering with global leaders around the world to deliver results, he said.
He also has critical experience mobilising public-private resources "to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change," the US President said.
Raised in India, Banga has a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing developing countries and how the World Bank can deliver on its ambitious agenda to reduce poverty and expand prosperity, he added.
The White House said Banga is a business leader with extensive experience leading successful organisations in developing countries and forging public-private partnerships to address financial inclusion and climate change.
Vice President Kamala Harris said Banga will be a transformative World bank President as the institution works to deliver on its core development goals and address pressing global challenges, including climate change.
Banga has worked closely with Vice President Harris as the Co-Chair of the Partnership for Central America.
"Since I was elected Vice President, Ajay and I have worked closely together on a new model of public-private partnership designed to address the root causes of migration in Northern Central America," Harris said in a statement after Biden's announcement to nominate Banga for the top World Bank position.
Through that partnership, nearly 50 businesses and organisations have mobilised to generate more than USD 4.2 billion in commitments that will create opportunity and hope for people in the region, she said.
"Ajay has brought great insight, energy, and persistence to the challenges of promoting economic development and tackling the root causes of migration as the institution works to deliver on its core development goals and address pressing global challenges, including climate change," Harris said.
In a separate statement, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen applauded Biden for nominating Banga for this position.
"I applaud President Biden's decision to nominate Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank. He has the right leadership and management skills, experience living and working in emerging markets, and financial expertise to lead the World Bank at a critical moment in its history, deliver on its core development goals, and evolve the Bank to meet global challenges like climate change," Yellen said.
"As a renowned executive, Banga has led a global organisation with nearly 20,000 employees, advocated for diversity and inclusion, and delivered results. His efforts have helped bring 500 million unbanked people into the digital economy, deploy private capital into climate solutions, and expand economic opportunity through the Partnership for Central America," she said.
This experience will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution to be fit for purpose for the world being faced today.
"Banga understands that those core objectives are deeply intertwined with challenges like meeting ambitious goals for climate adaptation and emissions reduction, preparing for and preventing future pandemics, and mitigating the root causes and consequences of conflict and fragility," she said.
While the World Bank will continue to play a key role in improving the lives of people around the globe, it can't do it alone, she noted.
Banga's track record of forging partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and non-profits uniquely equips him to help mobilise the private capital and press for the reforms needed to meet our shared ambitions, Yellen said.
"In doing so, the World Bank can serve as a force multiplier for good by setting the right agenda and catalyzing action from across the spectrum including governments, the private sector, other multilateral development banks, civil society and philanthropies," Yellen said.
According to the White House, over the course of his career, Banga has become a global leader in technology, data, financial services and innovating for inclusion.
He is honorary chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, serving as chairman from 2020-2022. He is also chairman of Exor and independent director at Temasek. He became an advisor to General Atlantic's climate-focused fund, BeyondNetZero, at its inception in 2021.
He previously served on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods and Dow Inc. He is a member of the Trilateral Commission, a founding trustee of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, a former member of the National Committee on US-China Relations, and Chairman Emeritus of the American India Foundation.
Banga is a co-founder of The Cyber Readiness Institute, Vice Chair of the Economic Club of New York and served as a member of President Barack Obama's Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. He is a past member of the US President's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.
He was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal in 2012, the Ellis Island Medal of Honour and the Business Council for International Understanding's Global Leadership Award in 2019, and the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star in 2021.
In a short video launched on Tuesday, the 37-year-old said: "We've celebrated our 'diversity' so much that we forgot all the ways we're really the same as Americans, bound by ideals that united a divided, headstrong group of people 250 years ago. I believe deep in my bones those ideals still exist. I'm running for President to revive them.
"We're in the midst of a national identity crisis. Faith, patriotism & family are disappearing. We embrace one secular religion after another -- from wokeism to climatism -- to satisfy our deeper need for meaning. Yet we cannot even answer what it means to be an American.
"The GOP can fill that void. E pluribus unum: from many, one. That is the dream that won the American Revolution; that reunited us after the Civil War, that won us two World Wars & the Cold War. That is the dream that still gives hope to the world. That is American exceptionalism."
