Daily Briefing: ASI’s Hindu temple conclusion in Gyanvapi case; India’s 75th Republic day; and more

The Archaeological Survey of India, tasked by the Varanasi district court in July 2023 to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, has concluded that “there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure” at the site. The Hindu litigants have claimed that the mosque was built on the site of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple after its destruction in the 17th century.

We take a look at what the report states and the legal challenges that lie ahead.

🇮🇳 Republic Day 2024

Calling the consecration ceremony at the new Ram temple in Ayodhya a “landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage”, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said the temple was an expression of people’s faith, and a testament to their trust in the judicial process. We delve into what the President said on the eve of the 75th Republic Day.

Former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, sanitation pioneer and Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), Telugu actor-turned-Congress politician Chiranjeevi, yesteryear Bollywood actress Vyjayantimala Bali and Bharat Natyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam have been selected for the Padma Vibhushan this year. Take a look at who else were the recipients of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards.

We are also running a Live Blog on the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path and all-related celebrations across the country. Follow it for latest news and updates.

The Indian Constitution is not just the lengthiest written Constitution in the world but also the most richly illustrated, with all 22 parts carrying hand-painted images and its pages adorned with elaborate borders. From Ram to Akbar to Gandhi, we explain the artwork on the Constitution and write about the artists who painted them.

👩🏻‍💻Must Read

With French President Emmanuel Macron set to attend this year’s parade as its chief guest, we trace the arc of India-France ties over the years. Notably, France was the first western country India signed a strategic partnership with. More than two decades on, Macron’s visit comes at a time when bilateral ties have strengthened, with defence and security, civil nuclear matters, and space as the major pillars. Read our full explainer.

In our opinion section, political scientist Subrata Mitra notes that this year’s Republic Day celebrations come just days after the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “The Ram temple in Ayodhya and Republic Day commemorations show that the past in India is not an exotic relic but a contender jostling for space,” he writes. Read his opinion.

Express Interview | AI Express’s Managing Director Aloke Singh speaks about the recent merger of Tata group’s budget airlines Air India Express (AI Express) and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) into one carrier — AI Express: “In our existing markets, we will densify the network and plug gaps that we could not address earlier due to capacity constraints.”

⏳And Finally

Amidst the tableaux of various states and ministries that would participate in the Republic Day parade this year will be an exhibition of sarees, textiles and embroideries from around India. Titled ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’, the exhibition along the Kartavya Path on Friday will feature nearly 1,900 drapes mounted on wooden frames. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Delhi Confidential: The Supreme Court recently elevated 11 women lawyers as senior advocates. This is the first time that the SC has elevated so many women lawyers as senior advocates in one go.

In today’s episode of the ‘3 things’ podcast, we talk about another blow to the INDIA alliance, French President Macron at the R-day parade, and UNGA President in India.

Until tomorrow,
Rahel Philipose and Rounak Bagchi

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