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Type: Prelims Only

  • Ajnala Massacre of 1857 and its Rediscovery

    ajnala

    Central Idea

    • A recent collaborative effort of professional geneticists has resulted in a scientific confirmation of the Ajnala massacre – an event lost to history for 165 years.
    • This project, marked by emotional intensity and rigorous analysis, brought long-lost victims to light through molecular and isotope data.

    Ajnala Massacre

    • Buried Tragedy: 282 soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry Regiment met a brutal fate during the 1857 uprising, drowned in a well by the British East India Company.
    • Discovery of Location: Cooper’s book provided clues that helped locate the 1857 Kallianwala Martyrs’ Well beneath the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Ajnala.
    • Chance Encounter: In 2003, historian Surinder Kochhar found a reference to ‘Ajnala’ in a discarded book titled “Crisis in Punjab” by Frederick Henry Cooper.
    • Massacre Rediscovered: Kochhar’s research led to the revelation of the Ajnala Massacre, a grim incident hidden for over 157 years.

    Excavation and Revelation

    • Unveiling the Remains: The well was excavated in 2014, exposing the skeletal remains of the soldiers.
    • Gruesome Discovery:  During the 1857 Sepoy mutiny, many Indian soldiers revolted against the British. Around 500 revolted at Mian Mir Cantonment in Lahore.
    • Evading execution: They swam across the Ravi River to reach the town of Ajnala, now in Amritsar district. Of them, 218 were killed by British soldiers at Dadian Sofian village near Ajnala.
    • Dumped into a well: The remaining 282 were stuffed in a small room, where many died of asphyxiation. The rest were shot dead and their bodies were thrown into a well, which was later named “Kalianwala Khu” and “Shaheedan da Khu”.

    Verification and Acknowledgment

    • Scientific Verification: DNA-based evidence confirmed that the remains belonged to soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry regiment.
    • Historical Importance: The Ajnala Massacre adds to the narrative of the 1857 Indian uprising against the British East India Company’s oppression.

    Conclusion

    • The Ajnala Massacre underscores the often-overlooked brutalities of the 1857 Indian uprising.
    • The lack of acknowledgement and memorials can be attributed to the government’s hesitance to address uncomfortable aspects of history.

  • Last survivors of Piripkura tribe found

    piripkura

    Central Idea

    • Deep within the Amazon rainforest, the story of Tamandua Piripkura unfolds, embodying the struggle of Indigenous people.
    • This man is one of the last three survivors of the Piripkura people.

    Who are the Piripkura?

    • The Piripkura tribe is a small and isolated indigenous group in Brazil.
    • They are known for their extreme isolation and limited contact with the outside world.
    • They have intentionally avoided contact with mainstream society and have maintained their traditional way of life for generations.
    • The Piripkura territory is located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
    • Their land lies within the Amazon rainforest, an area that is rich in biodiversity and crucial for the ecological balance of the region.

    Their dwindling population

    • The Piripkura tribe is estimated to consist of only 3 individuals.
    • Exact population figures are difficult to determine due to their isolation and the challenges associated with conducting a comprehensive census.
    • They face numerous challenges to their survival, including threats from illegal logging, mining, and land encroachment.

  • Megalithic Hat Stones unearthed in Nagaparamba

    megalithic

    Central Idea

    • Recent archaeological excavations in Tirunaya near Nagaparamba (Kerala) have brought to light a collection of hemispherical laterite stones known as hat stones or Thoppikkallu in Malayalam.

    Nagaparamba Megalithic Treasure

    • Thoppikkallu: Hat stones, referred to as Thoppikkallu in Malayalam, served as lids for burial urns during the megalithic era, offering a unique glimpse into burial practices.
    • Cultural Insights: The discoveries may provide valuable insights into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the area, dating back more than 2,000 years.

    Unraveling the Mystery of Megaliths

    • Megalithic Structures: Megaliths were constructed as either burial sites or commemorative memorials, creating a distinctive landscape of archaeological significance.
    • Burial Remains: Examples of burial megaliths include dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, and capstones, each with its unique design and purpose.
    • Non-Sepulchral Megaliths: Non-burial megaliths, such as menhirs, hold a different purpose and significance.
    • Historical Context: The majority of Indian megaliths are attributed to the Iron Age, spanning from 1500 BC to 500 BC.
    • Regional Concentration: These intriguing structures are concentrated in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

  • Hurricane Hilary’s rare journey towards West Coast

    hilary

    Central Idea

    • Hurricane Hilary’s unexpected trajectory towards Southern California and Mexico has caught meteorologists and residents off guard.
    • The only recorded instance of a tropical storm with hurricane-force winds hitting Southern California dates back to 1858, impacting San Diego.

