< Daily Current Affairs & Important Editorials

---

Lachit Barphukan

GS- I >> Art & Culture >> Personalities

Context: An animated masterpiece, titled ‘Lachit: The Warrior,’ chronicling the heroic exploits of the iconic Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, has earned a prestigious spot in the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023, set to unfold in Goa.

About Lachit Barphukan:

• Lachit Barphukan was born on 24 November 1622 in Charaideo, Assam. He was the son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua and Kunti Moran.
• His father Momai Tamuli Barbarua served as the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army and held the prestigious position of the last Barbarua (Phu-Ke-Lung) of upper-Assam under Prataap Singha.
• Lachit Barphukan’s journey in the service of the Ahom state began with his appointment as the commander of ‘Hanstidhara Tamuli’ by the state minister.

Battles against the Mughals:

• The invasion by Mir Jumla, acting on the orders of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, marked a dark chapter for Assam.
• The Mughals captured Garhgaon, the capital of the Ahom Dynasty, leading to the signing of the treaty of Ghilajharighat in 1663.
• This treaty imposed territorial concessions, war indemnities, an annual tribute, and the distressing demand to send the Ahom king’s daughter to the imperial harem in Delhi, deeply denting Assamese nationalist pride.
• Chakradhwaj Singha, determined to reclaim Assam, initiated extensive preparations by training soldiers, bolstering the armament industry, and constructing boats.
• In 1667, Lachit, was entrusted with leading the Ahom army, holding the rank of Barphukan.
• Launching a swift and aggressive campaign, the Ahom army, under Lachit’s command, destroyed Mughal outposts until reaching the pivotal target of Guwahati.
• The subsequent siege culminated in a frontal attack on November 4, 1667, resulting in a victory for the Ahoms and the expulsion of Mughal forces beyond the river Manas.
• In 1669, Mughal troops, led by Ram Singh (Battle of Alaboi), arrived to launch an attack.
• Despite the Ahom army not being fully prepared, Lachit Barphukan, with wisdom and readiness, faced the potential threat.
• The Ahom forces suffered losses, but Lachit, though momentarily upset, remained undeterred and resolute in his commitment to duty and bravery.
• Utilizing the natural advantage of hillocks along the Brahmaputra, earthen ramparts were erected to create a protective ring around the city.
• The subsequent period saw sporadic engagements until the famous Battle of Saraighat in March 1671.
• In the final stages of the Battle of Saraighat, as Mughals attacked from the river.
• Lachit, aboard seven boats, confronted the Mughal fleet, urging his soldiers to fight. His inspiring words reignited their spirit, leading to a desperate battle on the Brahmaputra.
• Lachit’s courageous leadership proved triumphant. The Mughals were forced to retreat from Guwahati.
• Following a strategic decision, the Borphukan instructed his men not to attack the retreating Mughal army.

Legacy:

• The courage and foresight displayed by Lachit in the Battle of Saraighat continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of the Assamese people, underscoring his indispensable role in shaping their nation.
• In recognition of his leadership and valour, the Lachit Barphukan gold medal was instituted in 1999, awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence Academy.

Source: www.thehindu.com

Dominica (Capital: Roseau)

GS- I >> Geography>> Mapping

Context: Recently, Dominica has announced to create world’s first sperm whale reserve.

About Dominica:

Political features:

• It is an Island country of Lesser Antilles in eastern Caribbean Sea.
• Lesser Antilles is a long arc of small islands.
• It lies between the Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante (north) and Martinique (south).

Geographical features:

• Island is of volcanic formation.
• It has a number of active volcanoes including fumaroles (volcanic vents).
• It has Boiling Lake which is the second-largest hot spring lake in world.
• Highest Point: Mount Morne Diablotins
• River: Layou

Source: www.wionews.com

Onattukara Ellu (Sesame)

GS- III >> Economy >> GI Tag

Context: Measures on to expand cultivation of GI-tagged Onattukara sesame.

About Onattukara Ellu (Seasame):

• Onattukara Ellu, commonly known as Onattukara Sesame, is renowned for its distinct health advantages.
• Its oil particularly acclaimed for its unique properties.
• With a relatively elevated antioxidant content, Onattukara Ellu aids in combating free radicals that can cause damage to body cells.
• Moreover, its high concentration of unsaturated fats adds to its health benefits, making it advantageous for individuals with heart conditions.

Current status of Onattukara Ellu:

• Currently, grown on approximately 600 hectares across Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.
• Kerala Agricultural University analysis shows high Vitamin E and antioxidant levels in locally grown sesame.

Source: www.thehindu.com

Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

GS- III >> Science & Technology >> Space

Context: Recently, NASA successfully experiment’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

About DSOC:

• DSOC is a system that consists of a flight laser transceiver, a ground laser transmitter, and a ground laser receiver.
• It is the NASA’s first demonstration of optical communications beyond the Earth-Moon system.
• In optical communications, light is used to carry the signal, instead of electrical current.
• DSOC system was launched with Psyche spacecraft and is configured to send high-bandwidth test data to Earth.
• The experiment aims to demonstrate data transmission rates 10 to 100 times greater than the state-of-the-art radio frequency systems used by spacecraft today.

Significance of DSOC:

• It uses near-infrared light packs which facilitates higher rate of data transmission.
• High-definition imagery transmission.
• It will enable human exploration of deep space like sending humans to Mars.
• Deep space starts just past the Moon’s orbit and includes the solar system and beyond.

About Psyche Mission:

• NASA’s Psyche Mission (2023) was launched to study a metal-rich asteroid that is Psyche Asteroid, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
• Asteroid Psyche is unique as it appears to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet, one of the building blocks of our solar system.

Source: www.jpl.nasa.gov