Nation celebrates 64th Republic Day, Colourful parades mark celebrations Jan 26,  6:20 PM The Nation celebrated the 64th Republic Day today with special parades and display of the rich cultural heritage and the armed forces might and achievements in various fields. To mark the day, several states announced welfare programmes and setting up of fast track courts to deal with crimes against women. The main function was in the Capital Delhi, where an impressive parade was held at Rajpath with the President Pranab Mukherjee taking the salute for the first time after assuming office. Minutes before the parade began, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', an eternal flame in the memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation. After the customary 21-gun salute and unfurling of the national tricolour by the President four Mi-17 helicopters zoomed in from skies on the western side showering flower petals on thousands of spectators, signalling the start of the spectacular parade. The well-turned out and synchronized military and police formations led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt General Subroto Mitra marched proudly to the tunes of bands through the Rajpath. The impressive march-past was watched by Chief Guest, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan , Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and other dignitaries. The Army showcased its impressive weaponry which included main battle tank- ARJUN, Super Sonic Cruise Missile Brahmos Weapon System and Multi Barrel Rocket System -Pinaka. Display of 5000 kilometer range Agni-V missile, Mobile Integrated Network Terminal and mini version of INS Vikramaditya also remained the centre of attraction during the function. 19 tableaux from various States and Central Ministries and Department presented the historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. Spectators were spellbound to watch the daring Tornadoes, the motorcycle display by the Army Service Corps, performing breath taking stunts at Rajpath. Various school children including National Bravery Award winners-2012 also participated in the parade function. A spectacular fly past the Indian Air Force gave a fitting finale starting with 'Chakra' formation comprising MI-35 Helicopters. Arrowhead formation by five Jaguars and Trisul formation by three Su-30 MKI mesmerised the spectators. The flypast concluded with another 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 balloons. Special parades, announcing of welfare programmes and functions marked the celebrations of Republic Day in the states. Mumbai to soon have independent cell for probe of crimes against women

Jan 26 Mumbai will soon have a separate and independent cell for speedy probe of crimes against women. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Maharashtra’s Home Minister R.R. Patil said the Cell would run on the lines of Economic Offences Wing. A DCP-rank officer will be in charge of the cel Kumbh Mela fire incident: UP CM announces financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to injured Jan 26 In Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav has announced financial assistance of 50 thousand rupees to the persons who received burn injuries at Kumbh Mela at Allahabad in an incident of fire. AIR correspondent reports that at least 19 pilgrims including 8 women and 4 children were injured. The fire broke out at the campus of Saket Dham in the Kumbh Mela area and three tents were reduced to ashes. The Superintendent of Police Kumbh Mela RKS Rathore told our correspondent preliminary enquiries reveal that the cause of fire was a leak of LPG cylinder. The District Magistrate Kumbh Mela Mani Prasad Mishra said a special burn ward has been set up for Kumbh pilgrims.

Four killed as house boat capsizes in Kerala

Jan 26
In Kerala, four persons including three women and a girl child drowned in a boat tragedy Alappuzha district on Saturday afternoon. Police said all the four victims were part of a group of tourists from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Two of the injured have been to hospital and they said to be out of danger.

The mishap occurred when the tourists were attempting to board another house boat using a small boat at Punnamada lake. There were about 20 tourists in the capsized boat at the time of the mishap. Others were rescued by local people.

K'taka Govt not in crisis for now: Governor H R Bharadwaj

Jan 26,  1:41 PM In Karnataka, Governor H R Bharadwaj has said that he will not ask the Shettar Government to prove majority as there is no threat to the government from the 13 MLAs who intend to quit. He was speaking after witnessing the Republic Day function in Bangalore today. He said that a decision on his next course of action will be taken only after the resignations of these MLAs are accepted by the Speaker. The Governor said that he will watch the develpments day-by-day, minute-by-minute as each day of the budget session is a test for the Government. He clarified that he cannot take action on his own, as the Speaker is independent. Saying that he has summoned the Legislative Assembly session on 4th of next month, Mr. Bharadwaj said that he will address the joint session as there is no constitutional crisis as of now. He also informed that all the records of Assembly party position, including the letters received by 13 MLAs desiring to resign, have been handed over to the Chief Minister. The Karnataka legislature is due to complete its term in May. Over 50 killed, 90 wounded in clashes at Venezuela prison Jan 26,  1:42 PM At least 50 people have been killed and 90 wounded in clashes at a prison in northwest Venezuela. Hospital sources said, most of those injured at the Uribana prison in Lara state suffered gunshot wounds. They called the death toll alarming, saying it was based solely on bodies brought to the hospital. The inmates began arriving at the hospital shortly before midday, and that 14 of the injured had wounds severe enough to require surgery. Iris Varela, the minister responsible for Venezuela's jails and prisons, said the riot was set off after inmates rebelled when prison authorities launched a sweep of the facility in search of illicit weapons. He had said earlier in the day that there was an undetermined number of casualties from the melee. Venezuela is infamous for the lamentable state of its prisons, especially for their overcrowding, which is among the worst in Latin America. While the country's prisons have been built to house 14,000 inmates, there are almost 50,000 prisoners behind bars there.