CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The liberation of Goa is significant since it marked the departure of the last European coloniser from India. The Union of India was completed with Goa’s liberation on December 19, 1961.

Detailed explanation-2: -President Droupadi Murmu tweeted her greetings to the nation on December 19, marking Goa Liberation Day, which is celebrated annually to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the Indian armed forces to defeat Portuguese colonial forces and liberate Goa in 1961.

Detailed explanation-3: -After Portugal became part of the US-led Western military alliance NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) in 1949, Goa, too, became part of the anti-Soviet alliance by extension.

Detailed explanation-4: -On 16 January 1967, a referendum was held in which the people of Goa voted against merger with Maharashtra. Portugal recognised Goa’s accession into the Indian union only in 1974. In 1987, Goa was separated from Daman and Diu and made a full-fledged state. Daman and Diu continued as a new Union Territory.