Kota Barrage 4 gates were opened yesterday night along with gates of other Chambal river dams. Due to the weather circulation system, Gunjali, a tributary of Chambal, overflowed after heavy rains in the catchment area of Rana Pratap Sagar Dam. Because of the water inflow, water flow was started on Sunday by opening one Rana Pratap Sagar Dam gate. Due to this, two gates of Jawahar Sagar and four gates of Kota Barrage were also opened.
This time, for the first time in October, the gates of Chambal dams have been opened. However, the Kota Barrage dam gates were previously opened in the year 2022 in October month. Before this, people living in the downstream area were alerted by sounding sirens.
Kota- Rawatbhata Rana Pratap Sagar Dam’s superintending engineer Ejazuddin Ansari said that the gates of the Chambal River dams have always been opened in August and September. So far for the first time after three decades, the Chambal River dams gates have been opened in October.
46164 cusecs of water drained from Kota Barrage
By opening gate number 11 of Rana Pratap Sagar dam at 12:26 PM on Sunday, 34,330 cusecs of water were released. Additionally, 8,868 cusecs of water were released per second by generating electricity. 43,198 cusecs of water are flowing into the Rana Pratap Sagar dam. Moreover, 34,248 cusecs of water are being drained out by opening two gates of Jawahar Sagar Dam. 46,406 cusecs of water are arriving at Jawahar Sagar Dam. Furthermore,12258 cusecs of water are being released by generating electricity. The water level of Gandhi Sagar Dam was recorded at 1311.60 feet against its full filling capacity of 1312 feet. The inflow of 3919 cusecs of water is still there. Electricity generation here continues to drain out 2811 cusecs of water. Additionally, 46,164 cusecs of water are being drained by opening four gates of Kota Barrage.
Chambal River Dam
The Chambal River, a major tributary of the Yamuna River in India, has several dams and reservoirs constructed along its course for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The most prominent dams on the Chambal River are part of the Chambal Valley Development Project, which was undertaken by the Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. These include:
1. Gandhisagar Dam
Location: Madhya Pradesh (near Mandsaur)
Purpose: This is the first dam built on the Chambal River, primarily for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
Reservoir: Gandhisagar Lake
Height: 62.17 meters
Capacity: Around 7.32 billion cubic meters.
2. Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
Location: Rajasthan (near Rawatbhata)
Purpose: This dam generates hydroelectricity and provides irrigation facilities.
Reservoir: Rana Pratap Sagar Lake
Height: 54 meters
Capacity: About 2.9 billion cubic meters. Moreover, it is the biggest dam in the Rajasthan.
3. Jawahar Sagar Dam
Location: Rajasthan (near Kota)
Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
Height: 45 meters
Capacity: 0.67 billion cubic meters.
4. Kota Barrage
Location: Kota, Rajasthan
Purpose: The Kota Barrage primarily facilitates irrigation by diverting water to canals but does not have a hydroelectric component like the other dams upstream. Instead of the hydroelectric project, a Super Thermal Power Plant is running on the bank of the Chambal River near the Kota Barrage.
Height: 27.8 meters
Capacity: N/A for electricity still a large amount of water is used in the thermal power plant. Kota Barrage mainly controls water flow for irrigation.
These Chambal River dams have created a chain of reservoirs along the Chambal River. Moreover, they are providing substantial benefits in terms of water resources management for agriculture and power generation. However, they have also affected the river’s ecosystem, especially impacting the habitats of species like the Gharial (a type of crocodile) and freshwater dolphins.
UPI lite limit has been increased before the Diwali festival to facilitate users to spend more. On Wednesday, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das made a new announcement regarding UPI 123 Pay and UPI Lite to promote UPI service in the country.
RBI has now increased the UPI Lite wallet limit to Rs 5,000. Earlier this limit was Rs 2,000. The limit per transaction has also been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
Why was the transaction with UPI lite limit increased?
The Reserve Bank has now increased the per transaction limit for UPI123Pay from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. UPI123Pay was launched in March 2022. This facility is now available in 12 Indian languages. This facility can now be used by a larger user group.
