State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 09 Oct 2025

Death Anniversary of Jaiprakash Narayan

Why in News? 

On 8^th October 2025, the Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, paid floral tributes to Jaiprakash Narayan at Samvidhan Sadan on the occasion of his death anniversary.

Key Points

• About: Jayaprakash Narayan was born on 11th October 1902 in Sitabdiara, Bihar, to Phool Rani Devi and Harshu Dayal, and married Prabhabati, the daughter of lawyer and Congress leader Braja Kishore Prasad, in 1920. 
• Education: J.P. studied at Patna Collegiate School and later joined Patna College, but left due to British funding and enrolled in Bihar Vidyapith, a non-cooperation institution. 
  • From 1922 to 1929, he pursued higher studies in the U.S. at multiple universities, focusing on Sociology and influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideas, particularly those of M.N. Roy. 
• Return to India: Upon returning to India in 1929, he joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and participated in the Lahore session, where the resolution for Complete Independence (Poorna Swaraj) was passed. Despite his Marxist beliefs, he admired Gandhiji’s leadership. 
• Involvement in the Civil Disobedience Movement: Jayaprakash joined the Civil Disobedience Movement and organised an underground office. He was arrested in September 1932 and imprisoned in Nasik Central Jail, where he met future prominent leaders and further strengthened his socialist ideals. 
• Formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP): In Nasik Jail, Jayaprakash and others formed the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) to infuse socialist ideals into the freedom movement, advocating for mass struggle over electoral participation. 
• Quit India Movement and Arrests: During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Jayaprakash escaped from Hazaribagh Central Jail and formed the “Azad Dasta” in Nepal to fight British rule. He was re-arrested in 1943, endured harsh treatment, and was released in 1946 due to widespread public pressure, earning the title "The Heart of Indians." 
• Post-Independence Contributions: After India gained independence, Jayaprakash joined the Sarvodaya Movement, led by Vinoba Bhave. He donated his land for the Bhoodan Movement and advocated for social reforms in rural India. 
• Sampurna Kranti and Political Legacy: In the 1970s, he led the call for "Sampurna Kranti" (Total Revolution) to address corruption and democratic decay.  
  • His efforts led to the formation of the Janata Party in 1977, which ousted Indira Gandhi from power. He passed away on 8th October 1979, leaving a lasting impact on India’s political landscape.

World Habitat Day

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) celebrated World Habitat Day 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with the theme "Urban Solutions to Crisis." 

• The event highlighted the importance of making cities more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable in addressing challenges like climate change, migration, and rapid urbanisation. 

Key Points 

• Background: In 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October each year as World Habitat Day. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986, with the theme "Shelter is My Right", and Nairobi was the host city.  
• Objective: This day serves to reflect on the state of our habitats and emphasises the fundamental right of all individuals to have access to adequate shelter.  
• Theme 2025: The theme for World Habitat Day 2025, observed on 6th October, is ‘Urban Crises Response,’ focusing on addressing various crises, such as climate change and conflicts, that contribute to inequality in urban areas, while promoting effective crisis response tools and approaches.

Scroll of Honour Award 

• Launched by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 1989, the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award is the most prestigious global recognition for human settlements.  
• This award acknowledges exceptional contributions in areas such as: 
  • Shelter provision (adequate, affordable housing). 
  • Highlighting the plight of the homeless. 
  • Leadership in post-conflict reconstruction. 
  • Improving urban life quality and human settlements. 

93rd Air Force Day

Why in News? 

The Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh conveyed his greetings to the nation on the 93^rd Air Force Day, honouring the brave air warriors who have protected the nation's skies with sacrifice, dedication, and professionalism. 

Key Points 

• About: Celebrated annually on 8th October to honour the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 8th October 1932. 
• Early Years: The IAF's first operational flight took place on 1st April 1933, beginning a vision of air power that has shaped India’s defence over the decades. 
  • From a small force with limited personnel and aircraft, the IAF has grown to become the world’s fourth-largest air force, involved in various military and humanitarian missions. 
• Motto: The motto of IAF is Touch the sky with Glory (Nabhah Sparsam Diptam), which has been taken from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. 
• Theme: The 2025 theme is centred on the force's contribution to Operation Sindoor. 
• 2025 Celebrations: This year's celebrations featured a farewell to the iconic MiG-21, a grand flypast with Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17 Globemaster, Apache Guardian, and others, along with parades, air shows, and exhibitions showcasing the IAF's technological advancements and operational readiness. 
  • The parade took place at Hindon Air Base, Uttar Pradesh, showcasing technological advancements and operational readiness.  
  • The restored Hindustan Trainer-2 (HT-2) aircraft, the first indigenously built IAF aircraft, was also displayed for the first time as part of the Heritage Flight.  
  • The traditional flypast and aerial display are scheduled to be held in Guwahati on 9th November, marking the culmination of this year’s Air Force Day celebrations.