TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive review of current affairs, covering international awards, legal decisions in India, technological advancements, defense updates, and obituaries. It also touches upon economic initiatives and upcoming sports events.
- Donald Trump to receive Israel's highest peace award in 2026.
- Supreme Court of India declares the right to a passport a fundamental right.
- China tests Maglev train technology achieving 700 km/h in 2 seconds.
- DRDO tests Pinaka rocket with extended range capabilities.
- Himachal Pradesh approves hemp cultivation for economic development.
Introduction [0:10]
The session starts with greetings for the last day of the year and outlines the plan to discuss new initiatives in current affairs. The presenter mentions that some suggestions from viewers are already covered in the 11:00 AM session, so those topics won't be repeated. Additionally, there will be a discussion about yearly and monthly current affairs magazines, as well as the GK Pulse, at the end of the class.
Israel Peace Prize to Donald Trump [2:55]
Donald Trump will receive the Israel Peace Prize in 2026 for his efforts in brokering peace, particularly between Israel and Hamas. The award is significant because it is the first time Israel is giving its highest honor to a non-Israeli. Trump is recognized for stopping eight conflicts, most notably the one between Israel and Hamas. Israel acknowledges Trump's role in establishing a yellow line as a border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Despite already receiving a peace award from FIFA, Israel is breaking its 80-year tradition to honor Trump. In comparison, Indian Prime Minister Modi has received 29 global awards, including recent honors from Sri Lanka, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Oman.
US Action Against Drug Trafficking in Venezuela [6:59]
The United States has taken action against drug trafficking in Venezuela, conducting a land strike to combat the issue, especially relevant during the New Year's celebrations when drug use and smuggling tend to increase. Venezuela is located in South America, with its capital in Caracas, and is home to Lake Maracaibo and Maracaibo Port. Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela recently received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Supreme Court on Right to Passport as a Fundamental Right [8:44]
The Supreme Court has declared the right to a passport a fundamental right under Article 21, which pertains to the right to liberty. This decision came about due to a case involving Mahesh Agarwal, who was charged under the Unlawful Activities Protection Act of 1967. The act allows charges against individuals involved in activities against the rules. Agarwal wanted to renew his passport, but it was held due to the charges against him. The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and A.G. Masih, ruled that the right to a passport is part of the right to live life as one chooses under Article 21. Article 21 also includes the right to privacy. Article 21A covers the right to education for children aged 6 to 14 years, as per the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. The Supreme Court is the guardian of fundamental rights, which are in Part III of the Constitution, borrowed from the USA, and span Articles 12 to 35. Landmark cases related to this include the Golaknath case with an 11-judge bench and the Kesavananda Bharati case with a 13-judge bench.
China's Maglev Train Technology [15:37]
China has achieved a speed of 700 km/h in just 2 seconds using Maglev train technology. This technology involves trains that hover over the tracks using magnetic levitation, eliminating friction and enabling high speeds. China has also opened a 22 km tunnel and a high bridge. The Maglev train weighs 1 ton and operates on a 400-meter track using a repulsive module. China's capital is Beijing, formerly known as Peking, and it also has major cities like Shanghai. The Yellow River is another significant geographical feature. China is also reportedly planning missile attacks on Taiwan, whose capital is Taipei. Hong Kong and Macau are also located near China. In comparison, India has launched technologies like Drishti and Kavach for its railways, with Kavach aiming to prevent train collisions.
DRDO Tests Pinaka Rocket [20:32]
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested the Pinaka rocket, extending its range to 120 km. DRDO was established on January 1, 1958, and is headquartered in Delhi, with Samir Kamat as its Chairperson. The Pinaka rocket launcher, first used in the Kargil War, can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds. The test was conducted in Chandipur, Odisha, towards the Bay of Bengal. The Pinaka's range has evolved from 40 km in its first version to 80 km in the second, and now 120 km in the latest version, which includes a GPS system. It is also known as a Long Range Guided Rocket. India also has the S400 missile system from Russia. Armenia has purchased the Akash missile and Pinaka rocket launcher from India. DRDO has recently tested the Agni and Akash NG missiles.
