Today in History (Apr 22^th, 1970)

Earth Day is marked across the globe on April 22 to support environmental conservation efforts. It was first celebrated across US college campuses in 1970 — months after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara. The movement has since mobilised more than a billion individuals in over 192 countries.

Let’s revise

1) Find correct statement from the following

1. Election Commission of India is responsible for elections in Panchayati Raj Institutions
2. Election Commission of India is responsible for elections of local self governments
3. Respective state election commission is responsible for elections of State Legislative Assembly
4. Election Commission of Indian is responsible for election in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies

Ans. (d)

2) Election Commission of India has ______members

1. Two
2. One
3. Three
4. Four

Ans. (c)

3) When the age of voting did reduce from 21 years to 18 years?

1. 1980
2. 1989
3. 1999
4. 2014

Ans. (b)

4) Insulin is associated with which one disease?

1. Diabetes
2. Diarrhea
3. AIDS
4. Kidney stone

Ans. (a)

5) Recently in which country the volcanic eruption was seen to cause emergency situation?

1. Indonesia
2. India
3. Pakistan
4. Japan

Ans. (a)

6) Mount Marapi is an active volcano in which country?

1. Sri Lanka
2. Afghanistan
3. Japan
4. Indonesia

Ans. (d)

7) Which type of soil is the result of volcanic eruption?

1. Black soil
2. Sandy soil
3. Loam soil
4. None of the above

Ans. (a)

8) The pacific ring of fire is known for _____

1. Most of the forest fires
2. Most of the urban fire incidents
3. Most of the volcanic eruptions
4. Major region of the monsoon rain

Ans. (c)

9) Which one is known as Cotton soil?

1. Regur soil or black soil
2. Red soil
3. Sandy soil
4. Clay soil

Ans. (a)

Summary of Today’s News

Aadharshila

It is the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024. It has been by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It is on the lines of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.

• • For the first time ever, the Union Government has released a curriculum advisable to be taught to children aged three to six-years-old.
  • It is to emphasise the pre-school learning in 14 lakh anganwadis across the country.
  • Its objectives are to bridge foundational literacy and numeracy gaps which may arise in later school years.
  • As 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six years, hence ministry recognises the role of early care of education.
  • It covers the physical/motor, cognitive, language and literacy, socio-emotional, cultural/aesthetic as well as positive habits.
  • It provides for a combination of activities, including in-centre and at-home, indoor and outdoor, child-led and educator-led etc.
  • Robust assessment tools are provided for tracking progress, tailoring learning, and celebrating each child’s unique journey.
  • Special focus has been given for the screening, inclusion and referrals of Divyang children in every activity.

Vasuki Indicus

• The IIT Roorkee researchers have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed on Earth.
• The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat.
• The reptile/snake, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been between 10 meters and 15 meters long.
• Vasuki refers to the mythical snake often depicted around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva.
• This snake existed 47 million years ago that is during a period called the Middle Eocene.
• During Middle Eocene Africa, India and South America were one, conjoined landmass.
• It likely had a broad and cylindrical body, hinting at a robust and powerful build and was as big as Titanoboa, a massive snake that once roamed the earth and is reportedly the longest ever known.
• Much like present-day pythons and anaconda, Vasuki Indicus killed its prey by suffocation.

National Security Guard (NSG)

• Nalin Prabhat, a senior officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), has been designated as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
• The NSG, established in 1986 to counter terrorist threats.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Its inception followed the events of Operation Blue Star in 1984.
• This operation prompted the government to establish a specialized force to combat terrorism.
• The NSG draws its personnel from various branches, including the Central Armed Police Forces, the Indian Army, and State Police Forces.
• Often recognized by their distinctive black attire and cat insignia, NSG personnel are commonly referred to as “Black Cats.”
• The NSG’s motto, “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha,” emphasizes its commitment to comprehensive security.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• The Ministry of Defence is strategizing a gradual expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from its current count of 17 lakh cadets to 27 lakh over the course of the next decade.
• This initiative aims to extend the presence of the tri-service organization to a broader array of educational institutions, particularly focusing on border regions.
• Established under the National Cadet Corps Act of 1948, the NCC in India has its roots in the “University Corps” established by the Indian Defense Act of 1917, initially intended to address military personnel shortages.
• Serving as the youth wing of the Armed Forces, it is headquartered in New Delhi and welcomes participation from school and college students on a voluntary basis.
• The NCC stands as the largest uniformed youth organization, operating as a Tri-Services Organization encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Wing, dedicated to nurturing the nation’s youth into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
• Its guiding principle is encapsulated in the motto “Unity and Discipline.”