The December 1999 major terrorist attack known as the Kandahar hijacking, or IC-814 hijacking, took place. The December 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, sometimes referred to as the Kandahar hijacking, happened when the plane was traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a significant act of terrorism. Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 was taken over by five armed terrorists from the militant organization Harkat-ul-Mujahideen when it was traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Delhi, India. The kidnapping took place over a few days and resulted in a heated standoff that was resolved in the Taliban-controlled city of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

75.1) Hijack Timeline

75.2) Demands

75.3) Conclusion

1. Hijacking: Shortly after it entered Indian airspace on December 24, 1999, an Airbus A300 carrying 176 passengers and crew was taken over. After the hijackers forced the jet to land in Amritsar, India, it took off again without being properly intercepted because of delays and miscommunication.

2. Journey to Kandahar: Before arriving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the hijacked aircraft stopped in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Lahore, Pakistan. 27 passengers were freed in Dubai; one of them, Rupin Katyal, had been stabbed by the hijackers and was seriously hurt.

3. Demands: Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar are three extremists who are detained in India; the hijackers wanted their freedom. They also wanted the body of a militant who was killed returned, along with $200 million in cash.

4. Negotiations: Under the direction of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Indian government held vigorous talks with the hijackers. Although they served as middlemen, the Taliban, who at the time had control of Kandahar, were widely believed to be supporting the hijackers.

5. Resolution: Following seven days of talks, the Indian government consented to the three militants' release in exchange for the passengers' safe return. After the hostages were liberated on December 31, 1999, the insurgents were transported by air to Kandahar.

6. Aftermath: There were major consequences following the attack, and the hijackers were permitted to flee. One of the terrorists who was freed, Maulana Masood Azhar, went on to form the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out several strikes in India, including the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. The IC-814 hijacking altered how such emergencies were handled and revealed weaknesses in Indian security.

The hijacking of IC-814 is still regarded as one of the scariest incidents in Indian aviation and counterterrorism history, emphasizing the difficult tasks involved in responding to terrorist demands.

— Team Yuva Aaveg

(Adarsh Tiwari)

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source- Hindustan Times

In an alarming and heartbreaking incident, a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped inside a bus in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This horrifying crime marks the third gang rape in the state within a month, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of women and girls in the region. The incident comes at a time when the country is already reeling from the shock of another brutal rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College, sparking massive protests nationwide.

The Incident in Dehradun

The latest incident occurred in Dehradun, a city known for its scenic beauty and as a hub of education. The victim, a young girl, was reportedly attacked by multiple men while she was traveling inside a bus—an environment that should have been safe and secure. Instead, it became a place of unimaginable horror. The perpetrators allegedly took advantage of the situation, overpowering the minor and subjecting her to a brutal assault that has left the community in shock and disbelief.

This case, like the others before it, has sent ripples of anger and fear across the region. The fact that this is the third such incident in just a month highlights a disturbing pattern of sexual violence that cannot be ignored.

A Disturbing Trend: Rising Cases of Gang Rape

The series of gang rapes in Uttarakhand, including the recent case in Dehradun, reflects a growing crisis that demands urgent attention. Despite stricter laws and increased awareness, sexual violence continues to plague the country, with women and girls being the primary victims.

The frequency of these attacks in Uttarakhand, a state that was once considered relatively safe, is particularly alarming. It points to a breakdown in law and order and raises questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals. The fact that such heinous crimes are being committed in public spaces, like buses, where people should feel secure, underscores the need for immediate action.

National Outrage and Protests

The Dehradun gang rape has occurred at a time when India is already witnessing widespread protests in response to the horrific rape and murder of a young medical student in Kolkata. The brutality of that crime, and the subsequent discovery of the victim’s body, has ignited nationwide outrage, with citizens taking to the streets to demand justice and better protection for women.

The protests are not just about individual cases—they are a collective cry for systemic change. People across the country are demanding that the government take stronger action to prevent such crimes, ensure swift justice for the victims, and create a safer environment for all.

