India just celebrated 75th Republic Day on 26th January, 2024. President Draupadi Murmu hoisted the National Flag at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. This year French President Emmanuel Macron was present as the chief guest. This year’s theme for the Republic Day were ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Loktantra ki Matruka’ . The parade followed the route from Vijay Chawk to Kartavya Path. 13000 special guests were present. Throughout the parade 13000 women joined the centre stage to display national strength and vibrance . For the first time in history 100 women artists played Indian musical instruments. Also an all women Tri – Service contingent marching was seen down the Kartavya Path. The contingent of the Central Armed Police Forces was also represented by only women personnel . Women pilots participated during the fly – past. These were arranged to show the power of our women or ‘ Nari Shakti.’ The Indian National Flag was unfurled by Major Soumya Shukla ASC and followed by the National Anthem . It was associated with a 21 gun salute given with the indigenous gun system 105 mm Indian field guns . Four Mi- 17 IV helicopters of 105 Helicopter units showered flower petals on the audience. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar , General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area , a second – generation Army officer and Major General Sumit Mehta,Chief of Staff, Head Quarters, Delhi was the Second- in- Command. For the first time ever the French Air and Space force joined the fly past with two French Rafales and one A330 MRTT . It is for the first time ever that any foreign country participated in the fly past. The highest gallantry awards were awarded . Param vir Chakra winners – Subedar Major ( Honorary Captain ) , Yogendra Singh Yadav ( Retd. ) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar ( Retd. ) and Ashok Chakra winners -Major General CA Pithawalla ( Retd. ) , Colonel D. Sreeram Kumar and Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh ( Retd. ) .
A . Read the passage and answer the questions below – 1×5=5
1 . Who was present as the chief guest in the Republic Day celebration?
2. Which foreign country participated in the fly past for the first time ?
3. Which was the theme of the Republic Day 2024 ?
4. How many women joined at the centre stage to participate in the ceremony.
5. How many women artists played Indian musical instruments?
B . Fill in the blanks with information from the text – 1×4=4
1 . India started to celebrate Republic Day from ———————.
2. The parade followed the route ———————————————————–.
3. The gun used for the purpose of gun salute ————————————————-.
4. Four Mi- 17 IV helicopters ———————————————————-.
C. Answer the questions in brief –
1 . Write the names of those brave soldiers who were awarded with highest gallantry awards? 3
2. On this year’s Republic Day, many things happened for the first time in history. Mention those . 3
Writing Skills –
1 . Write a newspaper report based on the above passage. 10
2. Write a paragraph on the 75th Republic Day Celebration in India. 10
3. Write a notice as the Head of the institution to inform every student to join in the Republic Day ceremony in your institution. 10
