Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician. She is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. On December 6, 2021, the Myanmar special court sentenced her to 4 years of prison for violating corona virus restrictions. This has drawn worldwide criticisms.
Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?
Aung San Suu Kyi served as the State Counsellor of Myanmar between 2016 and 2021. The post is equivalent to that of the Prime Ministerial post. She is the youngest daughter of Aung San. Aung San is the Father of Myanmar.
She was detained before elections in 1989 and house arrested for 15 years. This made her one of the world’s most prominent political prisoner.
She was called the “Children of Gandhi”.
8888 Uprising
Aung San Suu Kyi became famous through 8888 uprising. The 8888 uprising is also called People Power Uprising. It includes a series of protests throughout Myanmar. It was caused by withdrawal of currency notes without compensation, police brutality, economic mismanagement, totalitarian one – party rule of Ne Win, corruption. It led to the resignation of Ne Win.
Why was Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to jail recently?
She was sentenced to be prisoned for two charges. They are inciting the public against the military of Myanmar and also for breaching COVID1-19 protocols. Currently, she is facing 11 charges that can bring a maximum imprisonment of 102 years. The other major controversial cases against her are as follows:
Alleged use of walkie – talkies by her security guards
Corruption in granting permits to buy a helicopter
Violating the Official Secrets Act
What is the issue?
Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of National League for Democracy. The military of Myanmar holds 25% of total seats in the parliament. In 2021, the a newly elected lawmakers were to hold the first session of the parliament. The military imposed a state of emergency just before the session citing voting fraud in the elections. Through emergency, the military grabbed the power in coup. This was the third time the military grabbed power in Myanmar since its independence from British rule in 1948. Following the coup, Aung San Suu Kyi was detained. Such scenarios where military grabs power is called coup de tat.
On December 6, 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was signed under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0. It was signed to strengthen the waste management sector in the country.
About the MoU
Under the MoU, the UNDP will help in setting up 75 Smart Swachhata Kendras in the country.
Also, the UNDP will help India on integrating the informal waste pickers. It will assist India in linking them with government welfare schemes.
The MoU also included digitizing the waste flow and streamlining activities in Swachhata Kendras. It will encourage the use of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in measures adopted under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0.
According to the MoU, the UNDP will assist India in solid waste management and used water management.
Also, the UNDP will help India to promote and replicate sustainable model for waste management.
Why was the MoU signed?
The MoU will help Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 to achieve its zero waste target. Also, it was signed to bring about improvement in the lives of informal waste pickers.
What is the significance of the MoU?
Solid waste management is the key focus of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban. It focuses on scientific processing of municipal solid waste and source segregation of waste. The MoU will further strengthen the solid waste management.
How will the MoU benefit India?
It will aid India in achieving its vision of making cities “Garbage Free”.
It will help in achieving 100% waste processing as aimed by Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0.
The MoU aims to realize the vision of “Clean Air, Clean Water, Clean Land” in urban India. This is to be achieved through a circular approach based on 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) principle.
How has UNDP helped SBM so far?
The UNDP facilitated the processing of 82,000 MT of plastic since 2018.
It has helped India in establishing 20_ Swachhata Kendras or Material Recovery Facilities.
Along with Niti Aayog, UNDP developed a Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management. It gives insight on comprehending the main challenge of SBM-U, which is, stress on urban local bodies on delivering the waste management services. It also discusses successful national and international cases.
The Imaging X – Ray Polarimetry Explorer is called IXPE. It is a NASA Space Observatory. It has three identical telescopes that measure the polarization of cosmic X – Rays.
About IXPE Mission
The Mission studies the exotic astronomical objects.
It maps the magnetic fields of neutron stars, black holes, pulsars, magnetars, supernoval remnants, quasars and active nuclear galactic nuclei.
It is the first satellite mission that is dedicated to the measure the polarization of X – Rays from different cosmic sources.
The IXPE Mission was developed by Small Explorer Program of NASA. The cost of the mission is 188 million USD.
The main goal of the mission is to understand the high – energy astrophysical processes and their sources. This supports the first science objective of NASA, which is, How the Universe works.
What are the science objectives of IXPE Mission?
To determine the radiation processes of specific cosmic X – ray sources.
To explore the general relativistic and quantum effects in extreme environments.
Study by IXPE Mission
The mission will study the following:
Pulsars: Pulsars are rotating stars. They emit electromagnetic radiation from their magnetic poles
Active galactic nuclei: It is a compact region at the centre of a galaxy. It has higher than normal luminosity in some of the portion of its electromagnetic spectrum. They can be observed in radio, infrared, microwave, optical, X-ray and gamma ray wavebands.
X – ray binaries: The X-ray binaries are binary stars that are luminous in X-rays. Here there are two matter. One matter is called the donor from which the X-rays are emitted. The other matter is called an accretor that receives the X-rays.
supernova remnants: They are the structure that are formed from the explosion of a star in supernova. It is made of expanding material.
Pulsar Wind nebulae: It is a type of nebula found inside the supernova remnant
Galactic centre: It is the rotational centr of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Telescopes in the mission
There are three telescopes in the mission. They were designed by INAF (Instituto Nazionale di AstroFisica) and INFN (Instituto Nazionale di Fiscial Nucleare). They are designed to measure the polarization of cosmic X-rays.
