Independence Day Highlights: Tricolour will fly high only if everyone has access to good & free healthcare, education, says Kejriwal

Independence Day celebrated with patriotic fervour across Telangana

The country's 76th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across Telangana on Monday with common people, besides political parties and other organisations, enthusiastically hoisting the national flag at their homes. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unfurled the National Flag at the historic Golconda fort

Tricolour will fly high only if everyone has access to good & free healthcare, education: Kejriwal

The tricolour will fly high only when every Indian has access to good and free healthcare and education, said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday.

Speaking at the Delhi government's Independence Day event at Chhatrasal Stadium here, Kejriwal said that free education and healthcare are not freebies and crucial to make the nation developed.

Indian mountaineer takes tricolour to Europe’s highest peak on Independence Day

Indian mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya on Monday unfurled the tricolour on Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, to mark India’s 76th Independence Day.

Dehariya, 30, who hails from the hamlet of Tamia in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, timed her expedition to hit the peak just in time to celebrate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' with the tricolour.

India donates 15,000 bicycles to Madagascar on the occasion of Independence Day

A 750-square feet national flag displayed at Lal Chowk in Srinagar

India’s women are stepping forward with new confidence, says PM Modi

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'Bharat ki Mitti' endowed with extraordinary strength; we must take pride in our heritage: PM Modi

Hailing India as a "mother of democracy", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it is endowed with an "extraordinary strength" that sailed her through the freedom struggle, and also asserted that every Indian must take pride in its heritage as the country moves forward on the path of development.

In his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, he also said there has been a "resurgence in collectiv

PM flags 'holier than thou' problem, asks for how long world will 'distribute certificates to us'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hit out at the "holier than thou" problem prevailing in the world that is creating tensions and asserted that it is India that has given the mantra of 'the world is one family'.

In his ninth consecutive speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, Modi also asked how long the world will "continue to distribute certificates to us" and how long India will live on such certificates.

"Will we not set our own standards? Can a country of 130 crore not make efforts to exceed its standards?" he asked.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hoists tricolour at his residence in Delhi

PM's speech inspires all Indians to contribute towards making India prosperous: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Independence Day address, saying it inspires every Indian to contribute towards making the country prosperous.

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the prime minister called upon every Indian citizen to work with determination for all-round growth of the country and fight unitedly against the challenges that hinder development.

"PM Shri @narendramodi gave a wonderful speech from the Red Fort. It inspires every Indian to contribute towards making a prosperous India," he said.

Former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani unfurls national flag at his residence

The BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on Monday unfurled the national flag at his residence here to mark the 76th Independence Day.

His daughter Pratibha Advani and son Jayant Advani were present along with others on the occasion.

“Shri L K Advani ji hoisted the national flag on 76th Independence Day (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) at his residence,” the veteran BJP leader's office said in a statement.

Advani, 94, who was one of the co-founders of the BJP and who also served as the Union Home Minister during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime, has been unfurling the national flag at his residence on the Independence Day for the last several decades, except when he had been away. - PTI.

Children from Government High School Chikkabidarakallu perform during the 76th Independence Day parade cultural programme at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru. Credit: DH Photo/ S K Dinesh

Rahul Gandhi refuses to comment on PM's criticism of dynastic politics in I-Day speech

Indian football team manager Igor Stimac extends wishes on Independence Day

No space for hate, separatism in India's culture, says Hemant Soren

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday said honest efforts were on to build a strong Jharkhand to fulfill the aspirations of the people for which a separate state was created.

Hoisting the national flag at Ranchi's Morabadi Ground, Soren said there is no space for hatred and separatism in India's culture and its foundation lies in encompassing all.

"Our government is constantly striving to build a strong state on the foundation of development and democracy. We are making strong and honest attempts to fulfill the aspirations for which a separate state was created," he said.

Soren said that though the tribals and downtrodden were empowered socially, financially and economically during the last 75 years, the goal of establishing an egalitarian society could not be achieved. - PTI.

Nobody displays Pakistani flag in Kashmir now: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha

Asserting that days of fear, corruption and militancy were over, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said nobody displays a Pakistani flag in the Valley now.

