Government declares seven-day state mourning

The Union government declared a seven-day state mourning in the country as a mark of respect to former President R Venkataraman who passed away in New Delhi.

The Union government declared a seven-day state mourning in the country as a mark of respect to former President R Venkataraman who passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday afternoon.

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There will be no official entertainment and flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings during the period, an official spokesman said.

The Union Cabinet, which met soon after Venkataraman's death, decided to cancel the Beating Retreat ceremony and PM's NCC Rally, the two programmes held annually as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

The Cabinet, whose meeting was presided over by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, also decided to accord a state funeral to the late President, the spokesman said.