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News for the Day (18th July, 2024)
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Current Affairs
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI’S WAGH NAKH
Why in the News?
The 'Wagh Nakh' used by Chhatrapati Shivaji is being brought back to India from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Ministry on a loan basis for a period of three years.
About
- It will be arriving in India on Friday, July 19 for three years.
- This famous Tiger Claw will be stored in the Shivaji Museum in Satara.
Wagh Nakh
- The Wagh Nakh is a type of traditional Indian weapon that consists of a metal claw mounted on a handgrip.
- This weapon was designed to be worn on the hand and used for close combat.
- This fearsome weapon featured four or five curved blades affixed to a glove or a bar, designed for personal defence or stealth attacks.
- The name "Wagh Nakh" means "Tiger's Claw".
- 'Wagh Nakh' is a "symbol of faith"
Chhatrapati Shivaji's Defense with the 'Wagh Nakh'
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj faced Afzal Khan; a general sent by the Bijapur Sultanate to defeat him.
- Khan proposed a peaceful meeting but planned to assassinate Shivaji.
- Shivaji Maharaj anticipated treachery and prepared for the confrontation. He hid a Wagh Nakh (tiger claw) and wore chainmail armor beneath his attire.
- During the meeting, when Afzal Khan attacked, Shivaji used the Wagh Nakh to strike him, resulting in his death.
- It symbolizes the strategic success that defined the early years of the Maratha Empire.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
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Wagh Nakh
ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS IN INDIA
Why in the news?
A loan of $240.5 million has been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the deployment of rooftop solar energy systems in India.
About
- The State Bank of India will be given USD 90.5 million from ADB, and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will be receiving USD 150 million.
- Aim: To boost the government’s efforts to expand energy access through renewable energy.
- This financing will support tranches 2 and 3 of the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF).
Rooftop Solar Systems
- They are photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the roof of a building to convert sunlight into electricity.
- They reduce technical and operational burdens by generating electricity at the point of use, cutting down on long-distance power supply and system losses.
- India aims to achieve about 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel energy sources by 2030 in line with its global commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Establishment: December 19, 1966
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
- President: Masatsugu Asakawa
- Members: 68 members
- These rooftop solar systems are part of the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar program, which aims to promote the widespread adoption of solar technology and strengthen India’s energy infrastructure for future resilience.
Rooftop Solar Systems
Operation Nanhe Farishtey
Why in the News?
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued 84,119 children under Operation Nanhe Farishtey since 2018.
About
- Nanhe Faristey is a mission dedicated to rescuing children in need of care and protection across various Indian Railway Zones.
- Rescued children are handed over to the District Child Welfare Committee, with child helpdesks established at over 135 railway stations, raising awareness.
Railway Protection Force (RPF)
- It is an armed force under the operational and administrative control of the Union Ministry of Railways.
- It is tasked with protecting and securing railway property, the passenger areas, and the passengers themselves.
- Other Operations of RPF
- Operation Jeevan Raksha
- Meri Saheli Initiative
- Operation Uplabdh
- Operation NARCOS
- Operation Yatri Suraksha
- Operation Seva
Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi signed a copy of the book Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi.
About
- Auther: Dr R Balasubramaniam (Balu)
- The book captures Prime Minister Modi’s leadership journey and interprets it through Western and Indic lenses, amalgamating them to provide a roadmap for those who aspire to a life of public service.
- Western Leadership Theories: These typically focus on trait-oriented approaches, emphasizing the importance of “being a leader.”
- Indic Leadership Perspectives: In contrast, these concentrate on the exercise of leadership, drawing from India’s rich civilizational wisdom.
Book: Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi
Nelson Mandela International Day 2024
- It is annually observed on 18th July.
- The day serves as a commemoration and as a global call to action, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to embody Mandela’s spirit of service and dedication to social justice.
- The theme for the day 2024 is combating poverty and inequality is in our hands.
- The aspect of the Day is the call for people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service or charitable activities.
- This duration symbolizes the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, including his 27 years in prison.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
- About
- He was the First Black President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
- He was a central figure in the struggle against apartheid and played a crucial role in the transition to a multi-racial democracy in South Africa.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
General Knowledge
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
About
- It is the premier investigating police agency in India.
- It helps the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
- CBI is functioning under Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances (PMO).
- A nodal police agency which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
- The state’s consent is required to extend the CBI investigation beyond Union Territories.
- Cases: Suo Moto cases, Corruption, Economic Frauds, Special crimes
- Establishment: 1 April 1963
- Current Director: Praveen Sood
- The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
Praveen Sood, CBI Director
PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE (PTR)
About
- Location: Districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta, Kerala
- Formation: Declared a Sanctuary during 1950 and Tiger Reserve during 1978
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- There are six tribal communities nestled inside the reserve - Mannans, Paliyans, Malayarayans, Mala Pandarams, Uralis and Ulladans.
- The major rivers through the reserve are Mullayar and Periyar.
- It comprises 300 medicinal plants, 1966 species of flowering plants out of which 516 are endemic to Western Ghats.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerela
NALANDA UNIVERSITY
- About
- Ancient Nalanda University
- Location: Rajgir, Bihar
- Period: 5th century CE - 1197 CE
- Founder: Kumaragupta I
- Features: Ancient center for higher learning; subjects included Buddhist studies, philosophy, logic, grammar and medicine
- Many students came to study from China, Mongolia, Tibet and Korea including famous Chinese scholars Hiuen Tsang, Moksadeva and I-Tsing.
- Attacks: First Attack during Emperor Samudragupta’s reign (455-470 AD), Second Attack due to political tensions with Emperor Harshavardhana of Kannauj (Early 7th Century)
- Decline: Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE, a general of the Turkish ruler Qutbuddin Aibak.
- The existing ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ancient Nalanda University
- Modern Nalanda University
- Re-established: Indian Parliament Act, 2010
- Location: 12 km away from the ruins
- Focus: Advanced research and postgraduate education
- Objective: Reviving the ancient spirit of learning
- The idea for revival emerged in the early 2000s.
- Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Singapore government, and leaders of East Asian Summit (EAS) countries all advocated for Nalanda's return.
Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar
KISAN RAIL
About
- Launched: August 2020
- Managed by: Indian Railways
- Aim: To decrease post-harvest losses
- First Kisan Rail: Devlali (Maharashtra) - Danapur (Bihar) on August 7, 2020.
- It is the first ever multi-commodity, multi-consignee, multi-consignor and multi-stoppages, benefiting small farmers by allowing them to transport their produce without any middleman.
- These trains with refrigerated coaches helped bring perishable agricultural products like vegetables and fruits to the market in a short period of time.
- The consignment is weighed and charges are levied as per the prescribed parcel rates (P-scale).
- Farmers are charged only half of the freight for their consignments, due to 50% subsidy provided by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Operation Greens scheme.
- As of 31st January 2024, 2,359 trips of Kisan Rail trains have been operated on 167 routes, where nearly 7.9 lakh Tonnes of consignments have been transported.
Kisan Rail
TIGER WOODS
About
- Full Name: Eldrick Tont Woods
- Birthdate: December 30, 1975
- Birthplace: Cypress, California, USA
- Profession: Professional Golfer
- Professional Debut: 1996
- PGA Tour Wins: 82 (tied with Sam Snead)
- Major Championships: 15
- Notable Win: 2019 Masters, his first major in 11 years
- World No. 1 Ranking: Held for 683 weeks (about 13 years)
Tiger Woods