The family members of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur expressed their joy and gratitude as their late father, grandfather and great grandfather was honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, the country's highest civilian award. They thanked Prime Minister Modi for bestowing this recognition upon Thakur, who was known for his contributions to Indian politics and society. The award will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, in the presence of the Thakur family and other dignitaries.
Introduction: On Saturday, August 13, 2023, the late Karpoori Thakur, a renowned Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Bihar, was posthumously awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honor. This recognition is a testament to his significant contributions to Indian politics and society, particularly in the areas of social justice and political integrity.
Background: Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924, emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics during the post-Independence era. Known for his humble beginnings and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the marginalized, Thakur became a symbol of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden.
He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979 and again from 1989 to 1990. During his tenure, he introduced several pioneering social welfare programs, including the revolutionary land reforms that aimed to redistribute excess land from feudal landlords to landless farmers. These initiatives earned him the title of "Land ka Lal" (Son of the Soil).
Bharat Ratna Award: The Bharat Ratna award is the highest civilian decoration conferred by the Government of India. It is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of art, literature, science, and public service. Thakur's selection for this prestigious award is a recognition of his lifelong dedication to social empowerment and political righteousness.
Legacy and Impact: Karpoori Thakur's legacy continues to inspire political leaders and social activists alike. His emphasis on social justice and ethical governance has left an enduring mark on Indian politics. His humanitarian efforts and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1. Why was Karpoori Thakur awarded the Bharat Ratna? A1. Thakur was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his significant contributions to Indian politics and society, particularly in the areas of social justice and political integrity.
Q2. What were some of his key achievements as Chief Minister of Bihar? A2. Thakur introduced revolutionary land reforms, increased minimum wages for agricultural laborers, and implemented various social welfare programs.
Q3. What is the significance of the Bharat Ratna award? A3. The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Government of India and is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation.
Q4. How will the Bharat Ratna be presented? A4. The Bharat Ratna will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, August 13, 2023, in the presence of the Thakur family and other dignitaries.
Q5. What is Karpoori Thakur's legacy? A5. Thakur's legacy is characterized by his commitment to social justice, ethical governance, and the upliftment of the marginalized. His humanitarian efforts and unwavering principles continue to inspire political leaders and activists.
As Donald Trump's threat to buy Greenland stirs global controversy, Denmark's foreign minister reaffirms their recognition of Greenland's autonomy and dismisses any possibility of the island becoming a US state. However, amid increased US interest in the Arctic region, Trump's willingness to use force or economic measures to acquire Greenland has prompted concerns from European allies. As talks between Greenland's leader and the Danish king take place, there is a growing focus on the island's push for independence and allegations of colonial-era mistreatment.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly stated that the European Union will not tolerate any nation attacking its sovereign borders, in response to US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about his intentions to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Barrot expressed doubts about the possibility of the US actually invading Greenland, but urged the EU to be vigilant and strengthen its position. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., recently made a private visit to Greenland, shortly after his father's controversial comments. However, Greenland's government has made it clear that the territory is not for sale and its future will be determined by Greenlanders alone.
In a surprising statement, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he was considering using economic force to make Canada the 51st state. The remarks have sparked mixed reactions from Albertans, with some expressing fear and others dismissing it as a joke. Trump also proposed imposing tariffs and cutting off trade agreements with Canada, which has further escalated tensions between the two countries.
A massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet near the Nepal border this morning, resulting in the death of 126 people and severe damages to buildings in the region. The tremors were felt in several parts of India, including Bihar, Delhi-NCR, Assam, and West Bengal. The National Center for Seismology has reported several subsequent earthquakes in the same location, with the strongest measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The high-altitude area of Dingri County on Mount Everest has faced building collapses amidst freezing temperatures.
In a series of social media posts, President-elect Donald Trump joked about buying Canada as part of the United States after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation. However, this banter comes after Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, which would violate the recently enacted USMCA. Experts warn that imposing tariffs on Canada, one of the US' largest trading partners, could have damaging effects on the Canadian economy and lead to a strained relationship between the two countries. While some have dismissed Trump's remarks as jokes, others see it as a disrespectful insult to Canada.
As her time as vice president draws to a close, Kamala Harris will embark on a four-day trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. The trip, which will take place from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, provides one final opportunity for Harris to address key foreign policy challenges before the transition of power to Donald Trump. Together with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Harris will visit U.S. servicemembers stationed at all three of the countries she plans to visit. As Harris looks to the future, her decision to conclude her term with a global trip raises questions about her potential next steps and continued involvement in international affairs.
As Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland, the president-elect himself hinted at potentially using military force or economic coercion to acquire the mineral-rich territory. Despite backlash from Danish officials and Greenland’s government, Trump supporters are enthusiastic about the prospect of “Make Greenland Great Again." But with its strategic location and Indigenous population, will such a controversial move be allowed? Only time will tell.
The eldest son of President-elect Donald Trump made a private visit to Greenland, sparking speculation that the future administration may seek to take control of the mineral-rich territory. Trump Jr. landed in the capital city of Nuuk and was not met by Greenlandic representatives, as the visit was labeled "private." This visit comes after the president-elect expressed a desire to acquire the Arctic territory, which is home to a large U.S. military base and holds strategic importance for multiple countries.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 magnitude hit Nepal and western China on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 53 people and injuries of 62 others. The epicenter of the quake was located in a remote region in Tibet, where the India and Eurasia plates meet. The area is known to be prone to earthquakes and has experienced at least 10 quakes of magnitude 6 or higher in the past century. The shockwaves from the earthquake were felt in parts of northern India and Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. The USGS stated that the quake occurred due to normal faulting at shallow depth, with a focal mechanism solution indicating rupture on a north-south striking fault.
England and Wales are bracing for a weekend of freezing temperatures and hazardous weather conditions as amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued. The warnings cover most of Wales, central England, and parts of the north-west, with temperatures predicted to drop as low as -10C in rural Scotland. Passengers are advised to check their travel routes as disruptions to rail, bus, and air travel are expected.