This is the current affairs of 1 January 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name India’s first ‘X-ray Polarimeter Satellite’, which will provide information about black hole-neutron star?
a. XPoSat
b. PLUTO
c. XPUTO
d. NuStar
Answer: a. XPoSat
XPoSat : X-ray Polarimeter Satellite
– ISRO launched it through the PSLV rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 09:10 AM on January 1, 2024.
– XPoSat carries two payloads, POLIX (POLarimetry Instrument for X-ray astronomy) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing payload), for the study of black holes and neutron stars.
– 21 minutes after launch, it was placed in orbit approximately 650 km above the Earth.
– This is India’s first polarimetry mission and the world’s second polarimetry mission after NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched in 2021.
– ISRO sent a total of 10 payloads along with the rocket, including payloads from space tech startups Dhruva Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, and TM2Space.
About POLIX :
– Developed by the Raman Research Institute and U.R. Rao Satellite Centre.
– It will study the X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV.
About XSPECT:
– It is an X-ray spectroscopy and timing payload.
– It will study the X-ray energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
Study of Radiation from Black Holes and Neutron Stars
– The objective of XPoSat is to study radiation emanating from various astronomical sources such as black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae, etc.
– These are formed through highly complex physical processes, and understanding their emissions poses a significant challenge.
What is a Neutron Star?
– A neutron star is one of the densest objects in the universe, second only to black holes.
– These stars are composed solely of neutrons. Although they are small in size, their mass is incredibly high.
– Neutron stars are formed when a massive star’s fuel is depleted, and it collapses. The core of the star collapses, squeezing electrons and protons together to form neutrons and neutrinos.
– A neutron star has a dense core that remains after the supernova explosion of a massive star. Despite being only 15 to 30 kilometers in diameter, their weight can be up to three times that of our Sun.
– Despite their small size, the weight of a teaspoon of material from a neutron star would be around 4 billion tons on Earth.
Different Types of Neutron Stars:
– Magnetar: A neutron star with a strong magnetic field, approximately 1,000 times stronger than regular neutron stars. It possesses a magnetic field nearly a billion times stronger than Earth’s. Scientists have discovered about 30 magnetars to date.
– Pulsar: There are over 3,000 known neutron stars, and the majority of them are pulsars, emitting radiation between their magnetic poles.
– Magnetar+Pulsar: Scientists have identified only six neutron stars that exhibit both pulsar and magnetar characteristics.
NASA Launched the X-ray Polarimetry Explorer in 2021:
– NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is NASA’s first mission to study X-ray polarization from various astronomical objects. – Launched on December 9, 2021, it was placed in orbit approximately 540 km above Earth.
– IXPE aimed to understand why black holes spin, how pulsars shine so brightly in X-rays, and where the energy to power the jets of energetic particles around supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies comes from.
– Following this, on January 1, 2024, ISRO launched a satellite for a similar purpose.
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2. How many satellites is India planning to launch in five years to gather geo-intelligence information?
a. 25
b. 35
c. 50
d. 55
Answer: c. 50
– ISRO Chairman S. Somanath provided this information on December 28, 2023.
What the Satellites Will Do:
– These satellites will track the communication of soldiers.
– They will capture images of thousands of square kilometers.
– These satellites will be deployed in different orbits around Earth.
What ISRO Chief Shared:
– The ISRO Chief mentioned that they have already configured 50 satellites. In the next five years, they will launch satellites to support special geo-intelligence capabilities.
– Launching satellites on this scale can better mitigate risks for the country.
ISRO’s Approach for Satellite Launch:
– The ISRO Chief stated that they have found a method through which a satellite’s orbit can be shifted from GEO (Geostationary Equatorial Orbit) to LEO (Low Equatorial Orbit) and Very Low Earth Orbit.
G20 Satellite in the Next Two Years:
– ISRO Chief S. Somanath revealed that ISRO could launch a G20 satellite in the next 2 years.
– Contributions from G20 nations through payload devices will be sought for this initiative.
– In September 2023, PM Modi suggested the concept of a G20 satellite.
