Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian Army, ex-servicemen, Veeranganas, and their families on the occasion of the 77th Army Day, celebrated on January 15. He commended the Army’s pivotal contribution to India’s progress towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.

Speaking on the theme “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena,” PM Modi praised the Indian Army’s unmatched dedication and sacrifices, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the nation and fostering its growth.

A legacy of valor and transformation

Army Day marks a significant milestone in India’s history, commemorating the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, taking over from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi highlighted the Army’s professional excellence, their ability to tackle diverse challenges, and their unwavering commitment to national security.

“Our Army has a glorious history of managing inaccessible borders, disaster situations, and internal challenges. Their discipline and professionalism have earned them global recognition,” the statement read.

Embracing modernity and self-reliance

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the transformative strides the Indian Army has made in recent years. From enhancing strategic capabilities to spearheading initiatives for self-reliance in defense production, the Army has adapted to meet modern demands effectively.

“Unprecedented steps have been taken in the last decade to strengthen our military forces and achieve self-sufficiency in defense production. The indomitable spirit of our armed forces will play a critical role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he remarked.

A tribute to courage and sacrifice

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers, PM Modi emphasized the gratitude of the nation. “The nation remembers with reverence the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our soldiers in serving Maa Bharti. On behalf of all Indians, I salute the brave martyrs, Veer Naaris, and ex-servicemen.”

The 77th Army Day serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s enduring legacy and its critical role in shaping a strong and self-reliant India.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court granted protection from arrest until February 14 to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who had been accused of cheating and improperly claiming OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.

A bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notices to the Delhi government and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) regarding Khedkar’s request for anticipatory bail. The bench directed, “Issue notice returnable on February 14, 2025. Until the next hearing date, no coercive actions shall be taken against the petitioner.”

During the proceedings, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Khedkar, contended that the High Court had made strong remarks against her when it dismissed her bail plea. The Supreme Court remarked that Khedkar had not yet faced any punitive actions, stating, “No one had touched her.”

Luthra argued that should the case proceed to trial, it would likely result in a conviction due to the substantial findings made by the High Court. When the Supreme Court inquired about Khedkar’s current situation, Luthra revealed that she had lost her job and was seeking legal recourse.

The court scheduled the next hearing for February 14, 2025. Khedkar is accused of providing false information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination to benefit from reservation quotas. She has denied all allegations against her.

In dismissing her anticipatory bail request, the High Court established a strong prima facie case against Khedkar and stated that further investigation was necessary to uncover a “larger conspiracy” involving attempts to manipulate the examination system. The court noted that granting bail could be detrimental to this investigation.

“Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated,” the High Court concluded. Khedkar had previously been granted interim protection when the court issued notice regarding her bail application on August 12, 2024, which had subsequently been extended.

The High Court emphasized that the UPSC examination is a prestigious evaluation, and this case exemplified fraud against a constitutional entity and the public. The anticipatory bail plea faced opposition from Delhi Police counsel and the complainant, the UPSC. Khedkar’s legal team argued for her cooperation with the investigation, noting that all evidence was documentary in nature, thus indicating that her custody was not necessary. However, the Delhi Police insisted on her custodial interrogation to uncover the potential involvement of others in the case.

The UPSC opposed Khedkar’s bail plea, claiming she had committed fraud against it and the public, asserting that her interrogation was essential to revealing the “magnitude” of the fraud, which they believed required the assistance of others. The commission has initiated various actions against Khedkar, including filing a criminal complaint for allegedly utilizing fraudulent means in the civil services examination, leading to the Delhi Police filing an FIR for several offences.

Veteran Kannada film and television actor Sarigama Viji passed away on Wednesday, January 15, due to multiple organ failure at the age of 77. He is survived by two children.

Reports indicate that Sarigama Viji had been struggling with age-related health issues and succumbed to multiple organ failure following several days of treatment at a private hospital near Yeshwanthpur. His condition turned critical on January 12, resulting in his hospitalization, and he took his last breath at 9:45 AM on Wednesday.

Former Karnataka minister K. Gopalaiah expressed his condolences on X, stating, “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Sarigama Viji, a veteran artiste in Kannada cinema and a renowned comedian.” He added, “The death of Sarigama Viji, who touched the hearts of Kannadigas with his performances in hundreds of films, represents an irreplaceable loss to the Kannada cinema industry. I pray for eternal peace for his soul.”

His last rites will be conducted at the crematorium near TR Mill in Chamarajpet between 10 AM and 12 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Viji’s body will be taken to his residence in Mahalakshmipuram so fans and loved ones can pay their final respects to the cherished actor.

Viji began his career as a theatre artist and made his film debut in “Beluvalada Madilall.” By 2018, he had acted in 269 films, portraying a variety of roles including comedic, supporting, and antagonistic characters. He also had a rich career in theatre and television, gaining recognition for his role in the iconic play “Samsaradalli Sarigama,” which earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Sarigama Viji.’

In addition to his acting, Viji worked as an assistant director on over 80 films. His significant collaborations with Kannada veteran actor Tiger Prabhakar and director V. Somashekar played a crucial role in his career, which spanned more than four decades.

Sarigama Viji was a beloved figure in the Kannada film and television industry, and he was celebrated for his exceptional talent and memorable performances. His passing represents a profound loss to the industry, leaving behind a void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues.

The contributions of Sarigama Viji to Kannada cinema will be remembered, ensuring that his legacy endures. His remarkable portrayal in the play “Samsaradalli Sarigama” helped establish him as a prominent figure, endearing him to audiences as Sarigama Viji.