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Ram Nath Kovind takes oath as 14th President of India, Modi terms it a ‘significant milestone’

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8 years ago

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Ram Nath Kovind takes oath as 14th President of India, Modi terms it a ‘significant milestone’

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Second Dalit to occupy President’s office since KR Narayanan; talks about an ‘India of Opportunities’ in his maiden address to Parliament

From virtual political anonymity till a few months ago, Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as the 14th President of India in a traditional ceremony organized inside the Central Hall of Parliament on Tuesday.

Kovind, only the second Dalit since KR Narayanan and the first man from Uttar Pradesh to occupy India’s highest constitutional office, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Chief Justice of India, JS Khehar, in the presence of outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his maiden address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, Kovind drew inspiration in large measure from the late Jan Sangh president and RSS icon Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s doctrine of Antyodaya, as he talked at length about “an India that will provide equality of opportunities”.

Kovind, who once was an active albeit low-profile member of the RSS – having led its Dalit-cell – and was the Governor of Bihar until the BJP decided to make him its nominee in the recently concluded Presidential polls, also made a strong pitch for synchronizing the traditional India with aspirations and needs of the India of 21st century.

He talked about his government’s (as he is now not a member of the BJP but Constitutional head of India – and the Union government) efforts towards a Digital India. “The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India. As the gram panchayat must determine our consultative and community based problem solving, the Digital Republic must help us leapfrog developmental milestones. These are the twin pillars of our national endeavour,” Kovind said in his inaugural address after being sworn-in.

Breaking from the tradition followed by most newly sworn-in Presidents, Kovind kept references to individual freedom fighters to a minimum. While completely blacking out any reference to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Kovind made fleeting references to Mahatma Gandhi, stating that “Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters” led by him and hailed Sardar Patel, who “integrated our nation”. He spoke of BR Ambedkar as, predictably, the “principal architect of our Constitution”.

But, at a time when the country is facing a polarizing debate over its citizen’s choice of following a religion, Kovind made at best a tangential mention of India’s secular ethos when he made a brief comment on India’s diversity: “India’s success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, languages, cultures, lifestyles and much more. We are so different and yet so similar and united,” Kovind said.

Kovind even skipped mentioning KR Narayanan – who like him was a Dalit and the first person from the persecuted community to hold the top constitutional office – even while selectively referring to his predecessors who have held the office that he will now grace for at least the next five years

Drawing inspiration from the Antyodaya doctrine, Kovind asserted that “Nations are not built by governments alone. The government can at best be a facilitator, and a trigger for society’s innate entrepreneurial and creative instincts. Nation building requires national pride”. He then went on to hail individual sections of the country’s citizenry – women, soldiers, farmers, weavers, scientists and even start-up entrepreneurs as “nation builders”.

However, as soon as Ram Nath Kovind’s swearing-in ceremony ended, the Central Hall of Parliament also witnessed loud chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ – something that is unprecedented at a President’s oath-taking ceremony and expectedly caused discomfiture to some members of the Opposition and other guests present at the ceremony.