ISRO Details:
– Chairman: S. Somanath
– Headquarters: Bengaluru
– Establishment: August 15, 1969
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3. Peace agreement was signed between which militant organization of Assam and the Central and Assam governments and 700 cadet surrendered?
a. ALFA
b. ULFA
c. LAFA
d. ULAF
Answer: b. ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom)
Presence of the Home Minister in Trilateral Agreement:
– The pro-talks faction of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom), led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, reached a trilateral agreement with the Central and Assam governments on December 29, 2023.
– The peace agreement includes commitments to renounce violence and integrate into the mainstream of society.
– The agreement was facilitated in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
– Anup Chetia leads the faction of ULFA that has agreed to the peace accord.
– This faction has refrained from taking up arms since 2011.
– The organization had been involved in violence for several decades, causing the reported death of around 10,000 people.
About ULFA:
– It was formed in 1979.
– With its formation, the organization initiated violence to assert the demands of a sovereign Assam.
– The central government imposed a ban on it in 1990.
– In 2010, ULFA split into two factions.
– One faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, expressed willingness to negotiate with the government, while the other faction, led by Paresh Baruah, remained in opposition.
– In 2011, the Rajkhowa faction initiated talks with the central and state governments.
– The peace agreement was signed in 2023.
12 Years of Dialogue:
– The unconditional dialogue between the ULFA faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and the government has concluded after 12 years.
– Approximately 700 cadre members of ULFA have surrendered.
– In the Northeast, there has been a history of armed confrontations between ULFA and armed forces for many years.
– The hope is that this peace agreement will bring an end to the long-standing insurgency in Assam.
– Officials from the Central and Assam governments were attempting to prepare the leaders for the peace agreement.
Key Points of the Agreement:
– Members of ULFA have abandoned armed struggle, and the Indian government will make every possible effort to mainstream them.
– The Assam government will facilitate employment opportunities for ULFA cadre members.
– The cultural heritage of the people of Assam will be preserved.
– Means for better employment opportunities will be available for the people of the state.
– AFSPA has been lifted from 85% of the areas in Assam.
Assam:
– Capital: Dispur
– Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
– Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
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4. What is India’s position among the largest steel producers globally in the period April to November 2023?
a. First
b. Second
c. Third
d. Fourth
Answer: b. Second
– China holds the first position as the largest steel producer at the global level.
– Over the past few years, there has been significant growth in India’s steel sector, emerging as the world’s second-largest steel-producing country.
– This ranking is based on the period from April to November 2023.
#Steel Production and Consumption in India#
Production
– During the first eight months of the current fiscal year (April-November 2023), the production in the steel sector was 89.711 million tons.
– In the same period of the previous year, it was 78.498 million tons.
Domestic Raw Steel Production
– The production of domestic raw steel is 94.114 million tons, which is 14.7% more than the 82.072 million tons of the previous year.
Consumption
– This year, domestic steel consumption is 87.066 million tons, showing a 14.9% increase compared to the 75.765 million tons of the previous year.
Top 5 Countries in Steel Production
– China
– India
– Japan
– USA
– Russia
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5. The Indian Navy has unveiled new Admirals’ epaulettes inspired by the coat of arms of which great man?
a. Maharana Pratap
b. Chhatrapati Shivaji
c. Dashrath Maurya
d. Krishnadev Rai
Answer: b. Chhatrapati Shivaji
– Epaulets refer to the rank worn on an officer’s shoulder.
– It is inspired by the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Where is the design of epaulets taken from?
– The new design of epaulets is inspired by the naval flag, which, in turn, is inspired by the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
– It serves as a true symbol or mirror of our prosperous maritime heritage.
Features of the new epaulets:
– At the top is a golden button representing the Navy.
– Below it is an octagon in red containing the Ashok Stambh.
– Beneath it is a sword and a telescope, crossing each other.
– Following the rank, there are stars.
Meaning of symbols in epaulets:
– The golden button signifies the elimination of the mentality of slavery.
