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Murmu approves 76 Gallantry awards  

The two pilots lost their lives in the crash despite having liberty to land in open area but this could have caused damage to ammunition point and civilians on ground…reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu has approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, an official release said.

These Gallantry awards include four Kirti Chakra (posthumous), 11 Shaurya Chakras, including five posthumous, two Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 52 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

The President has also approved 30 Mention-in-Despatches to the Army, including to Army dog Madhu (Posthumous), and one to Air Force personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations.

The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Casualty Evacuation, Operation Mount Chomo, Operation Pangsau Pass, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Orchid, Operation Kalisham Valley, Rescue Operation and Operation Evacuation.

The Kirti Chakra awardees who received it posthumously are Dilip Kumar Das, Raj Kumar Yadava, Bablu Rabha and Sambha Roy, all of the Central Reserve Police Force.

The Shaurya Chakra recipients include five personnel named for it posthumously, including Major Vikas Bhambhu and Major Mustafa Bohara of Army Aviation Squadron; Hav Vivek Singh Tomar of the Rajputana Rifles, Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta of the Rashtriya Rifles and Saifullah Qadri, SG constable, Jammu and Kashmir police.

Indian Army Majors Vikas Bhambhu and Mustafa Bohara awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously for flying away their crashing ALH Dhruv Rudra helicopter from a built up area and an ammunition point in Arunachal Pradesh in October, 2022 saving many precious lives.

The two pilots lost their lives in the crash despite having liberty to land in open area but this could have caused damage to ammunition point and civilians on ground.

Wing Commander ShreyTomar awarded Vayu Sena Medal Gallantry for safely landing his twin engine fighter aircraft safely on single engine due to fire and preventing both loss of life and property.

Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously for saving the lives of fellow soldiers and preventing a major fire incident during deployment at the Siachen Glacier at an altitude of 18,300 feet. He observed a fire inside a snow tent in January this year and entered inside disregarding personal safety to contain the situation but laid down his life in the incident due to injuries. (ANI)

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At G20 meet, PM lauds role of women in startups

He said President Droupadi Murmu, herself, sets an inspiring example in this regard…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the ongoing three-day G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar, Gujarat via a video message.

When women prosper, the world prospers, PM Modi said addressing the gathering, adding that their economic empowerment fuels growth and their access to education drives global progress. “When women prosper, the world prospers. Their economic empowerment fuels growth. Their access to education drives global progress. Their leadership fosters inclusivity. And, their voices inspire positive change. The most effective way to empower women is through a women-led development approach,” the PM said, adding that the country was making new strides in this direction.

He said President Droupadi Murmu, herself, sets an inspiring example in this regard.

“Our President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu sets an inspiring example herself. She comes from a humble tribal background but now leads the world’s largest democracy, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s second-largest defence force,” PM Modi said.

He also spoke about how the Indian constitution granted the right to vote and contest polls equally to all citizens, including women.

“Elected women representatives have been key agents of economic, environmental and social change. At 1.4 million, 46 per cent of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India are women.”

He stated further that the increasing number of women forming self-help groups is a powerful force for change. He apprised the participants how these women manufactured masks, and sanitisers, while raising general awareness about infection prevention during the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, these Self-Help Groups and our elected women representatives emerged as pillars of support for our communities. They manufactured masks and sanitisers as well as raised awareness about spread of the pandemic. More than 80 per cent of nurses and midwives in India are women. They were our first line of defence during the pandemic. We are proud of their achievements,” PM Modi said.

Further, in his address, he also said how his government was ensuring access to capital among women for running small businesses, besides providing clean cooking fuel to them.

The Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment under the G20 Indian Presidency, chaired by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, started in Gandhinagar on Wednesday and will end on Friday.

The G20 Ministerial Conference while focusing on women-led development will be an opportunity for accelerating achievement towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and achieving ‘SDG: Goal 5’.

The event is tipped to draw more than 150 delegates, led by their respective Heads of Delegation from G20 members, invitee countries, and international organisations.

