Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 15 Nov 2023

Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda

The Prime Minister of India paid tributes to tribal leader Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary(15th November 1875) belonging to the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur Plateau area.

  • In response to the British colonial presence and missionaries' attempts to convert tribals to Christianity, Birsa Munda initiated the 'Birsait' faith, emerging as a tribal leader and leading resistance against British conversion efforts.
  • He led the Munda Rebellion aimed to establish Munda Raj, or self-rule, and restore the tribal rights over their land and forest.
  • Birsa Munda encouraged tribals to resist colonial laws and refuse to pay rent. He started the Ulgulan movement involving guerrilla warfare, challenging religious practices, and social changes.
  • The Ulgulan movement aimed at establishing Munda Raj by driving out the British.
  • Birth anniversary celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, acknowledging tribal contributions.
  • He is Remembered as 'Bhagwan' (God) and 'Dharati Aba' (Father of the earth) by followers.
  • Jharkhand, meaning "The Land of Forests," was formed on November 15, 2000, marking the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Read more: Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

Bestu Varsh 2023

The Prime Minister of India has extended New Year greetings on the occasion of Gujarati New Year.

  • Gujarati New Year 2023, also known as Padwa or Bestu Varas, is being celebrated on November 14.
  • It is celebrated as part of the five-day Diwali Celebrations. It ideally falls on Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month (Hindu calendar month).

Read more: India's Traditional New Year Festivals

The Contagious Mystery of Yawning

Yawning, often associated with boredom or a mental break, remains a phenomenon with intriguing contagious qualities.

  • In a relatable twist, scientists find that monkeys, much like humans, engage in contagious yawning, especially within similar age and social groups.
    • This phenomenon is linked to synchronized sleep-wake patterns and shared attention among primates.
  • While not obligatory, yawning serves as a powerful trigger in group dynamics. The study suggests a broader concept of behavioral synchrony, where observed actions influence others in a contagious manner.