Operation Tamarisk was a covert intelligence operation during the Cold War, which involved U.S., U.K., and French intelligence agents collecting information from Soviet troops stationed in East Germany. The intelligence agents sifted through discarded waste materials such as food scraps, toilet paper, and hospital waste to gather valuable insights into Soviet military activities. What was one of the most unexpected discoveries made during this operation?

Unexpected Discoveries: One of the most surprising finds from Operation Tamarisk was the discovery of military manuals, technical diagrams, and personal letters in discarded waste. These materials provided critical insights into Soviet military strategies, tactics, and operations. • Significant Intelligence Value: These documents contained information on military deployments, troop movements, injuries from the Soviet-Afghan war, and even daily life of Soviet soldiers, which were critical to the intelligence gathering efforts. • Tactics and Strategy: The collected waste, often overlooked as insignificant, revealed hidden secrets about Soviet military tactics and technological innovations, making this unconventional method highly valuable in espionage. • Nature of the Operation: The operation emphasized the importance of minor details in intelligence work, as even small fragments of seemingly trivial waste could yield key strategic advantages during the Cold War. • Cold War Context: The operation highlights the intense efforts made during the Cold War to gain any edge in the competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, showcasing the extremes to which both sides would go for military intelligence.

27th November 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Table of Contents

National News

Supreme Court Approves Urgent Land Acquisition for Yamuna Expressway Development

The Supreme Court has upheld the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to acquire land urgently for the development of the Yamuna Expressway. The Court justified the invocation of the urgency provisions under Sections 17(1) and 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, allowing the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to proceed without waiting for objections from landowners.

President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Sanskrit and Maithili Translations of the Indian Constitution

On 26th November 2024, marking Samvidhan Diwas and the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Sanskrit and Maithili translations of the Indian Constitution in New Delhi. The event celebrated the rich diversity of India’s linguistic heritage and reaffirmed the significance of the Constitution as the guiding framework for the country.

Government Extends Atal Innovation Mission Till 2028

The Indian government has extended the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the flagship program of NITI Aayog, until 31st March 2028, with an expanded scope and renewed objectives. This new phase, known as Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, was approved by the Union Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th November 2024.

International News

Operation Tamarisk The Cold War’s Secret Garbage War

Operation Tamarisk was a covert intelligence operation that took place during the Cold War, a period marked by fierce rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. In a bid to gain any advantage, intelligence agents resorted to unconventional means to gather information. One of the most unusual and gritty operations was the collection and analysis of discarded waste left behind by Soviet troops in East Germany.

Yamandu Orsi: Uruguay’s New Modern Left Leader

Yamandu Orsi, a 57-year-old former history teacher and mayor of Canelones, has emerged as Uruguay’s president-elect, marking a return to center-left governance under the Broad Front coalition. Garnering 49.8% of votes in the November 2024 runoff, Orsi defeated Alvaro Delgado of the conservative National Party, who secured 45.9%. His victory reflects a shift in Uruguay’s political landscape after five years of conservative rule, promising change while maintaining the country’s moderate ethos.

State News

Amara Raja Infra Sets Up India’s First Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station in Leh

Amara Raja Infra, part of the $2 billion Amara Raja Group, has completed the setup of India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh, Ladakh, for NTPC Ltd. This innovative project will enable emission-free transport in the region, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to embrace green mobility.

The station, designed to produce 80 kg of green hydrogen daily, supports NTPC’s green mobility initiatives under the National Hydrogen Energy Mission. Inaugurated by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, it will also aid in the operation of five hydrogen fuel cell buses in the region. The project is poised to play a key role in the development of hydrogen infrastructure across India.

Jammu and Kashmir Celebrates First Constitution Day Since 1950

For the first time since the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) observed Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) with grand celebrations on November 26, 2024. The event marked the completion of 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution and emphasized the core values of justice, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Preamble. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led the historic celebrations, underscoring the region’s integration into the national framework.

Defence News

Coast Guard to Hold ‘SAREX 24’ in Kochi from Nov 27-30

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is set to conduct the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises & Workshop (SAREX-24) in Kochi from November 27 to 30. The event, organized under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board, aims to enhance India’s capabilities in maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations through a collaborative approach involving various national and international stakeholders.

Economy News

GST Collection on Health and Life Insurance

The Union Government collected ₹16,398 crore as GST from health and life insurance services in FY24, reflecting a significant 680% increase from ₹2,101 crore in FY20. However, this marked a slight drop compared to ₹16,770 crore in FY23. Life insurance contributed ₹8,135 crore, while health insurance added ₹8,263 crore in FY24. Additionally, ₹2,045 crore was raised from reinsurance services, with ₹561 crore from life reinsurance and ₹1,484 crore from health reinsurance. Specific schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Jan Arogya Bima Policy remain exempt from GST.