Further, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN Women and NIPCCD will jointly organise a side event with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development to identify the actions and policy levers in three keys areas of fiscal policies and tools for gender equality, the care economy and climate change challenge to accelerate gender equality. (ANI)

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President Murmu hails friendly ties between India and Malawi

Malawi’s parliamentary delegation was led by the country’s National Assembly Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara…reports Asian Lite News

A parliamentary delegation from Malawi called on President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Welcoming the delegation to the national capital, the President said that both India and Malawi share cordial relations and there is immense scope for adding greater depth to the ties between the two nations. “Welcoming the delegation, the President said that India and Malawi share long-standing cordial and friendly relations, and there is immense scope for adding greater depth to our ties,” the MEA release said.

“She stated that our common faith in democratic values and pluralism makes India and Malawi natural partners,” it added.

Malawi’s parliamentary delegation was led by the country’s National Assembly Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara.

During the talks with the delegation, President Murmu noted that India has been one of the largest trade and private investment partners of Malawi, and is also a preferred destination of Malawian nationals for health and education.

“She was happy to note that India has a strong development partnership programme with Malawi and a number of projects have been implemented in Malawi in the areas such as infrastructure, health, water resources, capacity building and education,” the MEA release said.

Earlier on Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed the Malawi delegation in Parliament and said such bilateral parliamentary dialogue will strengthen India’s multifaceted cooperation with the African country.

Observing that India and Malawi enjoy cordial and friendly relations, Birla recalled that bilateral relations between the two countries have taken a new direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malawi President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

Lauding the peaceful transfer of power following the June 2020 presidential elections in Malawi, the Speaker hoped that it would strengthen constitutional bodies within Malawi.

The Speaker also noted that the two Parliaments represent the expectations and aspirations of their citizens, and mentioned that realizing the expectations of a new India, India has constructed a new building of its Parliament.

Assuring India’s support for Malawi’s economic development, Birla stressed the need to encourage trade in agricultural products, especially cotton products. (ANI)

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CAG Murmu chairs second SAI20 meet

The CAG of India will sign Memoranda of Understanding Agreements for strengthening Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing with SAI Indonesia and SAI Turkey…reports Asian Lite News

The second SAI20 Summit under India’s G20 Presidency began today in Goa. Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, as the Chair of the Supreme Audit Institutions-20 (SAI20) Engagement Group, led the deliberations.

In his opening address, CAG highlighted that the Supreme Audit Institutions have a crucial role to play in the audit of Blue Economy and Responsible AI to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability and to optimise their positive impact on humankind.

The SAI20 Summit saw a participation of 85 National and International delegates from G20 member SAIs — Australia, Brazil, Korea, Indonesia, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey; Guest SAIs — Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Spain and UAE; Invited SAIs — Morocco and Poland; International Organisation — USAID and World Bank; and Engagement Group — Think20 and Youth20.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the CAG of India will sign Memoranda of Understanding Agreements for strengthening Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing with SAI Indonesia and SAI Turkey.

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President hails India’s G20 presidency

The President said as G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85 per cent of global GDP, it is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges…reports Asian Lite News

Noting that the world has started to look at India with new sense of respect, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that India’s G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and the premier forum for international economic cooperation will be able to enhance its efforts to build a more equitable world order.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Republic Day, the President said the respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities. “As a result of a series of initiatives in recent years to transform all aspects of governance and unleash creative energies of people, the world has started to look at India with a new sense of respect. Our interventions in various world forums have started making a positive difference. The respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities. This year, as you know, India holds the presidency of the Group of 20 nations,” she said.

President Murmu said that with its motto of universal brotherhood, India stands for peace and prosperity of all. This was her first address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day.

“G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum for shaping a better world and a better future. Under India’s leadership, I am sure, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order,” she said.

The President said as G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85 per cent of global GDP, it is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges.

“To my mind, global warming and climate change are the most pressing among them. Global temperatures are rising and incidents of extreme weather are increasing. We are faced with the dilemma: To lift more and more people out of poverty, we need economic growth, but that growth also comes from fossil fuel. Unfortunately, the poor bear the brunt of global warming more than others,” she said.

