Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Luna 25, Chandrayaan
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The moon exploration scene has intensified as Russia’s “Luna 25” mission prepares for a soft landing near the lunar South Pole, challenging India’s “Chandrayaan-3” in the race to touch down first.
- While Luna 25’s earlier launch and more direct trajectory give it an edge, Chandrayaan-3’s unique features and India-Russia collaboration in space activities also merit attention.
Luna 25’s Accelerated Journey
- Launch and Orbit: Luna 25 was launched on August 10, aiming to enter lunar orbit by August 16.
- Lunar Landing Date: The Russian lander is anticipated to attempt a soft landing between August 21 and 22, ahead of Chandrayaan-3’s possible landing date of August 23.
Key Factors behind Luna 25’s Lead
- Trajectory and Fuel Storage: Luna 25 followed a direct trajectory due to its lighter payload and higher fuel efficiency.
- Payload Comparison: Luna 25’s lift-off mass is 1,750 kg, significantly lighter than Chandrayaan-3’s 3,900 kg. The latter includes a Lander-Rover and propulsion module.
- Lunar Dawn Advantage: Luna 25 benefits from an earlier lunar dawn at its landing site, ensuring optimal power generation through solar panels.
What is Lunar Dawn?
- Lunar dawn is the period on the Moon when the Sun is about to rise over the lunar horizon, resulting in the gradual illumination of the lunar surface, similar to Earth’s sunrise.
- During lunar dawn, the Moon’s surface transitions from darkness to light as the Sun’s rays gradually touch and illuminate different areas.
- It occurs due to the Moon’s rotation on its axis, causing changing lighting conditions as it orbits the Earth.
- Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a significant atmosphere, resulting in distinct lighting, sharp shadows, and no diffusion of sunlight.
- Astronauts on lunar missions, like the Apollo missions, have observed lunar dawn first-hand, providing unique perspectives on the Moon’s surface.
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Chandrayaan-3’s Distinct Features
- Coated Rover: Chandrayaan-3 boasts a rover with a 500-metre range, unlike Luna 25.
- Scientific Objectives: Chandrayaan-3 emphasizes soil and water-ice study, especially near the southern pole, owing to craters in permanent shadow.
- Experiment Suite: Chandrayaan-3’s Lander carries experiments like RAMBHA, ChaSTE, ILSA, and LRA, providing crucial insights into moon’s properties.
Collaboration and Competition
- India-Russia Space Collaboration: Both countries have collaborated extensively in space activities, such as Russia’s contribution to India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission’s lander-rover design.
- Chandrayaan-1 to Chandrayaan-2 Gap: India developed its lander-rover technology independently after Russia’s withdrawal, leading to an 11-year gap between Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions.
Future Prospects
- Human Moon Missions Race: India, the US, and China are actively pursuing human moon missions after India’s Chandrayaan-1’s water molecule discovery in 2008.
- Progress and Challenges: While India has made strides, countries like the US and China have achieved landing and sample return missions. India’s efforts to develop heavier launch vehicles for more ambitious missions continue.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sant Ravidas, Bhakti Movement
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a ₹100 crore temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar.
Guru Ravidas
- Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement and founder of the Ravidassia religion during the 15th to 16th century CE.
- Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and mainly Punjab and Haryana. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and spiritual figure.
- The life details of Ravidas are uncertain and contested. Scholars believe he was born in 1450 CE, in the cobbler caste.
- Ravidas’s devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib.
- The Panch Vani text of the Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas.
- He taught the removal of social divisions of caste and gender and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms.
Significance of his teachings
- Philosophy and values of Sant Ravidas like social justice, equality and fraternity have been imbued in our constitutional values.
- He had envisaged a society that is based on equality and free from any kind of discrimination.
- He gave it the name ‘Be-gampura’ (a city near Lahore) where there is no place for any kind of grief or fear.
- Such an ideal city would be bereft of fear, vulnerability or scarcity. Rule of law based on the right ideas like equality and welfare of all would be the principle for governance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Takakia
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Takakia, a unique moss genus that has thrived at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau for millions of years, has captured the attention of international scientists.
- Astonishingly, the same habitat that nurtured Takakia for eons is now rapidly transforming due to climate change, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
Takakia and its Evolution
- Adaptive Traits: Takakia is slender turf with finger-like leaves and resilience to harsh weather conditions. Genetic traits protecting it from frost and high UV radiation have evolved over 65 million years.
- Living Fossil: Despite its rapidly evolving genome, Takakia’s physical appearance has remained unchanged for over 165 million years, making it a remarkable example of a living fossil.
- Evolutionary Paradox: The juxtaposition of constant appearance and evolving genome poses an intriguing challenge for evolutionary biologists, shedding light on the species’ unique adaptation.
Its scientific significance
- Hybrid Characteristics: Takakia blends features from mosses, liverworts, and green algae, intriguing researchers for its evolutionary diversity.
- Ancient Separation: Research confirms that Takakia’s divergence from other mosses occurred around 390 million years ago, soon after the emergence of the first land plants.
Climate Change Impacts on Takakia
- Changing Habitat: Takakia’s habitat, which sheltered it for millions of years, is now experiencing rapid climate change within decades.
- Temperature and Glacier Shifts: Recorded measurements since 2010 indicate a temperature increase of nearly half a degree Celsius per year on the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by a glacier’s retreat of almost 50 meters per year.
- Species Resilience: Unlike some other plants that benefit from warming, Takakia’s populations have diminished over the study period. Its struggle to cope with rising temperatures raises concerns about its survival.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Earendel
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The remarkable discovery of the star Earendel by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2022 has been further illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope.
