1) NBRI Develops GM Cotton with Resistance to Pink Bollworm

GS 3: Science and Technology: Genetically modified (GM) crops  

Why is it in the news?

• Scientists at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, have reportedly developed the world’s first genetically modified (GM) cotton that provides complete resistance against the Pink Bollworm (PBW).

Background

• Since the introduction of GM cotton in India in 2002, varieties like Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2, developed in collaboration with Monsanto, have been successful in controlling certain bollworm species. However, these variants have shown limited effectiveness against PBW.
• The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) is a leading Indian research institution focused on botanical research and conservation.

Pink Bollworm (PBW)

• The pink bollworm, commonly known as gulabi sundhi among farmers, harms cotton crops by burrowing its larvae into cotton bolls. This leads to fibre damage and discoloration, rendering it unsuitable for use.
• Spread: PBW primarily spreads through air and crop residues left in the field, which may harbour larvae and infect future crops.
• Prevention: To mitigate infestation, fields previously affected by PBW should remain cotton-free for at least one season. Farmers are advised to burn crop residues promptly and ensure that infected seeds or cotton do not mix with healthy ones.

Understanding GM Crops

• Genetically modified (GM) crops undergo genetic alterations to introduce beneficial traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or higher yield.
• Process: Key steps in GM crop development include identifying desirable traits, isolating relevant genes, inserting them into the crop genome, and ensuring expression of the trait.
• Techniques: Methods such as gene guns, electroporation, microinjection, and Agrobacterium-mediated transfer are used for genetic modification.
• Types of Modifications: GM crops can be categorized as transgenic, cis-genic, sub-genic, or multi-trait integrated.
• Common Traits: GM crops are often designed for herbicide tolerance (HT), insect resistance (IR), or stacked traits combining multiple benefits.

GM Crops in India

• Bt Cotton: Approved for commercial use by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2002, Bt cotton contains two genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), enabling it to produce proteins toxic to PBW. It remains the only GM crop officially approved for cultivation in India.
• Other GM Crops: Several GM crops, such as Bt brinjal and DMH-11 mustard, are at different developmental stages.

Regulatory Framework in India

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): Under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), this body evaluates GM crop proposals for commercial release.

Relevant Acts and Regulations:

• Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Plant Quarantine Order, 2003
• GM Policy under Foreign Trade Policy
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8th Amendment), 1988

2) $1 Billion Fund for India’s Creative Economy

GS 3: Economy: Creative Economy

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian government has announced a $1 billion fund to boost the country’s creative economy. Additionally, the first Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) is being set up in Mumbai with an investment of ₹400 crore.
• This initiative aims to enhance India’s position in global creative industries by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Understanding the Creative Economy

• Also referred to as the orange economy, the creative economy is a knowledge-driven sector where creativity and intellectual capital fuel economic activities. It involves the creation, production, and distribution of goods and services based on artistic and intellectual talent.
• Key industries include film, music, fashion, gaming, software development, and advertising. Monetization occurs through intellectual property rights such as copyrights, patents, and trademarks.

Key Features of the Creative Economy

• The creative economy thrives on knowledge-based activities where skills are developed through education, training, or inherited traditions. It emphasizes originality and intellectual property, enabling industries to monetize ideas effectively.
• The sector is highly adaptable to evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital platforms. Additionally, it forms a cultural and economic value chain, transforming ideas into commercial products and services.

Economic Significance

• The creative economy contributes significantly to global revenue and job creation. Goldman Sachs projects that the global market will expand from $250 billion in 2023 to $480 billion by 2027, employing around 50 million people.
• India has strong export potential in creative industries, including Bollywood, IT services, fashion, and handicrafts. The sector also generates spillover benefits, boosting hospitality, tourism, and retail industries.

Social and Cultural Impact

• The creative economy plays a crucial role in youth and women empowerment, with 23% of jobs held by individuals aged 15-29 and women making up 45% of the workforce.
• It enhances India’s soft power through cinema, cuisine, yoga, and literature, strengthening cultural diplomacy. Additionally, it aligns with sustainability goals as it relies on intellectual resources rather than natural exploitation, promoting a green economy.

