On the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day, PM Modi is addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. PM hailed the corona warriors and also said that the youth played an important role in the freedom struggle of our country".

Indian PM Narendra Modi address on India's 74th Independence Day | "Youth played important role in freedom struggle"

Independence Day in COVID-19 times: Invites only, no school children & 6 feet distance

On World Heritage Day on Saturday, Indian monuments expressed solidarity by illuminating with oil lamps in the nation's fight against novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

There was special lighting of earthen lamps and candles in Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb to express solidarity with the 'corona warriors', including sanitation workers, police, medical personnel, and civil administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-jump-to-15712-more-than-500-dead-293348">Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead</a>

Earlier, while announcing the gesture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also said that they would organise online pledge taking ceremonies, where students would administer an oath to safeguard and respect the monuments.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-decision-on-domesticinternational-operations-ministry-of-civil-aviation-293336">No decision on domestic/international operations: Ministry of Civil Aviation</a>

A few days ago, India extended nationwide lockdown, which is imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has taken lives of over 500 people in the country and infected more than 15,000 others.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

On World Heritage Day on Saturday, Indian monuments expressed solidarity by illuminating with oil lamps in the nation's fight against novel coronavirus. There was special lighting of earthen lamps and candles in Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb to express solidarity with the 'corona warriors', including sanitation workers, police, medical personnel, and civil administration.

On World Heritage Day on Saturday, Indian monuments expressed solidarity by illuminating with oil lamps in the nation's fight against novel coronavirus. There was special lighting of earthen lamps and candles in Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb to express solidarity with the 'corona warriors', including sanitation workers, police, medical personnel, and civil administration. Also read | Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead Earlier, while announcing the gesture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also said that they would organise online pledge taking ceremonies, where students would administer an oath to safeguard and respect the monuments. Also read | No decision on domestic/international operations: Ministry of Civil Aviation A few days ago, India extended nationwide lockdown, which is imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has taken lives of over 500 people in the country and infected more than 15,000 others. (With agency inputs)

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India on Thursday is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day with many events across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag at the majestic Red Fort.

PM Modi unfurls national flag from the Red Fort, nation chants 'National Anthem'

From water conservation to tackling plastic pollution, here are some interesting snippets from PM's speech.

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Takeaways from PM's address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

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73rd Independence Day: PM Modi address nation for 92 minutes; Here are the top points of his speech. Watch video to know more.

73rd Independence Day: PM Modi address nation for 92 minutes; Here are the top points of his speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort by conveying Independence Day greetings. Then he says 'We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move. The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.

PM Modi addresses nation on its 73rd Independence day celebration from the ramparts of the Red Fort

Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the National Tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in the first Independence Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of its special status.

Governor Satya Pal Malik unfurls National Flag at Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir stadium

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-is-war-against-humanity-indias-policy-on-it-is-clear-pm-modi-243139">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday</a> wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day. Afghanistan will celebrate its 100th Independence Day on August 19 this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/i-day-pm-narendra-modi-continues-turban-tradition-for-first-address-of-modi-20-243170">During the speech</a>, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Our neighbour and a good friend after four days will celebrate its Independence Day.&nbsp;From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom".

Afghanistan regained full independence from British rule on August 19, 1919, after the defeat of the latter in the third Anglo-Afghan war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in a statement, congratulated India on its Independence Day and said, "India has been a great and close friend of Afghanistan in moments of difficulty and tragedy and massively contributed to help maintain stability and security in the region and the world."

