January 24

• The Aditya-L1 spacecraft -- the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun -- entered into its final destination orbit, some 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth
• Aditya L1 Mission


  • It shall be the first space based Indian mission to study the Sun
  • The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth
  • A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses
  • This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time
  • The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors
• The major objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission are to study the Solar Upper Atmospheric Dynamics (Chromosphere and Corona), Development, Dynamics, and Origin of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and Drivers for Space Weather
• Lagrange Points

  Points named after the mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, who studied them in the 18th century<|>There are five Lagrange points in any two-body celestial system, denoted as L1 to L5<|>Lagrange Points are used as "parking spots" for spacecraft
• The SOHO satellite is stationed at the L1 Lagrange Point of the Earth-Sun system, continuously monitoring the Sun
• Significance of Aditya L-1 Mission

  • It represents India's entry into space-based solar studies, marking the country's leadership in space exploration
  • Joining the ranks of NASA and the European Space Agency in stationing a solar observatory demonstrates India's growing capabilities in space research and exploration
  • Solar missions often lead to unexpected scientific discoveries and provide new insights into the behavior of the Sun
• The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a tripartite peace deal with the Centre and the Assam government on December 29, 2023
• Ceasefire and Dialogue


  The ULFA has agreed to renounce violence, disarm, disband the armed organisation, vacate their occupied camps, and participate in peaceful democratic process established by the law
• Addressing Core Issues


  A successful peace pact should address the root causes of the insurgency, including concerns about political representation, economic development, and issues related to identity and cultural preservation
• Rehabilitation and Integration


  Former militants are often integrated into mainstream society through rehabilitation programs, which may include education, vocational training, and assistance in reintegrating into their communities
• The ULFA, formed in 1979, has been at the forefront of the demand for an independent state of Assam
• The insurgency was fueled by concerns about political marginalization, economic disparities, and the perceived threat of illegal immigration from Bangladesh
• Formation of ULFA


  Established on April 7, 1979, in Sivasagar, Assam, with the primary goal of establishing a sovereign Assam for the indigenous population
• Founding Members

  • Paresh Baruah
  • Arabinda Rajkhowa
  • Anup Chetia
• Early Objectives

  Initially projected as a group to assist needy people, ULFA later shifted towards armed struggle against the Indian government
• Began armed operations in the late 1980s, with leaders like Baruah, Rajkhowa, and Chetia emerging as influential figures
• Despite a peace pact, a hardline faction led by Paresh Baruah continues to rebel against the Indian government, remaining outside the peace accord
• Central government initiated talks with the faction led by Rajkhowa in 2011, marked by the signing of a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement
• At its peak in 1990, ULFA considered itself an extension of the government, wielding significant influence over Assam
• In 1990, ULFA wrote to major tea-producing companies, including Tata Tea and Unilever, demanding significant sums for the economic development of Assam
• ULFA's activities prompted international pressure on India, reflecting the group's influence and impact beyond regional boundaries
• Stability and Development

  A sustained peace process can pave the way for increased stability and development in Assam. Economic progress, infrastructure development, and improved governance can follow a reduction in conflict
• Political Reconciliation


  The peace pact may involve political negotiations, leading to increased representation for diverse communities in Assam. Inclusivity in governance is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and addressing historical grievances
• Social Harmony

  The resolution of the insurgency can contribute to social harmony by bridging ethnic and linguistic divides. A united Assam can work towards preserving its cultural diversity while fostering a shared vision for the future
• Transparency and Accountability

  Establish transparent mechanisms for implementing the peace pact's provisions<|>Hold responsible parties accountable for fulfilling their commitments
• Engagement with Anti-Talks Faction


  Strategically engage with the ULFA's anti-talks faction for unified resolution<|>Seek wider acceptance of the peace pact through inclusive engagement
• Legal Safeguards

  Ensure legislative changes align with constitutional principles<|>Protect the rights of all residents, preventing discrimination based on ethnicity or origin
• International Cooperation

  Collaborate with neighboring countries to prevent cross-border insurgencies<|>Maintain regional stability through international cooperation
• Long-Term Development Plans


  Develop sustainable, detailed strategies beyond immediate investments<|>Foster holistic growth in the region through long-term developmental planning
• The coveted Padma awards -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri -- for the year 2023 were announced
• Bharat Ratna


  India's highest civilian award, awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and public service
• Padma Vibhushan


  Second-highest civilian award, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including service rendered by the government servants
• Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards were established in 1954, 1955, and 1957, respectively
• The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day on the basis of the information secured from the awards committee, and after the approval of the Home Minister, Prime Minister, and President
• Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India
• Padma Vibhushan


  Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including service rendered by the government servants
• Padma Bhushan


  Third-highest civilian award, awarded for distinguished service of a high order in any field
• Padma Bhushan


  • Recognizes contributions in various fields, including arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, and social service
• Padma Shri


  Fourth-highest civilian award, awarded for distinguished service in any field
• Padma Shri


  • Recognizes significant contributions in diverse areas such as art, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, and social service