Ramaswamy, whose parents immigrated from Vadakkencherry in Palakkad, Kerala, co-founded Strive Asset Management and currently serves as the Executive Chairman.
Prior to Strive, he founded the biopharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences.
He is also the author of the books, "Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam", published in August 2021 and "Nation of Victims: Identity Politics, the Death of Merit, and the Path Back to Excellence", published in September 2022.
Ramaswamy filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission earlier on Tuesday and is scheduled to speak at a Polk County Republican event in Iowa on Thursday.
The other Indian-American to launch her Republican presidential bid is Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor and Permanent Representative to the UN.
The official communication reads: "Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retired) as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh; Lakshman Prasad Acharya as Governor of Sikkim; C.P. Radhakrishnan as Governor of Jharkhand; Shiv Pratap Shukla as Governor of Himachal Pradesh; and S. Abdul Nazeer as Governor of Andhra Pradesha; Gulab Chand Kataria as Governor of Assam"
Above are the fresh appointments. However, the states of the few current Governors have been changed. Their new placements are:
Justice (Retd) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh appointed as Governor of Chhattisgarh; Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh appointed as Governor of Manipur; La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur appointed as Governor of Nagaland; Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar appointed as Governor of Meghalaya; Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh appointed as Governor of Bihar; Ramesh Bais, Governor of Jharkhand appointed as Governor of Maharashtra; Brig (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh appointed as Lt. Governor of Ladakh.
The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices.
The following appointments have been notified:
(1) Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retired) as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
(2) Lakshman Prasad Acharya as Governor of Sikkim
(3) C.P. Radhakrishnan as Governor of Jharkhand
(4) Shiv Pratap Shukla as Governor of Himachal Pradesh
(5) Gulab Chand Kataria as Governor of Assam
(6) (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer as Governor of Andhra Pradesh
(7) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh appointed as Governor of Chhattisgarh
(8) Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh appointed as Governor of Manipur
(9) La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur appointed as Governor of Nagaland
(10) Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar appointed as Governor of Meghalaya
(11) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh appointed as Governor of Bihar
(12) Ramesh Bais, Governor of Jharkhand appointed as Governor of Maharashtra
(13) vBrig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh appointed as Lt. Governor of LadakhIt further notifies the following appointments:-
(1) Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retired) as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
(2) Lakshman Prasad Acharya as Governor of Sikkim
(3) C.P. Radhakrishnan as Governor of Jharkhand
(4) Shiv Pratap Shukla as Governor of Himachal Pradesh
(5) Gulab Chand Kataria as Governor of Assam
(6) (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer as Governor of Andhra Pradesh
(7) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh appointed as Governor of Chhattisgarh
(8) Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh appointed as Governor of Manipur
(9) La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur appointed as Governor of Nagaland
(10) Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar appointed as Governor of Meghalaya
(11) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh appointed as Governor of Bihar
(12) Ramesh Bais, Governor of Jharkhand appointed as Governor of Maharashtra
(13) Brig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh appointed as Lt. Governor of Ladakh
The 29-year-old Harvard Law School student, who has been investigating art crime and repatriation since 2018, succeeds Priscila Coronado.
"Since joining the Law Review, I have been inspired by her (Priscila's) skillful management, compassion, and capacity to build vibrant, inclusive communities. I am so grateful that we 'Volume 137' inherit her legacy, and I am honored to continue building on this important work over the next year," Iyer said in a statement announcing her appointment.
Iyer graduated from Yale in 2016 with a B.A. in Economics and Math, and Spanish. Her dedication to archaeology and indigenous communities led her to pursue an MPhil at Oxford as a Clarendon Scholar and, in 2018, to join the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU), a Harvard Law Review release said.
At the ATU, she investigated art crime, coordinating with international and federal law-enforcement authorities to repatriate more than 1,100 stolen works of art to 15 different countries.
Iyer enrolled at Harvard Law School in the fall of 2020, where she is a student in the International Human Rights Clinic and member of the South Asian Law Students Association.
Committed to fighting illicit antiquities trafficking, Iyer took a leave of absence from Harvard Law School in 2021-22 to return to the DA's Office, where she worked on an international antiquities trafficking investigation and rose to be the deputy of the ATU.
