Barack, Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris during call

 

"She'd be a great president": Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris in a phone call

Former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama called Kamala Harris on Friday, July 26, to announce their support for her presidential candidacy. The roughly one-minute phone call between Kamala Harris and the Obamas was recorded on video. Kamala Harris' endorsement for the Democratic presidential nominee came almost a week after Joe Biden withdrew from the race against Republican Donald Trump, giving way to Kamala Harris.

"We told you in the phone call that Michelle and I couldn't be more proud to support you and that we're going to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office," Barack Obama told Kamala Harris in the phone call. Michelle Obama told Kamala Harris she was proud of her. "This will be historic," she said.

Barack Obama endorsed Kamala Harris in a tweet, saying she would be a "great President." "Earlier this week Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we believe she would be a great President of the United States and have her full support. At this critical moment for our country, we will do everything in our power to help her win in November and we invite you to join us," Barack Obama said. Michelle Obama said, "I am so proud of my friend Kamala. Barack and I are thrilled to support her as the Democratic nominee because of her positivity, sense of humor, and ability to bring light and hope to people across America. We are behind you."

Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Narendra Modi says ‘Pakistan uses proxy war, warns terrorists

Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Narendra Modi says ‘Pakistan uses proxy war, warns terrorists

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Narendra Modi says ‘Pakistan uses proxy war to stay…’, warns terrorists

PM Narendra paid homage to the Kargil war heroes at Kargil War Memorial in Drass to mark the 25th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in 1999.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past but it has has not learned anything from its history. Paying homage to the Kargil war heroes at Kargil War Memorial in Drass to mark the 25th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in 1999, PM Narendra Modi said Pakistan is still trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. Warning supporters of "terrorism" that they would never be successful, Modi said the "enemy" would be given a tough response.

"Today, I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly, I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. PM Modi said, "Our soldiers will use all their strength to crush terrorism and give a befitting reply to the enemy." Follow live updates on PM Modi at Kargil War Memorial, Drass.

The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Drass War Memorial to commemorate the servicemen and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

On 26 July 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful completion of 'Operation Vijay' and declared victory after nearly three months of fighting in the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh.

The day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the war.

PM Modi slams opposition over Agnipath scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the central government's Agnipath scheme and said it is also an example of the reforms needed in the Indian Army. He added that some people thought the Army was about greeting politicians and holding parades. "But for us the Army means the trust of 140 million compatriots," he said.

PM Modi defended Agnipath and said the aim of the programme is to revitalise the Indian Army and keep it always fit for war. "Unfortunately, some people are politicising such a sensitive national security issue. These are the same people who have perpetrated a scam worth hundreds of crores in the army and weakened our armed forces," PM Modi said.

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July 26, 2024 at 04:02PM

Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Narendra Modi says ‘Pakistan uses proxy war, warns terrorists

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Narendra Modi says ‘Pakistan uses proxy war to stay…’, warns terrorists

PM Narendra paid homage to the Kargil war heroes at Kargil War Memorial in Drass to mark the 25th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in 1999.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past but it has has not learned anything from its history. Paying homage to the Kargil war heroes at Kargil War Memorial in Drass to mark the 25th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in 1999, PM Narendra Modi said Pakistan is still trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. Warning supporters of "terrorism" that they would never be successful, Modi said the "enemy" would be given a tough response.

"Today, I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly, I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. PM Modi said, "Our soldiers will use all their strength to crush terrorism and give a befitting reply to the enemy." Follow live updates on PM Modi at Kargil War Memorial, Drass.

The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Drass War Memorial to commemorate the servicemen and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

On 26 July 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful completion of 'Operation Vijay' and declared victory after nearly three months of fighting in the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh.

The day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the war.

PM Modi slams opposition over Agnipath scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the central government's Agnipath scheme and said it is also an example of the reforms needed in the Indian Army. He added that some people thought the Army was about greeting politicians and holding parades. "But for us the Army means the trust of 140 million compatriots," he said.