About the launch
The mission is to be launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle on December 9, 2021. It is to be launched from the Kennedy Space Centre of NASA.
The BWF world Tour 2021 finals was held between PV Sindhu of India and Seyoung of Korea. Seyoung won the cup and Sindhu settled in for a silver medal. In Men’s Singles of the BWF World Tour 2021, Viktor Axelsen won the cup.
About BWF World Tour
The BWF World Tour is a Grade 2 Badminton tournament series. It is held by the BWF, Badminton World Federation. It is held among the top world ranked players in singles (men and women) and doubles (men, women and mixed).
There are six levels in BWF World Tour. They are as follows:
World Tour Finals
Super 1000
Super 750
Super 500
Super 300
BWF Tour Super 100 level
The BWF rank the players based on the above tournaments. The prize money of the levels are as follows:
World Tour Finals: 1.5 million USD
Super 1000: 850 thousand USD
Super 750: 600 thousand USD
Super 500: 320 thousand USD
Super 300: 140 thousand USD
Super 100: 75 thousand USD
Player regulations
The tournament is held among top 15 single players and top 10 double pairs. The BWF imposes a fine of 5000 USD per event, if a player fails to play. However, a valid medical certification will exempt the fine. These regulations do not apply to retired and suspended players.
Who is the title sponsor of the tournaments?
Between 2018 and 2022, the title sponsor is HSBC Holdings. It is a British Multinational investment Bank. It is the second largest in Europe. It has offices in more than 64 countries including India.
BWF World Ranking
This ranking is created by the BWF. It uses the BWF tournaments, Summer Olympic games and World Championships to rank the players. Currently, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark holds the top rank in Men’s singles. Srikanth of India holds 14th rank. Tai Tzu – ying holds the top rank in women’s singles. PV Sindhu holds seventh rank. In doubles, Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty of India hold the ninth rank. In world ranking of countries, India is holding ninth place. China is on the top, followed by Japan, Indonesia, Thailand.
The India – Russia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in December 2021. It was held by the defence ministers and external affairs ministers of the two countries.
About the India – Russia 2+2 Dialogue
This is the first 2+2 Dialogue held between India and Russia.
During the dialogue the countries discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
The dialogue expanded military cooperation and joint development between the countries.
It also focused on the production of military platforms in India.
The leaders also discussed the regional and global issues apart from the developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
India’s focus
India’s focus in the dialogue or the reasons why India participated in the dialogue are as follows:
India aims at greater engagements in central Asia
To achieve self-reliance
Free and open Indo – Pacific region
Agreements signed
During the dialogue India signed a contract with Russia to procure more than six lakh AK – 203 rifles. The agreement was signed under the Indo – Russia Rifles Private Limited Programme. Under the agreement, rifles are to be manufactured under a joint venture in Amethi. The rifles are to be manufactured at a cost of Rs 5,000 crores.
The countries signed a treaty to amend the agreement on Cooperation for Kalashnikov series small arms manufacturing. This treaty was signed in 2019. Under this, the countries are to extend the military technology cooperation for the next decade, that is, between 2021 and 2031.
The leaders signed more than ten agreements in the field of oil, space, helicopters and defence logistics.
Significance
The dialogue addressed the multipolarity and rebalancing. It also focuses on the newer challenges before the countries such as terrorism and violent extremism.
The agreements help India enhance its regional security.
Indo – Russia Rifles Private Limited
It is a rifle manufacturing facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a joint venture of Ordnance Factory Board and Kalashnikov concern of Russia. The Kalashnikov is one of the most widely used guns in the world. Around 72 million rifles of Kalashnikov class guns are in circulation. AK – 47 is also a Kalashnikov class gun. AK – 19 and AK – 204 are advanced versions of the gun.
The AK – 203 along with the SIG716 will replace the AK – 47 and INSAS rifles of India. The SIG716 is manufactured by US based SIG Sauer.
The Exercise Ekuverin is a joint military exercise held between India and Maldives. It is held between the armies of India and Maldives.
About Exercise Ekuverin
Ekuverin means “Friends” in Dhivehi language. It is an Indo – Aryan language. It is spoken in India, Lakshadweep and Maldives.
The Exercise is being conducted between India and Maldives since 2008.
In 2019, the exercise was held in Pune, Maharashtra and in 2018, it was held in Maldives.
Exercise Ekuverin 2021
The 2021 Exercise Ekuverin was held in Maldives.
The exercise focused on enhancing inter – operability between the armed forces of India and Maldives.
It also included counter – insurgency and counter – terrorism operations.
The joint exercise in 2021, also conducted sports and cultural activities to enhance the bilateral and defence relations.
What is the need for Exercise Ekuverin?
India’s Policy of Indian Ocean is centred around providing security and political stability to Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. With this India aims to counter the expanding face of China in the region.
India sees itself as a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean Region.
India is always the first responder in Human Availability Disaster Recovery Operations.
The piracy in the Indian Ocean Region has increased.
