Indian Nuclear Entities Removed from U.S. Restrictions

Context: The United States  administration has recently removed restrictions on three major Indian nuclear entities to facilitate deeper cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

• The three entities are 
  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
  • Indian Rare Earths (IRE)

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What is the US Entity List?

• This list is the list of foreign individuals, businesses, and organisations that are subject to specific  licensing requirements for export, reexport, and/or transfer of specified items. 
• Published by: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
• Objective: This list prevents unauthorised trade in items that 
• Threats U.S. national security and controls the transfer of sensitive technologies and materials
  • Example: weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programmes, or other activities. 
• Being on the entity list does not mean complete ban or prohibition
  • It just acts as a regulatory barrier. 

Objectives of the New Move

• Strengthen the India-U.S. civil nuclear pact and pave the way for sharing civilian nuclear technology.
• Promote joint research, development, and collaboration in science and technology related to nuclear energy.
• Boost resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.

Bhargavastra Micro Missiles

Context: India has successfully tested its first indigenous micro-missile system, Bhargavastra, designed to counter the threat of swarm drones.

About Bhargavastra Micro Missiles

• Description: India’s first indigenous micro-missile system developed to neutralize swarm drone threats.
• Developed by: Economic Explosives Ltd.

Key Features of Bhargavastra

• Detection and Guided Munitions: Detects small incoming drones over a range of 6 km and deploys guided micro munitions to neutralize threats.
• Rapid Deployment: Designed for quick deployment on mobile platforms.
• Multi-Target Engagement: Simultaneously tracks and engages up to 64 targets.
• Operational Capability: Functions effectively in all terrains, including high-altitude regions, catering to the armed forces’ needs.

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What are Swarm Drones?

• Definition: SWARM stands for “Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules,” comprising multiple drones working in coordination.
• Capabilities: Collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing without human intervention.
• Applications: Can assist in tasks like firefighting, damage assessment, and suppression using firefighting liquids.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0

Context: The 3rd edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam will begin on February 15 and conclude on 24 February.

About the Sangamam

• It is part of the government’s ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam programme.
• Host city: The Sangamam will be held at the Namo Ghat in Varanasi against the backdrop of the Kumbh Mela
• Theme: The third edition will be themed on the legacy and philosophy of Maharishi Agasthyar.
• Organised By: The Union Education Ministry will be the key organiser for the event. 
• Implementing Agencies: IIT Madras and BHU 
• Objective: To rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi
• Participation: 
  • Students, teachers, and writers; Farmers and artisans; Professionals and small entrepreneurs; Women; and Start-ups, innovation, edu-tech and research.
• A document on Agasthyar temples in TamilNadu and another one on Siddha medicine will be released during the event.

About Maharishi Agasthyar

• Agathiyar Munivar is one of the 18 Siddhars, who were masters of yoga and spiritual knowledge.
• Maharishi Agathiyar is a famous figure in Indian history and mythology also known by many names like Agastya, Agathiyar Siddhar, and Agastya Munivar.
• Contribution:
  • He is considered the father of Tamil grammar and wrote the first Tamil grammar book, “Agattiyam.
    • He also contributed several hymns in the Rigveda
  • Siddha Medicine: Agathiyar Munivar contributed to the herbal medicine and healing practices, which are part of the Siddha medicine tradition still practised in South India.
  • Author: Agastya Gita found in Varaha Purana, Agastya Samhita found embedded in Skanda Purana, and the Dvaidha-Nirnaya Tantra text.

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Access to Clean Toilets a Basic Right: Supreme Court

Context: The Supreme Court has in a recent order declared that easy access to clean public toilets for all is a basic right and an essential part of human dignity.

Highlights of the Judgement

• Writ Petition: The judgment came in a writ petition highlighting the lack of clean and gender-sensitive toilets in the premises of courts and tribunals across the country.
• State Duty: It is the duty of the States and Union Territories to provide easy access and maintenance  to clean washrooms and drinking water to all throughout the year.
  • A States/UT cannot claim to be a Welfare State if cannot provide access to clean toilet facilities to the three genders
• Order: The Supreme Court issued a series of directions to the States and UTs to ensure the construction and availability of separate toilet facilities for gender-sensitive washrooms and submit a status report in four months.
• Fundamental Right: Access to proper sanitation is recognised as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution 
  • The right includes ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all individuals.

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