23 July 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

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1. Lokmanya Tilak Subtopic: Early Nationalism and Assertive Leadership

   Value Addition:

   • Pioneer of assertive nationalism; advocated Swaraj as a fundamental right.

   • Founded Kesari and Maratha newspapers to politically awaken the masses.

   • Key architect of Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji festivals to galvanize national spirit.

   • Promoted Vedic scholarship and education through Deccan Education Society.

   • Wrote “Gita Rahasya” while in Mandalay prison.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 1: Modern History – Extremist phase of Indian nationalism.

   • Prelims: Lal-Bal-Pal, Home Rule League, Gita Rahasya, Arctic Home theory.
     

2. Chandra Shekhar Azad Subtopic: Revolutionary Nationalism and Armed Resistance

   Value Addition:

   • Inspired by Jallianwala Bagh; declared himself ‘Azad’ in court at 15.

   • Associated with HRA and later HSRA (1928); led Kakori robbery and Saunders assassination.

   • Died in Alfred Park (Allahabad), preferring suicide over capture.

   • Championed socialism in the freedom struggle alongside Bhagat Singh.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 1: Modern History – Revolutionary stream of India’s independence movement.

   • Prelims: Kakori case, HSRA formation, Alfred Park (now Azad Park).

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3. Vice-President of India Subtopic: Constitutional Role and Vacancy

   Value Addition:

   • Jagdeep Dhankhar becomes the third VP to resign before completing tenure.

   • VP is elected by an electoral college comprising both elected and nominated MPs only.

   • No formal impeachment needed for removal—only Rajya Sabha resolution + Lok Sabha concurrence.

   • VP acts as President during absence/incapacity of the President.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 2: Polity – Articles 63–71 of the Constitution, powers & election procedure.

   • Prelims: Oath (Article 69), Election (Article 66), Term (Article 67), Discharge (Article 70).

4. Income Tax Bill 2025 Subtopic: Tax Code Modernisation and Digital Enforcement

   Value Addition:

   • Replaces 1961 Act; reduces complexity (283 sections and 24 chapters removed).

   • New terminology like ‘tax year’; improved definitions and digital alignment (VDAs, e-mode).

   • Retains tax officer powers to access personal digital platforms during searches.

   • Promotes clarity for start-ups, green businesses, and SMEs.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 2: Governance – Ease of doing business, legal clarity in tax enforcement.

   • GS 3: Economy – Tax reform, predictability in policy.

   • Prelims: VDA, R&D incentives, e-mode definition.
     

5. MOVCD-NER Scheme Subtopic: Organic Farming Promotion in Northeast

   Value Addition:

   • Launched in 2015–16 as sub-mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

   • Aims to connect organic farmers with markets via end-to-end value chain support.

   • Covers seeds, certification, processing infra, marketing in 8 NE states.

   • Extension granted for Assam for one more year.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 2: Welfare Schemes – Agriculture diversification in difficult terrains.

   • GS 3: Economy – Sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices.

   • Prelims: MOVCDNER, NMSA, Sikkim’s 100% organic status.

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6. Cysteine and Weight Loss Study Subtopic: Metabolic Function of Amino Acids

   Value Addition:

   • Study shows cysteine deprivation in mice leads to 30% weight loss.

   • Essential for collagen, antioxidant (glutathione), detoxification, and taurine synthesis.

   • Abundant in beta-keratin (hair, nails); synthesised internally (non-essential amino acid).

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 3: Health – Role of amino acids in body function and nutrition.

   • Science & Tech – Protein chemistry and metabolism.

   • Prelims: Essential vs non-essential amino acids.
     

7. Sigandur Bridge Subtopic: Restoring Connectivity in Western Ghats

   Value Addition:

   • India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge (2.44 km), over Sharavati backwaters.

   • Restores road access cut off by Linganamakki Dam in 1970s.

   • Aids pilgrimage to Chowdeshwari temple; reduces boat reliance and detours.

   Subject Analysis:

   • GS 1: Geography – Sharavati River, Jog Falls, Western Ghats.

   • GS 3: Infrastructure – Rural connectivity, bridge engineering.

   • Prelims: Cable-stayed bridge, Sharavati tributaries.