Daily Current Affairs 26 January 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 26 January 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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Gyanvapi Mosque and Dispute

Source: The Hindu
GS II:  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Gyanvapi Mosque
3. Places of Worship Act 1991

Why in the News?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report concerning the Gyanvapi case, made public on 25 January, stated that there existed a large Hindu temple (at the site), before the construction of the existing structure (mosque).

News in Brief

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• ASI carried out a court-approved scientific survey of the 17th-century mosque adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to determine if it was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a temple.
• The Varanasi court had on January 24 allowed the findings of the ASI report to be made available to all parties.
• The ASI said it concluded based on a scientific survey, the study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures.

About Gyanvapi Mosque

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• The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• It is situated near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
• The mosque is located at the heart of Varanasi, a city known for its religious and cultural significance.

What is the Gyanvapi Mosque and Dispute?

• The history of the Gyanvapi Mosque is closely tied to the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Hindu petitioners assert that the Gyanvapi mosque stands on the original site of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, demolished by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
• During the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, the original temple was destroyed, and a mosque was built on the site.
• This mosque is now known as the Gyanvapi Mosque.
• The term “Gyanvapi” is derived from the words “Gyan” (knowledge) and “Vapi” (well).
• According to local legends, there is a well inside the mosque complex, and it is believed to be connected to the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple that stood at the site before the mosque was constructed.
• The complex has been a source of religious and historical significance and, over the years, has been a subject of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities.
• The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is adjacent to the mosque, is considered one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
• The dispute over religious sites like the Gyanvapi Mosque is complex and often sensitive.
• In recent times, there have been legal disputes and discussions about the religious and historical aspects of such sites.
• The Gyanvapi Mosque and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex continue to be places of worship and attract pilgrims and tourists from various parts of the country and beyond.

Arguement in favour of GyanVapi Mosque

• The mosque is managed by the Anjuman Masjid Committee.
• They claim that because the Places of Worship Act, of 1991 prohibits changing the religious character of any place of worship that existed as of August 15, 1947.
• It has been a mosque for decades.

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75th Indian Republic Day

Source: PIB
GS I:  The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country

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Overview

1. About Indian Republic Day
2. Historic milestones from India’s struggle for independence

Why in the News?

India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day today i.e. on 26th January 2024 and French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest.

About Indian Republic Day Celebration

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• The main celebration takes place in New Delhi’s capital, where a grand parade is held along the Rajpath, showcasing the country’s military strength, cultural diversity, and various achievements.
• The President of India takes a salute from the military forces during the parade. The event is attended by thousands of people and is also broadcast live on television.
• Republic Day is not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of the ideals and principles laid down in the Indian Constitution, which includes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• The day is an opportunity for the people of India to reflect on their commitment to these principles and to renew their dedication to the nation.
• Many educational institutions, government offices, and organizations nationwide organize various cultural programs and events to commemorate the occasion.

Details of Indian Republic Day

• Indian Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th every year to honour the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.
• It replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.
• This day marks the transition of India from a colonial dominion of the British Empire to a sovereign republic.

The history of Indian Republic Day dates back to the struggle for independence and the formation of the Indian Constitution. Brief overview:

• Background
  • India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
  • After independence, India became a sovereign nation, but it did not have a permanent constitution.
• Constitution Drafting
  • The task of drafting the Constitution was entrusted to the Constituent Assembly, which was formed on December 9, 1946. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the drafting committee.
• Adoption of the Constitution
  • After two years, eleven months, and eighteen days of rigorous deliberations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.
  • This date was chosen to commemorate the “Purna Swaraj” declaration of independence made by the Indian National Congress in 1930.
• Transition to Republic
  • On January 26, 1950, India transitioned from being a constitutional monarchy under the British Crown to a democratic republic.
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India.
• First Republic Day Celebration:
  • The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950, with great enthusiasm and patriotism.
  • The grand event took place at the Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium) in Delhi.
• Rajpath Parade Tradition
  • The tradition of holding a grand parade along Rajpath in New Delhi started from the first Republic Day.
  • The parade showcases the military strength, cultural diversity, and technological achievements of India.
• Significance:
  • Republic Day holds great significance as it symbolizes the adoption of a sovereign democratic system, enshrined in the Constitution.
  • It marks the commitment of the people of India to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Celebrations:
  • Republic Day celebrations include the hoisting of the national flag, the singing of the national anthem, the President’s address to the nation, the grand parade, and various cultural events across the country.

Historic milestones from India’s struggle for independence

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• First War of Independence (1857-1858):
  • Also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the Indian Rebellion of 1857, it was the first widespread uprising against British rule.
  • The revolt was a turning point that led to increased Indian consciousness and resistance.
• Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)
  • The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded to obtain a share in government for educated Indians.
  • Initially, it focused on constitutional methods to achieve its objectives.
• Partition of Bengal (1905)
  • The British decision to partition Bengal on religious lines in 1905 led to widespread protests.
  • The Swadeshi Movement emerged, encouraging Indians to boycott British goods and promote indigenous products.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
  • The massacre took place in Amritsar when British troops under General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians.
  • This event fueled anti-British sentiments across India.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
  • Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement aimed to resist British rule through nonviolent means.
  • Indians were urged to boycott government institutions, schools, and British goods.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
  • Initiated with the Dandi March, where Gandhi and his followers marched to the Arabian Sea to produce salt.
  • The movement involved nonviolent resistance against unjust British laws and taxes.
• Quit India Movement (1942)
  • Launched by the INC under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the movement called for an immediate end to British rule.
  • The British responded with mass arrests of nationalist leaders.
• Azad Hind Fauj (1942-1945):
  • Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Fauj, or the Indian National Army (INA).
  • Fought alongside the Japanese forces against the British in Southeast Asia during World War II.
• 1947 – Independence and Partition:
  • India gained independence on August 15, 1947, and the nation was partitioned into India and Pakistan.
  • The partition led to widespread communal violence and mass migrations.
• Constitution of India (1950):
  • India adopted its own constitution on January 26, 1950, marking the country’s transition to a republic.
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.

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