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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Operation Sindoor depiction takes centre stage at Red Fort on Independence Day
While the theme of the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort was 'Naya Bharat' (New India), the highlight of the event was Operation Sindoor, the military offensive conducted by Indian defence forces in May this year. The prime minister's speech was peppered with glimpses of Operation Sindoor, as were the decorations in and around the venue. A large banner reading 'Nation First' with the Operation Sindoor logo in the top right corner formed the backdrop for a display. (PTI file photo) A large banner reading 'Nation First' with the Operation Sindoor logo in the top right corner formed the backdrop for a display in which volunteers dressed in white and orange created the words 'Naya Bharat' when viewed from above. The same logo of the operation was also printed on the official invitation cards for the event. A floral collage spelling out 'Operation Sindoor', adorned with red sindoor motifs, formed part of the decorations. As the national flag was unfurled, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort, both showering flower petals, one alongside the tricolour, the other carrying the Operation Sindoor flag. Also Read:What is the 'Sudarshan Chakra Mission' that PM Modi announced in his I-Day speech? The aircraft were flown by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. The gesture was intended as a tribute to Operation Sindoor, carried out between May 7 and 10 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people - 25 Indians, 1 Nepali. The three service chiefs who led the operation were present to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival at the Red Fort. Following an inspection of the Guard of Honour, the PM was joined at the ramparts by defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state (MoS) for defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In his almost 90-minute speech, PM Modi said that India won't tolerate nuclear blackmail and will end what he called the 'injustice' of the Indus Waters Treaty. 'India has decided that blood and water won't flow together,' said the PM. 'The entire nation was seething with anger, and the whole world watched in astonishment. Operation Sindoor emerged from that anger. After April 22, we told our soldiers they had a free hand to decide, plan, time, and choose their targets. Our defence forces did what had never been done before: they went several kilometres into Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps,' PM Modi said.


News18
07-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
I-Day Celebrations: Op Sindoor To Take Centre Stage As India Picks ‘Naya Bharat', ‘Nation First' As Themes
Last Updated: The highlight of the morning will be the presence of gallantry awardees of Operation Sindoor, who will be given places of honour on the Red Fort's historic ramparts The upcoming Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15 are set to be infused with a tribute to Operation Sindoor—India's recent successful mission against terror hotbeds in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack. A senior government official involved in the planning said this year's theme will have 'Nation First', with Operation Sindoor taking centre stage. The messaging will underscore national unity, resilience, and a forward-looking vision of a 'Naya Bharat', the government has planned. To bring this vision, performances will take place at 142 locations across India, including 13 prominent sites in Delhi. Nearly 1,500 guests in traditional attire, along with a similar number of competition winners, are expected to attend. Special guests will arrive using public transport, with security arrangements adjusted accordingly to ensure smooth access. The celebrations will culminate in an evening band performance on August 15, featuring ensembles from the three armed services, NCC, and CAPFs, performing for a full hour in a grand musical tribute to the spirit of the nation. In a first, over 2,500 NCC cadets and 'Mera Bharat' volunteers will be seated in a choreographed formation spelling out 'Naya Bharat', visible from the prime minister's vantage point on the Red Fort. Behind them, large artistic view cutters will line the backdrop emblazoned with 'Nation First" and the logo of Operation Sindoor, which will also feature on all official invitation cards. Honouring Heroes The highlight of the morning will be the presence of gallantry awardees of Operation Sindoor, who will be given places of honour on the Red Fort's historic ramparts. 'These are the brave men and women who exemplify the spirit of selfless service. Their presence will remind the nation of what has been achieved—and at what cost." A Sky for Op Sindoor Also, helicopters will conduct a tricolour petal drop during the prime minister's address, with each chopper also carrying the national flag alongside the Operation Sindoor logo, further reinforcing the theme. Unprecedented Participation This year's guest list is among the most inclusive ever. According to the official, 6,500 special guests from 34 diverse categories have been invited to witness the ceremony. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
It's anti-people: Mayawati on rail fare hike
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday slammed the Centre for the hike in railway passenger fare from July 1. Terming the decision of the railway ministry to increase the fares 'against the general public interest and more of a business-minded decision rather than the welfare objective of the Constitution', she demanded that the government should immediately withdraw the hike. BSP chief Mayawati. (HT file) Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, the BSP chief said, 'As it is known that when most of the people of the country are suffering and unhappy due to hunger, inflation, poverty, unemployment and decrease in income, the increase in the train fare in the country by the Centre in such a situation seems to be a decision taken against the general public interest.' Mayawati alleged that the practice of increasing the exploitation of the common man by increasing the burden on their daily life through railways just like GST in the name of 'Nation First' was extremely unfair. 'It would be better if the government reconsiders it immediately,' she said. 'For crores of people here, the train journey is not a fashion, pleasure or tourism, rather it is a very painful journey and compulsion due to the increasing poverty, inflation, acute shortage of respectable permanent employment in the country, compulsion to leave their homes and migrate to feed the family,' she claimed. The government should not adopt a commercial approach towards them but treat them with sympathy and welfare, she said and added this has been everyone's expectation. 'Therefore, instead of worrying only for its own benefit and for a handful of rich and prosperous people, the government should take proper care of the crores of people of the country who are yearning to live a life of self-respect,' Mayawati said. 'Around 95 crore people in the country have been forced to become beneficiaries of at least one social welfare scheme of the government. Due to this, the number of such helpless people has increased to about 64.3 per cent in the current year 2025, whereas in 2016 this number was only about 22 per cent,' the BSP chief alleged. Attacking the BJP government in Delhi, she alleged that it was adopting an anti-people attitude of ruthlessly displacing the poor and those who migrate from other states, especially from UP, Bihar and Bengal for livelihood, without making any other arrangements. 'Their slums are being demolished so ruthlessly that it is very sad and shameful,' she alleged, stressing that the Delhi government says it is following the court's order. But, the honourable court did not say that you should displace them without making any other arrangements. The court has definitely said you should remove them but the court did not say that you should not make any other arrangements for them, she said. 'It is the responsibility of the government to first make alternative arrangements to settle them before removing their slums,' Mayawati added.


