MLC Daily Current Affairs – 07 December 2024

Today in History (December 7^th,1949)

December 7 is celebrated as Armed Forces Flag Day or Flag Day in India. The day is commemorated to honour the soldiers and the bravehearts, who lost their lives in the line of duty. Since December 7, 1949, this day has been observed to pay respect to the military forces.

Let’s Revise

1) Where is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located?
a) Maharashtra
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Karnataka
Answer: c)
Rationale: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located in Sriharikota, which is in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

2) What is the primary function of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre?
a) Space research
b) Satellite launch facility
c) Astronaut training
d) Spacecraft manufacturing
Answer: b)
Rationale: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre serves as a primary satellite launch facility for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

3) When was the Satish Dhawan Space Centre established?
a) 1969
b) 1971
c) 1975
d) 1980
Answer: b)
Rationale: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre was established in 1971 as a launch site for India’s space missions.

4) Which space agency operates the Satish Dhawan Space Centre?
a) NASA
b) ESA
c) Roscosmos
d) ISRO
Answer: d)
Rationale: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

5) Which island separates lake Pulicat from Bay of Bengal?
a) Salset Island
b) Adman Island
c) Sriharikota Island
d) Majuli Island
Answer: (c)
Rationale: Sriharikota is an island in Andhra Pradesh that separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal. Please see on the map given below.

Summary of Today’s News

Nepal and China signed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation Framework

• Framework is expected to pave the way for implementing BRI projects in Nepal, which joined BRI in 2017.
• Also, both countries have committed to developing the Trans-Himalayan Connectivity Network (THMDCN) and improving infrastructure in roads, railways, aviation, and power grids.
• Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also part of the BRI.

Key Points About BRI

• China initiated it as ‘One Belt One Road’ in 2013, it seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime
• Objectives: Improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth.
• It comprises Silk Road Economic Belt (A trans-continental passage) and Maritime Silk Road (A sea route).

Key Concerns for India Security Threats:

• Nepal shares a long land border (about 1700 km) with India and act as a buffer zone between both countries.

• China’s Infrastructure project will make border areas more vulnerable in case of conflict. E.g. Chinese-funded airport in Pokhara (located close proximity to border)
• Regional Influence: China’s economic influence in Nepal may push the country to align politically with China, weakening India’s regional influence.
• This is considered a part of China’s “string of pearls” strategy to encircle India with Chinese-friendly nations.

• Also, influence over Nepal may be exercised by using Debt Trap Diplomacy.
• Other impacts: Impacting Trade Relations, India is currently Nepal’s largest trade partner, with investments in cross-border energy trade.

Brain Rot

• The term “brain rot” has been named the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.

What is brain rot?

• ‘Brain rot’ is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration”.
• It has been associated with issues like decreased attention span, reduced critical thinking, mental health issues etc.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Maha Kumbh mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, will be celebrated from January 13 to February 26, 2025 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Key points about Maha Kumbh Mela:

• Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over 12 years.

Key loacations and rivers:

• Uttar Pradesh: Prayagraj (confluence Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati)
• Uttarakhand: Haridwar (Ganga river)
• Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain (Shipra river)
• Maharashtra: Nashik (Godavaririver)

Key Rituals and Practices:

• Shahi Snan, Deep Daan, and Kalpavas (emphasizing discipline and austerity).
• Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 has been placed in the Guinness World Record for having the biggest sanitation and waste disposal mechanism among others.