"As a close friend of India, Afghanistan is very keen to further strengthening its relationship and partnership with India, which rests on mutual trust between our countries and the historical bonds and enduring goodwill between our people," Ghani added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's Independence Day was celebrated in Afghanistan with Indian envoy Vinay Kumar unfurling the national flag at the Indian Mission in Kabul.&nbsp;

<img alt="Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68bc3dae-23f9-4c4d-ae17-65f143926ed4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_4.jpg" />

[Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)]

<img alt="Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ce9196-919c-4f02-a333-14987ed60c4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_2.jpg" />

[Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)]

Consul-general&nbsp;Gajraj Bhati&nbsp;led the Independence Day festivities at the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan.&nbsp;Indian nationals in western Afghanistan, including some doctors, travelled to the Indian Consulate to participate in the function.&nbsp;

Ties between New Delhi and Kabul have improved since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. India became a major donor to the landlocked South Asian country. India has built the Afghan national parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western Herat province.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day. Afghanistan will celebrate its 100th Independence Day on August 19 this year. During the speech, PM Modi said, "Our neighbour and a good friend after four days will celebrate its Independence Day. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom". Afghanistan regained full independence from British rule on August 19, 1919, after the defeat of the latter in the third Anglo-Afghan war. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in a statement, congratulated India on its Independence Day and said, "India has been a great and close friend of Afghanistan in moments of difficulty and tragedy and massively contributed to help maintain stability and security in the region and the world." "As a close friend of India, Afghanistan is very keen to further strengthening its relationship and partnership with India, which rests on mutual trust between our countries and the historical bonds and enduring goodwill between our people," Ghani added. Meanwhile, India's Independence Day was celebrated in Afghanistan with Indian envoy Vinay Kumar unfurling the national flag at the Indian Mission in Kabul. [Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)] [Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)] Consul-general Gajraj Bhati led the Independence Day festivities at the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan. Indian nationals in western Afghanistan, including some doctors, travelled to the Indian Consulate to participate in the function. Ties between New Delhi and Kabul have improved since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. India became a major donor to the landlocked South Asian country. India has built the Afghan national parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western Herat province.

PM Modi extends Independence Day wishes to Afghanistan from ramparts of Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday (today) from the ramparts of iconic Red Fort in the national capital. Watch this video to know more.

India now talking about one nation, one election: PM in  Independence Day address

India is celebrating it 73rd Independence day on the 15th August. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the tricolour and address the nation from the Red fort. After his Independence Day speech concluded, PM Modi met school children at the Red Fort.

Elated school children surrounds PM Modi

The nation is celebrating the 73rd Independence Day at Red Fort on Thursday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the National Flag this will be followed by his customary address to the nation.

Nation turns tricolor, celebrates its 73rd Independence day

Ahead of August 15 celebrations, the security measures have been intensified, in and around Delhi's Red fort here.

Delhi Police, this year, have installed facial recognition system along with CCTV cameras to ensure fool-proof security.

Nupur Prasad, Deputy Commissioner of police said, "We are fully prepared, and ready to meet any kind of exigency. More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed. Our facial recognition system will alert us if any criminal, who is in our special inputs, arrives near the venue."

"We are taking every input seriously that is being received by our agencies. Apart from the local police, we are also getting the assistance from the security unit of Delhi Police, National security guard, Special protection group, and different components of army," She further added.

Commenting on the security measures that are being undertaken, Sanjay Singh, Special Commissioner of police, law and order said, "community meetings have been held across all these areas, and along with the cooperation of locals, things have become easier for us."

Ahead of August 15 celebrations, the security measures have been intensified, in and around Delhi's Red fort here. Delhi Police, this year, have installed facial recognition system along with CCTV cameras to ensure fool-proof security.

Ahead of August 15 celebrations, the security measures have been intensified, in and around Delhi's Red fort here. Delhi Police, this year, have installed facial recognition system along with CCTV cameras to ensure fool-proof security. Nupur Prasad, Deputy Commissioner of police said, "We are fully prepared, and ready to meet any kind of exigency. More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed. Our facial recognition system will alert us if any criminal, who is in our special inputs, arrives near the venue." "We are taking every input seriously that is being received by our agencies. Apart from the local police, we are also getting the assistance from the security unit of Delhi Police, National security guard, Special protection group, and different components of army," She further added. Commenting on the security measures that are being undertaken, Sanjay Singh, Special Commissioner of police, law and order said, "community meetings have been held across all these areas, and along with the cooperation of locals, things have become easier for us."

