Jamui (Bihar) [India], July 17 (ANI): A bus carrying Bihar Military Police (BMP) jawans in the Malaypur area of Bihar's Jamui district met with an accident on Sunday resulting in the injuries of 23 BMP jawans.

New Delhi Jan 26 PTI The grandest flypast with 75 aircraft to mark the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations was the highlight of the 73rd Republic Day Parade on Wednesday where India displayed its military might and vibrant cultural heritage on Rajpath with the ceremonial event this year being drastically scaled down in view of the COVID-19 pandemicShowcased at the Republic Day parade were the Centurion tank PT-76 tank7524 Pack howitzer and OT-62 TOPAZ armoured personnel carrier that played a major role in defeating Pakistan in the 1971 warIndia in 2021 celebrated the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Golden victory year to commemorate the countrys win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation ofBangladesh The mechanised columns of the Army showed one PT-76 tank one Centurion tank two MBT Arjun MK-I tanks one OT-62 TOPAZ armoured personnel carrier one BMP-I infantry fighting vehicle and two BMP-II infantry fighting vehiclesThe ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial a monument to the soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice for the country Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three service chiefs were present at the solemn ceremonyThe prime minister ditched his traditional turban look on Republic Day this year and wore a traditional cap from Uttarakhand with an image of the brahmakamal the state flower and also sported a stole from Manipur Official sources said Modi uses the brahmakamal whenever he offers prayers at the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand Turbans have previously been a highlight of the prime ministers sartorial choices at Independence Day and Republic Day eventsThere was no chief guest at the parade this year However Swachhagrah frontline workers auto rickshaw drivers construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among special guests invited this year to the Republic Day paradeThe parade started at 1030 am this year half-an-hour later than usual for better visibilityCommanded by Lt Gen Vijay Kumar Mishra with Maj Gen Alok Kacker as the second-in-command the parade began with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute The national flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem synchronised with a 21-gun saluteHorse-mounted soldiers of the Indian Armys 61 Cavalry Regiment the only active horsed cavalry unit in the world currently was the first marching contingent at the parade This regiments contingent was led by Major Mrityunjay Singh ChouhanThe parade saw the launch of Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman programme by the National Cadet Corps and a display of ten scrolls each of 75 metres prepared during the Kala Kumbh event besides installation of 10 large LED screens for a better viewing experience of spectatorsThe contingents of security forces were followed by tableaux from states that showcased Indias cultural diversity with themes ranging from the freedom struggle to biodiversity Several government ministries and departments also took out tableaux highlighting flagship initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission The Central Public Works Development tableau paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversaryThe Lok Adalat tableau made its debut on Rajpath this year The theme of the float by National Legal Services Authority was Ek Mutthi Aasman Inclusive Legal System Lok Adalat The front part of the tableau showcased Nyay Sabke Liye a hand gesture of fearlessness guarantee and protectionMartyrs and independence movement was the theme of poll-bound Punjabs tableau while the Department of Posts tableau displayed the robust outreach and the modern face of India Post as well as all-women post offices to showcase the steps taken towards gender equalityDancers from theKunbi community the original inhabitants of Goa and glimpses from the liberation struggle were the highlight of the tableau of the coastal state while Karnatakas skillfully made pots carefully sculpted sandalwood miniatures and rich tradition of handicraft were on display in the states tableau Known otherwise to witness huge bustling crowds across many age groups the annual ceremonial event at Rajpath was scaled down this time in view of the coronavirus pandemic with spectators size drastically cut to 5000 from the 25000 last year In the pre-pandemic times over one lakh spectators used to witness the parade From members of contingents to spectators everyone wore masks The audience maintained the mandated distance while sitting and standing spectators were not allowedOnly double vaccinated adults and children above the age of 15 who have taken at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were allowed to enter the venue Children below 15 years were not permitted to attend There was tight security with personnel maintaining strict vigil Chairs were placed at a distance to ensure social distancing Participants also received a white cap with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav printed on it Delhi was brought under a heavy security cover as the city police had intensified patrolling and sealed the borders of the national capital in coordination with its counterparts from the neighbouring states to thwart any untoward incident amid a terror alert by intelligence agencies Over 27000 police personnel were deployed on Republic Day security duties in Delhi and anti-terror measures intensified PTI TEAM GJS GJS DV DV DV

Islamabad [Pakistan], January 26 (ANI): Throwing light on Pakistan's banking system, a recent report has revealed that complaints by customers in the country's banks have increased by 46 per cent in 2021 over the preceding year.