Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East'&nbsp;Policy."

This is the 7th state visit by President Kovind since taking over last year. This is also for the first time the president will be travelling&nbsp;to the east of India.

Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President of India said this visit "will take him to the heart of Indo-pacific region" and "after this visit, he would have visited 16 countries and spanned the Indian ocean". President Kovind has been to Africa many times including his visits to Europe and South America.

The visit is happening when the focus is growing on the Indo Pacific region. During the recent 13th East Asia Summit, PM Modi, along with the US, had focused on the Indo Pacific with ASEAN centrality.

The second meet of Quad grouping -- US, Japan, Australia and India-- this year, which took place in 15th November, had a special emphasis on it with the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement saying, "participants reaffirmed the ASEAN centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific."&nbsp;The MEA futher added, "they agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence."

Vietnam visit from 18-20 November

On the first leg of his two-nation tour, the President will visit Vietnam from 18-20 November. This is the first visit by the Indian president to any ASEAN country. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping is the only foreign leader who has addressed the Vietnamese national assembly until now.

India and Vietnam have a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam was the country coordinator for India ASEAN and under the country, all 10 heads of ASEAN countries participated in the Republic Day parade.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to Delhi Pham Sanh Chau said, "Vietnam wants to treat the Indian president as a special guest in order to express our sincere gratitude to Indian leaders and friends for their support to our country during the national struggle, national independence and reunification."

India also has robust defence ties with Vietnam with reports suggesting Hanoi might be in talks with Delhi to get BrahMos missiles.

Australia visit from 21-24 November&nbsp;

On the second leg of his visit, President Kovind will pay a state visit to Australia from 21-24 November 2018. He will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne. This would be the first ever visit of the President of India to Australia.

Canberra has supported India's entry into the Wassenaar arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime. The country supports India's bid for nuclear suppliers group. Bilateral trade between India and Australia stands at $19.7 billion and the country hosts a large Indian diaspora.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East' Policy.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East' Policy." This is the 7th state visit by President Kovind since taking over last year. This is also for the first time the president will be travelling to the east of India. Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President of India said this visit "will take him to the heart of Indo-pacific region" and "after this visit, he would have visited 16 countries and spanned the Indian ocean". President Kovind has been to Africa many times including his visits to Europe and South America. The visit is happening when the focus is growing on the Indo Pacific region. During the recent 13th East Asia Summit, PM Modi, along with the US, had focused on the Indo Pacific with ASEAN centrality. The second meet of Quad grouping -- US, Japan, Australia and India-- this year, which took place in 15th November, had a special emphasis on it with the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement saying, "participants reaffirmed the ASEAN centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." The MEA futher added, "they agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence." Vietnam visit from 18-20 November On the first leg of his two-nation tour, the President will visit Vietnam from 18-20 November. This is the first visit by the Indian president to any ASEAN country. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping is the only foreign leader who has addressed the Vietnamese national assembly until now. India and Vietnam have a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam was the country coordinator for India ASEAN and under the country, all 10 heads of ASEAN countries participated in the Republic Day parade. Speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to Delhi Pham Sanh Chau said, "Vietnam wants to treat the Indian president as a special guest in order to express our sincere gratitude to Indian leaders and friends for their support to our country during the national struggle, national independence and reunification." India also has robust defence ties with Vietnam with reports suggesting Hanoi might be in talks with Delhi to get BrahMos missiles. Australia visit from 21-24 November On the second leg of his visit, President Kovind will pay a state visit to Australia from 21-24 November 2018. He will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne. This would be the first ever visit of the President of India to Australia. Canberra has supported India's entry into the Wassenaar arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime. The country supports India's bid for nuclear suppliers group. Bilateral trade between India and Australia stands at $19.7 billion and the country hosts a large Indian diaspora.

President Kovind to visit Vietnam, Australia; MEA says focus on growing engagement in Indo-Pacific region

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country.

The Ordinance will also pave way for the creation of a Board of Governors (BoG), who will be tasked with implementing much-required reforms in the field of medical education, enhanced tertiary care and expanded access to medical education in underserved areas.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, while welcoming the approval of the ordinance, said that the Centre is committed to improving health care for all, particularly the poor and deprived sections.

"For years, poor people have to travel from far of places to Delhi for getting tertiary care facility at AIIMS. Priority of the government is to expand quality tertiary healthcare facilities in all parts of the country. With the announcement of 14 new AIIMS over the past 4 years, the total number of AIIMS will go up to 22. Further, super speciality blocks are being set up in 54 medical colleges at a cost of around Rs 9,000 crores. 82 new medical colleges costing Rs 16,000 crores are being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme to ensure that there is at least one college for every three parliamentary constituencies," he added.

Based on the 92nd Report of March 2016 of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and recommendations of a group of experts under late Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhary, the government introduced the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017.

The Bill provides for simplification of procedures and is expected to spur rapid growth in the number of UG and PG seats in the country besides enhancing the governance and quality of medical education.

The NMC Bill provides for distribution of functions among four autonomous boards whose members would be persons of proven ability selected through a transparent process.

The Bill was taken up for consideration on January 1 this year and was referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare for examination.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 109th Report on the Bill to the House on March 20.

The Ministry, after examining the recommendations, obtained approval of the Cabinet on March 28 for moving official amendments. Thereafter, the Bill was pending in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in its judgment dated May 2, 2016, issued directions to the central government to constitute an Oversight Committee with the authority to oversee all statutory functions of the MCI till a new legislation comes in.

In 2017, another Oversight Committee (OC) was set up with the approval of the Supreme Court after the expiry of the one year term of the first OC.

This OC was chaired by Dr VK Paul and included eminent doctors including Directors of AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS.

On July 6, the OC cited instances of non-compliance of their instructions by MCI and said that MCI has not only misinterpreted orders of the Supreme Court but has also challenged the authority of the OC. Subsequently, all members of the OC resigned.

In such circumstances, when the Supreme Court-mandated Oversight Committee is unable to function due to non-cooperation of MCI and the NMC Bill is pending in Parliament and its passage is likely to take some time, certain immediate steps were required to be taken.

Accordingly, an ordinance to supersede the MCI was promulgated, with powers of the council vested in a Board of Governors (BoG).

The BoG will continue to perform till a Council is constituted as per the provision of the Act in one year time.

The Board members include persons of eminence in the medical field namely Dr&nbsp;VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr&nbsp;Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr&nbsp;Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr&nbsp;BN Gangadhar, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr&nbsp;Nikhil Tandon, Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AIIMS, New Delhi who were the members of second OC.

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country.

