Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
Syllabus: GS1/History
Context
- The Prime Minister paid tributes to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati on his birth anniversary.
About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
- He was born on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, as ‘Mool Shankar’ into a Brahmin family. He later became a disciple of Swami Virajananda.
- He founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to counter social inequities and promote social reform.
- He issued the slogan “Back to the Vedas” and emphasized two core ideas: the infallible authority of the Vedas and monotheism.
- Among his major beliefs were the rejection of idolatry and overly ritualistic traditions, support for women’s education, denunciation of child marriage, and opposition to untouchability.
- He also advocated the idea of shuddhi, supporting reconversion into the Hindu fold.
- Publications: Satyarth Prakash, Sanskar Vidhi, and Yajurved Bhashyam.
- Legacy: Inspired by his beliefs, teachings, and ideas, his disciples established the Dayanand Anglo Vedic College Trust and Management Society after his death in 1883.
- The first DAV High School was established at Lahore on June 1, 1886, with Mahatma Hans Raj as its headmaster.
Do you know?
- American spiritualist Andrew Jackson Davis referred to Maharshi Dayanand as the “Son of God.”
- He is credited with first using the term Swaraj (self-rule) in 1875, which was later adopted by leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi.
Source: PIB
Assam Rifles to Induct More Indigenous Dog Breeds Under Atmanirbhar Push
Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security
Context
- The Assam Rifles is inducting two native Indian dog breeds, the Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) and the Kombai, into its specialized dog squad.
- The induction is being managed by the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) in Jorhat, Assam.
About the Indian Dog Breeds
- Tangkhul Hui: It is indigenous to Ukhrul district of Manipur and known for being highly courageous, possessing unique tracking abilities, and having the stamina to track animals for up to 48 hours without food or water.
- It is also known for disease resistance and adaptability to hilly terrain.
- Status: Already inducted as a pilot project in 2022 with six dogs.
- Kombai: It is native to Tamil Nadu and recognized for agility, guarding instincts, and loyalty.
Assam Rifles
- The Assam Rifles came into being in 1835, as a militia called the ‘Cachar Levy’.
- After distinguished service in World War I, it was officially renamed the “Assam Rifles”.
- World War Participation: It is the only paramilitary force to have participated in both World Wars, as well as the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- The force is headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya, and currently consists of 46 battalions.
- It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), primarily guarding India’s Indo-Myanmar border, focusing on border security, counter-insurgency, and law & order in Northeast India.
- Dual Control Structure:
- Administrative Control (MHA): The Ministry of Home Affairs manages salaries, recruitment, infrastructure, and retirement policies.
- Operational Control (Ministry of Defence/Indian Army): The Indian Army decides on deployment, transfers, and strategic direction during operations.
Source: TH
Motions of Parliament
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
In News
- Recently, a Member of Parliament has submitted a notice to move a “substantive motion” against the Leader of Opposition.
About
- A Motion is a formal proposal moved by a Member of Parliament (MP) to initiate a debate or seek a decision of the House. No discussion on a matter of general public importance can take place except on a motion made with the consent of the Presiding Officer.
- Parliamentary motions are broadly classified into three categories: Substantive, Substitute, and Subsidiary.
Classification of Motions
- Substantive Motion: A self-contained, independent proposal dealing with a very important matter. Examples include the impeachment of the President or the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Substitute Motion: Moved in substitution of an original motion to provide an alternative. If adopted by the House, it supersedes the original motion.
- Subsidiary Motion: A motion that has no meaning on its own and refers to an original motion. These are further divided into:
- Ancillary: Regular way of proceeding with business (e.g., “that the Bill be passed”).