The Dehradun case has only added fuel to this fire, with activists, students, and citizens calling for immediate and harsh punishment for the perpetrators. The anger is palpable, and the demand for justice is louder than ever.

The Need for Systemic Change

The recent spate of gang rapes in Uttarakhand and other parts of the country highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to address sexual violence. While laws exist to punish such crimes, their enforcement often falls short. Delays in the judicial process, societal stigma, and the lack of support for victims are just some of the issues that need to be addressed.

There is a pressing need for a comprehensive approach that includes not only stricter enforcement of laws but also widespread education and awareness campaigns. Communities must be educated about the importance of gender equality, respect, and the consequences of sexual violence. Schools, colleges, and workplaces should play an active role in promoting these values.

Moreover, the safety of public spaces, including transport services, must be prioritized. Installing CCTV cameras, conducting regular checks, and ensuring the presence of security personnel are steps that can help deter such crimes. Additionally, there must be a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual harassment or violence, with perpetrators being brought to justice swiftly and decisively.

Conclusion

The alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Dehradun is a grim reminder of the deep-rooted issues that continue to plague our society. It is a wake-up call that we cannot afford to ignore. The rising number of such incidents in Uttarakhand and across the country demands urgent action from the government, law enforcement agencies, and society at large.

We must stand united in our demand for justice, not just for the victims of these heinous crimes but for all women and girls who live in fear of such violence. It is time for real, meaningful change—one that ensures that no one has to endure the horrors of sexual violence ever again. As we continue to protest and demand accountability, we must also work towards creating a society that values and protects the dignity and safety of every individual.

 73.1) Introduction:

    On August 9, 2024, a second-year postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata was found dead in a seminar hall on the college campus. The autopsy confirmed that she had been raped and murdered, leading to widespread outrage and nationwide protests. Let us delve into the details of this horrific crime and the subsequent outcry for justice.

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73.2) The Incident:

      The victim, known by the pseudonym “Abhaya," was found dead on the college campus. Autopsy results confirmed sexual assault and murder. The brutality of the crime left everyone stunned, and questions arose about safety measures within educational institutions.

73.3) Arrest and Investigation:

Prompt action by the police led to the arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer. His Bluetooth headset, found at the crime scene, linked him to the incident. However, dissatisfaction with the initial investigation prompted the Calcutta High Court to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The medical fraternity demanded justice and better security protocols.

73.4) Nationwide Outrage:

Abhaya’s tragic fate ignited nationwide outrage. Medical professionals, students, and concerned citizens rallied for justice. Protests, candlelight vigils, and social media campaigns emphasized the need for safer campuses and stricter laws against violence.

73.5) Calls for Reform:

1. Safety Measures: The incident underscored the urgency of improving security on college premises. Better lighting, surveillance, and access control became focal points for discussion.

2. Legal Reforms: Activists and legal experts advocated for specialized courts to handle cases involving healthcare workers. They also called for mandatory security personnel at hospitals and awareness programs to sensitize the public.

3. Gender Sensitization: Abhaya’s case highlighted the importance of gender sensitization. Educational institutions began organizing workshops to promote respectful behavior and bystander intervention.

73.6) Conclusion:

   The 2024 R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital Rape and Murder Case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women and healthcare professionals. It compels us to reflect on our collective responsibility to create a safer society—one where justice prevails, and no one lives in fear.

 — Team Yuva Aaveg

(Praveen Kumar Maurya)

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 73.1) Why in the news? 

Recently, the honorable Supreme Court of India has given an important verdict regarding SC/ST reservation.  The Supreme Court has ordered that sub-classification can be done among SC/ST for quotas.

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73.2) Reservation -need of it and article related to it :

Reservation in Bharat is all about reserving access to seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population. The reservation is generally given for the progress of Backward-class people. If we talk about the context of the topic, Article 341 is related to the scheduled caste reservation. 

Article 341-1: The President of India may notify the caste of any state or Union territory ( by the consultation of the governor) deemed to be a Scheduled caste in relation to that state or Union territory.

