TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah provides a comprehensive current affairs update, covering national and international news. It discusses ISRO's plans for a third launchpad, a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, volcanic activity in Italy, President Murmu's submarine journey, and the declaration of an eco-sensitive zone in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, it touches upon the Indus Water Treaty, Iran's satellite launches, traditional crafts highlighted by PM Modi, and milestones in sports and history.
- ISRO's third launchpad in Sriharikota
- Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia
- Mount Etna eruption in Italy
- President Murmu's submarine journey
- Eco-sensitive zone in UP
Introduction [0:14]
The lecture begins with a motivational message about not giving up despite past setbacks and focusing on achieving goals in the coming year. The instructor outlines the plan to cover important current affairs and invites suggestions for the revision section of the class, which will start on the first of the month.
ISRO's Third Launchpad [2:34]
ISRO is planning to open its third launchpad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969, with its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and S. Somanath as its current chairperson. The first launchpad is in Sriharikota, and a second is under construction in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The new launchpad aims to launch satellites weighing 12,000 to 14,000 kg. The first use of Sriharikota was in 1971 for launching the Rohini satellite. India uses PSLV, GSLV, and LVM Mark 3 rockets for launches.
Ceasefire Agreement Between Thailand and Cambodia [8:23]
Thailand and Cambodia are set to sign a ceasefire agreement to halt clashes over a disputed land area containing the Khmer Temple Complex, which includes the Preah Vihear temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The conflict dates back to a 1907 border agreement called the Franco-Siamese Treaty. The complex was built by Yashovarman and reconstructed by Suryavarman and was added to UNESCO's list in 2008. Donald Trump claims to have brokered the ceasefire, asserting it as his eighth such intervention.
Mount Etna Eruption in Italy [14:20]
Mount Etna, an active volcano in Italy, has recently erupted. Located on Sicily Island, it is a significant active volcano in Europe and was added to the UNESCO list in 2013. The eruption is caused by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. Mount Etna is also the largest volcano in Europe. The volcano's structure includes a vent, with molten rock called magma inside, which turns into lava when it erupts. Gases like sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are also released. Stromboli is known as the "Light House of the Mediterranean Sea". Mauna Loa in Hawaii is the world's most active volcano. India's only active volcano is Barren Island in Andaman and Nicobar.
President Murmu's Submarine Journey [19:58]
President Droupadi Murmu recently embarked on a journey on the INS Vagir submarine at Karwar Harbor in Karnataka. The harbor houses INS Kadamba. INS Vagir is the last of the Scorpene-class submarines built under Project 75, which uses French technology. The project includes six submarines: Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, and Vagsheer. INS Vagir was commissioned in January 2024 and developed by Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the first president to travel on a submarine in 2006. Droupadi Murmu is also the first female president to visit the Sabarimala Temple and to fly in the Rafale fighter jet.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Declared at Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary [25:01]
The Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been declared an eco-sensitive zone. The sanctuary, located in the Gonda district near the Saryu River, is home to the Indian vulture. It features oxbow lakes and was designated as a bird sanctuary in 1990 and is also a Ramsar site. The Ministry of Environment has declared a 10 km area around it as an eco-sensitive zone. India has a total of 82 Ramsar sites, with Khijadia Bird Sanctuary being the latest addition. A vulture conservation center is being established in Maharajganj, UP.
Hydro Project Approved on Chenab River [30:27]
Despite holding the Indus Water Treaty, the government has approved the Dulhasti Stage II hydro project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus Water Treaty of 1960, brokered by the World Bank, allocates the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India, with an 80:20 distribution ratio. The Chenab River is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh. The project will generate 260 MW of energy and is located in the Kishtwar district. The first unit was developed in 2007 by NHPC. Other dams on the Chenab include Ratle, Salal, Pakal Dul, and Kiru. The Chenab also features the world's highest railway arch bridge, which is 359 meters high and 1,315 meters long, located in the Reasi district.
Iran Launches Satellites with Russian Assistance [39:07]
Iran has launched three satellites, Payaam, Zafar-2, and Kowsar, using Russia's Soyuz rocket. Both Iran and Russia face sanctions from the USA, leading to their collaboration. The satellites are designed for monitoring agriculture, weather, and climate and have been placed in low Earth orbit at approximately 400 km.
PM Modi Highlights Traditional Crafts [41:01]
PM Modi discussed the Narsapuram lace craft from Andhra Pradesh in his "Mann Ki Baat" address, which empowers women. Narsapuram is a town in Andhra Pradesh where women create lace products, which are then sold in the market. The craft received a GI tag in 2024 and involves using cotton or silk threads. The tradition is 150 years old and is practiced near the Godavari River. Modi also mentioned Chokho Khone, a woman from Manipur known as the "Flower Lady," who promotes floriculture by using dry flowers for decoration. Other traditional crafts include Lucknow's Chikankari and Zari work, and Andhra Pradesh's Kalamkari.
140th Anniversary of the Indian National Congress (INC) [45:38]
The Indian National Congress (INC) recently celebrated its 140th anniversary. Formed on December 28, 1885, in Bombay at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, the INC was founded on the recommendation of A.O. Hume, with W.C. Banerjee as its first president. Key figures include Tayyabji, the first Muslim leader; George Yule, the first European head; Annie Besant, the first female head; and Sarojini Naidu, the first Indian woman to become the head.
Bhutanese Cricketer Achieves Record [47:51]
Sonam Yeshey, a cricketer from Bhutan, has taken eight wickets in a T20 International match against Myanmar. The match was held in Gelephu, Bhutan. Yeshey conceded seven runs in four overs. In 2024, Ali Dawood from Bahrain took seven wickets.
One-Liners [50:23]
India's first PPP model medical college is set to be established in Madhya Pradesh, specifically in Dhar and Betul districts. Smriti Mandhana has completed 10,000 runs across ODIs, T20s, and Test matches. She is the fourth woman to reach this milestone, following Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards and Suzie Bates.
