Important Days
National Milk Day
▪ National Milk Day was celebrated on November 26, 2024, it marked the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution in India.
▪ The celebration brought into light the dairy sector’s importance to India’s economy and nutrition. National Gopal Ratna Awards
▪ The National Gopal Ratna Awards were presented during the celebration, which honour excellence in livestock and dairy.
▪ Categories included Best Dairy Farmer, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative.
▪ For the first time, awards were given to winners from the North Eastern Region. Awardees shared innovative practices in dairy farming.
Publications Launched
▪ Two important publications were launched at the event.The Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics
(BAHS) 2024 provides data on livestock trends.
▪ It aids in policymaking. A manual for identifying elite cows was also introduced.
Defence, National Security and Terrorism
France to Provide Technology for Navy’s Submarine Projects
▪ The Indian Navy plans to build 66 warships under “Project 66” as part of its expansion.
▪ According to this, 50 ships are under construction. Similarly, under “Project 77,” the Navy plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
▪ For these projects, France will provide advanced pump-jet propulsion technology that reduces noise levels, similar to what’s used in their Barracuda-class submarines.
▪ This will increase the ability to operate without attracting enemy attention. By using this technology, Indian submarines in the Indian Ocean region will become much quieter.
Eminent Persons
▪ The Constituent Assembly of India had 15 women members, including prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kripalani, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit.
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the role of these women on Constitution Day (November
26).
▪ Five notable women from the Constituent Assembly:
1. Ammu Swaminathan (1894-1978)
✓ born in Palakkad, Kerala.
✓ Opposed widow restrictions after her mother’s experience.
✓ Spoke on the Hindu Code Bill and gender equality in the Assembly.
2. Annie Mascarene (1902-1963)
✓ Born in Travancore in a Latin Christian family.
✓ Advocated for universal adult franchise and a strong Centre.
3. Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909-2001)
✓ Came from a privileged background with a royal family heritage.
✓ Joined politics and opposed separate electorates based on religion.
✓ Promoted women’s hockey post-independence.
4. Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912-1978)
✓ First Dalit woman to graduate in science in Cochin.
✓ Disagreed with Ambedkar on separate electorates, advocating nationalism.
✓ Faced financial difficulties, which limited her political career.
5. Renuka Ray (1904-1997)
✓ Born in Pabna (present-day Bangladesh).
✓ Quit college to join the freedom struggle after meeting Gandhi.