Ramakrishnan Ramamurthy, Chief Distribution and Operations Officer, Worldline in India, says, “It is necessary to expand the capabilities of UPI to make financial services accessible to everyone. UPI 123 Pay and UPI Lite have gained reach and acceptance. In such a situation, increasing the transaction limit is a positive step. This will help in increasing the value of transactions.”
What is UPI Lite?
UPI Lite is a streamlined version of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. Furthermore, it is designed to facilitate smaller, low-value transactions with minimal friction. It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Moreover, it is to improve the efficiency of digital payments for amounts less than Rs 1000 now.
Here are some key features of UPI Lite:
Offline Transactions: UPI Lite allows users to make transactions without needing an active internet connection. Thus it is beneficial for places with poor connectivity. Moreover, it works on an “on-device wallet” system. Furthermore, users load money into the UPI Lite balance from their bank accounts.
No PIN Required: For small transactions (below Rs 500), UPI Lite doesn’t require users to enter their UPI PIN. Thus making the process faster and more convenient.
Wallet-Based System: Now users can load up to Rs 5,000 at a time into their UPI Lite account. Furthermore, the total balance in the wallet can go up to Rs 7,000. Transactions are then deducted from this balance.
Targeting Small Transactions: UPI Lite is primarily designed for every day. Such as small-value transactions like purchasing groceries, paying for public transport, or small retail purchases.
Faster Payments: Payments made are faster by reducing the need for constant connectivity or PIN entry. UPI Lite makes digital payments quicker and more user-friendly for small purchases.
It’s a step toward making India’s digital payments ecosystem more inclusive and accessible, especially in rural or low-bandwidth areas.
The repo rate is fixed at 6.5%
Federal Bank Group President and CFO Venkataraman Venkateswaran said the increase in per transaction for UPI lite limit is a welcome move. Apart from this, the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The country’s central bank announced to keep the repo rate stable at 6.5%.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das informed that five out of six members of the MPC were in favour of keeping the repo rate at 6.5%. Venkateswaran further said, “RBI maintained the repo rate at the same level and changed the stance to neutral, which was largely in line with the consensus. The balance between growth and inflation is well maintained and this was a signal to change the stance.”
The minimum wage rate for skilled and unskilled workers has been increased as per the decision made by the Modi government. This has been considered a Diwali gift to the labourers. The Modi government has amended the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for workers. Furthermore, the government has announced an increase in the minimum wage rate given to them to Rs 1,035 per day. The government has made a substantial increase in the minimum wage rates. The government’s objective behind this is to help workers amid the rising cost of living.
The minimum wage rate will be implemented in October.
For unskilled workers, the minimum wage rate in Sector A has been fixed at Rs 783 per day by the government. Thus unskilled workers will get Rs 20,358 every month. At the same time, the minimum wages for semi-skilled workers has been fixed at Rs 868 per day. In this regard, they will earn Rs 22,568 every month. Also, highly skilled workers will get Rs 1,035 per day and Rs 26,910 per month. This new minimum wage rate has been announced to be implemented with amendments in VDA.
This minimum wage rate will come into effect from the first of October. It has also been decided to give its benefits to the workers from April 2024. That means the outstanding amount will be paid from April itself. Earlier, the minimum wages was amended in April as well.
Modi’s strong reply to Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Khatakhat’ scheme made a lot of headlines in the Lok Sabha elections. Even now the uproar regarding it is heard on political platforms. After the end of the Lok Sabha elections, a huge crowd gathered outside the Congress office. Moreover, people were eager to receive the monthly instalment of Rs. 8,500 from the Congress office. However, the Congress leaders kept explaining to the public that their demands could not be met right now because their government had not been formed at the Centre.
During the assembly elections in several states, all opposition parties, including Congress, have made populist promises to the public. The parties are not even thinking much about the impact this will have on the government treasury. In such a situation, a befitting reply has been given to Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The public is still waiting for the benefits of Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’, while PM Modi has decided to increase the minimum wage rate. Due to this, the workers of the country will get a big gift before Diwali. Moreover, now the workers will get Rs 26,000 every month.
