0815 hrs 26.01rankersforcompetitiveexams.com/pdf/3szsbu7u26-1-2018-air.pdf1 rajasekhar...

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RAJASEKHAR REDDY-9393306845 [email protected]

0815 HRS 26.01.2018

The nation is today celebrating the 69th Republic Day. The main function will be organized at Rajpath in the

national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade. Under the custom to host a

leader of a foreign country as the chief guest at the parade, this year, in a first, leaders of 10 ASEAN countries

are the Chief Guests. In another first, the ASEAN flag will fly in the sky over Rajpath for the first time on a

Republic Day. Five Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will precede the parade commander with the

lead helicopter carrying the National Flag. The second helicopter will carry ASEAN flag and the other three

choppers would carry the flags of the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

"The Republic Day Parade will start at 9.50 AM from Vijay Chowk and proceed to the Red Fort. The

tableaus of fourteen states and nine Central Ministries are participating in the parade showcasing varied

themes starting from country’s rich cultural heritage, flora and fauna and socio-economic development to

progress of the nation. For the first time, All India Radio will be part of the Republic Day parade,

showcasing its journey of more than eight decades in the domain of public service, promotion and

preservation of socio-cultural and linguistic heritage. AlR will be leading a series of 23 tableau during the

Parade and will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly address Mann Ki Baat. Traditional masks

of Assam will feature in state's tableau Maharashtra will display the Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The

External Affairs Ministry will also have two tableau representing India's relationship with ASEAN

countries. There will be marching contingents, display of various aircraft, military vehicles and weapons

followed by a flypast, involving different formations by the fighter aircraft. A newly-raised all-woman bikers

contingent of the Border Security Force will also make its debut on Rajpath and expected to draw cheers as

they showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their Bullet motorcycles.

The national capital has been brought under a ground-to-air security cover in view of the Republic Day

celebrations. Thousands of armed personnel are keeping a tight vigil in Delhi and in border areas of the city to

ensure a smooth passage of the celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of

Republic Day.

President Ram Nath Kovind has exhorted that a civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods

where one can disagree with another viewpoint or even with a historical context - without mocking fellow

citizen’s dignity and personal space. In his address to the nation yesterday on the eve of Republic Day,

President said, the civic-minded people do not inconvenience their neighbours while celebrating a festival or

resorting to a protest or on any other occasion. The President said, this shows fraternity in action. Mr. Kovind

called for elimination of the the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. He said, it is our sacred obligation

to eliminate poverty as it is non-negotiable for the Republic.

President Kovind called for universal access to quality education and health-care, and to giving our daughters

equal opportunity in every field.

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President approved 390 Gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others

on the eve of the 69th Republic Day celebrations. The gallantry awards include one Ashok Chakra, one Kirti

Chakra, 14 Shaurya Chakras, 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals and four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals. Besides, ten

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Yudh Seva Medals, 86 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), one Bar to Vishisht Seva

Medal and 121 Vishisht Seva Medals have been announced.

India's highest peacetime military decoration Ashoka Chakra, has been conferred upon Air Force Corporal Jyoti

Prakash Nirala, posthumously.He made supreme sacrifice, exhibiting most conspicuous gallantry in fighting

with terrorists. The Kirti Chakra will be given to Major Vijayant Bist of the 4th Battalion the Jammu and

Kashmir Light Infantry. Shaurya Chakra will be given to Major Akhil Raj of 55th Battalion of the Rashtriya

Rifles. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) will be awarded to Squadron Leader Kamal Sharma.

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Padma Awards have also been announced. The President has approved the awards for 85 individuals, which

includes 3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri. Fourteen of the awardees are women and 3

persons have been awarded posthumously. Prominent citizens from each of the 10 ASEAN member countries

are among the 16 foreigners named for the Award.

"The second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan has been conferred upon, well-known classical singer

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, ace music composer Ilaiyaraaja and Writer P Parameswaran. Among sports

personalities, former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist

Pankaj Advani have been conferred with the third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan. Keeping its

promise of honouring “unsung heroes”, the government has this year announced Padma Shri awards for

personalities who served the poor, set up free schools and popularised tribal arts globally. Kerala's medical

messiah M R Rajagopal, Scientist toy-maker Arvind Gupta and proponent of herbal medicine Lakshmikutty,

Gond artist Bhajju Shyam and freedom fighter Sudhanshu Biswas are among those selected for the award.

