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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 4) announced that the Indian Navy will now 'Indianise' the ranks for personnel below officer (PBOR) while senior officers will don epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha empire. PM Modi made the groundbreaking announcement during his Navy Day address at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since coming to power, the Modi government has been attempting to shed the relics of the colonial era and Indianising the ranks is being seen in the same light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the India of today is moving forward abandoning the slavery mentality. The epaulettes donned by our naval officers will now highlight the heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the new epaulettes will be similar to the naval ensign," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>“With the feeling of taking pride in one’s heritage, I am proud to make another announcement. The navy is now going to name its ranks in line with Indian traditions,” he added.</p>

<p>The PBOR&nbsp;ranks that will be renamed are Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class, Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Seaman Ist Class and Seaman IInd Class.</p>

<p>The current epaulettes (a shoulder piece signalling the officer's rank), meanwhile feature the Nelson's Ring which as the name suggests --&nbsp;is a colonial legacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-day-2023-indian-naval-forces-celebrate-350th-anniversary-of-shivajis-coronation-665998"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian Navy Day 2023: Indian naval forces celebrate 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Changing the ensign</strong></h2>

<p>Since last year, the Navy has been taking steps to discard traditions associated with the empire.&nbsp;Last year, while commissioning India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, PM Modi unveiled the new naval ensign which carries the seal of Shivaji, replacing the St George's cross, used earlier.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy crest now carries a navy blue background enclosed in an octagon representing the royal seal of Shivaji Maharaj who is credited for building a strong navy to secure the maritime borders of the country.</p>

<p>Shivaji's philosophy&nbsp;<em>“Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya</em>”, which translates to “He who rules over the seas is all powerful” shows the importance he placed over strengthening maritime borders and that's why the government is making sure that the Navy knows its own heroes when donning the uniforms and unfurling the crest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Indian Navy's new ensign unveiled: how it looks, what it means | India News  - The Indian Express" src="https://images.indianexpress.com/2022/09/Navy-ensign.jpg" /></p>

<p>Notably, an ensign is a national flag flown on a military vessel to indicate nationality. It is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship while in port.&nbsp;Prior to India, other&nbsp;Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh have already changed their ensign.</p>

<p>Apart from the ensign, the Navy has done away with batons for commanders and allowed traditional Indian wear in officers' mess.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 4) announced that the Indian Navy will now 'Indianise' the ranks for personnel below officer (PBOR) while senior officers will don epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha empire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 4) announced that the Indian Navy will now 'Indianise' the ranks for personnel below officer (PBOR) while senior officers will don epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha empire. PM Modi made the groundbreaking announcement during his Navy Day address at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Ever since coming to power, the Modi government has been attempting to shed the relics of the colonial era and Indianising the ranks is being seen in the same light. "Inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the India of today is moving forward abandoning the slavery mentality. The epaulettes donned by our naval officers will now highlight the heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the new epaulettes will be similar to the naval ensign," PM Modi said. “With the feeling of taking pride in one’s heritage, I am proud to make another announcement. The navy is now going to name its ranks in line with Indian traditions,” he added. The PBOR ranks that will be renamed are Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class, Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Seaman Ist Class and Seaman IInd Class. The current epaulettes (a shoulder piece signalling the officer's rank), meanwhile feature the Nelson's Ring which as the name suggests -- is a colonial legacy. Also read | Indian Navy Day 2023: Indian naval forces celebrate 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation × Changing the ensign Since last year, the Navy has been taking steps to discard traditions associated with the empire. Last year, while commissioning India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, PM Modi unveiled the new naval ensign which carries the seal of Shivaji, replacing the St George's cross, used earlier. The Indian Navy crest now carries a navy blue background enclosed in an octagon representing the royal seal of Shivaji Maharaj who is credited for building a strong navy to secure the maritime borders of the country. Shivaji's philosophy “Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya”, which translates to “He who rules over the seas is all powerful” shows the importance he placed over strengthening maritime borders and that's why the government is making sure that the Navy knows its own heroes when donning the uniforms and unfurling the crest. Notably, an ensign is a national flag flown on a military vessel to indicate nationality. It is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship while in port. Prior to India, other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh have already changed their ensign. Apart from the ensign, the Navy has done away with batons for commanders and allowed traditional Indian wear in officers' mess. (With inputs from agencies)

