In News:

In 2024, at the age of 100, Libia Lobo Sardesai was awarded the Padma Shri for her pivotal role in Goa’s liberation struggle from Portuguese colonial rule.

About Libia Lobo Sardesai

• Born: 25 May 1924, in Portuguese-ruled Goa; raised in Mumbai.
• Profession: Freedom fighter, broadcaster, and Goa’s first Director of Tourism post-liberation.
• Legacy: Symbol of courage and resistance, known as the “voice of Goa’s liberation.”

Role in Goa’s Liberation Movement

• Involvement: Joined the Goan nationalist movement during her college years.
• Underground Radio:
  • From 1955 to 1961, Libia, along with her husband Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, ran an underground radio station – initially called ‘Q’, later named:
    • Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz (Voice of Freedom of Goa) – Konkani
    • Voz de Liberdade – Portuguese
  • Operated from Amboli (Maharashtra) and Castle Rock (Karnataka) in the Western Ghats.
  • Purpose: Counter Portuguese censorship and propaganda; broadcast news, updates, and morale-boosting messages to Goans.
• Final Broadcast:
  • On 19 December 1961, Libia flew over Panaji in an IAF plane, announcing Goa’s liberation with the message:

“Rejoice brothers and sisters, Rejoice! Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free and united with the Motherland.”

Goa Liberation Movement: Background

• Colonial Rule: Goa was under Portuguese rule for over 451 years (from 1510 to 1961).
• Key Phases:
  • 1954: India imposed an economic blockade after Portuguese crackdown on satyagrahis.
  • August 1955: Mass satyagraha met with violent repression by Portuguese forces.
  • Censorship: Portuguese regime enforced total censorship; only official Portuguese narratives were allowed.
  • 1961 – Operation Vijay:
    • Initiated on 17 December 1961 by the Indian Army under Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri.
    • Portuguese forces surrendered by 19 December 1961, marking Goa’s official liberation.

Notable Leaders of the Movement

• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia: Sparked initial resistance against Portuguese rule.
• Libia Lobo Sardesai: Voice of the resistance via underground broadcasting.
• Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri: Led military operations during Operation Vijay.

Significance

• Libia Lobo Sardesai represents the unsung contributions of civil resistance and communication warfare in India’s decolonization.
• Her work sustained nationalist morale, informed citizens under censorship, and shaped the narrative of a liberated Goa.

In News:

Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, is scheduled from February 10–14, 2025, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru.

Organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), the event continues to be a vital forum for promoting India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering international collaboration.

Evolution of Aero India: From Showcase to Strategic Asset

• Inception (1996): Launched as a modest exhibition to attract foreign investments and highlight India’s aerospace potential.
• Growth Phase (2005–2015): Marked by the entry of global giants like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Aviation. Indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas began gaining prominence.
• Current Phase (2015–Present): Aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Aero India has become a symbol of India's defence self-reliance and a magnet for global partnerships.

Aero India 2025 Highlights

1. International Participation and Strategic Displays

• Participation from 15+ countries and major OEMs.
• Russia’s Su-57 and USA’s F-35—two of the world’s most advanced 5th-generation fighters—will be showcased together, reflecting India’s growing strategic importance.
• Other prominent platforms: KC-135 Stratotanker, Embraer C-390, and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.

2. Indigenous Innovation

• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India’s 5th-generation stealth fighter, developed by HAL and ADA, will be unveiled.
• Indigenous platforms like LCA Mk2, LUH, HTT-40, ALH, and Naval Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter will also be featured.

3. Start-Up Integration via 'Manthan'

• Through the iDEX initiative, Aero India is promoting start-ups working in AI, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare.
• Start-ups will showcase innovations including jetpack suits, robotics, and defence software tools.

4. Business & Public Engagement

• Business Days: February 10–12, 2025
• Public Days: February 13–14, 2025
• Over 7 lakh visitors expected; the event offers aerial displays, seminars, tech expos, and networking forums.

5. Defence Diplomacy and Deals

• Aero India 2023 had seen over ?80,000 crore worth of MoUs. A similar or higher scale of defence agreements is expected in 2025.
• High-level participation from defence ministers, air chiefs, and CEOs of OEMs, signalling deepening international defence cooperation.

Strategic Significance for India

• Geopolitical Leverage: Participation of both US and Russian defence firms signals India’s strategic autonomy and balanced defence diplomacy.
• Self-Reliance Boost: The event enhances domestic manufacturing by integrating MSMEs, promoting co-development and co-production with foreign partners.
• Global Recognition: Positions India as an emerging aerospace hub in the Indo-Pacific.
• Technological Edge: Demonstrates advancements in stealth technology, avionics, and unmanned systems.

Theme of Aero India 2025: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” — highlighting India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities and its aim to integrate with the global supply chain.

In News:

On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to formally implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after Independence. The legislation was passed by the State Assembly on February 7, 2024, and received Presidential assent on March 12, 2024.