Obituaries News

Breyten Breytenbach, Renowned South African Writer, Dies at 85

Breyten Breytenbach was a South African-born poet, memoirist, and former political prisoner known for his fierce opposition to apartheid and his literary works that captured the struggles and disillusionment of his time. His life journey, marked by exile, imprisonment, and intense political activism, shaped him into one of the most significant voices of his generation. Breytenbach’s death at the age of 85 in Paris, where he had lived as an expatriate, marks the end of an era for South African literature and anti-apartheid resistance. Below is a detailed study of his life, works, and legacy.

Essar Group Chairman Shashi Ruia Passes Away

Shashikant Ruia, co-founder and Chairman of Essar Group, passed away at 81 after a prolonged illness. Known for his visionary leadership, Ruia played a pivotal role in shaping India’s corporate landscape and making Essar a global conglomerate. His journey from a modest family business to establishing a world-class enterprise is a testament to his exceptional acumen, commitment to innovation, and dedication to philanthropy.

Business News

Alphabet Gets CCI Nod to Invest in Flipkart

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval to Alphabet Inc.’s subsidiary, Shoreline International Holdings LLC, to acquire a stake in Walmart-owned Flipkart Pvt Ltd. This follows Flipkart’s May 2024 funding round, where Alphabet’s Google invested $350 million out of a total $1 billion raised. Walmart, which holds an 85% stake in Flipkart, contributed $600 million. Separately, CCI has also approved MUFG Bank Ltd.’s acquisition of an additional stake in Delhi-based digital lender DMI Finance, raising MUFG’s shareholding to 20%.

Agreements News

India Joins Riyadh Design Law Treaty

India has signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT), a landmark agreement adopted by member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This treaty aims to harmonize industrial design registration procedures globally, making processes simpler, more efficient, and accessible for applicants. After nearly two decades of negotiations, the treaty introduces innovative measures to promote equitable access to intellectual property (IP) protection and encourage growth in industrial design sectors.

Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi Appointed Chief of BrahMos Aerospace

Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been named the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace, the organization behind the globally renowned BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. With a stellar career of over three decades, Dr. Joshi has made groundbreaking contributions to missile technology, non-destructive testing (NDT), and the professional development of industry experts. His appointment signifies a continued focus on innovation and excellence in India’s defense sector.

Sports News

NADA Suspends Bajrang Punia for Four Years Over Doping Violation

In a significant development, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a four-year suspension on Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia for violating the anti-doping code. The suspension follows his refusal to provide a urine sample for a dope test during selection trials for the national wrestling team on March 10, 2024. This decision, which extends beyond NADA’s initial provisional suspension in April 2024, has barred him from competitive wrestling and coaching opportunities abroad.

Books and Authors News

Exploring Physics Beyond the Higgs Boson Launches

HarperCollins India proudly announces the release of Beyond the Higgs Boson: The W Boson and Dr. Ashutosh Kotwal’s Quest for the Unknown, authored by Manik Kotwal and translated by Jerry Pinto. This inspiring biography chronicles the extraordinary journey of Dr. Ashutosh Kotwal, a pioneering Indian physicist who played a crucial role in groundbreaking research related to the Higgs boson and the W boson. Written by his mother, this deeply personal narrative celebrates Dr. Kotwal’s achievements offer a unique perspective on his life through a mother’s eyes.

Science and Technology News

ISRO’s Shukrayaan Set for Venus Voyage After Govt. Approval

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made several groundbreaking announcements regarding its future missions and technological advancements. These initiatives, shared by Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO, include plans for Venus exploration, advancements in lunar and Mars missions, the development of India’s space station, and upgrades to weather and communication systems. These missions signify India’s strides in space exploration and its aspirations for deeper interplanetary studies.

Proba-3: ISRO to Launch ESA’s Precision Formation Flying Solar Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4, 2024, using its PSLV-XL rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This pioneering mission will study the Sun’s corona, the outermost and hottest layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, through an artificial solar eclipse created by two satellites flying in precise formation. Proba-3 represents a significant technological breakthrough and an example of international collaboration in space exploration.

India’s First Space AI Lab: TM2Space’s MOI-TD Revolution

Hyderabad-based space tech company TakeMe2Space (TM2Space) is set to launch MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator), India’s first AI laboratory in space, aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket in mid-December 2024. This mission will enable real-time in-orbit data processing, drastically reducing data transmission costs and opening space research to a broader audience. TM2Space, known for its advancements in nano-satellites, aims to democratize space technology and accelerate India’s role in cutting-edge space innovation.