New Delhi, Oct 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked world leaders for their warm wishes as greetings continue to pour in following his completion of 25 years as the head of the government.

While thanking Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, PM Modi highlighted the close ties between the two countries and expressed confidence in further deepening bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.

“Thank you, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for your warm wishes and kind words. The friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago continues to scale new heights. We look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come,” PM Modi posted on X.

In a post on X on Thursday, Prime Minister Bissessar congratulated Prime Minister Modi on completing 25 years as head of government, calling it a “significant milestone” in his public service.

“Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Marks 25 Years of Distinguished Public Leadership. Today, I join the people of India and friends around the world in celebrating a truly significant milestone in the public service of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi – 25 years of continuous service as a Head of Government, spanning leadership at both the state and national levels,” she stated.

PM Modi also thanked Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell for his warm wishes, saying, “I deeply value the friendship between India and Grenada and look forward to further strengthening our close ties.”

Mitchell had extended his warm greetings to PM Modi on 25 years of continuous service, while expressing hope to continue deepening the partnership between India and Grenada.

“Grenada celebrates with you and looks forward to the continued strengthening of the friendship between our nations,” Mitchell posted on X.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi further expressed gratitude to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for his warm wishes and conveyed greetings on the latter’s assumption of office for another term.

Recalling his visit to Ethiopia last December and his recent meeting with Ali in New Delhi, PM Modi underlined the importance India attaches to its Strategic Partnership with Ethiopia.

“India greatly values its Strategic Partnership with Ethiopia, and I look forward to working closely with you to further deepen our cooperation and friendship,” PM Modi posted on X.

Congratulating PM Modi, Ali in a post on X had said, “I express my warmest congratulations to you, dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as you mark a key milestone: 25 years as Head of Government, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 and as Prime Minister of India since 2014.”

PM Modi also thanked Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for his congratulatory greetings, saying, “India deeply values its friendship with Zambia, and I look forward to further strengthening our close partnership.”

Taking to X, President Hichilema extended his wishes to PM Modi and said: “We congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he marks 25 years in public office, having first been sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 October 2001. We wish him continued good health and prosperity.”

Thanking Kazakhstan’s Qasym-Jomart Toqayev, PM Modi said, “I deeply value our close friendship and strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. Look forward to working together to further strengthen and deepen our bilateral ties.”

While congratulating Prime Minister Modi on the “remarkable milestone” of 25 years as Head of Government, the Kazakh President took to X and posted: “Under his strong and wise leadership, India continues to advance its sustainable development, scientific and technological progress, while further strengthening its role on the global stage.”

PM Modi also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her warm wishes and expressed confidence that India-Japan ties would reach new heights as the two countries prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

“Prime Minister Takaichi, thank you very much. Your visit to India in July this year will remain unforgettable for me as well. It has further strengthened the India-Japan partnership. Both countries, building on their longstanding friendship, will continue to work together for global peace, stability, and prosperity. I am confident that on the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, bilateral ties will reach new heights,” PM Modi posted on X.

Prime Minister also thanked former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for his “warm words and friendship”, saying, “I deeply appreciate your personal contribution to strengthening the India-Serbia partnership. Under your leadership, Serbia has undergone an extraordinary transformation. You have served Serbia with determination and dedication. I look forward to taking the India-Serbia partnership to even greater heights.”

PM Modi also thanked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for his warm wishes.

“I fondly recall your visit to India in April, which gave fresh momentum to our Special Strategic Partnership. I am confident that together we will deepen our multifaceted cooperation and advance our shared vision for global peace, stability and prosperity,” PM Modi posted on X.

The congratulatory messages from world leaders came as PM Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years of uninterrupted leadership as head of government. He began his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and became Prime Minister of India in 2014.

New Delhi, Oct 8: NDA leaders on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Nana Patekar and said that the veteran actor was conscious about the welfare of society and it was one of his core values. They further added that the actor will be remembered fondly for his good works and also for his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “He was a very close personal friend, and our families have shared a relationship for many years. He did a lot of work for farmers, water conservation, and those affected by farmer suicides with great sensitivity. Social consciousness, social responsibility, and sensitivity towards society were special qualities of his personality. We will remember his work in Hindi and Marathi cinema for many years. He added that his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema will be remembered for a long time.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “He was a very prominent name in the world of cinema. Whether Marathi-speaking or Hindi-speaking, everyone watched and loved him. We mourn the demise of Nana Patekar ji and pray to God to grant him a place at His feet.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “This is very sad. When we all received the news of the incident, we were deeply shocked. Nana Patekar’s entire life was dedicated to the film industry, India and Indian culture. His acting left such a lasting impression that people from all sections of society accepted and appreciated him.”

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar expressed grief over the demise of the brilliant actor and said, “It is a sad incident…We pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. On my behalf, on behalf of my party and the people of the state, I pay tribute to him.”

Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Nana Patekar’s demise is a loss for the country and a major loss for the artistic community. He rose to prominence through the film and theatre world and was a very talented artist. No amount of praise can do justice to his art and acting. Through his characters, he highlighted the ills of society. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him and pray to God for the peace of his soul.”

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the demise of Nana Patekar was tragic. Calling him one of the greatest Bollywood celebrities, he paid his respects and tribute to him.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said, “He was an artist who overcame adverse conditions and left a mark on people through his acting skills. His characters made an impact.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Nana Patekar made a name with his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his Hindi film debut with ‘Gaman’ in 1978 and went on to become one of his generation’s most respected performers.

Nana’s breakthrough came with films such as ‘Salaam Bombay!’ and ‘Parinda’. He went on to deliver strong performances in films including ‘Angaar’, ‘Tirangaa’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’, ‘Yeshwant’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’, ‘Apaharan’ and ‘Raajneeti’.

New Delhi, Oct 7: At least one child was killed and seven people rescued after a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Seemapuri area on Wednesday, officials said.

Several others are still feared trapped in the debris as rescue operation is underway.

Speaking to media, Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajendra Prasad Meena said: “Seven persons have been rescued so far.”

Earlier, North East Delhi District Magistrate Ajay Kumar told reporters, “According to preliminary information, the building collapsed between 3 to 3:15 p.m. We received the call by 3:25 p.m., accompanied with location and video details.”

Mentioning that he also oversees the District Disaster Managament Authority (DDMA), Kumar said: “The officials and personnel of the DDMA and the NDRF were immediately informed about the incident and called at the site.”

He added that the SDM, police personnel and MCD officials also reached the spot at the earliest.

Ajay Kumar also said that since the building collapsed on the road, the people trapped include a few passersby and ragpickers.

“According to locals, four to five people might be trapped under a heavy slab, whose voices can be heard from outside,” he said while adding that rescue operation is underway.

A local Salim told media that children are also trapped inside the debris.

Fire Officer Manish Kumar, part of the team carrying out rescue operations, said that the Delhi Fire Service received the call of the incident at 3:30 p.m.

“Some sounds can be heard from under the slabs, so more casualties might be trapped inside. Efforts are underway to rescue those trapped,” he told media.

Speaking to media, a local said that two of his family members have been rescued.

“My daughter, son-in-law and two other children have been rescued and sent to the hospital. Six to seven more people might be trapped inside, rescue operation is underway to bring them out,” he added.

The tragedy in Seemapuri occurred a month after a five-storey building, housing a paying guest accommodation, collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, claiming seven lives, including five students.