'Rajnath Singh Said Enough Is Enough': Army Chief Reveals What Led To Op Sindoor
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Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
79th Independence Day 2025 theme revealed: Event details, special guest list, history and more
India will mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, 15 August 2025, with grand celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the ceremony, unfurl the National Flag, and address the nation from the monument's ramparts. This year's Independence Day 2025 theme is "Naya Bharat", symbolising the country's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 under the Government's Viksit Bharat mission. The celebrations aim to highlight India's progress, strength, and unity while honouring its journey from colonial rule to a confident and prosperous future. A Look Back at India's Independence On 15 August 1947, after over two centuries of British colonial rule, India gained freedom. In his iconic midnight address, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, spoke of the nation's 'tryst with destiny'. That morning, he hoisted the tricolour for the first time, marking the birth of a free and sovereign India. Since then, Independence Day has been observed annually with ceremonies across the country, with the Red Fort serving as the focal point for the official celebrations. The Independence Day 2025 Ceremony When the Prime Minister arrives at the Red Fort, he will be received by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. Following a formal introduction to senior military officials, the Guard of Honour will be presented, consisting of 96 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The Indian Air Force is the coordinating service for Independence Day 2025. The ceremonial march will be commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, with each contingent led by its respective officers. The National Flag hoisting will be synchronised with a 21-Gun Salute, performed by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. The National Anthem will be played by the Air Force band, which will include 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians for the first time. As the flag is hoisted, two Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the venue—one carrying the tricolour and the other displaying a flag dedicated to Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor in Focus Operation Sindoor will receive special recognition during this year's event. Its logo will be displayed at Gyanpath, with floral decorations inspired by the mission. The official invitation cards for the Independence Day 2025 ceremony will feature both the Operation Sindoor emblem and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising the rise of Naya Bharat. Formation of the 'Naya Bharat' Logo Following the flag hoisting and the Prime Minister's address, 2,500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will form the 'Naya Bharat' logo at Gyanpath. The event will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem. Special Guest List for Independence Day 2025 Around 5,000 special guests from across India have been invited to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort. This Independence Day 2025 guest list includes: Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025 Winners of international sports events and Khelo India Para Games gold medallists Top-performing farmers in various government schemes, including beekeeping, medicinal plant cultivation, and credit guarantee programmes Best-performing Sarpanches under rural development initiatives like Catch the Rain Abhiyan and Open Defecation Free Plus Villages Young authors from the PM YUVA Mentorship Scheme Entrepreneurs from PM Van Dhan Yojana, National SC/ST Hub, and VISVAS Skilled youth under schemes such as PM-VIKAS, SHREYAS, and PM-DAKSH Beneficiaries of PM Awaas Yojana Gramin and Lakhpati Didi initiative Social workers, Anganwadi staff, Swachhta campaign achievers, and innovators from Defence Excellence projects Representatives from Vibrant Villages and tribal children from Andaman & Nicobar Islands Additionally, over 1,500 participants from different states and union territories, dressed in traditional attire, will add a colourful cultural touch to the event. Why the Independence Day 2025 Theme Matters The theme 'Naya Bharat' reflects India's determination to strengthen its economy, improve security, empower communities, and promote innovation. It serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a vision for the nation's future. Happy Independence Day wishes and messages 2025 This Independence Day, let's take a pledge to protect the peace and unity of our great nation. Happy Independence Day! Thousands laid down their lives so that our country stays strong, never forget their sacrifice… Happy 79th Independence Day! Thousands of soldiers laid down their lives so that we can live freely. We owe our freedom to the martyrs. Happy 79th Independence Day! Wishing you a Happy Independence Day 2025! May the tricolour always fly high and our nation continue to prosper. Independence Day is both an occasion to celebrate and to remember the struggles of those who fought to give us this gift. Happy Independence Day 2025! Wishing you a Happy Independence Day! May our nation continue to prosper and grow. On this Independence Day, may our dreams for a brighter tomorrow come true! Enjoy a day filled with patriotic spirit. We should salute the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and soldiers who made the dream of independent India a reality. United we stand, proud we rise. Have a day full of pride, honour, and joy. Happy Independence Day! Freedom in the Mind, Faith in the words, Pride in our us salute the nation on this Independence Day! This Independence Day, let's take a pledge to protect the peace and unity of our great nation. Happy Independence Day! Happy Independence Day to my wonderful family! May this day remind us of the strength and resilience of our nation. Let's celebrate our freedom and work together to make India even better. May our country continue to flourish and celebrate many more years of independence. Happy Independence Day to all! Seven decades and nine years of freedom - let's make it count. Happy Independence Day! May the glory of Independence Day be with us forever. Here's wishing you a very happy Independence Day! Freedom is a hard-won gift, and we are blessed to have it. Let's appreciate and celebrate our freedom. Happy Independence Day! Saluting the bravery of our freedom fighters. Wishing you a Happy Independence Day! A big salute to