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country. The Ordinance will also pave way for the creation of a Board of Governors (BoG), who will be tasked with implementing much-required reforms in the field of medical education, enhanced tertiary care and expanded access to medical education in underserved areas. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, while welcoming the approval of the ordinance, said that the Centre is committed to improving health care for all, particularly the poor and deprived sections. "For years, poor people have to travel from far of places to Delhi for getting tertiary care facility at AIIMS. Priority of the government is to expand quality tertiary healthcare facilities in all parts of the country. With the announcement of 14 new AIIMS over the past 4 years, the total number of AIIMS will go up to 22. Further, super speciality blocks are being set up in 54 medical colleges at a cost of around Rs 9,000 crores. 82 new medical colleges costing Rs 16,000 crores are being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme to ensure that there is at least one college for every three parliamentary constituencies," he added. Based on the 92nd Report of March 2016 of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and recommendations of a group of experts under late Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhary, the government introduced the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017. The Bill provides for simplification of procedures and is expected to spur rapid growth in the number of UG and PG seats in the country besides enhancing the governance and quality of medical education. The NMC Bill provides for distribution of functions among four autonomous boards whose members would be persons of proven ability selected through a transparent process. The Bill was taken up for consideration on January 1 this year and was referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare for examination. The Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 109th Report on the Bill to the House on March 20. The Ministry, after examining the recommendations, obtained approval of the Cabinet on March 28 for moving official amendments. Thereafter, the Bill was pending in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in its judgment dated May 2, 2016, issued directions to the central government to constitute an Oversight Committee with the authority to oversee all statutory functions of the MCI till a new legislation comes in. In 2017, another Oversight Committee (OC) was set up with the approval of the Supreme Court after the expiry of the one year term of the first OC. This OC was chaired by Dr VK Paul and included eminent doctors including Directors of AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS. On July 6, the OC cited instances of non-compliance of their instructions by MCI and said that MCI has not only misinterpreted orders of the Supreme Court but has also challenged the authority of the OC. Subsequently, all members of the OC resigned. In such circumstances, when the Supreme Court-mandated Oversight Committee is unable to function due to non-cooperation of MCI and the NMC Bill is pending in Parliament and its passage is likely to take some time, certain immediate steps were required to be taken. Accordingly, an ordinance to supersede the MCI was promulgated, with powers of the council vested in a Board of Governors (BoG). The BoG will continue to perform till a Council is constituted as per the provision of the Act in one year time. The Board members include persons of eminence in the medical field namely Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr BN Gangadhar, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr Nikhil Tandon, Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AIIMS, New Delhi who were the members of second OC.

President Kovind approves Ordinance to supersede Indian Medical Council

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has written to President Ram Nath Koving asking him to caution the Prime Minister against using threatening language.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Manmohan had said Prime Minister Modi should not use "unwarranted, threatening and intimidating language" against leaders of the Congress party or any other party.&nbsp;

ANI added Manmohan as saying in his letter that such language does not behove the position of the prime minister.&nbsp;

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Former PM & senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh writes to President of India asking him to caution the PM from using unwarranted , threatening & intimidating language against the leaders of the Congress Party or any other party of person as it does not behove position of the PM <a href="https://t.co/4FHM5MPeB1">pic.twitter.com/4FHM5MPeB1</a>
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&nbsp;

Such language does not behove the position of the prime minister, former prime minister Manmohan Singh wrote in his letter to President Kovind

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has written to President Ram Nath Koving asking him to caution the Prime Minister against using threatening language. ANI reported that Manmohan had said Prime Minister Modi should not use "unwarranted, threatening and intimidating language" against leaders of the Congress party or any other party. ANI added Manmohan as saying in his letter that such language does not behove the position of the prime minister. Former PM & senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh writes to President of India asking him to caution the PM from using unwarranted , threatening & intimidating language against the leaders of the Congress Party or any other party of person as it does not behove position of the PM pic.twitter.com/4FHM5MPeB1 — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 ×

Caution PM against using unwarranted, threatening language, Manmohan writes to President

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday spoke about the Kathua and Unano rape cases, adding that "we have to think what kind of society are we developing."

While addressing the crowd at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind said: "After&nbsp;70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful." He added that "it is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman."

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After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman: President Kovind on Kathua case <a href="https://t.co/v0aS8RByo5">pic.twitter.com/v0aS8RByo5</a>
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He further spoke about the accomplishments women had achieved so far quoting India's recent win at the Commonwealth Games 2018. "Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in the Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana & Heena Sidhu from Punjab."

The President will visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on April 19 before returning to the national capital.

Also,&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday reacted strongly on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. “How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society,” she asked.

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court announced that anyone who discloses the 8-year-old girl's identity can be imprisoned for 6 months.

They further informed that the next date of hearing in the case is 25th April.

'After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful,' Kovind said

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday spoke about the Kathua and Unano rape cases, adding that "we have to think what kind of society are we developing." While addressing the crowd at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind said: "After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful." He added that "it is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman." After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman: President Kovind on Kathua case pic.twitter.com/v0aS8RByo5 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × He further spoke about the accomplishments women had achieved so far quoting India's recent win at the Commonwealth Games 2018. "Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in the Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana & Heena Sidhu from Punjab." The President will visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on April 19 before returning to the national capital. Also, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday reacted strongly on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. “How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society,” she asked. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court announced that anyone who discloses the 8-year-old girl's identity can be imprisoned for 6 months. They further informed that the next date of hearing in the case is 25th April.

We have to think what kind of society are we developing: President Kovind on Kathua gang rape case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian women's table tennis team for their victory at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "A well deserved and historic Gold for the Indian women`s Table Tennis team! Congratulations to the team. Delighted at this accomplishment."

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement.

"Congratulations to the Golden Girls - Manika Batra, Madhurika Patkar, and Mouma Das - for bagging India`s first ever Women`s Table Tennis Team GOLD at Commonwealth Games. Stupendous achievement," he tweeted.

The Indian women table tennis team staged a winning show on Day 4 of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as they defeated defending champions Singapore 3-1 to claim gold.

This is India's first ever gold at the multi-sport event.&nbsp;

They had earlier appeared in the finals at the home edition of the Games in 2010, and finished fourth in the Glasgow Games.India took the lead with the help of Manika Batra`s 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory over World No. 4 Tianwei Feng.

This is India's seventh gold medal at the 21st edition of the Games.India has so far bagged seven gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian women's table tennis team for their victory at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "A well deserved and historic Gold for the Indian women`s Table Tennis team! Congratulations to the team. Delighted at this accomplishment." President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement. "Congratulations to the Golden Girls - Manika Batra, Madhurika Patkar, and Mouma Das - for bagging India`s first ever Women`s Table Tennis Team GOLD at Commonwealth Games. Stupendous achievement," he tweeted. The Indian women table tennis team staged a winning show on Day 4 of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as they defeated defending champions Singapore 3-1 to claim gold. This is India's first ever gold at the multi-sport event. They had earlier appeared in the finals at the home edition of the Games in 2010, and finished fourth in the Glasgow Games.India took the lead with the help of Manika Batra`s 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory over World No. 4 Tianwei Feng. This is India's seventh gold medal at the 21st edition of the Games.India has so far bagged seven gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

PM Modi, President Kovind, laud Indian eves for CWG victory

The Indian government has released funds for the purchase and modification of two VVIP aircraft, which will be used to ferry President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.&nbsp;

The funds have been released from the National Small Savings account.&nbsp;

