Kargil War

The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict, occurred between May and July 1999. During this time, Pakistani soldiers and militants illegally crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic positions within Indian territory to launch attacks. In response, the Indian armed forces-initiated Operation Vijay to reclaim these positions. The conflict officially ended on 26 July 1999, with India declaring victory over Pakistan, leading to the establishment of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Kargil Vijay Diwas

• Kargil Vijay Diwas, or Kargil Victory Day, is a significant day observed annually on July 26 in India.
• The Kargil war of 1999 was the first military confrontation in a nuclearized South Asia, and arguably the first real war between two nuclear states.

Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas

• Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day of national pride and remembrance. It marks the successful culmination of the Kargil War. The war was characterized by intense combat in challenging mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. Despite these hardships, the Indian Army’s perseverance led to the eventual withdrawal of Pakistani forces and the restoration of Indian control over the territory.
• The day is dedicated to honouring the 527 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict. Their sacrifices are a testament to their courage and commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty.

Impact of Kargil War:

• Global Recognition of the Line of Control (LoC):The international community largely recognized the LoC as the de facto border between India and Pakistan, reinforcing India''s stance on the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Strengthened Strategic Partnerships:Kargil also marked the turning point in Indo-US relations. India was regarded as a responsible nuclear actor in the international arena leading to the next step in strategic partnership, culminating in the Indo- US nuclear deal.
• Diplomatic Gains:The war placed significant diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, culminating in a high-profile visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the U.S. on July 4, 1999, where he faced strong criticism from the US President. This international condemnation of Pakistan’s actions helped isolate it diplomatically.
• Highlighting Nuclear Diplomacy:The conflict brought global attention to the volatile relationship between India and Pakistan, especially concerning nuclear risk. The war underscored the potential for conflict escalation in a nuclear-armed region.

Royal burial mounds of Assam

The Charaideo Moidams, a 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What is Charaideo Maidams?

• The Charaideo Maidams,represents the late medieval (13^th-19^th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam.
• It enshrines the mortal remains of the members of the Ahom royalty, who used to be buried with their paraphernalia.
• After the 18^thcentury, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation and began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.
• Out of 386 Maidams or Moidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative of and the most complete examples of mound burial tradition of the Ahoms.

The Ahom Dynasty:

• The Ahom dynasty (1228–1826) ruled the Ahom kingdom in present-day Assam, India for nearly 598 years.
• The dynasty was established by Sukaphaa, a Shan prince of Mong Mao who came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Mountains.
• The rule of this dynasty ended with the Burmese invasion of Assam.
• In external medieval chronicles, the kings of this dynasty were called Asam Raja, whereas the subjects of the kingdom called them Chaopha or Swargadeo.
• The Ahom rule lasted till the British annexed Assam in 1826, following the Treaty of Yandabo.

Solid Waste Management Rules 

• Solid Waste comprises solid or semi-solid household waste, sanitary waste, commercial waste, institutional waste, catering and market waste, as well as other non-residential wastes.
• It also includes street sweepings, silt collected from surface drains, horticulture waste, agriculture and dairy waste, treated biomedical waste (excluding industrial, bio-medical, and e-waste), battery, and radioactive waste.

What are the Challenges with Solid Waste Management in India?

• Rising Waste Generation-Rapid economic growth has raised the consumption levels in the economy, which has in turn increased the waste generation. Further, the expansion of digital economy is leading to a multifold increase in e-waste generation. For ex- A Planning Commission Report had estimated that India will generate 165 million tonnes by 2030.
• Lack of proper Waste Management- India lacks proper waste management and disposal techniques.
  (a) Poor Processing-Only 50% of the waste produced is actually processed in India. ~30% of waste is not accounted and ~20% ends up in landfills, reflecting poor waste disposal method.
  (b) Incorrect and Inadequate Segregation Techniques- There is poor segregation of waste at source. Hazardous waste and e-waste is not sealed and labelled leading to improper disposal. For ex- Valuable materials like aluminium and plastics end up in landfills instead of being recycled.
  (c) Reuse/recycling of waste- Reuse and recycling of waste is predominantly an informal economy, lacking access to advanced technology.
• Littering and Illegal Dumping-Due to poor disposal methods, almost half of waste is placed in uncontrolled dumps and landfills. These landfills are the source of generation of methane gases, leachates, and landfill fires, adversely affecting the surrounding environment.

What are the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016?

• These rules replaced the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000and focused on the segregation of waste at source, the responsibility of the manufacturer to dispose of sanitary and packaging wastes, and user fees for collection, disposal and processing from the bulk generator.

Key Features:

• Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three streams:

1. Wet (Biodegradable)
2. Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.)
3. Domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.) and handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste collectors or local bodies.

• Waste Generators will have to pay:

1. ‘User Fee’ to waste collectors.
2. ‘Spot Fine’ for Littering and Non-segregation.

• Thebio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible.
• Manufacturersand brand owners of disposable products like tin, glass, and plastic packaging must financially assist local authorities in establishing a waste management system.

 LIMITATIONS

• Centralized Treatment Emphasis:

The rules predominantly advocate centralized treatment methods like waste-to-energy, neglecting the potential advantages of decentralized waste management, which might not align with the current needs of the nation.

• Undervaluation of Informal Sector:

The new guidelines fail to adequately recognize the importance of the informal sector in waste management, potentially undermining the significant role played by informal workers.

• Unclear Monitoring System:

There is a lack of clarity regarding the operational mechanisms of the monitoring system outlined in the rules. The specifics of how the system will function and the extent of fees imposed on plastic manufacturers remain ambiguous.

• Behavioural Adjustment Challenges:

The rules do not address the behavioural adjustments required from the public in the production of domestic garbage. Effective waste management necessitates behavioural changes, and authorities should focus on enforcing established standards.

Vatsalya Scheme 

NPS Vatsalya Scheme:

• It is a scheme under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
• It is designed to help parents and guardians plan for their children''s future financial needs.
• The scheme operates similarly to the existing NPS.

Key Features

• Parents or guardians can open an account for their minor children and contribute towards their retirement savings, which will accumulate until the child reaches 18 years old.
• Once the child reaches adulthood, the accumulated amount will be transferred to the standard NPS account.
• On attaining the age of majority, the plan can be converted seamlessly into a normal NPS account.
• It operates similarly to the existing NPS, which helps individuals build a retirement corpus by making regular contributions throughout their careers.
• NPS contributions are invested in market-linked instruments like stocks and bonds. This offers the potential for higher returns than traditional fixed-income choices.

Abhinav Bindra awarded Olympic Order by IOC for outstanding services to Olympic Movement

Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold at the Olympics, has been honoured with the Olympic Order for his outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement. The Olympic Order is the highest accolade bestowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for exceptional service.

• The award was presented during the 142^nd International Olympic committee Session in Paris.
• Abhinav Bindra is India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist,who won the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games.

What is the Olympic Order Award?

• The Olympic Order is the highest award presented by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Established in 1975, it is awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the Olympic Movement. This honour can be bestowed upon IOC members, athletes, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the Olympic Games and its ideals.
• The award comes in three grades: gold, silver, and bronze, with the gold medal being the most prestigious. The recipients of the Olympic Order are chosen by the IOC’s Executive Board. The award symbolizes the recipient’s dedication to the Olympic spirit and their contributions to promoting the values of excellence, friendship, and respect in sports.