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  • [pib] Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has introduced the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, aiming to enhance awareness and develop expertise in Internet Governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

    About Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme: 

    Details
    About the Scheme
    • Launched by National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under MeitY.
    • Aims to build expertise in Internet Governance (IG) and enable global participation.

    Aims and Objectives:

    • Develop Expertise: Build Indian talent in Internet Governance.
    • Enhance Global Participation: Collaborate with organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IETF.
    • Promote Digital Inclusivity: Ensure India’s representation in global forums.
    • Foster Leadership: Shape future tech policy leaders.
    Structural Mandate
    • Tracks: Six-month and three-month internship programs.
    • Mentorship: Guided by experts from ICANN, APNIC, and academic advisors.
    • Support Mechanism: Stipend of ₹20,000/month and support for outreach programs.
    • Online Portal: Applications via NIXI Scheme Portal, with biometric verification.
    Features of the Scheme
    • Global Exposure: Collaboration with leading organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IEEE.
    • Capacity Building: Focus on cybersecurity, Internet Governance, and digital policy.
    • Mentorship: Hands-on guidance by seasoned professionals.
    • Youth Engagement: Attracts young talent passionate about Internet Governance.
    • Policy Impact: Strengthens India’s voice in global Internet Governance forums.

     

    What is National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)?

    • Establishment: Founded on June 19, 2003, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Purpose: A not-for-profit organisation facilitating increased internet penetration and adoption across India.
    • Key Services:
    1. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Builds infrastructure for internet exchange points.
    2. .IN Registry: Promotes .in domain digital identity.
    3. IRINN: Facilitates adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

  • What is Dark Oxygen?

    Why in the News?

    Deep-sea researchers have initiated a groundbreaking project to explore dark oxygen, a form of oxygen produced in complete darkness on the ocean floor.

    What is Dark Oxygen?

    • Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced at extreme ocean depths without the involvement of photosynthesis.
    • This process occurs in total darkness on the ocean floor, challenging the traditional understanding that sunlight is necessary for oxygen generation.
    • It was first discovered in 2024 by researchers studying deep-sea environments.
    • The strange nodules found at a depth of 13,000 feet act like natural batteries, splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using electrical charges.
    • These nodules function in areas where light does not penetrate, under extreme pressure and low-temperature conditions.
    • Occurrence:
      • Found in specific deep-sea zones, particularly in regions characterized by unique electrochemical activity.
      • Occurs in places previously considered incapable of supporting oxygen production.

    Features and Significance of Dark Oxygen:

    • Unlike traditional oxygen production, dark oxygen does not rely on photosynthesis or sunlight.
    • It is driven by electrochemical reactions occurring naturally in the ocean floor.
    • Strange nodules on the ocean floor possess an electric charge, enabling them to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
    • The process releases hydrogen, which could potentially serve as an energy source for microbial life in these regions.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

  • 1st Battalion of NDRF celebrates 20th Raising Day

    Why in the News?

    The 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 20th Raising Day.

    About the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

    Details
    About 
    • Constituted under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for specialized disaster response.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headed by a Director General (DG), typically an IPS officer.
    • Initially established in 2006 with 8 battalions, now expanded to 16 battalions.
    • Operates under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister.
    Powers and Functions
    • Primary Role: Rescue and relief operations during natural and man-made disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, building collapses, and accidents.
    • Strategic Deployment: Resources are pre-positioned during imminent disaster situations to minimize damage.
    • Active in international relief efforts, including the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
    • Provides multi-skilled, highly specialized responses, with capabilities for handling complex disaster scenarios.
    Composition
    • Consists of 16 battalions, each with 1,149 personnel.
    • Personnel are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
    • Members are trained in disaster response, relief, and recovery operations.
    • Focus on proactive availability and pre-positioning during disasters to ensure quick response.