Zorawar Tank completed successfully the first field test in the desert area of Rajasthan. Moreover, in the very first test conducted in the desert, the tank succeeded in hitting the intended target with accuracy. The trials were conducted by DRDO. With this, India’s search for a fast-armoured fighting light vehicle has now been completed. As a result, now the force of the Zorawar tank will prevail everywhere. Be it the high-altitude war zones in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh adjacent to China or the Rann of Kutch adjacent to Pakistan.
The Zorawar Tank is a light tank developed by India’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). It is designed specifically for use in high-altitude terrains like the northern borders, such as Ladakh. It is named after General Zorawar Singh, a military leader known for his campaigns in the Himalayas during the 19th century.
The Zorawar Tank is intended to strengthen India’s capability in managing the challenges posed by high-altitude conflict zones, particularly with an eye on the China border. Its development is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its military forces.
Currently, heavy tanks deployed at the Chinese border
Currently, heavy tanks weighing 40-50 tonnes are been deployed at LAC. These tanks are Russian-origin Bhisma T90, Ajay T-72 and the main battle tank Arjun. To reach the high-altitude battle areas of Ladakh, army personnel have to pass through many passes. For that reason, it is very difficult with these heavy tanks.
Now soldiers will be able to move faster with the Zorawar Tank. Since the weight of the Zorawar Tank will be less than 25 Tonnes. Therefore these can be transported very easily at a height of 8 to 10 thousand feet. Furthermore, heavy tanks like T-72 and T-90 found it difficult to reach there.
L&T will manufacture the Zorawar Tank
L&T will manufacture 354 Zorawar tanks in collaboration with DRDO. Additionally, it will be prepared on the chassis of K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Artie 155 mm. Moreover, the K-9 Vajra tank has also been manufactured at L&T’s plant in Hazira, Gujarat. Numerous Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will play a pivotal role in the development of various sub-systems.
It will take two years to test the indigenous Zoravar Tank. Moreover, the upcoming trials will include missile firing. The army will also test the tank’s performance in summer, winter, and high altitude before it can go into production. After that, it will be included in the army fleet by 2027. All these tanks will be light as well as provide better firepower and protection.
Specifications of the Zorawar Tank
The Zorawar Tank is a high-altitude, light tank developed by India, optimized for mountainous regions like Ladakh, where mobility and agility are crucial. While the full set of specifications might evolve as development progresses, based on available data and expectations, here are some key features:
1. Weight & Mobility of Zorawar Tank
Weight: Around 25 tons or less, making it much lighter than standard battle tanks.
Mobility: Designed for high-altitude warfare, ensuring it can operate effectively in challenging terrain and elevations. Thus this includes a focus on agility, with a good power-to-weight ratio and all-terrain mobility.
Engine: Expected to have a high-powered engine (up to 1,000 hp) to ensure it can manoeuvre in rough terrains. Thus providing excellent speed and climbing ability.
2. Armament of Zorawar Tank
Primary Weapon: Likely to be a 105mm gun or a 30mm cannon, suitable for engaging light and medium armoured vehicles as well as infantry positions.
Secondary Armament: Co-axial machine guns, possibly a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun for infantry support.
Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs): Provision to fire-guided missiles, extending its effective range and armor-penetration capability.
3. Protection
Armour: Lightweight composite armour to ensure high mobility without compromising on essential protection. Therefore the armour would likely be modular, allowing upgrades.
Active Protection Systems (APS): Likely equipped with APS to defend against incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA): Potential to add ERA for additional protection against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.
4. Electronics & Communication
Fire Control System (FCS): A modern FCS with laser rangefinders, thermal imagers, and night-vision capabilities for all-weather, day-night operation.
Situational Awareness: Sensors and cameras provide 360-degree visibility.
Battle Management Systems (BMS): Integrated with India’s military communication network to coordinate with other units, drones, and command centres.
5. Operational Altitude
The tank is specially engineered to operate effectively at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet or more. Thus maintaining performance in low-oxygen environments that is critical for high-altitude warfare.