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Judiciary, legislature, executive need to work in tandem to solve larger issues: Law Minister Rijiju

Judiciary, legislature and executive face unique challenges but they will have to work together to solve the problems of a vast country like India, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday.

Speaking at the 75th Independence Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in the apex court complex, he said it is easy to criticise or make sweeping comments against the system unless one feels the pinch.

"No country faces the challenges which India is facing… It is very easy to pass comments saying legislature, executive and judiciary should do that and this, and how judiciary should end pendency in two years. It is very easy to make sweeping comments but it's not easy unless you go inside and feel the pinch. If we don't understand each other, we will never be able to face the problem of this country. We will have to come together. There is no excuse...," Rijiju said. - PTI.

Indians across globe celebrate 75th anniversary of India's independence

Indians across the world on Monday enthusiastically celebrated the 75th anniversary of India's independence by hoisting the Tricolour and singing the national anthem and patriotic songs at the country's missions.

India's Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat hoisted the Tricolour at the Indian Embassy. A large number of Beijing-based Indian diaspora attended the colourful event.

After the flag hoisting, Rawat read out President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation.

Later, members of the Indian diaspora presented cultural programmes.

In the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Indian Consulate General Shambhu Hakki who is also a “musician by passion” released his latest song Sabse Pyara Desh Mera, a musical tribute to India on its 76th Independence Day.

In Singapore, a 16-member band from the patrol vessel INS Saryu played patriotic songs at the Indian High Commission in the country as part of the Indian Navy's initiative to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav across six continents.

INS Saryu, with a crew of 160, is on a visit to Singapore to hoist the Tiranga (Tricolour), the High Commission said on Monday. More than 800 Indians joined High Commissioner P Kumaran in celebrating National Day at the Grange Road High Commission complex. - PTI.

Pinarayi Vijayan talks about 'federalism' in Independence Day speech

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday used his Independence Day speech to state that the very existence of the nation is centered around the principles of federalism.

He was the chief guest at the impressive parade that was held as part of the 75th anniversary of Independence. Vijayan took the salute at the parade held next door to his office at the Central Stadium.

"The existence of the nation is centered around the principles of federalism. A strong Centre and happy states besides the local self government institutions turning into local governments is the foundation of federalism. Taking good care of the economy is also part of federalism and when there are enough funds available for taking forward development, then only the benefits of federalism will reach the people," said Vijayan. - IANS.

Sundar Pichai wishes India on I-Day with Google Doodle

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday extended wishes to Indians on the occasion of the country's 75th Independence Day with a Google Doodle.

The Doodle, illustrated by Kerala-based guest artist Neethi, celebrates India's 75th Independence Day by showcasing the age-old tradition of flying kites.

Anushka, Virat wish all Indians around the world: Happy Independence Day

Star couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli shared a picture on social media and wished all Indians around the world a very happy Independence Day on Monday.

Anushka shared a picture on Instagram, posing with cricketer husband Virat Kohli and the Indian flag.

"Celebrating 75 years of our Independence Wishing all the Indians around the world a very #HappyIndependenceDay ! Jai Hind," she wrote as the caption.

Priyanka Chopra celebrates Independence Day with throwback video

India is celebrating 75 years of its freedom from British colonial rule. As the nation soaks in the grand celebrations, B-town isn't far behind in expressing their love for the nation and marking the special day on their social media.

While Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan hoisted the Indian tricolour at his residence, Mannat, on Sunday evening under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative. On Monday, global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a video in the story section of her Instagram.

The video shows paper cutting of an old newspaper which notified about India finally getting the independent status. The headline read: "India Independent: British Rule Ends".

The newspaper cutting is followed by a monochrome clip of the Indian tricolour being hoisted in Delhi's Red Fort in the past, followed by coloured video clip of the flag hoisting signifying the present day. Priyanka wrote on the video: "#HappyIndependenceDay".

Akshay Kumar: Let's always cherish this freedom

Known for making films with a feel of patriotism such as 'Baby', 'Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty', 'Airlift' and 'Kesari', to name a few, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar on India's Independence Day asked everyone to "always cherish this freedom".

