Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
History
1.Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795)
Why In News? : Birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
About Ahilyabai Holkar:
- Born into a Dhangar/Gadariya family in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
- After the deaths of her husband and son, she led the Holkar Dynasty in Malwa.
- Known as “Punyashlok” – liberator from hardships.
Reign (until 1795):
- Ensured stability and peace in Malwa during a period of regional power struggle.
- Focused on good governance and social harmony.
- Appointed Tukoji Holkar as military commander due to her gender limitations.
- Personally led armies to defend Malwa.
Malwa Region:
- West-central India, encompassing western Madhya Pradesh and parts of southeastern Rajasthan.
- Geographically, refers to the volcanic Malwa Plateau north of the Vindhya Range.
Development under Ahilyabai:
- Indore transformed into a prosperous trading town.
- Established Maheshwar (on Narmada River) as her capital.
- Maheshwar became a cultural and industrial center under her rule.
- Famous Maheshwari sarees originated there.
Architectural Contributions:
- Patron of Hindu temples and dharamshalas.
- Built hundreds of temples across her region.
- Restored Jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) across India.
- Refurbished pilgrimage sites like Kashi, Gaya, and Somnath.
- Implemented a unique strategy to protect temples: installing hidden idols for added security.
Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/when-a-holkar-queen-gave-india-ram-rajya-9362764/
Polity
2.Statutory Bail
Why in News ?
- Recent Delhi HC case involving a JNU scholar granted statutory bail.
About Statutory Bail:
- Legal provision for undertrial release based on conditions.
- Right granted to accused regardless of the crime.
- Ensures undertrial isn’t detained indefinitely before trial.
Legal Framework:
- Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- Introduced in 2005 to address rising undertrials in prisons.
Eligibility:
- Undertrial in custody for > half the maximum imprisonment for the offence (excluding death penalty cases).
Release Conditions:
- Personal bond with or without sureties.
- Court must provide written reasons for denial.
Exclusions:
- Offences with death penalty as a possible punishment.
- Delays caused by the undertrial in legal proceedings.
Other Bail Provisions in India (CrPC 1973):
- Types of Bail:
- Interim Bail: Temporary bail for a short period.
- Regular Bail: Release to ensure presence at trial.
- Anticipatory Bail: Bail granted before arrest (non-bailable offences).
Economy
3.Hoolock Gibbon – India’s Only Ape
Habitat: Tropical & subtropical forests in Southeast Asia.
Distribution:
- India (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh etc.)
- Myanmar
- Bangladesh
- Southern China
Species:
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon (Vulnerable) – Specific region of Arunachal Pradesh
- Western Hoolock Gibbon (Endangered) – Rest of Northeast India
Features:
- Size: Similar for males & females (differ in color)
- Male: Black with white brows
- Female: Grey-brown fur (darker chest & neck)
- Diurnal & arboreal (spend most of life in trees)
- Monogamous (mate for life)
- Live in family groups
- Communicate through vocalizations (loud calls)
- Intelligent with distinct personalities & strong family bonds
- Lifespan: 25 years
Conservation Efforts:
- Northeast Frontier Railway building canopy bridges for safe passage across railway tracks.
- Listed on Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
Geography
4.Koya Tribe of Godavari Valley
Challenge: Cultural crisis due to Special Enforcement Bureau raids targeting Mahua liquor consumption, a cherished tradition.
Region: Godavari Valley (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha)
Culture & Society:
- Multi-racial, multi-lingual tribe
- Traditional occupations: Pastoralism, shifting cultivation
- Current occupations: Settled cultivation, animal husbandry, forest collection (Jowar, Ragi, Bajra millets)
- Social Structure:
- Five sub-divisions (gotrams)
- Patrilineal & patrilocal families (“Kutum”) – Monogamous
- Blend of ethnic religion & Hinduism – Female deities emphasized (esp. “mother earth”)
- Community funds & grain banks for support
- Burial/cremation with menhirs for the deceased
- Festivals: Vijji Pandum (seeds), KondalaKolupu (Hill deities)
- Dance: Permakok (Bison horn dance) for celebrations
Security / Defence
5.Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV)
- Recently, construction began on the first NGOPV for the Indian Coast Guard.
- Designed for modern maritime security challenges.
- Equipped with advanced machinery and features.
Specifications:
- Twin diesel engines for a maximum speed of 23 knots.
- Range of 5,000 nautical miles.
- Integral facilities for twin-engine and heavy helicopters for aerial operations.
- First vessel to be delivered by May 2027 (contract for 6 vessels worth ₹1,614.89 crore).
Security / Defence
6.Operation Blue Star
- Indian Armed Forces operation (June 1-10, 1984) to remove Sikh militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar.
- Context: Punjab insurgency (late 1970s-1980s) for a separate Sikh state (“Khalistan”).
- Bhindranwale fortified the Akal Takht shrine within the complex, escalating violence.
- Indira Gandhi government launched Operation Blue Star to neutralize the militants.
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