National
Hamfest India 2023
⇒ The Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, inaugurated Hamfest India 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 25 November 2023.
- This two-day national convention commenced on November 25, 2023. 1000+ HAMs attended HAM FEST INDIA 2023.
Key Points:
- Hamfest India 2023 brought together a diverse community of amateur radio operators, showcasing the latest innovations, communication techniques, and technological advancements.
- With over 10 technical workshops and 5 stalls highlighting designs and innovations, the event offered a comprehensive platform for enthusiasts to explore and engage.
- The event not only fostered a space for HAMs to connect but also hosted a trade show, flea market, and an array of activities tailored to cater to the interests of amateur radio operators.
- One of the primary highlights of Hamfest India was the opportunity for HAMs to engage in Eyeball QSO (Face-to-Face Meetings) rarely possible during regular radio interactions.
- The event encapsulated seminars on technical, operational, and legal aspects of amateur radio, alongside license examination sessions and the display and sale of various radio equipment by commercial vendors and individual HAMs.
- In addition to the technical engagements, Hamfest India 2023 integrated cultural programs and photo sessions, further enriching the experience for participants.
History:
- Hamfest India holds a significant place in the history of amateur radio in India, dating back to its inception in 1991.
- The event has been pivotal in uniting amateur radio enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and staying updated on the latest developments in the field.
- The journey of amateur radio in India traces back to the 1920s when Signal Corps officers sowed the seeds of this captivating hobby.
- Amarendra Chandra Gooptu and Mukul Bose were among the pioneers of amateur radio operations in India, and the community has steadily grown since then despite occasional interruptions, including during the freedom struggle.
- Post-independence, the establishment of the Amateur Radio Club of India in 1948 marked a new chapter in India’s amateur radio narrative. Over the decades, Hamfest India has played a crucial role in fostering innovation, community building, and service.
About Amateur Radio (HAM Radio):
- Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes.
- HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.
- The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasizing innovation and service.
125-foot Bronze Statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan
⇒ Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan at his burial site in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district on 09 March 2024.
- He was buried at the ‘maidam’ — burial grounds for Ahom royals and nobles — at Hollongapar.
Lachit Barphukan Maidam Development Project:
The statue was unveiled at the Lachit Barphukan Maidam Development Project at Hollongapar, an area spread over 16.5 acres, which is being developed as a tourist spot. The total project cost will be Rs 214 crore.
About Sculpture:
- Veteran sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, a Padma Bhushan awardee, built the statue. He had earlier crafted the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
- The State of Valour depicting Lachit Borphukan was built at his studio in Ghaziabad in UP and transported in parts from UP to Assam over the last few months and re-assembled at the site.
Other developing projects at Lachit Barphukan Maidam Development Project:
A gallery showcasing the history of the Ahom dynasty’s 600 years of rule is being built, while another gallery is being set up for the contemporary history of Assam. An auditorium with a capacity of 500 people is also being built.
NHPC conferred 2nd prize under 'Annual Report' category of 'PRSI National Awards 2023'
⇒ NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company, has won the 2nd prize under the ‘Annual Report’ category of ‘PRSI National Awards 2023’.
- The award was presented during the International Public Relations Festival organized by Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) during 25th to 27th November 2023 in New Delhi.
The award recognizes the overall high-quality, layout and design of NHPC Annual Report 2022-23.
9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX)
⇒ The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard on 25 November 2023 off Vadinar, Gujarat.
Participation:
- DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard, and the Chairman NOSDCP reviewed the preparedness of all agencies during the exercise.
- Representatives of various ministries and departments of central and coastal state governments, ports, oil handling agencies, and other stakeholders participated in the exercise.
- More than 31 foreign observers and 80 delegates participated in the exercise.
Key Points:
- The NATPOLREX-IX accomplished its objective of testing the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill invoking provisions of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan or NOSDCP.
- The ICG deployed surface as well as air platforms including Pollution Response Vessels (PRVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III, and Dornier Aircraft configured for marine pollution response.
- The stakeholders like major ports also deployed their maritime assets for showcasing synergized efforts in combating marine pollution.
Background:
- Indian Coast Guard assumed responsibilities for protecting the marine environment in the maritime zones of India on 07 Mar 1986, when these responsibilities were transferred from the Ministry of Shipping. Subsequently, the Coast Guard prepared the NOSDCP for combating oil spill disaster at sea, which was approved by the Committee of Secretaries in 1993.
- Apart from drawing up the NOSDCP, the Coast Guard has established four Pollution Response Centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.
- A robust national system for oil spill response is critical to India’s preparedness for oil spill disasters in Indian waters. Indeed, 75 percent of India’s energy requirements are met by oil that is imported into our country by sea.
- Oil transportation by ships is fraught with inherent risks and requires preventive measures to be taken, both, by the ship owners as well as the oil receiving facilities inside the port. However, the threat of oil pollution through maritime accidents and unforeseen perils of the sea is omnipresent.
» The Indian Coast Guard functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.
Important Day
Lachit Diwas 2023
⇒ Lachit Divas (Lachit Day) is celebrated every year on 24 November.
- Lachit Divas is celebrated state-wide in Assam to commemorate the heroism of Lachit Borphukan and the victory of the Assamese army at the Battle of Saraighat.
- The 401st birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan was observed on 24 November 2023.
History:
- Lachit Borphukan (November 24, 1622 —April 25, 1672) was the famous General of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted the ever-expanding ambitions of the Mughals under Aurangzeb.
- He inspired the Assamese soldiers in the Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671, and inflicted a crushing and humiliating defeat on the Mughals.
- Borphukan achieved the biggest victory of his period in adverse circumstances against a large Mughal army. He united and brought together the tribal forces of Assam.
- The bravery shown by Veer Lachit Borphukan at Saraighat was also the culmination of his immense love for the motherland. The courage and fearlessness of Lachit Borphukan are the identities of Assam.
Steps were taken to promote Unsung Hero ‘Lachit Borphukan’:
- Since 1999, in the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet so that India’s brave soldiers can take inspiration from this warrior.
- The Prime Minister released the book – ‘Lachit Borphukan – Assam’s Hero who Halted the Mughals’ in the closing ceremony of the 400th birth anniversary celebration of Lalchit Borphukan in New Delhi on November 25, 2022.