PM’s address to the Nation at Red Fort on the 68th Independence Day- Highlights

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today called upon all citizens to contribute to the cause of building national character. Addressing the nation for the first time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 68th Independence Day, he said, it is an occasion for introspection for all, as to how his or her acts would weigh on the scale of National Interest. Let all actions be in the National Interest, and be seen as a contribution towards nation building, the Prime Minister said.  Greeting the people of India on Independence Day, Shri Narendra Modi stated that he was addressing them not as “Pradhan Mantri” but as “Pradhan Sewak” – the first servant.

Here are the highlights of his speech and new schemes announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering the common man, and unleashing the potential of India`s youth.

* In a major new scheme to universalize banking access and financial inclusion, the Prime Minister announced the Pradhanmantri Jan-Dhan Yojana which will provide for a bank account, a debit card and an insurance amount of Rs. one lakh, to poor families.

* A nationwide “Skill India” movement will be initiated to provide skills which ensure employability.

* Prime Minister also announced a vision of “Come and Make in India” inviting manufacturers from across the world to invest in India, and help boost India`s industrial growth.

* Shri Narendra Modi announced his Government`s resolve to work towards Digital India, which would provide information and services to the people in a timely and effective manner.

* Stressing on the need for cleanliness, the Prime Minister announced his Government`s resolve for “Swachh Bharat” – a vision which will be launched on October 2nd this year, to be accomplished by 2019, on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In a related initiative, the Prime Minister said the first step towards “Swachh Bharat” begins with immediate effect, through a commitment to build toilets in all schools, including separate toilets for girls, within one year.

* Prime Minister announced the launch of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, under which each Member of Parliament would be invited to make one model village in his constituency, by 2016. He said a complete blueprint for this scheme would be announced on October 11th, the birth anniversary of Shri Jayaprakash Narayan.

* Shri Narendra Modi announced that a new institution would be created to replace the Planning Commission. This new institution would respect the federal structure of the country, he asserted.

Referring to reports of the positive change in work culture of the Union Government since he took over as Prime Minister, the Prime Minister said he was taken aback by such news reports – since it should be the norm for Government Servants to work with due diligence. The Prime Minister said the fact that this should make news, shows how low our collective standards of duty and responsibility have fallen. The Prime Minister called upon society to give up the selfish attitude of “Mera Kya, Mujhe Kya.”

The Prime Minister also said he was appalled by the discord and disunity among various Government departments that he saw after assuming office. He assured the people that he would resolve this issue, so that the Government of India worked not as an assembled entity, but as an organic entity. The Prime Minister said development and good governance were the only two tracks which could take the nation forward.

The Prime Minister expressed dismay at the rising number of rape incidents in the country. Pointing out that daughters are asked a lot of questions in a family, he called upon parents to question their sons also, and keep a tab on their activities. Every rapist is someone`s son, the Prime Minister said. In a similar vein, he called upon misguided youth who had taken to terrorism or Maoism, to give up violence and return to the national mainstream.

The Prime Minister quoted Shri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, reflecting on their vision to see India as a “Jagatguru” once again, and called upon all Indians to help convert this vision into reality.

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Happy Father’s Day 2014

June 15, 2014(Sunday) is celebrated in India as Father’s Day. A day exclusively dedicated for our loving dads.

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June including India, but it is also celebrated widely on other days. Father's Day was created to complement Mother's Day, a celebration that honors mothers and motherhood. 

“A dad is someone who

wants to catch you before you fall

but instead picks you up,

brushes you off,

and lets you try again.”

“A dad is someone who

wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way,

even though his heart breaks in silence

when you get hurt. “

“A dad is someone who

holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail...”

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June 5- World Environment Day| Raise your voice .. not the sea level is the theme for 2014

>> World Environment Day ('WED') is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth. It is run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

>> World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.

>> World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

>> World Environment Day 2014 theme is "Raise your voice ... not the sea level".