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Centre has announced the Prime Minister's Shram Awards for 2016 which will be conferred on 50 workers

including three women for their distinguished and outstanding performances. Shram Awards are given in four

categories namely Shram Ratna Award, Shram Bhushan Award, Shram Vir/Shram Virangana and Shram

Shree/Shram Devi Awards. 34 workers from Public Sector and 16 workers from Private Sectors have won the

Awards.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in a rare open letter to people posted on the social media, has asked all

Indians to defend the Constitution and its treasured commitment to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Mr

Gandhi said, all must remember the Indian Constitution and the commitment it made to citizens.

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The ASEAN nations have agreed to further strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for

mutual benefit, across the whole spectrum of political-security, economic and socio-cultural and development

cooperation. The Delhi declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary

of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations was issued last evening. In the summit, the ASEAN nations decided to

continue to exert efforts and cooperate towards the full, effective and timely implementation of the Plan of

Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity. They decided to

strengthen maritime cooperation to address common challenges on maritime issues.

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ASEAN countries also decided to deepen the cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and

manifestations through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and capacity building.

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In Jammu and Kashmir a Sector Commander-level Flag Meeting was held yesterday between Border Security

Force, BSF and Pakistan Rangers on International Border in Suchetgarh area of Jammu district.

The BSF sources told AIR that the meeting was held on the request of Pakistan Rangers.

"During the meeting, BSF strongly objected on dastardly acts of snipping of two BSF Soldiers on 3rd and

17th of this month and further resorting to unprovoked firing and shelling targeting number of Indian

villages, innocent civilian and their properties. Sources said the BSF conveyed strong protest with message

that such provocating acts are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

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The Supreme Court asked the Chhattisgarh High Court to modify in ten days its order directing all trial courts in

the state to mandatorily accept copies of Aadhaar card for releasing an accused on bail. A bench headed by

Chief Justice Dipak Misra disposed of a petition challenging the high court order, terming it as against the

orders of the apex court and the fundamental rights of citizens.

"On January 5, this year, the High Court of Chhattisgarh had passed guidelines which had made it

mandatory for bail applicants and sureties to furnish a copy of their Aadhaar cards, to the trial court dealing

with their bail application. The guidelines were passed in an effort to counter the menace of submission of

sureties by fictitious persons. Challenging this order, a Special Leave Petition was filed before the Supreme

Court by advocate Peeyush Bhatia. Terming the guidelines as perverse and a grave error in law. the petition

contended that the mandatory requirement would affect thousands of prisoners and common persons who

have been not been enrolled for Aadhar card.

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In South Korea, at least 31 people have been killed and 11 critically injured in a fire at a hospital in south-

eastern part of Miryang. Yonhap news agency said, the fire is believed to have started in the emergency room at

the Sejong Hospital which cares mostly for elderly people. Local fire station officials said, the situation was

developing quickly and the number of deaths is expected to continue climbing.

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In Tennis, Rohan Bopanna and his Hungarian team-mate Timea Babos will take on the Spanish-Brazilian pair

of M. Martínez Sánchez and M. Demoliner in the Mixed Doubles semi-final of Australian Open today.

The fifth seeded Indo-Hungarian pair defeated unseeded Colombian-American team of Juan Sebastian Cabal

and Abigail Spears in the quarterfinal. Bopanna is the only Indian left in the title contention at the Australian

Open.

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In Cricket, India will resume its second innings at the overnight score of 49 for 1 on the third day of the third

and final Test against South Africa at Johannesburg. The visitors trail by 42 runs.

Earlier, the hosts were bowled out for 194 in their first innings, managing to eke out a slender seven runs lead.

Hashim Amla made 61 runs. For India, Jasprit Bumrah claimed 5 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took

three wickets. India were all out for 187 in the first innings.

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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

• Prime Minister discusses cooperation on counter terrorism, trade and connectivity with 10 heads of state

of ASEAN who will attend Republic Day celebrations today.