Historical Background:

• A five-member expert committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai was constituted to draft the UCC report.
• The committee submitted its report on October 18, 2023.
• Though initially scheduled for implementation by November 9, 2024 (Uttarakhand's Foundation Day), the rollout was delayed due to administrative preparedness and staff training.

Scope and Applicability:

• Applicable to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those in live-in relationships outside the state.
• Scheduled Tribes (as per Article 342) and migrated natives have been exempted to safeguard cultural rights.

Key Provisions of the UCC:

1. Marriage, Divorce & Live-in Relationships

• Legal marriage age: 21 years (men), 18 years (women).
• Mandatory registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships.
• Prohibited practices: Triple talaq, halala, iddat, polygamy, and child marriage.
• Live-in Relationships:
  • Mandatory registration for couples aged 21 and above.
  • Parental consent required if under 21.
  • Termination of live-in relationships requires mutual consent.
  • Mandatory reporting of pregnancy within 30 days of childbirth.
  • Landlords cannot deny housing to registered live-in couples.

2. Inheritance & Property Rights

• Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.
• Children born to live-in couples recognized as legitimate, eligible for inheritance.

3. Wills and Succession

• Wills can be:
  • Submitted online.
  • Uploaded as handwritten/typed documents.
  • Recorded as a 3-minute video.

Digital Infrastructure – UCC Portal (ucc.uk.gov.in):

• Aadhaar-based verification for authenticity.
• AI-based multilingual translation in 22 Indian languages.
• Tatkal service for expedited registrations with a nominal fee.
• Integrated with 13+ departments, including police, civic bodies, and courts.
• Disaster recovery systems and cloud-based architecture ensure secure data management.
• Access to:
  • Online registration of marriages, divorces, live-in relationships.
  • Upload and registration of wills.
  • Grievance redressal and appeal mechanisms.

Administrative Framework:

• Village Panchayat Development Officers appointed as sub-registrars in rural areas.
• Common Service Centres (CSCs) enabled to facilitate registration, especially in remote and mountainous areas.
• Registration applications processed within 15 days, or 3 days in emergencies.
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days of rejection, resolved within 60 days.

Penalties:

• Initial warnings for non-compliance.
• Fines imposed for repeated violations.

Significance:

• The UCC aims to promote gender equality, legal uniformity, and women's empowerment.
• Represents a constitutional vision under Article 44, reinforcing the idea of a common civil law for all citizens.
• Seen as a potential model for other states in India.

In News:

The Prime Minister greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh (HP) on the occasion of Statehood Day (25th January).

Key Highlights:

Statehood Day: Celebrated annually on 25th January, marking the day Himachal Pradesh attained full statehood in 1971.

Historical Timeline:

• 15 April 1948: Formation of Chief Commissioner’s Province of Himachal Pradesh through the merger of 30 princely hill states.
• 26 January 1950: Became a Part C State with the commencement of the Indian Constitution. (Part C states comprised former Chief Commissioner’s provinces and some princely states.)
• 1 November 1956: Reconstituted as a Union Territory based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission.
• 1 November 1966: Kangra district and other hilly areas of Punjab merged into Himachal Pradesh, yet it remained a Union Territory.
• 18 December 1970: The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament.
• 25 January 1971: Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of the Indian Union.

In News:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai is set to become India’s first port to enter top global ports with 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2027.

Overview:

• Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Commissioned: 1989
• Significance: India’s first Landlord Major Port, fully adopting the landlord port model.

Performance & Capacity Expansion:

• In 2024, JNPA handled a record 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90% capacity, with an 11% year-on-year growth.
• By 2027, JNPA is projected to become India’s first port to handle 10 million TEUs annually, marking its entry into the global top ports list.
• Current container handling capacity: 7.6 million TEUs
• Projected capacity by 2027: 10.4 million TEUs

Infrastructure Developments:

• Commissioning of Phase II of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) to add 2.4 million TEUs.
• Upgradation of Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal expected in 2025.
• Five operational container terminals, including:
  • BMCT
  • Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT)
  • Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTIPL)

Key Projects & Investments (2024):

• ?2,000 crore worth of capacity enhancement projects launched.
• Solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70T tugs, and three fire tenders commissioned for safety and efficiency.
• Agro-processing facility (?284 crore) on 27 acres within port complex to handle 1.2 million tonnes annually – includes processing, sorting, packing, and food safety labs.
• Warehousing and CFS infrastructure (?300 crore investment) to generate 1,20,000 TEUs/year through ambient and temperature-controlled facilities.

Vadhavan Port Project:

• Proposed as India’s 13th major port (under construction).
• MoU with Reliance Industries Ltd: Development of liquid jetty and 50 acres of land under PPP model (investment: ?645 crore; operational by 2030).
• MoU with DBKKVD Dapoli: For integrated agri-horticultural development in Dahanu and Palghar.
• MoU with HUDCO: Funding commitment of ?25,000 crore for port infrastructure under PPP mode.

Strategic Importance:

• JNPA is central to India’s maritime trade, which accounts for 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value.
• Satellite and dry ports at Vadhavan, Jalna, and Wardha to improve hinterland connectivity and trade logistics.