Shedding colonial baggage: Navy to 'Indianise' non-officer ranks, announces PM Modi

<p>The British Museum in London has sacked a staffer after items were reported&nbsp;"missing, stolen or damaged", adding that legal action will be taken against the former employee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement released, the museum informed that&nbsp;most of the items stolen included&nbsp;gold,&nbsp;jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating back from the&nbsp;15th Century BC to the 19th Century AD. The items were&nbsp;kept in a storeroom and none had&nbsp;been put on public display recently. They were kept mainly for&nbsp;academic and research purposes, the museum added, without elaborating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a highly unusual incident. I know I speak for all colleagues when I say that we take the safeguarding of all the items in our care extremely seriously,"&nbsp;British Museum director Hartwig Fischer was quoted as saying by BBC. He added that the museum would&nbsp;&nbsp;"throw our efforts into the recovery of objects".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africans-sign-petition-to-bring-back-diamond-from-uk-588928"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;South Africans sign petition to bring back diamond from UK</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Economic Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police has been called upon to investigate the matter while the museum has also initiated an independent review of security.&nbsp;Former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi will be leading the review, informed <em>Sky.com</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The British Museum has been the victim of theft and we are absolutely determined to use our review in order to get to the bottom of what happened and ensure lessons are learnt. We are working alongside the Metropolitan Police," said&nbsp;Boardman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-arrest-man-in-london-after-stabbing-outside-british-museum-623522"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK: Police arrest man in London after stabbing outside British Museum</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Netizens have a field day</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, netizens had a field day upon hearing the news. Some said it was ironic that such an incident had taken place, given the history of British Musem while others remained sympathetic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Please tell us, British Museum, how you got all your items…? Asking as&nbsp;someone with Indian ancestry living in South Africa," said one user, while another said, "Life comes at you fast, I've heard."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a third said: "Perhaps they were just trying to return the items to their rightful owners."</p>

<p>The British Museum is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK despite its chequered history. It was opened in 1759 and attracts&nbsp;visitors, especially during the peak summer tourist season. According to reports more than six million people visit it each year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The British Museum in London has sacked a staffer after items were reported "missing, stolen or damaged", adding that legal action will be taken against the former employee.

The British Museum in London has sacked a staffer after items were reported "missing, stolen or damaged", adding that legal action will be taken against the former employee. In a statement released, the museum informed that most of the items stolen included gold, jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating back from the 15th Century BC to the 19th Century AD. The items were kept in a storeroom and none had been put on public display recently. They were kept mainly for academic and research purposes, the museum added, without elaborating. "This is a highly unusual incident. I know I speak for all colleagues when I say that we take the safeguarding of all the items in our care extremely seriously," British Museum director Hartwig Fischer was quoted as saying by BBC. He added that the museum would "throw our efforts into the recovery of objects". Watch | South Africans sign petition to bring back diamond from UK × The Economic Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police has been called upon to investigate the matter while the museum has also initiated an independent review of security. Former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi will be leading the review, informed Sky.com. "The British Museum has been the victim of theft and we are absolutely determined to use our review in order to get to the bottom of what happened and ensure lessons are learnt. We are working alongside the Metropolitan Police," said Boardman. Also read | UK: Police arrest man in London after stabbing outside British Museum Netizens have a field day Meanwhile, netizens had a field day upon hearing the news. Some said it was ironic that such an incident had taken place, given the history of British Musem while others remained sympathetic. "Please tell us, British Museum, how you got all your items…? Asking as someone with Indian ancestry living in South Africa," said one user, while another said, "Life comes at you fast, I've heard." Meanwhile, a third said: "Perhaps they were just trying to return the items to their rightful owners." The British Museum is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK despite its chequered history. It was opened in 1759 and attracts visitors, especially during the peak summer tourist season. According to reports more than six million people visit it each year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Ironic!' say netizens as British Museum sacks staffer after items found 'missing, stolen or damaged'

