CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Ministry of External Affairs has decided to observe the 24th June every year as Passport Seva Divas. It was on this day in 1967 that the Passports Act, 1967 had come into effect.

Detailed explanation-2: -Launched in 2008, the Passport Seva Program saw TCS transforming the delivery of passport-related services, digitizing the processes, and setting global benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and reliability.

Detailed explanation-3: -The government has extended the outreach of passport services through a network of Post Offices Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), wherein the post office premises issued for the delivery of passport-related services to citizens.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main difference between the two is based on their processing time, as highlighted below: Normal Passport- The standard processing time is 30 to 45 days from the date of application. Tatkal Passport- The standard processing time is 1 working day without police verification.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Passport Offices function as subordinate offices of Ministry of External Affairs under the supervision of Central Passport Organization. The issue of passport is a central subject under the Indian Constitution and allotted to the Ministry of External Affairs.