About Earendel
- Earendel is the farthest star ever detected, observed within the first billion years after the big bang.
- It’s a massive B-type star, more than twice as hot as the Sun, and a million times more luminous.
- The star is part of the Sunrise Arc galaxy, detectable due to the gravitational lensing
- Gravitational lensing is a natural phenomenon where the mass of a massive object bends and magnifies light from a background object.
- The massive galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acts as a “magnifying glass,” allowing telescopes to observe Earendel even though it’s distant.
How was it discovered?
- JSWT discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope employed its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to build upon Hubble’s observations of Earendel.
- Star’s Characteristics: The revelations from NIRCam showcase Earendel as a massive B-type star, surpassing our Sun’s heat by over twofold and radiating luminosity a million times greater.
- 9 Billion Light-Years Away: Situated approximately 12.9 billion light-years from Earth, Earendel holds insights into the early universe’s cosmic evolution.
- Gravitational Lensing: Both Webb and Hubble harnessed gravitational lensing—a phenomenon where foreground galaxies magnify distant objects—to detect Earendel, with galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acting as a cosmic magnifying lens.
Glimpse into it’s Past
- Single Point of Light: Due to its immense distance, Earendel appears as a solitary point of light even on Webb’s high-resolution infrared imagery.
- Snapshot from 1 Billion Years Post-Big Bang: Although Earendel remains a faint pinpoint, the telescope’s data indicates that we are witnessing the star as it appeared 1 billion years after the Big Bang.
- Historic Perspective: This revelation pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, as the previous farthest observed star had been documented around 4 billion years post-Big Bang.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PushP Portal
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The National Power Committee (NPC) has urged States to contribute their insights towards shaping incentives for both buyers and sellers on the Power High Price Day Ahead Market (HP-DAM) and Surplus Power Portal (PUShP).
- This innovative platform, introduced by the Ministry of Power, aims to enhance power availability, optimize utilization, and facilitate efficient power trading.
PUSHp Portal
- Concept Launch: The Ministry of Power unveiled the HP-DAM and PUShP to address power scarcity during peak demand periods and to encourage surplus power trading.
- Price Flexibility: The platform allows certain sellers to offer power at prices exceeding the ceiling of Rs 12 per unit during peak demand, promoting higher availability.
- Surplus Power Indication: Power distribution companies (DISCOMs) can display their surplus power availability on the portal, indicating the block times, days, or months.
- Requisition Mechanism: DISCOMs in need of power can requisition the surplus power from the portal, promoting efficient allocation.
Operational Mechanism
- Cost Determination: New buyers will pay both variable charges (VC) and fixed costs (FC) as regulated by authorities.
- Reassignment Implications: Once power is reassigned, the original beneficiary relinquishes the right to recall power, including the entire FC liability.
- Reducing Fixed Costs: This approach alleviates the fixed cost burden on DISCOMs, making power distribution more efficient.
- Optimal Capacity Utilization: The platform ensures that all available generation capacity is effectively utilized, mitigating wastage.
Back2Basics: Day Ahead Market
- A Day Ahead Market is a platform for trading electricity where delivery occurs within 24 hours from the following day’s midnight.
- Electricity is traded in 15-minute time blocks, and prices are determined through auction bidding.
- The auction process establishes prices and the quantum of electricity traded, ensuring transparency.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Delimitation Commission
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Delimitation, the process of redrawing electoral boundaries to reflect population changes, is a crucial exercise that ensures fair representation and equal distribution of constituencies.
- In Assam, the recent delimitation process has garnered attention due to its impact on political dynamics.
Delimitation in Assam
- Historical Basis: The last delimitation in Assam was based on 1971 census data by the Delimitation Commission in 1976. Over time, population shifts necessitate boundary adjustments.
- Equitable Representation: Delimitation aims to ensure that the population of constituencies is relatively equal, promoting fair representation.
- Legal Authority: Delimitation orders have the force of law and are beyond judicial review.
Process of Delimitation
- Delimitation Commission: An independent Delimitation Commission is formed, consisting of retired Supreme Court judges, the Chief Election Commissioner, and State Election Commissioners.
- Objectives: The Commission determines boundaries and numbers of constituencies, striving for uniform population distribution.
- Reserved Seats: The Commission identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes based on their population concentrations.
Implementation of Delimitation
- Draft Proposals: The Commission publishes draft proposals in official gazettes and newspapers, seeking public feedback.
- Public Sittings: Public hearings are held to gather opinions and objections.
- Final Order: After considering objections and suggestions, the Commission issues a final order published in official gazettes, coming into effect as specified.
Frequency of Delimitation
- Early Delimitation: The first delimitation in 1950-51 was temporary, carried out by the President after India’s first general elections.
- Need for Independence: Subsequent delimitation was mandated to be carried out by independent commissions following the dissatisfaction with the first exercise.
- Past Instances: Delimitation occurred in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, under Acts of respective years.
Postponement and Justification
- Frozen Seats: Delimitation was postponed after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
- Uniform Growth Rate: Post the 2001 Census, an amendment delayed delimitation until 2026, justified by achieving uniform population growth throughout India.
- Last Exercise: The most recent delimitation in Assam (2002-2008) adjusted boundaries based on 2001 Census data and reserved seat allocations.
Conclusion
- Delimitation plays a vital role in democratic governance, maintaining equitable representation by accounting for population shifts.
