Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: December 15, 2022
Current affairs are a significant part of the government examinations. Although it is easy to score well on this section, preparation may be a challenge. We have selected the best of the most current news and put it together in Embibe’s Current Affairs series. Our experts selected the questions on this page based on the important events that occurred.
Category: International and Geopolitics and Environment
US Announces Historic Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough
Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility have made history by successfully producing a nuclear fusion reaction resulting in a net energy gain, a breakthrough.
It can be called a Landmark achievement and a milestone for the future of clean energy.
What Is Nuclear Fusion and Why Does It Matter?
Nuclear fusion is a man-made process that replicates the same energy that powers the sun.
Nuclear fusion happens when two or more atoms are fused into one larger one, a process that generates a massive amount of energy as heat.
Fusion projects mainly use the elements deuterium and tritium, which are isotopes of hydrogen.
The deuterium from a glass of water, with a little tritium added, could power a house for a year.
What Is Net Energy Gain?
Net Energy Gain (NEG) is a concept used in energy economics that refers to the difference between the energy expended to harvest an energy source and the amount of energy gained from that harvest.
The net energy gain can be expressed in joules.
Why Is This so Significant?
This is the first time scientists have ever successfully produced this, instead of breaking even as past experiments have done.
While there are many more steps until this can be commercially viable, it is essential for scientists to show that they can create more energy than they started with.
Otherwise, it does not make much sense for it to be developed.
What Next?
Scientists and experts now need to figure out how to produce much more energy from nuclear fusion on a much larger scale.
At the same time, they need to figure out how to eventually reduce the cost of nuclear fusion so that it can be used commercially.
Scientists will also need to harvest the energy produced by fusion and transfer it to the power grid as electricity.
It will take years – and possibly decades – before fusion can be able to produce unlimited amounts of clean energy, and scientists are on a race against the clock to fight climate change.
Question:
Consider the following statements
German scientists recently made history by successfully producing a nuclear fusion reaction resulting in a net energy gain
Fusion projects mainly use the elements deuterium and tritium – both of which are isotopes of Uranium
The net energy gain can be expressed in joules
Which of the above statements is/are Incorrect?
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 1 and 3
C. Only 2 and 3
D. All are Incorrect
Answer: A
Context: Defence
India-China Tawang Clash
With face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops a regular feature at the disputed Yangtse area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector for over two decades now, the latest clash showed yet another vehement attempt by the Chinese to gain territory.
In the recent clash, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector, beating each other up with sticks and canes in their closest encounter since the deadly Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh in June 2020.
The Geography of the Area:
The clash in Arunachal Pradesh took place along the LAC in the Tawang heights near a point called Yangtse in Eastern Tawang.
This part of the LAC is one of the “agreed disputed areas” between the two sides, according to military sources.
This time the PLA had “pre-planned” the transgression for an “opportune” time.
The location of the skirmish is described as heavily forested terrain, with Chinese troops occupying “top of the wall” positions with deep supply lines and infrastructure.
Details of Tawang Region:
This district is situated in the westernmost part of Arunachal Pradesh.
The area of this district is approximately 2,172 sq. km., bounded by Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the southwest and Sela ranges separated from West Kameng district in the east.
The inhabitants of this district are all of the Monpa tribe. The Monpa belongs to the Mongoloid stock.
The Tawang Monastery is one the most important elements in the social and religious life of the Monpa.
The Monpas are Buddhist by religion, and religious beliefs and practices are centred around the Tawang Monastery.
Why Is Dragon on Fire?
The incident came days after China expressed objection to Operation Yudh Abhyas, an India-US joint military exercise at Auli in the Uttarakhand hills
China claimed it was a violation of the 1993 and 1996 border agreements
The continuing military tensions at different points along the 3,000 km-Line of Actual Control come as India took the presidency of the G-20, a grouping of the world’s leading economies that includes China
After the clash, the Indian side is said to have used Radio Frequency (RF) signal geolocation equipment to reconstruct satellite images
Major Recent Clashes between China and India:
In September 2022, Indian and Chinese troops disengaged in the Gogra Hotspring area of Eastern Ladakh.
The Galwan incident, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers, came after the two sides had discussed disengagement in the area.
Tensions in Ladakh continue over the build-up of Chinese troops in Depsang, intrusions in Demchok and the rapid infrastructure build-up by the Chinese, including two bridges over the Pangong lake that will reduce Chinese mobilisation time on the southern bank.
Context: Days and Events
India International Science Festival
India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022 will be held at the capital city of the Heart of India-Bhopal from 21-24 January 2023.
IISF is the initiative from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Science of the Government of India in association with Vijnana Bharati, which is a science movement with a swadeshi spirit led by eminent scientists of the country.
It is one of the major events to be held after India took over the G-20 Presidency.
The IISF 2022 is the eighth edition since its inception in 2015.