Through the day, greetings from various sections of the society – the power elite and common citizens alike – poured in for Kovind on various social media platforms.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRUNvbmdyYXR1bGF0aW9ucyUyMHRvJTIwU2hyaSUyMFJhbSUyME5hdGglMjBLb3ZpbmQlMjBqaSUyMG9uJTIwdGFraW5nJTIwb2F0aCUyMGFzJTIwdGhlJTIwUHJlc2lkZW50JTIwb2YlMjBJbmRpYS4lMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZyYXNodHJhcGF0aWJodm4lMjIlM0UlNDBSYXNodHJhcGF0aUJodm4lM0MlMkZhJTNFJTNDJTJGcCUzRSUyNm1kYXNoJTNCJTIwTmFyZW5kcmElMjBNb2RpJTIwJTI4JTQwbmFyZW5kcmFtb2RpJTI5JTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGbmFyZW5kcmFtb2RpJTJGc3RhdHVzJTJGODg5NzQ5MzEzMDcyNDEwNjI0JTIyJTNFSnVseSUyMDI1JTJDJTIwMjAxNyUzQyUyRmElM0UlM0MlMkZibG9ja3F1b3RlJTNFJTBBJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwYXN5bmMlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjIlMkYlMkZwbGF0Zm9ybS50d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRndpZGdldHMuanMlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlMEElMjAlMEElM0NibG9ja3F1b3RlJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ0d2l0dGVyLXR3ZWV0JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1sYW5nJTNEJTIyZW4lMjIlM0UlM0NwJTIwbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTIwZGlyJTNEJTIybHRyJTIyJTNFSGVhcnRpZXN0JTIwY29uZ3JhdHVsYXRpb25zJTIwdG8lMjBIb24lMjYlMjMzOSUzQmJsZSUyMFNoJTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGaGFzaHRhZyUyRlJhbU5hdGhLb3ZpbmQlM0ZzcmMlM0RoYXNoJTIyJTNFJTIzUmFtTmF0aEtvdmluZCUzQyUyRmElM0UlMjBqaSUyMG9uJTIwYXNzdW1pbmclMjB0aGUlMjBvZmZpY2UlMjBvZiUyMFByZXNpZGVudCUyMG9mJTIwSW5kaWEuJTIwQmVzdCUyMHdpc2hlcyUyMGZvciUyMGElMjBzdWNjZXNzZnVsJTIwdGVudXJlLiUyMCUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0LmNvJTJGWmJlTDRXTFhZVSUyMiUzRXBpYy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRlpiZUw0V0xYWVUlM0MlMkZhJTNFJTNDJTJGcCUzRSUyNm1kYXNoJTNCJTIwQmh1cGVuZGVyJTIwWWFkYXYlMjAlMjglNDBieWFkYXZianAlMjklMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZieWFkYXZianAlMkZzdGF0dXMlMkY4ODk3NjQ1NzQ3MzEyMjMwNDIlMjIlM0VKdWx5JTIwMjUlMkMlMjAyMDE3JTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRmJsb2NrcXVvdGUlM0UlMEElM0NzY3JpcHQlMjBhc3luYyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMiUyRiUyRnBsYXRmb3JtLnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGd2lkZ2V0cy5qcyUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRSUwQQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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RBI cuts repo rate to 5.25%, paving the way for cheaper loans

The RBI has cut the repo rate to 5.25%, aiming to support growth as inflation softens. The central bank also raised GDP projections and announced liquidity-boosting measures.

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on Thursday, signalling relief for borrowers as banks are expected to offer lower EMIs on home and vehicle loans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the move after the conclusion of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

RBI prioritises growth as inflation eases

Malhotra said the decision was unanimous, with the central bank choosing to focus on supporting economic momentum despite concerns over a weak rupee. The repo rate was earlier cut in June from 6% to 5.5% amid easing inflation trends.

The RBI now projects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2% for FY2025-26, significantly softer than earlier estimates. For the first quarter of FY2026-27, inflation is expected at 3.9%, lower than the previous projection. The governor noted that rising precious metal prices may contribute to the headline CPI, but overall risks to inflation remain balanced.

GDP outlook strengthened

In a strong upward revision, the central bank increased the GDP forecast for the current financial year to 7.3%, previously estimated at 6.8%. Growth for the October–December quarter has also been revised to 6.7%.

The last quarter registered a six-quarter high expansion of 8.2%, reflecting resilient demand and steady credit flow.

“The growth-inflation balance continues to offer policy space,” Malhotra said, reiterating that the RBI’s stance remains neutral.

Other key decisions

Alongside the repo rate cut, the RBI announced adjustments to key policy corridors:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%

To improve liquidity and strengthen monetary transmission, the RBI will conduct forex swaps and purchase ₹1 lakh crore worth of government bonds through Open Market Operations (OMO).

RBI reviews a challenging year

Reflecting on 2025, Malhotra said the year delivered strong growth and moderate inflation even as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persisted. He added that bank credit and retail lending remained healthy, providing support to the economy.

