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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Independence Day 2025 Live Updates: Country celebrates 79th Independence Day, iconic landmarks across nation glow in tricolour
With India set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, preparations nationwide reflect both the spirit of the occasion and the security considerations it demands. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to lead the celebrations from the Red Fort under the theme 'Naya Bharat,' the country's diverse regions — from the northeast to the southern states — are poised to observe the day with a blend of tradition, vigilance, and national pride. In Nagaland, the state police and Indian Reserve Battalions have been placed on high alert after insurgent groups NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) and ULFA-I called for a boycott of the celebrations. Adding to the situation, the 5-Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) — representing the Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi tribes — announced its decision not to participate in protest against the state's handling of job reservation policy issues. Student bodies in several districts have barred participation by educational institutions, while the state government has made attendance mandatory for government staff. Authorities remain optimistic about peaceful proceedings. From the south, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar extended heartfelt greetings to citizens. In his message, he urged people to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and uphold democratic values, inclusion, and self-reliance, envisioning a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). In the national capital, the Delhi Traffic Police has rolled out an extensive traffic advisory for August 15. Several arterial roads near the Red Fort — the venue of the Prime Minister's address — will be closed between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Commuters have been advised to use public transport and follow designated alternative routes to avoid congestion. Goods vehicles will face restrictions, and interstate buses will be diverted to keep the central area free for ceremonial activities. Weather conditions in Delhi may feature a cloudy sky and light showers, with temperatures hovering between 23°C and 33°C, according to the India Meteorological Department. The forecast brings both relief and caution for attendees of the main ceremony. Meanwhile, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) welcomed distinguished guests from the Ayush Ministry and the medicinal plants sector, recognizing their contributions to International Day of Yoga initiatives. Guests participated in interactive discussions, experienced a 'Y-Break' session designed for working professionals, and toured MDNIY's facilities. The program highlighted yoga's integration into daily life as a pathway to discipline, harmony, and service.


Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HC seeks reply from Ludhiana CP on cyber crime SHO's appointment
The Punjab and Haryana high court has sought an affidavit from Ludhiana commissioner of police Swapan Sharma over the appointment of inspector Jatinder Singh as station house officer (SHO) of the cyber crime police station, despite his alleged ineligibility to investigate cases under the Information Technology (IT) Act. The high court has fixed the next hearing for September 26 and will examine the commissioner's affidavit before proceeding. (HT Photo) The direction came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by advocate Gagandeep Singh, a resident of Sarabha Nagar in Ludhiana, who alleged that inspector was not a regular inspector and, therefore, not qualified to probe cybercrime cases. The petitioner submitted that the officer himself admitted in an official note dated December 16, 2023, that he was a local-rank officer and not authorised to investigate cases under the IT Act. Despite this, he allegedly investigated a case registered on December 14 and gave a clean chit to the accused. The petition also cited a 2016 directive by the director general of police (DGP), prohibiting personnel from armed police and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) from holding SHO posts in district police. Inspector Singh, the petitioner said, belongs to the 4th IRB in Jalandhar and was, therefore, ineligible for the posting. The high court has fixed the next hearing for September 26 and will examine the commissioner's affidavit before proceeding. When contacted, CP Swapan Sharma said inspector Jatinder Singh had been appointed by a predecessor and was later removed after the matter came to his notice.