Security tightens around Delhi's Red Fort ahead of Independence Day

Delhi: DP Special Cell arrests JeM terrorist from Red Fort area

Dalmia Bharat Group has had adopted the Red Fort in New Delhi and&nbsp; Gandikota Fort in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project of the central government, as per reports on Saturday.

"Dalmia Bharat Limited, Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India sign MoU to take up the Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota Fort, Kadapa. @KJAlphons @tourismgoi @DalmiaBharat Becomes the first corporate to sign a MOU under the Government’s “Adopt a Heritage” project," the company tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dalmia Bharat Limited, Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India sign MoU to take up the Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota Fort, Kadapa. <a href="https://twitter.com/KJAlphons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KJAlphons</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tourismgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tourismgoi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DalmiaBharat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalmiaBharat</a> Becomes the first corporate to sign a MOU under the Government’s “Adopt a Heritage” project. <a href="https://t.co/WfsHBaWjGH">pic.twitter.com/WfsHBaWjGH</a>
— Dalmia Bharat Group (@DalmiaBharat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DalmiaBharat/status/988681145175822337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Under the famous Central scheme 'Adopt a Heritage', the Dalmia Group has become the first-ever corporate company to bag the contract to adopt a historical monument for a whopping Rs 25 crore. The contract spans for five years and was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism Day. The scheme, under the Tourism Ministry, was started last year where the government and private parties are invited to operate and maintain heritage sites.

Under the project, Dalmia Bharat group will construct, landscape, illuminate and maintain activities related to provision and development of tourist amenities.

This includes basic and advanced amenities such as public conveniences, clean drinking water, cleanliness of the monument, accessibility for all, signage, cloakroom facilities, illumination and night viewing, surveillance system, tourist facilitation-cum-interpretation centre. There will be ramps and toilet facilities for the differently-abled.

Historian Irfan Habib also opposed the move to allow corporates to maintain the Red Fort. He said that he can wipe out India's rich legacy. Habib said that the only focus of the corporates will be to increase tourist inflow and income. "Corporates are not restoration experts," he said.

The company has plans to complete night illumination before handing it over temporarily to the government for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address.

Founded in 1935 by Jaidayal Dalmia, the Dalmia Bharat Group had established four cement plants in pre-Independence years, two of which were affected by the Partition and Independence. The group is headquartered in Delhi with operations spread across various sectors such as cement, sugar, travel, minerals, refractory products and electronics.

According to reports, the heritage monuments taken up for adoption include Delhi’s Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Safdarjung’s Tomb and Agrasen ki Baoli, Odisha’s Sun Temple, Ratnagiri monuments and the Rajarani temple, the ruins of Hampi in Karnataka, the Leh Palace and Stok Kangri in Jammu & Kashmir, Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, Mattancherry Place in Kochi, Gangotri Temple and the Gomukh trail in Uttarakhand. The government had last year given the letter of intent to seven private companies to adopt the sites.

&nbsp;

Under the famous Central scheme 'Adopt a Heritage', the Dalmia Group has become the first-ever corporate company to bag the contract to adopt a historical monument for a whopping Rs 25 crore

