Qatar appointed a new Prime Minister today replacing Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Quoting an Emiri order, the State News Agency reported that Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani has been named as the new Prime Minister.

According to reports, the earlier Prime Minister has submitted his resignation.

The state-run Qatar News Agency reported that no reason for the change has been specified.

Beating the Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of four-day long Republic Day celebrations, will be held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi today. Indian tunes will be the flavour of ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony even this year too.  Beating Retreat marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat.

The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands.  It has emerged as an event of national pride.

AIR correspondent reports that as many as 24 performances on Vijay Chowk will enthrall the spectators with captivating and foot-tapping music of the bands from Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Force today.  Fifteen Military Bands, 16 Pipe and Drums Band from Regimental Centres and Battalions are participating in the ceremony. The Principal Conductor of the ceremony will be Flying Officer Rupachandra.

Union Health Ministry has opened a dedicated Helpline for queries on Novel Corona virus. A 24x7 Call Centre is active for responding to queries on the virus. The number is 91-11-23978046 (Can be read as 011-23978046). If people want to seek any help, they can call to know about District and State Surveillance Officers and in case of any clinical query connect with Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, IDSP Officer.

Passengers who have a travel history of China since 1st of January this year have been urged to come forward for self-reporting to the Call Centre, the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, respiratory diseases and also inform their treating doctor.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today gave away Best Tableaux awards for Republic Day Parade, 2020 in New Delhi. Assam's tableau which portrayed the unique craftsmanship and culture of the state has been chosen as the best tableau, followed by Odisha and Uttar Pradesh who were tied for the second position. Odisha's tableau depicted Lord Lingaraja's Rukuna Rath Yatra whereas the tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcased the state's cultural and religious heritage.

The tableaux of National Disaster Relief Force and Jal Shakti Mission were chosen as the best among the Ministries and Departments.

Central Public Works Department got the Special Prize for their tableau which based on the theme - Kashmir se Kanyakumari. 

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec announced today for step down and called for fresh elections, following weeks of rising tensions within his minority five-party coalition government. Mr Sarec's resignation came almost at the same time as Finance Minister Andrej Bertoncelj announced that he too would quit in a row over health care funding.

Mr Sarec, is Slovenia's youngest-ever Prime Minister. He was previously best known as a comedian and political satirist before he launched himself as an anti-establishment politician.

President Borut Pahor will now have to start talks with political parties to see whether any of them can form a new coalition that commands a Parliamentary majority and thus avoid a fresh poll.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give awards to meritorious cadets in a National Cadet Corps, NCC rally at Cariappa Parade ground in New Delhi today. He will inspect the Guard of Honour and review the March Past by various NCC contingents and will address the gathering. Along with cultural performance, NCC cadets will present before the Prime Minister their capabilities in fields such as adventure sports, music and performance arts.

The rally is a part of Republic day celebrations. Every year, hundreds of NCC cadets come to New Delhi for the Republic Day Camp.

Last year, Prime Minister while addressing the NCC rally had applauded their efforts in the relief and rescue operations during natural disasters as well as the efforts for promotion of initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Puducherry celebrated 71st Republic Day today.  Lt.Governor Dr. Kiran Bedi unfurled the National flag in a colorful function held at Oupalam Ground.  She inspected the Guard of Honor and presented awards and shields to the winners. This was followed by march-pasts by various contingents including police, Home Guard, Ex-service men, students, scouts and guides.

Tableaux depicting the achievements of various departments of the territorial administration besides cultural programmes were also presented to mark the occasion.

Chief Minister Narayanasamy along with his cabinet colleagues participated in the function. Assembly Speaker, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, Secretaries to Govt, French Consulate General, Tri- Force Officers, Freedom Fighters and other dignitaries also participated in the function.

Puducherry celebrated 71st Republic Day today.  Lt.Governor Dr. Kiran Bedi unfurled the National flag in a colorful function held at Oupalam Ground.  She inspected the Guard of Honor and presented awards and shields to the winners. This was followed by march-pasts by various contingents including police, Home Guard, Ex-service men, students, scouts and guides.

Tableaux depicting the achievements of various departments of the territorial administration besides cultural programmes were also presented to mark the occasion.

Chief Minister Narayanasamy along with his cabinet colleagues participated in the function. Assembly Speaker, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, Secretaries to Govt, French Consulate General, Tri- Force Officers, Freedom Fighters and other dignitaries also participated in the function.