NEW DELHI:
Nearly 800 CCTV cameras were removed from the city once US President Barack Obama left Delhi, the Centre admitted before the Delhi high court on Friday.
Since the cameras were rented, these had to be returned, it explained, prompting the court to slam the government for "not being bothered" about security of women and children.
"Why can't you hire cameras for safety of women? Else buy and put them. Now that we have crime mapping of the city and it's vulnerable spots, these areas need better street lights and cameras but the Centre is not bothered," a bench of Justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva said .
The court was also unhappy with the "lack of progress" on the part of the home ministry and Delhi Police in creating more posts in the force. "Home ministry does not want to do it for some odd reason. If people want more police personnel, how does it hurt you? Taxpayers are paying for it....Nothing is improving. Crime is going from bad to worse," it noted.
The high court asked for a comprehensive affidavit by March 13 from the Centre and Delhi Police, indicating steps to induct additional personnel into the force.
It also noted that "one of the stumbling blocks" delaying starting of new forensic labs is the "inertia of DDA and PWD". It issued notices to DDA and PWD to explain the court the reasons behind their "inertia".
The court was hearing an application filed by amicus Meera Bhatia seeking that 15,000 CCTV cameras installed for Obama's security should not be removed in light of incidents like the Nirbhaya gang rape. In response, additional solicitor-general Sanjay Jain clarified that the CCTVs hired were numbered 850 and not 15,000.
MUMBAI:
Newly elected MLA advocate Waris Pathan re-started an abandoned police chowky at Agripada where maximum cases of drug addicts, chain snatching and eve-teasing were reported in the last couple of years.
The chowky came up near Baby Maidan area near Maratha Mandir cinema in Agripda and is surrounded by two schools, Salvation Army ladies hostel, several mosques, women's garden and a play ground. ""The residents approached me complaining about the eve-teasers and those who harass girls. A lot of women come for morning and evening walk. There were several places that had become hub for drug addicts and cases of chain snatching were reported frequently. We met the senior police and civic body officials and got a new chowky within 14 days. The residents heavied a sigh of relief now,"" added Pathan, the lone city MLA from Asaduddin Owaisi's party, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslemeen (MIM). The area in Agripada is dominated by up-market Muslim societies. ""Foreign national girls also stay in Salvation army hostel and no untoward incident should take place,"" he added. The chowky, full equipped with fans, tables, visitors' chairs will soon be getting CCTV cameras. R Brute, a police head constable posted there, said, ""Now we have got a place to sit and monitor the area. We meet the watchmen of several buildings frequently and find out their problems. They also help us and inform if something the notice. It was much need in the area.""
NEW DELHI:
India and US are not just natural partners but I believe America can be India's best partner, US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday. Obama was addressing a gathering of about 2,000 students at the Siri Fort auditorium on Tuesday.
Here are the highlights of Obama's Siri Fort address:
- Obama began his speech with a namaste.
- Obama expressed his gratitude by saying 'bahut bahut dhanyawad'
- Making it more informaal, Obama said, "Senorita..bade bade Desho mein... you know what I mean."
- Relations between India-US can be one of the defining partnership.
- I bring to you the friendship of the American people.
- When we were born, people who looked like us couldn't even vote in our country.
- There were times when I was treated differently because of the colour of my skin.
- Young people like you have to speak up: President Obama at Siri Fort Townhall.
- Even if we live in a world of terrible inequalities, there's hope that a tea seller can become PM.
- The US supports India's inclusion as a permanent member in the UN Security Council.
- Countries like India need to embrace cleaner fuels to tackle climate change.
- Young women today are part of new generation making your voice heard, standing up, determined to play your part in India's progress.
- World without nuclear weapons should be goal for us.
- In our lives, Michelle and I have been strengthened by our Christian faith.
*No society is immune by the darkest impulses of man. More often, religion has been used to tap into it.
- Every person has a right to practice the faith he chooses.
- The peace we seek in world begins in human heart.
- Nations are more successful when their women are successful.
- Michelle and I don't come from wealthy or famous families.
- Young Indians are going to shape not only India but the world.
- I want more Americans to come to India and more Indians to US.
- India will succeed so long it is not splintered on religious lines.
- I am the first US President to visit India twice. I promise I won't be the last.
- We believe in promise and people of India.
NEW DELHI:
President Barack Obama gently nudged India on Tuesday to fulfill its constitution's pledge to uphold the "dignity of the individual," drawing on his own experience as a minority in the United States as he closed out a three-day visit to New Delhi.
READ ALSO: US, India's vision makes China uneasy
Speaking to an audience of young people, Obama said that while he has had extraordinary opportunities, "there were moments in my life where I've been treated differently because of the color of my skin." As he touted the importance of religious tolerance, he noted the persistent false rumors that he is a Muslim, not a Christian.
"There have been times where my faith has at times been questioned by people who don't know me, or they've said that I adhere to a different religion, as if that were somehow a bad thing," Obama said.