The Exercise Ekuverin will aid in all the above issues. Therefore, it is essential to conduct Exercise Ekuverin.
Benefits
The exercise helps the militaries to understand each other’s drills and procedures.
It helps to overcome language barriers.
It aids in weapon familiarization which is essential in war or humanitarian aid such as disaster – relief. It is also essential in disaster relief operations.
The 22nd President’s Standard Award was presented to the 22nd Missile Vessel of the Indian Navy. During the 1971 India – Pakistan War, the vessel bombed the Karachi port and sunk Pakistani ships. It is being awarded in 2021 as this year marks the 50 years of successful deployment of the squadron.
What is President’s Standard?
The President’s Standard is the highest honour awarded in military. It has same honour as that of President’s Colours awards. However, it is awarded to a smaller military formation or unit as compared to the President’s Colours. It is presented by the President of India.
What are the achievements of Missile Vessel Squadron?
The missile vessel participated in Operation Parakram and Operation Vijay. The Operation PArakaram was launched in 2001. It was the first full – scale mobilization since 1971. It was launched in the wake of 2001 Indian Parliament attack. It was launched in Line of Control for four weeks. Under the operation, India mobilized large number of troops in the international border of Kashmir and Punjab. Operation Vijay was the operation launched in Kashmir region to clear out Kargil sector during the Kargil war, 1999.
Missile Vessel Squadron: The Killers
The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron is also called “The Killer”. This is mainly for its brave actions during Operation Trident. The peration was launched on the night of December 4-5, 1971. During the operation, Pakistan lost destroyers, minesweepers and cargo vessels carrying ammunition and fuel storage tanks. India celebrates Navy Day on December 4 commemorating this operation. There were no damages to the Indian forces during the operation. The 22nd missile vessel squadron had a major role in the success and thus earned the name “KILLERS”.
Swarnim Vijay Varsh
2021 marks the 50th anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 India – Pakistan war. Thus, India is to celebrate the year as the Swarnim Vijay Varsh.
What is the Presidential Standard of India?
The Presidential Standard is also called the Presidential Flag. It is the flag that is used in several countries as a symbol of President. In India, the flag was used between 1950 and 1971. The presidents of India then started using the National Flag of India. The President’s Flag of India had four quarters. They are as follows:
First Quarter: The Lion Capital of Ashoka: Represents Unity
Second Quarter: Indian Elephant from Ajanta Caves: Represents patience and strength
Third Quarter: Weighing Scale from Red Fort: Represents Justice and Economy
Fourth Quarter: Vase of Indian Lotus: Represents Prospertiy
About Missile Vessel Squadron
The Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established in 1991. Around ten Veer class ships and three Prabal class missile boats were added to the squadron. However, its genesis dates back to 1969. It started with the induction of OSA I class USSR missile boats in the Indian Navy. These missile boats were transported to India and were deployed in 1971 war. These boats were baptized before that played a decisive role in 1971 war.
Ships that participated in Operation Trident
The Indian Navy Ships Nipat, Nirghat and Veer fired the Styx missile.
The Pakistani ships sank during the operation were Muhafiz and Khyber.
The INS Vinash sank Tanker Dacca of Pakistan. Vinash launched four Styx missiles damaging the oil storage facility at Karachi.
The Davis Cup 2021 was won by Russian Tennis Federation. The Davis Cup finals was held between Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev of Russia. And Daniit Medvedev won the match bringing victory to the Russian Tennis Federation. Andrey Rublev was named the Most Valuable Player.
About Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is also called the World Cup of Tennis. It is an international team event in men’s tennis. The women’s equivalent of Davis Cup is Billie Jean King Cup.
It is conducted by the International Tennis Federation.
It was first held in 1900 as a challenge between US and Britain. By 2016, there were 135 countries participating in the competition.
The most successful countries of Davis cup are USA, Australia, New Zealand. USA has so far won the Davis Title 32 times, Australia has won for 28 times.
Davis Cup: Knock Out Format
It Is a single elimination tournament. That is, the loser of each match is immediately eliminated from the tournament. The other type of tournament held is called Playoff. In playoff, the top competitors determine the league champion. The most common type is the “regular season”. It is also called Group Tournament. Here, the teams are divided into groups and each group plays a specific number of games against their opponent.
International Tennis Federation
The Davis Cup is conducted by the International Tennis Federation. The ITF is the governing body of beach tennis, wheel chair tennis and world tennis. It partners with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to govern professional tennis.
The ITF organizes Davis cup (of men), Bill Jean King Cup (of women), Grand Slam, Hopman Cup.
The ITF also conducts the world tennis and wheel chair tennis at the Paralympic games and Summer Olympic games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.
Hard Courts
The Davis Cup is held in hard courts. The other types are grass courts, clay courts and artificial grass courts. The Grass court is the signature court of Wimbledon. The grass surface is quick and the ball bounces in this court is low. The Clay courts are made of stone, crushed shale and brick. The clay surfaces slow down the ball. It produces a slow and high bounces. Hard courts are made of rigid materials with acrylic surface layer. This surface is very popular. The US Open is played in these courts. In artificial grass courts, the ball moves quickly.