TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs, awards, and important events. It covers topics ranging from international awards given to PM Modi to national events like the National Energy Conservation Day. The session includes detailed explanations, quick quizzes, and motivational thoughts to keep the audience engaged and informed.
- PM Modi received Ethiopia's highest award, bringing his total to 28 global awards.
- The Indian Navy commissioned the second MH-60R helicopter squadron in Goa.
- The Cabinet approved the Shanti Bill 2024 to allow private companies in nuclear power generation.
- Key appointments and awards in 2024 were discussed, along with upcoming events and courses.
Introduction [0:14]
The session starts with a warm welcome and a motivational thought emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of challenges. The host encourages students not to be disheartened by setbacks and highlights the importance of perseverance. The agenda includes covering important current affairs up to the present morning.
PM Modi Receives Ethiopia's Highest Award [3:08]
PM Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest award, the Grand Honor of the Order of the Queen of Sheba, during his three-country tour that included Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. Ethiopia, an African country and part of the Horn of Africa, has its capital in Addis Ababa and is led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This award brings Modi's total to 28 global honors. In 2024, several countries including Barbados, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and Namibia also conferred their highest awards to PM Modi. India's highest civilian award is the Bharat Ratna, which will be awarded to five people this year. Ethiopia is part of the Horn of Africa, which includes Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Ethiopia is set to host COP32, with discussions suggesting India might host COP33.
Indian Navy Commissions MH-60R Helicopter Squadron in Goa [10:08]
The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, known as Sea Hawk, at INS Hansa in Goa. Goa's largest city is Vasco da Gama, and its coast is known as the Konkan Coast. Goa hosted the National Games with the mascot 'The Bison' and the International Film Festival, which awarded the Golden Peacock Award. Formerly under Portuguese control, Goa was annexed by India in 1961 through Operation Vijay and gained statehood in 1987 via the 56th Constitutional Amendment Act. The Sea Hawk helicopter, also known as MH-60R or INAS 335, was handed over in a ceremony attended by Navy Chief Dinesh Tripathi. It is capable of air-to-surface attacks, equipped with a sensor system and radar, and can carry weapons. The helicopter will enhance surveillance over the Arabian Sea and can be used for search and rescue operations.
Param Vir Chakra Awards Distribution [16:22]
On December 16, 2024, Param Vir Chakra awards were distributed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi by President Murmu, with Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh in attendance. The awards were given on Vijay Diwas, commemorating India's victory over Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. A total of 21 Param Awards were given, categorized into wartime and peacetime awards, collectively known as Gallantry Awards. Wartime awards include Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, while peacetime awards include Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
India and France to Jointly Produce HAMMER Missiles [20:26]
France's Safran and India's Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have partnered in a 50-50 joint venture to manufacture HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles. This collaboration involves manufacturing, maintenance, and supply of the missiles. HAMMER is an air-to-ground weapon with a range of 70 km, equipped with a propulsion kit, radar system, and GPS for accurate targeting. It can carry bombs up to a specified weight and has been used in Operation Sindoor. Other defense collaborations include BrahMos (India-Russia), Rafale (India-France), Chinook and Apache helicopters (India-USA), and indigenous systems like Akash Teer and Indrajal.
Cabinet Approves Shanti Bill 2024 for Nuclear Energy Production [27:54]
The Cabinet has approved the Shanti Bill 2024, aimed at promoting nuclear energy production by allowing private companies to participate in the sector. The bill, currently tabled in Parliament, seeks to achieve 100 GW of energy to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. The Shanti Bill, or Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, aims to reduce the monopoly of existing government-owned companies. This initiative falls under the Atomic Energy Act, overseen by the Department of Atomic Energy. India also plans to establish Maitri II in Antarctica by 2032 and has allowed 100% FDI in insurance companies like LIC.
Appointment of New President of Chile [33:50]
José Antonio Kast has been appointed as the new President of Chile, a coastal country in South America bordering the Pacific Ocean. Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, and the Andes Mountains, featuring the active volcano Ojos del Salado. The capital, Santiago, is known for its red wine production from grapes. The Patagonian rainforest is also located here. Chile's currency is the Peso. Kast's challenges include combating corruption, improving governance, and regulating migration. Chile is part of the Lithium Triangle, along with Argentina and Bolivia, known for its lithium reserves.
India and Jordan Collaborate to Conserve Heritage Sites [38:51]
India and Jordan have agreed to jointly conserve the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India, and Petra in Jordan. Ellora, added to the UNESCO list in 1983, dates back to 600-1000 BC and features basalt cliffs, dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Petra, known as the Rose City due to its pink sandstone structures, was a kingdom and capital dating back to the 4th century. Ajanta Caves are dedicated solely to Buddhism, while Elephanta Caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
National Energy Conservation Award 2024 and Capuchin Monkeys [48:39]
Miyana Railway Station in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, received the National Energy Conservation Award 2024 for saving over 9,000 units of electricity. The award was presented on National Energy Conservation Day (December 14) by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the Ministry of Power. Karnataka leads in energy conservation, followed by Assam. Additionally, Capuchin monkeys from South Africa are being brought to Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore, Karnataka, with approval from the Delhi Zoo Authority. They will arrive at Kempegowda International Airport for conservation purposes.
Miscellaneous Updates and Announcements [53:11]
Bihar's Minister Nitin Nabin has been appointed as the BJP National Working President. The Maharashtra government has banned physical and mental punishment in schools, aligning with the Right to Education Act 2009 and the POSCO Act. The host reminds viewers about the special session on December 28th and announces upcoming paid batches for SSC GD, CHSL, CGL, and other exams. The session concludes with a reminder about the 11:00 AM class on current appointments and a farewell message.
