Political leaders from different states participated in International Yoga Day celebrations, with PM Modi addressing the gathering in Srinagar on the banks of Dal Lake. The event also saw UP Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi Adityanath performing various asanas. PM Modi also mentioned how Egypt used yoga to boost tourism in the country.
International Yoga Day: A Global Celebration of Ancient Practice
International Yoga Day (IDY) is an annual global event celebrated on June 21st, the summer solstice. The day was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The resolution was adopted by 175 nations on December 11, 2014.
The first IDY was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with over 30,000 people participating in a mass yoga session led by Modi in New Delhi. Since then, the event has grown in popularity, with millions of people around the world practicing yoga on this day.
Political Leaders Join in Celebrations
In 2023, political leaders from various states participated in IDY celebrations. Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering in Srinagar on the banks of Dal Lake. UP Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi Adityanath also performed asanas at the event.
Modi highlighted how yoga has been used in countries like Egypt to boost tourism.
Background
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India around 5,000 years ago. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to join" or "to yoke." Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that aims to create a harmonious connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga has eight limbs, which are:
Practicing yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits, including:
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is International Yoga Day celebrated? A. June 21st
2. Who proposed IDY? A. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
3. What is the purpose of IDY? A. To promote the practice of yoga around the world and raise awareness of its benefits.
4. What activities are typically held on IDY? A. Mass yoga sessions, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.
5. How can I participate in IDY? A. Look for local events or join a virtual yoga session online.
Amid preparations for the crucial Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Congress has appointed Qazi Nizamuddin as the AICC in-charge of the state, replacing Deepak Babaria. This comes after all Shiv Sena MLAs unanimously chose Eknath Shinde as the leader of the legislative party. Meanwhile, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has formed committees of the assembly which will work till March 31, 2025, with members from various political parties. Additionally, Nepal's trade deficit has crossed Rs 460 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country.
The Supreme Court has rejected three petitions seeking to delete the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of the Constitution of India. The Court stated that the power to amend the Constitution extends to the Preamble and that the words were inserted in 1976 during a national emergency. The Court also clarified that the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' do not restrict economic policies and reflect the State's commitment to equality and welfare. The petitions were filed by former BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and Balram Singh.
As India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a joint address to both Houses of Parliament, marking 75 years of the adoption of India's Constitution. In her speech, she highlighted the government's efforts towards the welfare of all sections of society, especially the weaker sections. This day is observed every year as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.
Bangladesh's chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violent clashes that erupted over the arrest of a Hindu religious leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu. A public prosecutor was killed in the clash, prompting the government to order an investigation and increase security in Chittagong. The arrest of the monk, who is associated with a group advocating for the protection of Hindu minorities, has sparked outrage among his supporters.
On Constitution Day, both the Prime Minister and President emphasized the significance of the Constitution in shaping India's progress and development. At the PMO and Supreme Court celebrations, officials and leaders reflected on the document's role in achieving social justice and inclusivity. The release of a special coin and stamp serves as a commemoration of the Constitution's 75 years of impact.
A protest was held in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district against the planned shutdown of a charitable hospital managed by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota. The hospital, which has been operating since 2000 and serves over 100,000 people, is facing closure due to unresolved land transfer issues. Despite claims by the hospital administrator that the closure notice was issued by the sect's management, the state government has yet to guarantee the hospital will continue to operate. This move has caused concern among residents who rely on the free healthcare services provided by the hospital.
"Madhya Pradesh CM Invites Investors to State's Global Investors Summit, Highlights Development Progress Made Under PM Modi's Leadership" Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended an event in London, where he invited investors to the state's upcoming Global Investors Summit. In his address, CM Yadav highlighted the development work undertaken in the state, crediting the leadership of PM Modi. He also spoke about the various sectors in Madhya Pradesh, such as infrastructure and healthcare, that have seen significant progress under the government. With subsidies and incentives in place, CM Yadav emphasized that the state is ready to welcome investors and create a positive impact for both Madhya Pradesh and the country.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rejected food consignments from various countries, citing concerns over food safety and quality. This decision highlights India's growing vigilance in regulating food imports and safeguarding public health. Stakeholders are urged to ensure compliance with safety norms to avoid similar rejections in the future. With increasing scrutiny on imported goods, the rejection of these consignments reflects the FSSAI's commitment to enforcing strict regulations and protecting consumer interests in the face of global supply chain challenges.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a well-known Hindu leader in Bangladesh, has been arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on charges of sedition. His arrest has sparked protests and drawn international attention to the ongoing religious tensions and discrimination against minorities in the country. Despite efforts by his legal team, he has been denied bail and transferred to jail. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also expressed deep concern over the incident and the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
On Constitution Day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Modi, accusing him and the RSS of working against the principles of the Indian Constitution. He stressed the importance of understanding and upholding its values, and reiterated Congress' commitment to conducting caste-based censuses in states where they are in power. Gandhi also highlighted the need for representation of marginalized communities in fields like education and media to dismantle systemic discrimination.