News in shorts

1. Robert Oppeheimer

• About: He was  an American theoretical physicist and science administrator best known for serving as the Institute for Advanced Studies director and as the Los Alamos Laboratory’s director (1943–45) during the development of the atomic bomb.
• Manhattan Project: The Manhattan Project was the codename for the American-led effort to develop a functional atomic weapon during World War II. 
• The  Project was started in response to fears that German scientists had been working on a weapon using nuclear technology since the 1930s—and that Adolf Hitler was prepared to use it.

Image credits:Newsflicks            Source:Britannica

• Location: It is  an island in the Palk Strait, 14 nautical miles from Rameshwaram, and has for long been a bone of contention between India and Sri Lanka.
• Cause of contention: The close proximity of the island to both India and Sri Lanka has been the main cause of contention.
• Historical background: Records indicate that the island was once a part of the Ramnad Kingdom, but Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) also  claimed ownership  of it. Under British control, it was jointly run.                                    
• Current Status:  In 1974 and 1976 two agreements between the  nations were signed. Then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike signed agreements making Katchatheevu a part of Sri Lanka. Even since, with Katchatheevu determining the maritime border, fishing rights have been a topic of debate on both sides.

Image credits-Newswire Source:pib