• "Unsung heroes lead Padma Awardees list", reports the DNA Lakshmi Kutty a tribal lady making 500

herbal medicines, Arvind Gupta an IIT Kanpur alumnus making scientific lessons from trash and 99

years old Sidhanshu Biswas, a freedom fighter are some of them.

• Some other Padma Shri Awardees covered by newspapers include a plastic road maker, a labourer for

mid wife services, another labourer for building hospital for poor and a gond painter covered

by Tribunewith pictures.

• "AIR to debut with its tableau on Republic Day parade is a headline in DNA with a huge model of a

radio and the AIR building with a statue of Mahatama Gandhi.

• The Tribune carries a beautiful picture of many nursery children of a Ludhiana School dressed up as

Subash Chandra Bose on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day.

• "India ASEAN attack Beijing on South China sea stand", headlines The Asian Age.

• The Economic Times reports of a unique move by President Ram Nath Kovind. He displayed all gifts

that president's have received from South East Asian leaders over decades to the visiting

10 ASEANleaders.

Some other stories covered by newspapers are :-

• Class 1 officers nod not needed to apply for tatkal passport now reports Hindustan Times.

• Two Siddha medicines commonly used in South India can keep Dengue and Chikungunya at bay

writes Hindustan Times.

• Rising sea temperature killing corals at 3 spots in India - the Gulf of Mannar and Konkan coast.

• Himachal Pradesh's first solar irrigation farm at UNA reports The Tribune.

• Neral-Matharan toy train services to resume today in Mumbai.

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1400 Hrs 26th January, 2018

The Nation is celebrating its 69th Republic Day today. The main function was organized at Rajpath in the

national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade. Under the custom to host a

leader of a foreign country as the chief guest at the parade, this year, in a first, leaders of 10 ASEAN countries

were the Chief Guests.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three service chiefs paid tributes to soldiers at the Amar Jawan

Jyoti at India Gate by laying wreaths.

Before the parade, President Kovind conferred India's highest peacetime military decoration the Ashoka Chakra

posthumously on Indian Air Force Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala. Last year in November, Nirala had single-

handedly shot down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during an anti terror operation and made the supreme

sacrifice.

"The parade started with flag bearer contingent bearing the ASEAN and 10 ASEAN countries’ flags.

Marching contingents from Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces BSF, SSB, ITBP, Delhi Police,

NCC and NSS participated in the parade. India's strategic defence weaponry was also displayed during the

celebrations. Tableaux of fourteen States and nine Central Ministries participated in the parade presenting

the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of India. For the first time, All India Radio was part of the

parade, showcasing its journey of more than eight decades in the domain of public service, promotion and

preservation of socio-cultural and linguistic heritage. Punjab Tableaux depicted the grandeur of sangat and

pangat in a creative and comprehensive manner and Maharashtra displayed the Coronation of Chhatrapati

Shivaji. Traditional masks of Assam featured in state's tableau while Kettukazhcha of Kerala drew the

attention. Buddhist heritage place Sanchi and Monastery Kye Gompa also featured in tableuax. Income Tax

Department Tableaux showed the collective support of people to the clean money drive. Eighteen children

awarded with National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. A newly-raised women bikers

contingent of the Border Security Force made its debut on Rajpath. The 27-member BSF women daredevils

received cheers as they showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their Bullet motorcycles. At the end, there

was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force. The flypast commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation

comprising three ALH, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules

aircraft. The flypast concluded with Sukhoi fighter jet carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the

saluting dais.

Breaking away from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a long walk on Rajpath to greet the

spectators after the Republic Day Parade today. People appreciated him as he went close to seating enclosures

with the spectators waving back at him.

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Reports of Republic day celebrations are also coming in from different states and Union territories.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the main function was held at the MA Stadium in Jammu where Governor NN Vohra

hoisted the Tricolour and took salute of the march past. In his address on the occasion, the governor asserted

that various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure friendly relations with Pakistan were

yet to yield a positive outcome.

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In Uttarakhand, the main function was held at the historic Parade Ground in the capital city of Dehradun, where

Governor KK Paul unfurled the national flag and took salute at the parade. The parade consisted of contingents

of the Army, ITBP, SSB, home guards, PRD and the NCC. On the occasion 48 police personal were awarded

for their commendable services.