2: Parliament may make the law on the above notification issued by the President.

73.3) Some important decisions by the judiciary on the case of SC/ST reservation:

73.3.1) POLICY OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT:

In 1975, the government of Punjab came up with the policy to distribute the SC quota seat between the two communities, i.e., Valmiki Majhabi Sikhs and other SC castes. This rule was regulated for 30 years.  In 2006, this policy was rejected by the High Court of Punjab and Chandigarh. After the 2006 verdict, the Punjab government came again with a new reservation quota policy for these two groups. But again, it was rejected by the High Court in 2010. This verdict was reached in the Supreme Court, in which the Punjab government suggested the Supreme Court for sub-categorization of Scheduled caste reservations like creamy and non-creamy layers in OBC castes.

73.3.2) Indira Sawhney and others versus Union of India:

    This case is popularly known as  MANDAL VERDICT. This was a landmark case public interest litigation case in 1992 that challenged the government’s decision to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations for reservation for socially and economically Backward classes (SEBCs). This case was heard by nine judges on the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court.  Some important points regarding this case are mentioned below:

     1) The state’s power is limited, and the quota can’t exceed 50 %.

     2) The concept of SOCIAL BACKWARDNESS was emphasized, and 11 indicators were established to determine backwardness.

     3) The concept of the creamy layer was introduced, which was only applied to other Backward classes.

     73.3.3) EV CHINNAYYA VS STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH (2004):

      No subcategorization is permitted in Scheduled caste reservations because it ignores the right to equality.

     73.3.4) Recent verdict:

      In  2020, a constitutional bench of 5 judges of the Supreme Court started rethinking the verdict of EV Chinnayya vs State of Andhra Pradesh.  After some time, a bench of seven judges was established, which was headed by the honorable CJI. After listening to all the sides of this case, the decision was kept safe in January 2024. Here are the some important points of this verdict are given below :

     1) Sub quota is not against the right of equality.

    2) State government can subcategorize in SC/ ST reservation quota. So that the categories that require reservations will be more profitable.

    3) The decision was passed by 7 Judges by 6:1. The 6 judges who were in favor are mentioned below: JUSTICE PANKAJ MITTHAL, JUSTICE VIKRAM NAATH, JUSTICE BR GAVAI, JUSTICE MANOJ MISHRA, JUSTICE SC SHARMA. There was only one judge who opposed the decision, JUSTICE BELA M.  TRIVEDI. She said that Article 142 cannot be used for the formation of a new building. She supported EV CHINNAYYA S STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH's decision.  She also said that supporting subcategorization is just like disturbing articles 341-2.

     There are  two important conditions regarding the sub-categorization:

    1) The one particular caste that comes under the Scheduled caste reservation cannot get a 100 percent quota.

      2) There must be perfect data before the subcategorization of that caste.

    Also, this decision of the Supreme Court is only given for government jobs. There is no statement regarding admission to educational institutions and seats in parliament.

Impact of recent verdict:

Political parties will play a victim card to take all the votes of subcategories of Scheduled castes. Now, in the election, parties will promise to give them reservations if the public will vote for them.

There will be a loss to those political parties which have fixed Dalit vote banks. The impact will be more seen in the states where the population of Scheduled caste is more than 15 percent.

Also, the subcategorization will end the dominance of a particular caste in the Scheduled caste.

Reaction of the political parties :

The majority of political parties, like LJP, BSP, BHIM ARMY, TDP, JDU, etc., have openly opposed the decision of the Supreme Court.  They called for an open protest on the 21st of August and named it BHARAT BANDH.

73.4) Conclusion:

This verdict has been in the Supreme Court since 2020. The decision on subcategorization was made after the proper discussion.  We cannot raise questions on the honorable Supreme Court.  Social media is trending with #samvidhaan_bachao. The people are demanding the resignation of CJI. This decision will definitely increase the number of public interest litigation cases from many states regarding the misuse of this decision.