Aim and Objective of the Event:
To demonstrate how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) provide solutions to improve our lives.
It is a festival to celebrate the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements with students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists and technocrats from India and abroad.
It also provides opportunities to people and the scientific fraternity in the country and abroad to come together, work together and experience the joy of doing science for the well-being of India and humanity.
About the Event:
The first and second IISFs were held in New Delhi, the third in Chennai, the fourth in Lucknow, the fifth in Kolkata, the sixth through virtual mode and the last IISF was held in Goa, which witnessed a footfall of over 5 lakh people worldwide.
The pandemic in 2020 due to Covid-19 posed a serious challenge to the conduct of this annual event, but the challenge was overcome by conducting the event on a virtual platform to maintain the uninterrupted flow of the journey.
Fact:
Dr Jitendra Singh is the Union Minister of Science and Technology; Minister of Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, and Atomic Energy and Space.
Question:
The eighth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022 will be held in which of the following cities?
A. Bhopal
B. Delhi
C. Kolkata
D. Lucknow
Answer: A
Context: National
New India Literacy Programme
The government has announced a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, namely, the “New India Literacy Programme” (NILP), for implementation during five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
Aim:
The programme aims to cover a target of FIVE crore learners under the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy component over five years
Finance Outlay of the Programme:
The total financial outlay of NILP for five years (FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27) is ₹1037.90 crore, out of which ₹700 crore is Central share and ₹337.90 crore is State share.
The Programme Has Five Objectives:
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Critical Life Skills
Vocational Skills Development
Basic Education
Continuing Education
Features of the NILP are:
Involvement of school students, pre-service students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), school teachers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers
School to be a unit for implementation of the scheme
Use of ICT and online implementation of the scheme through ‘Online Teaching Learning and Assessment System’ (OTLAS) material and resources through digital modes, viz., TV, radio, cell phone-based/open-source Apps/portals, etc.
Implementation of the Scheme:
The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode.
The training, orientation, and workshops of volunteers may be organised through a face-to-face mode. All materials and resources shall be provided digitally.
The school will be a Unit for the implementation of the scheme.
Schools to be used for conducting surveys of beneficiaries and Voluntary Teachers.
Question:
Consider the following statements about the New India Literacy Programme (NILP)
The programme aims to cover a target of five crore learners under the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy component over five years
The Central and State shares in the total finance outlay of the programme are in the ratio of 60:40
All material and resources under the program shall be provided digitally
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2 and 3
C. Only 1 and 3
D. All are correct
Answer: D
Context: Environment
Environment Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT)
Environment Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT) is a Central Sector scheme implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Major Objective:
To promote environmental awareness and mobilise students’ participation in environment conservation.
Allied Schemes:
Grants-in-aid were sanctioned under this Scheme for two major programmes: National Green Corps (NGC) Programme and National Nature Camping Programme (NNCP).
What Is the National Green Corps (NGC) Programme?
In the NGC programme, more than ONE lakh Eco-clubs have been formed in schools and colleges to educate students and to spread awareness on environmental issues.
Financial assistance of ₹5,000/- per Eco-club used to be provided under this programme with a ceiling of 500 school Eco-clubs per district and 100 college Eco-clubs per State.
Activities undertaken by Eco-clubs included plantation drives, cleanliness drives, the celebration of important environmental days, awareness and capacity building on solid waste management through waste segregation, green pledges, etc.
What Is the National Nature Camping Programme (NNCP)?
Under NNCP, organisation of field visits/ nature camps in different Protected Areas/ Nature Parks/ Tiger Reserves of the country for students supported, and activities like preparing a checklist of flora and fauna spotted in the nature trail, bird watching, trekking, green pledges, group discussions, sharing of experiences, etc.
These camps provided students with a ‘nature experience’ and had huge potential to trigger their sensitivity towards nature and its conservation.
Financial assistance not exceeding ₹2,000/- per student for a camp of two nights and three days used to be provided under this programme, with a ceiling of 20 camps per State/ Union Territory.
Implementation Agency:
The above programmes were implemented through State Nodal Agencies designated by the respective State Governments/ Union Territory (UT) Administrations.
Question:
What is the major objective of the National Green Corps (NGC) Programme formulated by the central government?
A. To promote Green policing to curb illegal deforestation
B. Major plantation drives in urban bodies
C. Promote environmental awareness and mobilise students
D. Incentivisation of farmers for developing green farming techniques
Answer: C
Context: Science and Technology
Badri Cow
To increase the productivity of its indigenous petite Badri cow, which grazes on the medicinal herbs of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is now planning for its genetic enhancement.
This includes Sex-sorted semen and embryo transfer technology to improve cattle production as part of the ten-year State plan.
What Is Badri Cow?
