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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
15 August: 5 countries that celebrate Independence Day alongside India
Korea (North and South): Liberation From Japan iStock In both North and South Korea, August 15 is celebrated as Gwangbokjeol or Liberation Day. — nodutdol (@nodutdol) You Might Also Like: 'People in Korea speak half Tamil,' says Madhavan as he questions NCERT for ignoring southern India history Bahrain: Independence Without the Festivities iStock Bahrain formally declared independence from Britain on August 15, 1971. Republic of the Congo: A French Exit — DrSJaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) Liechtenstein: A Royal Celebration iStock For Liechtenstein, August 15 is country's official National Day As India gears up to mark its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the tricolour will once again soar high over Red Fort and across the country. The date holds deep emotional significance for Indians, commemorating the end of nearly two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947 and the birth of a sovereign India is not alone in cherishing August 15. Beyond our borders, a handful of nations also recognize this date as a turning point in their histories — each story shaped by unique struggles, political shifts, and moments of are five countries that, in their own ways, share this special date with both North and South Korea, August 15 is celebrated as Gwangbokjeol or Liberation Day — the day in 1945 when Japanese occupation came to an end after 35 years. While liberation brought hope, it also marked the beginning of division. A temporary arrangement between the Soviet Union and the United States to manage the Korean Peninsula led to its split along the 38th parallel. Three years later, this political divide solidified into two separate states, eventually sparking the Korean War in 1950. Yet, despite decades of separation, both nations still commemorate August 15 as the moment they reclaimed their formally declared independence from Britain on August 15, 1971, following a United Nations survey confirming the will of its people. However, unlike India, the day is not widely celebrated. Instead, Bahrain's National Day falls on December 16, marking the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa's ascension to the throne. While August 15 is not a public holiday, it remains an important milestone in Bahrain's Republic of the Congo, once part of French Equatorial Africa, became independent from France on August 15, 1960. The capital, Brazzaville, comes alive each year with parades, music, and community gatherings to celebrate Congolese National Day. It is worth noting that this is not the same as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which marks its independence from Belgium on June Democratic Republic of the Congo's independence from Belgium took effect on June 30, 1960, but the official ceremony for the Republic of Congo (its western neighbour) on August 15, 1960, often creates confusion between the two. While the DRC observes its own date, this shared mid-August history reflects a wider wave of decolonisation that swept Africa in the Liechtenstein, August 15 is not an independence day in the traditional sense but the country's official National Day. The date was chosen in 1940 to combine two significant events — the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a major Catholic holiday, and the birthday of Prince Franz Josef II, who was born on August 16. Citizens gather in Vaduz, the capital, to attend festivities near the royal castle, and the day ends with fireworks lighting up the alpine India, August 15 is a day of pride, remembrance, and unity. For others, it represents liberation, nationhood, or a symbolic national moment. Whether marked with grand parades, religious observances, or quiet historical reflection, the date remains a shared chapter in the world's calendar of freedom.