- Superseding: Moved during a debate to supersede the current question.
| Motion Type | Purpose & Impact | Key Features |
| Closure Motion | To cut short the debate on a matter. | If passed, the debate stops and the matter is put to vote. Includes “Guillotine” (undiscussed clauses put to vote). |
| Privilege Motion | Raised when a Minister is believed to have committed a breach of privilege. | Aimed at censuring the concerned Minister for withholding facts or giving wrong information. |
| Calling Attention | To draw a Minister’s attention to an urgent matter. | An Indian innovation (since 1954); the Minister makes a brief statement on the issue. |
| Adjournment Motion | To discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. | Disrupts the normal business of the House. Requires support of 50 members. Not permitted in Rajya Sabha. |
| Motion of Thanks | Discussed after the President’s address. | Must be passed in both Houses; failure to pass it in Lok Sabha is viewed as a defeat of the Government. |
Source :TH
Kyasanur Forest Disease
Syllabus: GS2/Health
In News
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is steadily progressing towards the development of an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).
Kyasanur Forest Disease(KFD)
- Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae.
- It was identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka.
- Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) spread the KFD virus to people and to animals like monkeys and rodents.
- It is an important regional infectious disease in the Western Ghats region, in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
- KFD symptoms appear 3–8 days after infection and can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding.
- People at higher risk of KFD include hunters, herders, forest workers, and farmers especially during the dry season (November–June).
- Travelers to areas with KFD cases are also at risk.
Source: PIB
Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context
- The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha.
About
- The Bill seeks to amend the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
- The Code provides for matters such as recognition of trade unions, notice periods for strikes and lock-outs, and resolution of industrial disputes.
- Repeal of Acts: The 2020 Code replaces three Acts, namely:
- the Trade Unions Act, 1926,
- the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and
- the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
- The Bill clarifies that these three Acts stand repealed from November 21, 2025.
Source: TH
Climate Threat of Black Carbon in Arctic
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment and Climate Change
Context
- The geopolitical rivalry over Greenland’s strategic importance has overshadowed the threat of black carbon emissions in the Arctic, highlighting the de-prioritisation of environmental regulation amid strategic rivalry.
What is Black Carbon?
- Black carbon is a major component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a potent short-lived climate pollutant.
- It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (especially diesel and marine heavy fuel oil), biofuels, and biomass.
- It has a warming impact nearly 1,600 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
- Unlike CO₂, it does not remain long in the atmosphere (typically 4–12 days), but its immediate impact is intense, especially in polar regions.
Why is it Critical in the Arctic?
- When soot settles on snow and ice, it reduces albedo (reflectivity), causing greater absorption of solar radiation.
- This accelerates glacier melt and sea-ice retreat, reinforcing Arctic amplification.
- It is the phenomenon where the Arctic region warms at a rate two to four times faster than the global average
- Melting Arctic ice disrupts global weather patterns, including jet streams and monsoon systems.
Strategic Significance of Arctic Region
- The Arctic has growing geopolitical significance due to:
- Emerging shipping corridors.
- Energy and mineral resources.
- Military and strategic positioning.
Source: THE WEEK
Rajaji National Park
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
- The Supreme Court cleared the metalling of the 11.5-km Laldhang-Chillarkhal road project through Rajaji National Park.
Rajaji National Park
- It was established in 1983 by merging the Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla sanctuaries.
- It was named in honor of freedom fighter and India’s first Governor-General, C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji).
- It is located in the Himalayan foothills near Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- It features diverse vegetation and rich biodiversity, with the Ganga and Song rivers flowing through it.
- It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, ghorals, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Source :TH
World Radio Day
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
- The world radio day is observed on 13th February every year to commemorate the establishment of the United Nations Radio in 1946.
About
- The theme this year is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.”
- It highlights how AI can enhance content production making radio more efficient and inclusive.
- At the same time, the theme emphasises that technology must remain a support system, not a substitute for the human voice.
- World Radio Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 and was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.
- The day has been observed yearly to promote support for broadcasters around the world and to increase awareness of the significance of the technology.
All India Radio (AIR)
- All India Radio (AIR), popularly known as Akashvani, is the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati, India’s national broadcaster.
- Motto: Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya”, (for the welfare and happiness of the masses).
- Established: In 1936 and brought under public ownership after Independence, AIR has grown into one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world.
Source: AIR
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