- The recent delimitation in Assam, governed by a structured process and legal framework, exemplifies India’s commitment to fair and inclusive electoral practices.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hela Cells
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- HeLa cells, an extraordinary line of human cells recovered from a woman suffering from cancer has helped various realms of scientific discovery and medical progress.
What are HeLa Cells?
- Unveiling the Unknown: In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a tissue biopsy at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- Pioneering Phenomenon: A fraction of Lacks’ tumor cells, later termed HeLa cells, displayed an exceptional trait – the ability to perpetually divide and multiply in laboratory conditions.
Distinctive Attributes of HeLa Cells
- Endless Proliferation: Unlike typical human cells that have finite lifespans, HeLa cells displayed continuous division, enabling their perpetual growth.
- Scientific Marvel: This property revolutionized research by offering a consistent and adaptable medium for experiments.
Utility for Scientific Progress
- Polio Vaccine: HeLa cells played a pivotal role in cultivating the poliovirus, facilitating the development of the polio vaccine.
- Cancer Research: HeLa cells fueled insights into cancer biology, aiding in testing treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.
- Genetic Insights: These cells were the first human cells to be cloned, deepening our grasp of genetics and cellular biology.
- Drug Testing: HeLa cells revolutionized drug testing, aiding in drug development and assessing safety profiles.
- Space Exploration: Their journey extended to space, contributing to the understanding of cellular behavior in microgravity.
Ethical Dilemmas and Controversies
- Informed Consent Absence: HeLa cells’ use without Henrietta Lacks’ consent raised ethical concerns, especially in the context of medical experimentation on African American patients.
- Patient Rights and Acknowledgment: Discussions emerged about patient rights, equitable compensation, and the acknowledgement of individuals whose contributions fuel scientific progress.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EC appointments
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A new Bill has been proposed in the Rajya Sabha aimed at reversing the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
- The proposed legislation suggests a revamped selection process, featuring a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a nominated Cabinet Minister.
- This initiative comes after a Supreme Court verdict that demanded the participation of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and ‘CJI’ in the selection of these crucial electoral positions.
Supreme Court’s Ruling and Legislative Vacuum
- March 2 Verdict: A unanimous verdict by a SC bench this year mandated the involvement of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI in the appointment of CEC and ECs.
- Constitutional Vacuum: The Court intervened due to the absence of a parliamentary law as prescribed by Article 324 of the Constitution for the appointment process.
New Legislative Approach
- Aim of the Bill: The proposed Bill aims to address the constitutional vacuum and establish a structured legislative process for the appointment of members to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Search Committee: The Bill establishes a Search Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary and composed of two other government officials knowledgeable about election matters. The Committee is tasked with preparing a panel of five potential candidates for appointment.
- Selection Committee: The core of the proposed process is the Selection Committee, composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. This committee would finalize the appointment of CEC and ECs.
Supreme Court’s Concerns
- Parliament’s Authority: The Parliament holds the power to address the issues highlighted by the Supreme Court ruling and nullify its impact through legislative action that aligns with the judgment’s intent.
- Preserving Independence: The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized the need for an independent body overseeing elections, aligning with the Constitution’s original intent.
Concerns raised
- Composition of Selection Committee: The new Bill raises concerns about the independence of the selection process due to its composition.
- Absence of LoP: With the PM and a nominated Cabinet Minister holding the majority in the three-member panel, the Leader of Opposition’s voice is marginalized even before the process begins.
- Omits CJI: The Bill omits CJI from the panel counterviewing the 2nd March Judgment which prompted this legislation.
Conclusion
- The proposed Bill’s attempt to address the legislative vacuum created by the Supreme Court ruling is a significant step towards streamlining the appointment process for the Election Commission.
- While the Parliament has the authority to shape the process, ensuring the true independence and integrity of the selection process remains a critical concern.
- The balance between various stakeholders must be maintained to uphold the sanctity of India’s democratic electoral processes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NAVIC
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, is set to be integrated into Aadhaar enrolment devices.
- This strategic move, as revealed by the Department of Space (DoS) showcases the seamless amalgamation of advanced technologies to enhance the functionality and reach of essential services.
What is NAVIC?
- History: Originally conceptualized as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the project sought to establish an autonomous navigation infrastructure to fulfill both civilian and strategic requirements.
- Reducing Foreign Dependency: The core motivation behind NAVIC was to lessen dependence on foreign navigation systems like GPS and cultivate a self-reliant platform.
- Comprehensive Constellation: The NAVIC constellation encompasses a total of 7** satellites.
- Deployment Chronology: Launches of satellites such as IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1C, IRNSS-1D, IRNSS-1E, IRNSS-1F, and IRNSS-1I commenced in July 2013, continuing the phased deployment.
Key Features and Technical Excellence
- Standard Position Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS): NavIC offers two services – SPS for civilian users and RS for strategic users. These services are available in both L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz).
- Coverage Area: NavIC covers India and extends up to 1,500 km beyond its borders. Upcoming satellites will include the L1 band compatible with civilian applications.
NavIC and Aadhaar Enrolment Devices
- Field Trials and Technical Expertise: The DoS has successfully conducted field trials and provided technical expertise to finalize the procurement specifications for integrating NavIC into Aadhaar enrolment devices.
- Current Setup: The Aadhaar enrolment kits presently use GPS for location-based services, which gather and authenticate personal information during enrolment.
Utilization in other areas
- Disaster Management: NavIC plays a pivotal role in the National Disaster Management Agency’s alert dissemination system for natural calamities like landslides, earthquakes, floods, and avalanches.