India is largely Hindu, with almost 80 percent following the faith. At over 12 percent Muslims are India's largest minority, with Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists making up the rest. While religious groups largely coexist peacefully, the country has seen several flare ups of violence, primarily between Hindus and Muslims.
READ ALSO: Obama's Siri Fort address: Highlights
The US has said some local laws and policies in India restrict religious freedom, with reports of discrimination and organized attacks against religious minorities. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi was denied was denied a visa to the US in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the Indian state where he was the top elected official. He has denied any wrongdoing and India's top court has absolved him of any role, but India's Muslims and Christians are wary of Modi's right wing Bharatiya Janata Party.
Equality, across gender and religious lines, is enshrined in India's constitution. But India continues to remain a deeply misogynistic society with a gender ratio skewed in favor of boys. Despite a law that bars sex selective abortions, the practice continues, with girls often considered a burden.
Women also face the risk of harassment and sexual violence, a subject that finally became the subject of public protests after a fatal gang rape on a moving bus in the heart of New Delhi. The protests prompted more stringent laws but critics say more progress is needed.
"Every woman should be able to go about her day — to walk the street, or ride the bus — and be safe and be treated with the respect and dignity that she deserves," Obama said to applause.
Since taking office in May, Modi has often talked about women's rights, urging Indians to treat sons and daughters equally. He recently launched an "educate the daughter, save the daughter," program to stem sex selective abortions and encourage parents to keep girls in schools.
Members of India Inc include Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises chief Sunil Mittal, ICICI Bank MD & CEO Chanda Kochhar, Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani, Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka, Adani Group head Gautam Adani, Shashi Ruia, Chairman of Essar Group, Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra, Hari Bhartia, Co-chariman and and Director of Jubilant Life Sciences, Biocon Chairman and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Sudhir Mehta of Torrent Pharma.
New Delhi:
Multi-hued images of India's rich cultural diversity and military might as well as achievements in diverse fields unfolded Monday at the 66th Republic Day parade which had a US President — Barack Obama — as the Chief Guest for the first time.
As the nearly two-hour-long parade, showcasing the country's 'unity in diversity' marched down the Rajpath in drizzle and overcast skies, thousands of spectators gathered along the route and cheered in joy. The national capital was wrapped in unprecedented security blanket as thousands of security personnel kept a hawk's vigil in and around the Rajpath area.
Obama was seated next to Modi, donning a multicoloured 'bandhej safa' (turban), as the two leaders chatted and enjoyed the annual spectacle. A smiling US President was seen nodding in appreciation on several occasions.
Read: Here's a blow-by-blow account of the Republic Day event
In a departure from tradition for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade, Obama arrived in his own highly-secured bomb-proof vehicle, 'The Beast,' at Rajpath.
A highlight of this year's parade was the display for the first time of the recently acquired long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine P-8I aircraft and the long-range advanced MiG-29K fighter plane.
The synchronised military and police contingents led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi), Lt General Subroto Mitra marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through Rajpath where President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee took the salute from a specially erected dais.
Alongside Obama, the first US President to attend the celebrations, the ceremonial parade was watched by his wife Michelle, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community.
Read: Barack Obama joins select group of world leaders who attended Republic Day
Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and chiefs of army, navy and air force laid wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives defending the frontiers of the nation.
Read: 5 things to know about Republic Day
A massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the national capital turning the city into virtually. The parade began shortly after Mukherjee and Obama arrived at the saluting base separately at the ceremonial boulevard — Rajpath. Traditionally, the President accompanies the Chief Guest in his limousine.
Before the commencement of the parade, Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh and Major Mukund Varadarajan were posthumously conferred the highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra by the President.
Major Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar laid down their lives while battling groups of militants in separate operations in Shopian and Kupwara districts of Kashmir respectively.
Among the main attractions of the ceremonial parade were 25 colourful tableaux representing India's cultural and linguistic diversity as also signifying the vision of the future India as envisaged by the current dispensation.
So, a massive mechanised lion made out of gear-tooth wheels, symbolic of the government's 'Make in India' policy or a mock-up of a high-speed bullet train drew cheers from the crowd as they rolled down the majestic avenue.
Besides, the tableaux for 'Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana' helmed by the Department of Financial Services, the Ministry of Women and Child Development-led exhibit featuring live performances by women themed on 'Beti Bachaho, Beti Padhao' campaign also won many hearts.
Read: Tableaux offer glimpse of country's diversity at 66th Republic Day parade
And, with "Women's Empowerment" being the theme of this year's Republic Day parade, another attraction at the annual extravaganza was the contingents of all-women officers of the three Services marching for the first time on the Rajpath.
While 16 of the tableaux belonging to the states and the union territories represented the cultural and architectural wealth of the country, the remaining nine were from various central ministries and departments themed on 'Ma Ganga' to 'Yoga' among others.
Colurful performances by schoolchildren delighted President Obama as much as the crowd in general.