Air India had actually proposed that it would ask Bank of Baroda for a short-term loan of US$ 180 million, but the funds were released from the NSS account.&nbsp;

The money will be used to purchase and modify two Boeing 777-300 ERs, which will replace the earlier 747-400.&nbsp;

The upgrade has been long overdue, with this one coming after 25 years.&nbsp;

The 777-300 ER has two GE90-115B jet engines &mdash; the world&rsquo;s most powerful. The 777-300 will also mean fewer refuelling stops for India&#39;s most important trio.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The earlier Boeing 747-400 is being replaced with a 777-300 ER

The Indian government has released funds for the purchase and modification of two VVIP aircraft, which will be used to ferry President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu. The funds have been released from the National Small Savings account. Air India had actually proposed that it would ask Bank of Baroda for a short-term loan of US$ 180 million, but the funds were released from the NSS account. The money will be used to purchase and modify two Boeing 777-300 ERs, which will replace the earlier 747-400. The upgrade has been long overdue, with this one coming after 25 years. The 777-300 ER has two GE90-115B jet engines — the world’s most powerful. The 777-300 will also mean fewer refuelling stops for India's most important trio.

Country to get new Air India One, will be used to fly Modi, Kovind and Naidu

India has offered Madagascar an $80.7 million Line of Credit for agriculture and mechanisation during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to the island nation - the first ever by an Indian president.

President Kovind, who arrived there yesterday on the second leg of his two-nation state visit to Africa and the Indian Ocean Region, held delegation-level talks with his counterpart Hery Rajaonarimampianina in Madagascar.

India offered Madagascar an $80.7 million Line of Credit for agriculture and mechanisation yesterday, according to an official statement.

After the delegation-level talks, President Kovind was conferred the Grand Cross of the Second Class by Solonandrasan. This is the highest honour Madagascar bestows on a non-citizen.

Addressing students and academic community at the University of Antananarivo before concluding his visit, Kovind said, &quot;our primary shared resource is the ocean, a vast expanse of water that holds within it many riches, much hope and sometimes hidden challenges as well. We need to explore the sea and we need to help fishing communities here in Madagascar&quot;.

&quot;We need to ensure maritime security and guard against environmental degradation. Above all, we need to be prepared for humanitarian disasters and the unpredictable moods of the ocean. Malagasy and Indian Navies are close partners and Indian ships have made several friendly visits to Madagascar,&quot; he said.

Earlier today, President Kovind interacted with members of the India-Madagascar Business Forum and urged them to further trade and business opportunities.

President Kovind visited the island nation and held delegation-level talks

India has offered Madagascar an $80.7 million Line of Credit for agriculture and mechanisation during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to the island nation - the first ever by an Indian president. President Kovind, who arrived there yesterday on the second leg of his two-nation state visit to Africa and the Indian Ocean Region, held delegation-level talks with his counterpart Hery Rajaonarimampianina in Madagascar. India offered Madagascar an $80.7 million Line of Credit for agriculture and mechanisation yesterday, according to an official statement. After the delegation-level talks, President Kovind was conferred the Grand Cross of the Second Class by Solonandrasan. This is the highest honour Madagascar bestows on a non-citizen. Addressing students and academic community at the University of Antananarivo before concluding his visit, Kovind said, "our primary shared resource is the ocean, a vast expanse of water that holds within it many riches, much hope and sometimes hidden challenges as well. We need to explore the sea and we need to help fishing communities here in Madagascar". "We need to ensure maritime security and guard against environmental degradation. Above all, we need to be prepared for humanitarian disasters and the unpredictable moods of the ocean. Malagasy and Indian Navies are close partners and Indian ships have made several friendly visits to Madagascar," he said. Earlier today, President Kovind interacted with members of the India-Madagascar Business Forum and urged them to further trade and business opportunities.

India offers $80.7 million Line of Credit to Madagascar for agriculture and mechanisation

India&#39;s first set of brand new planes for the prime minister, president and vice-president will be customised and be ready for use by early 2020, senior government officials said.Two Boeing 777-300 ERs, bought by Air India recently, will be retrofitted to have VIP enclosures, a press conference room and a patient transport unit for medical emergencies

The aircraft will also be equipped with Wi-Fi on board and have anti-missile protection, a senior official said.A&nbsp;<a href="http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&amp;q=boeing+777" target="_blank">Boeing 777&nbsp;</a>unlike the older Boeing 747, which were borrowed from Air India as and when a VVIP visited overseas, can fly non-stop to the US, thereby dispensing with the need to halt for refuelling.

In February and March, Air India inducted three&nbsp;<a href="http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&amp;q=boeing+777" target="_blank">Boeing 777&nbsp;</a>aircraft, completing an order of 68 planes placed with the aerospace major in 2006.

Two of these three planes will be set aside exclusively for VVIP use.

&quot;The government will buy these aircraft from Air India,&quot; a senior official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.An aircraft exclusively for VVIPs -- such as the president, vice-president and prime minister -- will mean that Air India will no more have to ground aircraft from its fleet for special flights and re-configure them to include VIP enclosures, a press conference room etc for these operations.

Earlier, during the budget announcement for the next fiscal, the government had set aside an amount of Rs 44.69 billion for the purchase of these aircraft from Air India.

Officials in the know say that the amount would cover the cost of the plane, their retro-fitment, the cost of a spare engine as well as a special equipment box list or spare parts that need to be mandatorily onboard an aircraft.

The two planes will return to Boeing&#39;s facility in the US on June 1 and June 30 to undergo overhauling which will take 18 months.

The Indian Air Force is also negotiating with the US government for a special protection suite or anti-missile protection for these planes, it is reliably learnt.Air India will prepare a pool of 44 pilots for VVIP operations, four of whom will always be on standby and stationed in Delhi.

There will also be a dedicated team of engineers and cabin crew.To a question on how would privatisation of Air India effect deployment of pilots and cabin crew for the VVIP flights, a senior airline official said that the government is yet to finalise its decision on the matter.

The aircraft will also be equipped with Wi-Fi on board and have anti-missile protection

India's first set of brand new planes for the prime minister, president and vice-president will be customised and be ready for use by early 2020, senior government officials said.Two Boeing 777-300 ERs, bought by Air India recently, will be retrofitted to have VIP enclosures, a press conference room and a patient transport unit for medical emergencies The aircraft will also be equipped with Wi-Fi on board and have anti-missile protection, a senior official said.A Boeing 777 unlike the older Boeing 747, which were borrowed from Air India as and when a VVIP visited overseas, can fly non-stop to the US, thereby dispensing with the need to halt for refuelling. In February and March, Air India inducted three Boeing 777 aircraft, completing an order of 68 planes placed with the aerospace major in 2006. Two of these three planes will be set aside exclusively for VVIP use. "The government will buy these aircraft from Air India," a senior official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.An aircraft exclusively for VVIPs -- such as the president, vice-president and prime minister -- will mean that Air India will no more have to ground aircraft from its fleet for special flights and re-configure them to include VIP enclosures, a press conference room etc for these operations. Earlier, during the budget announcement for the next fiscal, the government had set aside an amount of Rs 44.69 billion for the purchase of these aircraft from Air India. Officials in the know say that the amount would cover the cost of the plane, their retro-fitment, the cost of a spare engine as well as a special equipment box list or spare parts that need to be mandatorily onboard an aircraft. The two planes will return to Boeing's facility in the US on June 1 and June 30 to undergo overhauling which will take 18 months. The Indian Air Force is also negotiating with the US government for a special protection suite or anti-missile protection for these planes, it is reliably learnt.Air India will prepare a pool of 44 pilots for VVIP operations, four of whom will always be on standby and stationed in Delhi. There will also be a dedicated team of engineers and cabin crew.To a question on how would privatisation of Air India effect deployment of pilots and cabin crew for the VVIP flights, a senior airline official said that the government is yet to finalise its decision on the matter.