Dalmia Bharat Group has had adopted the Red Fort in New Delhi and Gandikota Fort in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project of the central government, as per reports on Saturday. "Dalmia Bharat Limited, Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India sign MoU to take up the Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota Fort, Kadapa. @KJAlphons @tourismgoi @DalmiaBharat Becomes the first corporate to sign a MOU under the Government’s “Adopt a Heritage” project," the company tweeted. Dalmia Bharat Limited, Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India sign MoU to take up the Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota Fort, Kadapa. @KJAlphons @tourismgoi @DalmiaBharat Becomes the first corporate to sign a MOU under the Government’s “Adopt a Heritage” project. pic.twitter.com/WfsHBaWjGH — Dalmia Bharat Group (@DalmiaBharat) April 24, 2018 × Under the famous Central scheme 'Adopt a Heritage', the Dalmia Group has become the first-ever corporate company to bag the contract to adopt a historical monument for a whopping Rs 25 crore. The contract spans for five years and was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism Day. The scheme, under the Tourism Ministry, was started last year where the government and private parties are invited to operate and maintain heritage sites. Under the project, Dalmia Bharat group will construct, landscape, illuminate and maintain activities related to provision and development of tourist amenities. This includes basic and advanced amenities such as public conveniences, clean drinking water, cleanliness of the monument, accessibility for all, signage, cloakroom facilities, illumination and night viewing, surveillance system, tourist facilitation-cum-interpretation centre. There will be ramps and toilet facilities for the differently-abled. Historian Irfan Habib also opposed the move to allow corporates to maintain the Red Fort. He said that he can wipe out India's rich legacy. Habib said that the only focus of the corporates will be to increase tourist inflow and income. "Corporates are not restoration experts," he said. The company has plans to complete night illumination before handing it over temporarily to the government for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address. Founded in 1935 by Jaidayal Dalmia, the Dalmia Bharat Group had established four cement plants in pre-Independence years, two of which were affected by the Partition and Independence. The group is headquartered in Delhi with operations spread across various sectors such as cement, sugar, travel, minerals, refractory products and electronics. According to reports, the heritage monuments taken up for adoption include Delhi’s Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Safdarjung’s Tomb and Agrasen ki Baoli, Odisha’s Sun Temple, Ratnagiri monuments and the Rajarani temple, the ruins of Hampi in Karnataka, the Leh Palace and Stok Kangri in Jammu & Kashmir, Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, Mattancherry Place in Kochi, Gangotri Temple and the Gomukh trail in Uttarakhand. The government had last year given the letter of intent to seven private companies to adopt the sites.

Dalmia Bharat Group wins historic Rs 25 crore bid contract to maintain New Delhi's Red Fort

The BJP and its ally IPFT were set to end the Left Front&#39;s 25-year-rule in Tripura with a strong showing in the Assembly polls, while Meghalaya seemed to be headed for a hung House.

In Nagaland, a close finish was on the cards, according to available trends.

The BJP-Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura (IPFT) alliance captured six seats in Tripura and was leading in 35 seats, according to an EC source.

The BJP and IPFT won three seats each. The saffron party was leading in 30 seats and the IPFT was ahead in five seats.

The CPI(M) won one seat and was leading in 17 seats.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was ahead in Dhanpur seat while the BJP state president Biplab Kumar Deb was leading in Banamlipur. 
 
Election in 59 seats for the 60-member Assembly was held on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to death of a CPI(M) candidate.

According to the trends available till 2PM from Meghalaya -- Congress won 11 seats and was leading in another nine constituencies.

Chief Minister and Congress candidate Mukul Sangma won from both Ampati and Songsak constituencies, EC sources said.

National People&#39;s Party captured three seats and was ahead in 16. The BJP was leading in two seats in Meghalaya.

The United Democratic Party captured two seats and was ahead in four other constituencies.

The People&#39;s Democratic Front won one seat and was leading in three. The Nationalist Congress Party was leading in one, while the Hill State People&#39;s Democratic Party bagged one seat and was ahead in another seat.

The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement also won one seat, while the People&#39;s Democratic Front secured a seat and was leading in three constituencies. Independent candidates won two seats and were leading in two other constituencies.

According to the results and trends available from 47 of the 60 constituencies in Nagaland till 2 PM, the ruling Naga People&#39;s Front (NPF) captured four seats and was leading in 18 constituencies.

BJP ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won three seats and leading in 13 seats, while the BJP was leading in seven constituencies.

The National People&#39;s Party was ahead in three seats and the JD(U) in one. Independents were leading in two seats.

Commenting on the trends in three states, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that they indicated a new political direction which would have an effect on national politics as well.

&quot;We are confident of forming government in all three states&quot;, he said.

BJP leader Ram Madhav said, &quot;Seeing the early trends, I feel that in Tripura BJP is going to do very well. In Nagaland too, our alliance is doing very well and Congress is trailing in Meghalaya&quot;.

