Current Affair 1:

Vaikom Satyagraha

 

The Vaikom Satyagraha in Travancore is today known as Kerala is the first anti-caste movement. This movement was against the caste system as the pupil of the depressed class and untouchables were restricted from entering the temple. The movement originated and took its place at Vaikom, then part of the princely state Travancore in the vicinity of Mahadev temple in Kottayam district of Kerala during the period of 1924-1925.

Vaikom Movement:

The Vaikom Satyagraha was launched on 30th March 1924.

The first chosen place for the initiation of the Satyagraha was the four public roads proceeding to the Shiva Shrine in 2 Vaikom where ‘marginalized, depressed caste and untouchables were imposed with restrictions upon entry.

The leading Satyagrahis namely Kunjappy, Venniyll Govinda Panicker, and Bahuleyan lead the procession walking hand in hand towards notice the shiva shrine where a message was displayed that Ezhavas and other lower caste including the marginalized sections of the society are restricted to make use of the pavement (road) for any of its utilities.

One of the prominent figures Periyar E.V Ramaswamy, a man who could now be called as ‘Father of Modern Tamil Nadu’ was known for arousing the ‘Self-Respect Movement’ against Brahmanical orthodoxy and superiority and highlighted how marginalized castes are being subjected to exploitation. He also joined the struggle and is popularly known as the only Satyagrahi who was arrested twice, thus earning him the title of Vaikom Virar (the fearless hero of Vaikom).

Non-Hindus gave their support, like barrister George Joseph in Kerala, Bhajematharam Mathunni, and Abdul Rahman, the Editor-in-Chief of Young India extended their support to Satyagraha.

Sree Narayana Guru also extended his support and cooperation to the Vaikom Satyagraha. Guru was against the caste system and orthodox discrimination prevalent in Hindu society. He ordered two of his favourite disciples Swami Sathyavrathan and Kottukoikal Velayudhan to look after the work of Satyagraha.

The Vaikom Satyagraha witnessed Women’s Empowerment as a large number of women seem to be actively participating in the movement on such a large scale for the first time. Women such as Meenakshi Amma, Narayani Amma, Nagammai Amma, and Thirumalai Amma, were leading women warriors of the Satyagraha, inspiring women from across the country to participate in the movement and fight.

Whether there was any role of Mahatma Gandhi? Yes.

The Vaikom Satyagraha proclaimed its significance almost a decade later when in November 1936, the historic Temple Entry Proclamation was passed, which lifted the age-old orthodox ban on the entry of marginalized depressed castes into the temples of Travancore.

The Vaikom Satyagraha has a historical significance as it embarked on the beginning of a temple entry movement that not only gained prominence nationwide but also all over the globe continues and is remembered till today.

Current Affair 2:

Lake Natron – An Alkaline Lake in Tanzania

 

Lake Natron is an alkaline lake located in the north Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region in Tanzania.

The lake contains salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the Mountain of God, contributes to the lake's hostile conditions. It is the only active volcano to emit natrocarbonatites - a rare carbonatite lava. 

Sodium carbonate and other minerals that enter the lake from the surrounding hills make the water alkaline.

The salty water in Lake Natron has a pH of over 10.5 and reports said that the water is so caustic that it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that aren't adapted to it. The lake gets its blood-red tone from Bacteria, which can tolerate harsh conditions. 

Current Affair 3:

Triple Threat Report UNICEF

 

What is triple threat and countries under triple threat, this is only important to know.

Current Affair 4:

About Aravalli Green Wall Project

 

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is part of the Union Environment Ministry's vision to create green corridors across the country to combat land degradation and desertification.

The project covers states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi - where the Aravalli hills landscape span over 6 million hectares of land.

The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes and streams.

The project will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

The Aravalli Green Wall Project has the following objectives:

 

1. Improving the ecological health of the Aravalli range
2. To prevent eastward expansion of Thar Desert and to reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification, and dust storms
3. This green wall will help in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change to enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Aravalli range
4. Promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities by involving local communities
5. The project will be executed by various stakeholders such as central and state governments, forest departments, research institutes, civil society organisations, private sector entities and local communities.
6. Contribute to India's commitments under various international conventions such as UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

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