The Indian Prime Minister recently commemorated the birth anniversary of renowned figure, Acharya Vinoba Bhave. A celebrated activist, social reformer and spiritual teacher, Bhave was synonymous with principles of non-violence and equality. Born as Vinayak Narahari Bhave on September 11, 1895, in Gagode, Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra), he left an indelible imprint on society.
A Legacy of Peace: Acharya Vinoba Bhave
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was a stalwart in the world of non-violence activism and a committed freedom fighter. He was an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and dedicated his life to eradicating social inequalities. He was an advocate for the Harijans, now commonly referred to as Dalits, and launched the Sarvodaya movement, which included the Bhoodan (Gift of the Land) Movement. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958 and was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 1983.
Advancing Digital Payments: Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
Following successful implementations in Middle Eastern countries including Oman, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain, India is extending its Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to the UK. This move will benefit Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), enabling them to pay a range of bills through diverse payment methods. Driven by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), BBPS stands as an accessible and comprehensive solution for bill payments.
Elevating Standards: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched an initiative to promote adherence to Indian standards at the grassroots level. Through this effort, the BIS has reached out to 2.4 lakh Gram Panchayats across India and has initiated a mission to educate Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries. The BIS Care App has been developed, providing consumers with information on Indian Standards and product certification.
Ace of the Court: Novak Djokovic Wins US Open 2023
Novak Djokovic made international headlines by winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open 2023. By defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, he surpassed Serena Williams’ record for the most major singles titles won in the Open era. These tennis tournaments, known as majors, are the four most significant annual events in the tennis world and include the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.