TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs, tailored for students preparing for MTS and GD exams. The session covers a range of topics, including the Bomb Cyclone, military exercises like Desert Cyclone, the inclusion of Bulgaria in the Euro currency zone, and the Jallikattu festival in Tamil Nadu. It also touches upon recent appointments and achievements, such as Kamya Karthikeyan's feat at the South Pole. The video concludes with announcements regarding a revision series for exams and the availability of yearly current affairs magazines.
- Bomb Cyclone and its impact on the US
- Military exercise Desert Cyclone between India and UAE
- Bulgaria's inclusion in the Euro currency zone
- Jallikattu festival in Tamil Nadu and its significance
- Kamya Karthikeyan's achievement as the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole
Introduction [0:13]
The session begins with a welcome and an acknowledgment of the ongoing New Year celebrations. The instructor emphasizes the importance of focusing on the upcoming MTS and GD exams, given that the dates have been announced. An announcement is made about a special initiative for these exams, to be detailed at the end of the class. Additionally, the availability of the yearly current affairs magazine will be discussed.
Bomb Cyclone [3:04]
The first news topic is the Bomb Cyclone, which recently hit the northern US. It's clarified that "Bomb Cyclone" is a concept, not a specific cyclone name. A cyclone occurs when low pressure in an area is surrounded by high pressure, causing winds to move from high to low pressure, converging at the center, known as the eye of the cyclone. In a Bomb Cyclone, winds increase rapidly, reaching speeds of 80 km/h towards the low-pressure center. If the pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours at the low-pressure center, it's classified as a Bomb Cyclone, known for its destructive potential. This particular Bomb Cyclone originated in the Atlantic Ocean and significantly impacted the US, affecting a third of the population. The process of a Bomb Cyclone forming is called Bombogenesis. Different names for cyclones exist based on location: cyclones in the Indian Ocean, typhoons in South China Sea, hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, tornadoes when speeds are high, and willy-willies in Australia.
Matching Cyclones with Regions [8:32]
The discussion transitions to matching cyclone types with their respective regions: Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean, Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Typhoons in China, and Willy-willies in Australia. Tropical cyclones in India move from east to west, while temperate cyclones, which occur in regions like the USA, move from west to east. The direction of cyclone rotation differs by hemisphere due to the Coriolis force: cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere. In cyclones, the center has low pressure, while in anticyclones, the center has high pressure.
Desert Cyclone Military Exercise [10:27]
The focus shifts to the Desert Cyclone Two military exercise, a joint effort between India and the UAE. This army exercise, which took place from December 18th to December 30th, was hosted in the UAE, specifically at the Al Hamra Training Center in Abu Dhabi. This was the second edition of the exercise. India's Mechanized Infantry Battalion participated. Other exercises mentioned include the Cyclone exercise with Egypt and the Desert Night exercise involving India, France, and the UAE. Additionally, the Ekverin and Ekatha exercises with the Maldives were highlighted.
UAE Overview [13:04]
A brief overview of the UAE is provided, noting that Dubai is the most populous area and the location of the world's largest airport under construction, as well as the Burj Khalifa. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and hosts a unit of IIT Delhi. The UAE shares a border with the Persian Gulf.
Matching Military Exercises [13:48]
The discussion involves matching military exercises with their descriptions: Varuna is a naval exercise, Garuda is an air force exercise, and Shakti is a military exercise, all conducted between India and France. Additionally, Simbex is with Singapore, Indra with Russia, Surya Kiran with Nepal, and Garuda Shakti with Indonesia. A list of military exercises is provided, including Desert Cyclone, Khanjar with Kyrgyzstan, Dharma Guardian with Japan, Tiger Triumph with the US, and Lamithe with Seychelles.
Bulgaria Joins the Euro Currency Zone [15:35]
The topic changes to Bulgaria becoming part of the Euro currency zone. Bulgaria, a European country with its capital in Sofia and currency in Lev, is transitioning to the Euro. With Bulgaria's inclusion, there are now 21 countries in Europe using the Euro as their currency. Bulgaria is the 21st country to join the Euro currency zone, with Croatia being the 20th.
European Union Treaties and Structure [17:45]
The European Union (EU) was formed through treaties, including the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, and the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. The EU has 27 members, with Britain having exited in a move known as Brexit. The EU headquarters is in Brussels. The EU includes the European Council, headed by Antonio Costa, and the European Commission, headed by Ursula von der Leyen, who may be the chief guest at an upcoming Republic Day event. Finland and Sweden are new members of NATO, while Iran and Belarus have joined the SCO, and the African Union has become a member of G20.
European Union Statements [21:05]
The discussion involves evaluating statements about the European Union. The first correct statement is that the EU was formed after World War II to promote economic cooperation. The second incorrect statement is that all EU member countries use the Euro. The third incorrect statement is that the EU has its own flag, anthem, and currency. The fourth correct statement is that the European Parliament is directly elected by citizens of European member countries.
Parrot Deaths in Madhya Pradesh [22:12]
The topic shifts to the deaths of around 200 parrots in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, suspected to be due to food poisoning. While initial suspicions pointed to bird flu, samples indicated possible food poisoning. The Khargone district is near the Narmada River. Parrots are classified as "threatened" on the IUCN list. Parrot conservation centers are in Mysore, and sanctuaries are in Chandigarh. Parrots typically live in tropical and savanna climates.
