ASI lifts ban on photography at protected monuments
New Delhi, July 12 : Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned the rule prohibiting photography at protected monuments, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday lifted the ban on photography within the premises of all centrally protected monuments/sites, except at three sites.
The three monuments/sites in which the photography would not be permitted are Ajanta Caves, Leh Palace and the Taj Mahal at Agra.
Earlier in the day, Modi while inaugurating Dharohar Bhawan, the new headquarters building of the ASI, had questioned rules that prohibit people from taking pictures at some monuments as he called for people's participation and involvement in protecting the country's archeological heritage.
Modi referred to notices at some monuments asking people not to take pictures and said the times had changed and it was possible through technology to zero in on a neighbourhood.
"Using space technology, you can know what is the number of a scooter parked in an area of Delhi. But on the board of monument it is written that photography is prohibited. Time has changed, technology has changed."
Recalling his experience as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi said that he gave instructions to withdraw the notice that prevented people from taking pictures at Sardar Sarovar dam.
He said there was good response and later ticketing was introduced.
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UN Sec Gen Antonio Guterres welcomes India, Pakistan ceasefire announcement
United Nations, May 10 (PTI): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, describing it as a “positive step” toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions.
Guterres “hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries”, a statement issued by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said.
The UN chief “welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions”, it said.
The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, the statement added.
The ceasefire came hours after India and Pakistan attacked each other’s military facilities, dangerously escalating the ongoing conflict.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night of talks mediated by Washington”.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that over the past 48 hours, Vice President J D Vance and he engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, “including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik”.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” he said.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Rubio said.
“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a social media post.
The announcement came days after India carried out Operation Sindoor striking nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir to avenge the Pahalgam attack. Since the operation, Pakistan targeted various Indian military installations without success.
