The Election Commission of India has recently declared the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a national party. This significant decision comes following a comprehensive review of the party’s performance in various elections, including the 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 21 state assembly polls since 2014. The AAP joins the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), CPI(M), and National People’s Party (NPP), making it the sixth national party in India. Official national party status ensures the AAP symbol is reserved for its candidates across India, plus entitlement to land for an office in the national capital.
Revoking National Status: TMC, NCP, and CPI
In contrast to AAP’s success, the Election Commission of India has revoked the national party status of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Communist Party of India (CPI). The reason behind this was based on the parameters laid down in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order of 1968. According to these regulations, a national party must secure a minimum of 6% vote share in at least four states during the recent Lok Sabha or Assembly elections and possess at least four MPs in the Lok Sabha.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Parkash Purab 2023
The Sikh community observes Guru Tegh Bahadur Parkash Purab 2023 on April 11th to commemorate the birth and teachings of the ninth guru of Sikhism, Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was born on April 21, 1621, in Amritsar, and he grew up under the mentorship of his father, Guru Hargobind. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s contributions to Sikhism were significant and profound, including creating poetic hymns that have been incorporated into the sacred text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib. He is remembered as a saint and martyr who upheld the principles of freedom of religion and justice by sacrificing his life.
Remembrance of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
On the birth anniversary of the renowned social reformer, philosopher, and writer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the Prime Minister has paid tribute. Jyotirao Phule was a revolutionary thinker who strongly advocated for liberty, egalitarianism, and socialism. He worked tirelessly to enlighten women and lower-caste members with the sole motive of eradicating social evils. His life’s work inspired individuals like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.
Launch of the Unified Licensing Portal
The Central Bureau of Narcotics has launched a unified portal designed to streamline the licensing process for the pharmaceutical and chemical industry in India. The portal aims to facilitate secure transactions, simplify processes and promote contactless operations for drug exporters, importers, and manufacturers. This initiative will significantly contribute to increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the department’s operations, reinforcing the movement towards ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.’ The portal also guarantees the availability of essential narcotics and medicines for patients and their families, making it a milestone in striking a balance between medicinal, scientific, and industrial use of narcotic substances while maintaining compliance with the law.