Time of India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EAM Jaishankar lauds Cabinet decisions to boost railways
Advt Significant decisions undertaken by the Union Cabinet today: ➡️ Four Railway Multitracking projects approved covering 13 districts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. A step - forward in enhancing regional connectivity and economic… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 31, 2025 Advt External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday praised the Union government's latest Cabinet decisions, calling them "significant" steps to strengthen regional connectivity , improve agricultural productivity and support cooperative initiatives across the to the social media platform X, Jaishankar highlighted three major decisions approved by the Cabinet earlier in the his post, the minister noted that the Cabinet had approved four major railway multitracking projects covering 13 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand. He said the projects would enhance regional connectivity and promote economic growth through smoother movement of people, goods and also welcomed the decision to increase the financial outlay for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana The Cabinet has approved an additional amount of ₹1,920 crore, raising the total budget of the scheme to ₹6,520 crore. He said this move will help the nation's farmers by supporting food processing infrastructure , including food irradiation units and testing laboratories, while also helping to reduce post-harvest minister further praised the approval of a new Central Sector Scheme titled "Grant-in-aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation." With an outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the next four years, the scheme aims to support agriculture and food processing cooperatives, including those led by women and labour in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared four railway projects aimed at decongesting the national rail the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister AshwVaishnaw said that the projects include Itarsi - Nagpur fourth line; Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) - Parbhani Doubling; Aluabari Road- New Jalpaiguri third and fourth line; and Dangoaposi- Jaroli third and fourth who is also the Union Railways Minister, said the increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways . These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate multitracking projects will also contribute to the government's climate goals by reducing emissions and fuel imports, as the railways continue to serve as a more environmentally friendly transport Union Cabinet also approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore, including an additional outlay of ₹1920 crore for the ongoing Central Sector Scheme "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana" (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (FCC) (2021-22 to 2025-26).The approval includes ₹1000 crore to support the setting up of 50 Multi Product Food Irradiation Units under the component scheme-Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI), and 100 Food Testing Labs (FTLs) with NABL accreditation under the component scheme, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), in alignment with the budget additional funding for PM Kisan Sampada Yojana and the cooperative development scheme are part of the broader strategy to strengthen rural infrastructure, improve farmers' income and support local industries, the government said in an official release.
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First Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pahalgam terror attack: US designates Pakistan's Lashkar proxy TRF as 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation'
The US Department of State announced that it is designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation'. The move was welcomed by India since it was the TRF that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack read more In this image posted by @DrSJaishankar via X on January 22, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting, in Washington DC. @DrSJaishankar via PTI The US Department of State on Thursday announced that it is designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation'. TRF was the same terror outfit that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that rocked Kashmir on April 22. In a statement issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it was acknowledged that TRF claimed responsibility for the terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people and triggered the 4-day military escalation between India and Pakistan. In light of this, the US accorded the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,' the statement read. The Trump administration's commitment to fighting terrorism Rubio noted that the move reflected US President Donald Trump's commitment to countering terrorism. 'These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,' the statement reads. 'TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT's designation as an FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register,' Rubio furthered. Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the importance of taking an uncompromised stance against terrorism, citing the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in India, which was condemned by the UN Security Council. The EAM made the remarks while speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin. Jaishankar highlighted that three evils have taken over the world: 'Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism,' which he believes often occur together. While India was miffed with the warming ties between Pakistan and the US, the latest move gives reassurance that terrorism is not tolerated by the Trump administration. India welcomes the move Lauding the strong India-US ties and counter-terrorism cooperation, India welcomed the move made by the Department of State. 'Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist,' the Indian embassy in the US said in a statement. 'TRF is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!' the statement further reads. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. TRF is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and… — India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) July 17, 2025 According to top intelligence sources, TRF emerged back in October 2019, shortly after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was enshrined under Article 370. Unlike its parent group, LeT, TRF deliberately adopted non-religious symbols and rhetoric to appeal to a wider audience and evade international scrutiny. Despite its branding, LeT continues to retain a heavy influence on the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD


NDTV
07-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
S Jaishankar Holds Talks With Russian Counterpart Lavrov
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, held a meeting on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. In a statement shared on X, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit. Rio de Janeiro, July 6." The two leaders had earlier met in Johannesburg in February this year, where they had discussed the ongoing progress of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. 🇷🇺🇮🇳 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit 📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 6 #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) July 6, 2025 The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. During the BRICS Summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that condemning terrorism must be a "principle" rather than a matter of "convenience", describing it as the "most serious challenge" for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the "soul, identity, and dignity" of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity. "Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences," the PM stated. "Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," he added. In a statement shared on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "PM @narendramodi delivered his address at the session on 'Peace & Security' during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM stated that terrorism was a grave threat to humanity and called upon BRICS to strengthen the global fight against the menace. Thanking countries for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and expressing solidarity for India, he urged zero tolerance for terrorism. He reaffirmed that India stands for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and achieve global peace." PM @narendramodi delivered his address at the session on 'Peace & Security' during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM stated that terrorism was a grave threat to humanity and called upon BRICS to strengthen the global fight against the menace. Thanking… — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 6, 2025 During the BRICS Summit on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance', PM Modi stressed the urgent need to reform outdated global institutions to reflect the realities of the 20th century. He highlighted the systemic inequalities and inefficiencies that the Global South faced, noting that the interests of the region have never been "prioritised". The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of BRICS as a model for adaptability and reform, welcoming Indonesia's recent inclusion and acknowledging the bloc's evolving role. "PM @narendramodi addressed the session on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance' at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. PM underscored the urgent need to reform outdated global institutions to reflect the realities of the 20th century. He called for strengthening multipolarity for an inclusive world that amplifies the voice of the Global South," Jaiswal posted on X.


India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts from Iran, Mexico on sidelines of BRICS Summit
Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], July 7 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his counterparts from Iran and Mexico on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (local time). Jaishankar met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramon de la Fuente. The two leaders discussed further advancement of the partnership, focusing on health, digital, technology and space. In a statement shared on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Pleased to meet Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, in Rio de Janeiro today. Discussed further advancement of our partnership focusing on health, digital, technology and space.' Jaishankar met with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in Rio de Janeiro and held talks focused on recent regional developments. 'Glad to meet FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Our conversation focused on recent regional developments,' Jaishankar posted on X. Earlier, Jaishankar also held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on Sunday and discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, the BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Good to meet with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #BRICS2025. Discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS and SCO.' Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared a picture of Jaishankar and Lavrov, stating that the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. 'Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit. Rio de Janeiro, July 6,' Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X. The 17th BRICS summit held under Brazil's Chairmanship brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. During the BRICS Summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that condemning terrorism must be a 'principle' rather than a matter of 'convenience', describing it as the 'most serious challenge' for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, PM Modi highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the 'soul, identity, and dignity' of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity.'Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. 'Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences,' the PM stated. 'Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity,' he added. (ANI)