The recent sengol controversy surrounding a golden scepter gifted to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as a symbol of power during the transfer of power in 1947 has sparked heated debates and discussions. However, it has been revealed that even the Prime Minister's Office was unaware of the sengol until 2021. Controversy was triggered when a Samajwadi Party MP urged for its removal from the Parliament building, stating that it represented monarchy. However, editor of The Hindu, N. Ram, has pointed out that the historical sources cited by the government were questionable and that there is no evidence of any ceremony involving the sengol in 1947.
In a fiery speech at the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi compared PM Modi and Pandit Nehru, showcasing three key differences to highlight Modi's superiority. He mocked the Congress' claims that the two leaders cannot be compared, stating that Modi's leadership qualities far outweigh Nehru's. Trivedi also pointed out how Modi humbly waited to be selected as BJP's prime ministerial candidate, while Nehru was chosen unanimously without receiving a single vote from his party. This further exemplifies the stark contrast between the two leaders, strengthening Trivedi's argument of Modi's unmatched leadership.
An edited video of Jawaharlal Nehru claiming that he was not involved in India's freedom struggle is going viral on social media. However, upon further investigation, it was found that the original video shows Nehru discussing Muhammad Ali Jinnah's views on the freedom struggle. The video was shared by the official channel of Prasar Bharati and clearly debunks the false claim being spread on social media. If you come across any such false information, you can send it to us on WhatsApp or email for fact-checking.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, following the inauguration of the 18th Lok Sabha. After the address, the President left the Parliament with an official carrying the Sengol as a symbol of the transfer of power from the British to Indians. The Sengol was originally handed to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, during the inauguration of the new Parliament building last year. The prime minister had introduced his Council of Ministers in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the election of the speaker.
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the construction of a major port in Vadhavan, Maharashtra. The project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 76,220 crore, will be carried out by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) as major shareholders. The port is expected to have a capacity of 298 million metric tonnes per year and will serve as an important link in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). This decision aligns with the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti programme and is expected to create around 10 lakh job opportunities, contributing to the local economy.
The Congress's decision to field AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the Wayanad bypoll, following Rahul Gandhi's relinquishment of the seat, is a strategic move to consolidate the party's gains in the 2021 Assembly elections in Kerala. With a high percentage of minority communities in Wayanad, considered a safe seat for the Nehru family's influence in South India, Ms. Vadra's charismatic presence is expected to unify warring factions and appeal to voters' memories of her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The decision has also been backed by the Indian Union Muslim League, a key ally of the Congress, ensuring their loyalty to the UDF alliance.
The upcoming 70th annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held in Punnamada Lake on August 10, is introducing a luxurious new concept for viewers - the 'luxury box'. While some fans are skeptical, others are optimistic about this new addition, priced at Rs 10,000 per head. Details are still being finalized, but the organizers guarantee an unobstructed view of the race. Bookings are likely to start in mid-July. Don't miss out on all the action live on Manorama Online App, the number one Malayalam News site on mobile and tablets.
Nirmala Sitharaman Becomes First Woman to Hold Third Term as Finance Minister in Modi's Cabinet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed to the position three times in a row. Born in Madurai, she studied economics at Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College and Jawaharlal Nehru University before entering politics. She has already presented six budgets and is only the second finance minister to do so after Morarji Desai.
On Sunday, Narendra Modi made history by taking oath as India's Prime Minister for a third consecutive term, matching the record set by the first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The new Council of Ministers consists of 72 members, including eleven from the Rajya Sabha. This makes up around 15% of the Council of Ministers, with 31 cabinet ministers, 5 Ministers of State (Independent charge), and 36 ministers of state, including 6 members from the Rajya Sabha. Among the new cabinet ministers are Jagat Prakash Nadda, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Hardeep Singh Puri. Additionally, six Rajya Sabha members have been appointed as Ministers of State, including Ramdas Athawale, Ramnath Thakur, B L Verma, L Murugan, Satish Chandra Dubey, and Pabitra Margherita.
As India prepares for yet another intense and contentious election, it's worth revisiting the wisdom of the first prime minister. Jawaharlal Nehru believed that elections should center on debates on principles and policies, not personal attacks, and should be conducted calmly and respectfully. He also emphasized the importance of the Congress party, as the most organized and progressive force in the country, to lead India towards progress and maintain stability in government. As India faces a crucial test, it's crucial to heed Nehru's words and prioritize policies over personalities.