Role in Innovation and Technology

• The sector fosters startups and digital entrepreneurship, leading to the rise of YouTubers, content creators, and AI-driven art. Technological advancements such as AI and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping art, gaming, and immersive experiences, expanding creative possibilities.
• This integration of technology with creativity enhances India’s global competitiveness in emerging digital markets.

Challenges Facing India’s Creative Economy

• Despite its potential, India’s creative economy faces several obstacles. Digital and infrastructure gaps remain a concern, with only 41% of rural India having internet access, limiting digital content creation.
• Cybersecurity risks also pose threats to digital assets, NFTs, and online platforms. Economic and policy barriers include weak intellectual property rights, with patent processing taking 58 months in India compared to 20 months in China.
• The market remains fragmented, lacking organized industry structures and distribution platforms for creative products. Financial constraints persist, as MSMEs and startups in the creative sector struggle to secure formal credit or investment.

Societal and Career Perception Issues

• Traditional career preferences continue to discourage many from pursuing creative professions, which are often seen as unstable compared to medicine or engineering.
• Additionally, limited awareness and branding of India’s cultural and creative industries restrict their global reach. Addressing these perceptions is crucial for the sector’s growth and acceptance.

Strategies to Strengthen India’s Creative Economy

• To expand Indian culture globally, efforts must be made to promote Indian films, arts, and fashion in international markets through trade fairs and cultural festivals. Boosting exports of handicrafts, digital art, and animation can also enhance the sector’s global footprint.
• Financial and policy support is essential, including credit guarantees and crowdfunding portals for creative MSMEs, as well as startup incentives for digital content creators and game developers. Strengthening intellectual property protection through faster patent and copyright processing will safeguard creative works.

Developing Creative Infrastructure and Skills

• Establishing creative hubs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can support local artists and startups, decentralizing creative opportunities. Skill development and digital education should be integrated into higher education curricula, incorporating courses on digital design, AI, and digital marketing.
• Governance of AI and emerging technologies is also necessary, including AI-based copyright policies for digital content and blockchain solutions for securing digital creations and NFTs. By implementing these measures, India can harness its creative potential and emerge as a global leader in the creative economy.

3) India-Australia Defence Cooperation: Strengthening Strategic Ties

GS 2: International Relations: India-Australia Relations

Why is it in the news?

• India and Australia recently held their 9th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral defence cooperation.
• Both nations emphasized enhancing maritime security, defence technology collaboration, and strategic partnerships in regional frameworks to ensure Indo-Pacific stability.

Boosting Maritime Security and Naval Interoperability

• Both countries committed to strengthening maritime domain awareness through increased reciprocal information sharing.
• Naval cooperation will be reinforced by joint exercises such as AUSINDEX and Malabar, improving operational synergy between the Indian and Australian navies. These measures aim to counter maritime threats and ensure a secure Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Industry and Technological Advancements

• Discussions focused on promoting technology transfers, joint research, and co-production of advanced military hardware. Emphasis was placed on harnessing emerging technologies to modernize defence capabilities.
• This aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and Australia’s growing focus on defence industry self-reliance, fostering bilateral investments in advanced defence technologies.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships Beyond Bilateral Engagements

India and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to broader regional and multilateral security frameworks. Their cooperation extends to:

• The Quad (India, Australia, Japan, USA): Strengthening the Indo-Pacific security structure.
• ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus): Enhancing regional security dialogues.
• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): Collaborating on maritime security and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Significance of India-Australia Defence Relations

• Defence cooperation between India and Australia has significantly advanced since the establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020. A key milestone was the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (2021), facilitating defence exchanges and joint operations.
• As maritime nations, both countries play a crucial role in addressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Their strategic partnership aims to bolster naval capabilities and uphold regional stability.

Addressing Emerging Security Threats

• The evolving nature of security threats, including cyber warfare, space security, and hybrid warfare tactics, has necessitated deeper collaboration between India and Australia.
• Joint efforts in defence technology innovation are vital to counter these emerging threats and enhance national security frameworks.

Enhancing Defence Trade and Industrial Cooperation

India’s push for indigenous defence production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative aligns with Australia’s strategy to expand its defence industry. Areas of mutual investment include:

• Advanced missile and radar systems
• Unmanned aerial and naval platforms
• Joint shipbuilding initiatives

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy and Global Partnerships

• Australia’s growing defence engagements with India reflect a shift towards strategic autonomy, reducing its dependency on traditional allies like the US and UK.
• For India, this partnership complements its expanding Indo-Pacific alliances, including key relationships with the US, France, and Japan.

Challenges in India-Australia Defence Cooperation

Despite progress, certain obstacles persist in deepening defence collaboration:

• Aligning defence procurement remains a challenge, as Australia has historically relied on Western suppliers like the US and UK, complicating technology transfer with India.
• Bureaucratic and policy barriers also hinder swift approvals for joint research and development projects. Greater policy coordination is needed to overcome differences in military doctrines and strategic objectives.
• Additionally, regional geopolitical complexities present hurdles. Australia’s past economic dependence on China creates challenges in fully aligning its Indo-Pacific strategy with India, requiring careful diplomatic navigation.

Conclusion

• India and Australia’s growing defence cooperation is crucial for ensuring regional security and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific.
• Overcoming existing challenges through enhanced technology sharing, streamlined policy frameworks, and stronger multilateral engagement will pave the way for a more resilient and self-reliant defence partnership.

4) The Dark Side of Insta-Commerce: How Gig Workers Face Modern Exploitation

GS 3: Economy: Insta- Commerce

Why is it in the news?

• The rise of digital platforms has reshaped employment, particularly in the gig economy. While many startup founders claim to support workers’ rights, they often resist regulations that provide real protections.
• This modern gig structure mirrors traditional informal labour systems, where middlemen controlled wages—except now, digital platforms have taken on that role.

Informal Labor Markets: Struggles of Daily Wage Workers

Unstable and Competitive Employment

• Workers gather at labour hubs each morning, hoping to secure short-term jobs. For instance, construction workers at Delhi’s Kashmere Gate rely on daily hiring, facing uncertainty and instability.

Intense Competition Driving Down Wages

• A surplus of workers leads to underbidding, forcing many to accept meagre wages. In Mumbai’s Dadar labour market, skilled tradesmen like carpenters and plumbers must compete aggressively to secure work.

Exploitative Hiring System

• Contractors and middlemen negotiate wages, often offering the lowest rates possible. Textile workers in Ahmedabad, for example, frequently earn less than the minimum wage due to these exploitative practices.

Lack of Social Security and Benefits

• Workers are deprived of stable income, insurance, or pensions and are paid only for completed work. Hyderabad’s brick kiln labourers, for example, work in hazardous environments without accident coverage.

Task-Based Payments and Uncertain Earnings

• Instead of a fixed wage, workers are paid per task completed. In Chennai’s wholesale vegetable markets, loaders are compensated per sack carried rather than per hour, making their earnings unpredictable.

Role of Middlemen (Thekedars) in Informal Labor

Cost-Cutting Advantage for Employers

• Middlemen help employers secure cheap labour by fostering intense worker competition, thereby reducing labour costs and increasing profits. This is evident in urban labour hubs, where employers can hire workers at the lowest rates.

Financial Gains for Thekedars

• Middlemen charge commissions from both workers and employers for connecting them, ensuring their financial benefit. In the construction sector, thekedars take a share of workers’ wages as a brokerage fee.

Digital Platforms as the New Age Middlemen

Facilitating Work Without Responsibility

• Like traditional thekedars, digital platforms connect workers with employers while avoiding legal obligations. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Ola classify drivers as “partners” instead of employees, denying them benefits like provident fund and health insurance.

Suppressing Wages and Controlling Work Allocation

• Gig workers are subject to fluctuating wages set by demand algorithms, leading to income instability. Swiggy and Zomato delivery partners have seen their per-order earnings decline over time as competition increases.

