Author: karthik

Acharya Vinoba Bhave Syllabus: GS1/History     In News The Prime Minister paid homage to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his birth anniversary (11 September 1895). Acharya Vinoba Bhave Renowned spiritual leader, freedom fighter, and social reformer. Greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi after reading his 1916 speech; soon left formal education and joined Gandhi at the Kochrab Ashram. Regarded as Gandhi’s spiritual successor and honored as the National Teacher of India.   Major Contributions Gramseva Mandal (1934): Organized village service and rural development activities. Bhoodan Movement (1951): Advocated voluntary redistribution of land to the landless, promoting non-violent socio-economic reform. Sabarmati Ashram: Contributed to Khadi promotion, village industries, Nai Talim (basic education), and sanitation initiatives. Bhagavad Gita translation: Rendered into Marathi as Geetai.   Bhoodan Movement (“Bloodless Revolution”) Initiated in 1951 at Pochampally (Telangana) when a landlord donated 100 acres of land to landless peasants. Sparked a nationwide campaign for voluntary land donations to the poor. Extended into concepts like: Sampattidan (Wealth-gift) Shramdan (Labour-gift) Aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and reducing inequalities. Earned international recognition, notably in Britain, influencing debates on social policy and land reforms. With reference to Acharya Vinoba Bhave, consider the following statements: A. He abandoned formal education after being influenced by Gandhi’s speech at the 1916 Banaras Hindu University convocation. B. He was honored as the National Teacher of India. C. He translated the Bhagavad Gita into Hindi, naming it Geetai. Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Vinoba Bhave indeed left his formal education after being inspired by Gandhi’s 1916 BHU speech. He was popularly called the Rashtriya Guru (National Teacher of India). However, he translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, not Hindi. The work is known as Geetai. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct, 3 is incorrect. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Syllabus: GS2/ Polity In News Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference in Bengaluru.   Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Establishment: Originated in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association; renamed in 1948 as CPA. Nature: A voluntary association of national, state, provincial, and territorial parliaments across the Commonwealth of Nations.   Objectives: Promote parliamentary democracy and legislative cooperation. Strengthen good governance, accountability, and transparency. Encourage dialogue and capacity-building among legislatures. Headquarters: London, United Kingdom. Membership: Over 180 legislatures from 55 Commonwealth countries. India’s Role: Active participant since Independence, with regular hosting of conferences and exchange programmes.   Key Facts Headquarters: London, United Kingdom. Membership: Over 180 legislatures drawn from 55 Commonwealth countries.     India’s Role: Active member since Independence. Regular host of regional and international conferences. Participation in parliamentary exchanges, training of legislators, and capacity-building initiatives. India’s large and diverse parliamentary system makes it an important voice in shaping CPA’s agenda.   Significance of CPA in India’s Context Enhances India’s role as a torchbearer of democracy within the Commonwealth. Provides opportunities for regional cooperation with Asian, African, and Pacific legislatures. Strengthens India’s soft power diplomacy by showcasing its democratic institutions. Helps in parliamentary reforms through exposure to global best practices. With reference to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), consider the following statements: It was originally established as the Empire Parliamentary Association in 1911. The CPA functions as an inter-governmental body under the Commonwealth Secretariat. India has been an active member of the CPA since Independence. The CPA Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 onlyb) 2 and 4 onlyc) 1, 2 and 3 onlyd) 1, 3 and 4 only Answer:  a) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct. Established as Empire Parliamentary Association (1911). Statement 2: Incorrect. CPA is not an inter-governmental body; it is a voluntary association of parliaments. Statement 3: Correct. India joined post-Independence and actively participates. Statement 4: Incorrect. HQ is in London, UK, not Geneva. Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) Syllabus: GS2/Governance In News The Union Home Minister has launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at five new airports — Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode, and Amritsar — further expanding its coverage across India.   Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) Launch & Expansion First introduced in July 2024 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Gradually being extended to other airports; now active at multiple locations. Future integration planned for major greenfield airports like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.   Inspiration Modeled on the U.S. Global Entry Program, a trusted traveller initiative for expedited immigration clearance.   Target Users Available for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. Application & Enrolment Applicants must submit biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) along with required details. Enrolment is subject to thorough verification by authorities. Membership can be suspended or cancelled if demanded by law enforcement or courts.   Features Immigration clearance in ~30 seconds via biometric verification at e-Gates. Reduces long queues and manual checks at counters. Embodies PM Modi’s vision of “Speed, Scale, and Scope” in governance and service delivery. Strengthens national security while enhancing traveller convenience.   Relevance & Impact To be rolled out at 21 major airports across India. Designed to meet rising international travel demand. Aims to make immigration faster, seamless, and secure, aligning India with global best practices. With reference to the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), consider the following statements: The programme is modeled on the U.S. “Global Entry Program.” Only Indian citizens are eligible; OCI cardholders are not covered. The programme enables immigration clearance within 30 seconds using biometric e-Gates. Once enrolled, membership is permanent and cannot be suspended. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 onlyb) 2 and 4 onlyc) 1, 2 and 3 onlyd) 1, 3 and 4 only Answer: a) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct. FTI-TTP is indeed modeled on the U.S. “Global Entry Program.” Statement 2: Incorrect. Both Indian nationals and OCI cardholders are eligible. Statement 3: Correct. It uses biometric verification at e-Gates to complete immigration in about 30 seconds. Statement 4: Incorrect.