- Ocean Information Broadcast: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System employs NavIC to broadcast alerts regarding cyclones, high waves, and tsunamis to fishermen operating in deep-sea regions.
- Standardization Efforts: Various organizations, including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI), Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC), and international bodies like the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC), are actively working on setting interoperability standards for NavIC.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maya OS
Mains level: Secured cyber infrastructure
Central Idea
- The Defence Ministry is taking a significant stride towards bolstering its cybersecurity by introducing an indigenous operating system named Maya OS.
- This move aims to replace Microsoft’s Windows OS on all ministry computers, ensuring enhanced protection against cyberattacks.
Understanding Maya OS
- Origin and Purpose: Maya OS is a homegrown operating system developed by the Union Ministry of Defence.
- Name’s Significance: Maya OS draws its name from the ancient Indian concept of illusion, signifying the deceptive appearance of reality.
- Open-Source Framework: Maya OS leverages the Ubuntu platform, embracing open-source principles by utilizing free and publicly available software. This approach enhances transparency, community collaboration, and customization possibilities.
- Chakravyuh Feature: Maya OS introduces the Chakravyuh feature, an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software. It acts as a protective layer between users and the internet, thwarting unauthorized access attempts and safeguarding sensitive data.
User Interface and Features
- Familiar Interface: Maya OS offers a user-friendly interface, mirroring the familiar look and feel of Windows, thereby ensuring a comfortable user experience.
- Application Compatibility: The OS supports commonly used software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, and more, enabling a seamless transition for users.
- Enhanced Security: Maya OS incorporates features such as cloud storage, encryption, digital signatures, and biometric authentication to fortify security measures.
Development Journey
- Initiation in Response to Threats: The development of this OS commenced in 2021, prompted by the rise in cyberattacks targeting India’s critical infrastructure and defence systems.
- Collaborative Efforts: A collaborative effort involving experts from various government agencies like DRDO, C-DAC, and NIC, along with Indian software companies and academic institutions, contributed to the development of Maya OS.
- Swift Progress: The development of Maya OS was accomplished within 6 months, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the collaborative teams.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: States renaming under Article 3
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Kerala Assembly’s recent unanimous resolution to rename the state as “Keralam” in the Constitution and official records has sparked discussions about the historical origins of the name and the process of renaming a state in India.
Renaming Kerala: Resolution and Historical Context
- Unanimous Decision: The Kerala Assembly, led by CM, passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam” in both the Constitution and official records.
- Language Basis: The resolution highlights that the Malayalam name of the state is “Keralam,” and states were formed based on language on November 1, 1956. The resolution seeks alignment between the Malayalam name and its representation in official documents.
Procedure for Renaming a State
State Government’s Proposal: The proposal to rename a state originates from the state government. The Union MHA reviews the proposal and seeks No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies.
Centre’s Approval: Unlike renaming cities, renaming a state requires approval from the Centre’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). A Constitutional amendment is necessary for this change (under Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution).
Parliamentary Approval: If accepted, the proposal is introduced as a Bill in the Parliament. Upon becoming law, the state’s name is officially changed. |
Origin of the ‘Kerala’ Name
- ‘Kerala’ and Asoka’s Edict: The earliest recorded mention of ‘Kerala’ is in Emperor Asoka’s Rock Edict II of 257 BC, where the local ruler is referred to as “Keralaputra” (son of Kerala) and “son of Chera” from the Chera dynasty.
- ‘Keralam’ from ‘Cheram’: Scholars speculate that ‘Keralam’ could have derived from ‘Cheram.’ Dr. Herman Gundert, a German scholar, proposed that ‘keram’ is the Canarese (Kannada) form of ‘cheram,’ suggesting that ‘Keralam’ could mean the region between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari, stemming from the root ‘cher’ meaning to join.
Demand for a Unified State
- Aikya Kerala Movement: In the 1920s, the Aikya Kerala movement gained momentum, advocating for a unified state for Malayalam-speaking people. It aimed to integrate Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore into a single territory.
- Cultural Unity: The movement was driven by the shared language, cultural traditions, history, and customs of the Malayalam-speaking population.
Formation of Modern Kerala
- Travancore-Cochin State: In 1949, Travancore and Kochi merged, forming the Travancore-Cochin State.
- State Reorganisation Commission: The State Reorganisation Commission recommended the creation of Kerala as a state for Malayalam-speaking people. The inclusion of Malabar and Kasargod and the exclusion of certain areas were proposed.
- Birth of Kerala: On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was officially formed, referred to as “Keralam” in Malayalam and “Kerala” in English.
Conclusion
- The resolution to rename Kerala as “Keralam” reflects the historical and cultural significance attached to the state’s name.
- The process of renaming a state underscores the federal structure of India, where Centre-State collaboration is essential for such significant changes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: North East Venture Fund (NEVF)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The North East Venture Fund (NEVF) has emerged as a catalyst for startups in the region.
- Since its inception, NEVF has invested in 37 startups, injecting a total of Rs 56.84 crores into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is North East Venture Fund (NEVF)?
- Establishment: The NEVF, launched by the government in 2017, has emerged as a catalyst for startups in the region.
- SEBI Approval: NEVF is categorized as a Category I Venture Capital Fund under SEBI’s Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) Regulations, 2012.
- Investment Committee: An independent Investment Committee, comprising experienced professionals from venture funding, private equity, and developmental banking, makes investment decisions.
- Regulatory Reporting: Periodic reporting on operational and compliance aspects is presented to NEVF contributors and relevant bodies as mandated. This ensures transparency and adherence to regulations.
- Regulatory Oversight: The fund’s operations are subject to monitoring by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) through regular audits.