"Apsara has changed the lives of many editors for the better, and I know she will continue to do so. From the start, she has impressed her fellow editors with her remarkable intelligence, thoughtfulness, warmth, and fierce advocacy. The Law Review is extremely lucky to have her lead this institution," Iyer's predecessor, Coronado, said.
The Law Review, founded in 1887 by future Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, LLB 1887, is an entirely student-edited journal with the largest circulation of any law journal in the world.
Former President Barack Obama was the journal's first Black president.
During the Indian Independence Movement, Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress. He developed to become one of the region's prominent leaders and was a strong follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He was India's first and longest-serving President, and he contributed to the country's freedom movement. He was an ardent participant in the 1931 Salt Satyagraha and the 1942 Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned alongside many other prominent freedom activists.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a key figure in the creation of the Indian Constitution. In 1962, he received the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. Dr. Rajendra Prasad died at the age of 78 on February 28, 1963.
Everything you need to know about Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
Prasad graduated from Calcutta Law College after growing up in a landowning family of modest means. He began his legal career in the Calcutta High Court, then moved to the Patna High Court in 1916, when he started the Bihar Law Weekly.
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi enlisted him to assist in a campaign to improve circumstances for peasants mistreated by British indigo planters in Bihar. In 1920, he left his law profession to join the noncooperation movement.
He was an English lecturer at a college in Bihar before pursuing a legal degree. Dr. Rajendra Prasad taught in a college in Kolkata while studying law. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in law from Allahabad University.
Prasad was elected as India's first President by the Constituent Assembly when the country became a republic in 1950. Following the 1951 general election, he was chosen President by the electoral college of India's first Parliament and state legislatures.
Addressing Women's Self-Help Groups conference in Bhopal, Murmu asserted that making women economically independent is an effective way of empowering them.
The President lauded Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's initiative of making women's Self-Help Groups in Madhya Pradesh and empowering them with providing numerous opportunities.
She noted that more than four lakh women's Self-Help Groups are active in Madhya Pradesh and said the participation of women will strengthen the economy, society as well as the country.
"Economic self-reliance is an effective means of empowering women. Economic and social self-reliance complement each other. Self-Help Groups can contribute effectively to make women self-reliant. To make India a self-reliant and developed nation, maximum participation of women is essential. We have to create an environment in which women feel free and fearless and can make full use of their potential," Murmu said.
She further said Madhya Pradesh has a rich tradition of women leaders like Rani Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati and Ahilyabai Holkar.
The President also recalled former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who is from Madhya Pradesh.
Murmu was on her first-ever two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh after becoming the President to attend the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' state-level programme at Shahdol on Tuesday.
She also addressed Women's Self-Help Groups at a programme organised by Madhya Pradesh government at Motilal Nehru stadium in Bhopal.
The President had earlier made a formal announcement of implementation of the PESA Act in Madhya Pradesh.
In view of the significant event, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration is also gearing up to welcome the First citizen of India.
According to sources, Murmu is scheduled to visit the 12th century shrine between 12 and 1 pm soon after she arrives in Odisha.
For security reasons the temple will close for darshan of general public from 10:30 AM onwards.
Meanwhile, the Suara and Mahasuara Niyog of the temple have requested the administration to make arrangements for the President to partake the holy Mahaprasad at the shrine.
The servitors have called upon the authorities to make arrangements at the Ananda Bazar inside the temple premises for the President's lunch. According to the Suara Niyog, Droupadi Murmu is an Odia and she might be very much aware of the importance of partaking the holy Mahaprasad at Ananda Bazar in the temple.
The Suara and Mahasuara Niyog Secretary Narayan Mahasuara said “From the ‘Sakala Dhupa’ onwards many dishes will be prepared and will be ready. If the President desires to have Mahaprasad in the Ananda Bazar, it will set an example of the Odia culture."
According to sources, President Murmu will reach Bhubaneswar on November 10 morning and will go straight to Puri Srimandir to seek obeisance of Holy Trinity. Later, she will return to Bhubaneswar and where she will be accorded civic reception at Raj Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
After spending night at the Governor's House, President Murmu will visit Tapoban High School in Khandagiri, Unit-2 Government Girl’s High School and Kuntala Kumari Sabat Tribal Hostel on November 11.