— Team Yuva Aaveg

(Shashwat Tripathi)

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Here the festival of games is going to start. The Olympic games, which were held in the capital city of France, are ready to host athletes from 196 nations. These 196 countries will be represented by about 10,700 athletes in 32 games. Now it’s time to talk something about our Bharat and its players.

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71.1) Indians in the Paris:

The Indian Olympic Committee is going to Paris with 118 athletes. The chef-de-mission of the Indian diaspora is the 2012 Olympic Games bronze medal winner, Gagan Narang. Gagan has replaced the female boxer and legend M.C. Marycom. She has denied it due to personal reasons. The Pursala Venkata Sindhu, popular as PV Sindhu and A. Sharath Kamal, will be our flag bearers. In the Olympics, the gold medal is very few for our players since the free India has been participating in this game. The first individual medal, which was bronze, was won by the great wrestler K D Jadhav in the year 1952, while the field hockey team won the gold medal in the 1948 Olympics. If we talk about the individual gold medals, we can count it on our fingertips. Only Abhinav Bindra (in shooting) and Neeraj Chopra (in javelin throw) have won the gold for India. Every country in the world sends its best players to the Olympics,  so Bharat is also doing so. Being an Indian, we expect that the color of the medals of our athletes will be golden color, and every athlete participating in the Olympics will come with hoisting our Tiranga. Especially we are hoping that Neeraj Chopra and his group will again come with gold. Our badminton team is currently playing very sincerely so we can also look for gold towards them. Players of other games, like wrestling, shooting, hockey, fencing, running, etc., will also make us proud.

71.2) History of Olympic Games:

The Olympic games are played mainly in two seasons i.e. summer and winter. Since the players and countries participating in the Winter Olympics are very few in number, the Summer Olympics is very famous among all the countries.  The summer Olympics was started in Athens, Greece, in the year 1896. Pierre de Coubertin is known as the father of the summer Olympics.  He made a very important contribution in starting these games. The 33^rd edition of the Olympic Games is to be held in Paris, will start on 26 July 2024, and will come to an end on 11 August 2024. This time, 32 games will be played, out of which 28 are core games (played in previous Olympics) while four new games, i.e. surfing, sport climbing, breaking, and skateboarding.  These games will be played in 329 events. The inauguration of the Paris Olympics will be held on the bank of the Sean River in Paris. 

71.3) Benefits of hosting these games:

When we see these games, a genuine question arises in our mind: Why does any country want to host these games? The host country faced an economic problem after the games came to an end. But why does every big nation want to host it?
The reason behind the hosting is that the country represents the whole world at that time. Also, the chances of tourism, FDI inflow, and sponsors also show interest in that country. The gaming culture among the youth of that country rises very sharply, and the country gets funding easily from many countries and organizations.

71.4) Conclusion:

The world is running on hopes and expectations. These hopes always run in the minds of those people who have a little bit of interest in any type of game. We, the Indians, were always a great supporter of promoting and playing the games. We have great expectations with our athletes participating in games like javelin throw, badminton, field hockey, chess, tennis, table tennis, marathon, cycling, weightlifting,  boxing, etc. The 118  players participating are not only representing their town or city, but they are representing Bharat on such a big stage. We must have to support every Indian player participating in any game. And the cheers of INDIA …..INDIA  never be stopped.

— Team Yuva Aaveg

(Shashwat Tripathi)

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source - Chernobyl

Introduction

On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the most catastrophic nuclear disaster in history: the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion in the Soviet Union, now present-day Ukraine. The disaster shocked the world, exposing the devastating potential of nuclear energy when things go wrong. While the world has moved on, the shadow of Chernobyl lingers, serving as a haunting reminder of the dangers of nuclear power.

Source- Chernobyl

The Lead-Up: How Did It Happen?

To understand the disaster, we need to go back to the early morning hours of April 26, 1986. The night shift crew at Reactor No. 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was conducting a safety test. The test's purpose was to simulate a power outage to ensure that in such an event, the reactor could safely shut down and cool without needing the main power supply.