PM Modi, President Kovind to get their own planes by early 2020

My Dear Fellow Citizens,

Greetings to all of you on the eve of our 69th Republic Day. This is a day for all of us to celebrate and honour our nation and our sovereignty. This is a day to remember with gratitude the enormous efforts and sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters whose blood and sweat gave us Independence and created our Republic. Above all, this is a day to cherish our republican values.

A Republic is its people. Citizens do not just make up and preserve a Republic; they are its ultimate stakeholders and in fact pillars. Each one of us is a pillar &ndash; the soldier who defends our Republic; the farmer who feeds our Republic; the forces that keep our Republic safe; the mother who nurtures our Republic; the doctor who heals our Republic; the nurse who tends to our Republic; the sanitation worker who makes our Republic cleaner and hygienic; the teacher who educates our Republic; the scientist who innovates for our Republic; the missile technologist who puts our Republic on a new trajectory; the wise tribal who conserves the ecology of our Republic; the engineer who re-imagines our Republic; the construction worker who builds our Republic; senior citizens who can look back with pride at how far they have brought our Republic; the youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic; and our dear children, who dream for our Republic.

There are so many more who contribute to our Republic in diverse ways and whom I may have missed mentioning. Happy Republic Day to all of you.

India became a Republic on January 26, 1950. This was the second major milestone in our nation building process. Independence had come a little over two years earlier. But it was with the framing and adoption of the Constitution &ndash; and the birth of the Republic of India &ndash; that we truly achieved the ethic of equality among all citizens, irrespective of religion, region or community. This ethic of equality complemented the liberty that had come at Independence. And a third principle also defined both the cooperative efforts at creating our Republic as well as the India that we wished to be. This was the principle of fraternity.

Independence had come after a great struggle in which millions had participated. They gave their all; many gave their lives. Inspired and led by Mahatma Gandhi, the men and women who took us to freedom could have rested on the gaining of Independence. They could have let down their guard, and remained satisfied with political freedom. But they did not rest. Instead, they re-doubled their efforts. They immersed themselves in the process of writing a Constitution. They saw the Constitution not just as a basic law for a new nation, but as a scripture for social transformation.

Our Constitution framers were men and women with great foresight. They understood the majesty of the rule of law, and of rule by laws. They represented an important phase in our national life. We are fortunate to have inherited its legacy in the form of the Constitution and the Republic.

The lessons from that formative period, the period that gave shape to our Republic, serve us well to this day. They serve us well in whatever we do, wherever we work, whichever goal we aim for. These lessons continue to spur our nation-building project. Nation building is a grand project. But it is also the compilation of a million &ndash; rather, a billion &ndash; smaller projects, each as sacred as the other. Nation building is also about building a family, building a neighbourhood, building a community, building an enterprise, building an institution. And building society.

A happy and equal-opportunity nation is built by happy and equal-opportunity families and communities. Families where girls have the same rights and the same access to education and healthcare as boys. Governments can bring in policies and laws to ensure justice to women &ndash; but these policies and laws can only be made effective by families and communities that must hear the voices of our daughters. We cannot shut our ears to their urgings for change.

A confident and forward-looking nation is built by confident and forward-looking young people. Over 60 per cent of our fellow citizens are below the age of 35. It is in them that our hopes lie. We have made strides in spreading literacy; now we must expand the frontiers of education and of knowledge. Our aspiration must be to reform, upgrade and enlarge our education system &ndash; and to make it relevant to 21st century realities of the digital economy, genomics, robotics and automation.

Many programmes and initiatives have been launched to equip our youth with the education and skills to compete in a globalised world. Sizeable resources have been set aside for these programmes. It is for our talented young people to make the most of these opportunities.

An innovative nation is built by innovative children. This must be our obsessive goal. Our schooling system has to encourage our children to think and to tinker, not just to memorise and reproduce. We have made strides in tackling hunger, but the challenge of malnutrition and of bringing the right micronutrients to the plate of every child is still there. This is important for both physical and cognitive development of our children &ndash; and for the future of our country. We simply have to invest in our human capital.

A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person&rsquo;s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours &ndash; while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion. Where one can disagree with another viewpoint &ndash; or even with a historical context &ndash; without mocking a fellow citizen&rsquo;s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action.

A nation with a sense of selflessness is built by citizens and by a society that embraces selflessness. Where voluntary groups clean public places such as beaches and rivers. And care for orphaned children and homeless people, and even for homeless animals. Where we donate blood or a body organ to help a fellow citizen who may be a stranger to us. Where idealistic individuals travel to remote places to teach children, and change their lives with the magic of education. They do so not because anybody has asked them to, but because of a call from within.

Where a better-off family voluntarily gives up an entitlement &ndash; it could be subsidised LPG today and some other entitlement tomorrow &ndash; so that another family, which has a greater need, can avail it. Let us all collate our privileges and entitlements. And then look at less-privileged members of a similar background, those who are starting off from where we once started off. And let each of us introspect and ask: Is his need or her need greater than mine? The spirit of philanthropy and of giving is part of our age-old culture. Let us renew it.

A culturally vibrant nation is built by a collective will that cherishes and preserves cultural traditions, art forms and handicrafts. Whether these be folk theatre artistes, traditional musicians, weavers and handloom workers, or those whose families have been hand-making marvellous wooden toys for centuries. Or day-to-day articles made of bamboo.

A disciplined and morally upright nation is built by disciplined and morally upright institutions. Institutions that respect their fraternal relationship with other institutions. Institutions that maintain the integrity, discipline and limits of their functioning, without compromising on excellence. Institutions that are always more important than the individuals located there. And institutions where the holders and members make every attempt to live up to the office they occupy as trustees of the people.

And of course, the highest stage of India&rsquo;s nation-building project is to contribute to building a better world &ndash; a composite and cohesive world, a world at peace with itself and at peace with nature. This is the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam &ndash; of the World being One Family. It is an idea that may sound impractical in today&rsquo;s times of tensions and of terrorism. But it is an ideal that has inspired India for thousands of years &ndash; and that ideal can be felt in the very texture of our constitutional values. The principles of compassion, of assisting those in need, of building capacities of our neighbours, or even of those further away, underpin our society. These are the very principles that we bring to the international community.