all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our independence! Jai Hind! The future, progress, and development of our great country depend not only on technological advancements but also on building social cohesion and trust. Happy Independence Day! On this special day, here's wishing our dreams of a new tomorrow come true! May your Independence Day be filled with patriotic spirit! Happy Independence Day! May our nation continue to grow in strength and prosperity. Let's honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a brighter future together. Freedom is something that money can't buy; it's the result of the struggles of many Bravehearts. Let us honour them today and always. Happy Independence Day 2025! May the Indian flag always fly high. Wishing you a Happy Independence Day! Thousands laid down their lives so that our country stays strong, never forget their sacrifice… Happy 79th Independence Day! No nation is perfect; it needs to be made perfect. Happy Independence Day! Happy Independence Day! May our nation's future be as bright as our phone screens. Carried with care, coated with pride, dipped in love, fly in glory, moments of freedom in the shade of joy. Proud to be an Indian! Wish you a very Happy Independence Day 2025! 28 States, 7 Union Territories, 1652 Total Languages, 6 Major Religions, 100s of Festivals & 1 Country! Proud to be an Indian! Happy Independence Day! Wishing you a Happy Independence Day! May our country always be a symbol of hope and freedom. Celebrate the free spirit of India. May this Independence Day fill your life with happiness and prosperity. Happy Independence Day 2025! Happy Independence Day! Let's celebrate the freedom we enjoy and honour the heroes who made it possible. May this day bring you closer to your loved ones and inspire you to strive for greatness. The Independence Day 2025 ceremony will be a blend of tradition, patriotism, and innovation—showcasing India's military strength, cultural diversity, and commitment to building a developed Naya Bharat by 2047. With a grand guest list, impressive ceremonies, and the symbolic theme, this year's celebrations promise to be truly memorable. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
India.com
27 minutes ago
- India.com
'Trump is miffed with India because...', former diplomat Vikas Swarup makes shocking claims
Why is Trump miffed with India? former diplomat Vikas Swarup decodes US President Donald Trump has made it a point, in almost all his media interactions in the recent past, to claim he played a role in brokering truce between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May. However, India has remained firm on its stance that no foreign party had any role in ceasefire. New Delhi's this unyielding stance has miffed President Trump, said former diplomat Vikas Swarup. One of the reasons behind President Trump announcing strict tariffs is because India's decision not to buckle under his pressure tactic. The former High Commissioner to Canada described the United States' current relationship with Pakistan as a short-term, tactical arrangement driven largely by financial interests, while stressing that US-India ties remain strategic. In an interview with the news agency ANI, Swarup said, 'We have to understand why these tariffs have been imposed….One, Trump is not happy with India because we are a member of BRICS…he has got this notion that BRICS is an anti-American alliance which is hell-bent on creating an alternative currency to the dollar…he feels that India should not be a member of the BRICS.' 'Trump has now said almost 30 times that it was he who got the two countries to stop back from the brink, who stopped a nuclear conflagration in the subcontinent. So, he is miffed that India has not acknowledged his role, whereas Pakistan has not only acknowledged his role but has even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize,' Swarup added.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
16 BSF personnel awarded for Operation Sindoor among 1,090 Independence Day medal recipients
Sixteen personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) have been awarded gallantry medals for displaying "conspicuous bravery" and "unmatched valour" during Operation Sindoor , a military operation carried out in May against terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The BSF is tasked with guarding the India-Pakistan border along the western flank of the country. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker "This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour, for being resolute & steadfast during the Ops Sindoor,' the BSF said in a social media post, as reported by PTI. 'The medals are a testament to the Nation's faith & trust reposed in the India's First Line of Defence: The Border Security Force," the post added. According to PTI, among the recipients are a deputy commandant, two assistant commandants, and an inspector. Operation Sindoor Live Events Operation Sindoor was launched from May 7 to 10 in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Indian forces targeted terrorist and military infrastructure across the Line of Control during the 88-hour operation. The recognition of BSF personnel reflects their role in maintaining security and resilience during the offensive. Government announces over 1,000 service medals ahead of Independence Day The gallantry medals to BSF personnel are part of a larger announcement made by the Union Home Ministry ahead of Independence Day. A total of 1,090 service medals have been awarded to police and security personnel across central and state forces, including those from fire services, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services, PTI reported. According to a ministry statement, 233 personnel have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (GM), 99 have received the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 have been given the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). Among the gallantry medals, the highest number 152 were awarded to personnel involved in operations in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by 54 for anti-Naxal duties, three for the northeast region, and 24 from other areas. Additionally, "four fire service personnel and one home guard and civil defence official have also been awarded the gallantry medal," the statement said. As noted by PTI, the Medal for Gallantry is conferred for rare and conspicuous acts of bravery in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals. The PSM is awarded for a special distinguished record in service, while the MSM is given for valuable service marked by dedication and resourcefulness.
