S.M. Krishna, a veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away on Tuesday. He is hailed for his contributions to the state, including the launch of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Yashasvini health insurance scheme. His foresight and leadership in the political arena are remembered by all, including current CM Siddaramaiah who was once a member of a party founded by S.M. Krishna. As a leader who served in all four legislative bodies and held various important positions, his legacy continues to shape Karnataka.
S.M. Krishna: A Statesman and Visionary Leader
Background
Sardar Manneappa Krishna, affectionately known as S.M. Krishna, was a prominent Indian politician and administrator who served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. He was widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the state.
Political Career
S.M. Krishna's political journey began in 1972 when he was elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. He held several ministerial positions in the state government before becoming the Chief Minister in 1999. During his tenure, he introduced a number of groundbreaking initiatives, including:
National and International Recognition
Krishna's contributions to Karnataka earned him national and international recognition. He served as India's External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 and played a key role in shaping India's foreign policy. He also held the position of Governor of Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019.
Legacy
S.M. Krishna passed away in 2022 at the age of 89. His legacy as a visionary leader and social reformer continues to inspire generations of politicians and bureaucrats. His foresight and dedication to improving the lives of the people of Karnataka have left an enduring mark on the state.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What was S.M. Krishna's most significant contribution to Karnataka? Answer: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Yashasvini Health Insurance Scheme.
2. What is Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama? Answer: A major irrigation project in Karnataka that provides water to farmers.
3. When did S.M. Krishna serve as India's External Affairs Minister? Answer: From 2009 to 2012.
4. What position did S.M. Krishna hold after his Chief Ministership? Answer: External Affairs Minister and Governor of Maharashtra.
5. How many legislative bodies did S.M. Krishna serve in? Answer: All four: Panchayat, Municipal Corporation, State Legislature, and Parliament.
According to Kolkata Police, Pune law student Sharmistha Panoli has been arrested in Gurugram for posting an offensive video on Instagram containing derogatory and disrespectful remarks aimed at a particular religious community. The video, which has since been deleted, went viral and triggered widespread outrage, leading to an FIR against Panoli for promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments. After multiple failed attempts to serve her a legal notice, police arrested Panoli from Gurugram. However, she has since issued an unconditional apology on social media for her actions.
Kolkata-based activist Sharmistha was arrested in Gurgaon over a video she published criticizing the Kolkata Police. Despite issuing a public apology and deleting the video, Sharmistha was arrested while her alleged harassers remain untouched. She will be presented before a Kolkata court on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhopal on Saturday to pay tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, an 18th-century queen known for her visionary leadership and welfare initiatives. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various women's empowerment and infrastructure projects, release a commemorative postage stamp and Rs 300 coin in her honor, and present the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to a distinguished woman artist. He will also oversee the foundation stone laying for ghat construction works on the Kshipra River for the Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028 in Ujjain.
Sharmistha Panoli, a fourth-year law student from Pune's Symbiosis Institute, was arrested by Kolkata Police in Delhi without prior notice for responding to a Pakistani troll's mocking of India's Operation Sindoor. The arrest has raised concerns about selective policing and suppression of speech, as she had already deleted the video and issued an apology. The use of Section 295A of the IPC, a colonial law criminalizing acts that outrage religious feelings, has once again come under scrutiny.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with several linked organizations will be organizing a two-day conclave to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyaya's concept of integral humanism. The conclave will cover various current issues through the lens of integral humanism, highlighting its relevance in today's society. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister and BJP President J P Nadda, and Vivekananda International Foundation Chairperson S Gurumurthy will be among the leaders leading sessions at the conclave. The aim of the seminar is to highlight the continuing relevance of Deendayal Upadhyaya's thoughts and actions and how they can be applied to address current challenges in society.
Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha has publicly clashed with her brother Abhijit over their father's last book, which has been teased as a tell-all memoir. The two Congress leaders have been at odds over the book's release and contents, causing a rift within the party. Sharmistha, who has a close relationship with her late father, has also posted a moving farewell to him on social media.
Political leaders across party lines took to social media platform X to express their support for the "Operation Sindoor" strikes, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. With the death toll rising in the recent Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a free hand to the armed forces for retaliation, leading to a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan. The army's announcement of "Justice is served" received applause from Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari, and Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 50th visit to the state of Bihar was met with both support and criticism on social media platform X. A little-known handle, @WithLoveBihar, launched the hashtag #ModiFailsBihar, while BJP followers responded with #BiharWithModi. The online debate brought attention to unfulfilled electoral promises in the state and highlighted the divide between development and caste-based voting.
Former Fox News host and Trump ally Jeanine Pirro has been appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for D.C. by Trump himself. Despite controversy over his previous pick, Trump has expressed confidence in Pirro as she takes the oath to improve safety and address violence in the nation's capital. Pirro, known for her outspoken support of Trump, has a background in law and has previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for senator and attorney general in New York. However, she has faced criticism for her statements and was suspended from Fox News in 2019.
The Trump administration faces backlash and logistical concerns after threatening to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students. This comes amidst a larger campaign against elite universities and accusations of political bias and antisemitism. However, the administration is now indicating a potential change of plans.