MLC Daily Current Affairs – 26 December 2024

Today in History (December 26^th,1705)

This day is dedicated to the bravery of the two younger Sahibzaades of the tenth Sikh Guru Govind Singh—9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh and his younger brother, 5-year-old Baba Fateh Singh. On 26 December 1705, these great sons were bricked alive by Wazir Khan in retaliation for not converting to Islam.

Let’s Revise

Q.1) What is the Rann Utsav?
A) A yearly sports festival in Gujarat
B) A cultural festival celebrating the heritage of Kutch
C) A religious festival celebrated in Gujarat
D) A trade fair held in Kutch
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Rann Utsav is a cultural festival organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department, celebrating the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Kutch region.

Q.2) Where is the Rann of Kutch located?
A) In the Rajasthan Desert
B) In the state of Punjab
C) In the Kutch district of Gujarat
D) In the Sindh province of Pakistan
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, with a smaller section in Pakistan’s Sindh province.

Q.3) Which of the following is a geographical feature of the Great Rann of Kutch?
A) It is bordered by the Himalayas to the north
B) It is connected to the Arabian Sea through Kori Creek
C) It is located at a high altitude
D) It has a tropical rainforest climate
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Great Rann of Kutch is situated near sea level and is connected to the Arabian Sea through the Kori Creek.

Q.4) Which endangered species is found in the Little Rann of Kutch?
A) Bengal Tiger
B) Indian Wild Ass (Khur)
C) Asiatic Lion
D) Snow Leopard
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass (Khur), which is protected in the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q.5) Which empire(s) historically ruled over the Rann of Kutch?
A) The Mauryas and Guptas
B) The Mughals only
C) The Marathas and the Rajputs
D) The Cholas and the Pandyas
Answer: A)
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch has been part of historic empires such as the Mauryas and Guptas, reflecting its rich historical lineage.

Q.6) What is the primary climate feature of the Rann of Kutch during summer?
A) Temperatures of around 30°C
B) Temperatures around 44°C, reaching up to 50°C
C) Temperatures remain moderate
D) Continuous rainfall
Answer: B)
Explanation: During the summer, the Rann of Kutch experiences extremely high temperatures, with averages around 44°C and peaks reaching 50°C.

Q.7) What is the ecological significance of the Rann of Kutch?
A) It is a major agricultural zone of India
B) It is the site of the largest tropical rainforest in India
C) It is a unique ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife and vegetation
D) It serves as a major industrial hub for Gujarat
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch is ecologically significant, supporting diverse ecosystems including mangroves, desert vegetation, and wildlife such as the Indian Wild Ass.

Q.8)What is the primary purpose of green deposits?
A) To finance traditional infrastructure projects
B) To support environmentally friendly and sustainable projects
C) To fund corporate mergers and acquisitions
D) To generate profits for banks
Answer: B)
Explanation: Green deposits are specifically intended to fund projects related to renewable energy, clean transportation, sustainable water management, and other eco-friendly initiatives.

Q.9) In which currency are green deposits denominated?
A) US Dollar
B) Indian Rupee (INR)
C) Euro
D) Pound Sterling
Answer: B)
Explanation: Green deposits are denominated only in Indian Rupees as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) framework.

Q.10) Which of the following is NOT a type of project funded by green deposits?
A) Renewable energy projects like solar and wind power
B) Climate change adaptation projects
C) Development of green buildings
D) Construction of new shopping malls
Answer: D)
Explanation: Green deposits fund sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, such as renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and green buildings, but not non-environmentally focused projects like shopping malls.

Summary of Today’s News

Ken-Betwa River Link Project Foundation Stone Laid by Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The project aims to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region, spanning parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Estimated cost: ₹45,000 crore.

Credit to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
• Modi credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his vision behind India’s major river valley projects.
• Accused Congress of not recognizing Ambedkar’s contributions to water conservation.
Project Benefits:
• Expected to bring prosperity to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
• Will address drinking and irrigation water needs of at least 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh and various districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Aims to generate over 100 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy.
Additional Projects:
• Foundation laid for the Daudhan dam irrigation project, addressing irrigation needs of 11 lakh hectares.
• Madhya Pradesh now has two river-linking projects underway, including the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal project.
• Virtually inaugurated a floating solar energy project in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh’s first solar power plant.
• Laid foundation for 1,153 Atal Gram Seva Sadans and released a commemorative stamp and coin in honor of former Prime Minister Vajpayee.
What is the Ken-Betwa Link?
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the river interlinking project that aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh (MP) to Betwa in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
• The region spread across the districts of two states mainly Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
• The project involves building a 77-metre tall and a 2-km wide Dhaudhan dam (to be built within Panna Tiger Reserve) and a 230-km canal.
• Ken-Betwa is one of the 30 river interlinking projects conceived across the country.
What are Ken and Betwa Rivers?
• Ken and Betwa rivers originate in MP and are the tributaries of Yamuna.
• Ken meets with Yamuna in Banda district of UP and with Betwa in Hamirpur district of UP.
• Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila dams are over Betwa river.
• Ken River passes through Panna tiger reserve.

Veer Bal Diwas

• PM Modi said India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
• He made those remarks while speaking at a ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
• This was the second celebration of the Veer Bal Diwas.
Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
• While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
• The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
• Incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of the four Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri to protect the country and religion is the heritage of the country.
• Veer Baal Diwas is observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom -1705.
Who was Guru Gobind Singh?
• Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher.
• He was born on January 5, 1666 in Patna Sahib, Bihar in the Sodhi Khatri family of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and his wife Mata Gujri.
• He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after the death of his father.
• His father was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
What are notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?
• Organised the Sikh community
• He was responsible for institutionalizing the Khalsa, who played a significant role in protecting the Sikhs after his death.
• The Khalsa warriors had to follow a code of discipline that was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh.
He commanded the Sikh to wear five items all the time which includes
• Kesh,
• Kangha,
• Kara,
• Kachera, and
• Kirpan

Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses Available in India

Salman Rushdie’s controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, is now available for purchase in India, 36 years after it was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government.
• Bahrisons Booksellers has a limited stock of the book, which has been received well by customers.
• Global Controversy: The novel, known for its imaginative storytelling and bold themes, has sparked intense global controversy, especially regarding free expression, faith, and art.
• Social Media Posts: Manasi Subramaniam, editor-in-chief of Penguin Random House India, announced the book’s availability on social media, highlighting its significance.
• Legal Proceedings: The Delhi High Court recently closed proceedings on a petition challenging the ban, as the government did not submit the 1988 notification banning the book.
• Historical Context: The book faced backlash shortly after publication, leading to a fatwa by Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini. Rushdie spent nearly a decade in hiding, and the controversy included violent incidents involving translators and an attack on Rushdie himself in 2022.

Pakistan Air Strikes Kill 46 in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children, according to a Taliban government official.
• Target: The strikes targeted four locations in Barmal, a district in Paktika province, and were aimed at dismantling a training facility and killing insurgents.
• Casualties: Those killed were primarily refugees, with six others wounded.
• Claims: The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed that 50 people, including 27 women and children, died in the strikes, describing them as “unarmed refugees.”
• Local Impact: Residents reported at least 13 deaths, with the wounded transported to a local hospital.
• Pakistan’s Response