But things didn't go according to plan. A series of errors were made, both human and technical. The reactor, an RBMK-1000, had a design flaw that made it inherently unstable at low power levels. The operators, unaware of these risks, pushed the reactor to its limits. When they attempted to shut it down by inserting control rods into the core, it triggered a massive power spike. Within seconds, the reactor's fuel rods began to overheat, and at 1:23:58 AM, two explosions rocked the facility, blowing off the reactor's 1,000-ton steel and concrete lid.

Source- Chernobyl

Source- Chernobyl

The Immediate Aftermath: Chaos and Confusion

The explosion released a massive amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Initially, there was confusion about what had happened. The plant workers and emergency responders were ill-prepared to handle such a situation. Many of the first responders, unaware of the radioactive danger, rushed to the scene without proper protective gear. Tragically, many of them suffered from acute radiation sickness and died within weeks.

The Soviet government initially tried to downplay the severity of the incident. It wasn't until radioactive particles were detected across Europe that the full extent of the disaster became clear. The city of Pripyat, home to the plant workers and their families, was not evacuated until 36 hours after the explosion. By then, the residents had been exposed to high levels of radiation.

The Evacuation and Exclusion Zone

When the order to evacuate Pripyat finally came, it was swift and abrupt. Residents were told to pack a few belongings and board buses. Most were under the impression that they would return home in a few days, but the reality was far different. Pripyat became a ghost town overnight, and its 50,000 residents would never return.

The Soviet authorities established an exclusion zone, initially a 30-kilometer radius around the plant, which has since expanded. This area remains uninhabitable due to high levels of radiation. Nature, however, has slowly reclaimed the land, with forests growing over abandoned buildings and wildlife thriving in the absence of human activity.

Source- Chernobyl

The Liquidators: The Heroes of Chernobyl

In the wake of the disaster, the Soviet Union mobilized over 600,000 workers, known as "liquidators," to contain the fallout. These included soldiers, firefighters, miners, and scientists, many of whom were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. They performed various tasks, from constructing the concrete sarcophagus that encased the reactor to cleaning up radioactive debris.

The liquidators are often regarded as heroes for their bravery and sacrifice. Many of them suffered from radiation-related illnesses, and a significant number lost their lives. The exact number of deaths resulting from the disaster is still debated, with estimates ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands.

Source- Chernobyl

The Environmental and Health Impact

The environmental and health impacts of the Chernobyl disaster are staggering. The explosion released large amounts of radioactive iodine-131, cesium-137, and strontium-90 into the environment. These isotopes have long half-lives, meaning the area will remain contaminated for centuries.

The health consequences for those exposed to the radiation have been severe. There was a dramatic increase in thyroid cancer cases, particularly among children who were exposed to radioactive iodine. Other cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues have also been linked to the disaster. The long-term effects are still being studied, and the full impact may not be known for generations.

The Sarcophagus and the New Safe Confinement

In the months following the disaster, a massive concrete sarcophagus was constructed to encase Reactor No. 4 and contain the radiation. However, this structure was hastily built and began to deteriorate over time, posing a risk of collapse.

In 2016, a new structure called the New Safe Confinement (NSC) was completed. This massive steel arch, the largest movable structure ever built, was slid into place over the existing sarcophagus. The NSC is designed to contain the reactor for at least the next 100 years, giving future generations the time and tools to eventually dismantle it safely.

The Legacy of Chernobyl

The Chernobyl disaster had profound effects on the world, both immediate and long-lasting. In the Soviet Union, it was a contributing factor to the collapse of the state, exposing the weaknesses of the government and its inability to manage such a crisis. The disaster also led to increased scrutiny of nuclear power worldwide. Many countries reevaluated their nuclear programs, with some scaling back or abandoning nuclear energy altogether.

In the years since the disaster, Chernobyl has become a symbol of the dangers of nuclear power and a focal point for debates about its future. The site itself has drawn interest from tourists, scientists, and even filmmakers, with the 2019 HBO miniseries "Chernobyl" bringing renewed attention to the disaster.