NEVF’s Funding
- Fund Corpus: NEVF was established as a closed-end fund with a target corpus of Rs. 100 crore.
- Contributors: NEVF has achieved its target corpus through contributions: Rs. 30 crore from North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), Rs. 25 crore from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and Rs. 45 crore from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
- MDoNER Contribution: MDoNER’s contribution was provided as an interest-free loan to NEDFi, repayable in a lump sum after 15 years.
Successful Outreach
- Geographical Distribution: The startups benefiting from NEVF are spread across various North Eastern states, with 24 in Assam, six in Manipur, three in Meghalaya, two in Arunachal Pradesh, and one each in Tripura and Sikkim.
- Job Creation: The startups supported by NEVF have collectively generated 4,812 employment opportunities since FY18. Among these, 3,906 were male and 906 were female employees. Additionally, 4,076 employees were unskilled, while 736 were skilled workers.
- Assam’s Dominance: The state of Assam witnessed the most significant job creation through NEVF-supported startups, contributing to over 4,000 job opportunities.
- Focus Areas: The new guidelines prioritize projects that create common facilities for manufacturing, testing, packaging, research and development, and training related to natural resources found in the NER and Sikkim. This includes areas like agriculture, forestry, sericulture, and bamboo cultivation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Distance Tax
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- With the shift towards cleaner energy sources and the decline in oil consumption, governments are seeking alternative revenue sources to compensate for the loss of fuel tax income.
- One such solution is the implementation of distance tax, a mileage-based user fee that can potentially mitigate revenue loss while encouraging sustainable transportation practices.
Understanding Distance Tax
- Concept: Distance tax, also known as mileage-based user fees or road-user charges, is a taxation method based on motorists’ road usage and mileage. The tax is proportional to the distance driven, incentivizing responsible vehicle usage.
- Variable Rates: Distance tax rates can be flat, calculated per kilometer, or variable based on factors such as location and time. It can also vary according to the vehicle type.
- Technology Implementation: Distance tax can be tracked through various technologies like automatic number plate recognition, radio frequency identification, or GPS-based systems. The latter, especially using the GPS-based toll collection system, holds promise for implementation in India.
Advantages of Distance Tax
- Revenue Recovery: As fuel consumption decreases due to the adoption of cleaner energy sources, distance tax offers a fuel-neutral method to recover lost tax revenue.
- Encouraging Efficient Behavior: Distance tax promotes efficient vehicle usage, rewarding those who drive less and opting for environmentally friendly vehicles.
- Managing Congestion: The tax can help manage traffic congestion by encouraging the use of small vehicles with lower carbon footprints.
Comparing with Other Alternatives
- Fuel Tax Increase: Raising fuel tax rates is an option, but it might not align with the transition to cleaner energy sources and could negatively impact consumers.
- Annual Fees on EVs: Imposing annual fees on electric vehicles (EVs) could hinder the EV adoption rate.
- GST and Toll Tax Increase: Hiking GST on EVs or increasing toll tax and electricity tax is politically challenging.
Impact on Government Revenue
- Oil Tax Dependency: Governments heavily rely on fuel tax revenues. In India, petroleum contributed to over 17.5% of the Centre’s revenue in 2022–23, and VAT on petroleum products accounted for 15% of all states’ and UTs’ revenue.
- EV Transition Effects: The transition to EVs is predicted to reduce government revenue by 10.2%, equivalent to ₹1,457 crore, for Delhi by 2030. The Centre is also projected to lose 10% of its fuel tax revenue in Delhi due to EV adoption.
Way Forward
- Gamification and Rewards: Develop a smartphone app that tracks a user’s distance traveled and calculates their distance tax.
- Dynamic Pricing Based on Emission Levels: Implement a tiered distance tax system that charges vehicles with higher emissions more than those with lower emissions.
- Green Corridors and Bonus Miles: Designate certain routes as “green corridors” with reduced or waived distance tax rates and offer bonus miles or credits to users who choose these routes.
- Voluntary Reduction Challenges: Launch voluntary challenges where users commit to reducing their mileage for a set period.
- Carbon Offset Integration: Provide users with the option to use a portion of their distance tax payments to support carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.
Conclusion
- Distance tax stands out as a viable solution to balance revenue streams while encouraging responsible driving behavior and greener vehicle choices.
- It addresses the challenge of declining oil tax income while promoting a shift towards cleaner transportation methods.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ACTO, Amazon Basin
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a landmark move, 8 South American countries have joined forces to address the critical issue of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) summit, hosted by Brazil.
- It is intriguing to know that this summit is the first gathering of its kind in 14 years since the group was established.
What is ACTO?
- Formation: ACTO is an international organization established to safeguard the Amazon basin and facilitate its sustainable development through international collaboration.
- Founding Treaty: The Amazon Cooperation Treaty was crafted and signed on July 3, 1978, by Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
- Evolution into ACTO: In 1995, these countries formalized their commitment by founding ACTO to actively pursue the objectives set forth in the original treaty.
- Multilingual Platform: ACTO operates in four official languages: Dutch, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Need for ACTO
- Deforestation: Clearing of land for agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development leads to extensive deforestation, reducing the forest’s size and disrupting ecosystems.
- Climate Feedback Loop: Deforestation disrupted the Amazon’s role as a carbon sink, potentially turning it into a carbon source and exacerbating climate change.
- Illegal Logging: Unregulated and unsustainable logging practices contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
- Indigenous Land Encroachment: Encroachment on indigenous lands and territories disrupts traditional ways of life and cultural practices, impacting both communities and ecosystems.
