Today in History (October 26th, 1947)
October 26 is an important day in Indian history because it is the day when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947, joining Jammu and Kashmir to the Dominion of India. The Instrument of Accession was a legal document that ceded Jammu and Kashmir to India as per the Indian Independence Act of 1947. In exchange for protection from the Indian military, Hari Singh, the last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, signed the Instrument of Accession.
Let’s Revise
1. What is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel commonly known as?
A) Father of the Nation
B) Iron Man of India
C) Mahatma
D) First Prime Minister
Answer: B)
Explanation: Patel earned the title “Iron Man of India” for his strong leadership and determination in uniting India post-independence.
2. When was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel born?
A) October 31, 1875
B) August 15, 1947
C) January 26, 1950
D) March 12, 1930
Answer: A)
Explanation: Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat.
3. What profession did Patel initially practice before entering politics?
A) Teacher
B) Lawyer
C) Farmer
D) Engineer
Answer: B)
Explanation: Patel practiced as a lawyer after completing his education in England.
4. Which movement did Patel lead in the 1918 to support farmers in Gujarat?
A) Non-Cooperation Movement
B) Quit India Movement
C) Bardoli Satyagraha
D) Dandi March
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Bardoli Satyagraha was a successful farmers’ movement against the increase in land revenue.
5.Sardar Patel played a significant role in the integration of which of the following?
A) States of Pakistan
B) Indian princely states
C) States of China
D) British colonies
Answer: B)
Explanation: Patel was instrumental in uniting over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
6. Which position did Patel hold in the first Cabinet of independent India?
A) Prime Minister
B) Home Minister
C) Finance Minister
D) External Affairs Minister
Answer: B)
Explanation: Patel served as the Home Minister of India and was responsible for internal security and integration of states.
7.Which iconic statue was built in honor of Sardar Patel?
A) Statue of Liberty
B) Statue of Unity
C) Christ the Redeemer
D) Eiffel Tower
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Patel, and is located in Gujarat.
8. What was Patel’s role in the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A) Leader in Gujarat
B) Leader of the Indian National Congress
C) Organizer of the movement in Punjab
D) None of the above
Answer: A)
Explanation: Patel was a prominent leader in the Non-Cooperation Movement, particularly in Gujarat.
9.Sardar Patel was a close associate of which leader during the freedom struggle?
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Bhagat Singh
Answer: C)
Explanation: Patel worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and was influenced by his principles of non-violence.
10. What was one of Patel’s significant contributions to the Indian Constitution?
A) Fundamental Rights
B) Emergency Provisions
C) Integration of states
D) Directive Principles
Answer: C)
Explanation: Patel’s efforts in integrating princely states laid the foundation for a unified Indian state, influencing constitutional arrangements.
11. Which year did Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pass away?
A) 1948
B) 1950
C) 1955
D) 1962
Answer: A)
Explanation: Patel died on December 15, 1950, shortly after India’s independence.
12. What is celebrated on October 31st in India in honor of Sardar Patel?
A) National Unity Day
B) Independence Day
C) Republic Day
D) Gandhi Jayanti
Answer: A)
Explanation: October 31st is observed as National Unity Day in India to commemorate Patel’s contributions to national integration.
Summary of Today’s News
India-China Coordinated Patrolling Agreement
• Objective: India and China are implementing “coordinated patrolling” to prevent confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
Disengagement Timeline:
o Expected completion of disengagement in Depsang and Demchok by October 29.
o Patrols to resume by the end of October.
Areas Covered:
o The agreement specifically focuses on Depsang and Demchok.
o Chinese patrols will continue in Yangste, Arunachal Pradesh, without obstruction.
Return to Pre-2020 Status:
o The arrangement aims to revert the situation to what it was before April 2020, allowing Indian patrols to access specific points in Depsang that were blocked since early 2020.
Coordination Mechanism:
o Patrols will be organized to avoid direct encounters, with regular interactions planned between both sides to maintain peace.
No Change in Other Areas:
o This agreement does not affect other friction points along the LAC, like Galwan and Pangong Tso, where buffer zones remain.
Future Discussions:
o Ongoing talks are expected for resuming patrols in other disputed areas, with a focus on disengagement first before broader de-escalation efforts.
Winter Impact:
o With winter approaching, patrols may be limited for several months as conditions become harsher.
Modi’s Discussion with German Chancellor on Global Conflicts
Meeting Overview:
o Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met to discuss the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
India’s Stance:
o Modi emphasized that war is not a solution and expressed India’s commitment to helping restore peace in both regions.
Context of Discussion:
o This meeting was part of the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations between India and Germany.
o Modi recently returned from the 16th BRICS summit, where he advocated for peace in Ukraine.
Updates Shared:
o Modi briefed Scholz on his recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, sharing insights from those meetings.
India’s Position:
o Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India is not neutral in the Ukrainian conflict but is committed to promoting peace.
Engagement with Key Players:
o India continues to engage with major actors involved in the conflicts, highlighting its proactive approach to diplomacy.
Supreme Court’s Examination of VIP Treatment in Temples
Context:
o The Supreme Court will review a petition seeking to eliminate VIP entry charges and special treatment for certain individuals in temples.
Background:
o Many ordinary devotees, including senior citizens, women, children, and people with disabilities, often face long wait times while VIPs get preferential access.
Petition Details:
o Filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, the petition argues that the term ‘VIP’ is not legally defined, leading to unfair practices.
o It highlights that wealth determines who gets quicker access, which is seen as a form of “VIP culture.”
Rights Violated:
o The petition claims this practice violates fundamental rights, including equality, dignity, and the right to worship freely.
Call for Equality:
o It emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of their background, should have equal access to worship and receive darshan in temples.
Government Respondents:
o The petition names various state governments and the Union government, through the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, as respondents.
Concerns About Growth:
o With the rise in religious tourism and new temple constructions, there is worry that VIP practices could spread to more temples.
Proposed Solutions:
o The petition requests the creation of a national-level board to address complaints and issues related to temple practices.
o It also seeks standard operating procedures to manage entry into temples, ensuring fair treatment for all visitors.
