News In Short 18-1-2025

Kokborok

Syllabus: GS1/Culture

Context

  • Kokborok day is celebrated by the Indigenous Tripuri people of the state of Tripura on 19th January each year. 

About

  • Significance: It commemorates the rich cultural heritage, history, and linguistic contributions of the Kokborok language, which is the mother tongue of the Tripuri people.
  • It was first recognised as an official state language of Tripura in 1979.
    • Other official languages of Tripura are Bengali and English.
  • Tripura has rolled out a language mapping drive to boost Kokborok in schools.

Source: TH

Kuka Movement

Syllabus: GS1/ History

In Context

  • The Kuka Movement, also known as the Namdhari Movement, emerged in the 19th century as a Sikh religious and socio-political reform movement. 

About

  • Origin: Namdhari sect was founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, at Bhaini Sahib. He was the secular chief of Namdhari Sect.
    • Followers were called “Kukas” due to their high-pitched recitation of Gurbani, referred to as “Kook” in Punjabi.
  • Leadership: Led by Satguru Ram Singh, supported by Kuka Hira Singh and Lehna Singh.
  • Core Objectives: Advocated for spiritual reform and social justice.
    • Opposed British rule and promoted self-reliance through the boycott of British goods and institutions.
    • Protested cow slaughter, reflecting their religious and cultural values.

Kuka Movement’s Escalation

  • Clash with Authorities: On January 15, 1872, the Kukas attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana district, confronting British officials. Later, Britisher executed Kukas. 
  • Exile of Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and other Kuka leaders were exiled to Rangoon (present-day Myanmar), where they remained until their deaths.

Post-Movement Contributions

  1. Publications: The Kukas launched ‘Satyug’ in 1920 and the daily ‘Kuka’ in 1922 to spread their ideology.
  2. Support for Non-Cooperation Movement: The Kukas aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, contributing to the broader freedom struggle.

Significance

  • Early Resistance: The Kuka Movement was among the first organized revolts against British rule in Punjab.
  • Combination of social and freedom goals: Inspired self-reliance, civil disobedience, and social reform.

Source: TH

Gulf of Aden and Red Sea

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

  • Rising threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and East African waters have led the Indian Navy to enhance its presence and ensure secure sea routes.

Gulf of Aden

  • It is a deepwater gulf located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. 
  • It connects the Arabian Sea to the Red Sea through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Red Sea

  • It is a narrow, elongated sea separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa.
  • It extends from the Suez Canal in the north to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the south.
  • Bordering countries: Djibouti,  Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.

Strategic Importance

  • Global Trade Route: Together, they form a critical maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.
  • Energy Supply Chain: Major pathway for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, with nearly 10% of global oil trade passing through the Bab el-Mandeb.
  • Chokepoint Vulnerability: Bab el-Mandeb is a strategic chokepoint, and any disruption could impact global trade and energy security.
Gulf-of-Aden-and-Red-Sea

Source: TH

Bharathapuzha River

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

  • In a tragic incident, members of a family drowned in the Bharathapuzha river at Cheruthuruthy.

About

  • The Bharathapuzha River, also known as the Nila River or Ponnani River, is the second longest river in Kerala after Periyar.
  • Length:  209 km (Approx).
  • Origin: Anamalai Hills, Tamil Nadu.
  • Tributaries: Gayathripuzha, Kannadipuzha, Kalpathipuzha, Thuthapuzha.
  • Drainage Area: Covers parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Significance: Houses several ancient temples along its banks, including the Thiruvilwamala Temple.
    • Known for the Kerala Kalamandalam, a center for traditional arts located on its banks.

Source: DH

Zombie Deer Disease (CWD)

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Tech

In News

  • A recent study has concluded that humans are not at significant risk of contracting the deadly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD),  often referred to as Zombie Deer Disease.

Zombie Deer Disease (CWD)

  • It is also known as  Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
  • It is a deadly, neurological illness that affects deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and muntjac.
    • It may also affect some other members of the Cervidae family.
  • Human Infection Risk: CWD is caused by prions, infectious proteins, and there are concerns about the disease potentially jumping to humans, particularly through the consumption of infected meat.
    • However, no confirmed human cases have been reported.
  • Transmission : CWD prions spread through body fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, and feces, either by direct contact or environmental contamination.
    • Once present, prions remain infectious for years in soil, water, and plants.
  • Impact  : Infected animals may appear healthy for months or years, during which they can spread the disease. As the disease progresses, animals become debilitated and die.
    • The speed of progression varies by species and the animal’s genetics.

Source: ET

National Sports Awards

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

In News

  • The President of India recently presented the National Sports Awards 2024, honoring exceptional contributions to sports and adventure in India.

Award Categories

  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
    • India’s highest sporting honor, established in 1991-92.
    • Recognizes outstanding performance over a period of four years.
    • Named After: Major Dhyan Chand (1905–79), an iconic hockey legend who led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936).
    • 2024 Awardees:
      • Gukesh D (Chess)
      • Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
      • Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
      • Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
  • Arjuna Award:
    • Established in 1961 for consistent performance over the past four years.
    • Named After: Arjuna, the legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
    • First Recipient: P.K. Banerjee (Football).
  • Dronacharya Award:
    • Instituted in 1985, this is India’s highest honor for coaches.
    • Awarded for producing medal winners at prestigious international events.
    • Named After: Dronacharya, the guru of Arjuna in Mahabharata.
    • First Female Recipient: Renu Kohli (Athletics).
  • Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement:
    • Instituted in 2002 for lifetime contributions to sports.
    • First Recipients:
      • Shahuraj Birajdar (Boxing)
      • Ashok Diwan (Hockey).
  • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy:
    • The oldest National Sports Award, instituted in 1956–57.
    • Named in honor of Shri Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister and a freedom fighter.
    • First Recipient: Bombay University.
  • Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar:
    • Instituted in 2009, awarded to organizations, corporates, and individuals for significant contributions to sports promotion and development over the past three years.
  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award:
    • Introduced in 2004 to honor achievements in adventure sports.
    • Recognizes contributions across land, water, air, and lifetime adventure categories.

Source: PIB