In Uttar Pradesh, Governer Ram Naik took the salute of the Parade at the main function held at Lucknow in

which Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present.

"Children, Youth along with senior citizen were present in large numbers to take a glimpse of the famous

Republic day parade in front of Vidhan sabha in Lucknow where cultural heritage of the state was displayed

and various Tableaux displayed social messages like cleanliness, women security and clean ganga. Parade

started with display of Velour, discipline and strength of Armed forces and security men from other states

like Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar also took part in it.

In Gujarat, the State level function was held at Mehsana in North Gujarat where Governor OP Kohli unfurled

the tricolor in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

"Governor Shri O.P.Kohli has unfurled the tricolor at Police Parade ground in Mehsana. He also inspected

the parade and march past on this occasion. Horse show and dog show remained the center of attraction.

Science Carnival, live wall painting, Medical check-up camp and blood donation camp also organized on this

occasion in the presence of chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The news of Republic day celebrations also received

from other districts of Gujarat.

In Madhya Pradesh, the state level function was held at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. Governor Anandiben

Patel hoisted the flag. In her speech, Mrs Patel said that Madhya Pradesh has successfully come out of the tag of

backward state and joined the league as a Developing state.

In Tripura, Contingents of para-military forces, police, women police, home guards, NCC, Scouts-Guides and

NSS among others participated in the Republic Day parades held at all district headquarters including the state

capital Agartala.

"The celebration began with the Governor Tathagata Roy unfurling the national flag and inspecting the

march past by para-military forces personnel at Assam Rifles Ground in Agartala. Hundreds of school

children wearing colourful costumes presented drills and cultural skits with patriotic song and music like

Saare Jahanse Achha, Hindusthan Hamara being aired played. While addressing the gathering of republic

day celebration, Governor Tathagata Roy greeted the people on this occasion and said that Tripura is having

umpteen resources of Gas and Rubber and reiterated to develop the industries related to these sectors so as to

move ahead the state. He further added that the Tripura should be developed in tourism sector as there are

lots of tourist places in the state.

In Nagaland, the state level celebration was held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.

"Nagaland has been a partner in the development and progress of the nation since its creation; in this line

the State Governor PB Acharya urged upon the people to continue and take due part in the rapidly growing

economy of the nation. Referring to the upcoming State Assembly elections due next month the Governor

appealed to all the political parties and people to maintain peace, dignity and decorum so as to ensure

smooth and peaceful conduct of elections. Making an emphasis on connectivity with other nations, Acharya

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said Nagaland is the gateway to South East Asia and with the Centre’s Act East policy there is a sign of great

future.

In Maharashtra, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao unfurled the national flag at Shivjai Park in Mumbai.

In his address after unfurling the national flag, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao said that it is a matter of pride

that Maharashtra has registered an average economic growth of 9 per cent over the last 4 years. Republic

Day functions were also held in various government offices, schools and colleges, housing complexes, social

organisations and at various district collectorates across the state. Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath

Mahadeshwar hoisted the national flag the BMC office at CSMT.

Reports of Republic Day celebrations are also coming from Indian Missions abroad.

In Nepal, the main function was held at Indian Embassy in Kathmandu where Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri

hoisted the national flag. Our correspondent reports that hundreds of Indian nationals also joined the Republic

Day celebrations.

"After unfurling tri-color Ambassador Puri read out President's message. He handed over cheques and

blankets to the widows and dependents of ex servicemen. On this occasion 30 ambulances, 6 buses and books

were also gifted to various health facilities and educational institutions of Nepal. Indian Ambassador also

awarded prizes to 5 students for essay competition on the "Life and Teachings of Sardar Patel" organised in

October last year. The splended performance by the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian

School, artists of Indian Cultural Center and Nepalese Army band enthralled audience with the feeling of

patriotism.

In the UAE, Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri led the Indian expats in celebrating Republic Day celebrations

by unfurling the tricolour at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Indian Consul General in Dubai Vipul unfurled the

National flag in Dubai.