>> In support of the UN designation of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), WED this year will adopt SIDS in the broader context of climate change as its theme. The main objectives are to help build momentum towards the Third International Conference on SIDS , which will be held in September in Apia, Samoa, and encourage a greater understanding of the importance of SIDS and of the urgency to help protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities, particularly as a result of climate change. WED will be an excellent opportunity to raise a call for solidarity with the islands.

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May 31: World No Tobacco Day 2014

Every year, on 31 May, mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for 10% of adult deaths worldwide. Tobacco kills nearly six million people each year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. Unless we act, the epidemic will kill more than 8 million people every year by 2030. More than 80% of these preventable deaths will be among people living in low-and middle-income countries.

For World No Tobacco Day 2014, WHO and partners call on countries to raise taxes on tobacco. 

The ultimate goal of World No Tobacco Day is to contribute to protecting present and future generations not only from the devastating health consequences due to tobacco, but also from the social, environmental and economic scourges of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Specific goals of the 2014 campaign are that:

>> Governments increase taxes on tobacco to levels that reduce tobacco consumption;

>> Individuals and civil society organizations encourage their governments to increase taxes on tobacco to levels that reduce consumption.

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11th May- National Technology Day

 On 11th May, 1998 India achieved a major technological breakthrough by successfully carrying out nuclear tests at Pokhran. Also first, indigenous aircraft "Hansa-3" was test flown at Bangalore on this day and India also performed successful test firing of the Trishul missile on the same day.

Considering above technological achievements on a particular date i.e. 11th May, the day of 11th May was chosen to be commemorated as National Technology Day.

Technology Day is celebrated as a symbol of quest for scientific inquiry, technological creativity and the translation of that quest in the integration of Science, Society and Industry. This day is also celebrated to honour technological innovations and their successful commercialization which makes fruits of research reach people at large.

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Happy Mother's Day

Sunday, May 11 2014 is celebrated around the world as “Mother’s Day”.  A day dedicated to all mother’s around the world. The only love in nature which is true & pure is a mother’s love. Always love your mom!!!!!!

"When you feel you are alone in the crowd,

When you think no one can understand you,

When your love is rejected by others,

& when you hate your Life,

Just close your eyes, & see, her face who loves you

more than any one else,

who care for you in loneliness,

& dies when you cry.

She is no one, but your sweet loving mother.

Love your mom first and always............."

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!

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April 14- Dr B.R Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti is a festival observed on April 14 every year to commemorate the memory of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.  This day is celebrated as birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar who born on this day in the year 1891. It is a public holiday in all of the Indian states. It is a customary tradition to pay homage to Babasaheb’s statue at the Parliament, New Delhi by the President, Prime Minister, Leaders of prominent parties etc. on this day. It is celebrated throughout the world especially by formerly oppressed communities who embraced Buddhism under his guidance. In India, large number of people visit Babasaheb's statue at the prominent place of their village/city in procession with lot of fanfare of dhol, tasha, dance etc. throughout the day and unto late night.

Know about Dr B.R Ambedkar

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), popularly also known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, politician, philosopher, anthropologist, historian and economist. A revivalist for Buddhism in India, he inspired the Modern Buddhist movement. As independent India's first law minister, he was principal architect of the Constitution of India.

Born into a poor Mahar family, Ambedkar campaigned against social discrimination, the Indian caste system. He converted to Buddhism and is also credited with providing a spark for the conversion of hundreds of thousands of lower caste members to Buddhism. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990. Eventually earning a law degree and doctorates for his study and research in law, economics and political science from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, Ambedkar gained a reputation as a scholar and practiced law for a few years, later campaigning by publishing journals advocating political rights and social freedom for India's untouchables.

Pranab Mukherjee, Manmohan Singh pay tribute to Dr.BR Ambedkar

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Monday(14 April 2014) paid tribute to Chief architect of the Indian constitution Dr.BR Ambedkar on his 123rd birth anniversary.

Dr. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in the town of Mhow in Madhya Pradesh and was independent India's first law minister and principal architect of the Constitution of India.

