Topics Covered:Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
71st Republic Day
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Republic Day- significance and things showcased.
Context: India celebrated its 71st Republic Day on January 26, 2020.
Guest of Honour: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
- Bolsonaro is the third Brazilian President to be invited as Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day Parade.
- Before him, India hosted President Fernando Henrique Cardoso in 1996 and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2004, as chief guests for the Republic Day Parade.
Why January 26th?
The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, a date specially chosen to coincide with the anniversary of ‘Purna Swaraj Diwas’.
January 26, 1930 was marked as ‘Purna Swaraj Diwas’, or the day the nation would attain complete freedom from its colonisers by the Congress.
- The members of the drafting committee felt that the birth of the constitution should be observed on a day that held some significance in their fight for independence.
- When India was ultimately granted freedom by the British in 1947, but on August 15 and not January 26, the date was instead assigned to celebrating India’s Republic Day.
- This was the day the Indian Independence Act was consequently repealed and India was established as a democratic republic, no longer a dominion of the British Crown.
What was showcased at the parade?
- Dhanush Artillery Gun.
- Rafale and Tejas aircrafts.
- Anti-Satellite Weapons System (ASAT).
- Gujarat – Rani ki Vav – Jal Mandir.
- Meghalaya – Living Root Bridge.
- Punjab – 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Sources: the Hindu.
