14 August CA

1.

With increasing incidences of conjunctivitis, Assam is currently witnessing an outbreak of a highly contagious eye infection. Roughly 10 million individuals experience the impact of conjunctivitis annually. However, the current year has witnessed a noticeable reduction in the spread of this ailment. Massive viral conjunctivitis cases were reported from Boko under Kamrup district in Assam with several school students affected by the infection during mid-July this year. 

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “Red Eye,” or the local term “Joy Bangla” is a prevalent eye condition that can affect people of all ages. Characterized by redness, itchiness, and discomfort, conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors. 

According to a recent survey, districts of Assam like Barpeta, Rongia, and Dhemaji, are among where many cases have been reported with several seeking medical help. The majority of the cases were discovered among students.

Following the Conjunctivitis outbreak among students, Anundoram Borooah Academy in Barpeta district has ordered the temporary suspension of classes to curb the spread.

2.

A total of three Border Security Force (BSF) officials from Guwahati have been conferred with Police Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2023, an official statement said on August 14.

Meanwhile, a total of 55 BSF personnel have been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, 2023. 

“On the occasion of Independence Day 2023, 55 BSF personnel have been conferred with 04 Police Medals for Gallantry, 05 President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service, and 46 Police Medals for Meritorious Service,” the statement added.

It needs to be mentioned that Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) is awarded on the ground of Conspicuous Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals. 

President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) is awarded for an especially distinguished record in Police Service while Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) is awarded for valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty.

3.

The Assam government has announced the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for scrapped vehicles.

As per the scheme, on the voluntary offer of a vehicle to a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) for scrapping, 75 per cent of the total outstanding arrear dues/liabilities (MV taxes, fitness fine) against the vehicle shall be waived off.

Who can apply?

(1) Vehicle owners who scrapped their vehicles before 18th July 2022, (date of notification of Vehicle Scrappage Policy Assam, 2022) without intimation to the Registering Authority and due cancellation of RCS

(2) Avail this One-Time opportunity immediately to cancel the Registration Certificates (RCs) along with clearance of MV arrear dues with Nominal rates only.

4.

At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, all Indian territories achieved independence from colonial rule, except for one. While the whole country celebrates Independence Day on August 15, Goa, till today, does not mark Independence Day like other states.

Goa was a Portuguese colony since 1510, much before the British set foot in India in 1600. While India got independence from British rule in 1947, Goa was still under the Portuguese, who ruled the state for more than 450 years.

The Portuguese tortured the people of Goa for many years and several things took place, such as the demolition of temples, the persecution and forced conversion of Goan Hindus, the ban of Konkani and the banning of Hindu marriage customs. But revolts and uprisings of the 19th century grew powerful from 1940.

5.

In a strategic response to the 2020 Galwan incident that resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers, India had taken significant steps to fortify its defence capabilities in the eastern Ladakh region.

The deployment of surface-to-air guided missiles, spanning a range from short to 100 kilometres, marks a critical move to ensure security at the borders.

The Galwan incident witnessed an aggressive confrontation by Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), prompting India to strengthen its military readiness. The aftermath of the incident has led to persistent strains in the bilateral ties between the two nations, with China’s assertive posture in the wider Indo-Pacific region further fuelling concerns.

A key aspect of India’s response has been the focus on building a robust and swift military force in the forward locations. This includes the deployment of fighter aircraft capable of becoming airborne within a mere 5 to 7 minutes, enhancing the nation’s agility in responding to potential threats.

Additionally, India leveraged remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) for electronic surveillance, intelligence gathering, and real-time information dissemination. The SU-30 and Jaguars have been instrumental in executing surveillance missions, augmenting the country’s situational awareness.

The introduction of transport aircraft such as Chinooks has significantly expanded India’s strategic capabilities. These aircraft possess the ability to transport heavy equipment and evacuate troops with remarkable efficiency.

The Chinooks have emerged as a lifeline for swift troop movements, thereby enhancing India’s readiness in responding to emerging challenges. With a transport capacity ranging from 5 to 40 tons, these aircraft were pivotal in the swift airlift of 68,000 Indian army troops, 90 tanks, artillery guns, and 330 BMP vehicles after the Galwan incident.

Helicopters have played a vital role in the development of infrastructure in the rugged terrain of eastern Ladakh. Their ability to access remote locations and transport essential equipment has been indispensable in the region with inhospitable terrain.

In conjunction with these measures, the deployment of radars and ease of construction of bridges over the Indus River underline New Delhi’s strategic commitment to strengthen its defence infrastructure swiftly