Lack of Bargaining Power

• Workers are at the mercy of digital algorithms that decide job assignments, limiting their control over wages and hours. On freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, professionals must accept lower-paying gigs to remain competitive.

Isolation and Barriers to Unionization

• Just like daily wage earners, gig workers struggle to organize and demand fair wages. Amazon Flex delivery workers, for example, lack union representation and must accept whatever payment terms the platform dictates.

Rating Systems Used for Exploitation

• Platforms use customer ratings to control worker performance, forcing them to accept lower wages and poor conditions. For instance, services like “Insta Maids” pay house help as little as ₹49 per hour, making them compete based on ratings rather than fair pay.

Key Challenges for Gig Workers

Job Insecurity and Absence of Benefits

• Classified as independent contractors, gig workers lack access to provident fund, health insurance, and paid leave. For example, Swiggy and Zomato delivery partners receive no financial compensation in case of work-related injuries.

Unstable and Declining Earnings

• With changing payment structures and fluctuating demand, financial security remains elusive. Uber and Ola drivers, for instance, depend on peak-hour incentives, which companies frequently revise, reducing their earnings.

Exploitation Through Customer Ratings

• Workers must maintain high ratings to secure jobs, often leading to excessive working hours and unfair demands. Urban Company service providers, for example, risk income loss if they receive low customer ratings, regardless of actual performance.

Government Initiatives for Gig Workers

Code on Social Security, 2020

• For the first time, gig and platform workers are covered under social security laws, granting them access to benefits like health insurance, maternity leave, and old-age security.

E-Shram Portal (2021)

• A national database for unorganized workers was launched to facilitate targeted welfare schemes, including accident insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

State-Led Welfare Programs

• Several state governments have introduced initiatives to support gig workers. Rajasthan’s Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board (2023) aims to provide social security benefits.

NITI Aayog’s Report on Gig Economy (2022)

• The report called for policies that enhance financial inclusion, skill development, and access to social security for gig workers, recommending the extension of provident fund and health benefits.

Skill Development and Industry Support

• Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) help gig workers upskill and transition into better-paying opportunities.

Way Forward

Strengthening Legal Protections

• There is a need for laws mandating minimum wages, accident insurance, and pension benefits for gig workers. Amendments to the Code on Social Security, 2020 could ensure employer contributions toward worker welfare.

Enabling Collective Bargaining and Fair Work Standards

• Policies must promote unionization and transparent digital work regulations to prevent worker exploitation. Platforms like Uber and Swiggy should introduce fair payment structures and unbiased rating mechanisms.

5) RBI’s Sarthi and Pravaah Systems: Enhancing Digital Transformation

GS 3: Economy: RBI’s modernization efforts

Why is it in the news?

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently received the prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, recognizing its innovative digital initiatives—Sarthi and Pravaah.
• These systems aim to enhance internal efficiency and regulatory application processes, contributing to RBI’s modernization efforts.

Sarthi System: Digitizing Internal Workflows

• Launched in January 2023, the Sarthi system was designed to digitize internal workflows within the RBI, reducing reliance on paper-based processes and improving operational efficiency.
• It securely stores and shares documents among 13,500 employees across 40+ locations, enhancing record management and data analysis through reports and dashboards.
• Sarthi automates key processes such as task tracking, approvals, and document management, improving collaboration between departments.
• To ensure smooth adoption, RBI introduced an online training platform called Sarthi Pathshala, along with in-person training sessions. Additionally, designated experts known as Sarthi Mitras assist employees in navigating the system and resolving issues.

Pravaah System: Streamlining Regulatory Applications

• Following the success of Sarthi, RBI launched the Pravaah system in May 2024 to facilitate digital submission of regulatory applications by external users. This platform enhances efficiency and transparency in the application process by integrating seamlessly with the Sarthi database for smooth document processing.
• Supporting over 70 regulatory applications, Pravaah improves submission accuracy and speed. Equipped with centralized cybersecurity measures and digital tracking capabilities, it allows real-time monitoring of applications for both applicants and RBI managers.
• The system has led to an 80% increase in monthly applications, significantly reducing delays associated with traditional paper-based submissions.

