Republic Day India 2018 Highlights: India-ASEAN Bond At Show At Dazzling Republic Day Parade
Republic Day Celebrations: Nearly 60,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and central security forces were deployed in Central Delhi. Snipers were stationed on top of high-rise buildings while scores of CCTV cameras kept a tight vigil on people's movements on the parade route.
BSF women Bikers performed a variety of stunts during the 69th Republic Day Parade. (PTI)
New Delhi: As India celebrates its 69th Republic Day today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN as guests of honour at the ceremonial parade being held at Rajpath. The parade was presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind.
The Republic Day parade began at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where PM Modi paid homage to the soldiers who died in the line of duty. The National Anthem was played with a 21-gun salute after the unfurling of the tricolour. India's military might was on full display during the annual celebrations.
The national capital was wrapped in a thick security blanket to ensure peaceful celebrations. Special teams, anti-aircraft guns and snipers were deployed to keep a vigil on the eight-km parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort. Hundreds of CCTV cameras as well as drones are watching people's movements along the parade route. Nearly 60,000 security personnel from the Delhi Police and central security forces have been deployed in Central Delhi.
Here are the updates of the 69th Republic Day celebrations:
Jan 26, 2018 23:25 (IST)
The Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and excitement in Himachal Pradesh as people notwithstanding extreme cold conditions participated in large numbers in functions across the state, news agency PTI reported. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the tricolor at the historic Ridge Ground here at a state-level function and took the salute of contingents of the Indian Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), SSB and state police. Capt. Deepak Math Pal from 22 Rajput Rifles commanded the parade. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Education minister Suresh Bharadwaj, legislators and officials attended the event in the state capital.
Jan 26, 2018 23:23 (IST)
Around 30,000 people today thronged the M A M stadium in Jammu for the 69th Republic Day celebrations where the Jammu and Kashmir police's daredevil team left the spectators spellbound, as contingents from various armed forces and government departments also showcased their might. Governor N N Vohra hoisted the tricolour at the state- level function at the Maulana Azad Stadium, attended by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta, Chief Justice of J-K High Court Justice Badar Durrez
Ahmed, among others, news agency PTI reported.
Jan 26, 2018 21:57 (IST)
In Assam, the Republic Day celebrations were marred by three low-intensity explosions in Tinsukia district and an indefinite curfew at Maibong in Dima Hasao following a bandh call over the death of two people, who were injured in police firing yesterday, PTI reported.
Jan 26, 2018 21:54 (IST)
On the occasion of 69th Republic Day, the Ministry of Tourism today launched 'Bharat Parv' at the Red Fort in Delhi, news agency PTI reported. Rashmi Verma, secretary, tourism ministry, inaugurated the programme. The event will be held from January 27 to January 31 between 12 noon to 10 pm for the general public for free. The ministry will display the Republic Day parade tableaux, performances by the armed forces bands (static as well as dynamic), multi-cuisine food court, crafts mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country and photo exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), an official statement said.
Jan 26, 2018 21:37 (IST)
PM Modi also thanked other heads of states - Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, and Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay - for their wishes on India's 69th Republic Day on micro-blogging site Twitter.
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Jan 26, 2018 21:34 (IST)
Jan 26, 2018 21:33 (IST)
Jan 26, 2018 21:32 (IST)
Jan 26, 2018 21:32 (IST)
Following the Republic Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak for strengthening the ties between two countries.
Jan 26, 2018 19:48 (IST)
AIADMK Boycotts Reception Hosted By Kiran Bedi In Puducherry
In Puducherry, opposition AIADMK lawmakers today boycotted the 'at home' reception hosted by Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi at the Raj Nivas on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, protesting against her 'style of functioning', news agency PTI reported.
The boycott by the four AIADMK legislator was announced earlier by party legislature leader A Anbalagan.
Jan 26, 2018 16:51 (IST)
Beating Retreat ceremony from Attari-Wagah border on the 69th Republic Day
Jan 26, 2018 16:46 (IST)
Jan 26, 2018 16:21 (IST)
After grand Republic Day parade, President Kovind hosts reception at 'home'.
Jan 26, 2018 15:32 (IST)
Jan 26, 2018 15:32 (IST)
Republic Day 2018: BSF's Women Bikers Make Jaw-Dropping Debut An all-woman contingent of the Border Security Force or BSF dazzled spectators with their daring bike stunts during the 69th Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. In one of the most-awaited acts of the day, the women constables created some stunning formations, such as "fish riding, side riding, faulaad, peacock and Saptarishi", that dropped jaws and drew cheers.
Union ministers in the audience were seen standing and applauding displays from their ministries. Many were seen standing and cheering the float from PM Modi's home state Gujarat, which celebrated "a century of Sabarmati Ashram and Gandhi".
Jan 26, 2018 15:05 (IST)
India's highest peacetime military decoration Ashok Chakra was given to Indian Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala, who died fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir last year. The soldier's wife and mother received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.
Jan 26, 2018 14:50 (IST)
An Army contingent marches across historical ridge on the occasion of 69th Republic Day in Shimla (PTI Image)