Akshay took to social media, where he shared a picture of himself posing with the flag.

Kangana down with dengue, yet 'empowered by spirit of national celebration'

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is down with dengue, says that although she could not leave her room, the spirit of national celebration has taken over her in the most empowering way.
Kangana, on India's 75th Independence Day on Monday, posted a picture of her in bed getting an IV on her Instagram story.

"Couldn't get out of my room lekin the spirit of national celebration has taken over me in the most empowering way.. From my home staff, nurses and gardeners all congratulating each other, I heard Honourable Prime Minister speech this Morning."

"They say one person can change the world, stands true for our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji never in my life I saw such an euphoria of nationalism, duty and optimism for future among people...."

Home Minister Amit Shah greets people on Independence Day

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday greeted people on Independence Day and said it is an occasion to be proud of India's culture, vibrant democratic tradition and achievements over the last 75 years.

In a message, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling the brave freedom fighters' dream of a strong and self-reliant India by giving paramount importance to the national interest.

"It is a day to be proud of India's culture, vibrant democratic tradition and achievements over the last 75 years.

"I pay my homage to our freedom fighters who brought us freedom and our brave soldiers who sacrificed everything for the defence of the nation,” he said.

CM Basavaraj Bommai, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Katil, Ministers, MPs and other leaders are participate in the 'Amrutha Bharathige Karunada Jatre' programme, organised by Karnataka state BJP, at Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium

Embassy of India in Madagascar nd Comoros extends wishes for Independence Day

Embassy of India, Manila extends wishes on Independence Day

Embassy of Japan in India presents a vocal & instrumental rendition of the National Anthem on India's Independence Day

Bill Gates congratulates PM Modi for prioritising healthcare, digital transformation in Independence Day message

Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj unfurling Tricolour at Raigad Fort. Credit: Special arrangement

French President Emmanuel Macron extends wishes to India on Independence Day

Indian, Pakistani soldiers exchange sweets at Attari-Wagah Border

Tejasvi Surya pays tributes to warriors of Kargil at Kargil War Memorial

Boston marks first-ever India Day Parade to celebrate 75th anniversary of India's independence

A 220-feet US-India flag flying high in the sky over Boston attracted everyone's attention during the first-ever India Day Parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's independence in the historic American city.

Marked by bands of veterans, scores of floats reflecting the diversity of both India and the United States, amidst a patriotic flavor and songs, the Indian Day Parade was attended by thousands of people from more than 30 countries.

Led by former Indian cricket player R P Singh, it was addressed by several politicians from Massachusetts and New England along with many eminent Indian-Americans from the region. - PTI.

Dravidian model takes forward Mahatma Gandhi's vision, says M K Stalin

The ideal of secularism and brotherhood championed by Mahatma Gandhi is the urgent need for the nation today and the DMK regime's Dravidian model embodied all such lofty principles for the common good of all sections of people, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said here on Monday.

Mahatma Gandhi epitomised all lofty humanitarian principles like secularism, equality, brotherhood, simplicity, honesty and discipline and he is among the great national symbols that should be reminded often to people, he said in his Independence Day address after unfurling the tricolour from Fort St George.

"These are the urgent and necessary ideals for the nation today. We are administering the Dravidian model government which encompasses all such ideals. Social justice, equality, self respect, racial rights, state autonomy, love for language". - PTI

Let us pledge to build an India that our forefathers envisaged, says TMC in Independence Day message

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari extends wishes on Independence Day

"Glory to our great Nation. Salute all the known and unknown martyrs, revolutionaries and freedom fighters of the Nation on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day. Heartiest greetings and felicitations to all on Independence Day."

PM Modi greets NCC cadets at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with NCC cadets dressed in traditional attire and seated in the geographical formation of the map of India in front of Red Fort's ramparts.

After his speech on the 75th anniversary of India's independence, Modi walked in the "Gyan Path" enclosure. He waved at and greeted the cadets.

The prime minister encouraged the cadets from Punjab and Gujarat to perform their folk dances -- Bhangra and Garba -- as he cheered for them. He also shook hands with some cadets, striking brief interactions.

