Daily News Notes

· The nation is celebrating its 63rd Republic day today. India's rich cultural heritage, national achievements in various fields and an impressive display of military prowess were the highlights of the Republic Day Parade. The impressive march-past was watched by the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra. Minutes before the parade began, Prime Minister Dr. Singh led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying wreaths at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', an eternal flame in the memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation. President Mrs Patil presented the Ashok Chakra (the highest peacetime gallantry award) posthumously to Lieutenant Navdeep Singh who died foiling an infiltration attempt by Pakistan-based terrorists along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission which came with a tableaux for the first time had the 'National Voter's Day' as its theme which publicizes the objective to maximize enrollment of voters and thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy.
· Flying at sea skimming height of about 15 meters at DRDO’s test range near Balasore (Orrisa), Lakshya-II the advanced version of DRDO’s Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) yesterday demonstrated its full capability. It demonstrated various technologies and sub-systems including software correction to auto rudder scheme done to prevent loss of mission, engaging and flying in way point navigation mode while carrying 2 tow targets. This was the 10th flight of Lakshya-II PTA and this was the first time that the ultimate capability of the Lakshya-II, was demonstrated achieving all the user’s objectives.
· A wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including the importance of civil nuclear cooperation, were discussed during the first meeting of Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington before the Finance Minister has to Leave for Chicago on his Two Day Official Visit on 28th January. They also talked about Afghanistan and the important role that India plays in supporting the new Silk Road Initiative, and private sector capacity building in Afghanistan.
· Veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar has been appointed as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's special adviser on Myanmar. He is currently Ban's Chief of Staff.
· In Indonesia, at least three persons have been killed and 35 injured as heavy rain, lashed Java Island bringing down trees and power lines and damaging hundreds of homes. Storms, landslides and floods are common in Indonesia during the annual rainy season, which peaks between December and February.