All central government offices including industrial establishments and Banks will remain closed today on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti.

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March 22, 2014: World Water Day

 >> March 22 is World Water Day. A day to remember the importance of water. A day to remember that Water is precious and each drop needs to be saved for ourselves and for our next generation.

>> But it’s so sad that we remember and talk much about Water only on March 22 and then continue to contaminate and waste it all the other 364 days. If there is no fresh water, there is no life. What makes earth compatible for life itself is water. What would the world do without fresh water? We need it to hydrate our bodies, it’s in the food we eat and the beverages we drink. We use it to clean ourselves, our clothes, our dishes, our cars and everything else around us. You can travel on it or jump in it to cool off on hot summer days. Many of the products that you use everyday, contain it or were manufactured using it. All forms of life need it, and if they don’t get enough of it, they quite simply die.

>> Political disputes have centred around water nowadays. In some places, it’s treasured and incredibly difficult to get. In others, it’s incredibly easy to get and then squandered and wasted. So, as our numbers grow, we have to realise that fresh water is becoming scarce, and there soon will not be enough to go around unless we learn to save it.

>> So friends..its our responsibility to save water. Whenever you use water, remember its importance and reduce its consumption to the absolute minimum. We need to keep that water flowing in our taps and into our homes and what better way than to be a mover and shaker or rather a saver, in your own little way?

Here is the history and importance of World Water Day.

** World Water Day has been observed on 22 March since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared 22 March as "World Day for Water". The UN and its member nations devote this day to implementing UN recommendations and promoting concrete activities within their countries regarding the world's water resources. Each year, one of various UN agencies involved in water issues takes the lead in promoting and coordinating international activities for World Water Day. Since its inception in 2003, UN-Water has been responsible for selecting the theme, messages and lead UN agency for the World Day for Water.

2014 World Water Day Theme: "Water and Energy"

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Message for the World Water Day

"On World Water Day, let us pledge to develop the policies needed to ensure that sustainable water and energy are secured for the many and not just the few".

With Inputs from Various articles available in net

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March 8: International Women's Day

Know about International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is marked on March 8 every year.  In the year 1914, International Women's Day was celebrated on March 8 for the first time. The dates continued to fluctuate till the mid-40's. The UN theme this year is "Equality for Women is Progress for All".

>> International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

>> This year’s theme, “Equality for women is progress for all”  emphasizes how gender equality, empowerment of women, women’s full enjoyment of human rights and the eradication of poverty are essential to economic and social development. It also stresses the vital role of women as agents of development.

Message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the eve of International Women's Day

"Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth. Companies with more women leaders perform better. Peace agreements that include women are more durable. Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support. The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all."

President of India’s message on the occasion of International Women’s Day

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, which is observed every year on March 8, has said: -

“On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to women in all parts of our country. I thank them for their invaluable contribution in the making of our great nation.

Women in India have attained greatness through the ages – in political, academic and spiritual spheres. They enjoyed freedom and equal participation in public life in ancient India. In the Rig Veda, women are placed at the highest pedestal – ‘Yatr nariyastu poojayante ramante tatr devah’ or where women are worshipped, Gods preside there. The Taittriya Upanishad teaches us ‘Matridevo bhava’ or ‘Let your mother be God to you’.

Swami Vivekananda rightly said, “All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That country and that nation which does not respect women has never become great”.

The principle of gender equality is also enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Not only does the Constitution grant equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. Empowerment of women must be regarded as not only an element of our efforts towards gender equality but also a critical step for stimulating their full participation in nation building.

We as a society must work towards changing negative perceptions about women. Women should be provided a safe, secure and congenial environment in which their talents can flower and they can contribute their full share in the building of our nation.

On this International Women’s Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts for the protection and welfare of women. May the celebrations inculcate in every member of our society the highest respect for women.”

