TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs relevant to competitive exams. It covers topics ranging from environmental concerns related to the Aravalli range to international collaborations like the Avia Indra exercise with Russia, and significant cultural events such as the Losar festival. The session also includes practice questions and announcements about upcoming classes and study materials.
- Aravalli Range Concerns
- Avia Indra Exercise
- Losar Festival
Introduction [0:15]
The session begins with greetings and an overview of the day's agenda, including a discussion of recent exams and a plan to analyze them in upcoming classes. The importance of self-belief and continuous effort is emphasized through a motivational thought.
Aravalli Range and Supreme Court's Concerns [2:35]
The main topic is the Supreme Court's concerns regarding hills in the Aravalli range with heights less than 1000 meters. The Aravalli range, older than the Himalayas at 3.2 billion years, stretches approximately 800 km across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi. Due to soil erosion, its height has gradually decreased, with maximum peaks around 1700 meters, such as Guru Shikhar. The central government's definition of areas where mining is prohibited, approved by the Supreme Court, excludes hills below 100 meters, leading to controversy due to potential environmental consequences like increased air pollution and damage to vital water tables.
Practice Questions: Temples and Geography [7:54]
A quick quiz covering the construction of the Chenna Keshava Swami Temple by the Hosala Dynasty in Karnataka, the location of Netrani (Pigeon) Island in the Arabian Sea, and identifying Jaipur as the Pink City.
Avia Indra Exercise with Russia [9:02]
The discussion shifts to the Avia Indra 2025 exercise between the Indian Air Force and Russia. Key details include India hosting the exercise, which started on December 15th and will continue until December 2nd. The first edition of this exercise was in 2014. Aircraft such as Sukhoi, Rafale, and Tejas are participating, with mentions of Tejas crashing in Dubai. Additional information covers air shows in India, like the one at Yelahanka in Karnataka and Wing India at Begumpet Airbase in Hyderabad, as well as the acquisition of Apache helicopters from the USA and Rafale from France.
Practice Questions: Sound Measurement and Space Travel [13:41]
Quick questions about measuring sound in decibels and identifying Liu Yang as the first Chinese woman in space.
Operation Hockey: US-Jordan Air Strikes in Syria [14:21]
The focus moves to Operation Hockey, a joint air strike by the USA and Jordan against ISIS sites in Syria, following an attack by ISIS that resulted in the death of US soldiers in Palmyra, Syria. The operation targeted 70 ISIS members. Other operations by the US, such as "Midnight Hammer" against Iran, and India's operations like Ajay, Ganga, Karuna, Kaveri, and Devi Shakti are also mentioned.
Practice Questions: Solar Power and Gyroscopes [18:37]
Brief questions about the first solar-powered airport in India (Kochi, Kerala), the use of gyroscopes in smartphones, and the establishment of the Supreme Court of India on January 26, 1950.
Postal Stamp on Ashwagandha at WHO Global Summit [19:54]
PM Modi released a postal stamp on Ashwagandha at the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, the second edition of which took place in Delhi. The summit focuses on traditional medicine, particularly the use of Ashwagandha, with the Ministry of Ayush playing a key role. Ayush includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
Practice Questions: Sports and History [22:50]
Questions about Cristiano Ronaldo's country of origin (Portugal), the largest pyramid in Egypt (Great Pyramid of Giza), and the imposition of emergencies by the President with Cabinet approval.
Inauguration of New Terminal at Guwahati Airport [24:26]
PM Modi inaugurated a new terminal at the Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Gopinath Bordoloi, the first CM of Assam, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1999. The airport handles approximately 13.1 million passengers annually and features bamboo architecture. The Satriya dance form in Assam is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The airport also launched the Digi Yatra, which uses facial recognition for passenger processing.
Practice Questions: Units of Force and FIFA World Cup [29:49]
Quick questions about the unit of force (Newton) and the country with the most FIFA World Cup wins (Brazil).
Green Deposit Scheme in Meghalaya [30:39]
The Green Deposit Scheme is launched in Meghalaya to control plastic pollution and promote eco-tourism. Tourists pay an entry fee (e.g., ₹100) that is refunded if they do not litter. The scheme starts in Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Living Root Bridges. Meghalaya is a biodiversity hotspot, and the scheme aims to promote "Leave No Traces."
Practice Questions: Environmental Disasters and Soil Types [35:41]
Questions about the gas released during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (Methyl Isocyanate) and alternative names for black soil (Regur soil or self-plowed soil).
Jahangir's Reign and Mughal Rule [36:09]
Jahangir, a Mughal ruler after Akbar's death in 1605, is known for his patronage of painting.
World Meditation Day [36:40]
The second World Meditation Day was celebrated on December 21st, organized by the UN. The proposal for this day was given by India to promote peace. India's representative is Harish. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also promotes meditation. International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st. The largest meditation center in India is in Varanasi.
Winter Solstice [40:36]
Winter Solstice 2025, with the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs on December 21st. The earth's tilt causes variations in sunlight, leading to summer and winter solstices.
Post Office for Gen Z in Jammu & Kashmir [43:55]
The first post office for Gen Z is launched in Jammu & Kashmir, specifically at AIIMS Vijaypur, by the Department of Indian Post. It aims to be citizen-centric with modern facilities. Gen Z includes those born between 1997 and 2012.
Indian Coast Guard Ship "Amulya" [46:57]
The Indian Coast Guard commissioned the ship "Amulya," developed by Goa Shipyard Limited. It is the third of eight vessels designed for surveys and search operations. The ship will be based at Paradip Port in Odisha and is equipped with a diesel engine and has a speed of 27 knots.
One-Liners: China's Free Trade Experiment and Losar Festival [49:10]
China is investing in a free trade experiment on Hainan Island, aiming to create a "Hawaii of China." The Losar Festival, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in India in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, featuring dances like Chham, mask dances, and Yak dances.
Homework and Announcements [51:17]
The session concludes with a homework assignment, information about the GK Pulse book, and announcements about upcoming classes and prizes on December 28th. The second volume of the yearly magazine will also be released on the same day.