Such principles are also meant for our global Indian family. When Indians living abroad face humanitarian or similar challenges, it is natural for us as a country to reach out to them. We have, and we will continue to do so.

Fellow citizens&nbsp;

I referred earlier to that glorious period between Independence and our first Republic Day. This was a period of constant striving &ndash; of dedication, determination and commitment to improving our country. And setting right the aberrations of our society. Today, we are at a similar juncture. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but much remains to be done. We need to work on this in the spirit of the generation that gave us our Republic.

In 2020, our Republic will turn 70. In 2022, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Independence. These are special occasions and we must strive, in the manner of the leaders of our national movement and the framers of our Constitution, to build the edifice of a better India &ndash; an India where each and every citizen will be able to realise his or her full potential. An India that will reach its deserved pedestal in the 21st century.

We need to further improve the lives of our hardworking farmers. Like mothers, they toil to feed us &ndash; more than a billion of us. We need to continue to modernise and strengthen our strategic manufacturing sector so as to provide the valiant personnel of our Armed Forces, and our police and paramilitary forces, the equipment that they need. We need to move ahead rapidly on the Sustainable Development Goals &ndash; Goals that commit us to eliminating poverty and hunger, to universal access to quality education and healthcare, and to giving our daughters equal opportunity in every field. We need to make clean, green, efficient and affordable energy reach our people. We need to ensure that housing for all becomes a living reality for the millions of families who await their own home. We need to craft a modern India that is both a land of talent &ndash; and a land of unlimited opportunities for that talent.

Above all, our Republic cannot rest and cannot be satisfied without meeting the basic needs and essential dignity of our less well-off brothers and sisters. I refer to those from a less privileged socio-economic background, from the weaker communities and from families that still live at the edge of poverty. It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the Republic.

Fellow citizens

The promise of a developed India beckons us. This is the new stage of our nation-building project on which we have embarked. This is the Republic that our young people need to take forward and enhance &ndash; in keeping with their vision, their ambition and their ideals. And their vision, ambition and ideas, I am confident, will always draw inspiration from both our republican values &ndash; as well as from our ancient Indian ethos.

With those words, I once again wish all of you a very happy Republic Day. And wish all of you a very bright and fulfilling future.

Thank you

JAI HIND!

President Kovind said it is our “sacred obligation” to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time

My Dear Fellow Citizens, Greetings to all of you on the eve of our 69th Republic Day. This is a day for all of us to celebrate and honour our nation and our sovereignty. This is a day to remember with gratitude the enormous efforts and sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters whose blood and sweat gave us Independence and created our Republic. Above all, this is a day to cherish our republican values. A Republic is its people. Citizens do not just make up and preserve a Republic; they are its ultimate stakeholders and in fact pillars. Each one of us is a pillar – the soldier who defends our Republic; the farmer who feeds our Republic; the forces that keep our Republic safe; the mother who nurtures our Republic; the doctor who heals our Republic; the nurse who tends to our Republic; the sanitation worker who makes our Republic cleaner and hygienic; the teacher who educates our Republic; the scientist who innovates for our Republic; the missile technologist who puts our Republic on a new trajectory; the wise tribal who conserves the ecology of our Republic; the engineer who re-imagines our Republic; the construction worker who builds our Republic; senior citizens who can look back with pride at how far they have brought our Republic; the youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic; and our dear children, who dream for our Republic. There are so many more who contribute to our Republic in diverse ways and whom I may have missed mentioning. Happy Republic Day to all of you. India became a Republic on January 26, 1950. This was the second major milestone in our nation building process. Independence had come a little over two years earlier. But it was with the framing and adoption of the Constitution – and the birth of the Republic of India – that we truly achieved the ethic of equality among all citizens, irrespective of religion, region or community. This ethic of equality complemented the liberty that had come at Independence. And a third principle also defined both the cooperative efforts at creating our Republic as well as the India that we wished to be. This was the principle of fraternity. Independence had come after a great struggle in which millions had participated. They gave their all; many gave their lives. Inspired and led by Mahatma Gandhi, the men and women who took us to freedom could have rested on the gaining of Independence. They could have let down their guard, and remained satisfied with political freedom. But they did not rest. Instead, they re-doubled their efforts. They immersed themselves in the process of writing a Constitution. They saw the Constitution not just as a basic law for a new nation, but as a scripture for social transformation. Our Constitution framers were men and women with great foresight. They understood the majesty of the rule of law, and of rule by laws. They represented an important phase in our national life. We are fortunate to have inherited its legacy in the form of the Constitution and the Republic. The lessons from that formative period, the period that gave shape to our Republic, serve us well to this day. They serve us well in whatever we do, wherever we work, whichever goal we aim for. These lessons continue to spur our nation-building project. Nation building is a grand project. But it is also the compilation of a million – rather, a billion – smaller projects, each as sacred as the other. Nation building is also about building a family, building a neighbourhood, building a community, building an enterprise, building an institution. And building society. A happy and equal-opportunity nation is built by happy and equal-opportunity families and communities. Families where girls have the same rights and the same access to education and healthcare as boys. Governments can bring in policies and laws to ensure justice to women – but these policies and laws can only be made effective by families and communities that must hear the voices of our daughters. We cannot shut our ears to their urgings for change. A confident and forward-looking nation is built by confident and forward-looking young people. Over 60 per cent of our fellow citizens are below the age of 35. It is in them that our hopes lie. We have made strides in spreading literacy; now we must expand the frontiers of education and of knowledge. Our aspiration must be to reform, upgrade and enlarge our education system – and to make it relevant to 21st century realities of the digital economy, genomics, robotics and automation. Many programmes and initiatives have been launched to equip our youth with the education and skills to compete in a globalised world. Sizeable resources have been set aside for these programmes. It is for our talented young people to make the most of these opportunities. An innovative nation is built by innovative children. This must be our obsessive goal. Our schooling system has to encourage our children to think and to tinker, not just to memorise and reproduce. We have made strides in tackling hunger, but the challenge of malnutrition and of bringing the right micronutrients to the plate of every child is still there. This is important for both physical and cognitive development of our children – and for the future of our country. We simply have to invest in our human capital. A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person’s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours – while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion. Where one can disagree with another viewpoint – or even with a historical context – without mocking a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action. A nation with a sense of selflessness is built by citizens and by a society that embraces selflessness. Where voluntary groups clean public places such as beaches and rivers. And care for orphaned children and homeless people, and even for homeless animals. Where we donate blood or a body organ to help a fellow citizen who may be a stranger to us. Where idealistic individuals travel to remote places to teach children, and change their lives with the magic of education. They do so not because anybody has asked them to, but because of a call from within. Where a better-off family voluntarily gives up an entitlement – it could be subsidised LPG today and some other entitlement tomorrow – so that another family, which has a greater need, can avail it. Let us all collate our privileges and entitlements. And then look at less-privileged members of a similar background, those who are starting off from where we once started off. And let each of us introspect and ask: Is his need or her need greater than mine? The spirit of philanthropy and of giving is part of our age-old culture. Let us renew it. A culturally vibrant nation is built by a collective will that cherishes and preserves cultural traditions, art forms and handicrafts. Whether these be folk theatre artistes, traditional musicians, weavers and handloom workers, or those whose families have been hand-making marvellous wooden toys for centuries. Or day-to-day articles made of bamboo. A disciplined and morally upright nation is built by disciplined and morally upright institutions. Institutions that respect their fraternal relationship with other institutions. Institutions that maintain the integrity, discipline and limits of their functioning, without compromising on excellence. Institutions that are always more important than the individuals located there. And institutions where the holders and members make every attempt to live up to the office they occupy as trustees of the people. And of course, the highest stage of India’s nation-building project is to contribute to building a better world – a composite and cohesive world, a world at peace with itself and at peace with nature. This is the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – of the World being One Family. It is an idea that may sound impractical in today’s times of tensions and of terrorism. But it is an ideal that has inspired India for thousands of years – and that ideal can be felt in the very texture of our constitutional values. The principles of compassion, of assisting those in need, of building capacities of our neighbours, or even of those further away, underpin our society. These are the very principles that we bring to the international community. Such principles are also meant for our global Indian family. When Indians living abroad face humanitarian or similar challenges, it is natural for us as a country to reach out to them. We have, and we will continue to do so. Fellow citizens I referred earlier to that glorious period between Independence and our first Republic Day. This was a period of constant striving – of dedication, determination and commitment to improving our country. And setting right the aberrations of our society. Today, we are at a similar juncture. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but much remains to be done. We need to work on this in the spirit of the generation that gave us our Republic. In 2020, our Republic will turn 70. In 2022, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Independence. These are special occasions and we must strive, in the manner of the leaders of our national movement and the framers of our Constitution, to build the edifice of a better India – an India where each and every citizen will be able to realise his or her full potential. An India that will reach its deserved pedestal in the 21st century. We need to further improve the lives of our hardworking farmers. Like mothers, they toil to feed us – more than a billion of us. We need to continue to modernise and strengthen our strategic manufacturing sector so as to provide the valiant personnel of our Armed Forces, and our police and paramilitary forces, the equipment that they need. We need to move ahead rapidly on the Sustainable Development Goals – Goals that commit us to eliminating poverty and hunger, to universal access to quality education and healthcare, and to giving our daughters equal opportunity in every field. We need to make clean, green, efficient and affordable energy reach our people. We need to ensure that housing for all becomes a living reality for the millions of families who await their own home. We need to craft a modern India that is both a land of talent – and a land of unlimited opportunities for that talent. Above all, our Republic cannot rest and cannot be satisfied without meeting the basic needs and essential dignity of our less well-off brothers and sisters. I refer to those from a less privileged socio-economic background, from the weaker communities and from families that still live at the edge of poverty. It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the Republic. Fellow citizens The promise of a developed India beckons us. This is the new stage of our nation-building project on which we have embarked. This is the Republic that our young people need to take forward and enhance – in keeping with their vision, their ambition and their ideals. And their vision, ambition and ideas, I am confident, will always draw inspiration from both our republican values – as well as from our ancient Indian ethos. With those words, I once again wish all of you a very happy Republic Day. And wish all of you a very bright and fulfilling future. Thank you JAI HIND!