     

    IMPORTANT: National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

    • The NDRF is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    • It supplements State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
    • The July 2015 guidelines states that natural calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and cold wave and frost will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
    • NDRF is managed in the “Public Accounts” under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
    • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

  • [20th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A surge in radical governments, the hope of democracy

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country?  (UPSC CSE 2015)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Religious indoctrination (2015), and ‘tolerance, assimilation and pluralism ’ (2022).

    When the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021, despite an Islamic State attack killing 13 U.S. troops and $7.1 billion in U.S. weaponry left behind, global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia engaged with the Taliban. The West rationalized this as a move to curb terrorism and support women’s and minorities’ rights, prioritizing pragmatism over democracy.

    Today’s editorial talks about radicalism around the world and its impact on democratic values. This content will be helpful in substantiation the answer in GS Mains paper 2 the impact of radicalism around the world.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent surge in radical governments worldwide is a notable trend, reflecting a broader discontent with traditional political systems and a shift towards populism and far-right ideologies.

    What factors are contributing to the rise of radical and populist governments globally?

    • Political Vacuum and Instability: The collapse of established governments, as seen in Afghanistan and Syria, creates a power vacuum that radical groups exploit. The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan and the recent rise of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) in Syria illustrate how instability can lead to the emergence of radical leadership.
    • International Legitimization: Once radical groups seize power, there is often a tendency among global powers to engage with them, legitimizing their authority despite their past actions. The U.S., China, and Russia’s willingness to work with the Taliban post-2021 exemplifies this trend, as they justified engagement as a means to promote stability and human rights.
    • Economic Factors: Economic hardship and lack of opportunities can fuel support for radical ideologies. In regions where traditional governance structures fail to provide for citizens, extremist groups may present themselves as viable alternatives.
    • Religious and Ethnic Polarization: The rise of religious hate and ethnic divisions contributes to the appeal of radical movements. In Bangladesh, for instance, the resurgence of Islamic radicalism is linked to a backdrop of rising religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions.

    How did the radical governments impact democratic institutions in Syria and Bangladesh?

    • Erosion of Democratic Norms: In both Syria and Bangladesh, the rise of radical groups has led to the dismantling of democratic institutions. The HTS’s control over Syria has resulted in authoritarian governance reminiscent of previous regimes, while the military-led government in Bangladesh threatens to undermine democratic processes established since 2008.
    • Suppression of Civil Liberties: Radical governments often impose restrictions on freedoms, particularly targeting women and minority rights. The Taliban’s denial of girls’ education and restrictions on women’s rights post-takeover reflect this pattern, while similar threats loom in Bangladesh under military rule.
    • Manipulation of Political Discourse: Radical groups often use anti-establishment rhetoric to galvanize support, leading to increased polarization within society. In Bangladesh, extremist factions are attempting to regain influence by attacking minority communities and framing their actions in opposition to India, which complicates national unity.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Democratic Institutions: For countries like Bangladesh, reinforcing democratic norms and institutions is crucial. International support should focus on promoting inclusive governance that respects minority rights and prevents the resurgence of extremist ideologies1.
    • Engagement with Civil Society: Encouraging dialogue with civil society organizations can help build resilience against radicalization. Empowering grassroots movements that advocate for democracy and human rights can counteract extremist narratives.
    • International Cooperation: A coordinated international approach is necessary to address the root causes of radicalization. This includes economic support for development, promoting education, and fostering political stability without legitimizing extremist groups through engagement that overlooks their past actions.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/incidents-on-loop-but-its-escape-for-regulator-airlines/article69040616.ece

  • What did the ILO report state about International migrants?

    Why in the News?

    According to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, released in Geneva, the global population of international migrants reached 284.5 million in 2022, with 255.7 million of them being of working age (15 and older).

    Why are there more male International Migrants in the global labour force than women? 