India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Mika Singh calls Diljit Dosanjh
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Musician Mika Singh called Diljit Dosanjh a 'fake singer' and 'irresponsible' after the musician collaborated with the Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. Taking to his Instagram handle, Mika Singh shared a long note, slamming Diljit for acting 'irresponsibly' by releasing content featuring an artist 'from across the border.' Titled 'Desh Pehle (Nation First)', the note read, 'Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn't going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly. Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice - especially when our nation's dignity is involved.' The 'Mauja Hi Mauja' singer recalled the Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor's movie 'Abir Gulaal', which was banned in India following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Mika Singh said it's 'shocking' that despite such examples, some artists fail to understand the gravity of the ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring nations. He also slammed Diljit for his silence amid the ongoing controversy, saying he left his fans 'betrayed' and 'helpless'. 'There was a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that many of us opposed, and yet, some still don't seem to get the message. What's more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing 10 shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared - leaving fans betrayed and helpless,' wrote Mika Singh. Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, has been receiving a backlash from social media, the music fraternity, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) after its trailer release. FWICE has condemned Diljit Dosanjh and his team for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in 'Sardaar Ji 3' and demanded action from the Indian government. Citing Aamir's controversial stance against India and her role in spreading anti-India narratives, FWICE has called for the revocation of the filmmaker's passports and a nationwide ban on the film's release in India. The film body also wrote a letter to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, J.P. Dutta, Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh on Tuesday, expressing their disappointment with them for casting Diljit Dosanjh in their upcoming film, Border 2. Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh also took to social media with a cryptic message on Tuesday. Diljit shared a cryptic post on Instagram that read, 'Censored before release?' The post was about the long-awaited film 'Punjab 95', which was delayed due to censorship issues. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, tells the story of Khalra, known for uncovering human rights violations during Punjab's militancy era. Meanwhile, on Monday, Diljit shared the trailer of the horror-comedy franchise on his Instagram and announced that the film will be released exclusively overseas on June 27. Diljit captioned the trailer post: 'Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.' The trailer of 'Sardaar Ji 3' is currently not on YouTube India but has been shared by Diljit on his Instagram page. (ANI)


India.com
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Mika Singh Calls Diljit Dosanjh Fake Singer Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy
New Delhi: Musician Mika Singh called Diljit Dosanjh a "fake singer" and "irresponsible" after the musician collaborated with the Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. Taking to his Instagram handle, Mika Singh shared a long note, slamming Diljit for acting "irresponsibly" by releasing content featuring an artist "from across the border." Titled 'Desh Pehle (Nation First)', the note read, "Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn't going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly. Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice - especially when our nation's dignity is involved." The 'Mauja Hi Mauja' singer recalled the Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor's movie 'Abir Gulaal', which was banned in India following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Mika Singh said it's "shocking" that despite such examples, some artists fail to understand the gravity of the ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring nations. He also slammed Diljit for his silence amid the ongoing controversy, saying he left his fans "betrayed" and "helpless". "There was a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that many of us opposed, and yet, some still don't seem to get the message. What's more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing 10 shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared - leaving fans betrayed and helpless," wrote Mika Singh. Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, has been receiving a backlash from social media, the music fraternity, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) after its trailer release. FWICE has condemned Diljit Dosanjh and his team for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in 'Sardaar Ji 3' and demanded action from the Indian government. Citing Aamir's controversial stance against India and her role in spreading anti-India narratives, FWICE has called for the revocation of the filmmaker's passports and a nationwide ban on the film's release in India. The film body also wrote a letter to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, J.P. Dutta, Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh on Tuesday, expressing their disappointment with them for casting Diljit Dosanjh in their upcoming film, Border 2. Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh also took to social media with a cryptic message on Tuesday. Diljit shared a cryptic post on Instagram that read, "Censored before release?" The post was about the long-awaited film 'Punjab 95', which was delayed due to censorship issues. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, tells the story of Khalra, known for uncovering human rights violations during Punjab's militancy era. Meanwhile, on Monday, Diljit shared the trailer of the horror-comedy franchise on his Instagram and announced that the film will be released exclusively overseas on June 27. Diljit captioned the trailer post: "Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN." The trailer of 'Sardaar Ji 3' is currently not on YouTube India but has been shared by Diljit on his Instagram page.