- Forest Fire: Uncontrolled fires, often intentionally set for land clearance, can spread rapidly, destroying vast areas of forest and releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
ACTO’s Conservation and Development Initiatives
- Amazonian Management: The ACTO member nations recognize that effective management of the Amazon basin is pivotal for advancing the well-being of its inhabitants.
- Programs and Agreements: Collaborative programs and agreements have been established to ensure biodiversity preservation, promote conservation efforts, and manage the region’s resources.
- Project GEF Amazonas: Funded by the Global Environment Facility, this program aims to secure agreement on a renewable and integrated water supply for sustainable development.
- ACTO Biodiversity Program: This program focuses on maintaining a harmonious biological equilibrium to prevent fragmentation of Amazonian ecosystems.
Key Milestone: The Manaus Declaration (2004)
- Purpose: ACTO played a pivotal role in formulating the Manaus Declaration in 2004, which coordinated the development of the vast rainforest area covering approximately 2.9 million square miles.
- Commitment Reiteration: The declaration reaffirmed member countries’ dedication to fostering social and economic development in the Amazon while preserving its unique cultures.
Back2Basics: Amazon Rainforest
- The Amazon Rainforest is a tropical rainforest situated in South America, primarily covering the Amazon Basin.
- It extends across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
- Renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, the Amazon Rainforest harbors around 10% of Earth’s known species, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
- Encompassing approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, the Amazon Rainforest constitutes over half of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests.
- Often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” the Amazon Rainforest plays a crucial role in global climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quit India Movement
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- On August 9, 1942, India embarked on a historic journey towards independence by launching the Quit India Movement.
Genesis of Quit India Movement
- Gandhi’s Ultimatum: On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi issued a powerful ultimatum to the British Raj, urging them to “Quit India.” With the entire Congress leadership imprisoned, the people were galvanized to take matters into their own hands.
- People-Powered Movement: The Quit India Movement was an authentic display of people’s determination. The call for “Do or Die” echoed in the hearts of millions who rallied on the streets, marking a turning point in the struggle.
- Massive Scope: The movement’s magnitude was unprecedented, surpassing previous uprisings. India’s masses united to demand complete freedom, showcasing their unwavering commitment to breaking free from colonial shackles.
Birth of the Slogan ‘Quit India’
- Yusuf Meherally’s Contribution: The catchphrase “Quit India” was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist leader and Mayor of Bombay. He had earlier coined the slogan “Simon Go Back” in 1928 during another anti-colonial agitation.
Precursors to the Movement
- Failure of Cripps Mission: While factors leading to such a movement had been building up, matters came to a head with the failure of the Cripps Mission. With WW2 raging, the beleaguered British government needed the cooperation of its colonial subjects. With this in mind, in March 1942, a mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps arrived in India to meet leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League.
- Betrayal on WW2 Promises: The idea was to secure India’s whole-hearted support in the war, and the return offer to Indians was the promise of self-governance. But things did not go that way.
- No complete freedom: Despite the promise of “the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India”, Cripps only offered dominion status, not freedom.
- Unviable partition plan: Also, there was a provision for the partition of India, which was not acceptable to the Congress.
Outcomes: Gandhi’s Strategic Shift
- From Non-Violence to Action: The failure of the Cripps Mission compelled Gandhi to shift from non-violent means to active resistance. The Congress, though initially hesitant to disrupt wartime efforts, embraced mass civil disobedience as a means to achieve freedom.
- The “Do or Die” Call: On August 8, 1942, Gandhi addressed a massive gathering in Bombay’s Gowalia Tank maidan. He proclaimed the potent mantra of “Do or Die,” pledging India’s resolve to secure freedom at any cost.
Course of Events and Popular Uprising
- People’s Resilience: The arrest of Congress leaders failed to quell the movement. Ordinary Indians across cities and towns took charge, engaging in acts of civil disobedience, strikes, and protests.
- Working-Class Participation: Railway tracks were blocked, students boycotted schools, and mill workers across cities joined the movement. Bridges were destroyed, and government symbols were targeted.
- Violent Phase: The movement escalated to a violent phase, marked by the destruction of infrastructure and defiance of government authority. This time, Gandhi dint resist for violence.
Suppression and Unyielding Passion
- Brutal Crackdown: The British responded with violence, inflicting casualties, imprisoning thousands, and imposing severe fines. Villages were burned, and repressive measures were enforced.
- Transformative Impact: Despite being suppressed, the Quit India Movement transformed the freedom struggle’s character. The masses’ fiery passion and unprecedented intensity illuminated the path to India’s imminent independence.
Conclusion
- The Quit India Movement remains etched in history as a symbol of India’s unyielding spirit and collective determination to overthrow colonial rule.
- The movement’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and national pride.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Quit India Movement was launched in response to:
(a) Cabinet Mission Plan
(b) Cripps Proposals
(c) Simon Commission Report
(d) Wavell Plan
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Assam Rifles
Mains level: Manipur Riots
Central Idea
- Recent events in Manipur have brought the Assam Rifles (AR) into the spotlight, raising questions about their role, control, and functioning.
- As India’s oldest paramilitary force with a rich history, the Assam Rifles’ unique structure and dual control have sparked debates over its jurisdiction and the ministries under which it operates.
About Assam Rifles: A Unique Role
- Central Armed Police Force: AR is one of six central armed police forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It safeguards Northeastern regions, the Indo-Myanmar border, and assists the Indian Army in maintaining law and order.