    • Gender Roles and Norms: Traditional gender roles and societal norms often restrict women’s ability to migrate autonomously. Women are frequently expected to prioritize family responsibilities, which limits their opportunities for international migration and labor market participation.
    • Labour Market Segmentation: Women are often concentrated in specific sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, and low-skilled service jobs, which are undervalued and less visible.
      • Men, on the other hand, dominate higher-paying sectors like construction and agriculture, which are more open to international migrants.
    • Barriers to Employment: As per ILO, Migrant women face higher unemployment rates (8.7%) compared to migrant men (6.2%), due to factors such as language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, limited childcare options, and gender-based discrimination in host countries.
    • Economic and Social Independence: Women’s migration decisions are influenced by their access to resources and social networks. A lack of autonomy or financial independence can hinder their ability to migrate for work.
      • In some cases, women migrate as dependents or spouses of male workers, which limits their access to legal employment opportunities in the host country.

    Which economic sectors attract IMs?

    • Construction: The construction industry employs a significant number of male migrants, particularly in regions with rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects. This sector, part of the 35.6% of male migrant employment in industry, plays a vital role in economic expansion.
    • Agriculture: Globally, 7.1% of international migrants work in agriculture, with higher figures in regions like Africa, where 27.5% are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Migrants are crucial for meeting seasonal labour demands.
    • Manufacturing: Manufacturing heavily relies on migrant workers in industrialized nations, with migrants filling manual labour and skill-specific roles. This sector highlights the alignment of migrant labour with economic development needs.
    • Services Sector: Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5% of non-migrants. This sector includes a wide range of occupations, but it is particularly noted for:
      • Care Work: A significant number of migrant women are employed in caregiving roles, which include healthcare and domestic services. About 28.8% of migrant women work in the care economy.
      • Hospitality and Retail: Many migrants find employment in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, especially in high-demand tourist areas.

    Which are the main host countries?

    Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are concentrated in high-income countries followed by 17.4% (29.2 million) in upper-middle-income countries.

    • Regional Distribution of Migrant Workers (2022): International migrants in the labour force were primarily concentrated in Europe and Central Asia (34.5%, 57.8 million), followed by the Americas (27.3%, 45.8 million), Asia and the Pacific (16.2%, 27.2 million), the Arab States (13.5%, 22.6 million), and Africa (8.5%, 14.3 million). The majority resided in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe (23.3%), Northern America (22.6%), and the Arab States (13.5%), collectively hosting 59.4% of all migrant workers.
    • Significant Proportions in Labor Forces: Migrants formed more than one-third (37.2%) of the Arab States’ labour force. Significant proportions were also observed in Europe and Central Asia (12.9%) and the Americas (9%), highlighting their vital role in these economies.

    Conclusion: Governments and international organizations should implement gender-responsive migration policies that address barriers faced by women. This includes creating support systems for childcare, recognizing foreign qualifications, and ensuring equal access to legal employment opportunities in host countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    Why in the News?

    The Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2021 shows that India’s fertility rate has dropped significantly, from 6.18 children per woman in the 1950s to 1.9 children per woman in 2021.

    Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    What has a GBD Report shown about the total fertility rate in India? 

    • Declining Fertility Rates: India’s TFR has dramatically decreased from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 necessary for population stability.
    • Future Projections: The report projects that India’s TFR could further decline to 1.04 by 2100, indicating a potential average of less than one child per woman.
    • Socio-Economic Concerns: This steep decline in fertility has raised alarms regarding political and socio-economic impacts, particularly in southern states, where there are fears of losing parliamentary representation due to demographic shifts post-delimitation in 2026.

    Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    • Early Adoption of Family Planning Policies: Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh rigorously implemented family planning policies introduced in the 1950s, leading to a significant decline in fertility rates. For example, Andhra Pradesh currently has a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5, comparable to Nordic countries like Sweden.
    • Higher Female Literacy and Workforce Participation: Increased educational attainment among women has empowered them to delay marriage and childbirth. This is evident in Kerala, where high literacy rates have contributed to the state achieving replacement-level fertility as early as 1988.
    • Changing Societal Norms: Cultural shifts have led to late marriages and smaller families. For instance, women in southern states increasingly prioritize careers and financial independence over traditional roles, contributing to lower fertility rates.
    • Urbanization and Economic Pressures: Urban lifestyles and rising costs of living discourage larger families. States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have seen fertility rates drop to 1.4 and 1.6 respectively due to urbanization and modern aspirations.