Death of Khaleda Zia, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh [24:29]
Khaleda Zia, a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has passed away in Dhaka. She served as PM twice, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and an opponent of Sheikh Hasina, who is from the Awami League party. Sheikh Hasina served as PM during the gap between Zia's terms, from 1996 to 2001, and then continuously from 2009 until 2024, after which she was overthrown and replaced by Mohammad Yunus. Elections are scheduled for 2026. Sheikh Hasina received the SDG Award from the UN in 2021. Bangladesh was formerly East Pakistan until 1971, when India helped create Bangladesh. Victory Day is celebrated on December 16th. Benazir Bhutto, associated with Pakistan, has also passed away, and her son is now leading her political party.
Himachal Pradesh's Green to Gold Initiative [29:02]
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched the Green to Gold initiative, which involves the cultivation of hemp (ganja) for economic development. While the cultivation of ganja is banned in India, it is legal in some North American countries. The scientific name for hemp is Cannabis sativa. The initiative aims to extract oil from hemp seeds for use in cosmetics and other products, boosting the state's revenue. Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is home to the world's highest cricket stadium.
Supercomputer Param Rudra in IIT Patna [33:27]
The supercomputer Param Rudra has been inaugurated at IIT Patna, Bihar. This installation is part of the Param series of supercomputers in India, with the first being the Param 8000. The speed of Param Rudra is 838 terra. Param Kamrup has been installed in IIT Guwahati, Assam, under the National Computing Mission of 2021, overseen by the Ministry of Electronics, headed by Ashwini Vaishnav. Dr. Vijay Bhatkar is known as the Father of Super Computing in India.
Jayashree Ullal Tops Hurun India Rich List 2024 [36:29]
Jayashree Ullal has surpassed Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai to top the Hurun India Rich List 2024. Ullal, who works at Arista Networks, has a wealth of $1.6 billion. The ranking is based on Indian CEOs in foreign companies. Sundar Pichai is associated with Google, and Satya Nadella with Microsoft. In India, the Ambani family is the richest, while globally, Elon Musk holds the title of the wealthiest individual.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Sets Standard for Bomb Disposal Systems [38:50]
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set a standard, IS 19445:2025, for bomb disposal systems. BIS, established in 1987 and headquartered in Delhi, defines standards for various processes and products, such as gold and diamonds. This is the first time standards have been defined for bomb disposal systems in India, aimed at enhancing security.
World Police and Fire Games 2029 to be Held in Gujarat, India [41:56]
The World Police and Fire Games 2029 will be held in Gujarat, India, at the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU). The games, which involve fire and police personnel, were first held in 1985. In 2025, they will be held in Birmingham, England, and in 2027 in Perth, Australia. The 2029 games will feature over 60 sports, with eight sports being conducted in India.
One-Liner News [43:43]
- Unnati Hooda won the Yonex Sunrise 87th Senior National Badminton Championship.
- Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik created a large Santa Claus sculpture, setting a world record. Patnaik is associated with Odisha.
- The World Rapid Chess Championship was held in Doha, Qatar. India won bronze medals in both the men's and women's categories. Arjun Erigaisi won the bronze in the men's category, and Koneru Humpy won in the women's category. Magnus Carlsen won the gold in the men's category, and Alexandra Kosteniuk won the gold in the women's category.
Conclusion and Announcements [45:54]
The presenter concludes the session, reminding viewers that classes will continue as scheduled. The yearly current affairs magazine will be launched on January 1st. The monthly magazine is available on Flipkart, and there is a discount offer available for a limited time. The Hindi version of the GK Pulse book will be available in January, with the English version already available on Flipkart and Amazon. The class PDF will be available on Telegram. The next class will be at 11:00 AM, covering Indian paintings.
