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.