Today in History (August 9th, 1925)
On this day in 1925, the Kakori Train Action took place. It was organized by the Indian Revolutionaries of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) during the Indian independence movement against British rule in India.
Summary of Today’s News
Assam Rifles
The Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, dates back to 1835 as Cachar Levy. Renamed over the years, it became Assam Rifles in 1917. Operating in the Northeast, it aids the Army in counter-insurgency and law enforcement and guards the Indo-Myanmar border. Headquarters in Shillong, it is known as ‘Sentinels of the Northeast’ with the motto ‘Friends of the Hill People.’ Notably, it operates under a unique dual control structure where administrative control is under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, while operational control rests with the Indian Army under the Union Ministry of Defence.
Maya OS
India’s Union Defence Ministry will replace Microsoft OS with a locally developed open-source Ubuntu-based OS named “Maya” on internet-connected computers to counter rising cyber and malware threats on defense and critical infrastructure. “Maya” resembles Windows, easing user transition. A protection system named “Chakravyuh” will also be installed. Maya will first be used in Defence Ministry systems and is being considered by the Navy, Army, and Air Force for their networks. This move aims to enhance cybersecurity against increasing cyberattacks and malware incidents in the country.
Vostro account
A domestic bank holds a Vostro account for a foreign bank in the domestic currency, like India’s rupee. It serves as an account that a correspondent bank maintains on behalf of another bank, enabling cross-border services. This includes transfers, withdrawals, and deposits in places where the domestic bank lacks physical presence. Vostro accounts help domestic banks expand global access, offer international services, and serve international clients remotely.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), launched in 2021 by the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT, seeks to cultivate a self-sustaining semiconductor and display ecosystem with a substantial budget. ISM’s objectives include:
- Strategizing domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
- Promoting secure microelectronics.
- Aiding semiconductor design growth.
- Supporting indigenous IP.
- Enabling technology transfer.
It encompasses schemes for fab establishment, display fabrication, compound semiconductors, and design incentives to foster the semiconductor industry’s growth.