Read: In a sticky situation? Obama caught on camera chewing gum during R-Day parade
Another military attraction was the display of Army version of indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash medium range missile and Weapon Locating Radar, both by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Indian Army's laser-guided missile capable T-90 Bheeshma tank, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II (Sarath) followed by T-72 with Trawl too proved to be a major draw in the mechanised columns.
These were followed by 'Pinaka' multiple barrel launcher system. The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of BRAHMOS missile system, three dimensional tactical control radar, satellite on the move communication platform and rapidly deployable satellite terminal (RADSAT) followed next.
An Indian Air Force tableau with the theme "50 years of 1965 War" was next in line at the majestic Rajpath, dazzling VIPs, VVIPs and spectators alike.
In keeping with the Indian Navy's theme "Ensuring Safe Seas for a Resurgent Nation", the Naval Tableau displayed a few of its frontline assets in all four dimensions of maritime warfare.
Read: First all-women contingent parades into history on Republic Day
Navy's march to self-reliance and indigenisation was showcased by the models of indigenously constructed destroyer INS Kolkata launching a BrahMos missile with the Advanced Light Helicopter "Dhruv" in the background.
The second Naval tableau, titled "Bharatiya Nau Sena aur Nari Shakti", represented the four Indian Navy women officers who braved vagaries of the seas and participated in an ocean voyage from Goa to Rio-de-Janeiro in Brazil on board Indian Naval Sailing Vessel 'Mhadei'.
The marching contingents of paramilitary and other forces included those from BSF, Assam Rifles, Coast Guard, CRPF, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, CISF, Sashastra Seema Bal, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.
The camel-mounted band of BSF and the ex-servicemen marching contingent too added to the attraction.
Among the state's tableau, Gujarat and Karnakaka had particular appeal.
While the home state of Prime Minister Modi showcased the ambitious project of building the 'Statue of Unity' symbolically represented by that of Sardar Vallabhahi Patel and the Sardar Sarovar Yojana, the southern state charmed everyone especially the kids with its tableau, huge scale-model, fashioned on the famed wooden toys of Channapatna, located in the outskirts of Bengaluru.
New-born state Telangana, making its Republic Day debut showcased its illustrious festival 'Bonalu', celebrated to worship Mahakali goddess in the month of Ashada.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the dazzling beauty of the region was displayed through Rouff dance of Kashmir, flower dance of Ladakh and Kud dance of Jammu regions.
Haryana made its presence through its Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, famous for hosting migratory birds coming from Europe, Siberia and central Asia.
Besides, CPWD which made a special floral tableau last year showcasing the Rajpath from India Gate to Raisina Hill this year chose the theme of 'Maa Ganga', depicting her origin from Gaumukh.
Read: Prime Minister Modi's pet projects showcased at Republic Day parade
Ministry of Law and Justice brought out a huge replica of the Indian Constitution as part of its display while Ministry of AYUSH, showcased Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani and other traditional medicinal systems of India.
Maharashtra presented the 'Wari (pilgrimage) to Pandharpur' as its theme while Goa showcased the industry of fishing. Assam presented incredible Majuli island, while
Andhra Pradesh's tableau was themed on Makar Sankranti festival. Madhya Pradesh presented Bhagoria, festival of love and matchmaking.
Uttarakhand showcased the Kedarnath Temple, Jharkhand its terracotta temples in Maluti, Sikkim its cardamom cultivation and Arunachal Pradesh the Igu dance, dance of the Idu Mishmi tribe and Chhattisgarh the Dussehra festival of Bastar.
Uttar Pradesh presented the culture of the Awadh region through its tableau themed around one of its most secular rulers Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
Also, 20 young brave hearts who won the national bravery awards drove through the Rajpath in gypsies.
A total of 13 Army bands, one band each of Air Force and Navy, eight band of paramilitary forces including Camel-mounted band of BSF and one band each of NCC boys and girls played martial music for the parade.
Incidentally, the paramilitary force celebrated its golden jubilee.
One of the most breathtaking event was the manoeuvres by air force jets and daredevil motorcycle performance 'Jaanbaaz' by BSF personnel.
The rider perform 'Border Men Salute', 'Side Riding', 'Ladder Balancing', 'Communal Harmony', 'Peacock Riding', 'Acrobat', 'Parallel Bar', 'Lotus', 'Seema Prahari' and 'Flag March' formations among others.
The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF jets and aircraft. The flypast commenced with 'Chakra' formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in 'Vic' formation, followed by the 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J super Hercules aircraft.
Trailing them was a 'Poseidon' formation comprising one P-8I aircraft flanked by two MiG-29Ks and the 'Globe' formation comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s. Next five Jaguars flew in Arrowhead formation and the five MiG-29 fighters, called the 'Tridents', flew in 'Fulcrum' style.
Three Sukhoi (Su-30 MkI) fighter jets then made the "Trishul" formation by flying over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, the three aircraft split upwards, making a 'Trishul' in the sky. The flypast concluded with another Su-30 MkI carrying out a "Vertical Charlie" manoeuvre over the saluting dais.
