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Distribution: yearly

  • What does the Constitution say about the sovereignty of India?

    Central Idea

    • The article revolves around the issue of a political party filing a complaint against a politician of foreign origin with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
    • She had allegedly been advocating the secession of Karnataka from India in her election speeches.

    Definition of sovereignty

    • Sovereignty is the idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory.
    • In Western philosophy, the concept is used to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed.
    • The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty in exchange for providing protection to its citizens, keeping society cohesive and at peace, and controlling law and order.

    Sovereignty in India’s Constitution

    • The word sovereignty appears in the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of India as the first attribute of the independent republic of India.
    • Its placement as the first among the core principles of the republic underlines its importance in the Constitution.
    • Sovereignty is invoked in the Indian Constitution to “declare the ultimate sovereignty of the people of India and that the Constitution rests on their authority.”
    • It is mentioned in the Constitution under Fundamental Duties, and citizens have a duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

    Relationship of Indian states with the sovereign Union

    • The Indian political system is described as “quasi-federal.”
    • India is a Union of States, and the component units have no freedom to secede or break away from it.
    • The Indian setup is more unitary in nature than the federal one, and the central government has more powers than the states.
    • The choice of a unitary bias that the Constitution makers made was possibly rooted in the difficulty of getting around 600 princely states to accede to India.

    Provisions attesting to the superior position of the Centre

    • The States in India need not be consulted in the matter of amendment to the bulk of the Constitution.
    • Governors in states are appointed “during the pleasure” of the President and are seen as representatives of the Union in the States.
    • The Sixteenth Amendment of 1963 laid down that even the advocacy of succession under Article 19 (1) will not be protected under law in the name of Freedom of Speech as directed under Article 19 (2).
    • The right to alter the boundaries of states and to create new states lies with Parliament alone.
    • The Constitution offers no guarantee to the States against their territorial integrity without their consent since it was not a result of an ‘agreement’ between the States.

    These provisions demonstrate the superior position of the Centre in the Indian political system.

     

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  • UTF (Uthuru Thila Falhu- Island) Harbour Project

    utf

    Central Idea: The article discusses the recent commissioning of the Indian grant-in-aid UTF (Uthuru Thila Falhu- Island) Harbour Project, the coastal surveillance radar system, in the Maldives. The project is a significant milestone in the growing defence ties between the two countries.

    What is the UTF Project?

    • The UTF project was announced during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit in February 2021.
    • It is among the biggest Indian grant-in-aid projects in the Maldives.
    • It is aimed at developing a maintenance and repair hub for naval vessels and will help the Maldives become self-sufficient.

    Importance of the Project

    • The project marked a major step in growing defence cooperation between India and Maldives.
    • The facility will strengthen the capability of the Maldivian Coast Guard and facilitate regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

    Controversy Surrounding the Project

    • There were allegations that the project was a cover for Indian military presence in the Maldives.
    • An “India Out” campaign was launched in the island nation backed by its opposition leader Abdulla Yameen.
    • Maldives President Ibrahim Solih banned anti-India protests as a threat to national security.

    Defence Cooperation and Other Projects

    • India has gifted a Dornier aircraft and a patrol vessel to the Maldives in the past.
    • India has provided 24 vehicles and a naval boat and will build police facilities on 61 islands in the country.
    • The joint statement released by India and Maldives after Defence Minister’s visit highlighted ongoing defence cooperation between the two neighbours.
    • The countries have agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in areas of defence trade, capacity building, and joint exercises.
    • Both the countries are working closely to address challenges, including those on maritime security, terrorism, radicalisation, piracy, trafficking, organised crime, and natural disasters.
    • India has financed the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a $500 million project, to build a 6.74 km bridge and causeway linking the capital of Maldives, Male, with neighboring islands.