    Why are the southern States worried?

    • Ageing Population: Southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have fertility rates that have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This decline leads to an increasing proportion of elderly individuals in the population, which is projected to rise significantly.
      • For instance, Kerala’s population aged 60 and above is expected to increase from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036. This demographic shift results in a smaller working-age population, which can strain economic productivity and increase demands for pensions and healthcare services.
    • Political Representation: The upcoming delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, based on population figures from the 2031 Census, raises fears that southern states may lose parliamentary seats due to their slower population growth.
      • This potential reduction in representation could diminish their political influence at the national level, especially compared to more populous northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
    • Economic Strain: With a declining workforce contributing less to the economy through taxes and social security, southern states face challenges similar to those observed in countries with ageing populations, such as Japan and China.
    • Migration Issues: As birth rates decline, southern states may increasingly rely on internal migration from northern states to fill labour shortages. However, this reliance could create further socio-economic disparities between regions.

    Way forward: 

    • Equitable Resource Distribution: Implement policies ensuring equitable representation and resource allocation in parliamentary seats post-delimitation to address regional disparities without penalizing states with successful population control measures.
    • Support for Ageing Populations: Develop robust social security systems, healthcare infrastructure, and incentives for elder care while promoting skill development and migration-friendly policies to mitigate workforce shortages in southern states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Can Bhopal waste be safely disposed of?

    Why in the News?

    The Madhya Pradesh High Court gave authorities four weeks to dispose of the waste, nearly 40 years after the gas disaster that killed over 4,000 people and left thousands more injured or disabled.

    What are the plans for the hazardous gas leak waste? 

    • Waste Transportation: The Madhya Pradesh government has successfully transported 358 tonnes of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide facility in Bhopal to the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Pithampur, Dhar district, following a court order.
    • Incineration Process: The waste will be incinerated at the Pithampur facility, with an initial timeline of three to nine months for complete disposal, depending on emissions and safety assessments during the process.
    • Emission Controls: To mitigate air pollution, the incinerator will utilize four-layer special filters to ensure that the smoke emitted does not contaminate the surrounding environment.
    • Post-Incineration Measures: After incineration, the resulting ash will be covered with a two-layer membrane and buried in a landfill to prevent any contact with soil and water sources.
    • Expert Supervision: The entire disposal process will be overseen by officials from the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.

    How much has been allocated to incinerate the waste and deposit the residue at a landfill in Pithampur?

    • The Central government has allocated ₹126 crore (approximately $15 million) to facilitate the incineration of this waste and ensure that any resulting residue is safely deposited in a landfill at the Pithampur facility.

    Why have there been protests?

    • Health and Environmental Fears: Residents are worried that the incineration of toxic waste will pose significant health risks and environmental hazards to the local population and surrounding areas, with claims that it could lead to harmful emissions affecting air quality.
    • Historical Context: The protests are fueled by the legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health issues. This history has heightened sensitivity to any activities involving hazardous materials in the region.
    • Community Mobilization: Local organizations, such as the ‘Pithampur Bachao Samiti’, have organized bandhs (shutdowns) and demonstrations, leading to widespread participation from residents who are calling for the waste to be returned to Bhopal instead of being incinerated locally.

    What is the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy?

    The Bhopal gas tragedy, also known as the Bhopal disaster, occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.  

