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Here is a compilation of the week’s most significant news items for those preparing for a government, competitive, or hiring recruitment exam.
Read some of the week’s most pertinent headlines if you’re preparing to take any forthcoming competitive exams.(Representational/ PTI Photo)
From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column – GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom.
Success in competitive exams such as the UPSC, SBI Bank PO, and other government admission exams depends on keeping up with current affairs. Your success on the preliminary and main exams can improve if you have a firm grasp of recent developments. We can help you stay updated on current events while you’re studying for a government exam. The key stories from the past week are summarised here:
ISRO Places European Sun Observation Satellite Proba-3 In Orbit
Due to a technical issue, the European satellite Proba-3 was delayed by one day from its planned lift-off on December 4 but safely launched into space on Thursday from Sriharikota. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) flagship rocket, the PSLV-C59, is home to the state-of-the-art Sun-observing mission Proba-3. It seeks to further international research into the technological and economic hazards associated with space weather. At 4.04 pm, the polar satellite launch vehicle, 44.5 meters tall, blasted off magnificently from the first launch pad. The two satellites on the PSLV rocket of the Proba-3 mission successfully separated and entered their assigned orbit shortly after lift-off, according to ISRO.
India’s First Hyperloop Test Track Set Up By IIT Madras
India has long dreamed of developing its hyperloop system, a high-speed transformation system allowing travel at speeds comparable to an airplane. In this sense, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras has completed building India’s first hyperloop test track in Chennai. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the Indian Railways, IIT Madras, the Avishkar Hyperloop team, and Tutr Hyperloop on their achievement while sharing images of the 410-mile track on the X platform. To transport people and goods at speeds comparable to an airplane, the Hyperloop is developing a technology that uses magnetic levitation in low-pressure tubes.
Rajasthan HC Takes Suo Motu Action on Women’s Right To Clean And Hygienic Toilets
Taking note of the serious health consequences, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jaipur bench has taken suo motu cognisance of the lack of sanitary and sufficient public restrooms for women. Under Article 21 of the Constitution, women’s fundamental right to life and dignity is violated when they lack access to basic sanitation facilities, according to a single-judge bench led by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand. Following a news article titled “Toilet Jane Ke Dar Se Kamkaji Mahilaye Kam Pe Rahi Pani” (Working Women Restricting Water Intake Due to Fear of Toilet Accessibility) published in a Hindi daily on November 27, 2024, the case was initiated. Due to the lack of easily accessible and hygienic public restrooms, the survey found that many women are compelled to postpone urinating or refrain from drinking water entirely, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
French PM Michel Barnier’s Govt Ousted In No-Confidence Vote
On December 4, in a crisis never seen in French history, lawmakers passed a no-confidence resolution put forth by the far-right and the Left, to topple the administration led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Barnier became the PM with the shortest tenure (three months), and his cabinet was the first to be overthrown by a no-confidence vote in more than 60 years. The removal sparked a political crisis and raised the possibility of further economic difficulties for the second-largest economic force in the European Union. The issue was sparked by President Emmanuel Macron’s call for hasty elections, and the fiasco has also damaged his reputation.
BR Ambedkar Death Anniversary 2024
India observes Dr BR Ambedkar’s death anniversary as Mahaparinirvan Divas on December 6 every year. Derived from Sanskrit, the term Mahaparinirvan means nirvana or ultimate liberation. Ambedkar was a visionary leader, a leading social reformer, and the primary architect of the Indian Constitution. His resistance to untouchability and caste-based prejudice has had a profound effect on Indian society.
Dr Ambedkar’s supporters think he attained this status through his actions, which is why his death anniversary is known as Mahaparinirvan Day. Ambedkar, like Lord Buddha, was considered a noble guru who attained liberation.
