New Delhi:

In a heartfelt showcase of soft culture influencing bilateral ties between the two countries, an Indonesian delegation sang the famous Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.

The delegation hosted in honour of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Rashtrapati Bhavan included senior Indonesian ministers.

The title track from the movie of the same name — ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. The directorial debut of Karan Johar was a huge blockbuster both in India and overseas. The song, composed by Jatin Lalit and sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, was a major hit among the audience and still continues to captivate people.

#WATCH | Delhi: A delegation from Indonesia sang Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honour of Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The delegation included senior Indonesian ministers.

The… pic.twitter.com/VH6ZHRTbNS

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2025

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is on his first state visit to India. He will grace the 76th Republic Day celebrations as its Chief Guest at Kartvya Path today.

The 76th Republic Day celebrations will also see Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

This unique blend of military music and noble values reflects the spirit and honour of the academy.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House in Delhi.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on sectors like defence, security, maritime domain, economic ties, and people-to-people connections.

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New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Indian Army for its pivotal role in ensuring national security and fostering peace in the country during the 77th Army Day celebrations.

The President highlighted the Army’s invaluable contribution to the nation’s progress and prosperity, stating that their efforts have created a secure and peaceful environment.

Army Day, observed annually on January 15, marks the foundation of the Indian Army and symbolises India’s military independence. It commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India, handed over command to Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who became the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit.

The theme for the 77th Army Day celebrations is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena.”

In a statement, the President conveyed her warm greetings to the Army, acknowledging its courage and professionalism in defending India’s borders.

“The courageous army personnel have consistently displayed extraordinary courage and high standards of professionalism in defending our borders. The Indian Army has been involved in anti-terrorism operations and has been instrumental in containing terrorism,” the statement read.

“A grateful nation pays tribute to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. The nation is indebted to them and their families. I wish the Indian Army continued success in all its endeavours and convey my best wishes to its gallant soldiers, veterans and their families,” it added.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his admiration for the Indian Army’s “indomitable courage, valour, and selfless service” on the occasion.

He extended his heartfelt greetings to all soldiers, officers, and their families, stating that Army Day provides an opportunity to honour their invaluable contributions to national security and integrity.

The Defence Minister highlighted the Army’s unparalleled role in “guarding the borders of the country but is also making an unparalleled contribution in the field of disaster management, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.”

He described the Indian Army as “a symbol of pride and confidence for every Indian.”

Rajnath Singh underscored the Army’s importance as one of the key pillars of national security and its incomparable role in nation-building. He expressed satisfaction with the Army’s preparedness to address all forms of threats, “whether traditional or unconventional and its vital contribution to India’s emergence as a Viksit Bharat.”

He noted the Army’s rapid adoption of modern technology and its commitment to promoting indigenisation through self-reliance. He lauded its efficiency, discipline, and patriotism, which have brought glory to India on the global stage.

The Defence Minister also paid homage to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation. He emphasised that their courage and dedication have ensured a secure future for the country.

In his message, he described the Indian Army as a symbol of unity, courage, and devotion to duty, saluting its unwavering commitment to the nation.

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New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their New Year greetings on Wednesday to the nation, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities, success, and joy to all.

President Murmu urged people to renew their commitment to work together to create a brighter, more inclusive, sustainable future for India and the world.

She wrote on X, “Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world.”

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 1, 2025

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this year marks the nation’s entry into the final quarter of our Constitution’s centenary and is the time to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our Constitution makers.

“Warm greetings to all citizens as we enter 2025 – a momentous juncture in our republic’s journey. This year marks our entry into the final quarter of our Constitution’s centenary. Time for us to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our #Constitution makers while advancing towards #ViksitBharat at 2047. Let us move forward with determination, nurturing democratic values with resolve to keep nation first. Wishing all a happy and purposeful,” he wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his New Year greetings, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities and success to all.

Taking to X, he wished that all be blessed with good health and prosperity.