The Human Cost

Beyond the statistics and the environmental impact, the Chernobyl disaster is ultimately a story of human tragedy. The lives lost, the communities displaced, and the ongoing health struggles of those affected serve as a poignant reminder of the disaster's human cost. The survivors, known as "Chernobylites," continue to live with the consequences of that fateful day, many of them grappling with health issues, psychological trauma, and the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

Source- Chernobyl

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

The Chernobyl disaster was a wake-up call for the world. It exposed the dangers of nuclear energy and the catastrophic consequences of human error. While safety standards have improved significantly since 1986, Chernobyl remains a sobering reminder of what can happen when things go wrong.

As we move forward, the lessons of Chernobyl should not be forgotten. The disaster underscores the importance of transparency, safety, and preparedness in managing nuclear power. It also serves as a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In the end, Chernobyl is more than just a place; it's a symbol of the fragile balance between human progress and the forces of nature. And as we continue to navigate the complex relationship between technology and the environment, the story of Chernobyl will remain a crucial chapter in our understanding of the world we live in.

Source- Chernobyl

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the only entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses in India. So, if you want to get into a medical college you will have to appear for it. Every year hundreds of thousands of students appear for this test and it's quite difficult to crack but this year it got even tougher for the students. There have been allegations of paper leak, unfair marking and grace marks being awarded without consideration. It has led to an uproar across India and the agency conducting the test is under fire. 

So what is this fiasco about and what will happen to the 2.4 million students who appeared for this exam in 2024?

May 5th was an important day for 2.4million students. It was the day of the NEET, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for aspiring medical students in the country. This is the be all and end all. This is the test they must crack if they want to become a doctor. Now the pattern of the test is quite simple. There are 200 MCQS, that's multiple choice questions. Candidates need to answer 180 of them, the total marks for the entire test is 720, so that is the highest score you can get. Correct answers get you four marks if an answer is wrong a mark is deducted, unanswered questions don't impact but if one chooses multiple answers marks are deducted, which brings us to controversy.

 67 students got the perfect score that's 720 marks out of these eight students were from the same exam centre, few of  them even got marks like 718 or 719  so questions were raised over that as well plus there were allegations of a Paper leak. In Rajasthan students were apparently given the paper with pre-marked answers but that's not all, then there was the issue of grace marks. It was awarded to 1563 students; this was for the loss of time due to multiple reasons. This became another point of contention; the controversy grew so big that the matter reached the Supreme Court. Students filed petitions against the NTA that's the national testing agency. It's the body that conducts this exam. They sought the cancellation of the exam on grounds of question paper leaks and other malpractices. The top Court heard the matter. It has led to the scrapping of the grace marks awarded by the NTA. The court said the process was wrong and it now leaves the 1563 students with two choices they can either retake the test or forgo the compensatory Grace marks they got and get a new ranking but the entire controversy has raised a few questions?  

This is one of the biggest medical exams in the country. It's an exam that determines the fate of millions, so why can't the process be more transparent? Many questioned why the exam can't be held online like other engineering exams in India? Technology could lead to more transparency in the process. Either way this controversy has raised questions over the integrity of the NEET and it’s unlikely to die down.

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(Akhileshwar Maurya)

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Known as the "gentleman's game," cricket has a centuries-long history filled with legend and rich detail. From its humble beginnings in England, this sport has spread over the world, being enjoyed by millions of people in many countries and cultures. This article explores the intriguing history of cricket, detailing its inception, growth, and key turning points that have molded the sport into what it is now.

67.1) Origin of Cricket:

Cricket's precise beginnings are not entirely clear, as its early history is poorly recorded. Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged that the game originated in the 16th century in the southeast of England. The first conclusive account of cricket matches dates back to a 1597 court case in Guildford, Surrey. This example refers to a sport known as "creckett," suggesting that the game had already gained popularity and usage at that point.