6. Crew
Expected to have a crew of 3 or 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader).
7. Variants
The Zorawar platform is likely to have multiple variants. That include reconnaissance, anti-aircraft, or command post versions, to support a variety of battlefield roles.
8. Range and Endurance
Fuel capacity allows for extended operational range to support sustained operations in remote areas.
High endurance in terms of autonomous operation time.
These specifications aim to make the Zorawar Tank a formidable asset for India’s armed forces in challenging high-altitude scenarios, particularly along the northern borders.
Protein supplements are trending among the youth to enhance their physique and stay fit. Youth in the age group of 18 to 30 are consuming artificial protein supplements extensively as morning breakfast. The matter of concern is that about 80% of people do not even consult any healthcare expert before consuming them. Moreover, It is also easily available to people sitting at home.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for protein supplements in India is estimated to increase by about 30%. It is noteworthy that because of the side effects of long-term use 156 combination medicines are banned. The Central Government has recently banned the sale and use of these medicines on the recommendation of its expert committee.
Artificial protein supplements are food formulas to get fit quickly. People do not know that it is harmful to the major organs of the body. This has fatal effects on the kidneys, liver and joints. Know the side effects of these supplements.
How protein supplements are slow poison
Artificial protein supplements, such as whey protein, soy protein isolate, or plant-based protein powders, can be beneficial for muscle recovery and growth. However, they can also have side effects, especially when consumed in excess or by individuals with sensitivities. Due to their continuous consumption, there is a possibility of severe damage to the kidneys and liver and serious diseases like hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorder, anxiety and uric acid. Some common side effects include:
1Digestive Issues with protein supplements:
Bloating and Gas: Artificial protein powders, particularly those containing additives or lactose (such as whey), can lead to bloating and gas.
Diarrhoea or Constipation: Some individuals may experience changes in bowel movements. Especially if they are not used to high protein intake or the fibre content in plant-based powders.
2Kidney Strain:
Excessive protein intake can put a strain on the kidneys. Especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. This could potentially lead to kidney damage over time.
3Dehydration:
High protein intake requires more water for metabolism and excretion. Thus protein supplements increase the risk of dehydration if water intake isn’t adequately increased.
4Allergic Reactions due to protein supplements:
Some individuals may be allergic to certain protein sources (e.g., soy, dairy). Symptoms might include hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
5Nutrient Imbalance:
Relying heavily on protein supplements might reduce the intake of other essential nutrients found in whole foods. Thus it potentially leads to an imbalance in the diet.
6Liver Damage (Rare):
Very high protein intake over a long period, especially without medical supervision, can lead to liver damage. Although this is more commonly seen with pre-existing liver conditions.
7Artificial Sweeteners:
Many protein powders contain artificial sweeteners. This can cause digestive discomfort or negatively impact gut health in some individuals.
8Heavy Metals:
Some studies have found traces of heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic) in certain protein powders. Consistent consumption over time could lead to harmful exposure.
9Hormonal Imbalance due to protein supplements:
Some protein supplements, particularly soy-based ones, may contain phytoestrogens. This can potentially disrupt hormone levels in some individuals.
10Weight Gain:
Excessive intake of protein supplements can lead to weight gain. If the additional calories are not accounted for, especially if physical activity levels remain the same.
To minimize risks, it’s important to choose natural protein food or high-quality supplements. Moreover, consult a healthcare professional before introducing protein supplements into your routine.
Things to Consider When Choosing Protein Supplements:
Ingredients: Look for products with minimal additives, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives.
Allergies: Be aware of any personal food sensitivities or allergies (e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity).
Dietary Preferences: Choose a supplement that aligns with your dietary habits (e.g., vegan, keto, etc.).
Purpose: Consider whether you need a fast-absorbing protein (whey) for post-workout or a slow-digesting one (casein) for overnight recovery.
High-quality, clean-label protein supplements with minimal additives and unnecessary fillers are generally the best for health. Always check for certifications like non-GMO, organic, or third-party testing to ensure purity and quality.
