All India Radio News Summary 15 August 2017
1) Nation celebrates its 71st Independence Day
The nation is celebrating its 71st Independence Day today. The main function was held at the Red Fort in the national capital where Prime Minister unfurled the National Flag synchronized with 21-Gun Salute.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said,
- That the nation had shown its collective strength between 1942 and 1947, culminating in India’s independence.
- We must show the same collective determination and resolve to create a New India by 2022.
- When there is confidence among people, they have resources and capacity and they work dispassionately, then Sankalp becomes Siddhi.
- “Bharat Jodo” should be the slogan for today just like Bharat Chhodo was during the freedom struggle while pitching for Peace and Harmony.
- Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable.
- Casteism and communalism as poison for the country saying such problems cannot benefit the country in any way.
- On Demonetization, he asserted that the fight against black money will continue, and technology will help bring about transparency. He encouraged people to further promote digital transactions.
- As per outside experts,
- The note ban helped bring over 3 lakh crore rupees unaccounted wealth into the banking system.
- Over 1.75 lakh crore rupees deposited in banks post note-ban and more than 18 lakh people with disproportionate income are under government scrutiny.
- The government has been able to rein in corruption and 1.25 lakh crore rupees black money have been detected in the last three years which people were compelled to surrender.
- The government has come down heavily on shell companies
- The implementation of GST as a key illustration of cooperative federalism. He said, its smooth rollout from 1st of July has increased efficiency of business. He said, goods carrying trucks are saving 30 per cent travel time post GST as check posts have been removed. Mr Modi said, this has helped save thousands of crores of rupees and more importantly time.
- On Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister emphasized that neither abuses nor bullets will resolve the Kashmir issue. He said it can be addressed only by embracing every Kashmiri.
- He said, the government is committed to restoring the lost glory of Kashmir and its status as heaven on earth.
- Hailed the women fighting the practice of triple talaq and said the entire country is with them in their endeavour to get their rights.
- The Prime Minister called for an end to the chalta hai attitude of complacency, and its replacement with an attitude of badal sakta hai for positive change.
- On infrastructure,
- Road and rail construction is progressing at a double pace.
- 29 crore bank accounts of the poor have been opened,
- 9 crore soil health cards have been issued to farmers
- 5 crore LPG connections have been given to poor women
- 14 thousand villages have been electrified
- Significant attention is being paid to the development of eastern and north-eastern India.
- foodgrain production is increasing in the country and this year, a record production of pulses has been achieved.
- The people stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur in which several children died in a hospital.
2) President approves Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces;
- On the occasion of the 71st Independence Day, 112 Gallantry Awards for the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces have been approved by the President.
- This includes five Kirti Chakras, 17 Shaurya Chakras, 85 Sena Medals, three Nao Sena Medals and two Vayu Sena Medals.
- 990 personnel have been awarded Police Medals this year
- The Prime Minister announced the launch of a website to honour gallantry award winners. The portal will preserve and tell the stories of bravest men and women, civilians as well as armed forces personnel. The website with domain name gov.in gives details of the Chakra Series awardees.
3) Janmashtami is being celebrated in different parts of the country
- Janmashtami is being celebrated in different parts of the country today. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
- Janmashtami is celebrated in many parts of Uttar Pradesh.
- Another common form of celebration followed largely in Gujarat and Maharashtra is the practice of Dahi Handi.
President said, the ideals of Lord Krishna’s life are of universal relevance.
Vice President said, the eternal message of performing duties with sincerity without attachment to results bestowed by Lord Krishna in the ‘Bhagwad Gita’ has been a source of inspiration for entire humanity.
4) Independence Day celebrations in several states
Unfurling of the national flag and launching of new initiatives mark the Independence day celebrations in the states.
- Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister announced that the freedom fighters pension would be enhanced from 12,000 rupees to 13,000 rupees and family pension from 6,000 rupees to 6,500 rupees.
- Rajasthan Chief Minister announced a Sampark Help Line 181, on which people can register their grievances.
- Assam Chief Minister said seven new bridges will be constructed over the Brahmaputra in the coming days.
- Telangana Chief Minister assured farmers that 24 hour free electricity will be supplied across the state.
- Gujarat government will extend an assistance of 25 rupees per litre on kerosene under PDS to small fishermen.
- Punjab state government announced to provide jobs to fifty thousand youth in the first phase of Ghar Ghar Mein Naukri scheme.
5) Online Game “The Blue Whale challenge”
Government has directed internet majors – Google, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo – to immediately remove the links of dangerous online game Blue Whale Challenge, which has led to suicide of children in India and other countries. Mumbai and West Midnapore district have reported deaths linked to this game.
The Blue Whale challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the player is given certain tasks to complete for a period of 50 days and the final task leads to suicide.