Full text of speech by President Ram Nath Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday called for a &ldquo;civic-minded&rdquo; society where one can disagree with views even which had a historical context without mocking the other person&rsquo;s dignity, comments that come in the backdrop of escalating row and violence over Bollywood film Padmaavat.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-speech-by-president-ram-nath-kovind-30783" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Full text of speech by President Ram Nath Kovind</a>

In his first Republic Day-eve address to the nation, the President also said that institutions should be &ldquo;disciplined and morally upright&rdquo;, adding they are always &ldquo;more important&rdquo; than the individuals in office. The institutions should also respect their &ldquo;fraternal relationship&rdquo; with other institutions, he added.

Touching on other issues, Kovind said it is our &ldquo;sacred obligation&rdquo; to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. &ldquo;This is non-negotiable for the Republic.&rdquo;

&ldquo;A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person&rsquo;s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours -- while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion.

&ldquo;Where one can disagree with another viewpoint -- or even with a historical context -- without mocking a fellow citizen&rsquo;s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action,&rdquo; the President said.

The comments come at a time when several parts of the country have witnessed stiff opposition over Padmaavat with some fringe groups alleging that the film distorts their history and defames Rajput queen Padmaavati. The film hit the screens on Thursday amid tight security.

&ldquo;A disciplined and morally upright nation is built by disciplined and morally upright institutions. Institutions that respect their fraternal relationship with other institutions. Institutions that maintain the integrity, discipline and limits of their functioning, without compromising on excellence.

&ldquo;Institutions that are always more important than the individuals located there. And institutions where the holders and members make every attempt to live up to the office they occupy as trustees of the people,&rdquo; Kovind said.

In his speech, the President highlighted the struggle of millions of people led by Mahatma Gandhi in getting independence of the country which was followed by efforts by them in writing the Constitution for the country.

&ldquo;This was a period of constant striving -- of dedication, determination and commitment to improving our country. And setting right the aberrations of our society,&rdquo; he said and drew a parallel with today&rsquo;s time saying, &ldquo;today, we are at a similar juncture. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but much remains to be done. We need to work on this in the spirit of the generation that gave us our Republic.&rdquo;

He said the country cannot be satisfied without meeting the basic needs and essential dignity of our less well-off people.

&ldquo;I refer to those from a less privileged socio-economic background, from the weaker communities and from families that still live at the edge of poverty. It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the Republic,&rdquo; he emphasised.

Observing that the &ldquo;promise of a developed India beckons us&rdquo;, Kovind said this is the new stage of our nation building project on which we have embarked. &ldquo;This is the Republic that our young people need to take forward and enhance -- in keeping with their vision, their ambition and their ideals. And their vision, ambition and ideals.&rdquo;

Calling for reforms, upgradation and enlarging the education system, the President said over 60 per cent of the country&rsquo;s population are below the age of 35. &ldquo;It is in them that our hopes lie. We have made strides in spreading literacy; now we must expand the frontiers of education and of knowledge. Our aspiration must be to reform, upgrade and enlarge our education system -- and to make it relevant to 21st 
century realities of the digital economy, genomics, robotics and automation...&rdquo;

Asking children to make innovation as their &ldquo;obsessive goal&rdquo;, he said the schooling system has to encourage children to think and to tinker, not just to memorise and reproduce.

&ldquo;We have made strides in tackling hunger, but the challenge of malnutrition and of bringing the right micronutrients to the plate of every child is still there. This is important for both physical and cognitive development of our children -- and for the future of our country. We simply have to invest in our human capital,&rdquo; he said.

Calling for renewal of spirit of philanthropy, he asked people to collate their privileges and entitlements and then look at less-privileged members of a similar background, those who are starting off from where they once started.

He said the highest stage of India&rsquo;s nation building project is to contribute to building a better, composite and cohesive world at peace with itself and at peace with nature 
which is the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam &ndash; of the World being One Family.