    What is a Hurricane?

    • A hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone or typhoon in different regions, is a powerful and intense tropical storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure.
    • Here are the key features and characteristics of a hurricane:
    1. Formation: Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters, where the sea surface temperature is at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Warm ocean water provides the energy needed to fuel the storm’s growth.
    2. Energy Source: Hurricanes derive their energy from the heat released when moist air rises and condenses into clouds and rain. This process, known as latent heat release, powers the storm and leads to the development of strong winds.
    3. Eye: At the center of a hurricane is a relatively calm and clear area known as the “eye.” The eye is surrounded by a circular band of intense thunderstorms called the “eyewall,” where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur.
    4. Wind Speeds: Hurricanes are characterized by extremely strong winds that can reach speeds of over 74 miles per hour (119 kilometres per hour) for a storm to be classified as a hurricane. Major hurricanes can have wind speeds exceeding 111 miles per hour (179 kilometers per hour).
    5. Categories: Hurricanes are categorized based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest). Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds of 74-95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have winds greater than 157 mph.

    About Hurricane Hilary

    • Unlike hurricane-prone states on the Gulf of Mexico, California and Mexico’s west coast lack experience in dealing with such events.
    • Hurricane Hilary’s expected landfall in the Baja peninsula of Mexico poses risks of landslides, flooding, and extensive damage due to the region’s geographical features and population density.

    Factors behind its intensification

    • Ocean Temperature Factor: Hurricanes require ocean waters above 26 degrees Celsius to form. The west coast’s colder waters are less conducive to hurricane formation.
    • Vertical Wind Shear: Strong upper-level winds can disrupt hurricanes’ structure and prevent their formation. West coast’s stronger wind shear reduces the likelihood of hurricanes.
    • Trade Wind Influence: Trade winds, which steer hurricanes, play a pivotal role in directing them toward the east coast while diverting them away from the west coast.
    • Westward Trajectory: Hurricanes originating in the eastern Pacific tend to move west-northwest, taking them away from the west coast and out to sea.

    Climate Change induced factors

    • Climate Change Impact: Climate change leads to more frequent and intense hurricanes. Rising ocean temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions contribute to increased hurricane intensity.
    • Ocean Heat Absorption: Oceans have absorbed 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to higher sea surface temperatures and stronger hurricanes.
    • Marine Heat Waves: Elevated sea surface temperatures result in marine heat waves, intensifying storm systems and amplifying their impact on land.
    • El Nino’s Role: El Niño, an abnormal warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters, can weaken wind shear in the eastern Pacific, creating conditions conducive to hurricane formation.

  • RBI unveils UDGAM portal for Unclaimed Deposits Claims

     

    udgam

    Central Idea

    • The RBI has launched Centralised Web Portal called UDGAM to search and retrieve unclaimed deposits from various banks, all in one centralized location.

    What are Unclaimed Deposits?

    • The RBI defines “Unclaimed Deposits” as funds residing in dormant savings or current accounts for a duration of ten years.
    • Similarly, for fixed deposits (FDs), the funds remain unclaimed if they have not been withdrawn within ten years from the maturity date.

     

    About UDGAM Portal

    • The UDGAM portal is a centralized web platform launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) called “Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation.”
    • It is collaborated by Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), and participating banks.
    • It aims to provide individuals with an accessible and user-friendly platform to search and retrieve their unclaimed deposits from various banks in one centralized location.
    • The portal consolidates unclaimed deposit data from different banks.
    • It empowers users to identify their dormant accounts and take actions such as claiming the deposited amount or reactivating their dormant accounts directly through their respective banks.

    Key Features

    The UDGAM Portal brings forth a set of user-centric features that redefine the approach to reclaiming unclaimed deposits:

    • Reclaim or Activate: Through this platform, users have the autonomy to initiate either the process of reclaiming the deposited amount or reactivating their dormant accounts, all under the umbrella of their respective banks.
    • Effortless Registration: Customers can swiftly register on the UDGAM Portal using their mobile numbers, initiating their journey towards unlocking their unclaimed funds.
    • Search and Input: Once registered, users can seamlessly search for their unclaimed deposits by inputting essential details such as their name, PAN, voter ID, driving license, and passport number.
    • KYC Process: Upon locating their deposits, customers can facilitate their retrieval by completing a streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) process through their respective bank branches.
    • Nominee Assistance: In instances where the deposit holder is no longer alive, the nominee can facilitate the retrieval process by providing the necessary documents.

