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Indira Gandhi is born on November 19 in Allahabad, India, to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamla Nehru.
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Indira Gandhi Becomes Prime Minister: After the sudden death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi is elected as the Prime Minister of India on January 24, becoming the first woman to hold this office.
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In July, Indira Gandhi nationalizes 14 major commercial banks, aiming to strengthen the public sector and provide better access to credit for the poor and underprivileged.
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India defeats Pakistan in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Indira's leadership in this victory greatly boosts her popularity.
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On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi declares a state of emergency in India, suspending civil rights, curbing political opposition, and imposing media censorship in response to political unrest and an adverse court ruling.
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The emergency is lifted in 1977, and Indira’s Congress Party loses the general elections to the Janata Party. She temporarily steps down as Prime Minister.
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After a three-year hiatus, Indira leads the Congress Party to victory in the 1980 elections, becoming Prime Minister for a second term.
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Indira Gandhi oversees the successful hosting of the Asian Games in New Delhi, which serves as a symbol of India’s growing stature and development. The event promotes India's international image and strengthens national pride.
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Under Indira’s leadership, India successfully launches its first communications satellite, INSAT-1A, into space. This marks a major milestone in India's space program.
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After Indira’s assassination, her son Rajiv Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of India.