Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 12 Oct 2023

Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Birth Anniversary

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary.

Jayaprakash Narayan born on 11^th October 1902, in Sitabdiara, Bihar, popularly referred to as JP or Lok Nayak (People’s Leader), was an Indian Independence activist, social reformer and political leader.
- Influenced by both Marxist ideas in the US and Gandhian ideology.
Joined the Indian National Congress in 1929 and participated in the civil disobedience movement and Quit India Movement.
Devoted his life to the Bhoodan Yajna Movement, advocating land redistribution to the landless, inspired by Vinoba Bhave.
He led the movement against the Indira Gandhi Regime in response to electoral law violations, promoting a program of 'Sampoorna Kranti' or total revolution in 1974.
- The 'Total Revolution' had seven components: political, social, economic, cultural, ideological, educational, and spiritual.
His objective was to bring about societal change in line with the ideals of Sarvodaya, a Gandhian philosophy emphasizing progress for all.
Jayaprakash Narayan was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1999. Died: 8^th October, 1979.

Nanaji Deshmukh Birth Anniversary

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary.

Nanaji Deshmukh, born on 11^th October 1916 in Maharashtra's Hingoli district, was a prominent social activist, politician, and a key figure in India's political landscape.
Active participant in Acharya Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan Movement.
Played a pivotal role in Jayaprakash Narayan's agitation for total revolution.
Focused on social reform, health, education, and rural self-reliance.
Contributed significantly to anti-poverty and minimum needs programs.
Established Chitarkoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya, India's first rural university, and served as its Chancellor.
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1999 in recognition of his services to the nation.
Awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1999 and was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna by the President of India in 2019.
Death: 27^th February, 2010.

World Sight Day

World Sight Day is a global event held every second Thursday in October to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment.

In 2023, it falls on 12^th October, and the theme is "Love your eyes at work."
- The emphasis this year is on educating people about safeguarding their vision in the workplace.
Globally, at least 1 billion people have near or distance vision impairment that could be prevented or has yet to be addressed (WHO).

Read more: World Sight Day

India Launches Operation Ajay for Citizens' Safe Return from Israel

India has initiated "Operation Ajay" to assist its citizens who wish to return from Israel. Special charter flights and arrangements are being organized for their safe repatriation.

A 24-hour Control Room has been established in the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine and provide information and assistance.
The announcement was made concurrently with Israel's ongoing military operations targeting Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
- These actions were undertaken in response to a severe and violent attack that occurred within the borders of Israel.

Read more: Israel-Palestine Conflict

REC Limited Launches 'SUGAM REC' Mobile App for Bond Investors

REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has introduced a mobile application called 'SUGAM REC,' designed exclusively for current and prospective investors in REC's 54EC Capital Gain Tax Exemption Bonds.

This app offers comprehensive information about investments in REC 54EC Bonds, a type of fixed income financial instrument that provides tax exemptions on capital gains under Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act.
- The term capital gain refers to any profit or gain that is received from the sale of a capital asset.
REC Limited, established in 1969, operates as an non-banking finance company (NBFC) with a focus on financing and developing the power sector across India.

Read more: Capital Gain Tax