Natural protein sources
Natural protein sources are whole foods rich in protein and other essential nutrients. They are often preferred over artificial protein supplements due to their balanced nutritional content. To stay fit, natural diets like pulses, cheese, soybean, egg and non-veg are most suitable. Here are some excellent natural protein sources:
Use Animal-Based Protein Sources instead of Supplements:
Meat:
Chicken: A lean source of protein, especially in skinless chicken breast.
Beef: Rich in protein and iron, especially lean cuts like sirloin.
Pork: Another good source of protein, particularly lean cuts like tenderloin.
Fish and Seafood:
Salmon: High in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Tuna: A lean source of protein with a low-fat content.
Shrimp and Shellfish: Low in calories but high in protein and micronutrients.
Eggs:
Whole eggs are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.
Dairy Products:
Greek Yogurt: Higher in protein than regular yoghurt and also provides probiotics.
Milk: A complete protein source with both casein and whey proteins.
Cheese: Certain types, such as cottage cheese, are particularly high in protein.
Poultry: Chicken and turkey are both lean protein sources.
Use Plant-Based Protein Sources instead of supplements:
Legumes:
Lentils: Packed with protein and fibre, they are a great plant-based option.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Used in dishes like hummus, they’re rich in protein and fibre.
Black Beans: High in protein, fibre, and several vitamins and minerals.
Nuts and Seeds:
Almonds: A good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E.
Chia Seeds: Provide protein along with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in protein, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
Whole Grains:
Quinoa: A complete protein that also contains fibre and essential amino acids.
Oats: Though primarily a carbohydrate source, they contain a decent amount of protein.
Buckwheat: Another plant-based complete protein source.
Soy Products:
Tofu: A versatile plant-based protein source made from soybeans.
Tempeh: Fermented soybeans, high in protein and probiotics.
Edamame: Young soybeans that are a great snack or addition to meals.
Vegetables:
Broccoli: Contains protein relative to its low-calorie content, as well as fibre and vitamins.
Spinach: Rich in protein and iron, especially when cooked.
Peas: An easily accessible source of plant-based protein.
Grain-like Seeds:
Amaranth and Millet: Provide protein and a variety of nutrients.
Incorporating a variety of these natural protein sources into your diet can help you meet your protein needs while also providing a range of other essential nutrients. Instead of using artificial protein supplements.
Combination medicine combines two or more salts into single-dose tablets or capsules. They are also called as fixed-dose combination drugs. Now the government has taken steps to ban combination medicine. Furthermore, the Government of India has banned 156 medicines. These include especially skin care, pain relievers, multivitamins and other medicines.
Generally, these medicines are found in homes. According to the government notification, these medicines can threaten humans. Safer alternatives are available, hence a ban on their production, sale, distribution and use is necessary. Furthermore, the committee of experts formed by the government found these medicines unsuitable. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also stated that there is no medical justification for combining these medicines after testing the combination medicine.
Why combination medicine is harmful
Combination medicine, which contains two or more active ingredients in a single dosage form, can be harmful in certain circumstances due to several factors:
Increased Risk of Side Effects: Since combination medicines contain multiple active ingredients, the risk of side effects or adverse reactions may increase. If a person is sensitive to one component, they may still experience unwanted effects even if the other component is necessary.
Difficulty in Adjusting Dosages: With combination medicines, it can be difficult to tailor the dosage of each active ingredient to meet individual patient needs. If a patient requires a higher or lower dose of one component, they may end up taking too much or too little of the other, leading to inefficacy or toxicity.
Drug Interactions: The combination of different drugs can lead to unintended interactions between the ingredients themselves or with other medications the patient is taking. Moreover, this can enhance toxicity, reduce efficacy, or cause unpredictable reactions.
Allergic Reactions: If a person is allergic to one of the components, they might still be exposed to it, even though they need the other component of the medication. This can lead to allergic reactions, which could be severe.
