Current Affairs Capsule for 25th September

1.) Karnataka HC upholds sanction to probe CM

Karnataka HC’s Decision:

The Karnataka High Court dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s order.

Governor’s Approval for Investigation:

The Governor had approved an investigation into alleged illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to his wife, valued at ₹56 crore.

Court’s Reasoning:

• The court emphasized that the allegations necessitate an investigation.

• The fact that Siddaramaiah’s wife is the sole beneficiary of the allotments makes the investigation more significant.

Governor’s Role:

• The court stated that while the Governor must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, he can take independent decisions in exceptional cases.

• The Governor’s order was considered valid as an exceptional situation.

Rejection of Other Claims:

• Siddaramaiah’s argument that the Governor did not apply his mind in granting approval was rejected.

• The court clarified that a police officer does not need approval to investigate a public servant under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Court’s Clarification:

• The High Court reiterated that seeking approval for investigation is not mandatory under Section 17A in this specific case.

• The court also dismissed the need for a show-cause notice or hearing before granting approval.

2.) Indian Army Will Receive Apache Choppers in December; LCH will be Deployed in Ladakh Next Year

Apache Helicopters Delivery:

The Indian Army will receive the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December, after a delay of more than six months.

Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Deployment:

The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), will be deployed in Ladakh next year.

Apaches and LCH Purpose:

Apaches are ideal for desert warfare, while the LCH is specifically designed for high-altitude conditions.

Cost and Training:

India signed a deal with Boeing for six Apaches in February 2020 at a cost of $800 million. Six pilots and 24 technicians were trained in the U.S. as part of the deal.

LCH Deployment Timeline:

The Army plans to deploy the LCH in Ladakh in 2024-25, and the LCH is well-suited for operations in high-altitude areas.

3.) Case Study: Dr. Mary Poonen Lukose

• Dr. Mary Poonen Lukose, born in 1886, was Kerala’s first woman doctor and the first woman to be a member of a legislative council in an Indian princely state.

• After facing initial barriers in India, she pursued a medical degree in London, specializing in gynecology. Returning to Travancore, she made history by performing Kerala’s first cesarean section and pioneering midwifery training. In 1924, she became the first woman head of Travancore’s health department and its first surgeon general. She also served in the Travancore Legislative Council, impacting public health policy until 1937.

4.) Gingee Fort Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recently, the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district has been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes proposal, which includes 11 other forts.

What are the Key Facts Regarding Gingee Fort of Tamil Nadu?

• Geographical Feature and Significance: Gingee Fort is renowned for its historical importance and strategic location atop three hillocks: Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri.

• It is also known as the “Troy of the East,” as it is one of the most impregnable fortresses in peninsular India. 

Historical Overview of Gingee Fort:

• The fort was originally built by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty in 1200 CE and named it Krishnagiri.Vijayanagar Empire undertook significant renovations of the fort. 

• In 1677, the fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji and remained under Maratha control until 1698, when it fell to the Mughals. 

• The Fort became the last stronghold for the Marathas (Rajaram I, son of Shivaji) during their resistance against the Mughal forces.

• Briefly ruled by Raja Desingh (Tej Singh), it was taken over by the Nawabs of Arcot in 1714 and remained under their dominion until 1749. 

• From 1750 to 1770, the French held the fort before it eventually passed into Britishers.

Process for nominating a site to UNESCO’s World Heritage List

• A country creates a list of important cultural and natural heritage sites.

• The country selects sites from the Tentative List and prepares nomination details.

• The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and IUCN evaluate the nominated property.

• The Committee meets annually to decide which sites to add to the World Heritage List, based on advisory recommendations and criteria fulfillment.

5.) Indian Army Inducts Robotic Mules

The Indian Army has inducted 100 robotic mules (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment) in forward areas.

About Robotic Mules:

• The four-legged robotic mules have a sleek design and are equipped with thermal cameras and other sensors, which enable them to carry out surveillance.

• They can climb stairs, steep hills and other hurdles and can operate in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40 to +55 degrees Celsius and carry a payload of 15kg.

• They can also be integrated with small arms, and can engage with an enemy without putting a human life at risk, if needed.