Narmada River Details [24:50]
The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak plateau and flows from east to west. Its important tributary is the Tawa River, which has the Tawa Reservoir, a designated wetland. The river passes through the states of MP, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, flowing through the rift valley.
Matching National Parks with States [26:02]
The discussion involves matching national parks with their states: Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, Kaziranga in Assam, Ranthambore in Rajasthan, and Gir in Gujarat.
Bullet Train Project [26:47]
The first bullet train in India is expected to be operational by August 15, 2027, with assistance from Japan. The project is announced by the Ministry of Railways. The route will run from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, with the first route being Surat to Bilimora. Other routes include Vapi to Surat and Vapi to Ahmedabad. The total distance covered will be 508 km, with a speed of 320 km/h. The technology being used is called Shin Kansen.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train [30:00]
The Vande Bharat sleeper train has been launched in Kolkata and will run from Guwahati to Kolkata, using Shin Kansen technology. This is different from the Maglev technology used in China, which relies on magnetic fields.
Japan Overview [31:17]
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, with Tokyo as its capital and most populous city. Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Ring of Fire.
Jallikattu Festival [32:20]
The Jallikattu festival in Tamil Nadu is set to begin in 2026 in Tajanguruchi. Jallikattu involves bull-taming, where participants attempt to retrieve silver coins tied to bulls. The festival was previously banned by the Supreme Court due to animal cruelty concerns under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. However, the ban was lifted, citing Article 29(1) of the Indian Constitution, which protects the rights of tribal populations to preserve their culture. Jallikattu typically occurs in January during the Pongal harvest festival, specifically on the third day, known as Mattu Pongal. Pongal is a four-day festival with different names for each day: Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal. The Kambala Festival, also related to bulls, takes place in Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu Overview [36:06]
Tamil Nadu's capital is Chennai, formerly known as Madras, established in 1950. It has 235 विधानसभा seats, 39 Lok Sabha seats, and 18 Rajya Sabha seats. The ruling party is DMK, and the CM is MK Stalin. Key temples include Meenakshi Temple, Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Nataraja Temple. Important rivers are Kaveri and Vaigai, and dams include Mettur Dam and Bhavani Sagar Dam. The Chidambaram Stadium is a notable stadium. Festivals include Pongal, Jallikattu, and Thaipusam. Bharatanatyam is the classical dance form, while Thapattam is a folk dance. National parks include Mukurthi National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Indira Gandhi National Park, Guindy National Park and Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a key nuclear facility.
Matching Festivals with States [38:10]
The discussion involves matching festivals with their states: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Lohri in Punjab.
Recent Appointments [38:46]
Nagesh Kapoor has been appointed as the Vice Chief of Air Staff in the Indian Air Force, with Amarpreet Singh as the head. The Army Chief is Upendra, and the Naval Chief is Dinesh. Rakesh Agarwal has been appointed as the Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Other appointments include Anu Garg as the first female Chief Secretary of Odisha, PV Sindhu as the chief of a committee in the Badminton Federation, Shashwat Sharma as the MD and CEO of Airtel India, Roman Goffman as the chief of Mossad, and Cristiano Ronaldo as the brand ambassador of AI Inventor.
Kamya Karthikeyan's Achievement [42:10]
Kamya Karthikeyan, an 18-year-old, has become the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole, reaching 90° South. She is the second youngest in the world to achieve this feat. She hails from Maharashtra and skied 115 km in temperatures of -30°C. In 2024, she climbed Mount Everest and has completed the Seven Summits. Roald Amundsen from Norway was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911, and Matthieu Tordeur from France is the first youngest in the world to reach the South Pole in 2019. The highest peak in Antarctica is Mount Vinson.
Matching Mountains with Heights [46:52]
The discussion involves matching mountains with their heights: Mount Everest at 8848.86 meters, Dhaulagiri in Nepal, Kamet as the highest peak of Zaskar, and Annapurna also in Nepal, which is the 10th highest peak in the world.
Buddhist Site Discovery in Jammu and Kashmir [48:16]
A Buddhist site has been discovered in Jihanpur, located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, near the Jhelum River (Vitasta). The discovery includes settlements and is believed to be associated with the Kushan period.
BSNL's Voice Over Wi-Fi Service [50:51]
BSNL is set to launch a Voice over Wi-Fi service, allowing users to make normal calls without a SIM card, provided they have a BSNL connection.
Increase in Tobacco Product Prices [53:37]
From January 1, 2026, tobacco products will see a price increase due to additional taxes, including excise duty, on top of the existing 40% GST. This measure is part of the Central Excise Amendment Act 2025.
Revision Series and Magazine Availability [55:15]
A revision series for MTS and GD exams will be started, covering CA and GS topics in 10-minute segments. The yearly current affairs magazine is available on Flipkart.
Rapid Revision [56:17]
The session concludes with a rapid revision of current affairs: Russia has deployed nuclear-capable missiles in Belarus. Saudi Arabia attacked the Mukalla port in Yemen. Denmark closed a 400-year-old postal service. The President of Guinea is Mamady, a military chief. DRDO tested the Pralay missile. An AI research organization will be established in GIFT City, Gujarat. The Indian Women's Hockey Team won a medal in the Asia Cup. Vigyanpath was launched in Karnataka. Dhruv NG was launched in Bangalore. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Award was given to Novak Djokovic.