&quot;The results of North East are going to be very good for BJP&quot;, he said.

The BJP-Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) alliance captured six seats in Tripura and was leading in 35 seats, according to an EC source

The BJP and its ally IPFT were set to end the Left Front's 25-year-rule in Tripura with a strong showing in the Assembly polls, while Meghalaya seemed to be headed for a hung House. In Nagaland, a close finish was on the cards, according to available trends. The BJP-Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) alliance captured six seats in Tripura and was leading in 35 seats, according to an EC source. The BJP and IPFT won three seats each. The saffron party was leading in 30 seats and the IPFT was ahead in five seats. The CPI(M) won one seat and was leading in 17 seats. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was ahead in Dhanpur seat while the BJP state president Biplab Kumar Deb was leading in Banamlipur. Election in 59 seats for the 60-member Assembly was held on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to death of a CPI(M) candidate. According to the trends available till 2PM from Meghalaya -- Congress won 11 seats and was leading in another nine constituencies. Chief Minister and Congress candidate Mukul Sangma won from both Ampati and Songsak constituencies, EC sources said. National People's Party captured three seats and was ahead in 16. The BJP was leading in two seats in Meghalaya. The United Democratic Party captured two seats and was ahead in four other constituencies. The People's Democratic Front won one seat and was leading in three. The Nationalist Congress Party was leading in one, while the Hill State People's Democratic Party bagged one seat and was ahead in another seat. The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement also won one seat, while the People's Democratic Front secured a seat and was leading in three constituencies. Independent candidates won two seats and were leading in two other constituencies. According to the results and trends available from 47 of the 60 constituencies in Nagaland till 2 PM, the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) captured four seats and was leading in 18 constituencies. BJP ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won three seats and leading in 13 seats, while the BJP was leading in seven constituencies. The National People's Party was ahead in three seats and the JD(U) in one. Independents were leading in two seats. Commenting on the trends in three states, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that they indicated a new political direction which would have an effect on national politics as well. "We are confident of forming government in all three states", he said. BJP leader Ram Madhav said, "Seeing the early trends, I feel that in Tripura BJP is going to do very well. In Nagaland too, our alliance is doing very well and Congress is trailing in Meghalaya". "The results of North East are going to be very good for BJP", he said.

BJP breaches 'Red Fort' in Tripura, set to end 25-year Left rule

The sprawling lawns outside the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument, will host a week-long &#39;Vedic Yagya&#39; in March to blunt &quot;conspiracies&quot; hatched by the country&#39;s &quot;inimical forces&quot;, BJP MP Maheish Girri said today.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event, Girri, who is organising the seemingly extravagant affair, involving over 1,100 priests, between March 18-25, said.

A number of Delhi-based businessmen have come forward to fund the Hindu ritual, aimed at &quot;worship of the Vedas and the nation in the same breath&quot;.

The prime minister unfurls the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 every year, a tradition started by the nation&#39;s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.

Unveiling the blueprint of the &#39;Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya&#39; in a press conference here, Girri said &quot;soil and water&quot; from Doklam, where troops of India and China were locked in a standoff, and Poonch, located near the Line of Control (LoC), will be used in raising the structures in the event.

&quot;There are external and internal forces who are attempting to harm the country&#39;s interests. We are organising the yagya (ceremonial fire) following our ancient traditions to thwart such attempts and to take a pledge to create a &#39;New India&#39;,&quot; Girri&nbsp;said.

There will be a total of 108 ceremonial fires where oblation will be offered to the God by around 1,100 priests, Girri said, adding that &#39;ghee&#39; (clarified butter) will be sourced from people across the country through &#39;rath yatras&#39;.

&quot;We appeal to each and everyone to offer at least one spoonful of &#39;ghee&#39;,&quot; he said.

A temporary Vedic village will be set up in the area, where the annual Ram Lila is held every year, for this purpose.

