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As the Congress voiced displeasure over its president Rahul Gandhi being seated in the sixth row at the main Republic Day event in Delhi, senior party leader Salman Khurshid said it was “more an issue of good manners than protocols”. Gandhi attended the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath and took the designated sixth-row seat, along with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad. “It’s sad if those in power think somebody’s stature is decided by where that person is seated,” Khurshid said. Speaking on the sidelines of…

Marching contingents, strategic defence weaponry and colourful tableaux were on display as India celebrated its 69th Republic Day with a grand parade watched by thousands of people along with ten ASEAN leaders who attended the event as chief guests, in a historic first. Signifying India’s fast growing strategic ties with ASEAN, leaders of all the 10 countries of the powerful bloc attended the parade at the majestic Rajpath which showcased the country’s military might and cultural diversity. Cold weather conditions and dense fog failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands…

Security has been stepped up across Tamil Nadu, particularly at vital installations, in view of the Republic Day celebrations tomorrow, the police said today. A multi-layer security ring has been put in place here around Kamarajar Salai where Governor Banwarilal Purohit will review the Republic Day parade and take the salute. Chief Minister K Palaniswami, state ministers and dignitaries are scheduled to participate in the celebrations on the arterial road facing the Marina Beach. “Commissioners of police in the cities and superintendents in the districts have been tasked with directly…

An NRI fugitive, wanted in the USA to face trial in a drugs case, has been granted bail by a special extradition court here as the US authorities failed to respond to Indian requests seeking clarification over the quantity of contraband seized from him. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur, who presides over the sole Special Extradition Court of India, granted the relief to Sekhon till the time “any response/ clarification” is received from the US authorities, noting that repeated reminders to them had not borne fruit. Terming “liberty and…