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India News

IndiGo flight chaos deepens as over 500 services cancelled, passengers stranded for hours

Over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded without food, clarity or their luggage as airports struggled to manage the disruption.

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

IndiGo flight

India’s largest airline continued to face massive operational breakdowns, triggering frustration among travellers at major airports across the country. From piles of unattended suitcases to passengers waiting over 12 hours without food or clarity, the disruption stretched into its fourth consecutive day.

Long delays, no communication leave passengers anguished

Several travellers at Delhi airport described the situation as “mental torture”, as thousands of unclaimed suitcases lay scattered across the terminal. Many slept on the floor, while others expressed anger over the lack of communication from airline staff.

One flier said he had been waiting for over 12 hours without any explanation: “Every time they say one-hour or two-hour delays. We were going to a wedding but don’t even have our luggage.”

A passenger in Hyderabad recounted a similar ordeal, saying the flight was delayed indefinitely with no food, water, or updates from the airline. At the airport, some travellers blocked an Air India flight in protest over the lack of arrangements.

Goa and Chennai airports also witnessed tense moments. Videos from Goa showed fliers shouting at IndiGo staff as police attempted to calm the situation. At Chennai, CISF denied entry to IndiGo passengers due to heavy congestion.

Major metro airports impacted; cascading cancellations nationwide

Flight cancellations and delays were reported across multiple airports:

  • Over 200 flights were cancelled in Delhi
  • More than 100 each in Mumbai and Bengaluru
  • Around 90 in Hyderabad
  • Dozens more in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bhopal

Pune airport stated that parking bay congestion worsened the situation, as several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to lack of crew. Other airlines continued operations without disruption.

Airport authorities said they had mobilised additional manpower for crowd control and passenger support.

IndiGo admits planning lapses, says more cancellations expected

The airline acknowledged a “misjudgment” in assessing crew requirements under revised night-duty norms, which it said created planning gaps. Winter weather and airport congestion further aggravated the crisis.

IndiGo informed the aviation ministry and DGCA that some regulatory changes—such as the shift in night-duty timings and a cap on night landings—have been rolled back temporarily to stabilise operations.

The airline warned that cancellations may continue for another two to three days, and from December 8, schedules will be trimmed to prevent further disruption.

In a message to employees, CEO Pieter Elbers said restoring punctuality would not be an “easy target”.

Airline issues apology amid nationwide frustration

In a late-night statement, IndiGo apologised to customers and industry partners, acknowledging the widespread inconvenience caused by the disruptions. The airline said all teams were working with authorities to bring operations back to normal.

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Delhi to install 305 mist sprayers across 9 major pollution hotspots

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in Delhi, alongside expert-led planning and coordinated measures to reduce dust and biomass-related pollution.

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Delhi-NCR air quality

The Delhi government has announced a large-scale deployment of mist sprayer technology to tackle rising air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirming that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in the capital.

Mist sprayers to curb dust at critical locations

During an inspection at ITO, Gupta said the mist sprayers already operational at the site are performing effectively. She noted that 35 poles at ITO have been fitted with these machines, which are helping suppress dust—a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.

According to the Chief Minister, trials conducted in certain NDMC areas have shown promising results, reinforcing confidence in the technology.

High-level committee to guide pollution-control measures

Gupta announced the formation of a high-level expert committee that will advise the government on effective measures to reduce pollution. The panel will include senior officials from various departments as well as environmental specialists, including experts from IITs. Officials stated that the committee will receive special powers to implement pollution-mitigation strategies.

Departments directed to repair roads, add greenery

The Chief Minister said departments including PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fix potholes, repair and carpet roads, plant foliage along dividers and islands, and take other measures to reduce pollution sources.

She urged residents to report potholes on the government portal for quicker action.

Appeal to RWAs to prevent biomass burning

To curb winter pollution, Gupta advised Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to distribute electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning, which significantly contributes to seasonal pollution spikes.

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