"Amidst patriotic fervor Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri in Abu Dhabi and the Consul General in Dubai

led the India expats in celebrating the 69th Republic day in UAE. It was Consul General Noor Rahman

Sheikh in Jeddah and Ambassador Ahmad Javed in Riyadh who unfurled the tri colour amidst the presence

of hundreds of expats from all walks of life. Padma Shri Yogacharini Nouf Marwai of Saudi Arabia was also

part of the celebrations in Jeddah. In Qatar , Ambassador P Kumaran hoisted the national flag amidst

chanting of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai. In Dubai , the proud children of the Indian High

school presented a colourful cultural programme giving a glimpse of the diverse cultural heritage of the

country.

In Sri Lanka, the main function was held at India House in Colombo where High Commissioner Taranjeet

Singh Sandhu unfurled the tricolor. The High Commissioner read out the message from the President of India.

"Indian community in Sri Lanka, from all walks of life, had gathered at India house to celebrate the 69th

Republic Day. BSF contingent displayed an elegant march-past while a cultural troupe enthralled audience

with their song and dance performances. In his address, Indian High Commissioner Taranjeet Singh

Sandhu mentioned the strong relations between India and Sri Lanka and the deepening bonds between

people of two countries. Later in a brief ceremony at the IPKF memorial near Parliament House, floral

tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who had fought against the LTTE in Sri

Lanka.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak

and Prime Minister of Laos PDR Thongloun Sisoulith this afternoon. Mr Modi will discuss issues of mutual

interest with the visiting dignitaries. Earlier, the Prime Minister held bilateral meeting with other ASEAN

leaders who are in Delhi to participate in Republic Day celebrations.

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The death toll from South Korea's hospital fire has risen to 41. Officials said more than 80 people were injured

in the accident. In a press briefing, the head of Miryang city’s fire station, Choi Man-woo, said the fire

started early morning at the rear of the emergency room on the first floor of Sejong Hospital in the southern

city of Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province . He said some victims died on the way to another hospital.

Hospital director Song Byeong-cheol said at least 177 patients, most of them elderly were at the hospital and

nursing home when the fire broke out.

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Veteran Bengali film actress Supriya Devi died of a severe cardiac arrest at her residence in Kolkata early

today. She was 85. Born in 1933, Supriya Devi was known for her work over five decades. She had made her

debut in Uttam Kumar-starrer

'Basu Parivar' in 1952 and never looked back after 'Sonar Harin' opposite Uttam Kumar in 1959.

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ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, three-time champions India beat Bangladesh by a comfortable 131-run margin

to enter the semi-finals at Queenstown in New Zealand today.

Batting first, India scored 265 in 49.2 overs with Shubhamn Gill scoring 86 and Abhishek Sharma contributing

50. In reply, Bangladesh were all-out for 134 in 42.1 overs with Kamlesh Nagarkoti taking 3 wickets for 18 in

7.1 overs.

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2100 HRS. 26th January, 2018

The nation celebrated its 69th Republic Day with great enthusiasm today. The day was marked by a grand

parade from Rajpath to Red Fort in the national capital. President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the

parade which was watched by thousands of people along with ten ASEAN leaders who attended the event as

chief guests, in a historic first. Marching contingents of defence and paramilitary forces and strategic defence

weaponry showcasing the country's military prowess were the main attraction of the parade. Colourful tableaux

from 14 states and nine Central ministries participated in the parade presenting the varied historical and cultural

heritage of India.

For the first time, All India Radio's tableau was part of the parade, showcasing its journey of more than eight

decades in the domain of public service, promotion and preservation of socio-cultural and linguistic heritage.

A newly-raised all-women bikers contingent of the BSF made its debut on majestic Rajpath. The 27-member

BSF women daredevils received cheers performing stunts and acrobatics on their Bullet motorcycles. At the

conclusion of the parade, there was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force.

Before the parade, the President conferred India's highest peacetime military decoration the Ashok Chakra

posthumously on Indian Air Force Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala. In November last year, Nirala had single-

handedly shot down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during an anti-terror operation and made supreme

sacrifice. The award was received by his mother and wife. Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra

Modi and the three Services chiefs paid tributes to martyrs by laying wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India

Gate.

