Today in History (January 2nd, 1492)
On January 2, 1492, Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, was surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella I, marking the end of the Reconquista. This event symbolized the unification of Christian territories in the Iberian Peninsula and had significant historical implications. Subsequently, in the same year, Ferdinand and Isabella signed the Alhambra Decree, leading to the expulsion of the Jewish population from Spain.
Summary of Today’s News
XPoSat in orbit; to study black holes, neutron stars.
ISRO launched the PSLV C58 mission, placing the XPoSat into orbit on January 1, 2024. India became the second nation to deploy an observatory for studying black holes and neutron stars. XPoSat is the world’s second X-ray polarimetry mission, conducting space-based research on celestial X-ray emissions. The satellite carries two payloads, POLIX and XSPECT. The mission also included the successful execution of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment.
Attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthis may hit India’s oil trade.
Yemen’s Houthis target Red Sea vessels in support of Hamas, leading shipping companies to avoid the Suez Canal for the longer route. India, a major oil importer and petroleum exporter, faces concerns as vessels divert due to security issues, impacting its crucial trade routes.
Jaishankar heads to Nepal this week, power pacts on the agenda.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits Nepal to discuss purchasing 10,000 MW of hydroelectric power. The visit addresses various bilateral issues, including air connectivity and digital payments, with the inauguration of Indian-funded projects. A long-term power agreement is anticipated, but unresolved issues include airspace permission for international flights and concerns over the 1950 India-Nepal Friendship treaty update. The visit also involves inaugurating community development programs and discussing connectivity projects.
Uttarakhand bans purchase of agriculture, horticulture land in State by ‘outsiders.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered District Magistrates to reject land purchases by “outsiders” for agriculture or horticulture until a committee examines land laws. The decision responds to protests demanding restrictions on non-residents buying land in the state. Background checks on buyers’ intentions will be conducted, allowing purchases only for specific purposes.
