Daily Current Affairs Notes for 14 April 2023

 

On April 14, 2023, India will observe the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, known as Ambedkar Jayanti. The central government has declared this day as a public holiday to acknowledge the significant contributions of Ambedkar to Indian society. This occasion provides a chance to honor and celebrate Ambedkar's life and legacy and to reaffirm our dedication to the ideals of social justice and equality that he advocated for during his lifetime.

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is widely acknowledged as the "father of the Indian Constitution," but his influence extended far beyond that role. He was a versatile individual who made notable contributions in the fields of economics, law, and politics, and was also a prolific writer, deeply exploring subjects such as history, economics, political science, and sociology. As a social reformer, Ambedkar devoted himself to promoting the improvement of the oppressed classes in India. He was an enthusiastic supporter of women's rights and gender equality, and championed these issues throughout his career.

The Inspiring Life Struggles of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, into a Mahar family, which was considered one of the lowest castes and faced discrimination in India. Despite experiencing discrimination since childhood, he managed to secure admission to the prestigious Elphinstone High School in Bombay, becoming the only member of his caste to do so. However, he faced oppression from the upper caste teachers and staff. He and his Dalit friends were not allowed to sit inside the classroom with other students and were not permitted to drink water from the school’s earthen pot. Nevertheless, he persevered and overcame those obstacles to pursue postgraduate studies at Columbia University. He later obtained two doctoral degrees from the London School of Economics.

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar: Beyond the Father of Indian Constitution

• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, apart from his significant positions as the first law and justice minister of independent India and the head of the constituent assembly's drafting committee, also served as a source of inspiration for movements concerning Dalit and Buddhist rights in India. He actively fought for social equality and raised his voice against caste-based discrimination. Though he played a crucial role in framing the Indian Constitution, his influence went beyond his legislative accomplishments.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a staunch advocate of workers' rights, promoting their ability to form unions and participate in collective bargaining with employers. He firmly believed that labor played a significant role in the economy and deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. Ambedkar also pushed for the implementation of minimum wage laws to prevent the exploitation of workers. His support for labor rights exemplified his dedication to social justice and equality.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar strongly advocated for women's rights and believed in equal opportunities and treatment for women. He worked tirelessly to promote gender equality in all spheres of society, emphasizing that women deserved the same respect and dignity as men. Ambedkar's advocacy for women's rights was an essential part of his larger goal to create a fair and equitable society for all.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar supported birth control and family planning, acknowledging the significance of regulating population growth and enhancing women's health and well-being. He believed that women should have access to birth control and family planning services to have control over their lives and make decisions about their bodies. Ambedkar's advocacy for these issues highlighted his overall dedication to social justice and equality.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, although not directly involved in the founding of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), played a critical role in its establishment by drafting the Banking Companies Act of 1949. This act granted the RBI increased power to regulate both commercial and public banks, ultimately helping to establish the central bank as a key player in India's financial system. Ambedkar's contribution to the creation of this act demonstrated his comprehension of the significance of effective regulation in promoting financial stability and economic growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Rajasthan's first Vande Bharat Express train through a video conference, marking the 15th such train in the country. During the launch, the prime minister emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of development, modernity, self-reliance, and stability, embodying the spirit of "India First, Always First." He also highlighted that the train will significantly benefit the tourism industry of Rajasthan.

Significance of this development:

Modi highlighted that this was the sixth Vande Bharat Express launched in the past two months, and that in the past, the modernization of the railways had been hindered by selfish and corrupt politics. Large-scale corruption had prevented the railways from developing and had made the selection process non-transparent, he added.

Route and timing of this Vande Bharat train:

The Vande Bharat train will commence its regular service from April 13, operating between Ajmer and Delhi Cantonment, with scheduled stops in Jaipur, Alwar, and Gurgaon.

The fact that it will cover the distance between Delhi Cantonment and Ajmer in five hours and 15 minutes is impressive. Moreover, the Ajmer-Delhi Cantonment Vande Bharat Express is also the world’s first semi-high speed passenger train to operate on high rise overhead electric (OHE) territory, which is a significant achievement.

 

Baisakhi 2023: Celebrating the Harvest Festival

Baisakhi 2023: Baisakhi is a major festival observed by the Sikh community with immense enthusiasm and grandeur. It marks the commencement of the harvest season and brings together families and friends, who prepare special dishes on this day. People visit Gurudwaras to offer prayers and Sikhs organise Langars at different places to serve food to everyone. To symbolize the start of a new and sweet beginning, Kada Prasad, a sweet dish made of wheat halwa, is traditionally served on this day.

Baisakhi, the most significant festival celebrated by the Sikh community, is also celebrated by Hindus and other communities in India. The festival is marked with great enthusiasm, as families and friends come together to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season. People dress up in traditional attire, perform folk dances, and sing songs. In some parts of the country, people take a dip in the holy river Ganges to wash away their sins. Traditional dishes are prepared and enjoyed during the festivities. Baisakhi is also an occasion for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood, putting aside their differences.

Baisakhi 2023: History and significance

The Sikh community attaches great significance to the festival of Baisakhi as it marks the establishment of the Khalsa Panth by their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in March 1699. The festival is celebrated on April 14 every year, and according to Drik Panchang, the Baisakhi Sankranti moment will occur at 3:12 PM. Although April 14, 2023, is not a bank or market holiday, the stock markets will remain closed due to the observance of Ambedkar Jayanti.