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Reports of celebrations have also come in from several states. In Assam, Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi

unfurled the tricolor in Guwahati.

"Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi unfurled the tricolor at the main function at Khanapara in Guwahati.

In his speech, Governor said that the Assam government is committed to make the state free from corruption,

pollution, terrorism and illegal migrant. He said his government will make Guwahati as the gateway of

South East Asia. Defying bandh call given by few banned outfits, people from all walks of life participated in

the Republic Day celebration.

In Meghalaya, Governor Ganga Prasad unfurled the Tri-colour in Shillong. He also took a salute of a colourful

march-past. The Governor appealed to the people to hold steadfastly to the ideals of democracy, as the state

moves forward to realize developmental goals. In Sikkim, Governor N. Sriniwas Patil unfurled the tricolor at

Gangtok and paid homage to the freedom fighters.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the main function was held in the winter capital city of Jammu where Governor NN

Vohra hoisted the Tricolour and took salute of the march past.

"Vohra expressed hope that Pakistan would soon realize the futility of continuing its terror and violence

agenda in Jammu and Kashmir and recognize that only sustained peace and normalcy along the borders will

help in restoring fruitful relations between the two countries. Governor also targeted the separatists for

strikes’ and closures which have adversely affected economic activities in Kashmir. Chief Minister

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Mehbooba Mufti was also present on the occasion. Various State Ministers led the Republic Day celebrations

at district headquarters.

In Odisha, Governor Dr. S. C. Jamir hoisted the national flag in Bhubaneswar.

"In Bhubaneswar the National Flag was hoisted by His Excellency Governor Dr. S. C. Jamir. In

his address Dr. Jamir described the progress of Odisha Government in various sectors.He also appealed the

people to take the benefits of welfare schemes like health, education and so on. The Chief Minister Shri

Naveen Patnaik hoisted the national flag in Cuttack and said that Odisha is now role model in India.

The day was also celebrated by Indian Missions abroad, including Nepal, Sri Lanka and the UAE, with Indian

Ambassadors hoisting the national flag in the presence of thousands of expatriates.

In China, Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale hoisted the tricolour at the embassy in Beijing and read out

President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation. The event was followed by a cultural programme. In

Indonesia, Charge de Affairs, Prakash Gupta, hoisted the flag at the embassy premises in Jakarta as a large

gathering of Indian nationals and members of Indian diaspora watched with pride and joy. In Singapore, over

600 Indians joined the acting High Commissioner Ninad S Deshpande in celebrating the Republic Day.

[]<><><>[]

President Ram Nath Kovind hosted 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of the Republic

Day this evening. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of ten

ASEAN countries attended the event. Several Union Ministers, including Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar

Prasad, and three Services Chiefs were present on the occasion. Former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and BJP veteran L K Advani were also among those present.

[]<><><>[]

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, cultural extravaganza Bharat Parv began at the Red Fort in the

national Capital today. The six-day event was inaugurated by Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma. The objective

of the event is to generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and ensure wider

participation of general public.

The event includes display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the Armed Forces Bands, a

Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Craft Mela, Cultural Programmes from different regions of the country and

Photo Exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity. Choreographed Folk and Tribal

Dances and Music from the different States will be showcased during cultural programmes. Fifty stalls

have been set up in the the Craft Mela which will showcase the diverse handicrafts of the country. Bharat

Parv will remain open for public from 12 Noon to 10 PM till 31st of this month. The entry to the event for

the public is free, however, they have to carry identity card for the entry.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Razak in New Delhi

today. The focus was on ways to enhance counter-terror cooperation and boost ties in areas of defence, trade

and investment. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, said the two leaders had an

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"engaging" discussion. Mr Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Lao, Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest.

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The leaders of ten ASEAN countries have lauded India's role in Indo-Pacific region and acknowledge its growth

story. Briefing reporters in New Delhi about the commemorative summit of India-ASEAN held yesterday,

Secretary East in the External Affairs Ministry, Preeti Saran said, the group of ten countries acknowledge that

India has a significant role in peace, stability and prosperity of Indo-Pacific region.