“Developing and popularizing alternative sources of energy is one of the solutions. India has taken a commendable lead in this direction by giving a policy push to solar energy and electric vehicles. At the global level, however, emerging economies need a helping hand from advanced nations in the form of technology transfer and financial support,” she added.

India formally assumed G20 Presidency in December last year. (ANI)

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‘India among fastest growing economies’

The President also talked about the challenges faced during the early years of Independence…reports Asian Lite News

As India celebrates 74th Republic Day President Droupadi Murmu in her first Republic Day-eve speech said on Wednesday that India has been among the fastest-growing major economies because of the timely and proactive interventions of the government.

Stating that India has became the fifth largest economy in the world, the President said, “This has been achieved against a global backdrop of economic uncertainty. With the help of able leadership and effective struggle, we soon came out of the recession, and resumed our journey of development.”

“India has been among the fastest-growing major economies because of the timely and proactive interventions of the government. The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, in particular, has evoked great response among the people at large,” Murmu said.

The President also talked about the challenges faced during the early years of Independence.

“In the early years of Independence, we faced countless challenges and adversities. Very high levels of poverty and illiteracy were just two of the many ill-effects of the long foreign rule. Yet, the spirit of India was undeterred. With hope and confidence, we began an experiment unique in the history of humankind.”

Murmu said that those who shaped modern Indian mind also welcomed progressive ideas from abroad, following the vedic advice “Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah (Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions).

The President said, “From the day the Constitution came into effect to the present day, it has been an amazing journey that has inspired many other nations. Every citizen has reason to be proud of the India Story.”

Talking about challenges that need to be addressed urgently, the President said, “In my view, global warming and climate change are challenges that need to be addressed urgently. Global temperatures are rising and extreme forms of climate change are visible.”

The President also praised the role of farmers, labourers, scientists and engineers, saying, “I appreciate the roles of farmers, labourers, scientists and engineers whose collective strength enables our country to move forward in the spirit of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’.”

Speaking on the essence of India, the President said, “We are all one, and we are all Indians. So many creeds and so many languages have not divided us, but united us. That’s why we have succeeded as a democratic republic. This is the essence of India.”

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Need zero tolerance to all forms of terror, says Murmu

India has a national commitment to fight the evil of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, President Murmu added…reports Asian Lite News

The world should continue to have “zero tolerance” towards all acts of terrorism, President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday as she met heads of delegations of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

According to the President’s Secretariat, President Murmu appreciated their gesture of commencing their visit by paying tributes to the 26/11 victims in Mumbai. She said that India as the world’s largest democracy, with one of the most open and diverse societies in the world, has been a victim of terrorism for decades.

India has a national commitment to fight the evil of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, President Murmu added.

She also emphasized that zero tolerance to all acts of terror, irrespective of its motivations, should continue to be the guiding approach of the international community in shaping the global counter terror architecture.

During the meeting, in her capacity as Chair of the CTC, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj briefed the President on the operations and priorities of the UNSC CTC.

The President was also briefed by UN Security Council President and Foreign Minister of Gabon Michael Moussa Adamo and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the key points of the UNSC CTC’s discussions and the next steps, which were outlined in the Delhi Declaration that was adopted earlier on Saturday.

Foreign minister of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy and Deputy Foreign Minister of Albania Megi Fino also attended the meeting.

Under Secretary General of the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov was also present along with other senior UN officials.

The Heads of Delegations of the UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTTC) were in India to attend the UNSC CTC Special Meeting on October 28–29 in Mumbai and New Delhi.

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Indian Prez meets Tanzanian counterpart in London

Upon her arrival, she offered tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall in London, where the queen’s coffin was lying-in-State…reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday met with the President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan during the official reception at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. “President Droupadi Murmu met the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, in an official reception at the State Funeral of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. President Hassan is the first woman president of Tanzania,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted.

President Murmu attended the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in London today.She was among many world leaders in attendance for the funeral. World leaders from American President Joe Biden to French President Emmanuel Macron joined members of the public in observing two-minute silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II as the funeral service ended here with the recitation of “God Save the King”, the reworded national anthem today. The coffin of the longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom was carried at Westminster Abbey in London today with the Royal family members and top world leaders in attendance. Even as King Charles III and other members of the British royal family walked behind the queen’s coffin during the procession.

