Todays in History (February 13^th, 1879)

We celebrate National Women’s Day on the occasion of Sarojini Naidu’s birthday on 13 February 1879. She was a gifted national leader, a freedom fighter, and a celebrated poet. She was known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ and ‘Bharat Kokila’.

Summary of Today’s News

Nazool Land

Context: Violence erupted in Uttarakhand recently after a mosque and a madrasa standing on Nazool land were demolished.

Key Points

• Nazool land is owned by the government but is most often not directly administered as state property.
• The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period,
• One can approach the appropriate authority to renew the lease.
• The government is free to either renew or cancel and taking back the Nazool land.
• In almost all major cities in India, Nazool land has been allotted to different entities.

Emergence of Nazool Land emerge

• • During British rule, defeating the local kings in battle, the British would often take their land away from them.
  • After Indian Independence, the British vacated these lands.
  • But with kings and royals often lacking proper documentation to prove prior ownership, these lands were marked as Nazool land—to be owned by the respective state governments.
• How does the government use Nazool land?
  • The government generally uses Nazool land for public purposes like building schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, etc.
  • Several cities in India have also seen large tracts of land denoted as Nazool land used for housing societies, generally on lease.
• Currently how is Nazool land governed?
  • While several states have brought in government orders for the purpose of framing rules for Nazool land, The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956, is the law mostly used for Nazool land adjudication.

Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

Context: Prime Minister will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

Key Points

• BAPS is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith organisation.
• BAPS is an NGO with a Consultative Status with the (ECOSOC) Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
• It is based on the Vedic teachings propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE).
• It was formally established in 1907 CE by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
• The BAPS reaches out far and wide to address spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues.
• The main principles of BABPS are No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind
• Its global network of mandirs and centres hosts many moral, social, cultural, and spiritual activities.
• It is also engaged in a variety of humanitarian activities like during calamities, primary schools, students’ hostels, hospitals, diagnostic camps, anti-addiction drives, environment-awareness programs, tribal uplift, and literacy campaigns.

13^th February (Questions of the Day)

1) What do you mean by ‘Panchayatan’ in the context of the cultural history of India?

1. Business group
2. Religious sect
3. Administrative Officer
4. A style of temple construction

Ans. (d)

2) Regarding prehistoric rock paintings, consider the following statements:

1. Its evidence comes from the cave paintings of Bhimbetka.
2. In prehistoric times, artists used many colors to make paintings.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

3) Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. In India, the most famous sites of prehistoric rock paintings include Bhimbetka, Piklihal and Tekkalkota.
2. Pikalihal and Tekkalkota are located in Karnataka state.
3. 1 only
4. 2 only
5. Both 1 and 2
6. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

4) Recently Bhimbetka was in news, it is located in which state?

1. Maharashtra
2. Karnataka
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Rajasthan

Ans. (c)

5) Regarding Virupaksha Temple, consider the following statements and find out the correct option

1. Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, Karnataka.
2. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. Virupaksha Temple has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Only one
5. Only two
6. All three
7. None

Ans. (c)