Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)
Why in News?
- The Indian Air Force has completed black-topping (paved runway) of the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Nyoma, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Work is underway to extend the runway to accommodate fighter jets.
- Construction progress:
- Work is currently 15% complete, temporarily halted due to winter.
- Construction is expected to resume in April and aims to be completed in two years.
Strategic Importance
- The Nyoma ALG is strategically located and advantageous for India, despite being 30 km away from the LAC. It is poised to become a significant asset for the Indian armed forces.
Historical Milestones
- First landing of a fixed-wing aircraft occurred on September 18, 2009, with an AN-32 transport aircraft.
- The runway extension will enable handling of all fighter aircraft in the IAF’s inventory, reaching lengths of 9,000 or 10,000 feet.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the ALG in September, emphasizing its potential as a "game-changer" for the armed forces.
Strategic Infrastructure
- The ALG's development cost is approximately ₹200 crore.
- IAF has additional airfields and ALGs in the region, but Nyoma's stable weather conditions offer strategic advantages over other locations.
- During the 2020 standoff with Chinese forces, Nyoma served as a vital base for forward deployment, troop support, and surveillance.
Technical Adjustments
- To address challenges faced by fighter jets at high-altitude airfields, engine modifications are underway to enable starting at low temperatures.
Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)
- Initially, Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) were temporary airfields established during World War II for rapid air support to ground troops, strategically located near battlefronts.
- Location: ALGs are strategically placed near battlefronts, reducing aircraft response time and enabling rapid support.
- Basic Setup: ALGs have basic facilities like runways and parking, using simple construction methods like gravel runways and steel matting.
- Examples: In Normandy (Europe), ALG A-21 supported D-Day landings. In the Pacific, ALG Noemfoor aided operations against Japan.
- Versatility: ALGs accommodate various aircraft types, supporting roles from air combat to supply and evacuation.
- Challenges: Limited facilities, weather sensitivity, and vulnerability to attacks posed challenges.
- Modern Equivalent: Today’s Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) or Forward Operating Positions (FOPs) serve similar purposes with updated tactics.
In India at LAC
- Nyoma ALG in Ladakh.
- Daulat Beg-Oldie (DBO) ALG in Ladakh.
- Fukche ALG in Ladakh.
- ALGs in Leh
- Thoise (Leh).
Prelims Question
The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground of the Indian Air Force, which was featured in recent news, is situated in:
a) Jammu and Kashmir
b) Ladakh
c) Karnataka
d) Himachal Pradesh
Kashmir Hangul
Why in News?
Kashmir’s highly shy and sensitive animal, hangul, which is listed as a critically endangered indigenous species of deer, has reported one of the healthiest rutting or mating seasons in the previous autumn. Experts suggested the roars or calls made by hanguls during rutting indicate that their number will cross 300 this spring, the first time in more than three decades.
Kashmir Hangul(Kashmir stag)
- Name and Pronunciation:
- Also known as Hangul(Kashmir stag).
- Pronounced as [hãːɡul] in Kashmiri.
- Subspecies and Habitat:
- Subspecies of Central Asian red deer, Cervus hanglu hanglu.
- Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas.
- Found in dense riverine forests in the valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.
- Population and Conservation Status:
- Population estimated to be between 3000 and 5000 individuals in the 1940s.
- Population has drastically declined due to habitat destruction, over-grazing by domestic livestock, and poaching.
- Population increased marginally to 289 in 2023 from 197 in 2004.
- Classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Protected in areas like Dachigam National Park and Tral Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Appearance:
- Light rump patch without including the tail.
- Brown coat with speckling.
- Greyish-white inner sides of the buttocks, black upper side of the tail.
- Each antler consists of five tines, with a strongly curved inward beam.
Prelims Question
Hangul, a critically endangered species, is mainly found in the state of:
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Jammu and Kashmir
c) Kerala
d) Tamil Nadu
Election Commission of India
Why in News?
The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday directed all the district magistrates and superintendents of police to take strong action against officials, who are indulging in favouritism.
Functions
- Enforcing and maintaining a model code of conduct before elections.
- Punishes any candidate or party that violates MCC.
- Disciplines political parties with a threat of de-recognition.
- Cancels elections or calls for re-elections if any kind of corruption or malpractices are found.
- Monitors election expenditure by candidates and political parties.
- Ensuring expenditure does not exceed permissible limits.
- Ensures the participation of all eligible citizens in the electoral process.
- Engages with political parties and all stakeholders.
- Promotes credibility, fairness, transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
- Conducts awareness programs about voter's rights and responsibilities.
- Ensuring all voters participate in the democratic process of elections.
Practice Question - Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only One
b) Only Two
c) Only Three
d) None
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