&ldquo;It is an ideal that may sound impractical in today&rsquo;s times of tensions and of terrorism. But it is an ideal that has inspired India for thousands of years &ndash; and that ideal can be felt in the very texture of our constitutional values.&rdquo;

He said in 2020, the nation will complete 70 years of being Republic and in 2022, India will have completed 75 years of independence. &ldquo;These are special occasions and we must strive, in the manner of the leaders of our national movement and the framers of our Constitution, to build the edifice of a better India &ndash; an India where each and every citizen will be able to realise his or her full potential. An India that will reach its deserved pedestal in the 21st century.&rdquo;&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday called for a “civic-minded” society where one can disagree with views even which had a historical context without mocking the other person’s dignity, comments that come in the backdrop of escalating row and violence over Bollywood film Padmaavat. Also read: Full text of speech by President Ram Nath Kovind In his first Republic Day-eve address to the nation, the President also said that institutions should be “disciplined and morally upright”, adding they are always “more important” than the individuals in office. The institutions should also respect their “fraternal relationship” with other institutions, he added. Touching on other issues, Kovind said it is our “sacred obligation” to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. “This is non-negotiable for the Republic.” “A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person’s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours -- while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion. “Where one can disagree with another viewpoint -- or even with a historical context -- without mocking a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action,” the President said. The comments come at a time when several parts of the country have witnessed stiff opposition over Padmaavat with some fringe groups alleging that the film distorts their history and defames Rajput queen Padmaavati. The film hit the screens on Thursday amid tight security. “A disciplined and morally upright nation is built by disciplined and morally upright institutions. Institutions that respect their fraternal relationship with other institutions. Institutions that maintain the integrity, discipline and limits of their functioning, without compromising on excellence. “Institutions that are always more important than the individuals located there. And institutions where the holders and members make every attempt to live up to the office they occupy as trustees of the people,” Kovind said. In his speech, the President highlighted the struggle of millions of people led by Mahatma Gandhi in getting independence of the country which was followed by efforts by them in writing the Constitution for the country. “This was a period of constant striving -- of dedication, determination and commitment to improving our country. And setting right the aberrations of our society,” he said and drew a parallel with today’s time saying, “today, we are at a similar juncture. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but much remains to be done. We need to work on this in the spirit of the generation that gave us our Republic.” He said the country cannot be satisfied without meeting the basic needs and essential dignity of our less well-off people. “I refer to those from a less privileged socio-economic background, from the weaker communities and from families that still live at the edge of poverty. It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the Republic,” he emphasised. Observing that the “promise of a developed India beckons us”, Kovind said this is the new stage of our nation building project on which we have embarked. “This is the Republic that our young people need to take forward and enhance -- in keeping with their vision, their ambition and their ideals. And their vision, ambition and ideals.” Calling for reforms, upgradation and enlarging the education system, the President said over 60 per cent of the country’s population are below the age of 35. “It is in them that our hopes lie. We have made strides in spreading literacy; now we must expand the frontiers of education and of knowledge. Our aspiration must be to reform, upgrade and enlarge our education system -- and to make it relevant to 21st century realities of the digital economy, genomics, robotics and automation...” Asking children to make innovation as their “obsessive goal”, he said the schooling system has to encourage children to think and to tinker, not just to memorise and reproduce. “We have made strides in tackling hunger, but the challenge of malnutrition and of bringing the right micronutrients to the plate of every child is still there. This is important for both physical and cognitive development of our children -- and for the future of our country. We simply have to invest in our human capital,” he said. Calling for renewal of spirit of philanthropy, he asked people to collate their privileges and entitlements and then look at less-privileged members of a similar background, those who are starting off from where they once started. He said the highest stage of India’s nation building project is to contribute to building a better, composite and cohesive world at peace with itself and at peace with nature which is the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – of the World being One Family. “It is an ideal that may sound impractical in today’s times of tensions and of terrorism. But it is an ideal that has inspired India for thousands of years – and that ideal can be felt in the very texture of our constitutional values.” He said in 2020, the nation will complete 70 years of being Republic and in 2022, India will have completed 75 years of independence. “These are special occasions and we must strive, in the manner of the leaders of our national movement and the framers of our Constitution, to build the edifice of a better India – an India where each and every citizen will be able to realise his or her full potential. An India that will reach its deserved pedestal in the 21st century.”

Disagree but don't mock another's dignity, says President Ram Nath Kovind in Republic Day eve speech

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday addressed the nation for the first time on the eve of 69th Republic Day of India.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day today, President Kovind received the ASEAN Heads of State and Government at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a lunch in their honour.

Here are the highlights of his speech:&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind said today is the day to remember the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.

President Kovind recalls contributions of nurses who serve the people, sanitary workers who help keep the nation clean, teachers who educate the people, scientists who innovate, and engineers who help build new infrastructure.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Senior citizens who can look back with pride at how far they have brought our Republic; the youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic; and our dear children, who dream for our Republic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/956525294780739585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

President Kovind pays tributes to soldiers who protect the nation, to farmers who feed us, to police and paramilitary forces who provide us security, to mothers who take care of us, and to doctors who treat people who are ill.

Our people are not only the builders of this republic, but are its pillars, says Kovind.

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Independence had come after a great struggle in which millions had participated. They gave their all; many gave their lives. Inspired and led by Mahatma Gandhi, the men and women who took us to freedom could have rested on the gaining of Independence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/956525569557975042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Kovind thanked all army men, doctors, farmers, nurses, scientists, engineers and the mothers of the county.

He said there were many more people doing a lot for the country, who he could not mention, but would like to thank as well for their service.

He said various programmes have been started by the government to impart better education to the youth, which they should take advantage of.

One of the biggest challenges is dealing with malnutrition of the children of the country and although much progress has been made, a lot more needs to be done, said President Kovind.

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Watch LIVE as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> addresses the nation on the eve of the 69th Republic Day <a href="https://t.co/lAXYscH4pL">https://t.co/lAXYscH4pL</a> <a href="https://t.co/bulpszILhU">pic.twitter.com/bulpszILhU</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/956520068350754816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Kovind addresses the nation on eve of 69th Republic Day

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday addressed the nation for the first time on the eve of 69th Republic Day of India. Earlier in the day today, President Kovind received the ASEAN Heads of State and Government at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a lunch in their honour. Here are the highlights of his speech: President Ram Nath Kovind said today is the day to remember the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. President Kovind recalls contributions of nurses who serve the people, sanitary workers who help keep the nation clean, teachers who educate the people, scientists who innovate, and engineers who help build new infrastructure. Senior citizens who can look back with pride at how far they have brought our Republic; the youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic; and our dear children, who dream for our Republic #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2018 × President Kovind pays tributes to soldiers who protect the nation, to farmers who feed us, to police and paramilitary forces who provide us security, to mothers who take care of us, and to doctors who treat people who are ill. Our people are not only the builders of this republic, but are its pillars, says Kovind. Independence had come after a great struggle in which millions had participated. They gave their all; many gave their lives. Inspired and led by Mahatma Gandhi, the men and women who took us to freedom could have rested on the gaining of Independence #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2018 × President Kovind thanked all army men, doctors, farmers, nurses, scientists, engineers and the mothers of the county. He said there were many more people doing a lot for the country, who he could not mention, but would like to thank as well for their service. He said various programmes have been started by the government to impart better education to the youth, which they should take advantage of. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with malnutrition of the children of the country and although much progress has been made, a lot more needs to be done, said President Kovind. Watch LIVE as #PresidentKovind addresses the nation on the eve of the 69th Republic Day https://t.co/lAXYscH4pL pic.twitter.com/bulpszILhU — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2018 ×

The maiden visit by President Kovind to Djibouti comes in the wake of the opening of a Chinese military base in Djibouti. As India renew its strategic calibration for the region, the visit highlights the geopolitical significance of Horn of Africa. The Indian navy has been operating in the region, carrying on anti-piracy drives as well as in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemen.