PM Modi defended Agnipath and said the aim of the programme is to revitalise the Indian Army and keep it always fit for war. "Unfortunately, some people are politicising such a sensitive national security issue. These are the same people who have perpetrated a scam worth hundreds of crores in the army and weakened our armed forces," PM Modi said.

PM Modi in Kargil to commemorate 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas

PM Modi in Kargil to commemorate 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas

 

PM Modi also announced that work will begin on the Sinkung La Tunnel project to improve all-weather connectivity to Leh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that as part of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, he will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to pay his last respects to the brave people who fell in action.

The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Drass War Memorial, is a memorial built by the Indian Army to honour the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The memorial is located at Drass in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh, close to the Line of Control (LoC), the border between India and Pakistan.

Posted on X (formerly Twitter) PM Modi said that the day is special for all Indians. "Today is a day to pay tribute to all those who defended our country. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tribute to our brave heroes."

He also announced that work will begin on the Sinkun La Tunnel project to improve connectivity to Leh in all weather conditions, especially during harsh winters. The project involves the construction of a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of about 15,800 feet on the Nim-Padum-Darcha road.

Once completed, the tunnel will be the tallest tunnel in the world. It will enable quick and smooth movement of troops and other defence equipment across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the India-China border. The project will also boost economic and social development in Ladakh.

Earlier in the day, Army Chief Gen Anil Chouhan said the sacrifices of soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war "were not in vain." "They will provide inspiration and motivation not only to future generations of soldiers but also to the youth of the country," he said. He also conveyed his wishes to members of all ranks of the armed forces, according to a defence ministry statement.

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July 26, 2024 at 08:20AM

Passing Torch To Next Generation": Joe Biden On Exiting US President Race

 

Passing Torch To Next Generation": Joe Biden On Exiting US President Race

America's an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant," he said, warning that democracy is at stake in the November election.

US President Joe Biden told Americans Wednesday that he had dropped out of the 2024 election to unite his party and his country, saying in a historic Oval Office speech that it was time to pass the torch to "younger voices."

In his first televised address since his stunning decision, the 81-year-old hailed his "tough" and "capable" Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, who is set to be the new Democratic presidential nominee.

"The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title," Biden said. "I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation."

Biden bowed out of the race later than any other president in US history on Sunday, giving in to weeks of pressure from Democrats after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age and mental acuity.

Biden used the symbolic setting of the Resolution Desk in his speech, calling for an end to division in U.S. politics. He said the country is stronger than "any dictator or tyrant."

The veteran Democrat said, "There's a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, young voices. And that time and place is now."

"I never wavered."

In a poignant show of support for Biden as he makes the most difficult decision of his political life, most of his family sat in the Oval Office to watch Biden speak.

Among them were his wife, Jill, and daughter Ashley, who held his hand near the end of his remarks, Biden's embattled son Hunter, and several of Biden's grandchildren.

Jill Biden then posted a letter to

Biden's withdrawal marked a turn of events for the Trump campaign, which had previously focused on the president's age and mental acuity. Now, at 78, Trump is the oldest candidate in U.S. history.

After surviving an assassination attempt on July 13, President Trump initially called for unity, but after Biden's speech, he showed no mercy.

"Joe Biden's fraudulent speech in the Oval Office was almost incomprehensible and extremely bad!" Trump said on social media.

Republicans called for Biden to resign completely, saying that if he is not fit to run for reelection, he is unfit to serve as president.

However, Biden stressed that he is not a "lame duck" and will continue to work on the economy and important foreign policy issues for the remainder of his term.

"For the next six months, I will be focused on my job as president," he said.

"Madman"

A key objective is a Middle East peace agreement, a landmark dream pursued by many U.S. presidents before Biden.

Biden, who has stepped up his criticism of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.

But in a sign of how quickly things are changing, Netanyahu will also sit separately from Harris that day and is due to meet with Trump in Florida on Friday.

The U.S. election campaign is in full swing without Biden.

At his first rally since Harris won enough delegates to become the de facto Democratic nominee, Trump called her "another victim."

"She's a far-left madman who's destroying our country," he said, and accused Harris of covering up Biden's "mental unfitness."

The White House had previously denied there was a "cover-up" about Biden's condition.

