Free Movement Along Myanmar Border
Source: Centre set to end Free Movement Regime at unfenced Myanmar border (The Hindu, January 3, 2024)
- Ending the Free Movement Regime: The Central government has decided to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Established in the 1970s, the FMR has allowed people living near the India-Myanmar border to cross freely due to their close community ties.
- Border Fencing Plans: There are plans to fence approximately 300 kilometers of the currently unfenced border. The authorities have already completed a drone survey, and tenders for the fencing project are expected soon.
- Current FMR Provisions: The FMR currently enables local hill tribe members from both India and Myanmar to cross the border with a border pass. These passes are typically valid for one year and allow for stays of up to two weeks per visit.
- Border Stretch: The India-Myanmar border spans 1,643 kilometers, passing through four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
ISRO’s Leap in Space Exploration
Source: In 2023, Indian science went for the Moon and reached for the Sun. What’s planned for 2024? (The Indian Express, January 3)
In 2023, the Moon landing emerged as a pinnacle of achievement for Indian science. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) escalated from a satellite-launching agency to a pioneer of planetary exploration.
- A Year of Success: ISRO demonstrated remarkable productivity, executing seven successful missions. Noteworthy are two ambitious projects: Chandrayaan-3, the lunar mission, and Aditya-L1, ISRO’s initial voyage toward studying the Sun.
- Future Milestones: ISRO has set forth an ambitious roadmap. Plans include a collaborative astronaut mission with NASA to the International Space Station in 2024. Chandrayaan-4 aims for lunar sample return within four years. By 2028, ISRO hopes to deploy its own space station, named Bhartiya Antariksh Station. The bold goal of a lunar human landing is targeted for 2040.
- Ongoing and Upcoming Missions: ISRO’s agenda extends beyond these milestones. Routine satellite launches are planned. Additionally, missions to scrutinize the Sun, Mars, and Venus are on the docket.
Chandrayaan-3 Landing
- Successful Landing: India felt immense pride as Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon without a hitch. This mission redeemed the nation after Chandrayaan-2’s unfortunate mishap in 2019.
- Unveiling ISRO’s Ingenuity: The spacecraft conducted unexpected maneuvers once it landed. These actions showcased ISRO’s sophistication in space technology.
- The ‘Hop’ Experiment: ISRO surprised the world with Chandrayaan-3’s ‘hop’ experiment. The lander briefly lifted and moved sideways. This was a significant feat.
- Implications for Future Missions: This ‘hop’ signifies more than a small leap. It’s an essential step for bringing back samples or even sending astronauts, proving the lander can leave the lunar surface to journey home.
ISRO – International Collaborations
- Joining the Artemis Accords: ISRO’s growth has led to more global collaborations. In June 2023, India agreed to the US-led Artemis Accords during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US trip. The Accords are guidelines for the peaceful planetary exploration by nations. India’s involvement signifies a deepened space relationship with the US.
- ISRO-NASA Joint Mission to ISS: There is also a new pact between ISRO and NASA. They plan a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. This mission will take Indian astronauts to space before the planned Gaganyaan mission of 2025.
- Commercial Space and Planetary Defense: Later in 2023, India and the US formed a commercial space working group. This aims to grow India’s private space sector. They also expressed plans to collaborate on protecting the Earth from celestial dangers.
Advancements in Quantum Computing in India
- Launch of National Quantum Mission: India made a strong move into advanced scientific research in 2023. The government started the National Quantum Mission with a significant budget. They plan to invest Rs 6,000 crore.
- Aim of the Quantum Mission: The goal of this mission is straightforward. Within the next eight years, India intends to build a quantum computer with 1,000 qubits. This type of computer is very powerful.
- The Power of Quantum Computers: Quantum computers operate differently from normal ones. They use the principles of quantum mechanics. This makes them capable of solving complex problems that ordinary computers can’t handle.
Other Initiatives
- LIGO-India Project Approval: After seven years, the LIGO-India gravitational wave observatory received its final approval in April. This facility, based in Maharashtra, will be the third after the two in the United States. These US observatories detected gravitational waves in 2015, leading to a Nobel Prize win. Currently, the field of gravitational wave research is limited in scope, providing India a chance to lead.
- Antarctic Research Station: India decided to construct a new station in Antarctica called Maitri-II. This station is to replace the old Maitri station established in 1989. India also operates another station, Bharati. Both are key to India’s Antarctic research efforts.
- Arctic Winter Expedition: India will now have its Arctic base operational throughout the year. This is aided by the new decision to commence the first winter expedition to the region.