    India-Maldives Relations: A backgrounder

    • India and Maldives are neighbors sharing a maritime border.
    • Both nations established diplomatic relations after the independence of Maldives from British rule in 1966.
    • India was one of the first nations to recognize Maldives’ independence.
    • Since then, India and Maldives have developed close strategic, military, economic and cultural relations.
    • Maldivians generally regard Indians and India as a friend and trusted neighbor in the field economic, social and political.

    Causes for the anti-India sentiments

    • Political instability: The anti-India sentiment is nearly a decade old and can be traced back to when Abdulla Gayoom became president in 2013. He used anti-India sentiments for his political mobilization and started tilting China.
    • Controversy over helicopter gift: Two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALF) that were given by India to the Maldives for ocean search-and-rescue operations. Opposition tried to portray this as military presence in the country.
    • Confidential agreements: Most agreements being signed between the Ibrahim Solih government and India are backdoor and has not been publicly discussed in the Maldives Parliament.
    • Alleged interference in domestic politics: India being a big neighbour, there are unsubstantiated perceptions & allegations on Indian Diplomats stationed in Maldives interfering in Domestic affairs.

    Restoration of ties

    Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who became President in 2018 has restored Maldives close ties with India.

    Major irritants in ties

    • Political Instability: India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighborhood on its security and development.
    • Increasing radicalization: In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups has been increasing.
    • Inclination towards terror: Radicalism in the island nation has increased the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.
    • Chinese affinity: China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighborhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia.

    Recent gestures by India

    [1] 2014 Male drinking-water crisis

    • In the wake of a drinking water crisis in Malé in December 2014, following collapse of the island’s only water treatment plant, Maldives urged India for immediate help.
    • India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76 carrying bottled water.

    [2] 2020 Covid-19 crisis

    • During the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, India extended help to Maldives in the form of financial, material and logistical support.
    • Also, the IAF airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives, as part of ‘Operation Sanjeevani’.

    [3] Greater Male Connectivity Project

    • India has recently announced the signing of a $500-million infrastructure project for the construction of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
    • This infrastructure project, the largest-ever by India in the Maldives, involves the construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link.

    Maldives’ significance for India

    • Increasing maritime cooperation: As maritime economic activity in the Indian Ocean has risen dramatically in recent decades, the geopolitical competition too in the Indian Ocean has intensified.
    • Toll Gate in Indian Ocean: It is situated at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean. More than 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value passes through the region.
    • Naval cooperation: Maldives is an important partner in India’s role as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
    • Important SAARC member: Besides, Maldives is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC).
    • People To People Contact: There is a significant population of Maldivian students in India. They are aided by a liberal visa-free regime extended by India. There is also medical tourism.
    • Major destination for Tourists: Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.

    Way forward

    • India continues to be an important partner of the Maldives.
    • India must not grow complacent over its position and must remain attentive to the developments in the Maldives.
    • India must play a key role within Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries.
    • At present, the ‘India Out’ campaign has support from a limited population but this cannot be taken for granted by the Indian government.

     

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  • What is Project Dantak?

    The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.

    What is Project Dantak?

    Description
    Establishment Established on April 24, 1961, as per the agreement between the third king of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru.
    Objective Identify the most important aspects of connectivity and spur the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan.
    Responsibility Construct and maintain roads suitable for motorised transportation in Bhutan.
    Legal Provision Established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949.

     

    Works and Involvement

    Description
    Infrastructure Development Constructing infrastructure in adjoining Indian districts, including Sherbathang–Nathu La road, Gangtok–Sherbathang road, and Sevoke–Gangtok road.
    Establishment of Facilities Establishing medical and education facilities in outlying areas, which were the first in those regions.
    Takthi Canteen Takthi Canteen, commonly known as the DANTAK canteen, is a major stop for travelers midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu.
    Recruitment of Workers Recruiting local workers from Bhutan and Indian workers from adjoining districts like Jaigaon, Alipurduar, and other parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India under a basic monthly wage.
    Supervision of Work Posting officials from India for the supervision of work.