Conclusion

• The Sarthi and Pravaah systems represent a significant leap in RBI’s digital transformation, improving internal operations and regulatory processes.
• By embracing technology, RBI has set a benchmark for efficiency, transparency, and modernization in India’s financial sector.

6) Risks and Rewards of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

GS 3: Defence: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Why is it in the news?

• The recent sighting of two Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) near Okinawa prompted Japan to respond, but the reaction was notably less severe than it would have been for a piloted fighter jet.
• This reflects a broader global trend where UAVs, despite their expanding military applications, are generally seen as less provocative compared to manned aircraft.

Why Are UAVs Considered Less of a Threat?

• Several factors contribute to this perception. Most UAVs are used for surveillance and reconnaissance rather than direct combat, and even armed UAVs carry limited weapon payloads compared to fighter jets. Additionally, the absence of a pilot reduces their association with direct state aggression.
• Deploying UAVs also eliminates the risk to human life, making them a lower-cost option for intelligence and reconnaissance missions. Even if a UAV is shot down, it does not provoke the same level of political or military escalation as the loss of a manned aircraft.

UAV Shootdowns and Controlled Responses

• Incidents involving downed UAVs have demonstrated how nations tend to respond with restraint. In 2019, Iran shot down an American surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had entered its airspace, while the U.S. asserted it was in international waters.
• Although tensions were high, a planned U.S. retaliatory strike was called off. Similarly, when Russia downed an American MQ-9 Reaper UAV in 2023, no major military escalation followed. Such cases highlight how UAVs allow states to engage in high-risk missions while avoiding direct conflict.

Strategic Risks of UAV Deployment

• The lower risk and cost of UAV operations can encourage states to take more aggressive actions, such as surveillance near contested borders or foreign airspace. Since UAV losses are less politically and financially costly, nations are more willing to deploy them for intelligence gathering.
• Additionally, because downed UAVs do not typically provoke harsh retaliation, they serve as a flexible tool for military operations without escalating conflicts.

India’s UAV Challenge and Border Security Concerns

• For India, UAV intrusions by neighbouring countries present a growing security challenge. Pakistan frequently uses small UAVs to smuggle arms and drugs across the border while denying official involvement.
• In 2019, India shot down a Pakistani UAV using an air-to-air missile fired from a Su-30 fighter jet—an expensive solution for a relatively low-cost threat. Moving forward, India must develop cost-effective countermeasures to neutralize such UAV incursions without depleting high-value defense assets.
• Bangladesh has also introduced UAVs into its military strategy, recently deploying Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 drones near the Indian border for surveillance. These fixed-wing UAVs, which have endurance and capabilities similar to manned aircraft, could pose a challenge if they enter Indian airspace.
• Given their lower perceived threat level, India must carefully address such incidents to prevent unnecessary escalation while maintaining security.

Adapting to the Future of UAV Warfare

• As UAVs become increasingly central to military operations worldwide, India’s defense strategy must evolve. This includes investing in advanced counter-UAV systems, strengthening electronic warfare capabilities, and establishing clear engagement protocols for UAV intrusions.
• Enhancing indigenous UAV development for surveillance and combat roles will also be critical to maintaining strategic superiority. By proactively addressing these challenges, India can effectively integrate UAV technology into its defense strategy while mitigating associated risks.

Bottom of Form

7) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Maharashtra

GS 1: Culture and History: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Why is it in the news?

• Maharashtra’s first-ever temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Bhiwandi taluka, Thane district.
• Built by the Shivkranti Pratishthan trust, this is the second temple in India dedicated to the Maratha warrior, with the first located in Srisailam, Telangana.

Foundation and Construction Timeline

• The temple’s foundation was laid in 2017, and construction officially began in March 2018 after a bhoomipujan ceremony performed by Eknath Shinde, who was then the Thane District Guardian Minister and Urban Development Minister.
• The temple was inaugurated on March 17, 2025, coinciding with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary as per the Hindu calendar.