Masking of Symptoms: Combination drugs may mask certain symptoms, which could delay diagnosis or proper treatment. For example, a combination drug for pain and inflammation might reduce pain but also hide an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Another reason for the ban
Overuse or Misuse: People might unintentionally overdose on one of the components of a combination drug if they are also taking another medication that contains the same ingredient. For example, taking a cold medicine and a painkiller that both contain acetaminophen could lead to an overdose of acetaminophen.
While combination medicines can be convenient and effective when prescribed properly, they do come with risks that need to be carefully considered by healthcare providers.
Pharmaceutical company’s reaction to the ban
Although pharmaceutical companies have already stopped producing some of the drugs included in the banned list. The pharmaceutical industry is currently analyzing what will be the economic impact of the ban. Moreover, companies like Cipla, Torrent, Sun Pharma, IPCA Lab and Lupine say this will affect their products.
The government had announced a ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of 344 FDCs in 2016. As a result, the pharmaceutical companies in the court challenged this decision. However, 14 combination medicines were already banned in June 2023. Now the government has banned 153 medicines.
Combination medicine banned list
The drugs banned include the combination of the antibiotic azithromycin with adapalene, which is used to treat acne. At the same time, Aceclofenac 50mg Paracetamol 125 mg tablets have been banned. Above all, it is one of the popular combinations of pain relief medicines manufactured by top pharma companies. Furthermore, other drugs including combinations of paracetamol, tramadol, taurine and caffeine are banned. Here is the combination medicine banned list.
College students have a chance to win up to ten lakhs by winning RBI Quiz 90. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of ‘RBI Quiz 90’. It is a national-level quiz competition for undergraduate students. Furthermore, this competition is being organized to commemorate the completion of 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India.
Questions related to General Knowledge will be asked in the competition and it will be organized in several stages. There will be an online preliminary phase first. It will be followed by local and state-level tests. Finally, a national-level final among the state winners.
RBI Governor launched this quiz for college students
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched the RBI90Quiz online platform on August 20, 2024. He expressed confidence that the quiz will prove helpful in creating greater awareness among college students about the Reserve Bank and the financial ecosystem. Das also said that the banking regulator through its public awareness campaigns is encouraging the youth. Moreover, it is to develop responsible financial behaviour. Furthermore, it will develop the habit of safe and secure use of digital financial products.
College students participating in the RBI Quiz 90 competition program will get a chance to win prizes at multiple levels.
Chance to win up to Rs 10 lakh
In the RBI 90 competition program, the first prize is Rs 10 lakh, followed by a second prize of Rs 8 lakh and a third prize of Rs 6 lakh. At the same time, the first prize in the zonal is Rs 5 lakh, followed by the second prize of Rs 4 lakh and the third prize of Rs 3 lakh. If we do a state-level quiz, the first prize is Rs 2 lakh, then the second prize is Rs 1.5 lakh and the third prize is Rs 1 lakh.
Who can participate in the quiz?
RBI Quiz 90 is open to undergraduate college students. The age limit is 25 years of age as of September 1, 2024, i.e. born on or after September 01, 1999. Only those college students can participate who are pursuing their bachelor’s degree in any stream of study through colleges located in India. Please note that no fee of any kind is being charged for participating in this.
Registration to participate in this quiz started on 20th August and will end on 17th September. Moreover, the date of the quiz examination has not been announced yet. RBI Quiz 90 may have questions related to current affairs, history, literature, sports, economy, finance and general knowledge.
Banswara remained open during the Bharat Bandh. Social organizations supported the court’s decision. A section of the deprived community in Banswara, Rajasthan has put forward its demands opposing this bandh.
The SC-ST community announced Bharat Bandh Yesterday against the Supreme Court’s decision to create a creamy layer and sub-categorization in SC-ST reservation. This bandh was supported by many political organizations.
In the Banswara district of Rajasthan, the Bhil community and other Dalit organizations have opposed the Bharat Bandh. They say that the present reservation system benefits only one section, while the rest remain deprived. The organizations say that they have been demanding classification in reservation for a long time, which is being called ‘quota within quota’.
