As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, the political scene is abuzz with discussions on its teachings and values. The Congress has requested two days in Parliament to discuss the document, while President Droupadi Murmu stressed its significance in a joint sitting. The Supreme Court also upheld the validity of ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Preamble, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to uphold the sanctity of our democratic institutions and promote informed citizenship.
Celebrating the Importance of India's Constitution
India is marking the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, which was adopted on November 26, 1949, following two years of deliberations by the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution is a sacred document that defines the country's framework of government and the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens.
Political Discussion and Significance
As India celebrates this milestone, the importance of the Constitution and its teachings is being widely discussed in the political arena. The Congress party has requested two days in Parliament to debate the document, highlighting its enduring relevance. President Droupadi Murmu, addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, emphasized the Constitution's significance as the guarantor of India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
The Supreme Court played a crucial role in upholding the validity of the words "secular" and "socialist" in the Constitution's Preamble. These terms, the court stated, are essential to the foundational principles of the Indian state.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed the need for constructive dialogue to uphold the sanctity of democratic institutions and promote informed citizenship. He urged all stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions to strengthen India's constitutional framework.
Background
The Indian Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 following India's independence from British rule. It was tasked with drafting a constitution that would reflect the aspirations of the newly independent nation. The Assembly, which included prominent figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, spent two years debating and deliberating over the Constitution's clauses and provisions.
The Constitution was finally adopted on November 26, 1949, and it came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Republic of India.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest, with 395 articles and 12 schedules. It establishes a parliamentary system of government with a bicameral legislature, a federal structure with a strong center, and an independent judiciary.
2. What is the significance of the Preamble to the Constitution?
The Preamble to the Constitution defines India as a sovereign, democratic, republic. It also proclaims India's commitment to social, economic, and political justice, as well as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
3. Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, also known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution," served as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution.
4. What are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution?
The Constitution guarantees a wide range of fundamental rights to Indian citizens, including the right to life, liberty, and equality; freedom of speech, expression, and assembly; and the right to property and religious freedom.
5. How has the Constitution been amended over time?
The Constitution has been amended 104 times since its adoption. These amendments have been made to address changing circumstances and to adapt the Constitution to evolving needs and aspirations.
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In a case regarding the ban on hijab in educational institutions of Karnataka, Supreme Court Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia declared that while discipline is necessary in schools, it should not come at the cost of freedom and dignity. Despite a split verdict, Justice Dhulia rejected the comparison of a school with a military camp and emphasized that public places have certain limitations, but the case did not warrant restrictions on fundamental rights inside a classroom. He stated that the facts of the case do not justify the ban on hijab, as schools are not required to have the same level of discipline as a military camp.
Tamil Nadu's Public Works Minister EV Velu has stirred up a political controversy by slamming the Union government's financial allocation for the promotion of Sanskrit. At a public event, he ridiculed the usage of Sanskrit in Hindu wedding rituals and stressed the importance of recognizing Tamil as a vibrant, living language. Velu's statements reflect Tamil Nadu's longstanding demand for recognition and investment in its cultural heritage, with several other leaders from the ruling DMK party echoing his sentiments.
Union Minister Kishan Reddy spoke out against former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, alleging that his decisions regarding Article 370 led to the loss of 42,000 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. He also paid tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who sacrificed his life while fighting for the country's integrity and opposing Article 370. Reddy demanded the repeal of Article 370 and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking action to revoke it and unite the nation.
In a bold and unprecedented move, tech mogul Elon Musk has announced the creation of the "America Party" in a bid to challenge the dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties in American politics. The decision comes after Musk conducted a poll on his social media platform X, receiving overwhelming support for a third political force. This move also marks a major fallout between Musk and President Donald Trump, after Musk threatened to use his wealth to unseat lawmakers who supported a controversial tax cut and spending bill.
After a public falling out with President Trump over federal spending, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party" on his own social media platform, X. The party aims to combat what Musk sees as the country's entrenched "one-party system" and oppose lawmakers who support Trump's massive domestic spending plan. This move follows a poll on X where Musk asked if users desired "independence from the two-party system," with the majority responding yes. The feud between Trump and Musk escalated when the president pushed for his "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk vehemently criticized and coined as "debt slavery."
In a historic moment, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray publicly shared a stage after 20 years at a victory rally in Mumbai. This reunion was prompted by the withdrawal of two government resolutions proposing the introduction of Hindi as a third language in state schools. The rally marked an important turning point in the relationship between the once-estranged Thackeray cousins.
At least five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers were detained for vandalising entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's Worli office, allegedly in response to his remarks about MNS leader Raj Thackeray amid the ongoing Marathi language row. Kedia apologised for his comments and praised Thackeray's advocacy of Hindutva, calling for a more positive approach to promoting the Marathi language. Union Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the reported assault of a Thane shopkeeper over language issues, highlighting the need for unity and respect among Indians. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed to take action against such acts of "hooliganism" in Mumbai.
The main and X accounts of renowned news agency Reuters have been blocked in India on social media platform X, as users discovered and reported on Saturday. The reason for this block is yet to be officially announced, but it appears to be a result of a legal demand or local laws. Despite the main handle being inaccessible, affiliated handles of Reuters remain accessible. It's unclear whether the block is temporary or permanent and if it's linked to a specific report or legal order against the platform. Stay informed with our latest blogs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.