FirstUp: India celebrates Independence Day, Gaza ceasefire talks to resume...The big news today

Aug. 15, 2024, 1 a.m.

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It’s going to be a busy Thursday.

India will observe its 78th Independence Day, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a speech to the nation from the Red Fort.

Negotiations to end the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza will begin today, with significant implications for the region.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is set to address the Turkish parliament in a special session.

Up to 100 Anna Canteens are scheduled to resume operations in Andhra Pradesh.

Advertisement Here’s a glimpse of what will happen today

India to celebrate 78th Independence Day

India is poised to celebrate its 78th Independence Day today, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This day honours India’s liberation from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, after a prolonged and arduous struggle for freedom.

As part of the ongoing tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise the national flag and address the nation from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, in New Delhi. File Photo/ PTI This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ underscores the vision for a developed India by 2047. The event will feature at least 6,000 special guests, including youth, members of the tribal community, farmers, women, and other distinguished individuals who have excelled in various fields, often with the support of government initiatives.

Furthermore, the Indian contingent that recently participated in the Paris Olympics has also been invited to join the celebrations, adding a layer of pride and honor to the festivities.

Negotiations for Gaza ceasefire deal to resume

Israel and Hamas will resume the halted ceasefire negotiations with a fresh round of talks aiming to finalize a deal.

The high-stakes meeting will involve Qatar, Egypt, and the United States presenting a “final bridge proposal” for a ceasefire-hostage deal.

The agreement was proposed by US President Joe Biden in May – but unresolved disagreements over last-minute demands from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a potential military escalation threaten to disrupt the process.

Advertisement People hold Israeli flags as protesters hold a rally, demanding a ceasefire and the end of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, in New York City. File image/Reuters Biden’s three-phase plan starts with a six-week period during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. This phase includes the release of several hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the implementation of a temporary truce.

The second phase would involve the exchange of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, for a permanent ceasefire. In the third phase, a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza would begin, and any remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families,” the US President said.

Palestinian President Abbas to address Turkish parliament

Advertisement Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to address the Turkish parliament on Thursday in an extraordinary session called during the parliament’s recess.

The session, as Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus stated, aims to “show Türkiye’s strong support for the Palestinian people and their cause and to ensure that the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people is heard around the world."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Reuters During his speech, Abbas will highlight Israel’s attacks on Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza. His address will be simultaneously translated into English, Turkish, and French, ensuring a wide reach.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be present at the session, demonstrating strong support for Palestine. Furthermore, the leaders will visit a photo exhibition at the parliament building showcasing Palestinian culture.

Advertisement Anna Kitchen to reopen in Andhra Pradesh

Anna Canteens are scheduled to resume operations in Andhra Pradesh on Independence Day. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to officially relaunch the subsidized meal program from a canteen in Vijayawada.

The State government plans to reopen 100 Anna Canteens after they were shuttered during the YSR Congress Party’s rule in 2019. District Collectors have made arrangements for the reopening, fulfilling one of the promises made by the NDA in its election manifesto.

“Each meal, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be priced at ₹5 (with a combined breakfast and two meals costing ₹15 per day),” said NTR District Collector G. Srijana to The Hindu.

Anna Canteens will gradually reopen in cities across Andhra Pradesh, including Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Anantapur, Eluru, and others.