Later in the day, she will visit Jaydev Bhawan and inaugurate Odia textbook for engineering and a portal (e-Kumbh) before flying back to New Delhi, sources informed.
People, set to come in close contact with President Murmu, will undergo RTPCR Covid test. This apart, use of N-95 masks will be made mandatory for all during the event.
“We have received an official communication regarding President’s visit to Puri. A Chief Secretary-level meeting was held yesterday which was attending by several top officials. We have also scheduled a district-level preparatory meeting ahead of her visit,” said Samarth Verma, Puri Collector.
Puri Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh said, “We are making elaborate arrangements to make sure the protocol is followed strictly. We are also eyeing at minimal incontinence to the local residents. We will carry out a full-dress rehearsal on November 9.”
(Reported by Madhusudan Mishra)
Taking to his Twitter handle, he wrote, “Best wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi. May the blessings of Lord Shri Ganesh always remain upon us.”
He added, "Michhami Dukkadam! Samvatsari emphasises on forgiveness. May there be no ill-feelings towards anyone. May the spirit of kindness and brotherhood always prevail."
Similarly, President Droupadi Murmu also prayed for peace and prosperity in the lives of the citizens.
“Hearty greetings to all the countrymen on Ganesh Chaturthi. Mangalmurti Lord Ganesha is a symbol of knowledge, accomplishment and good fortune. I wish that with the blessings of Shri Ganesh, there should be a spread of happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone’s life,” the President tweeted.
Moreover, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on the occasion.
“Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all the countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya!” he tweeted.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also greeted people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
"Warm greetings of #GaneshChaturthi to all. Celebrated with much enthusiasm, the festival represents India's composite culture, transcending the boundaries of caste, creed, religion or region. Today, I pray to #LordGanesh for the good health, happiness and prosperity of all," the Vice-President tweeted.
Biden, in virtual remarks from the White House on Wednesday, said that the measure responds to "the healthcare crisis that has unfolded" since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, which eliminated the constitutional protection of abortion rights for women, Xinhua news agency reported.
The executive order will also help women travel out of state for medical care while making sure healthcare providers comply with federal law so women don't face delays or denials of medically necessary care, according to Biden.
The US Justice Department filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to protect the rights of patients to access emergency medical care guaranteed by federal law.
The suit challenged an Idaho law set to go into effect on August 25 and impose a near-total ban on abortion.
Abortion has been one of the most divisive issues in the US.
Without Roe v. Wade, states are allowed to impose their own legislation on the medical procedure.
At least ten states have banned abortion following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade.
Voters in Kansas rejected a constitutional amendment that would have stripped residents of abortion rights in the first ballot test of abortion rights on Tuesday.
Wishing Murmu a successful tenure at the highest office of the country, Panda said her journey would inspire the generations to come.
“I was in Assam. Like other parts of the country, Assam also celebrated Draupadi Murmu’s victory in a grand way. She is not only the pride of our nation, but her win has sent a strong message to the other countries,” Panda said.
Murmu's journey to Raisina Hill is an inspiring and a shining example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to empower each and every section of the society, the saffron party leader stated.
Notably, 64-year old Murmu is the first tribal President and the second woman after Pratibha Patil to hold the top office. She is slated to be sworn in as the President of India on 25 July 25 2022.
Born on June 20, 1958 in the Santhal community, Murmu began her political career as a councillor in Rairangpur notified area council in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district in 1997.
She rose through the ranks to become a minister in Odisha's BJD-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004.
The two-time MLA was appointed as the first woman governor of Jharkhand in 2015.
Sailing on the indigenously designed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra, designated as the Presidential Yacht, Kovind sailed past 44 ships anchored in four columns in the Bay of Bengal and received the ceremonial salute from each of them.
The theme of the President's Fleet Review-2022 was 'Indian Navy 75 years in Service of the Nation', commemorating the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The crew of each ship presented a salute with the traditional 'Three Jais', a symbolic act called "Man and Cheer Ship," in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance of Navy personnel to the country and the Supreme Commander.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Savita Kovind, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhat, Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief of Defence Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta and other officials onboard the Presidential Yacht.