“May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity,” the PM wrote on his X handle.

Happy 2025!

May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2025

The nation welcomed the year 2025 with various celebrations. Some prayed to enter the New Year offerings at temples and other religious places and many took to the streets to celebrate with friends and acquaintances.

Several leaders took to social media to greet the people on the occasion

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati in her greetings wished for a happy, peaceful and prosperous life for all. She wrote on X (in Hindi): “Hearty congratulations to all Indians living in the country and across the world and their families for the New Year 2025 and many best wishes for a happy, peaceful, prosperous and prosperous life. May the struggle of all hardworking people be successful and make their lives happy and prosperous, I wish the nature (almighty) for the same.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on X, “Happy New Year to everyone! May this year be filled with happiness, prosperity and good health.”

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari wrote on X, “Wishing a joyful and prosperous 2025! May this year bring abundant joy and good health to all.”

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New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday.

“On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad,” President Murmu said in a post on social media platform X.

In her message to the citizens, the President said: “Deepawali is a festival of happiness and joy. It is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by various communities and classes in India and abroad. This festival spreads hope for a bright future.”

“On the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, we should resolve to enlighten our conscience and adopt good attitudes like love, compassion and social harmony. This festival is also an opportunity to help the deprived and the needy and share happiness with them. Let us take pride in the glorious culture of India by believing in goodness and take a pledge to build a healthy, prosperous and sensitive society and celebrate a pollution-free Deepawali,” she added.

Prime Minister Modi also took to X to extend his best wishes on Diwali. In a post, he said: “Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha.”

Home Minister Shah also extended his greetings to the people. “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the festival of lights, Diwali. May this festival of lights bring new energy, health and prosperity in the lives of all of you,” he posted on X.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Dasara celebrations at the Red Fort Ground in New Delhi on October 12, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Dasara festivities and witnessed the burning of effigies of King Ravana at Parade Ground of Lal Qila on Saturday (October 12, 2024) evening.

The organisers of Sri Dharmik Leela Committee presented the President with a “trishul” (trident) and a “gada” (mace) to the Prime Minister in a ceremonial welcome at the Dasara programme. They were also presented with a bow and arrow as a symbol of “strength and good governance”.

Ms. Murmu and Mr. Modi watched the Ramleela performance depicting end of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. This was followed by burning of the effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran amid loud cheering by the crowd.

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited the Siachen base camp and told soldiers posted at the world’s highest battlefield that all citizens salute their bravery.

Addressing the troops, she said in difficult situations like heavy snowfall and minus 50 degrees temperature, they present extraordinary examples of sacrifice and tolerance in protecting the motherland.

The President said that as the supreme commander of the armed forces, she felt very proud of them and that “all citizens salute their bravery”.

“They face severe weather conditions. In difficult situations like heavy snowfall and minus 50 degrees temperature, they remain deployed at their front with full devotion and vigilance. They present extraordinary examples of sacrifice and tolerance in protecting the motherland,” President Murmu said.

President Droupadi Murmu visited Siachen Base Camp and addressed the soldiers posted there. The President said that as the supreme commander of the armed forces, she felt very proud of them and that all citizens salute their bravery. pic.twitter.com/SFsaTYEQji

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 26, 2024

She told soldiers that all Indians are aware of their sacrifice and bravery and “we respect them”, according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dressed in Indian military uniform, President Murmu also paid tributes at the Siachen War Memorial.

The Memorial, she said, is a symbol of the sacrifice of soldiers and officers who have been martyred since the Indian Army began Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984.

Under Operation Meghdoot, the Indian Army established its full control over the glacier.

The President said since the commencement of Operation Meghdoot, “the brave soldiers and officers of the Indian armed forces have ensured the security of this region”.

Lt Governor of Ladakh Brigadier B D Mishra had received President Murmu on her arrival at Thoise airfield.

Murmu is the country’s third president to have visited Siachen base camp, located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the others being A P J Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind. While Kalam visited in April 2004, Kovind went to the base camp in May 2018.

