With the announcement of the Bharat Ratna award, considered the Jewel of India, close at hand, the air is rife with speculation on who the deserving recipients this year will be. In this annual tradition on the eve of Republic Day, names like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, industrialist Ratan Tata, and late Balasaheb Thackeray are being tossed around, along with others like Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and Jyotiba Phule. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award is given to individuals for their extraordinary contributions, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, and is shaped like a platinum-rimmed peepal leaf with the words "Satyameva Jayate" on its reverse side.
Bharat Ratna: The Jewel of India
The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in India, is bestowed upon individuals for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of science, art, literature, sports, public service, and other spheres. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award transcends distinctions of race, occupation, position, or gender.
Background
The Bharat Ratna was conceived by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as a way to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Indian citizens. The award is named after the ancient Sanskrit term "Bharata," which refers to India. It is shaped like a platinum-rimmed peepal leaf, with the words "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed on its reverse side.
Eligibility
Individuals eligible for the Bharat Ratna include:
Selection Process
The Bharat Ratna is awarded by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister consults with a jury consisting of the Chief Justice of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament), the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament), and the three serving or retired judges of the Supreme Court.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who are the most recent recipients of the Bharat Ratna?
2. Who is the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna?
3. Who is the first woman recipient of the Bharat Ratna?
4. Can the Bharat Ratna be awarded posthumously?
5. Who is the only person to have declined the Bharat Ratna twice?
30-year-old Nisha Kumari and her coach Nilesh Barot embarked on an extraordinary journey to raise awareness about climate change. They cycled from Vadodara, India to London, UK, covering 16 countries and more than 16,000 km in 210 days. Despite facing challenges such as difficult weather, visa issues, and finding suitable food and accommodation, they persevered and also planted over 1,050 trees along the way. The duo also received support from Indian embassies and fellow Indians during their journey.
Born between 2010 and 2024, Generation Alpha is the youngest and most technologically-driven generation, known for witnessing major historical events like the pandemic and the rise of AI. Coined by social researcher Mark McCrindle, this generation is now quickly emerging as a major target for companies looking to understand and cater to their unique behaviors and interactions with the world. While some experts define Gen Alpha as those born after 2010, others include people up to 12 years old, highlighting the fluidity in defining this influential cohort. With the end of Gen Alpha in 2025, the world prepares for the dawn of Generation Beta.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the Beating Retreat Ceremony, which will be held today at Vijay Chowk as part of the Republic Day celebrations. Special traffic arrangements have been made and certain roads will be closed for the general traffic. The advisory also includes diversions for buses to avoid traffic congestion around the venue. Commuters are requested to follow the advisory and plan their travel accordingly.
On January 29, 2025, Hindus around the world will be celebrating Mauni Amavasya, also known as Maghi Amavasya, one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar. This day marks the first Amavasya of the year and is considered highly auspicious. People will take a holy dip in the Ganga river, which is believed to turn into nectar on this day. With the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, people will take a pledge of silence to honor this auspicious occasion.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna strongly criticized Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge's statement on the Kumbh Mela, saying it is irresponsible and insults the sentiments of millions of people worldwide. He demanded a public apology from Kharge and questioned if his words were influenced by his personal views or party rhetoric. Suvarna also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah's leadership, stating that they are rare leaders and the nation benefits greatly from their governance.
The filing of a case under the SC/ST Atrocities Act against Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and 17 others highlights the issue of caste discrimination in Indian educational institutions. The complaint, filed by a member of the Bovi community, alleges wrongful dismissal and caste-based abuse following his implication in a honey trap case in 2014. This incident sheds light on the ongoing problem of systemic biases and discrimination faced by marginalized communities in professional settings. It serves as a reminder for the need to address and rectify these issues, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality for all.
The renowned spiritual leader and Bhagwat Katha orator, Devkinandan Thakurji Maharaj, will lead a Dharma Sansad at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The event aims to discuss the establishment of the Sanatana Board, focused on protecting and promoting the interests of Sanatan Dharma and its institutions. Prominent Hindu saints and religious leaders, including Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati and Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya ShriJi Maharaj, are expected to attend. The Dharma Sansad holds significant importance for the welfare and security of Sanatan Dharma and its followers.
"The Hindu" is launching a new e-paper to keep readers updated on a variety of topics. The e-paper will feature reviews, new titles, and excerpts from the literary world in "On Books," while "Data Point" will provide insightful analysis of current events using numbers and figures. Meanwhile, "First Day First Show" will cover all things cinema and streaming, and "Health Matters" will offer health advice from Ramya Kannan. "The View From India" will provide a unique perspective on world affairs, and "Science For All" will make science more accessible. "Karnataka Today" will bring daily news highlights from the state, and "Today's Cache" will feature the top 5 technology stories of the day. Stay informed and entertained with "The Hindu's" new e-paper.
The Hindu's e-Paper brings together diverse sections including 'On Books' for all literature enthusiasts, 'First Day First Show' for cinema lovers, 'Health Matters' for all things related to well-being, 'The View From India' to view world affairs through an Indian lens, 'Science For All' to make science accessible to everyone, 'Karnataka Today' for news updates from Karnataka and 'Today's Cache' to stay updated on top technology stories.
Actor-politician Balakrishna and activist Manda Krishna Madiga receive Padma Awards for their respective contributions to Art and Public Affairs. Balakrishna, son of veteran actor NT Rama Rao, is also an MLA from Telugu Desam Party while Manda Krishna Madiga is an important leader of the Madiga Scheduled Caste community. They are among the several awardees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including economist KL Krishna and gastroenterologist Dr Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy.