TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs and general knowledge, focusing on recent events, international agreements, and important facts relevant to competitive exams. The session includes discussions on the International Solar Alliance, Harappan Civilization discoveries, geographical facts, recent awards, and national events, along with a review of key concepts and a homework assignment for viewers.
- International Solar Alliance's 8th conference held in Delhi, emphasizing renewable energy.
- Discovery of a Harappan Civilization-era caravan inn in Gujarat, shedding light on ancient trade practices.
- India's Operation Trishul prompts Pakistan to close air bases, highlighting regional military exercises.
- Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica, underscoring the impact of extreme weather events.
- Vigyan Ratna Award conferred posthumously, recognizing contributions to science and technology.
Introduction [0:16]
The session begins with greetings and a brief overview of the day's agenda, which includes discussing important news and a "Thought of the Day." The host encourages viewers to share the session with their friends, emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge. A short video on the 8th Pay Commission, recorded separately, will be uploaded after the class for additional information.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) Conference [2:37]
The 8th conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched in Delhi, focusing on promoting solar power usage among tropical countries (30° North to 30° South). Proposed initially in 2015 during COP 21 in Paris by India and France, the ISA aims to foster renewable energy use. The alliance includes 124 countries, though not all have ratified it. The recent meeting in Delhi, the eighth edition, started on October 27th. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the event. The ISA headquarters is located in Gurugram, known as India's Unicorn Capital. Approximately 100 countries participated in the conference. India has also launched the National Geothermal Policy, with the first geothermal plant being established in Ladakh. Rajasthan is noted for its high usage of solar and wind power.
Harappan Civilization Discovery [9:24]
Archaeologists have discovered a Harappan Civilization-era "Kaira Sarai" (caravan inn) near Kotda Bhadli in Gujarat. The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is one of the oldest civilizations. The first site discovered was Harappa, excavated by Dayaram Sahni on the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan. The northernmost site of the civilization is Manda, the easternmost is Alamgirpur, the westernmost is Sutkotada, and the southernmost is Dhamabad in Maharashtra. The "Kaira Sarai" suggests trade activities during the Indus Valley Civilization, providing a resting place for traders and their animals. This site dates back to 2300-1900 BCE and was fortified. The Great Granary was found in Mohenjodaro, barley in Haryana, and a port in Lothal. Rice husk was also found in Lothal, and black bangles in Kalibanga. Rakhigarhi is the largest Indus Valley Civilization site in India, while Mohenjo Daro is the largest overall.
Geographical Facts [15:45]
The nearest planet to the Sun is Mercury, while the farthest is Neptune. The highest plateau is the Tibetan Plateau, and in India, it is Ladakh. Tibet is the highest country by elevation. The longest river in the world is the Nile.
India Maritime Week [16:47]
India Maritime Week, an event aimed at improving the maritime sector in India, commenced on October 29th in Mumbai at the NESO Exhibition Centre. The event was inaugurated by Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperative Affairs, along with Devendra Fadnavis, the CM of Maharashtra, and Governor Acharya Devad ji. The theme for the week is "Uniting Oceans One Maritime Vision." The Ministry of Ports, led by Sonowal ji, is working to develop ports and dockyards to enhance India's maritime capabilities. National Maritime Day is celebrated on April 5th, and World Maritime Day is on September 24th. The ambassador for the Ministry of Ports is Manu Bhaker.
Amendments and Historical Facts [20:11]
GST required the 1001st Constitution Amendment Act. The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years through the 61st Constitution Amendment Act. A Money Bill cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha and is always presented in the Lok Sabha. Nargis Dutt was the first Indian actress to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Rythm Volcano Eruption [21:14]
The Rythm Volcano in the Philippines has erupted for the third time. The Philippines is located on the Ring of Fire, an area known for high volcanic activity. The volcano is a stratovolcano, also known as a complex volcano, characterized by multiple vents. Magma erupts as lava, releasing smoke, ash, and gases. In India, Barren Island in Andaman is an active volcano, and Mud Volcanoes are also found in Andaman. The capital of the Philippines is Manila, which is also the location of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters.
Constitutional and National Facts [24:41]
The Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly of India was B. N. Rao. The term of the Finance Commission is five years, as per Article 280. The United Kingdom has an unwritten constitution, while India has the longest written constitution in the world. The National Emblem of India was adopted on January 26, 1950.
Operation Trishul and Military Exercises [25:53]
Pakistan has closed several air bases due to India conducting Exercise Trishul. Operation Sindoor was previously conducted by India against Pakistan following a terrorist attack in 2015. The disputed area of Sir Creek near the Gujarat border has seen increased Indian military presence. Exercise Trishul involves the Army, Air Force, and Navy, covering Gujarat and Rajasthan. The exercise includes Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft, as well as INS Vikrant, with approximately 20,000 troops participating. The related Trinetra exercise is also being organized. The BSF conducts the winter wind exercise. The Meg 21 has been retired and will be replaced by Tejas. Rafale was acquired from France, Tejas is made in India, and Sukhoi came from Russia.
National Symbols and Facts [30:30]
The Indian National Flag has 24 spokes. The ratio of length to width is 3:2. The national flag was adopted on July 22, 1947. The time limit for singing the National Anthem is approximately 52 seconds.
INS Ishka Launch [31:42]
The Indian Navy recently launched a survey vessel named INS Ishka in Kochi. Built by Garden Reach in Kolkata, it was launched in the presence of Naval Chief Dinesh Tripathi ji. INS Ishka is the third of its class, following INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak. Its primary functions include conducting surveys and hydrographic studies. It will be included in service on November 6, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala. INS Sutlej recently went to Mauritius for a hydrographic survey, and INS Sindhu transported passengers to Barren Island.
Historical and General Knowledge [36:28]
The National Anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore, and the National Song "Vande Mataram" was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The first estimation of National Income was done by Dadabhai Naoroji. H.J. Kania was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Hurricane Melissa [37:14]
Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm of 2025 and is expected to hit Jamaica. Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea and is part of North America. Notable figures from Jamaica include Chris Gayle and Usain Bolt. The capital is Kingston, and the currency is the dollar. The new PM is Andrio Holness. Hurricanes are cyclones formed in the Atlantic Ocean or near North America, while typhoons are formed in the South China Sea and near Japan. Cyclones formed in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones, and those in Australia are called virivili. Hurricane Melissa is expected to affect nearby island countries, with wind speeds of 282 km/h, placing it in category five. During the T20 World Cup of 2024, a hurricane named Barrel affected Barbados.
Firsts in India [41:43]
Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1925 in Kanpur. Annie Besant was the first woman president of INC. Andhra Pradesh was the first Indian state formed on the basis of language. Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
National Science Awards [42:41]
The Vigyan Ratna Award, part of the National Science Awards, was posthumously awarded to Jayant Vishnu Narlekar, who passed away recently. The National Science Awards include four categories: Vigyan Ratna Award, Vigyan Shri Award, Vigyan Yuva Award, and Vigyan Team Award. These awards cover 13 different fields and categories in science, technology, and innovation. Alexander G. was awarded the Ramanujan Award, and Adenli of Nigeria received the M.S. Swaminathan Award.
Child Labor Ban in Rajasthan [45:18]
Rajasthan has banned the employment of children under 14 years of age in shops and commercial establishments. Article 24 of the Indian Constitution aims to stop child labor. A child is defined as someone below 18 years of age, but children under 14 are prohibited from working in chemical factories. The announcement was made by CM Bhajan Lal ji, and the ban is enforced through the Rajasthan Shop and Commercial Establishment Ordinance. Rajasthan also has a camel policy and hosts the Pushkar Fair, also known as the Desert Festival. The POCSO Act, aimed at protecting children, was enacted in 2012.
Cricket Records [49:40]
Virat Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history, following Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar has played 463 matches, scored approximately 18,000 runs, and has 49 centuries. Virat Kohli has played 305 matches and scored approximately 14,000 runs with 51 centuries. Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka is in third place. In T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma is a prominent batsman, and Arshdeep Singh is a leading bowler.
One-Liners and Recent Events [52:30]
A book on Modi's missions was launched in Mumbai by Governor Dev ji and CM Fadnavis ji. Paul Biya, 92 years old, was re-elected as the President of Cameroon. Cameroon is located in Africa, with its capital in Yaoundé and its currency being the franc.
Revision and Homework [53:59]
ISRO will launch from GSAT with the help of LBM Three. Catherine was elected as the President of Ireland. Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 was hosted in Spain, with India participating. Russia tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile with a range of 14,000 km. FIFA will start the ASEAN Cup for South East Asian Nations. Blackbucks were reintroduced in Barnawarra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh. Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the Darbar Move. The Supreme Court has asked for the creation of a Surrender Forest Wildlife Century in Jharkhand. Cyclone Montha has formed in the Bay of Bengal and will strike Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. India topped the Senior Athletic Championship with 20 gold medals. Homework is to be completed in the comment section.