The Siachen glacier is at a height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range. It is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle extreme cold, high winds and frostbite among other severe weather conditions. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Warananagar (Maharashtra):

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged women to understand the importance of education, learn new technologies, give importance to environment conservation in daily life, help the needy, and always be ready to contribute to the development of the country.

In her remarks at the golden jubilee celebration of the Shri Warana Women Cooperative Group at Warananagar in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, she said that our individual and collective efforts will make India reach a higher position on the world stage.

President Murmu also said that the real secret of the success of any enterprise is its association with the common people. That’s why a democratic system and transparency are important for the success of cooperatives, she said, adding that in cooperative institutions, the interests of their members should be paramount.

It should always be kept in mind that no cooperative institution should become a means of personal interest and profit-making for any individual, otherwise, the very purpose of the cooperative will be lost, she stressed.

There should be real cooperation in cooperatives rather than anyone’s monopoly.

The President also said that cooperation is the best medium for making good use of the strength inherent in society.

“Principles of cooperation follow the spirit of justice, unity, and fraternity envisaged in the Constitution. When people of different classes and ideologies unite for cooperation, they get the benefit of social diversity. Cooperatives have played an important role in the economic development of the country. Household brands like Amul and Lijjat Papad are examples of such cooperatives,” she added.

The President said that if today India is the world’s largest milk producer, cooperative groups have made a significant contribution to this success. In almost all states, cooperatives mainly produce and distribute milk products. Not only milk, cooperative institutions are playing an important role in areas like fertilisers, cotton, handloom, housing, edible oil, and sugar.

She lauded cooperative institutions for making a significant contribution to poverty alleviation, food security, and management of natural resources.

“But in these rapidly changing times, they need to change themselves. They should use technology as much as possible and also make the management more professional,” President Murmu said.

She noted that many cooperatives are facing problems like lack of capital and resources, governance and management, and low participation, and said that connecting more and more youth to cooperatives can be important in this direction. Youth can transform those institutions by incorporating technology in governance and management, she said.

The President also advised cooperative institutions to explore new areas like organic farming, storage capacity building, and eco-tourism.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

President Droupadi Murmu – in her first public statement on the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata nearly 20 days ago – said she is “dismayed and horrified”. She said no civilised society can allow women to be subjected to such atrocities.

President Murmu’s Quotes On Crime Against Women

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday prorogued both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha which were adjourned sine die on August 9, one sitting ahead of the scheduled end of the Budget session in which the newly elected Modi 3.0 government presented its Union Budget 2024-25.

The previous session of Parliament was scheduled to end on August 12 but Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House on August 9 sine die (for an indefinite period). The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die on the same day.

During the session which was scheduled from July 22 to August 12, the Finance Bill was passed while a bill to amend the Waqf law was also introduced and referred to a joint committee of Parliament amid protests over its provisions.

On July 23, the second sitting of the Budget Session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament, marking a milestone. This achievement established her as the first finance minister of India to present seventh consecutive Union Budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai’s previous record of six.

Morarji Desai, who served as India’s finance minister from 1959 to 1964, previously held the record with five full Budgets and one interim Budget. His tenure set a longstanding benchmark in Indian financial history, maintaining the record for the highest number of budgets presented by any finance minister for over fifty years.

This was the first Budget presented during Narendra Modi’s third term as Prime Minister and also the first under him in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not have a majority on its own.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former prime minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary on Friday.

They were joined by other dignitaries, including Union ministers, and leaders from different parties in paying homage to Vajpayee at his memorial ‘Sadaiv Atal’ here.

A widely-respected politician acknowledged as among the finest orators, Atal Bihari Vajpayee played a crucial role in drawing allies for his party in the coalition era of the ’90s and became the first prime minister from the BJP.

His stewardship of the country between 1998-2004 is known for reforms and boost to infrastructure sectors. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 93 years. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)