State PCS - Odisha

• 11 Dec 2025

Birth Anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) on his birth anniversary (10th December), remembering his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle, governance, and social empowerment.

Key Points 

• About: C. Rajagopalachari was born on 10th December 1878 in Salem, Madras Province (now Tamil Nadu). Became a Bachelor of Law in 1899 and began his legal practice in Salem. 
• Politics and Social Reforms: Rajagopalachari was deeply affected by Lord Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal on communal lines and was inspired by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s call for complete independence. 
  • Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and actively participated in India’s freedom struggle. 
  • In 1917, Rajagopalachari became Chairman of Salem Municipality, focused on the social welfare of backward classes, and in 1925, he established an Ashram in Madras Province for social upliftment. 
    • The Ashram published two magazines, Vimochanam (Tamil) and Prohibition (English). 
• Role in Freedom Struggle: During the anti-Rowlatt agitation, Rajaji hosted Mahatma Gandhi in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 
  • In 1930, during the Dandi March, Rajagopalachari led the Salt March in Madras Province from Tiruchi to Vedaranyam (also known as Vedaranyam Satyagraha).  
    • His arrest during the Vedaranyam Satyagraha gained him national recognition as a leader in the independence movement. 
  • After the Quit India movement, Rajagopalachari's pamphlet "The Way Out" outlined the C. R. Formula to resolve the constitutional deadlock between the Muslim League and the INC regarding a separate Muslim state. 
• Prime Minister of Madras Province: In 1937, Rajagopalachari became the Prime Minister of Madras Province. 
  • Implemented social and economic reforms, including the promotion of Khadi, the abolition of Zamindari, and the introduction of Hindi in schools. 
  • Focused on raising the standard of living for Dalits and promoting social equity. 
• Post-Independence Contributions: Rajagopalachari was appointed the Governor of West Bengal and later the first Indian Governor-General of Independent India in 1947 (the office was permanently abolished in 1950). 
  • Worked to integrate Muslims into the national mainstream and maintain India’s secular fabric. 
  • Served as Union Home Minister after Sardar Patel's death and played a significant role in key national issues, including the preparation of the First Five-Year Plan. 
  • In 1959, Rajagopalachari founded the Swatantra Party, advocating for a market economy and less government control. 
  • In 1962, Rajaji led a Gandhi Peace Foundation delegation to the US, urging a ban on nuclear tests. 
  • Rajagopalachari wrote a Tamil translation of the Ramayana, titled Chakravarthi Thirumagan, which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. 
• Legacy: Shri C. Rajagopalachari was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1954. He was the first to receive the highest civilian award.  
  • Rajagopalachari passed away on 25th December 1972. 

Sujalam Bharat App

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the Sujalam Bharat App, a key digital initiative under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at efficient management of rural drinking water supply systems. 

Key Points 

• About: The Sujal Gaon ID(digital identity) will provide a clear digital profile for every habitation, detailing its drinking water source, infrastructure condition, supply reliability, water quality, and operational & maintenance arrangements. 
• Objective: This platform will enhance transparency in the performance of Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and service providers, encouraging community participation and oversight. 
• Developer: It has been developed with the support of Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). 
• Integration: It is integrated with PM Gati Shakti GIS for precise geospatial mapping of water networks, asset inventory, water quality data, and community feedback. 
• Significance: The app is envisioned as the “Aadhaar for rural water systems,” forming the backbone of a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric water delivery ecosystem.