  • 3D Printing

    post office

    Central Idea

    • India’s pioneering 3D-printed post office located in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout was recently inaugurated.

    3D Printed Post Office

    • Swift Build: The 3D-printed post office was constructed in just 43 days, surpassing the original deadline by two days.
    • Construction Team: Larsen & Toubro Limited undertook the project in collaboration with IIT Madras.

    Technological Process

    • Spatial Dimension: The post office covers an area of 1,021 square feet and was created using advanced 3D concrete printing.
    • Automated Procedure: Robotic printers used an automated process to layer concrete according to the approved design.
    • Strong Bonding: A specially formulated quick-hardening concrete ensured strong bonding between layers.
    • Rapid Construction: With robotic precision and pre-embedded designs, the project was completed in just 43 days, far shorter than the conventional 6 to 8 months.

    Advantages of 3D Printing

    • Cost-Effective: The project cost ₹23 lakhs, indicating a 30-40% cost reduction compared to traditional methods.
    • Showcasing Technology: The project highlighted concrete 3D printing technology using indigenous machinery and robots, showcasing its scalability.

    Distinctive Features

    • Continuous Perimeter: The project boasted continuous perimeter construction without vertical joints.
    • Flexibility: The 3D printing accommodated curved surfaces and different site dimensions, overcoming flat wall limitations.
    • Structural Innovation: Continuous reinforced concrete footing and three-layer walls were created, enhancing structural integrity.
    • Reduced Timeline: The innovative technique drastically reduced the construction timeline to 43 days, minimizing material wastage.

    Back2Basics: 3D Printing

    • 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a transformative technology that involves creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer.
    • This technology has found applications in various industries, from manufacturing and aerospace to healthcare and fashion.

    Here’s an overview of the technology and its key components:

    (A) Printing Process: The basic process of 3D printing involves the following steps:

    • Design: Create a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
    • Slicing: The 3D model is divided into thin horizontal layers using slicing software.
    • Printing: The 3D printer follows the instructions from the sliced file, depositing material layer by layer to build up the object.

    (B) Types of 3D Printing Technologies: There are several 3D printing technologies, each with its own unique approach to material deposition and layering. Some common types include:

    • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This is one of the most popular methods. It involves extruding thermoplastic material through a heated nozzle to build up layers.
    • Stereolithography (SLA): SLA uses a UV laser to solidify liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed and accurate objects.
    • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): In SLS, a laser fuses powdered material (often plastic or metal) layer by layer to create the object.
    • Powder Bed Fusion (PBF): Similar to SLS, PBF involves fusing powder particles using a laser or electron beam to create metal parts.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): Similar to SLA, DLP uses a projector to cure an entire layer of resin at once.

  • Agnibaan: Pioneering with 3D-Printed Engines

    agni

    Central Idea

    • Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos takes a significant step as it moves its innovative rocket, Agni-1, to Sriharikota for integration assessments.
    • Successful integration checks could position Agnikul as the second Indian space-tech firm, following Skyroot Aerospace, to achieve suborbital space flight capability.

    Agnikul’s Remarkable Space Vehicle: Agnibaan

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated maneuvers during flight.

    (A) Distinct Features of Agnibaan

    • Customizability: The rocket offers custom launch configurations, either single or two-stage launches.
    • Impressive Dimensions: Standing at 18 meters and weighing 14,000 kg, Agnibaan SOrTeD is a powerful presence.
    • Payload Capacity: With a capacity for payloads of up to 100 kg, it can reach altitudes of 700 km in five different Lower Earth Orbits (LEOs).
    • Engine Configuration: The first stage can house up to seven Agnilet engines, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, dependent on the mission’s requirements.
    • Versatile Launch: Designed for launch from over 10 different launch ports.
    • Launch Pedestal ‘Dhanush’: AgniKul’s built ‘Dhanush’ supports the rocket’s mobility across configurations, ensuring compatibility with multiple launch ports.
    • Cutting-Edge Agnilet Engine: The world’s sole single-piece 3D-printed engine powers the entire operation.

    (B) Innovative Agnilet Engine

    • Heart of the Vehicle: Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel, drives Agnibaan’s propulsion.
    • Propellant Composition: The engine employs a novel blend of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen as propellants, successfully tested at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

  • Madan Lal Dhingra and his Contributions

    madanlal dhingra madan lal

    Central Idea

    • On the 114th anniversary of his execution, a memorial is being formally inaugurated in honour of Madan Lal Dhingra.

    Who was Madan Lal Dhingra?