<p>Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.</p>

<p>The demonstration was called by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties to decry “past atrocities and the ongoing impact of British colonisation in Australia”.</p>

<p>The protests are being held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on the day of a national public holiday.</p>

<p>“This is a stance against the continued crimes committed against marginalised First Nations, black, brown and Asian communities. We do not support benefactors or ‘Stolenwealth’ (a portmanteau of stole and commonwealth) and demand justice, truth and accountability for all. Justice for all,” WAR wrote on Facebook.</p>

<p>“This is a demonstration against racist colonial imperialism.”</p>

<p>The protesters demanded the return of land "to the rightful sovereign owners", an end to indigenous deaths in custody, and truth, accountability and justice.</p>

<p>"While they mourn the Queen, we mourn everything her regime stole from us: our children, our land, our loved one's lives, our sacred sites, our histories," WAR said.</p>

<p>In Sydney, people assembled near a statue of Queen Victoria before marching through the streets, reports AFP.</p>

<p>"I think the monarchy needs to be aware that there's unfinished business happening here in Australia," Gwenda Stanley, a 49-year-old activist of the indigenous Gomeroi people, was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>"The monarch is nothing to mourn about, it is something if anything for our people to rejoice," she added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia's Governor-General David Hurley, who represents the monarchy, said he acknowledges the concerns of the island continent's first inhabitants.</p>

<p>"Considering the unifying role her majesty played, I acknowledge that her passing has prompted different reactions for some in our community," Hurley said in Canberra.</p>

<p>"I'm conscious and respect that the response of many First Nations Australians is shaped by our colonial history and broader reconciliation journey. That is a journey we as a nation must complete."</p>

<p>Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had promised a referendum in the first three-year of his term to give indigenous peoples the right to be consulted by lawmakers on matters that affect them.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. The demonstration was called by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties to decry “past atrocities and the ongoing impact of British colonisation in Australia”. The protests are being held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on the day of a national public holiday. “This is a stance against the continued crimes committed against marginalised First Nations, black, brown and Asian communities. We do not support benefactors or ‘Stolenwealth’ (a portmanteau of stole and commonwealth) and demand justice, truth and accountability for all. Justice for all,” WAR wrote on Facebook. “This is a demonstration against racist colonial imperialism.” The protesters demanded the return of land "to the rightful sovereign owners", an end to indigenous deaths in custody, and truth, accountability and justice. "While they mourn the Queen, we mourn everything her regime stole from us: our children, our land, our loved one's lives, our sacred sites, our histories," WAR said. In Sydney, people assembled near a statue of Queen Victoria before marching through the streets, reports AFP. "I think the monarchy needs to be aware that there's unfinished business happening here in Australia," Gwenda Stanley, a 49-year-old activist of the indigenous Gomeroi people, was quoted as saying. "The monarch is nothing to mourn about, it is something if anything for our people to rejoice," she added. Meanwhile, Australia's Governor-General David Hurley, who represents the monarchy, said he acknowledges the concerns of the island continent's first inhabitants. "Considering the unifying role her majesty played, I acknowledge that her passing has prompted different reactions for some in our community," Hurley said in Canberra. "I'm conscious and respect that the response of many First Nations Australians is shaped by our colonial history and broader reconciliation journey. That is a journey we as a nation must complete." Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had promised a referendum in the first three-year of his term to give indigenous peoples the right to be consulted by lawmakers on matters that affect them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Abolish monarchy': Australia’s indigenous groups protest on day of mourning for Queen

There were few signs of public grief or even interest in her death across the continent, where many still hold Britain responsible for colonial actions that drew much of the region’s borders and laid the groundwork for many of its modern conflicts. There is a lingering “spiritual connection” in some African countries, from the colonial experience to the commonwealth. “It is a moment of pain, a moment of nostalgia".

World of Africa | The empire's oppressive legacy

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