Daily PIB Analysis For UPSC/IAS | Free PDF Download -3rd October 2018 -

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How Bapu united India – By PM Modi

Today we mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of our beloved Bapu.
He remains a shining beacon of hope for millions of people across the world who seek a life of equality, dignity, inclusion and empowerment.
The impact he left on human society has few parallels.
Mahatma Gandhi connected India, in letter and spirit, in thought and action.
As Sardar Patel rightly said, “India is a land of diversity. If there was one person who brought everyone together, made people rise above differences, to fight colonialism and enhanced India’s stature at the world stage, it was Mahatma Gandhi.”
In a world where terrorism, radicalisation, extremism and mindless hate are dividing nations as well as societies, his clarion calls of peace and ahimsa have the power to unite humanity.
At a time when inequalities are not uncommon, Bapu’s emphasis on equal and inclusive growth can herald an era of prosperity for the millions on the margins.
In an era where climate change and environmental degradation have become central issues of discussion, the world can refer to the thoughts of Gandhiji.
More than a century ago, in 1909 he differentiated between human wants and human greed.
He urged both restraint and compassion while utilising natural resources and, he himself led by example in doing this.
He cleaned his own toilets, ensuring clean surroundings.
He also ensured minimal wastage of water and when he was in Ahmedabad, he took great care to ensure that unclean water did not merge with the Sabarmati.
In 1941, Bapu wrote the ‘Constructive Programme: Its meaning and place’ , which he subsequently modified in 1945, when there was renewed fervour around the freedom movement.
In that document, Bapu has talked about a wide range of topics ranging across rural development, strengthening agriculture, enhancing sanitation, promoting Khadi, empowerment of women, economic equality among other issues.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Gandhiji’s personality was that he made every Indian feel that he or she is working for India’s freedom.
He instilled the spirit of self-belief that a teacher, lawyer, doctor, farmer, labourer, entrepreneur, in whatever they were doing they were contributing to India’s freedom struggle.
It can start with something as simple as ensuring zero waste of food to imbibing values of non-violence and togetherness.
Almost eight decades ago, when the threats of pollution were not as much, Gandhiji took to cycling.
Those in Ahmedabad recall him cycling from Gujarat Vidyapith to Sabarmati Ashram.
In fact, I read that one of Gandhiji’s first protests in South Africa was against a set of laws that prevented people from cycling.
Despite a prosperous legal career, Gandhiji would use the bicycle to travel in Johannesburg. Can we emulate this same spirit today?
The festive season is here and people across India would be shopping for new clothes, gifts, food items and more. While doing so, remember the wise thoughts Gandhiji gave us in the form of his talisman.
Let us think about how our actions can light the lamp of prosperity in the lives of our fellow Indians.
By buying what they make, be it a khadi product, or a gift item or foodstuffs, we are helping our fellow Indians in pursuit of a better life. We may never have seen them or may not do so for the rest of our lives.
However, Bapu would be proud of us that in our actions we are helping fellow Indians.
In a short span of four years, sanitation coverage is up from 39% to 95%.
Twenty-one states, Union territories and 4.5 lakh villages are now open defecation free.
We could not die for the nation then but now, we must live for the nation and do everything possible to build the India our freedom fighters envisioned.
One of Bapu’s favourite hymns was “vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je, peer parayee jaane re, ” which means “a good soul is one who feels the pain of others.”
It was this spirit that made him live for others.

Vice President’s Secretariat

Inaugurating the dome-prayer hall & library and world parliament of science, religion and philosophy at MIT campus, Pune today, the Vice President said that peace is the foremost prerequisite for progress and development.

Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the union of science and spirituality was the need of the hour for promoting a society that is free of terror, violence, poverty and discrimination.
He said that the unique combination of science and spirituality would provide solutions to the contemporary challenges faced by the world.
One cannot pay attention to development if there is tension, he added.
He recalled that India had a long tradition of Gurukul education where Vedas and sciences, ancient values of brotherhood, humanity love, discipline and mutual respect were seamlessly woven into the curriculum.

Prime Minister’s Office

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan.
The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo).
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, was present on the occasion.
In the last 150 to 200 years, mankind has depended on fossil fuels for energy needs.
He said nature is now indicating that options such as solar, wind and water, offer more sustainable energy solutions.
In this context, he expressed confidence that in future, when people talk of organisations for the welfare of mankind established in the 21st century, the International Solar Alliance will be at the top of the list.
He said this is a great forum to work towards ensuring climate justice.
He said the International Solar Alliance could replace OPEC as the key global energy supplier in the future.
The Prime Minister said that the effect of increased use of renewable energy is now visible in India.
He added that India is working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement through an action plan.
He said that the target is to generate 40 percent of India’s total energy requirements in 2030, by non fossil fuel based sources.
He said India is developing with a new selfconfidence of “Poverty to Power.“
The Prime Minister said that along with power generation, power storage is also important.

Prime Minister’s Office

Shri Narendra Modi, will receive the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, the ‘UNEP Champions of the Earth’ award at a special ceremony in Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, New Delhi on October 3.
The award announced on 26th September, on the sidelines of 73rd UN General Assembly at New York City, will be presented by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Prime Minister Modi has been selected in the leadership category for his pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and for his unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

HM

Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with farmers’ leaders in New Delhi today and discussed their demands.
An official release said following the meeting, the government has decided on seven key steps to address the concerns of farmers.
These include filing a review petition against the NGT order imposing a ban on 10-year-old diesel vehicles, and bringing GST rates on implements used in agriculture under 5 percent tax slab.
A proposal in this regard will soon be brought in the GST Council.
It was also decided that Minimum Support Price of Rabi crops will be fixed at 50 per cent higher than the cost of production.
A committee under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra SinghSekhawat will be set up to look into the problems faced by farmers in getting benefits of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Farmers’ representatives will be included in the Committee of Chief Ministers which is looking to attach agriculture activities to MGNREGA.
Farmers’ main demands ranged from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices.

Nobel Prize

Three scientists have won the Nobel Prize in Physics.
They are Arthur Ashkin of US, Gerard Mourou of France and Donna Strickland of Canada.
They have been awarded for inventions in the field of laser physics which paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in industry and medicine.