Capt Vikram Batra’s memories live on

 

                 Captain Vikram Batra’s father GL Batra next to his portrait at his Chandigarh home

Girdhari Lal Batra, father of Captain Vikram Batra, holds his son's Yamaha RX100 bike and the letters

in his hands. Hidden under a checkered tablecloth in an inconspicuous parking lot, the Yamaha RX100 was all the rage in the 80s and early 90s and is rarely ridden, but its owner treasures it.

Just the sight of it brings back memories of simpler times for GL Batra, father of Kargil martyr and Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardee Captain Vikram Batra. They are a simple Hindu Punjabi family consisting of educationist Girdhari Lal Batra and Kamal Kanta Batra with twin sons Vikram. Vikas and his two daughters Seema and Nutan live in Palampur, a small mountain town.

His elder son Vikram, remembered as a cheerful but disciplined boy, moved to Chandigarh to pursue a science degree at DAV College, Sector 10, where he enrolled in the National Cadet Corps and so began his storied journey.

Beers of the Past

His father Vikram remembers him as being passionate about every task he undertook. "Be it karate, table tennis or debating competitions at school or in his role as an NCC cadet in college, he always gave his best," says a still-healthy GL Batra as he climbs the spiral staircase to his apartment.

After being rated the best NCC cadet in North India and selected to march in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, Vikram considered joining the merchant navy.

"He changed his mind at the last minute and told his mother, 'I want to make something of myself,'" his father recalls, adding that after a pensive night in the hostel, his son and his friends decided to join the army.

The heroic tale that followed is well documented. The 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles' Delta Company captured Point 5140, pushing back Pakistani forces led by Vikram Batra, who has since been promoted to captain.

"He always had leadership qualities. Even when he was younger, his friends often followed his example. He was also brave. "I remember him jumping from a school bus after the door broke and a girl fell out," his father recalls.

The Captain hoisted the tricolour at Point 5140 and recited the now famous slogan "Yeh Dil Mange More (Hearts Want More)" before volunteering for another successful mission, the capture of Point 4875. In the attack he killed five Pakistani soldiers. In hand-to-hand combat he destroyed a machine gun nest, giving the Indian forces a major strategic advantage at a critical moment.

Here the Captain was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper during an evacuation operation of a wounded company member.

"Just before tensions began in Kargil, Vikram was at home. He often went with friends to Joy Restaurant for coffee. His friend Amit once told him to be careful in the face of impending danger. Vikram's immediate response was, "Either I hoist the tricolour or come back wrapped in it. He did both. I am extremely proud," he said, recalling the moment he received a congratulatory call from then Chief of Army Staff Gen. Malik Vikram on his victory at Peak 5140.

Trinkets to save

Over the years, the family has found ways to keep his memory alive. His elder brother Vikas occasionally takes to the road on his old RX100, while their father looks over the letters he wrote to them from the battlefield.

PM Modi in Kargil to commemorate 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas

 

PM Modi also announced that work will begin on the Sinkung La Tunnel project to improve all-weather connectivity to Leh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that as part of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, he will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to pay his last respects to the brave people who fell in action.

The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Drass War Memorial, is a memorial built by the Indian Army to honour the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The memorial is located at Drass in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh, close to the Line of Control (LoC), the border between India and Pakistan.

Posted on X (formerly Twitter) PM Modi said that the day is special for all Indians. "Today is a day to pay tribute to all those who defended our country. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tribute to our brave heroes."

He also announced that work will begin on the Sinkun La Tunnel project to improve connectivity to Leh in all weather conditions, especially during harsh winters. The project involves the construction of a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of about 15,800 feet on the Nim-Padum-Darcha road.

Once completed, the tunnel will be the tallest tunnel in the world. It will enable quick and smooth movement of troops and other defence equipment across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the India-China border. The project will also boost economic and social development in Ladakh.

Earlier in the day, Army Chief Gen Anil Chouhan said the sacrifices of soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war "were not in vain." "They will provide inspiration and motivation not only to future generations of soldiers but also to the youth of the country," he said. He also conveyed his wishes to members of all ranks of the armed forces, according to a defence ministry statement.