Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.Panchamasali Lingayats

OBC Categories in Karnataka

• Karnataka has a tiered system for categorizing Other Backward Classes (OBCs) into four groups: 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B.
• These classifications determine the level of reservation benefits available to each group in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The 2A category enjoys the highest level of reservation, followed by 2B, 3A, and 3B.

The Lingayat Community

• The Lingayat community, a significant population in Karnataka, traces its roots to the 12th-century social reformer Basavanna.
• Renouncing traditional Hindu practices, Basavanna advocated for a casteless society based on equality and merit.
• Historically classified as ‘Veerashaiva Lingayats’, a Hindu sub-caste, Lingayats today challenge this categorization.

Panchamasali Lingayats: A Sub-Group

• Within the Lingayat community, the Panchamasali sub-caste is the largest. This group has been at the forefront of demanding inclusion in the 2A category of OBCs.
• They argue that their socio-economic conditions warrant a higher level of reservation benefits compared to their current placement in the 3B category.

 

 

2.Chandra Shekhar Azad

Birth and Early Life

• Birth: 23 July 1906, as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari.
• Alias: Popularly known as Chandra Shekhar Azad.

Entry into Politics

• Non-Cooperation Movement: Joined at the age of 15 in 1921.
• Defiance: Arrested in December 1921, declared his name as “Azad” (meaning free), his father’s name as “Swatantrata” (freedom), and his residence as “Jail.”

Involvement in Revolutionary Activities

• Disillusionment: Disillusioned by the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.
• Hindustan Republican Association (HRA): Joined the HRA led by Ram Prasad Bismil.
• Fundraising: Participated in fundraising through robberies of government establishments.
• Significant Actions:
  • Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Participated in the robbery aimed at looting government funds.
  • Killing of John P. Saunders (1928): Involved in the assassination of the British police officer to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • Attempted Assassination of the Viceroy (1929): Participated in an attempt to assassinate the Viceroy of India.

Formation of the HSRA

• Reorganization: In 1928, along with Bhagat Singh and others, reorganized the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• Objective: Aimed to achieve an independent India based on socialist principles.

Death

• Final Battle: On 27 February 1931, surrounded by police in Alfred Park (now Azad Park) in Allahabad.
• Bravery: Engaged in a shootout, allowing his comrades to escape.
• Martyrdom: Shot himself with the last bullet to avoid capture.

Legacy

• Symbol: Remains a symbol of fearless patriotism and dedication to Indian independence.
• Commitment: Known for his commitment to revolutionary ideals and sacrifices in the struggle against British rule.

 

 

3.Corridor Projects for Bihar’s Holy Sites

• The Union Budget unveiled ambitious plans to develop corridor projects for the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples in Bihar.
• Inspired by the success of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, the aim is to elevate these sites into global pilgrimage and tourism hotspots.

Vishnupad Temple, Gaya

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this 100-foot tall temple boasts 44 pillars. Situated on the banks of the Falgu river, it was constructed in 1787 under the patronage of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mahabodhi Temple holds immense religious significance as the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
• Its distinctive architecture culminates in a 170-foot high structure.
• Interestingly, the original temple complex was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, with the present structure dating back to the 5th-6th centuries.

 

 

4.Capital Gains Tax

• The Union Budget 2024-25 tightened the screws on capital gains, both short and long-term. Additionally, the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options was doubled.

A Closer Look at Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax is a direct tax levied on profits from selling assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or art. This tax is categorized into two types:

• Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Taxed on profits from assets held for over a year. The Budget increased the LTCG rate to 12.5% from 10%, but also raised the tax-free limit to Rs. 1.25 lakh from Rs. 1 lakh.
• Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Taxed at the individual’s regular income tax rate, which is generally higher than LTCG. The Budget increased the STCG rate from 15% to 20%.

 

5.Namo Drone Didi

• The Union Budget has allocated Rs 500 crore for the Namo Drone Didi scheme, a visionary initiative aimed at empowering women and modernizing Indian agriculture.

Drone Didis:

• Under this scheme, 15,000 women self-help groups (SHGs) will be provided with drones to offer rental services to farmers. These women will undergo training to become skilled drone pilots.

Revolutionizing Farming Practices

• Drone Didis will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity by undertaking tasks such as fertilizer spraying, seed sowing, and crop monitoring.
• By placing advanced technology in the hands of rural women, the scheme aims to bridge the technological gap in Indian agriculture.
• The government has committed a substantial subsidy of up to 80% of the drone cost, with a maximum of Rs 8 lakh per SHG, to facilitate wider adoption of this innovative approach.

 

6.Air Breathing Propulsion:

·       ISRO’s recent successful flight test of Air Breathing Propulsion Technology marks a significant milestone in India’s space program.

• This innovative technology harnesses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need to carry heavy oxidizers on board.

How It Works

• Unlike traditional rockets that carry both fuel and oxidizer, air-breathing engines utilize oxygen present in the atmosphere.
• This dramatically reduces the overall weight of the spacecraft. For instance, ISRO’s LVM3 rocket carries a massive amount of oxidizer, which could be significantly reduced with this technology.

The Potential

• By leveraging atmospheric oxygen, air-breathing propulsion systems can potentially increase payload capacity and reduce launch costs.
• This technology encompasses different types of engines, including ramjets, scramjets, and dual-mode ramjets, each designed for specific flight conditions.
• With continued advancements, air-breathing propulsion could revolutionize space travel, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

 

 

7.Tinzaparin:

A recent breakthrough in medical research has unveiled the potential of tinzaparin, a commonly used anticoagulant, in mitigating the deadly effects of snake venom.

Understanding Tinzaparin

• Tinzaparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots.
• It functions by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood.

A New Role for Tinzaparin

• Researchers have discovered that tinzaparin effectively blocks the interaction between snake venom and human cell receptors, thereby preventing severe tissue damage.
• This mechanism of action is linked to the drug’s ability to mimic heparan sulfate, a substance targeted by the venom.

The Snakebite Crisis

• Snakebites pose a significant global health threat, particularly in tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
• The traditional antivenom, derived from horse or sheep immunized with snake venom, often faces challenges such as high cost, side effects, and complex production and storage requirements.

A Promising Solution

• The discovery of tinzaparin’s efficacy against snake venom offers a potential lifeline.
• Its widespread availability and affordability make it a promising candidate for developing a more accessible and cost-effective treatment.
• Further human clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings and pave the way for widespread application.