Djibouti is located at the entrance to the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean: connecting Africa, the West Asia and rest of Asia. It is also the gateway to region&rsquo;s multiple conflicts &mdash; inter-state and intra-state. In recent years, Djibouti has assumed significance for hosting multiple foreign military bases on its territory, including an important American base, used for counter-terrorism operations in Yemen and Somalia. India has traditionally engaged with African nations through its soft power initiatives, such as contribution to school and college education, laying of optic fiber networks, training of hospital staff and other skill development projects.

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<h5>The increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region has raised alarm bells ringing in New Delhi.</h5>
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It has often been said that the Indian Navy&#39;s operational area stretches from Bab-el-Mandeb to Straits of Malacca. The Indian strategic community has been arguing for some time at countering the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese base in Djibouti is a realisation of those concerns. The protection of sea lines of communication and controlling the choke points, and maintaining access to major islands of the Indian Ocean are central to India&rsquo;s security and economic prosperity. It has often been mentioned of New Delhi being the &#39;net security provider&#39; in the Indian Ocean region; Djibouti, a strategic naval outpost, is a step in that direction to fulfil that objective.

The increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region has raised alarm bells ringing in New Delhi. The docking of Chinese submarines in Pakistan and denial of a similar request by Sri Lanka point to the assertive nature of Chinese naval activity which can only be countered by defensive capabilities being built up by the Indian Navy.&nbsp;

The Indian navy has been developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic outpost to monitor rival naval activity in the region. Over the past few years, India has also beefed up its military capacities on the strategic Bay of Bengal island territory which includes the refurbishment of naval air stations and operational turn around facilities. To counter increasing Chinese surveillance activities close to the Andaman Islands, New Delhi has been investing in the development of an integrated surveillance network in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea with radar stations in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and other littorals to keep track of Chinese naval activity.

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<h5>The increased non-traditional security challenges in the region and the West Asia also demand enhanced cooperation between the US and India through LEMOA.</h5>
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An Indian outpost in Djibouti will have a huge signalling effect on the Chinese strategic thinkers with respect to their ambition in the Indian Ocean region. The increased non-traditional security challenges in the region and the West Asia also demand enhanced cooperation between the US and India through LEMOA. The agreement helps Indian armed forces to develop their capabilities, play better humanitarian assistance and relief operations, and to operate beyond the South Asian region in safeguarding its vital national interests.

It needs to be further highlighted that the Chinese naval activities in the South China Seas might be a precursor to their strategic ambitions of having an influence over another important maritime choke point at Bab-el-Mandeb. China for long has been trying to gain influence at major global choke points through a string of new naval bases and a series of economic deals. Through these various choke points nearly 90 per cent of all global trade passes. If any of the main trade chokepoints were disrupted, it would have an adverse impact on global GDP, employment, and inflation of nearly every country.

India currently does not have an embassy in Djibouti. The president&rsquo;s visit suggests New Delhi is now revisiting its approach towards the region and re-engage strategically.

President Kovind's visit to Djibouti suggests New Delhi's plan to secure India?s security and economic prosperity in the Indian Ocean region

The maiden visit by President Kovind to Djibouti comes in the wake of the opening of a Chinese military base in Djibouti. As India renew its strategic calibration for the region, the visit highlights the geopolitical significance of Horn of Africa. The Indian navy has been operating in the region, carrying on anti-piracy drives as well as in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemen. Djibouti is located at the entrance to the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean: connecting Africa, the West Asia and rest of Asia. It is also the gateway to region’s multiple conflicts — inter-state and intra-state. In recent years, Djibouti has assumed significance for hosting multiple foreign military bases on its territory, including an important American base, used for counter-terrorism operations in Yemen and Somalia. India has traditionally engaged with African nations through its soft power initiatives, such as contribution to school and college education, laying of optic fiber networks, training of hospital staff and other skill development projects. The increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region has raised alarm bells ringing in New Delhi. × It has often been said that the Indian Navy's operational area stretches from Bab-el-Mandeb to Straits of Malacca. The Indian strategic community has been arguing for some time at countering the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese base in Djibouti is a realisation of those concerns. The protection of sea lines of communication and controlling the choke points, and maintaining access to major islands of the Indian Ocean are central to India’s security and economic prosperity. It has often been mentioned of New Delhi being the 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean region; Djibouti, a strategic naval outpost, is a step in that direction to fulfil that objective. The increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region has raised alarm bells ringing in New Delhi. The docking of Chinese submarines in Pakistan and denial of a similar request by Sri Lanka point to the assertive nature of Chinese naval activity which can only be countered by defensive capabilities being built up by the Indian Navy. The Indian navy has been developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic outpost to monitor rival naval activity in the region. Over the past few years, India has also beefed up its military capacities on the strategic Bay of Bengal island territory which includes the refurbishment of naval air stations and operational turn around facilities. To counter increasing Chinese surveillance activities close to the Andaman Islands, New Delhi has been investing in the development of an integrated surveillance network in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea with radar stations in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and other littorals to keep track of Chinese naval activity. The increased non-traditional security challenges in the region and the West Asia also demand enhanced cooperation between the US and India through LEMOA. × An Indian outpost in Djibouti will have a huge signalling effect on the Chinese strategic thinkers with respect to their ambition in the Indian Ocean region. The increased non-traditional security challenges in the region and the West Asia also demand enhanced cooperation between the US and India through LEMOA. The agreement helps Indian armed forces to develop their capabilities, play better humanitarian assistance and relief operations, and to operate beyond the South Asian region in safeguarding its vital national interests. It needs to be further highlighted that the Chinese naval activities in the South China Seas might be a precursor to their strategic ambitions of having an influence over another important maritime choke point at Bab-el-Mandeb. China for long has been trying to gain influence at major global choke points through a string of new naval bases and a series of economic deals. Through these various choke points nearly 90 per cent of all global trade passes. If any of the main trade chokepoints were disrupted, it would have an adverse impact on global GDP, employment, and inflation of nearly every country. India currently does not have an embassy in Djibouti. The president’s visit suggests New Delhi is now revisiting its approach towards the region and re-engage strategically.

To counter China, India needs a military base in Djibouti

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