21 Jan 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Parakram Diwas 2024 Commemoration:Red Fort Unveils History and Cultural Spectacle
2. High-level committee relating to holding of simultaneous elections 
in the country holds third meeting

1. Parakram Diwas 2024 Commemoration: Red Fort Unveils History and Cultural Spectacle

Syllabus: GS-1, Art & Culture

Prelims:  Parakram Diwas

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the event on January 23 at Red Fort, Delhi. The celebration extends till January 31, highlighting historical reflections and cultural expressions.

Red Fort’s Role in Netaji’s Legacy:

• Red Fort played a pivotal role in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s saga and Azad Hind Fauj.
• The museum within the fort dedicated to Bose and INA preserves their legacy, inaugurated by PM Modi in 2019.

Spectacular Events and Exhibitions:

• Projection mapping show by National School of Drama artists at Red Fort, illuminating its history.
• Exhibitions with rare photographs, documents, paintings, sculpture workshops, and interactive AR and VR exhibitions.
• Free entry for visitors to engage in immersive experiences during the celebration.

Bharat Parv and Diverse Showcases:

• Prime Minister to digitally launch ‘Bharat Parv’ by the Ministry of Tourism, showcasing diversity.
• Republic Day Tableaux, cultural exhibits, and a nine-day event at Ram Leela Maidan and Madhav Das Park.

2. High-level committee relating to holding of simultaneous elections in the country holds third meeting

Syllabus: GS-2, Polity

Mains:  Simultaneous elections

Context: The High-Level Committee chaired by Shri Ram Nath Kovind held its third meeting on simultaneous elections in New Delhi. Attendees included Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Shri N. K. Singh, Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, and Shri Sanjay Kothari.

Minutes Confirmation and Actions:

• The committee confirmed the minutes of the second meeting and reviewed actions taken on decisions made on October 25, 2023.
• Secretary Dr Niten Chandra briefed members on follow-up actions taken since the second meeting.

Public Feedback and Consultations:

• Public notice on simultaneous elections was issued on January 5 in 105 leading newspapers.
• 20,972 responses were received by January 15, with 81% supporting simultaneous elections.
• Suggestions sought from 46 political parties, and 17 parties have provided input.
• The committee considered suggestions from the Election Commission of India.
• Chairman Shri Ram Nath Kovind consulted jurists, former Chief Justices, Election Commissioners, and industry leaders.
• The next High-level committee meeting is scheduled for January 27.

Read previous PIB articles here.