– The Ashok Stambh in the octagon symbolizes representing the eight principal directions.
– The sword signifies advancing in national strength, winning wars, defeating enemies, and controlling challenges.
– The telescope means keeping an eye on the changing world and the weather.
Three ranks in Admiral:
– Rear Admiral (Two stars)
– Vice Admiral (Three stars)
– Admiral (Four stars)
Note: The Indian Navy is also prepared to change the names of some ranks from the British nomenclature to reflect Indian connections.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
– Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great king and strategist in India.
– He was born on February 19, 1630, in the Shivneri Fort near Pune.
– He laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in Western India in 1674.
– For this, he had conflicts with the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
Indian Navy Chief – Admiral R. Hari Kumar
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6. Australian cricketer David Warner announced his retirement from which format?
a. ODI Cricket
b. Test Cricket
c. T20 Cricket
d. both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (ODI cricket and test cricket)
– David Warner bid farewell to One Day International (ODI) cricket on January 1, 2024 (New Year).
– However, he had already announced his retirement from Test cricket. After playing the Test match against Pakistan in Sydney from January 3, he will also bid adieu to the Test format.
Test Cricket:
– David Warner will play his 112th and final Test match this week.
– In Test cricket, he has scored 8,695 runs with an average of 44.58, including 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries.
One Day Cricket:
– In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has played 161 matches and scored 6,932 runs with an average of 45.30.
– He has 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries to his name in ODIs.
– David Warner has played in two Cricket World Cups (2015, 2023).
David Warner:
– He is an Australian cricketer.
– He is a left-handed opening batsman.
– He is 37 years old.
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7. When is the Global Family Day celebrated?
a. 1 January
b. 2 January
c. 3 January
d. 4 January
Answer: a. 1 January
– The United Nations General Assembly established this day.
– The purpose of this day is to promote peace between all countries and religions, advocating the avoidance of war and violence through non-violence.
– Family (Global Family) is considered significant for this day, as it is believed that peace in the world can be established through the family unit.
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8. When is World Braille Day celebrated?
a. 1 January
b. 2 January
c. 3 January
d. 4 January
Answer: d. 4 January
– This day has been observed worldwide since the year 2019.
– The objective of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of Braille.
What is Braille?
– Braille is a script used by people with visual impairments and blindness for reading, writing, and understanding.
– In the Braille script, letters and numbers are represented through raised dots.
– Not only that, but musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols and signs are also written in Braille so that books and magazines can be read through touch.
– The discovery of this system was made 200 years ago by the French scholar Louis Braille.
– Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in the city of Coupvray.
Note:
– According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one billion people worldwide are living with visual impairment or blindness, whether near or far-sighted.
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9. Name the Queen of Denmark, who announced to abdicate the throne after ruling for 52 years?
a. Elizabeth II
b. Margrethe II
c. Lewis
d. Victoria
Answer: b. Margrethe II
– Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, after reigning for 52 years, will abdicate on January 14, 2024.
– Her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederick, will succeed her.
– The announcement was made by the Queen on live television on December 31.
– Queen Margrethe II ascended to the throne in 1972.
– She is currently 83 years old.
– She became the longest-reigning queen in Denmark.
– In terms of European monarchs, Queen Elizabeth II holds the record for the longest reign. She was the queen of the United Kingdom.
Who holds power in Denmark?
– Official power in Denmark rests with the elected Parliament and its government.
– It is expected that ceremonial duties will continue to be above political affairs.
– Representing the nation in political events, from state visits to national day celebrations, will be traditional duties.
About Queen Margrethe:
– Born in 1940 into the house of former sovereigns King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid, Queen Margrethe has received extensive support from her country throughout her life.
– She is also known for her passion for archaeology and has participated in several excavations.
– At the age of 31 in 1953, she became the heir apparent following a constitutional amendment allowing women to ascend to the throne.
– She has two sons: Crown Prince Frederick, who will become King Frederick X, and Prince Joachim.
Denmark:
– Capital: Copenhagen
– Currency: Danish Krone
– Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen
– Population: Approximately 5.9 million