Women's Day 2014 doodle featured by Google for second-straight day

>> Women's Day 2014 doodle can be seen on Google's home page across the world. Interestingly, the video-based doodle first made an appearance on the eve of International Women's Day on Friday, and not too surprisingly, it continues to be showcased on the day that celebrates women's achievements in various spheres of life.

>> In the doodle, the Google logo features a play button in the second 'O' of the logo, which also depicts the Venus symbol for women - a small circle, with a cross below it. The Google logo in turn is surrounded by more Venus symbols. Hitting the play button causes a YouTube video to open up. The video has women from all walks of life wishing people Happy International Women's Day. Amongst other famous female personalities, the video features Malala Yousafzai and Asha Bhonsle.

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Republic Day Quiz

1) Who is the chief guest for the 2014 65th Republic Day celebrations of India?

(A) President of Korea

(B) Prime Minister of China

(C) President of Brazil

(D) Prime Minister of Japan

2) The Indian constitution was prepared in how many days?

(A) 2 years 10 months 15 days

(B) 3 years 05 months 14 days

(C) 2 years 04 months 20 days

(D) 2 years 11 months 18 days

3) The Beating retreat ceremony takes place on?

(A) January 23

(B) January 29

(C) January 20

(D) January 24

4) Commander - in - Chief of Indian Armed Forces takes salute on Republic Day Parade. Who is the Commander – in - Chief?

(A) President

(B) Defence Minister

(C) Finance Minister

(D) Foreign Minister

5) When did Constitution of India came into force?

(A) 26 January 1947

(B) 26 January 1950

(C) 15 August 1947

(D) 15 August 1950

6) Who was the first state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi in 1950?

(A) King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck of Bhutan

(B) Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad of Pakistan

(C) President Sukarno of Indonesia

(D) Queen Elizabeth II from United Kingdom

7) Which country has the distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum (four) number of times on Republic Day of India?

(A) Bhutan

(B) Mauritius

(C) Russia

(D) France

8) Who was the chairman of drafting committee of Indian Constitution?

(A) Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru

(B) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(C) Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

(D) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

9) Which among these actors has won a national award for playing the role of Dr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar?

(A) Mammootty

(B) Mithun Chakraborty

(C) Anupam Kher

(D) Nazarudhin Shah

10) Which important human right is protected in Article 21 of the Constitution of India?

(A) Right to Equality        

(B)Right to Freedom of Religion

(C) Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression       

(D) Right to life and liberty        

11) The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the ______________________ .

(A) Government of India Act 1935

(B) Government of India Act 1934

(C) Government of India Act 1932

(D) Government of India Act 1925

12) The ceremony known as ‘Beating Retreat’ is held at…

(A) Rashtrapati Bhavan  

(B) Red Fort 

(C) India Gate        

(D) Vijay Chowk    

13) The Republic Day parade starts from …….

(A) Red Fort

(B) India Gate         

(C) Rashtrapati Bhavan  

(D) Vijay Chowk    

Answers

1) Ans. (D) Prime Minister of Japan

2) Ans. (D) 2 years 11 months 18 days

3) Ans. (B) January 29

4) Ans. (A) President

5) Ans. (B) 26 January 1950

6) Ans. (C) President Sukarno of Indonesia

7) Ans. (D) France

8) Ans. (C) Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

9) Ans. (A) Mammootty

10) Ans. (D) Right to life and liberty

11) Ans. (A) Government of India Act 1935

12) Ans. (D) Vijay Chowk.

13) Ans. (C) Rashtrapati Bhavan          

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Republic Day wishes to all our dear readers & followers….

Republic Day wishes to all our dear readers & followers….

It’s the perfect day, to pray for our country, by heart……. Orange, White and green three colors are there not for to look beautiful. These colors gives us message that we should love each other, live in peace and in unity……Happy Republic Day to all...

On the eve of 65^th Republic Day, lets promise our motherland that we will do everything to enrich and preserve our heritage our ethos and our treasure....

Happy Republic Day.....

We salute out Great Freedom fighters

“JAI HIND”…

“VANDE MATARAM”….

Happy Republic Day…....

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