     

    Controversies and Incidents

    • The Bhutanese Government accused DANTAK of installing Indian tricolour-themed raised pavement markers or reflectors on the highway railings. DANTAK confirmed their presence, and those reflectors were immediately replaced.
    • A 204 meters long bridge in Haa along the Damchu-Haa road collapsed in February 2021, leaving 3 workers dead and 6 missing. The bridge was handed over to Project DANTAK by the contractor.
    • The project has faced criticisms for its approach to hiring practices and labor management.

    Major projects undertaken

    • Paro Airport: Built in 1968 as an airstrip for on-call helicopter services for the Indian Armed Forces. Now used as an international airport.
    • Yonphula Airfield: Domestic Airport in Bhutan
    • Thimphu – Trashigang Highway: Major Highway in Bhutan
    • Damchu-Chukha Road: Major Road in Bhutan
    • India House Estate: The Indian Embassy in Bhutan.

     

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  • India operationalizes Sittwe Port in Myanmar

    myanmar kaladan

    Central Idea

    • The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been made operational with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
    • This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.

    About Sittwe Port, Myanmar

    • The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been built under a grant assistance from the Indian government.
    • It has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan river.

    Significance of Sittwe Port

    • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stated that the port will open up new opportunities for trade and transit from and to Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine state.
    • The port is expected to enhance trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.

    Connectivity of KMTTP

    • Once fully operationalized, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project will provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
    • The port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
    • The port is expected to boost trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.

    Back2Basics: Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

    myanmar

    • It connects the seaport of Kolkata in India to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar, by sea.
    • In Myanmar, the project links Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
    • The project is being funded by the Indian government and is aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.

    History of the Project

    • It was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014.
    • The project is affected by Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict, and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

    Route of the Project

    • There are different sections of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which combines multi-modes of transport, including sea, river, and road routes.
    • It includes- Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route, Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jetty river boat route, Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town, Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar, and the Zorinpui to Aizawl road route in India.
    • This project will complement the river-road route of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar-Mizoram.
    • It has the Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar, Kyaukhtu-Zorinpui in Myanmar, and the Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)-Sairang railway in India.

     

     

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  • FDA approves first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus

    respiratory

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first vaccine ‘Arexvy’ for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to lower respiratory tract disease in people older than 60 years.

    What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

    • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause illness in people of all ages.
    • It is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and it can also affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    • RSV is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face.
    • Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
    • In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or death.

    Identification of Protein F

    • In 2013, Barney Graham and other scientists identified the key protein, protein F, responsible for the RSV virus to infect human cells.
    • The protein, introduced in humans, elicited neutralizing antibodies against the virus.

    Approval and Efficacy of Arexvy

    • The FDA has approved Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine to be approved anywhere in the world, manufactured by GSK.
    • The approval was based on a phase-3 trial carried out on nearly 25,000 participants.
    • It showed a single dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease caused by the RSV virus by 82.6% and severe disease by 94.1% in people older than 60 years.
    • The vaccine will be available for older adults in the U.S. before the 2023-2024 RSV season.

     

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  • Scientists help find new kind of Molecular Motor

    motor

    Central Idea: Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences have discovered a new kind of molecular motor that has potential applications in biology and medicine.

    What is a molecular motor?

    • Cells use molecular motors to move things like organelles and molecules, and disruption of these processes can lead to diseases.
    • Molecular motors use biochemical energy to do mechanical work.

    What did the new study find?

    • The study found that EEA1, a long protein, can regain its rigid shape to create a new kind of two-part molecular motor.
    • EEA1 regains its rigid shape through a reaction called GTP hydrolysis, mediated by enzymes called GTPases.
    • The researchers believe this could mark a new class of molecular machines that operate as motors in a unique way with novel collective effects.

    Why is the finding significant?

    • The motor is different from most motors because it doesn’t produce a lever-like back-and-forth action and it uses GTP instead of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate) for energy.
    • EEA1 exerts an entropic force on the membranes that it pulls, which is a unique feature.
    • The finding could have potential applications for understanding membrane fusion and for many other mechanochemical proteins or assemblies.