These organizations have submitted a memorandum to the Government of India through the Collector, demanding immediate implementation of ‘quota in quota’ reservations. Professor Kamalkant Katara said that some communities including Bhils in Rajasthan have been raising their demand for a long time. But till now no concrete action has been taken on it. Moreover, Katara described this bandh as against the Constitution of India and social justice. Furthermore, he said that the majority of Dalit castes are still away from the mainstream and they are also demanding ‘quota within quota’ reservations. In such a situation, this bandh cannot be supported, because it is against democracy.
View of various organizations of Banswara
Organizations like Adivasi Reservation Manch, Ambedkar Welfare Society Banswara, Wasita Seva Sansthan Banswara, Jambukhand Jan Adhikar Manch, Bunkar Samaj Vikas Samiti, Dabgar Seva Sansthan, Bansphod Samaj, Valmiki Samaj, Khatik Samaj, Mochi Samaj etc. boycotted Bharat Bandh. They moreover, demanded to implement ‘quota within quota’ reservations.
Various Dalit organizations of Banswara have made it clear that they do not support Bharat Bandh and their priority is to get their demand for ‘quota in quota’ reservations fulfilled as soon as possible. Now it remains to be seen what action the government takes on this issue.
Bharat Bandh remained peaceful in Rajasthan
Bharat Bandh remained peaceful in Rajasthan on Wednesday. Two dispute incidents have occurred in Jodhpur Rural and Bajju of Bikaner.
Jodhpur incident
In Jodhpur, the crowd overturned the cart, due to which the cart operator got burnt due to hot oil falling on him. Bandh supporters overturned a Pakoda cart in Somesar village of Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur. The boiling oil kept in the pan fell on the seller. Due to this, dumpling seller Rakesh Jain got injured. He has been admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur due to burns on his lower body. Bandh supporters fled from the spot after the incident.
Villagers and shopkeepers reached the spot and staged a protest on the spot demanding the arrest of the accused. When the police administration assured the arrest of the accused, the villagers ended the protest after 5 pm. The victim’s family has registered a case.
Incident in Bajju of Bikaner district
People participating in the rally in Bikaner’s Bajju beat up a businessman. Due to the Bharat Bandh movement, the rally started from the agricultural market at 1 pm on Wednesday, which reached near Jambheshwar temple. During this time, a shopkeeper was beaten up by the people participating in the rally. After this the matter heated up and a clash started between the two sides. Police have registered a case on the report of complainant Ashok Kumar.
No opposition except in Banswara
Director General of Police UR Sahu says that before the bandh, they have conversations with various organisations. The police station, Superintendent of Police and Commissioner held talks with various business organizations at the range level. They also talked to transport associations, social organizations and officials of various organizations. These conversations were to maintain peace and order. There were continuous talks. Hence Bharat Bandh remained almost peaceful in Rajasthan.
There was no opposition except in Banswara. But it was also peaceful.
During the bandh, sporadic incidents took place at two or three places, but no cases were registered. If any incident occurs and any report is received, legal action will be taken as per law. Rail services continued during the bandh, while there was no bus movement.
Bharat Bandh has been declared to protest the Supreme Court’s decision on the classification of reservations. Moreover, the Supreme Court said that a few castes come under SC but people of this caste remain more backward than the rest. In such a situation, classification can be done for their upliftment. Doing this is not against Article 341 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court said that the state governments can do this but not arbitrarily. The Supreme Court also said that there should be solid data before classification. So that the share can be determined correctly. Additionally, the Supreme Court had said in the hearing of the petitions that only a few castes have got the benefit of reservation. Quotas can be introduced to bring other castes included in the mainstream. Having said this, the Supreme Court overturned its 2004 decision.
Who declared Bharat Bandh?
Bharat Bandh was called on social media on August 21 in protest against the decision given by the Supreme Court regarding the classification of reservation of SC and ST. Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced a Bandh on August 21 in protest against the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST reservation quota within the SC-ST quota. All the organizations calling for Bharat Bandh say that the Supreme Court should reconsider its decision.