&quot;Noted singers Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher will perform at the event and are also coming up with a theme song. It will be attended by prominent political leaders, religious gurus, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities and corporate honchos,&quot; the East Delhi MP said, refusing to divulge the names of those who have confirmed their participation.

&quot;Eight vows, to rid the nation of vices like casteism, communalism, among others, will also be taken by the participants,&quot; he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event

The sprawling lawns outside the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument, will host a week-long 'Vedic Yagya' in March to blunt "conspiracies" hatched by the country's "inimical forces", BJP MP Maheish Girri said today. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event, Girri, who is organising the seemingly extravagant affair, involving over 1,100 priests, between March 18-25, said. A number of Delhi-based businessmen have come forward to fund the Hindu ritual, aimed at "worship of the Vedas and the nation in the same breath". The prime minister unfurls the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 every year, a tradition started by the nation's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. Unveiling the blueprint of the 'Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya' in a press conference here, Girri said "soil and water" from Doklam, where troops of India and China were locked in a standoff, and Poonch, located near the Line of Control (LoC), will be used in raising the structures in the event. "There are external and internal forces who are attempting to harm the country's interests. We are organising the yagya (ceremonial fire) following our ancient traditions to thwart such attempts and to take a pledge to create a 'New India'," Girri said. There will be a total of 108 ceremonial fires where oblation will be offered to the God by around 1,100 priests, Girri said, adding that 'ghee' (clarified butter) will be sourced from people across the country through 'rath yatras'. "We appeal to each and everyone to offer at least one spoonful of 'ghee'," he said. A temporary Vedic village will be set up in the area, where the annual Ram Lila is held every year, for this purpose. "Noted singers Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher will perform at the event and are also coming up with a theme song. It will be attended by prominent political leaders, religious gurus, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities and corporate honchos," the East Delhi MP said, refusing to divulge the names of those who have confirmed their participation. "Eight vows, to rid the nation of vices like casteism, communalism, among others, will also be taken by the participants," he said.

'Vedic yagya' outside Red Fort with soil, water from Doklam & Poonch

The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police&#39;s anti-terror squad have finally arrested the man behind the Red Fort attack, after 17 years.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain&nbsp;behind the attack.&nbsp;

Kawa had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said.&nbsp;

Ashfaq, who belongs to Abbottabad in Pakistan, had been awarded the death sentence in 2011 but it was later stayed by the Supreme Court.

He is lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case

On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and had been hiding in Kashmir for many years

The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police's anti-terror squad have finally arrested the man behind the Red Fort attack, after 17 years. The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport on Wednesday night. Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said. As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain behind the attack. Kawa had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said. Ashfaq, who belongs to Abbottabad in Pakistan, had been awarded the death sentence in 2011 but it was later stayed by the Supreme Court. He is lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

Suspect in 2000 Red Fort attack arrested at Delhi Airport

The mess of electric wires dangling over the entire Chandni Chowk area was akin to &quot;time bombs&quot;, putting at risk the lives of people, the Delhi High Court today said.

The court also observed that there was a lack of access to the walled city in case of an emergency as fire tenders and ambulances could not reach there.

A bench of justices G S Sistani and V Kameshwar Rao made the remarks while directing the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to comply with its order to stop encroachments at the Chandni Chowk area in the walled city.

&quot;We expect that the previous orders will be complied with in letter and spirit,&quot; it said.

&quot;These are time bombs. You cannot look up and cannot see the sky clearly. There are so many wires hanging everywhere. A number of wires are hanging over shutters of every shop. We talk of heritage but are not ready to look at the grassroot level,&quot; the bench said.

Suggesting that authorities and hawkers should adopt some out-of-the-box thinking and regulation, the bench said whoever had visited Chandni Chowk in the last 50 years or even before would know that the area was the same since then.

&quot;Only vehicles have increased. Hawkers were always there,&quot; it said and listed the matter for November 17.

It said the situation should improve in such a manner that in an emergency, fire tenders and ambulances reach there, which was presently difficult.