It is thought that cricket originated as a kid's game, using a simple bat and ball in its primitive form. The game changed with time, and in the 17th century, more adults started playing. With cricket becoming more and more popular among the gentry and nobility, shifts in socioeconomic institutions had a profound impact on the game's evolution.

67.2) Development and Codification:

Cricket underwent substantial progress in the 18th century. The first recorded cricket clubs were formed, and with them came greater formalization and structure to the game. The most famous of these was the 1760s-founded Hambledon Club. Often considered to as the birthplace of cricket, Hambledon was instrumental in the development of the rules of the game.

The Laws of Cricket were introduced during this period, which was one of the major developments. The London Club drafted the first version of these laws in 1744. The size of the pitch and the method of dismissals were among the key elements of the game that these laws established. Founded in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) later assumed responsibility for the upkeep and updating of the laws, a duty it still plays today.

67.3) The Evolution of the Game:

Cricket continued to develop in the 19th century, with notable adjustments made to the game's structure and playing style. Cricket's dynamics were changed when round-arm and then over-arm bowling were introduced, making the game more skill-based and competitive. These were contentious modifications at first, which sparked intense discussions until they were finally accepted.

During this time, cricket also started to gain popularity outside of England. The game's international diffusion was greatly aided by the British Empire. Cricket had spread throughout Australia, the West Indies, India, and South Africa by the middle of the 19th century. The United States and Canada played the first ever international cricket match in 1844, demonstrating the sport's expanding appeal on a global scale.

67.4) The Birth of Test Cricket:

The longest and most established format of the game, Test cricket, began in the latter half of the 1800s. England and Australia played their first Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877. This game set the stage for the Ashes rivalry, which has grown to be one of the most cherished in sports history.

Test cricket swiftly rose to prominence as the highest level of the game, with nations competing for dominance in this final challenge of talent, stamina, and cunning. The format's allure rested in its capacity to test players' skills over long stretches of time and in a variety of weather situations, so serving as a genuine litmus test for both individual and team cricketers.

67.5) The Golden Age of Cricket:

The term "golden age of cricket" is frequently used to describe the early 1900s. Some of the best players in the history of the game rose to prominence during this time. Legendary performers like W.G. Grace, Victor Trumper, and Jack Hobbs captivated audiences with their remarkable skill and charisma.

Cricket's globalization continued throughout this time, as more nations took an interest in the game. Established in 1909 to supervise the administration of international cricket, the Imperial Cricket Conference is currently known as the International Cricket Council, or ICC. This organization was essential to the game's continued evolution and regulation.

67.6) The Impact of World Wars:

Just as they did with every part of life, the two World Wars had a significant effect on cricket. A number of domestic contests were canceled and international cricket was suspended as a result of the wartime interruption. A large number of cricket players were in the armed forces, and several of them died in battle.

Cricket persevered and, in a sense, grew stronger in spite of these obstacles. The popularity of the game had a renaissance in the post-war era, with players and fans alike displaying a newfound feeling of enthusiasm and camaraderie.

67.7) The Rise of Limited-Overs Cricket:

Limited-overs cricket was a breakthrough development of the 1960s and 1970s. The goal of this new format was to offer a more thrilling and viewer-friendly version of the game. The initial List After a limited-overs game was played in England in 1963, the idea took off.

In cricket's history, the introduction of One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the early 1970s was a momentous occasion. After Australia and England played their first ODI in 1971, the format quickly gained enormous popularity. The inaugural Cricket World Cup, which took place in England in 1975, contributed to the international recognition of limited-overs cricket.

67.8) The Era of Commercialization:

Cricket witnessed substantial commercialization in the latter half of the 20th century. The addition of white balls, night matches, and colorful apparel gave the game a fresh twist. The media, especially television, was instrumental in making cricket a popular and profitable sport.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), which was founded in 2008, is a prime example of how cricket has been commercialized. The IPL combined cricket with entertainment by assembling the finest players in the world for a franchise-based Twenty20 league that drew a sizable international viewership. The IPL's success opened doors for additional T20 leagues around the globe, increasing the sport's appeal and financial sustainability.