- Operational Duality: Uniquely, AR operates under dual control: administrative control under MHA and operational control under the Indian Army. This sets it apart from other CAPFs.
- Composition and Leadership: With over 63,000 personnel across 46 battalions, AR follows a regimented structure similar to the Indian Army. Its senior ranks are manned by Army officers, and the force is commanded by an Indian Army Lieutenant General.
Historical Significance and Contributions:
- Ancient Roots: Established in 1835, AR is India’s oldest paramilitary force. It originated as Cachar Levy and evolved into Assam Rifles, earning accolades for its service.
- World Wars and Beyond: AR participated in World Wars and the Sino-Indian war of 1962. Its efforts in both global conflicts and anti-insurgency campaigns underline its diverse roles.
- Versatility and Valor: AR’s combat role in World War II, counter-Japanese operations, and contribution to India’s peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka speak to its versatility and bravery.
Controversial Encounter in Manipur
- Accusations and Escapes: Manipur Police filed an FIR against the AR, alleging hindrance in their duty. The AR is accused of allowing suspected Kuki militants to evade capture. A video showing the tense exchange highlights concerns of collusion.
- Voices of Discontent: Demands to remove AR from Manipur have arisen, with the Meira Paibis demanding their exit and the state’s BJP writing to the Prime Minister, alleging bias. These events underscore the complexity of AR’s presence in the region.
Tensions and Accusations
- Recent Incident: A clash occurred when Assam Rifles vehicles hindered state police personnel from Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district from entering a Kuki-Zomi territory. Allegations arose that the Assam Rifles’ actions enabled suspected Kuki militants, accused of killing three Meitei men, to escape.
- Perceptions of Bias: Some members of the Meitei community perceive the Assam Rifles as favoring the Kuki-Zomi community. These perceptions, along with allegations of inaction during conflicts, have further strained relations.
- Protests and Demands: Meira Paibis, women activists from the Meitei community, staged protests demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur. They claim that Indian security forces are being used against the Meiteis.
- Suspicion over Collusion: Meitei activists question how suspected militants managed to cross the buffer zone and commit the killings. They criticize the perceived inaction of Assam Rifles personnel during attacks by the Kuki-Zomi.
- Longstanding Grievances: Beyond the current conflict, Meiteis raise concerns about illegal immigration from Myanmar. They point to the Assam Rifles’ historical responsibility for the Indo-Myanmar border and alleged inaction.
Historical Strain with AFSPA
- Historical Tensions: Assam Rifles has faced strained relations with Manipur’s residents, particularly during counter-insurgency operations under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
- Symbolic Resistance: The 2004 incident where 12 Meitei women protested naked in front of the Assam Rifles Headquarters reflected the deep-rooted grievances and tensions present in the region.
Debate over Control
- Tug of War: Both the MHA and Ministry of Defence (MoD) desire full control over AR. MHA argues for comprehensive border-guarding coordination, while the Army believes in maintaining the current system, which has worked well.
- Past Proposals: In 2013 and 2019, discussions were held to merge AR with BSF and ITBP, respectively. The Army’s desire for control has led to ongoing deliberations.
Conclusion
- The Assam Rifles embody a legacy of service, transcending decades and challenges.
- As the debate over control continues, the AR’s role as protectors of borders and preservers of history remains unwavering, a testament to their resilience and valor.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tharosaurus Indicus
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The fossilized remains of an ancient, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur named ‘Tharosaurus Indicus’ were recently recovered near Jaisalmer.
Tharosaurus Indicus
- Tharosaurus indicus is the name given to an ancient species of dinosaur discovered in the Thar Desert region of Jaisalmer, India.
- It is a type of dicraeosaurid dinosaur, which was a group of long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period.
- The fossils of Tharosaurus indicus were found to be around 167 million years old, making them one of the oldest known dicraeosaurids and diplodocoids globally.
Significance of the discovery
- Dicraeosaurids are characterized by their relatively shorter necks compared to other sauropod dinosaurs and were known for their unique body proportions.
- This newly discovered species provides valuable insights into the diversity of prehistoric life that existed in the region during ancient times.
- The name “Tharosaurus indicus” reflects its origin, with “Thar” referring to the Thar Desert and “indicus” indicating its origin in India.
- This discovery showcases India’s historical significance in the field of paleontology and contributes to our understanding of dinosaur evolution on a global scale.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Perseid Metor Shower
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Perseid meteor shower is anticipated to peak around August 13.
Perseid Meteor Shower
- Origin of Phenomenon: The Perseid meteor shower originates from Earth’s passage through debris consisting of ice, rock, and dust, shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
- Orbital details: This comet, with an orbital period of 133 years, last illuminated the skies in 1992 and will not grace Earth’s vicinity until 2125, as confirmed by NASA.
- Historic Discovery: Astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle discovered Comet Swift-Tuttle in 1862, laying the foundation for understanding this celestial spectacle.
Its occurrence
- Annual Affair: A time-honoured spectacle, the Perseids meteor shower reaches its zenith every mid-August, enchanting both astronomers and laymen with its celestial display.
- Residual Cosmic Debris: The Perseids meteor shower unfolds as our planet intersects the path of cosmic remnants cast adrift by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This cosmic cloud spans approximately 27 km in width.
- Dazzling Cascade: Amidst this cosmic choreography, a breathtaking scene emerges as Earth encounters these fragments. During the peak, between 160 and 200 meteors elegantly streak through the atmosphere each hour, leaving behind a luminous trail of splendour.