The President's Fleet Review 2022 provided an insight into the Indian fleet's strength, capability and also the unity of purpose.
Along the ships, there was a Parade of Sails, comprising two Laser Bahia, six Enterprise Class and six Indian Naval Sailing Vessels Mhadei, Tarini, Bulbul, Hariyal, Kadalpura and Neelkanth.
Rescue divers conducted 'combat jumps' from the Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-I, demonstrating a quick rescue using a Rescue Basket.
The ALH from the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322 in Kochi, known as the Guardians, is used in disaster relief, humanitarian aid and rescue operations.
Two Hawks from the INAS 551, known as Phantoms, performed tactical manoeuvres in Viper formation, while Naval aircraft, including Chetak, Dhruv, Seaking and Dornier, conducted a composite fly-past.
As part of the Fleet Review, the President reviewed the mobile submarine column that included INS Vela, a recently-inducted Made in India Kalvari class submarine.
Marine Commandos (Marcos) from the Special Operations unit INS Karna on the eastern seaboard, then performed combat free-fall water jumps from the Para Dornier aircraft over a designated drop zone from a height of 6,000 feet.
Displaying immaculate skill, the Marcos completed precise landings in a sequence in close proximity to the Presidential Yacht.
On completion of the review, the President returned to base with a ceremonial piping of the side, followed by a 21 Gun Salute.
The Navy noted that the last decade has witnessed India's dependence on maritime environment expanding substantially as its economic, military and technological strength grew, global interactions widened and the national security imperatives and political interests stretched gradually beyond the Indian Ocean Region.
"There seems little doubt that the 21st century will be the 'Century of the Seas' for India and that the seas will remain a key enabler in its global resurgence," the Navy observed.
The combat capability of ships and aircraft, which included simulated beaching reconnaissance and assault, high-speed runs by fast interceptor crafts, shore bombardment, helobatics, sonar dunk operations, boarding operations and cargo sling operations by naval helicopters, were on display in the 40-minute long event.
The President was accompanied by the Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan, and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi.
The highlights of the day were manning of the yard and arms of the sail training ship 'Tarangini', along with steam past by naval ships which manoeuvred in a column formation.
Later, the President also visited the IAC Vikrant which is under construction at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The President was provided a first-hand brief on the progress of trials towards commissioning of the ship.
Indigenous content in construction of IAC is close to 76 per cent out of the overall project cost of Rs 19,341 crore. IAC has a large number of indigenous materials such as steel, besides other equipment manufactured by Indian industrial houses and about 100 MSMEs.
The indigenous construction of the carrier has generated employment opportunities and bolstered plough back effect on the domestic economy. Close to 2,000 shipyard and 13,000 non-yard personnel have been employed per annum towards the construction of the IAC, an official statement noted.
The President expressed satisfaction on the progress and appreciated the efforts of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard towards development of indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding as a shining example of the nation's quest for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', an official release stated.
The man, Anil Shikha, of Tikili village under Bhawanipatna block in Kalahandi District, has parents to take care of him. However, they are also under severe financial crunch. Both his parents work as daily wage labourers.
To end his sufferings, an immobile Anil, who can barely sit on his own, has appealed for euthanasia. “I am forced to do all my activities on my own as my parents work as daily wage labourers. We don’t have a proper roof over our head. Basic enmities are like dream for us,” said Anil while crying inconsolably.
“I want to leave the world as soon as possible as I cannot bear the pain anymore,” he added.
Anil met with an accident in 2015 while riding a motorcycle. Despite the best efforts of his impoverished parents to cure him, nothing much could be done as poverty and lack of finances came on the way. They took him to many hospitals, but were not in a position to avail the prescribed treatment. They even tried for government support to cure their son, but it seemed all turned blind eyes towards this poor family.
“We tried our best to reach out to many organisations and offices, but no one listened to us. Our soul is crying from inside. What can we do more? We will also die after our son departs,” said Anil’s father Jaduban Shikha helplessly.