While hearing a petition filed by the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal against encroachments in the area, the bench observed that a Supreme Court order declaring Chandni Chowk as a no-vending zone has to be complied with.

Delhi Police&#39;s Standing Counsel Rahul Mehra said continuous drives were being undertaken to make the area encroachment-free but vendors resurface after the conclusion of the drive.

Advocate Sanjeev Ralli, appearing for the Mandal, said there was no doubt that drives were carried out but the situation was practically unchanged.

The court had earlier warned of serious action against the MCD and the police if they failed to stop encroachments in the area.

It had said that despite the order of the apex court that the police would be held responsible for encroachments in the Chandni Chowk area, it found that the orders were not being complied with.

The bench had also taken into account some photographs of the area submitted by the petitioner which showed that the place was full of encroachments. 
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. It is located close to the historic Red Fort.

The court also observed that there was a lack of access to the Walled City in an emergency as fire tenders, ambulances cannot enter

The mess of electric wires dangling over the entire Chandni Chowk area was akin to "time bombs", putting at risk the lives of people, the Delhi High Court today said. The court also observed that there was a lack of access to the walled city in case of an emergency as fire tenders and ambulances could not reach there. A bench of justices G S Sistani and V Kameshwar Rao made the remarks while directing the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to comply with its order to stop encroachments at the Chandni Chowk area in the walled city. "We expect that the previous orders will be complied with in letter and spirit," it said. "These are time bombs. You cannot look up and cannot see the sky clearly. There are so many wires hanging everywhere. A number of wires are hanging over shutters of every shop. We talk of heritage but are not ready to look at the grassroot level," the bench said. Suggesting that authorities and hawkers should adopt some out-of-the-box thinking and regulation, the bench said whoever had visited Chandni Chowk in the last 50 years or even before would know that the area was the same since then. "Only vehicles have increased. Hawkers were always there," it said and listed the matter for November 17. It said the situation should improve in such a manner that in an emergency, fire tenders and ambulances reach there, which was presently difficult. While hearing a petition filed by the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal against encroachments in the area, the bench observed that a Supreme Court order declaring Chandni Chowk as a no-vending zone has to be complied with. Delhi Police's Standing Counsel Rahul Mehra said continuous drives were being undertaken to make the area encroachment-free but vendors resurface after the conclusion of the drive. Advocate Sanjeev Ralli, appearing for the Mandal, said there was no doubt that drives were carried out but the situation was practically unchanged. The court had earlier warned of serious action against the MCD and the police if they failed to stop encroachments in the area. It had said that despite the order of the apex court that the police would be held responsible for encroachments in the Chandni Chowk area, it found that the orders were not being complied with. The bench had also taken into account some photographs of the area submitted by the petitioner which showed that the place was full of encroachments. Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. It is located close to the historic Red Fort.

With electric wires all over, Chandni Chowk is a time bomb: HC

A diffused grenade was found in the premises of the Red Fort in the national capital on Thursday evening, triggering an alert.

The grenade was recovered in a well during a routine operation.

A team of National Security Agency and District Commissioner of Police (DCP) reached the spot and a massive search was launched to sweep the area.

The grenade has been taken in for investigation, upon which it will be decided if it belonged to the World War era.

Earlier in February, ammunition and boxes of explosives were found during cleaning of a well inside Red Fort.

The discovery triggered panic, prompting police to cordon off the area and inform the NSG.&nbsp;

(ANI)

The grenade was recovered in a well during a routine operation

A diffused grenade was found in the premises of the Red Fort in the national capital on Thursday evening, triggering an alert. The grenade was recovered in a well during a routine operation. A team of National Security Agency and District Commissioner of Police (DCP) reached the spot and a massive search was launched to sweep the area. The grenade has been taken in for investigation, upon which it will be decided if it belonged to the World War era. Earlier in February, ammunition and boxes of explosives were found during cleaning of a well inside Red Fort. The discovery triggered panic, prompting police to cordon off the area and inform the NSG. (ANI)

Delhi: Grenade found at Red Fort, NSG informed

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