A total of 792 NCC cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) from different schools across the country took part in the festival of national fervour. - PTI.

Poised for a big leap

Perhaps it is apt that India’s golden star in the Olympic firmament has a spear in his hand, and his predecessor at the top of the podium, a gun. Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra are no warriors but both had to embody that spirit to break down barriers and cross over to unexplored territories, coming as they did from a country with little history of success in their chosen fields.

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Needed: a shared purpose in science & tech

In the 75th year of our independence, we should celebrate, introspect, and urgently put our shoulders to the wheel at the centre of our flag and ensure that we are effective in enabling the use of science in social and economic transformation through sustainable growth.

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CWG gold medal-winner Nikhat Zareen extends Independence Day wishes

'Narcissistic' government is downplaying sacrifices of freedom fighters, says Sonia Gandhi

Actor Rajinikanth extends wishes on Independence Day

US & India are indispensable partners, says Joe Biden

The US and India are indispensable partners, President Joe Biden has said and recalled Mahatma Gandhi's "enduring message of truth and non-violence" to honour 75 years of India's democratic journey.

This year, the US and India also celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Biden said, underling that the two democracies will continue to stand together to defend the rules-based order, advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and address the challenges that the world is facing.

"As people around the world, including nearly four million (40 lakh) proud Indian-Americans, celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's independence on August 15, the United States joins the people of India to honour its democratic journey, guided by Mahatma Gandhi's enduring message of truth and non-violence," Biden said in a statement. - PTI.

Rise and sway of the Sangh Parivar

The demolition of the Babri Masjid, with neither state nor central forces caring to save the monument, signalled to many that the Hindu Rashtra was here.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wishes nation on 76th Independence Day

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists Tricolour at his residence

Security beefed up in eastern India for Independence Day celebrations

Security has been tightened in all eastern and northeastern states of India in the wake of the Independence Day celebrations, as people gear up to take part in various events organised on the occasion in almost every street and alley.

Administration and police across states have been put on high alert to ensure that no untoward incident comes in the way of the celebrations.

In Assam, a multilayer security has been put in place across parade grounds and other sensitive places after banned militant groups ULFA(I) and NSCN called for a "boycott" of Independence Day programmes and a "total shutdown" in five states of the northeast, a top police officer said. - PTI.

Punjab Guv pays reverence to those who sacrificed for India's freedom

Extending greetings on the historic completion of 75 years of India's Independence, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday paid reverence to all those self-sacrificing, devoted leaders and patriots who struggled, strived and sacrificed their lives for country's freedom.

"I also pay tributes to the brave members of our armed forces who laid down their lives while protecting the integrity and boundaries of our country," the Governor said in a message on India's 75th Independence Day.

"This Independence Day assumes all the more importance as it marks not only the completion of 75 years of our evolutionary journey but also connotes the seven and a half decades of our united efforts towards making the country's presence felt in the whole world as a fastest growing economy and a powerful nation. - IANS.

Gender equality crucial parameter of unity, says PM Modi

Gender equality is the key to a united India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76thIndependenceDay.

Speaking on the significance of a united nation, Modi said India has much to teach the world on the concept of unity which begins with the family structure.

"We should celebrate the diversity of India....At home too, the roots of unity are sowed when both the son and the daughter are equal. If they are not, the mantra of unity cannot reverberate.

"Gender equality is a crucial parameter of unity," the prime minister said. - PTI.

Respect for women important pillar for India's growth: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said respect for women is an important pillar for India's growth and stressed the need to extend support to 'Nari Shakti'.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, he said it is important that in speech and conduct "we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women".

"A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women. Can we take a pledge to get rid of this from our behaviour and values," he posed. - PTI.

Track Live Updates on PM's Independence Day Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi examined the inter-services and police Guard of Honour as he arrived at the Red Fort on Monday to deliver his ninth consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the iconic monument.

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Tri-Services band performs during the 76th Independence Day function at the Red Fort. Credit: PTI Photo

Red Fort under a hawk-eyed vigil.

The Mughal-era fort has a multi-layered security cover with more than 10,000 security personnel deployed at the venue.