As many as 500 others from nearly 200 countries and territories were also present, with many UK residents forming a beeline to pay their last respects to the queen. Crowds watched as the state hearse passed through London, with some throwing flowers in the direction of the convoy.

Queen’s wreath contains foliage of rosemary, English oak and myrtle and flowers, in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, cut from the gardens of Royal residences.
President Murmu was accompanied by foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra who attended the funeral. Ahead of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, President met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana. She arrived at Gatwick Airport in London on Saturday to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Upon her arrival, she offered tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall in London, where the queen’s coffin was lying-in-State.

“President Droupadi Murmu visited Westminster Hall, London where the body of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II is lying in state. The President offered tributes to the departed soul on her own behalf and on behalf of the people of India,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted earlier.
President Murmu also signed the condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II, at the Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace in London. “President Droupadi Murmu signed the Condolence Book in the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House, London,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted.

Later in the day, President Murmu met King Charles III at a reception held at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. The President is on an official tour to the United Kingdom from September 17 to 19 to attend the State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, she will return to India today as Queen’s funeral ended in Westminster Abey in London. (ANI)

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Murmu meets Hasina in London

The Queen’s funeral is the first state funeral in the UK since Winston Churchill’s in 1965…reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana just before the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. “President Droupadi Murmu met with Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana just before commencement of the State Funeral at London,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted.

The President arrived at Gatwick Airport in London on Saturday to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at London’s Westminster Abbey. Upon her arrival, she offered tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall in London, where the queen’s coffin was lying-in-State.

“President Droupadi Murmu visited Westminster Hall, London where the body of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II is lying in state. The President offered tributes to the departed soul on her own behalf and on behalf of the people of India,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted earlier.
President Murmu also signed the condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II, at the Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace in London. “President Droupadi Murmu signed the Condolence Book in the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House, London,” Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted.

Later in the day, President Murmu met King Charles III at a reception held at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. The President is on an official tour to the United Kingdom from September 17 to 19 to attend the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and offer condolences on behalf of the Government of India. Meanwhile, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom, was carried to Westminster Abbey in London for her state funeral on Monday.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Numerous guests ranging from political heads of countries to distinct royal family members and dignitaries from across the world landed in the UK for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s funeral is the first state funeral in the UK since Winston Churchill’s in 1965.
A state funeral means that the UK government has officially declared the day of the funeral as a bank holiday.

Moreover, senior citizens and children are among those camping along the funeral routes, for over 48 hours in some cases, to bid a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II today. Notably, the funeral service will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster, and readings will be given by Patricia Scotland, the secretary general of the Commonwealth, and Prime Minister Liz Truss.

The sermon will be delivered by Canterbury’s archbishop, the Most Reverend Justin Welby. The Queen was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York – who later became King George VI – and Queen Elizabeth. (ANI)

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Britain sends ‘badhai’ to Indian President Murmu

Ahmad is the minister officially in-charge of Indian affairs and sent the message in his capacity as Minister for South Asia…reports Asian Lite News

Britain has sent greetings to India’s new President Droupadi Murmu and expressed confidence that the India-UK relationship would go from “strength to strength” under her tenure.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for South Asia and the Commonwealth, took to Twitter on Friday to send his “badhai” in Devanagari script to the new Indian Head of State. The tweet followed the former governor of Jharkhand’s confirmation as President-elect.

“Congratulations to Droupadi Murmu on her election as India’s new President,” said Lord Ahmad, a Pakistani-origin Conservative Party peer in the House of Lords.

“I am sure the UK-India relationship will go from strength to strength during her tenure. Badhai!” With outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson now technically signed off from the job after his farewell speech in Parliament last week ahead of the election of a new Prime Minister by early September, 10 Downing Street said Lord Ahmad’s tweet from last week is the formal UK government congratulatory message for the new Indian President.

Ahmad is the minister officially in-charge of Indian affairs and sent the message in his capacity as Minister for South Asia.

On Monday, Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th President of India and hailed her election as symbolic of the “greatness of India, mother of democracy”. The 64-year-old is the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional post in the country.

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