Current Affairs 23 December 2023
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Central Railways to Add Panic Switches at 117 Stations
- Central Railway general manager Ram Karan Yadav has announced a significant step towards enhancing passenger safety on December 23, 2023.
- In his first news conference after assuming office, Yadav disclosed plans to install panic switches at 117 railway stations under the Central Railway network.
- This move aims to provide passengers with a quick and efficient means of alerting the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in case of emergencies.
- The installation of panic switches at railway stations is a proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.
Ved, Vigyan, and Sanskriti Mahakumbh Inaugurated
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the three-day Ved, Vigyan, and Sanskriti Mahakumbh at Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar on December 23, 2023.
- The Vice President emphasised the importance of disseminating Vedic knowledge to a broader audience, stating that Vedas play a crucial role in nation-building.
- Mr. Dhankhar highlighted Mahakumbh's role in reinforcing the synergy between Vedas and science.
- He expressed confidence that by 2030, India would be among the world's top three economies.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
First in Situ Discovery of Megalodon Tooth in Deep Sea (Ecology)
- A small team of oceanographers has made a ground-breaking discovery—the first in situ fossilized megalodon tooth in the deep sea on December 23, 2023.
- The findings shed light on the conditions and significance of the ancient shark’s tooth, providing a unique perspective on the megalodon’s existence.
- It is published in the journal Historical Biology by a small team of oceanographers in collaboration with a zoologist from Germany’s SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology.
- The megalodon, considered one of the greatest predators in history, roamed the oceans between 4 and 20 million years ago.
Display of Polar Stratospheric Clouds in the Arctic (Environment)
- It is published that the Arctic skies have been adorned with an extraordinary celestial display—rare “rainbow clouds,” scientifically known as PSCs on December 23, 2023.
- This captivating phenomenon was observed in various locations, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, and even as far as Scotland.
- The appearance of these vibrant clouds, starting on December 18, 2023 and continuing until December 20, 2023, has been attributed to an unusual cold snap in the region.
- Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) form when water vapor enters the stratosphere, and temperatures are cold enough for the vapor to condense.
PM Modi Applauded Kisan Drones
- PM Narendra Modi has applauded Kisan drones which provide an effective and efficient technique for the application of liquid fertilisers on December 23, 2023.
- Prime Minister said the advancement of Kisan drones is leading to an increase in farmers' earnings and improving their quality of life.
- Agri-drone technology is a real breakthrough in modernising and transforming farming practices in the country.
- The use of drones by farmers as a"drone moment" for the agricultural sector of India, heralding a "drone movement" in the country.
STATE AFFAIRS
President Arrived at Jaisalmer
- President Draupadi Murmu arrived at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on December 23, 2023.
- She is scheduled to attend an Army programme being organised at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
- After that, she is to participate in an interaction programme with females under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, to be organised at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium.
- This programme is being organised by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department of Rajasthan and Rajasthan Rural Livelihood Development Council.