Architectural Design and Area

• Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts, the temple spans 2,500 square feet, enclosed by a fort-like boundary covering an additional 5,000 square feet.
• The temple was built by the Shivkranti Pratishthan, a trust founded by Raju Chaudhary, a construction magnate and devotee of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who also donated the land for the temple.

6.5-Foot Blackstone Idol

• The temple houses a 5-foot krishnashila (blackstone) statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sculpted by renowned Mysore-based artist Arun Yogiraj.
• He is known for crafting the 22-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, the 12-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, and the idol of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

Fort-Inspired Architecture

• Architect Vishal Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple to resemble the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The structure includes a boundary wall, bastions, and a grand entrance. The 42-foot-high entrance features a 27-foot-high and 17-foot-wide teakwood gate.
• The mandir sabha mandapam is adorned with finely carved fortifications and mahirap The temple is constructed using reinforced concrete, brickwork, and real stone.

Murals and Museum

• The temple complex features 36 sections in its lower part, each containing 9×6 feet murals depicting key moments from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
• Additionally, a museum showcasing historical weapons and armor is housed within the complex. The temple is surrounded by a garden, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Boost to Regional Development

• The temple trust hopes to attract pilgrims and tourists from across Maharashtra and India, boosting local employment opportunities. The trust has sought government assistance in developing the area as a tourist destination, including building a hostel facility and setting up a police chowki
• Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured that the temple will soon receive official pilgrimage site status, enhancing its prominence.

8) The PEPSU Muzhara Movement: A Struggle for Land Rights

GS 3: Economy: Agrarian Struggle in Punjab

Why is it in the news?

• The Muzhara movement was a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab, commemorated annually on March 19. It began in the 1930s in villages of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala and continued post-independence when the princely states were reorganized into the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU).
• The movement, later named the PEPSU Muzhara Movement, witnessed participation from 784 villages across present-day Patiala, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, and Jind (now in Haryana).

Who Were the Muzharas?

• Muzharas were landless tenant farmers seeking ownership rights over the land they had cultivated for generations. Some small farmers were also forced to surrender their land and work as muzharas under British rule.
• They were oppressed under a feudal system where village landlords, known as biswedars, took one-third of the produce. The biswedars, in turn, paid a share to the king, who further contributed revenue to the British. This exploitative system left tenant farmers in poverty and denied them full benefits of their labour.

The Struggle for Land Reforms

• Even after independence, biswedars continued to demand their share from muzharas, leading to an intensified struggle. By 1952, the movement resulted in land reforms that granted ownership rights to tenant farmers.
• As the resistance grew, activists among the muzharas began protecting fellow farmers, sometimes even carrying weapons to defend themselves.
• In March 1949, biswedars attempted to reclaim land from muzharas but met strong resistance in Kishangarh village, which became a center of the struggle.
• The muzharas successfully drove out landlords, harvested sugarcane, produced jaggery, and stored it while preparing for retaliation. Many from nearby villages gathered in Kishangarh in support.
• A clash erupted on March 17, 1949, when the Patiala police intervened, leading to the death of one police officer. As a result, 35 muzharas were arrested but were acquitted in February 1950 after continuous efforts by movement leaders.
• The final confrontation occurred on March 19, 1949, when the army surrounded Kishangarh, leading to the death of four muzharas. This day became symbolic, and since 1953, March 19 has been observed annually to honour the movement.

Key Leaders of the Movement

Several leaders played a crucial role in the Muzhara movement, including:

• Jagir Singh Joga – Mobilized tenant farmers and led resistance efforts.
• Buta Singh – Fought for land redistribution and tenant rights.
• Teja Singh Sutantar – A revolutionary supporting peasant movements in Punjab.
• Sewa Singh Thikriwala – An earlier anti-princely rule activist whose ideology influenced the Muzhara movement.
• Bhai Jodh Singh – Helped raise awareness and strengthen the movement.

