PIB Summary- 11th April, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Ramakrishna Movement

Why in News?
Recently, the Prime Minister of India participated in the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math at Vivekananda House in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

About Ramakrishna Movement

• The Ramakrishna Movement is a Hindu spiritual movement inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886), a mystic saint from Bengal, India.
• The movement was founded by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, in 1897 with the aim of spreading the message of Vedanta, a Hindu philosophy, to the world.

Beliefs and Practices

• The Ramakrishna Movement emphasizes the unity of all religions and the harmony of different faiths.
• It believes in the oneness of God and the divinity of the human soul.
• The movement holds that spiritual realization can be achieved through selfless service, meditation, and the practice of yoga.
• The movement has a strong emphasis on social service and humanitarian work.
• It runs hospitals, schools, colleges, and other institutions to provide healthcare, education, and vocational training to the underprivileged sections of society.

Organizational Structure

• The Ramakrishna Movement is headquartered at Belur Math, a temple and monastery complex on the banks of the Ganges river in West Bengal, India.
• The movement has branches in different parts of India and around the world, known as Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission centers.
• The Ramakrishna Math is a monastic order of monks who lead a contemplative life of prayer, study, and meditation.
• The Ramakrishna Mission is a lay organization that focuses on social service, education, and humanitarian work.
• Both organizations work together to promote the spiritual and material welfare of society.

Influence

• The Ramakrishna Movement has had a significant impact on Indian spirituality and culture.
• It has inspired a number of social and religious reform movements, including the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• The movement has also influenced the development of modern Hinduism and has played a role in the spread of yoga and Vedanta teachings in the West.

Exercise Cope India 23

Why in News?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) are currently conducting Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral air exercise. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices. It is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda, and Agra.

Details of the Exercise

• The first phase of the exercise began recently and is focused on air mobility.
• It will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.
• Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J as well.
• The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who will participate in the capacity of observers.