    • Chemical Leak: The disaster was triggered by a leak of approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic gas used in pesticide production. This gas escaped from a storage tank due to a combination of operational failures and safety deficiencies at the plant.
    • Immediate Impact: The gas cloud spread over densely populated areas surrounding the plant, leading to immediate chaos and panic. Official estimates indicate that around 3,787 people died as a direct result of the gas exposure, while other estimates suggest that the death toll could be as high as 15,000 to 20,000 over subsequent years due to related health complications.
    • Injuries and Long-term Effects: Over 558,000 individuals suffered injuries ranging from respiratory problems to permanent disabilities. Many survivors continue to experience health issues related to their exposure to the toxic gas.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Public Engagement and Transparency: Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns involving scientific experts to address community concerns, ensuring transparent communication about safety measures, emission controls, and environmental safeguards during the incineration process.
    • Enhance Monitoring and Compliance: Implement stringent real-time monitoring of emissions and groundwater quality during and after waste disposal, supervised by independent experts and regulatory bodies, to uphold environmental and public health standards.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

  • Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  In 2024, PM laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first one being the Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

    Who was Satish Dhawan?

    • Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian rocket scientist and is hailed as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.
    • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
    • Oversaw a period of extraordinary growth in India’s space program, including the development of:
      • INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.
      • IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.
      • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which positioned India as a major spacefaring nation.
    • Legacy:
      • Passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor.

    About the New Launchpad 

    • The new launchpad at Sriharikota aims to bolster India’s space capabilities.
    • It will support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft.
    • Significance: This is India’s sole operational spaceport, serving as the hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its inception.

    How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

    • 1960s Search: India’s search for an ideal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, tasked EV Chitnis to identify a site on the east coast.
    • Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, approximately 40,000 acres of land were acquired in Sriharikota.
    • Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:
      • East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward takes advantage of Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra velocity boost of 450 m/s, especially beneficial for geostationary satellites.
      • Proximity to the Equator: Rockets launching near the equator require less energy to reach geostationary orbits, making the location ideal for such missions.
      • Uninhabited Area: The site’s sparse population minimizes risks during rocket launches and component re-entry.
      • Access to the Sea: Proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures that rocket debris falls into the sea, avoiding hazards to land or human settlements.
      • Strategic Accessibility: Adequate access to resources, infrastructure, and government support facilitated the development of a robust launch facility.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

  • Who are the Namdharis?

    Why in the News?

    Punjab CM paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. The day commemorates the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs (Kukas) on January 17 and 18, 1872, by British colonial authorities.  

    Who are the ‘Namdharis’?

    • The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
    • The name Kuka derives from their distinctive high-pitched recitation of Gurbani (kook in Punjabi means “cry” or “scream”).
    • Social Reforms:
      • Advocated against alcohol consumption, meat eating, and other social vices.
      • Promoted Swadeshi principles, urging people to boycott foreign goods, British services, and educational institutions.
    • The movement served as a precursor to nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule.

    About the Kuka Rebellion

    • The Kuka Rebellion was one of the localized uprisings against British rule after the Rebellion of 1857.
    • The Namdharis actively opposed British policies, particularly cow slaughter, which became a focal point of their resistance.
    • Key events leading to the rebellion:
      • In January 1872, Namdharis, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, clashed with British authorities after a cow slaughter incident in Malerkotla.
      • They attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana, loyal to the British, but the rebellion was crushed.
    • British Retaliation:
      • The British responded brutally, executing 49 Namdharis on January 17, 1872, and 17 more on January 18, 1872.
      • The Kukas were placed in front of cannons and blown up in a public spectacle to intimidate others.

    Kuka Martyrs’ Day 

    • It is observed on January 17 and 18 each year to honor the 66 Namdharis who were executed in 1872.
    • Significant Stories of Bravery:
      • Bishan Singh (12 years old): Refused to renounce his sect despite being offered his life and was brutally executed after tugging the beard of a British official.
      • Waryam Singh: Courageously used stones to elevate himself to the cannon’s mouth for execution, showing unwavering dedication.
    • Legacy:
      • After the rebellion, Satguru Ram Singh and other Namdhari leaders were exiled to Rangoon.
      • Namdharis believe Ram Singh is still alive and mourn his absence by wearing white.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the:

    (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

    (b) Home Rule Movement

    (c) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

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