All of them repeatedly acknowledged the growth rate that India is clocking at the moment, being one of the

fastest growing economies, the amaging reform that have been introduced by the government, all the leaders

acknowledged Prime Minister's speech in DAVOS and that India's growth story was something they were

inspired by and that India's reform that are taking place, good example for them to replicate, working

collectively in combating the menace of terrorism and countering radicalisation

The Secretary also informed that India and ASEAN have decided to set up a mechanism for follow up on

maritime cooperation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked leaders of ASEAN nations for participating in the Republic Day

celebrations. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said, their presence with people of India is an unprecedented

gesture of goodwill. Mr Modi reiterated that ASEAN and India have immense opportunities to chart a steady

course through the uncertain and turbulent times to a stable and peaceful future for the region and the world.

[]<><><>[]

Pakistani forces again resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir

today. Defence sources told AIR that Pakistani Army started unprovoked firing targeting Indian positions and

civilian areas in Nowshera sector around 4 PM. Army troops guarding the borderline retaliated effectively.

There is no report of any causality on the Indian side so far.

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In Maharashtra, several opposition leaders joined the 'Save Constitution'march which began from BR

Ambedkar's statue near the state secretariat this afternoon. NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, rebel

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, former MP Ram Jethmalani, D Raja of the CPI, Gujarat's Patidar leader Hardik

Patel, Dinesh Trivedi of Trinamool Congress and Sushil Kumar Shinde of Congress participated in the march

along with Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan. Our correspondent reports that the march is being

largely seen as an attempt to consolidate the anti-BJP forces ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP,

on the other hand, organised 'Tiranga Yatra' in the city this afternoon, apparently to counter the Opposition

event. It was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior state party leaders.

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The national secretary of the Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu, was today arrested by the Gurgaon police for

instigating violence over controversial film Padmaavat. The Police said, he was detained yesterday for

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questioning and placed under arrest this morning on charges of breaching peace in the city. He has been sent to

a four-day judicial custody.

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In Uttar Pradesh, one person was killed and another injured in clashes in Kasganj district today. The injured has

been admitted to hospital in a serious condition. Our correspondent reports that during a procession carried out

to celebrate the Republic Day in the town, clashes erupted between rival groups and cross firing took place.

Security forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the area.

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The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced awards for 34 personalities for their outstanding

contribution in various fields like literature, performing arts, public administration and media. Our Srinagar

news unit head Mushtaq Ahmad Tantary is among the six Journalists awarded for their excellent contribution.

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In Tennis, India's Rohan Bopanna inched closer towards his second Grand Slam title by reaching the mixed

doubles final of the Australian Open along with Hungarian partner Timea Babos. The pair beat Brazilian

Marcelo Demoliner and Spain's Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 7-5, 5-7, 10-6 in the semifinal. Bopanna won his

maiden Grand Slam at the 2017 French Open, with Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski. In men's singles, defending

champion Roger Federer eased into his seventh Australian Open final today. He was leading 6-1, 5-2 in the

semi-final when South Korean Chung Hyeon retired suffering from foot blisters. Federer will now face Marin

Cilic of Croatia in his 30th Grand Slam final on Sunday.

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Saina Nehwal defeated PV Sindhu in straight sets 21-13, 21-19 to advance into the semi-finals of the Indonesia

Open. Saina will take on former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the women’s singles semi-

finals tomorrow. It was Saina’s second official win over second seed Sindhu in three meetings.

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Chasing a victory target of 241 set by India in the third and final cricket test at Johannesburg, South Africa

were 17 for one in their second innings at stumps. On Day 3 today, India were all out for 247 in their second

innings with Kohli, Rahane and lower order stretching the overall lead to 240 under tough conditions. Virat

Kohli scored 41, Ajinkya Rahane 48, Bhubaneswar Kumar 33 and Mohammed Shami 27. India had stitched

187 runs in their first innings. The pitch continued to come under increasing scrutiny with experts terming it

dangerous. South Africa lead the three match test series 2-nil.

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SPOTLIGHT : 69th REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ASEAN-INDIA COMMEMORATIVE SUMMIT

0815 hrs 26.01rankersforcompetitiveexams.com/pdf/3szsbu7u26-1-2018-air.pdf1 rajasekhar...

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