As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of Parliament and release translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will also attend the celebrations, together with the unveiling of a commemorative coin and stamp. The event coincides with the launch of a new website dedicated to engaging citizens with the legacy of the Constitution through interactive activities, and mass readings of the Preamble will be held nationwide. This is a significant day for India, as it honours the historic document that laid the foundation for its democracy.
Constitutional Day: Celebrating the Cornerstone of Indian Democracy
Background
Constitutional Day, celebrated on November 26th, holds immense significance for India as it commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This landmark document, which came into effect on January 26th, 1950, laid the foundation for India's democratic republic and enshrined the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens.
2023 Celebrations
This year, as India marks the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, elaborate celebrations are planned. Here are the key events:
Significance
The Indian Constitution is hailed as one of the most comprehensive and progressive constitutions in the world. It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression, and religious freedom. It also establishes a strong framework for a democratic and federal republic, with a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted? Answer: November 26th, 1949
2. Who chaired the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution? Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
3. How many Articles are there in the Indian Constitution? Answer: 395 (as of 2023)
4. What is the Preamble of the Constitution? Answer: It is a statement of the Constitution's objectives and values, such as securing justice, equality, and liberty.
5. What are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution? Answer: Right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, and cultural and educational rights.
Conclusion
Constitutional Day is a testament to the enduring legacy of India's Constitution. Its ideals of democracy, justice, and equality continue to guide the nation and inspire countless citizens. By commemorating this historic milestone, India reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values enshrined in its founding document.
Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master, Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain and prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam have all been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Nikam is best known for his role as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, and his nomination has sparked debate among political circles. These four individuals join a growing list of prominent personalities appointed to the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
The proscribed rebel group ULFA-I has claimed that the Indian Army carried out a series of drone and missile attacks on their mobile camps along the Myanmar border. The attacks allegedly resulted in the death of several leaders, including the 'chairman' and 'brigadier' of the outfit, and injured many others. However, the Indian Army has denied any knowledge of such an operation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also denied involvement of the state police and promised clarity on the situation later in the day.
President Droupadi Murmu has exercised her power under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution to nominate four individuals to the Rajya Sabha, including prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members. This move marks the President's recognition of individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Among the nominees are Ujjwal Nikam, known for his role as Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who has held several key diplomatic assignments.
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to the Rajya Sabha, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the Indian judicial system. With a career spanning over four decades, Nikam has established a respectable reputation for prosecuting high-profile criminal cases, particularly those involving terrorism and national security. His nomination is seen as a move to bring legal expertise and prosecutorial experience to the legislative domain, and Nikam is expected to contribute significantly to legal reforms and national security discussions in Parliament.
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. Shringla, who has a distinguished career as a diplomat and served as India's foreign secretary, brings his unique perspectives to the Upper House, while Jain, who has been recognized for her work in history, education, and literature, will add valuable insights to parliamentary proceedings. Both nominees have been congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their nomination, highlighting their expertise and contributions to their respective fields.
The Rajya Sabha is set to witness a major shake-up in 2026 with 75 seats up for election, including those of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, and two key ministers from Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh will also see significant changes with leaders like Sharad Pawar, Shibu Soren, and Sana Satish Babu retiring. The upcoming elections will have a significant impact on the composition of the Upper House.
Lord Neil Kinnock, former leader of the Labour Party, has suggested imposing a 2% tax on assets worth more than £10 million. This move could potentially provide the government with an estimated £10-11 billion in additional revenue. However, a No10 source has distanced the government from the idea, stating that Lord Kinnock was expressing his personal views. The call for a wealth tax comes amidst pressure on the Chancellor to balance the budget after U-turns on cuts to disability benefits and winter fuel payments.
The Indian President has made four nominations to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution to fill vacancies left by retired members. These nominations include well-known Bharatiya Janata Party leader and advocate Ujjwal Nikam, who previously served as a special public prosecutor in high-profile cases. These fresh appointments are crucial for the Rajya Sabha to have diverse expertise and perspectives from individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Amid the chaos surrounding the passage of the Republican tax bill, the fate of Mason General Hospital in Washington state hung in the balance. Providers are now bracing for the long-term effects of the "One Big Beautiful" bill, which could lead to millions of Americans losing their health insurance by 2034. With Washington expected to be among the hardest hit, experts warn of potential service cutbacks, layoffs, and even closure of hospitals. The devastating impacts will not only affect Medicaid beneficiaries, but also all Washingtonians' access to healthcare.
Karnataka has passed a controversial bill that seeks to curb the spread of fake news on social media, empowering a committee headed by the state Information & Broadcasting Minister to identify and penalize offenders. Social media users found guilty of posting "fake news" could face up to seven years in prison and a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh. However, critics argue that the bill's vague and broad definitions of fake news and misinformation could lead to the suppression of free speech and artistic expression. This comes after a similar provision in the amended IT Rules 2021 was struck down by the Bombay High Court for lacking judicial oversight, raising concerns about government overreach.