It may be noted that the Supreme Court on March 9, legalized passive euthanasia and allowed ‘living will’ to terminally-ill patients.
The document with details regarding the security, deployment of forces at the venues attended by Kovind and other protocols was distributed to senior officials, but was found in circulation on some WhatsApp groups after which Kanpur Police Commissioner Asim Arun ordered an inquiry into the matter, they said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rahul Mithas has been asked to conduct the probe and find out the details, Arun said.
The officer has been asked to establish the identities of those responsible for making the document public and also explore the facts and intention behind the act, he said.
"The document which appeared on some WhatsApp groups contained details of the security given to the president, his fleet, deployment of forces at all venues and even had the names, designations and contact numbers of all police personnel and their roles," an officer said.
Kovind arrived here on a two-day visit for the birth centenary celebrations of former MP Chaudhary Harmohan Singh Yadav, who was also a Shaurya Chakra winner.
Earlier, he was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Chakeri airport.
On Thursday, Kovind will attend the centenary celebrations of Harcourt Butler Technical University.
According to sources, in a unanimous decision, the association has decided to close every government office in Cuttack from tomorrow as a mark of protest, said sources.
"Long before starting the agitation we had requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that we wanted to have a discussion with him and sort out the matter amicably. Though days have gone by, we are yet to receive any response,” said Bar Association president Srikant Kumar Naik.
“We have decided to close down each and every government office from tomorrow and are planning to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence,” added Naik.
A decision on their next course of action will be taken at a general meeting of the association, informed sources.
The president and secretary-elect of the Nijog have said that emphasis will be laid on the overall development of the Nijog, smooth conduct of Lord Jagannath's rituals and Rath Yatra.
"We will work according to the age-old traditions of Lord Jagannath. We believe that lord's blessing is on us. We will give our best while performing our duties," new president of the Daitapati Nijog, Rabindra Das Mohapatra said.
Daitapati Nijog secretary, Durga Das Mohapatra said, "It is the beginning of a new chapter. We will try our best to meet the expectations of those who selected us."
Mansingh is considered as one of India’s foremost exponents of Indian Classical Dance forms and has been performing Odissi and also Bharatnatyam for over six decades.
She was earlier awarded Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi dance.
On the other hand, Mohapatra is famous for his contribution towards preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments. He has also worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
He was earlier awarded Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan in 2001 and 2013, respectively.
Speaking on the occasion Mohapatra said "I have to work towards preservation of Aditya Narayan temple also known as the Konark temple. This will send a message across Odisha that sculptors in the age of Konark had worked really hard and there is a need to train young sculptors of today."
Congress President Rahul Gandhi appointed Patnaik with immediate effect, stated a press release issued by the AICC.
Patnaik replaced Prasad Harichandan as the OPCC president.
Reacting to the development, Patnaik stated, “Rahul Gandhi has taken the decision while respecting the wishes of supporters of Congress and people of the State. Democracy in the party has been maintained. I hope that the party organisation will be strengthened in the State.”
“Time has come to give priority to youth leadership and Congress will encourage new faces so that the party will be strengthened for the next 20-30 years,” he added.
Patnaik further stated, “I accept that the Congress is in a weak position in Odisha. With collaborative efforts, hard work and dedication, the results will be different.”
The AICC also appointed party legislators Naba Das and Chiranjib Biswal, and former MP Pradeep Majhi as three working presidents of OPCC.
Bhakta Charan Das has been appointed chairperson of the campaign committee whereas former PCC president Jayadev Jena will be the core committee chairperson.
Sarat Patnaik, who is also another former OPCC chief, has been appointed the convener of the core committee, as per the AICC statement.
While former Chief Minister Hemananda Biswal will be the new chairperson of the disciplinary committee, Srikant Jena has been named as the chairperson of the manifesto committee. Sarat Rout has been appointed as the convener of the party’s manifesto committee for Odisha.
AICC Odisha in-charge Jitendra Singh will be the chairperson of the coordination committee.
Jagannath Patnaik will be the convener of the party’s coordination committee in Odisha.
“A team comprising of senior leaders and young members has been announced. Congress' national president hopes that the party will be strengthened with the new team and will come to power in 2019,” said Jitendra Singh.