67.9) Women's Cricket:

Despite being neglected a lot, women's cricket has a rich history that parallels that of men's cricket. In 1745, a women's cricket match was first documented in England. The first women's Test match took place in 1934 between Australia and England, and the Women's Cricket Association was established in 1926.

The game for women has advanced significantly, especially in the last several years. Established in 1958, the International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC) amalgamated with the Indian Cricket Council (ICC) in 2005, placing women's cricket under the same regulatory body as men's cricket. The Women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and the Women's Cricket World Cup in 1973 have given female cricket players a global platform to display their skills.

67.10) The Modern Era:

In the twenty-first century, cricket combines innovation with heritage. Test cricket is still held in high regard, with spectators enthralled by legendary matches and standout performances. Historic rivalries such as the Ashes series and India-Pakistan matches continue to hold their appeal.

The popularity of limited-overs cricket, especially T20, has skyrocketed. Cricket's appeal has expanded, drawing in a younger and more diversified audience because to the fast-paced and exciting character of the genre. Through its endeavors to bring cricket to non-traditional locations, the ICC has been instrumental in the global development and promotion of the game.

Cricket has also been significantly impacted by technological improvements. A new level of accuracy and justice has been introduced to the game through the use of technology in decision-making, such as the Decision Review System (DRS). The way cricket fans connect with the game has changed due to advancements in digital and broadcast media, which have made cricket more approachable and dynamic.

67.11) Conclusion:

Cricket's history demonstrates the game's versatility and ongoing appeal. Cricket has flourished and changed throughout the years, accepting new developments but holding fast to its rich history, from its modest beginnings on English grounds to its current standing as a worldwide phenomenon. The spirit of rivalry, sportsmanship, and friendship is embodied in the game, which continues to inspire and unify people worldwide.

Cricket faces both fresh opportunities and problems as it develops. The future of the game will be greatly influenced by how well it strikes a balance between adopting innovation and maintaining the core elements. Cricket's ageless charm and worldwide appeal guarantee that it will continue to be a favorite sport for many generations to come, regardless of the changes that may occur.

— Team Yuva Aaveg

(Adarsh Tiwari)

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On July 2, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, leaving over a hundred lives lost, almost all of them women and several others injured. The incident occurred during a religious gathering near Phulrai  village in the Sikandrarau area and the event was addressed by Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari or Bhole Baba. Here's what we know-

1) The Gathering and Bhole Baba -

             An astounding number of people—estimated to be at least a lakh—flocked to Fulrai village.To listen to an address by the revered preacher Suraj Pal (also known as Narayan Sakar Hari or “Bhole Baba”). Reports indicate that the venue was inundated with over 2.5 lakh participants, even though it could accommodate no more than 80,000 individuals. Bhole Baba’s influence extends beyond the immediate region, with followers hailing from states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

2) The Stampede-

       Around 03:30 pm, chaos erupted. A sea of women, who had been waiting on the sidelines, rushed to catch a glimpse of Bhole Baba and touch the dust from where his convoy had passed. Slippery ground, a massive crowd, and rainwater combined to create a deadly situation.

The stampede claimed the lives of over a hundred people, including women and children.

3) The Aftermath -

        The death toll reached 121, with several others injured. Most of the deceased, mainly women and children, were from the economically vulnerable sections of society, and were in search of spiritual solace.

Authorities are investigating the cause, focusing on suffocation and the sudden rush of people as contributing factors.

4) Accountability -

        The state government has ordered an FIR against the event organizers. The tragedy served as a Grim reminder of the risks associated with large gatherings and inadequate crowd management.

5) Conclusion -

         As we mourn the loss of lives, we must reflect on the need for better safety measures during public events. Let's hope that lessons are learned from this heartbreaking incident to prevent such disasters in the future.

 — Team Yuva Aaveg

(Praveen Kumar Maurya)

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# Reference-

Numerical Data is taken from The Hindu