Around 7,000 invitees will arrive at the Red Fort and a five-kilometre area around the Red Fort has been marked as a "no kite flying zone'' till the tricolour is hoisted.

Security cover has been beefed up across the national capital and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations based on intelligence inputs received via central agencies.

From facial recognition system (FRS) cameras installed at the entry point of the Red Fort to multi-layered security cover and deployment of over 400 kite catchers and fliers on rooftops and other sensitive locations in the fort area to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms, the area has been completely secured, a senior police official said.

Borders have also been sealed to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the national capital and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt the law and order situation, the police official said.

The multi-layered security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine units and sharpshooters on high-rise buildings, has been placed around the Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social distancing norms will be must like last year due to the Covid pandemic.

Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) had said provisions of Section 144 have already been instituted in Delhi. Anyone seen flying kites, balloons or Chinese lanterns from August 13 to August 15 till the end of the programme at Red Fort will be punished.

Anti-drone systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation and other security agencies have also been installed, police said.

"Kite catchers have been deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations and they will prevent any kind of kite, balloon and Chinese lanterns from reaching the function area.

"Radars will be deployed at Red Fort to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects," Pathak had said.

During the prime minister's Independence Day address in 2017, a kite had landed just below the podium. The prime minister had, however, continued with his address unfazed.

The police had on July 22 issued an order prohibiting the flying of aerial objects such as paragliders, hang gliders and hot air balloons, and this will remain in force till August 16, they said.

Around 1,000 high-specification cameras have been installed in the North, Central and New Delhi district units to contain aerial objects. These cameras will also help monitor the VVIP route to the monument, police said.

On Friday, the Delhi Police had recovered over 2,200 live cartridges near Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminal and arrested six people in this connection.

Police are also carrying out massive checks for Improvised Explosive Devices. The personnel have been briefed about adequate security, training and deployment as per plans.

According to the advisory, traffic for general public around Red Fort will remain closed from 4 am to 10 am on Monday.

In line with the "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to wear a white safa with tricolour stripes and a long trail for his 76th Independence Day look.

The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of the country's independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebrations.

Wearing the traditional kurta and churidar paired with a blue jacket and black shoes, Modi hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of the Red Fort and addressed the nation for the ninth consecutive time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi examined the inter-services and police Guard of Honour as he arrived at the Red Fort on Monday to deliver his ninth consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the iconic monument.

He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt.

India is celebrating 75 years of Independence with more than 20 crore flags likely to be hoisted atop houses across India.

WATCH: PM Modi addresses nation on 75 years of independence

Celebrating democratisation or hollowing it out?

Name-calling essential investments for building human capital to close the inequality gap between the poor, the vulnerable, and the discriminated as "freebies" as the Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar, did or describing it as "revadi culture" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did in July is an unacceptable assault on the ideas of federalism and plural politics.

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India@100: Of pride, not prejudice

The future lies not in the romance of old sporting tales, but on the still-slender shoulders of young dreamers and doers willing to internalise the pride, not the prejudices, of those who preceded them.

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75 years of independence: A pledge we made to ourselves

Defying dire warnings that it would be a land cleft asunder within a decade, the Republic of India, a profoundly feudal and impoverished country at the time of its independence and fraught with casteist, religious and linguistic divisions, has survived as a strong nation-state.

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Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Where does India stand on freedom?

August is a holy month for Indians. It was on the night of 14th and 15th August 1947, the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru declared: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to new when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation long suppressed, finds utterance”.

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PM Modi extends greetings to citizens on India's 76th Independence Day

Happy Independence Day: Read our special edition here

Dear readers, as India completes 75 years of independence, Deccan Herald wishes you a very happy Independence Day. With our special edition, we ruminate on India's 75-year-old journey, the strides we made as a country, the humps and the many more miles we are yet to travel. As we celebrate the nation's independence, it is also a reminder to ourselves to safeguard our individual freedoms and fight for the rights we clinched on 15th August 1947. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we did ideating and creating it for you.

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Good morning readers, DH wishes you a very Happy Independence Day. As India completes 75 years of Independence, join us to see how people across the globe celebrate 76th Independence Day. Track this blog for latest updates.