Replying to a media query, Singh stated, “The fight is against both BJD and the BJP. Apart from this, Congress will fight for the people of the State."
Accepting that Congress' position is weak in the State, newly-appointed PCC working president Chiranjib Biswal said, “If all party members work together, we will be able to present the failures of the State government and the Centre before people of Odisha in a better way.”
Another newly-appointed working president of the party Naba Das said, “We would reach out to people and tell them how both the State government and the Centre have cheated them.”
“A new chapter of the Odisha Congress has begun. As in a short period we have to work a lot, the Odisha congress will work as a team,” said Pradeep Majhi.
On the other hand, BJP legislature party leader KV Singh Deo said, “Usually when a party President is appointed, the leader is allowed to choose his team. But in this case, the team has also been chosen. Whatever the case may be, I wish him (Patnaik) all the best. Let’s see how they will perform.”
Reacting to the development, ruling-BJD's Sambalpur legislator Raseswari Panigrahi said, “It is their internal party matter; I have nothing much to say. But looking at the condition of Congress, it seems they have to work a lot. I wish him all the best.”
The entire nation, Bollywood, Ollywood and the television industry is saddened by the sudden demise of the actress.
Sridevi - An icon who immortalised Mr India, who made Chandni look brightest, who was a Tohfa to the Bollywood, whose English Vinglish created a benchmark and Mom made many moms like her strong to stand for a cause
The news of death came as a shock for everyone in the Odia film industry. Actresses Mahasweta Ray, Aparajita Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, director Sisir Mishra and actor Raimohan Parida expressed grief, while many could not believe the news and shared their condolences.
“This is a saddening news. When we talk about Bombay industry, she was one of the greatest female artistes of all time. Acting was in her blood. It is unfortunate for the whole fraternity that she passed at such an age. Whichever role she was offered, she moulded hereself and gave her best,” expressed film director Sisir Mishra.
The director was further quoted saying about Sridevi "Aisa Kaam Kaise Karti Hai, Itni Acchi Artiste Hai".
Actress Mahasweta Ray condoled and said, “I have never heard such a shocking and painful news in my life. I still cannot believe this that she is no more. Losing an actress like her, the kind of personality she had made her veteran. The role she performed in English Vinglish and MOM was spellbound. She has raised her daughters in such a way that we can see a replica of her in them.”
“Be it a hit film or a flop one, Sridevi's acting was the centre of attraction in all her movies. Her performance had dynamism,” added Mahasweta.
Ollywood veteran Aparajita Mohanty said, “I still cannot believe this. This is saddening. I am short of words and cannot express how I am feeling right now. She was the first lady superstar of Indian cinema. It’s a big loss for the whole cine fraternity.”
Anu Choudhury also expressed grief and said, “Nobody can take her place. She is above all and we cannot compare her with any other actress. She was one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema. She was known as the ‘Powerhouse’ of acting. From the childhood, we all have been inspired by her talent. May God give all strength to her family. I pray for the departed soul. May her soul rest in peace.”
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of the veteran actress.
Shocked to hear of passing of movie star Sridevi. She has left millions of fans heartbroken. Her performances in films such as Moondram Pirai, Lamhe and English Vinglish remain an inspiration for other actors. My condolences to her family and close associates #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 25, 2018
Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018
Here is what some of the Bollywood personalities tweeted:
Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of #Sridevi. What a dark black terrible moment in time. Gutted.
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) February 24, 2018
I just heard Ma’am Sridevi passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest. I am in shock...cant stop crying...
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) February 24, 2018
Unbelievable Shocking & Heartbreaking to hear about the demise of #Sridevi, one of the talented Actress of Indian Cinema. Prayers and strength to the family. #OmShanti
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) February 24, 2018
I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 24, 2018
The news was confirmed by Sridevi's brother-in-law and actor Sanjay Kapoor.
Sridevi was in Dubai to attend the marriage function of actress Sonam Kapoor's cousin Mohit Marwah, along with husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi Kapoor.
Sridevi will be remembered by millions of fans for her performance in some of the iconic films like "Mr India", "Nagina", "Sadma", "Chaalbaaz", "Chandni" among many others. The Padma Shri recipient was last seen in "Mom" in 2017.
