2100 HRS
26th January, 2013

THE HEADLINES:

• Display of the nation's military might and achievements mark the 64th Republic Day celebrations.

• Several States announce welfare programmes and setting up of fast track courts to deal with crimes against women to mark the day.

• Five Indian sailors kidnapped off Nigeria's southern delta freed by pirates.

• In Egypt, 22 people die in Port Said in clashes sparked by Football Riot case verdict.

• Victoria Azarenka of Belarus wins the Women’s Singles Crown of Australian Open Tennis.

• The 5th and the last one day cricket match between India and England will be played at Dharamshala tomorrow.

[]<><><>[]

The Nation celebrated its 64th Republic Day today. Unfurling of the National flag and colourful parade highlighted the country's achievements in various fields. In the national Capital, before the parade began, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti. After the customary 21-gun salute and unfurling of the national flag by President Pranab Mukherjee, four Mi-17 helicopters zoomed in from the skies on the western side showering flower petals on thousands of spectators, signalling the start of the impressive parade. The impressive march-past was witnessed by this year's Chief Guest, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries. 

"A kaleidoscopic view of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess were on display on the 8-km stretch from Rajpath to Red Fort. The Army showcased its impressive weaponry which included main battle tank- ARJUN, Super Sonic Cruise Missile Brahmos and Multi Barrel Rocket System -Pinaka. Display of above 5000- kilometer range Agni-V missile and mini version of INS Vikramaditya also remained the centre of attraction. States and different departments put up an impressive show of their rich cultural diversity through tableaux. The high point of this was Cinema Mayur Pankhi celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema, making of Kashmir's famed pashmina shawls and the Kinnal craft of Karnataka. Cinema Mayur Pankhi paid respects to numerous landmark movies, legendary musicians, singers and actors, including Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi. Spectacular flypast commencing with 'Chakra' formation comprising MI-35 Helicopters, concluded with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI carrying out a vertical Charlie manoevure over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with National Anthem and the release of colorful baloons. With Sant Bahadur, Zakir Malik, Air News, Delhi."

[]<><><>[]

Several states announced welfare programmes on the occasion of the celebration of Republic Day. The Odisha government has announced 1 rupee per kg rice scheme for the poor. The announcement was made by the chief minister Nabin Patnaik today while addressing the Republic day function in Cuttack. Mr. Patnaik said that this scheme would also be available to the SC/ST hostel students. The chief minister also said his government would soon set up fast track court for dealing with crimes against women. In Maharashtra, Governor K Sankarnarayanan unfurled the national flag in the main function at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. 

He disclosed that an investment of 40 thousand crore rupees is being planned for the textile industry to create lakhs of jobs. He said that cases of crime against women will be dealt with in fast track courts for speedy delivery of justice. In Chhattisgarh, the tribal population in the Maoist bastion astar defied Maoist dictates and celebrated Republic Day although the rebels blocked dozens of roads in the forested interiors. Reports from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kanaker, Bastar and Kondagaon districts which together form the Bastar region said tribals came out in large numbers to attend Republic Day celebrations.

[]<><><>[]

In Jammu and Kashmir, the State level Republic Day function was held at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, where Governor N. N. Vohra unfurled the National Flag and took the salute. The impressive march-past was witnessed among others by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

"India and Pakistan exchanged sweets and greetings on the occasion of Republic Day on the border in Jammu region. In border district Poonch the sweets were exchanged at the Chakan -Da-Bagh crossing point on the Line of Control. Colonel P.D.S. Bal from Indian side and colonel Haque Nawaz from Pakistan participated in this ceremony. A similar function was held at Chamblyal post situated on International Border (Zero Line) in Ramgarh Sector of District Samba during which officers of 200th Battalion of BSF and officers of 12 wing Chenab Ranger exchanged sweets.WITH R.K RAINA THIS IS Chander Kant AIR NEWS Jammu."

In Assam, Republic Day was celebrated across the state with gaiety and enthusiasm. Governor J B Patnaik unfurled the tricolor at Khanapara in Guwahati and took the salute at the parade..

"Defying diktats to boycott the Republic day by several insurgent groups, people in large number participated in the celebration with much enthusiasm. National Flag was also hoisted at government offices and other institutions. Addressing the gathering in Guwahati, the Governor urged all to build a strong and prosperous Assam. He said that government has taken measures to curb crimes, especially against women. Upholding the spirit of the day, cultural programmes and march pasts were also held in all the 27 districts. A strict vigil has been maintained by the security forces.MANAS PRATIM AIR NEWS GUWAHATI."

Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 64th Republic Day with the spirit of patriotism. State Governor Nikhil Kumar called upon the citizens to be committed to ensure free and fair Assembly election 2013 as the state goes to poll on February 23.

[]<><><>[]

Reports of Republic Day celebration have also come in from abroad. In Sri Lanka, hoisting the tricolor at India House in Colombo the Indian High Commissioner Ashoka Kantha read out the message from the President of India. In Nepal, on the occasion, India’s Ambassador Jayant Prasad gifted away twenty ambulances and four buses to various hospitals, non-profitable charitable organizations and educational institutions. 

In Afghanistan, the Day was celebrated at the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Hoisting the tricolor, Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhyaya read out the President’s Republic Day message. In Bangladesh, the Republic Day was celebrated with India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran hoisting the tricolour at Dhaka. The highlight of this year's celebration in Dhaka was a special cultural programme involving the children of the Indian community living in Bangladesh.

[]<><><>[]

Five Indian sailors kidnapped off Nigeria's oil-rich southern delta have been freed by the pirates. They were held captive by the pirates for more than a month. This was disclosed in the capital Abuja by a spokesman of the shipping line Medallion Marine. The spokesman Martin Baxendale, however, did not disclose if any ransom was paid for their freedom. The Indians sailors were abducted by heavily armed pirates who attacked the vessel about 60 kilometres off the coast of the oil rich Niger Delta and commercial capital, Lagos.

[]<><><>[]

In Egypt, at least 22 people have died in the city of Port Said, in clashes sparked by the sentencing to death of 21 local people over football riots. The 21 were sentenced over riots which killed 74 people after a football game at Port Said stadium last February. All 21 defendants sentenced to death today were fans of the Port Said club al-Masry.Two police officers were shot dead outside the city's prison. Army units were deployed on the city's streets following the violence. Security officials said the military is being deployed in Port Said. The army has already taken control of the Suez Canal out of fear that the violence might affect the Canal.

[]<><><>[]

Kamal Haasan's controversial film Vishwaroopam was screened for the Madras High Court in Chennai today. The special screening was done to help the court to take a final call on the cine star's interim prayer for a stay on the two-week ban imposed by the Tamil Nadu Government on its release in the state.

[]<><><>[]

In Kerala, four persons including three women and a girl child drowned in a boat tragedy in Alappuzha district this afternoon. Police said all the four victims were part of a group of tourists from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. There were about 20 tourists in the capsized boat at the time of the mishap.

[]<><><>[]

The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Manish Tewari said that the BJP is trying to mislead the people by protesting against the Home Minister’s remarks about terrorist links of the RSS. Talking to newsmen in Chandigarh he said that the Congress party has never linked terrorism with any religion.

[]<><><>[]

Noted author Ashis Nandy's controversial remarks on OBC, SC and ST communities that they are corrupt have come in for severe criticism by several leaders. Nandy made the remarks while participating in a session at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival. BSP chief Mayawati today demanded that the Rajasthan government should immediately send author Ashish Nandy to jail. LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan demanded registration of a case under the SC/ST Act against Nandy. Congress, BJP, JD(U), CPI and SC Commission also condemned the remarks.

[]<><><>[]

In Uttar Pradesh, eight pilgrims affected in yesterday's fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad have been airlifted by the Indian Air force Ambulance to Delhi for medical treatment. Our Allahabad correspondent reports that theyhave been admitted to Safdarjang hospital. They include two children and 6 women. As reported at least 19 pilgrims including 8 women and 4 children were injured in the incident yesteday.

[]<><><>[]

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus has won the Women’s Singles title of the Australian Open Tennis tournament at Melbourne. The World Number One defeated Li Na of China, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the final today to win the title for the second succesive time. Top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan won the men's doubles title. In the Men’s Singles, World No. 1 Noval Djokovic of Serbia will lock horns with Britain’s Andy Murray in the final tomorrow.

[]<><><>[]

The 5th and last one day international Cricket match of the current series between India and England will be held at Dharamshala tomorrow. The match will start at 9.30 AM instead of 9 in the morning.

[]<><><>[]

The cold wave continued to affect normal life in parts of North India as Srinagar recorded coldest night of the season. Temperature in Punjab dipped by several notches. In national capital, the minimum temperature settled two notches below normal at 6.4 degree Celsius, Amritsar was the coldest place in Punjab as it recorded a minimum at 3.2 degrees.