    What are the potential applications?

    • The discovery of the molecular motor could have potential applications in biology and medicine.
    • The study provides a general mechanism that is applicable to many mechanochemical proteins or assemblies that harness chemical energy for mechanical work in cells.

     

     

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  • Govt. program for Non-Communicable Diseases renamed

    disease

    Central Idea: The article discusses the decision by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to rename and expand its program for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    What are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

    • NCDs are also known as chronic diseases, which are not caused by infectious agents and are not transmissible from person to person.
    • NCDs are long-lasting and progress slowly, typically taking years to manifest symptoms.
    • Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
    • These diseases are often caused by modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental factors.
    • NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for around 70% of all deaths globally.

    Why in news?

    • The addition of many new diseases and health initiatives have prompted the Indian government to expand and rename its NCD program.

    Renaming of the NCD Program and Portal

    • The Ministry has renamed the NPCDCS as the “National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases [NP-NCD].”
    • The application or software named Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Non-Communicable Disease (CPHC NCD IT) will now be renamed “National NCD Portal.”
    • The Ministry communicated this decision to the States on May 3, 2023, through a one-page letter and asked them to adhere to the changes.

    Implementation and future action

    • The NPCDCS is implemented under the National Health Mission across India.
    • The letter addressed to Principal Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories advised the government to use the new names for the scheme and portal in all their future references and correspondences with the Indian government.
    • Under NPCDCS, 677 NCD district-level clinics, 187 District Cardiac Care Units, 266 District Day Care Centres and 5,392 NCD Community Health Centre-level clinics have been set up.

    Burden of NCDs in India

    • The study ‘India: Health of the Nation’s States – The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative in 2017’ by the ICMR estimated that the proportion of deaths due to NCDs in India has increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
    • The four major NCDs are:
    1. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
    2. Cancers
    3. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and
    4. Diabetes
    • The study shared four behavioural risk factors – unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.

    Solutions to mitigate NCD burden

    • Promote healthy lifestyle: Encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
    • Increase awareness and education: Increase awareness among the public about the risk factors of NCDs and educate them about ways to prevent these diseases.
    • Improve healthcare infrastructure: Increase access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure early detection, treatment, and management of NCDs.
    • Implement policies and regulations: Implement policies and regulations that promote healthy living, such as increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy food products.
    • Foster public-private partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively towards preventing and managing NCDs.
    • Increase research and innovation: Increase research and innovation in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of NCDs to develop new and effective interventions.

     

     

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  • Covid is no longer an Emergency: what changes?

    Central Idea: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19. It had in 2020 declared the disease as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

    Practical effects of WHO declaration

    • The classification of COVID-19 as a global emergency is meant to warn political authorities of an extraordinary event that could constitute a health threat to other countries and requires a coordinated response to contain it.
    • For the average person, the decision to end the global emergency classification will have no practical effect.
    • WHO’s emergency declarations are typically used as an international SOS for countries who need help or to spur countries to introduce special measures to combat disease or release extra funds.

    What is PHEIC?

    Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a public health emergency is defined as “an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.

    Emergencies declared so far

    • WHO has previously declared global emergencies for outbreaks of swine flu, Zika, Ebola, polio, and monkeypox.
    • Polio was declared nearly nine years ago, and its emergency status has persisted even as officials work to wipe out the disease from a shrinking number of countries.
    • MPOX was declared a global emergency last July but technically remains a global emergency.

    What criteria does the WHO follow to declare PHEIC?

    • PHEIC is declared in the event of some “serious public health events” that may endanger international public health.
    • The responsibility of declaring an event as an emergency lies with the Director-General of the WHO and requires the convening of a committee of members.