The four freedom fighters – Sahadeb Behera of Kantilo in Nayagarh district, Chakradhar Parida of Ranapur in Nayagarh district, Gobardhana Acharya of Jagatsinghpur and Dadhichi Sahu of Jajpur –
were felicitated by the President at a special ‘At Home’ function in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had felicitated the freedom fighters.
"I will not call it a rebellion by the Paikas but frankly speaking it is one of the earliest freedom movements of this country which began in Odisha," said Mukherjee.
Remembering Buxi Jagabandhu and many Paika martyrs, Mukherjee said much earlier than Sepoy Mutiny (1857 AD), Paika Rebellion (1817 AD) of Odisha was a movement against the British rule. He advised to document the Paika Rebellion to keep the tale of valour alive.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during this event said, "Paika uprising echoed the dignity of Odia people, it gave a message on Odia nationlism and unity." Adding that Odisha has demanded Central Government to declare Paika Rebellion of Khurda as the first war of Independence in the Country, he said, "The Odisha Cabinet has recommended to the Union Government to declare the Paika uprising as the first war of Independence, I hope the government of India will recognise this historic event and acknowledge its rightful place in the history of India."
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan during this event said, "We Odias are proud as Paika Rebellion was the first movement against the Britishers and we have gathered in Delhi on this occassion when Government of India is commemorating the 200th year of the most important tale of Odia culture."
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma informed that the bicentenary of Paika Rebellion will be celebrated throughout the year. "There will be various programmes in Odisha. We will hold next event in Odisha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha to pay tributes to Buxi Jagabandhu," he added.
The occasion organised by Central Government at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi was also graced by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. Besides, 150 Paika descendants and many dignitaries were also present in the event.
The President is scheduled to felicitate 150 Paika descendants at the function to be held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, politics over the Paika Rebellion has intensified after the State Cabinet passed a proposal to recommend the Centre to declare the ‘Paika Bidroha’ as the first war of Independence in the country’s history.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh requesting him to consider the proposal of declaring the Paika Rebellion of 1817 as the first war of Independence.
He mentioned, “The Paika Rebellion (1817 AD) of Odisha, which took place 40 years before the Sepoy Mutiny (1857 AD) eminently qualifies to be called as the ‘First War of Independence’ not simply because it took place four decades prior to the Sepoy Mutiny but due to its very nature and characteristic features.”
In 1817, the resistance against the British rule began from Ghumsur and subsequently spread to Banpur in Khurda, Pipili, Puri, Kujanga, Pattamundai and Keonjhar.
Apart from Paikas (the traditional landed militia of Odisha), zamindars, peasants and tribals had participated in the freedom struggle.
Famous renal transplant surgeon Dr Mukut Minz, popular Sambalpuri singer of ‘Rangabati’ fame Jitendra Haripal, actor and director, producer Sadhu Meher and renowned Odissi danseuse Aruna Mohanty received the award from Mukherjee.
While Odisha-born Minz is a well known surgeon and has performed renal transplant surgery on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Mohanty is an Odissi dancer par excellence. Meher has worked with internationally-acclaimed directors Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Mrinal Sen and Tapan Sinha among others.
“It is definitely a proud moment for me. After working in this field for so many years, I feel that the work is finally recognised. But I would like to say the award is not important, the people who are committed in their respective fields should think that the public should get the maximum benefit from their work,” Minz told OTV.
Mohanty stated: “After finding myself among the renowned people around me at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, for a moment I couldn’t believe that I am also one among them who were conferred the awards. It is the claps in the audience that touched my heart and I am very happy. I would like to dedicate the award to my family, gurus, friends, the fraternity to which I belong and the people of Odisha.”
The President conferred Padma awards on 44 persons which included celebrities and unsung heroes who have worked for the society. Mukherjee also conferred Padma Vibhushan on mystic Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev and singer K J Yesudas while wife of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunder Lal Patwa received the award on his behalf.
The focus of this year's Padma awards, according to the officials in the Home Ministry, was on recognising talent of unknown and unsung heroes of the country.