Observing the Anniversary

• Earlier, a three-day conference was held annually in Kishangarh village (Mansa district), attracting farmers from surrounding regions. Organized by the Communist Party of India (CPI), attendees traveled by bicycles and carts, while villagers prepared flags, painted slogans, and made other arrangements. The event also became a social gathering, with families reuniting and married daughters visiting their parents.
• In the last two decades, the event has been shortened to a one-day conference on March 19, organized by CPI with participation from various farmer unions.
• The 2025 conference includes groups like BKU Dakaunda (Manjit Dhaner faction), Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, Kisan wings of CPI and CPI(M), BKU Lakhowal, and BKU Kadian—all part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).

Memorials Honouring the Struggle

• The entrance gate of Kishangarh village bears an inscription: “Muzhara Lehar de Shaheedan di Yaad Nu Samarpit” (Dedicated to the Martyrs of the Muzhara Movement). A memorial and hall have been built on one kanal of land, previously a biswedar haveli.
• After the landlords fled, the haveli was demolished in the early 2000s, and the memorial was constructed through local efforts, marking the lasting impact of the Muzhara struggle on Punjab’s agrarian history.

9) Serbia’s Alleged Use of Sonic Weapons: How They Work and Their Impact

GS 3: Science and Technology: Sonic or acoustic weapons

Why is it in the news?

• Serbia is witnessing mass protests against their President, with accusations of corruption and nepotism fuelling public outrage. Amid the unrest, allegations have emerged that the Serbian police used a sonic weapon to disperse demonstrators in Belgrade. However, President denied these claims, stating that no such weapon was deployed.
• Under Serbia’s police law, the use of sonic weapons is illegal. Military experts, however, suggest that authorities may have used such a device to produce a piercing noise to suppress the protests.

What Are Sonic Weapons?

• Sonic or acoustic weapons are devices that emit loud or painful sound waves over long distances. These can be either audible or inaudible and are often used for crowd control. Some sonic weapons also function as voice amplifiers to deliver messages over large areas.
• While sound amplifiers have existed for centuries, their use in law enforcement and military operations began in the early 1990s. The first notable use of specialized sonic devices for crowd control occurred in Iraq in 2004, when the United States military deployed them.

How Do Sonic Weapons Work?

• These weapons use modern transducers, which are electronic devices that convert energy into sound waves. The sound is highly concentrated and amplified, allowing law enforcement to target specific areas.
• According to a report by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), police can adjust the frequency, intensity, and duration of these sounds. This narrow sound beam can be directed at protesters, causing discomfort or pain.

Types of Sonic Weapons

There are three major types of sonic weapons:

Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD):

• This device produces a highly directional beam of loud sound, reaching up to 160 decibels (dB). For comparison, a jet engine during take-off produces 130-140 dB, and a gunshot is about 150 dB.
• Exposure to sounds above 140 dB causes pain, while sounds above 120 dB can cause permanent hearing damage even after short exposure.

Mosquito Device:

• This high-frequency device targets younger individuals (typically teenagers and young adults). People above 30 years of age are usually unaffected, as hearing sensitivity declines with age.
• According to sound experts, this technology works because older individuals cannot perceive these high-pitched sounds.

Infrasonic Weapons:

• This emerging technology delivers low-frequency sounds that are inaudible but may cause pain and disorientation. Experts are still investigating its potential use as a weapon. Though sonic weapons exist, infrasonic technology is still difficult to weaponize effectively.

Health Effects of Sonic Weapons

• Exposure to sonic weapons can lead to serious health risks, including damage to the eardrums, hearing loss, and painful physical reactions. Although earplugs can reduce noise levels by 20-30 dB, this may not be enough to prevent injury.
• The severity of the effects depends on sound intensity, duration of exposure, and an individual’s preexisting health conditions.
• The LRAD device, for example, can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that lasts from a few minutes to several days. Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, vertigo, sweating, and balance loss. More severe effects can include vomiting, bleeding, and mucus discharge from the ears.

Human Rights Concerns

• Despite their targeted sound beam, sonic weapons can indiscriminately harm protesters, bystanders, and law enforcement personnel.
• Human rights organizations, including Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), argue that there is insufficient research on the long-term health effects of these weapons. They warn that sonic devices should not be used for crowd control, as they can cause severe and unintended injuries.