Badri/Pahari desi cow is a native cow species of Uttarakhand
Badri cow is the first registered cattle breed of Uttarakhand, which has been certified by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)
It grazes on the medicinal herbs of the Himalayas
It is far away from toxic pollution, polythene, and other harmful things that cows in the plains eat
Its milk has rich medicinal content and high organic value
What Are the Newer Methods Implemented by Govt. to Improve the Breed?
Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET): The most common procedure used in advanced cattle breeding is a conventional embryo flush.
Ovum pickup in vitro fertilisation (IVF): It will be used to increase the yield per animal.
Alambadi, Amritmahal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Bargur, Hallikar, Kangayam, Pulikulam
Question:
Badri Cow, recently seen in the news, is native to which of the following states?
A. Gujarat
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Uttarakhand
D. Rajasthan
Answer: C
Fact Book – 14 December 2022
Indian film RRR bags two Golden Globe Award nominations
SS Rajamouli-directed period movie ‘RRR’ has been nominated in two categories at the Golden Globe Awards to be held in January 2023.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has nominated ‘RRR’ in the Best Picture – Non-English language and Best Original Song Naatu Naatu.
‘RRR’ follows a pre-Independence story woven around two real-life Indian revolutionaries – Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem – in the 1920s. Starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR in the lead, the film was released worldwide in March in five languages.
RRR is the only Indian film to make the final five out of a clutch of other entries from India, among them are Gangubai Kathiawadi, Kantara and Chhello Show.
The Golden Globe Awards are accolades bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association beginning in January 1944, recognising excellence in both American and international film and television.
UIDAI tops Grievance Redressal Index
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was once again awarded the first rank amongst all Group A Ministries, Departments and Autonomous Bodies for the resolution of public grievances in the rankings report published by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) for November 2022.
This is the fourth month in a row that the UIDAI topped the said rankings.
UIDAI is constantly working to facilitate “ease of living” for residents and is further committed to strengthen its Grievance Redressal Mechanism towards an even more efficient service delivery.
Services by UIDAI:
Open-Source CRM (customer relationship management) system is enhancing user experience and improving service delivery to the residents.
Newly launched Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) based Chatbot, ‘Aadhaar Mitra’.
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna
Under PMAAGY, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs aims to develop 36,428 villages with at least 50% tribal population and 500 Scheduled Tribes (STs) into model tribal villages.
PMAAGY is a modified version of ‘Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme’ and implemented during 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Objective of PMAAGY is to achieve integrated socio-economic development of selected villages through a convergence approach.
Main Components of the Scheme are:
Preparing Village Development Plan
Maximising coverage of individual/family benefit schemes of Central/State Governments
Improving infrastructure in vital sectors like health, education, connectivity, etc.
Geetanjali Shree
The BBC has recently published the list of 100 most influential women in the world and has included women from several areas such as politics, science, sports, entertainment, and literature.
The list also includes four Indians — Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, author Geetanjali Shree, engineer and astronaut Sirisha Bandla, and social worker Sneha Jawale.
Novelist and writer Geetanjali Shree made history this year when she became the first Hindi writer to win the International Booker Prize for ‘Tomb of Sand’, the English translation of her novel Ret Samadhi.
The French translation of the book was also shortlisted for the Emile Guimet Prize
Marked by the innovative use of language and structure, her works have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages.
She also works on theatrical scripts in collaboration with the theatre group Vivaldi, of which she is a founding member.
India secures 11th position in WorldSkills Competition 2022
India secured 11th position in WorldSkills Competition 2022 (WSC 2022), with two silver medals, three bronze medals and 13 Medallions of Excellence.
WorldSkills Competition is a global hunt known for raising the profile and recognition of skilled people.
They inspire young Competitors to reach new heights, helping them turn their passion into a profession.
Founded in 1950 by world skills org, headquarters—Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Competition takes place every two years in a Member Country.
In India, candidates are selected by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through IndiaSkills Competition.
Divya T S won women’s air pistol gold in 65th National Shooting Championship, 2022
Karnataka shooter Divya T S won her first national championship in women’s 10 m air pistol in the 65th National shooting championship that concluded at the Madhya Pradesh Academy.
Divya defeated Uttar Pradesh’s Sanskriti Bana 16-14 in a tight gold medal match today at the MP Academy Shooting range in Bhopal at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions (65th NSCC) in Pistol events.
Manu Bhaker from Haryana also won three gold medals in the 65th National shooting championship.
New Zealand passes a law banning cigarettes for future generations
New Zealand recently passed a law banning cigarettes for future generations in the country.
It is considering an attempt to bring in a near-total tobacco ban from next year.
According to media reports, the law passed by Parliament means that anyone born after 2008 will never be able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products in the country.
The legislation will also reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in smoked tobacco products and cut the number of retailers able to sell tobacco by 90 per cent.
Retailers licensed to sell tobacco will be cut to six hundred by the end of 2023 from six thousand.
According to government statistics released in November, the smoking rate in New Zealand is already one of the lowest in the world, with just 8 per cent of adults smoking daily.
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