- Speed and Splendor: Travelling at a staggering speed of around 214,000 km per hour, these meteors ignite a fiery display as they disintegrate nearly 100 km above the Earth’s surface.
What are Meteoric Showers?
- Cosmic Origins: Meteors, fragments of rock and ice, are expelled from comets during their celestial orbits around the sun. The Earth’s atmosphere heats these space rocks as they descend, leaving luminous streaks of gas in their wake.
- A Symphony of Debris: Meteor showers unfold when our planet traverses the debris trail left behind by comets or asteroids during their celestial journey. A cascade of meteorites gracing the skies in unison constitutes a meteor shower.
- Celestial Tapestry: NASA’s records attest to the existence of over 30 meteor showers annually, painting the skies with celestial beauty observable from our terrestrial vantage point.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- India’s services sector has exhibited significant growth, as reflected by the S&P Global India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which reached a 13-year high of 62.3 in July.
- The recovery is driven by increased demand, new business opportunities, and robust export orders.
- However, challenges such as rising input costs and cautious output pricing indicate a nuanced landscape.
Service Sector
The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide range of economic activities that are focused on providing intangible goods and services to customers.
Some examples of activities that fall under the service sector include:
- Hospitality and tourism: This includes activities such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators.
- Retail and wholesale trade: This includes businesses that buy and sell goods, such as supermarkets, department stores, and online retailers.
- Financial services: This includes banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
- Professional and business services: This includes activities such as legal services, accounting, consulting, and advertising.
- Information and communication technology: This includes activities such as software development, telecommunications, and data processing.
- Healthcare and social assistance: This includes activities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and social services.
- Education and training: This includes activities such as schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training.
- Transportation and logistics: This includes activities such as shipping, warehousing, and distribution.
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Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
- PMI is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.
- The S&P Global India Services PMI is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400 service sector companies.
- It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.
- It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed.
How is the PMI derived?
- The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions.
- Executives from a reasonably big sample, running into hundreds of firms, are asked whether key indicators such as output, new orders, business expectations and employment were stronger than the month before and are asked to rate them.
How does one read the PMI?
- A figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity. Anything below 50 denotes contraction.
- Higher the difference from this mid-point greater the expansion or contraction. The rate of expansion can also be judged by comparing the PMI with that of the previous month data.
- If the figure is higher than the previous month’s then the economy is expanding at a faster rate. If it is lower than the previous month then it is growing at a lower rate.
Recent Feat Achieved
- Output Levels: The survey-based index shows that output levels experienced the fastest growth since June 2010, driven by robust demand and increased new business gains.
- Job Creation: Despite the surge in workload, job creation remained modest, with a “slight” pace of hiring. Firms employed a mix of part-time, full-time, permanent, and temporary staff.
- Rising Input Costs: Input costs recorded the fastest increase in 13 months, primarily due to higher food, labor, and transportation expenses.
- Output Price Dynamics: On the other hand, firms displayed caution in their output pricing strategy, with output prices increasing at the slowest rate in three months. This approach could be attributed to the desire to secure new contracts.
- Overseas Expansion: Export orders received a significant boost, with firms reporting the second-fastest increase in export orders since the inception of the index in September 2014.
- Key Growth Sources: Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the UAE emerged as key sources of growth in export orders.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Havana Syndrome
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Havana Syndrome, a mysterious set of mental health symptoms experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in India, has caught the attention of authorities.
What is Havana Syndrome?
- Cuban Incident: The term “Havana Syndrome” originated in Cuba in late 2016 when US officials at the newly opened US embassy in Havana reported symptoms like pressure in the brain, headaches, and disorientation. The cause of these symptoms initially sparked suspicions of a “sonic attack” orchestrated by Cuban intelligence.
- Subsequent Reports: Following the Cuban incident, similar symptoms were reported by American officials stationed in China, Russia, Poland, Georgia, Taiwan, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Austria, and even in Washington DC, including near the White House.
Havana Syndrome in India
- Sole Reported Case: As of July 2023, the 2021 incident involving a US intelligence officer in India is the only reported case of Havana Syndrome in the country.
- Indian Security Establishment: Indian security officials have claimed that they are not aware of any agency possessing such microwave-based counter-espionage technology.
- Geopolitical Considerations: Given India’s friendly relations with the US, officials find it unlikely that an Indian agency or foreign power would target US officials in this manner.
Possible Causes of Havana Syndrome
- Microwave Exposure: Scientific research and medical examinations of the victims have suggested that high-powered microwaves may have damaged or interfered with the nervous system, leading to the reported symptoms.
- Microwave Weapon: The syndrome was speculated to be caused by beams of high-powered microwaves sent through a specialized gadget known as a “microwave weapon.”
- Counter-Intelligence Tactic: Both Russia and the US have experimented with using microwaves as a counter-intelligence tactic since the Cold War.
Debunking the Havana Syndrome Theory
- Lack of Conclusive Evidence: Despite years of data collection and experiments, the US has not found conclusive evidence to support the existence of a “microwave weapon.”
- Psychological Illness Amplified: Some medical experts argue that the syndrome could be a psychological illness amplified by fear of being targeted.
- Impact on Relations: A report from several US security agencies in 2023 suggested that foreign adversaries were unlikely to be behind the “anomalous health incidents,” which may have impacted US-Cuba relations.
Conclusion
- The enigmatic Havana Syndrome continues to baffle experts and policymakers worldwide, with no definitive evidence of its origins and causes.
- As India examines the issue in response to the recent petition, the global mystery surrounding Havana Syndrome remains an ongoing concern for intelligence communities and governments alike.
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