    • Early Life: Born on September 18, 1883, in an affluent family in Amritsar, Dhingra’s father was a staunch British loyalist, working as a chief medical officer.
    • Shift towards Nationalism: Dhingra’s exposure to the nationalist movement in Lahore during his studies ignited his patriotism.
    • Socio-Economic Concerns: Driven by a sense of justice and concern for India’s impoverished masses, Dhingra’s patriotism extended to socio-economic issues.
    • Expulsion and Resilience: Expelled from college for protesting against the use of British-imported cloth, Dhingra’s defiance marked his commitment to the cause.

    Involvement in Revolutionary Circles

    • Contact with Leaders: Dhingra connected with prominent figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma, active in London’s revolutionary circles.
    • India House: Dhingra frequented India House, a hub for revolutionary Indian nationalism founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma, further igniting his revolutionary spirit.
    • Abhinav Bharat Mandal: Dhingra joined Abhinav Bharat Mandal founded by Vinayak Savarkar, where he refined his plan to assassinate Curzon Wyllie.

    Assassination of Curzon Wyllie

    • Curzon Wyllie’s Profile: Curzon Wyllie was a British Indian officer and intelligence officer known for collecting information on revolutionaries.
    • The Assassination: On July 1, 1909, Dhingra attended an event where Curzon Wyllie was present. Dhingra fired five shots, fatally hitting both Curzon Wyllie and a doctor who tried to intervene.
    • Dhingra’s Justification: During his trial, Dhingra argued that if fighting Germans was patriotic for an Englishman, fighting the British was even more justifiable for him.

    Legacy and Memorial

    • Execution and Burial: Dhingra was found guilty, executed on August 17, 1909, and buried in London. His remains were brought to India in 1976.
    • Struggle for a Memorial: A memorial in Dhingra’s name has been a long-standing demand. The efforts culminated in the formal inauguration of the memorial on the 114th anniversary of his execution.
    • Memorial Inauguration: The memorial was inaugurated by Governor Banwari Lal Purohit on August 17, 2023, in Amritsar’s Golbagh area.
    • Memorial’s Significance: The memorial stands as a tribute to Dhingra’s sacrifice and his role in the fight for India’s freedom.

  • INS Vindhyagiri and Project 17A

    vindhyagiri

    Central Idea

    • President’s launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the final vessel in the Project 17A (Alpha) frigates series, marked a significant milestone for India’s maritime strength and self-reliance.
    • The launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the sixth vessel in the Project 17A Frigates series, carries forward India’s naval legacy.

    About INS Vindhyagiri

    • INS Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates series, showcasing India’s commitment to indigenous defense technology and self-reliance.
    • After INS Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, and Dunagiri, INS Vindhyagiri derives its name from a mountain range in Karnataka.
    • These frigates are a follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, integrating improved stealth, advanced weapons, and cutting-edge sensors.
    • It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, India.

    Key features

    • Employs a cutting-edge propulsion system enabling speeds of over 28 knots, ensuring rapid response and agility in various operational scenarios.
    • Equipped with state-of-the-art stealth features, enhancing its ability to operate discreetly and minimize detection.
    • Over 75% of the equipment and systems used are sourced from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    Back2Basics: Project 17A

    • Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by the Indian Navy in 2019.
    • The first stealth ship launched was the Nilgiri, launched in 2019.
    • The project was launched to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates, which are currently being constructed by two companies:
    1. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and
    2. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
    • These guided-missile frigates have been constructed with a specific stealth design, which has radar-absorbent coatings and is low-observable which can make its approach undetectable for the enemies.
    • The new technology also reduces the infrared signals of the ship.

  • Places in news: Murmansk Port

    murmansk

    Central Idea

    • India’s engagement with Russia’s Arctic region has been strengthening with India-bound goods constituting the maximum share of cargo handled this year by Murmansk, located about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow.

    About Murmansk Port

    • Murmask Port is a major seaport located in northwestern Russia, specifically in the city of Murmansk.
    • The port was established in 1916 as a supply point for the Russian military during World War I.
    • It is situated in the city of Murmansk, which is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in Russia.
    • It is located on the Kola Peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea.
    • The port serves as a crucial gateway to the Arctic region.
    • The port is an important node along the Northern Sea Route, a shipping route that connects Europe and Asia via the Arctic Ocean.
    • Its ice-free waters enable year-round maritime activities, making it an important hub for shipping and trade in the Arctic.

    Significance of the Port

    • Murmansk Port is strategically located near rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas in the Arctic region.
    • It plays a role in facilitating the export of these resources.
    • The port is well-connected to various transportation networks, including railroads, pipelines, and roads.
    • It serves as a hub for moving goods to and from the Arctic and the rest of Russia.