    Implications of a PHEIC being declared

    • There are some implications of declaring a PHEIC for the host country, which in the case of the coronavirus is China.
    • Declaring a PHEIC may lead to restrictions on travel and trade.
    • However, several countries have already issued advisories to their citizens to avoid travelling to China, while others are airlifting their citizens from it.

    Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?

    • Yes, COVID-19 is still a pandemic, as the virus is here to stay and thousands of people continue to die every week.
    • WHO chief Tedros warned that the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.
    • Countries need to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.

    When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?

    • It is unclear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, as the virus is still a public health threat and its continued evolution could cause future problems.
    • Pandemics only truly end when the next pandemic begins.
    • COVID-19 will continue to spread among people for a very long time but at a much lower level of threat that does not require extraordinary measures taken to try to curb the virus’ spread.

     

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  • Rail Vikas Nigam gets Navratna Status

    Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was recently granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Railways.

    About RVNL

    • RVNL was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of implementing rail infrastructure projects quickly and raising extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
    • The company started operating in 2005 after the appointment of its board of directors.
    • RVNL was granted Mini-Ratna status in 2013.

    RVNL’s functions

    • RVNL has been assigned to undertake project development and execution of works covering the full project lifecycle.
    • The company will create project-specific SPVs for individual works if required.
    • RVNL will hand over completed railway projects to the concerned zonal railway for operation and maintenance.

    Major projects undertaken

    RVNL has implemented various projects in the rail sector, including:

    • Doubling and electrification of existing lines
    • Construction of new lines
    • Gauge conversion projects.

    Navratna status and its benefits

    • Navratna’s status will give RVNL more operational freedom and financial autonomy.
    • Enhanced delegation of powers will also be granted to the company.
    • Navratna’s status will be a huge boost to RVNL’s progress.
    • This status will be especially beneficial for the company as it expands its operations beyond the railway’s sector and into international projects.

    Back2Basics: Central Public Sector Enterprises

    • The Government runs the CPSEs under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
    • The government grants them the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
    • The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997.
      Maharatna Navratna Miniratna Category-I Miniratna Category-II
    Eligibility Net profit of ₹2,500 crore per annum OR

    Net worth of ₹10,000 crore for 3 yrs.

    		 Score of 60 based on financial parameters AND be a Miniratna with 4 independent directors

    Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum for last 3 years

    		 Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum OR Positive net worth and profit for last 3 years
    Benefits for investment ₹1,000-5,000 crore or 15% of net worth Up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a project OR 30% of net worth per annum Up to ₹500 crore or net worth, whichever is lower Up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth, whichever is lower

     

     

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  • All India Radio (AIR) to be renamed Akashvani

    radio

    Central idea: The Centre has ordered that public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) be exclusively referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.

    All India Radio: Through history

    • The journey of radio broadcasting in India began with the first commercial transmission sent out by the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923.
    • In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established and in 1930, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) was set up.
    • In 1936, ISBS was renamed as All India Radio (AIR).
    • At the time of Independence, AIR covered only two percent of India’s land area and reached just 11 percent of its population.
    • Today, AIR has a network of over 262 radio stations, covering 92% of India’s area and nearly all of its population.
    • It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects and also has an External Services Division which broadcasts in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching out to more than 100 countries.
    • AIR’s News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours.
    • FM broadcasting began in 1977 in Chennai and today, AIR has 18 FM stereo channels.

    Why the name change?

    • The order to exclusively refer to AIR as Akashvani is in line with the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, passed by Parliament.
    • Listeners have more of a connect with Akashvani and that the name change is in tune with the law which came into being in 1997.

    Importance of AIR

    • AIR played a crucial role in communicating momentous events in India’s recent history, prior to the advent of television or digital media.
    • AIR’s place in history is cemented due to its role in broadcasting Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in 1947 and Kapil Dev’s mythical 175 run knock in 1983, among other events.
    • For many Indians, the Akashvani jingle evokes nostalgia and memories of a bygone era when they woke up to the sounds of the jingle at the break of dawn and started their day with AIR programming.