While announcing the bandh, these organizations have said that even today they are lagging and they are not being given the benefit of reservation in private institutions. In such a situation, they oppose the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the creamy layer. These organizations have also released a list of their demands for SC, ST and Other Backward Classes.
Bharat Bandh has been called from 6 am to 8 pm. Shops, markets and educational institutions are likely to remain closed during this period. SC-ST Joint Struggle Committee has also formed teams for the success of the bandh.
Holiday in schools and colleges due to Bharat Bandh
Because of the uproar during the earlier bandh, the police and administration are also active. Today, District Collectors have declared a holiday in schools and colleges in most of the districts of Rajasthan. At the same time, the internet is closed in many districts. At the same time, there will be holidays in the coaching, library, hostel and Anganwadi centres also. Due to the Bharat Bandh, the Kota, Shekhawati and Matsya University examinations were postponed.
Internet will be closed in many districts
Due to Bharat Bandh, the internet will remain closed in many districts today. As per the instructions of Divisional Commissioner Sanwarmal Verma in Bharatpur, the internet will remain closed from 9 am to 6 pm. Internet is also closed in Udaipur till 2 pm on 21st August. Internet will also remain closed in Alwar till 4 pm.
Congress supported the Bharat Bandh
SC/ST groups in Rajasthan have supported the Bharat Bandh. Apart from this, along with Congress, the Bharat Adivasi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have also supported the bandh in Rajasthan.
The impact may be visible in the market during Bandh. Transport services may remain affected due to protests in all markets and on the roads. The effect may also be visible in offices. All emergency services will be continued. Hospital, police, fire and disaster management teams will be deployed. Security arrangements have been strengthened.
As no government has issued any official guidelines regarding the Bharat Bandh. Moreover, there is no order to keep banks and government offices closed. In such a situation, all these offices will also remain open.
How Raksha Bandhan started is a question that you may be eager to know. On this page know the mythological and historical stories to know how Raksha Bandhan Started. Before that let’s know what is Raksha Bandhan.
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. It has deep roots in Indian mythology and history. Its origins are associated with various stories and traditions.
Mythological Origins of Raksha Bandhan:
Draupadi and Krishna: One of the most popular legends in Hindu mythology connects Raksha Bandhan with Lord Krishna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. According to the Mahabharata, when Krishna cut his finger while handling sugarcane, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari and tied it around his finger to stop the bleeding. Moved by her gesture, Krishna promised to protect her whenever she needed help. This bond of protection is often cited as a symbol of Raksha Bandhan.
Indra and Sachi: Another mythological story speaks of Indra, the king of gods, and his wife Sachi. During a battle between the gods and demons, Sachi tied a sacred thread (similar to a rakhi) around Indra’s wrist, praying for his safety and success in battle. Indra emerged victorious. This is believed to be one of the earliest references to the practice of tying a rakhi for protection.
Yamuna and Yama: According to another legend, the river goddess Yamuna tied a rakhi to Yama, the god of death. Yama was so moved by the gesture that he granted her immortality and promised that any brother who had a rakhi tied to him by his sister would live a long life.
Historical Origins:
Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun: In the historical context, the practice of Raksha Bandhan was reinforced by the story of Rani Karnavati. The widowed queen of Mewar asked for help from the Mughal Emperor Humayun. When Mewar was attacked by Bahadur Shah, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Humayun, seeking her protection. Although Humayun was not able to reach on time. This gesture of seeking help and protection through the rakhi is remembered as an example of the festival’s deeper meaning.
Alexander the Great and King Porus: Another historical anecdote mentions that when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BCE. Alexander’s wife Roxana sent a rakhi to the Indian king Porus, asking him not to harm her husband. During the battle, Porus is said to have refrained from killing Alexander, respecting the rakhi’s bond.
Conclusion:
Raksha Bandhan is both a religious and cultural festival. It reflects stories of protection, brotherhood, and familial love that are deeply ingrained in Indian mythology and history. These stories tell us how Raksha Bandhan Started. Its exact historical start date is difficult to pinpoint. But its association with these legends has made it a cherished festival for centuries.
