NATIONAL:
1. ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’
Why in news - Kashmir’s harshest winter period, ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, began.
Key Points –
• ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ is a 40-day period when a cold wave grips Kashmir and temperatures drop considerably.
• The cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Bomb Cyclone
Why in news - An intense blizzard (or snowstorm) wreaked havoc across USA and Canada killing dozens.
Key Points –
• Bomb cyclone - It is a very strong blizzard that brings heavy snow or rain to many areas from the Arctic region.
• Bombogenesis - Pressure drops rapidly in the middle of the storm (low-pressure mass). This quickly increases the pressure difference between the two air masses, therefore making the winds stronger.
• It is a mid-latitude (30° and 60° north or south of the equator) cyclone.
ECONOMY:
1. $10-trillion Economy
Why in news – As per the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), India is to become $10-trillion economy by 2035.
Key Points –
• An average of 6.4% GDP growth would propel India to 3rd place on the CEBR's World Economic League Table by 2037.
• CEBR predicts that China would overtake the US in 2036.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. Veer Bal Diwas
Why in news - December 26 is observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom of 10th Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons.
Key Points –
• Younger sons - Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7).
• Both were killed in 1704, in events sparked by the attack on Anandpur Sahib by the armies of the Mughals on the orders of Aurangzeb.
• The attack of 1704 was led by Bilaspur King Bheem Chand and Handuria King Raja Hari Chand.
2. International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2022
Why in news – It is observed on December 27 to highlight the need to remain prepared for future pandemic situations.
Key Points –
• For this, UNGA passed a resolution on December 7, 2020.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Hemant Gupta
Why in news - The Centre has appointed Justice Hemant Gupta as Chairperson of the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC).
Key Points –
• NDIAC was setup in 2019 under the provisions of New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) Act, 2019.
• The Act declared NDIAC as an institution of national importance.
• It is a 7-member body that is headed by a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court or an eminent person.
RANKS & INDICES:
1. World's Best Cuisine Awards 2022
Why in news - The list of best cuisines in the world for 2022 was released by Taste Atlas Awards.
Key Points –
• Indian cuisine has ranked 5th (4.54 out of five-star ratings).
• It rated "garam masala, ghee, malai, butter garlic naan, keema and 460 more" the best-rated food in India.
• Top 3 –
• The top 5 "Best Traditional Dishes" - Kare (Japan), Picanha (Brazil), Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato (Portugal), Tangbao (China) and Guotie (China).
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Rohini Nayyar Prize 2022
Why in news - Sethrichem Sangtam has won the inaugural Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development.
Key Points –
• He runs NGO ‘Better Life Foundation’ that works with farmers in eastern Nagaland.
• He promotes sustainable farming practices and helps farmers’ transition from slash-and-burn to settled cultivation.
2. BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Why in news – Beth Mead has been awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022.
Key Points –
• She was the player of the tournament and top scorer at Euro 2022.
• At UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, she became the Golden Boot Winner, Player of the Tournament, and top assist provider.
• She is an English Professional footballer.
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. Artificial Heart
Why in news – IIT Kanpur developed artificial heart to deal with acute cardiac problems.
COMMITTEES:
1. ‘Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility’
Why in news – CJI D Y Chandrachud has constituted a committee headed by apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat.
Key Points –
• Purpose - to conduct an audit of “physical and functional access” of the top court premises to make them disabled-friendly.
• Other members – Dr. Sanjay Jain, Shakti Mishra, V Sridhar Reddy, and Nilesh Singit.
AGREEMENTS:
1. AIC and MSMEs
Why in news – Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) signed agreements with MSMEs for incubation of newer technologies into commercial products.
Key Points –
• Aim - carbon neutrality, safe drinking water, affordable healthcare etc.
• The technologies include Alkaline Water Electrolyser for Green Hydrogen production, DC Accelerator for Wastewater Treatment, novel Gamma Monitoring etc.
FESTIVALS:
1. Losar Festival
Why in news - On Dec 24, 2022, Ladakh celebrated Losar Festival to mark the Ladakhi New Year.
SPORTS:
1. Sports Science Centre
Why in news - Anurag Thakur inaugurated the Sports Science Centre here at M.G. Stadium in Udupi.
POINTERS:
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) forthcoming Chandrayaan 3 mission will carry scientific instruments of which country - United States of America.
• Where has the 'North East Festival' started recently - New Delhi.
• Who has recently been given the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2022 for the novel 'Kala Pani' - M Rajendran.
• The Defense Acquisition Council has approved defense purchases worth how many crores – Rs 84,328 crores.
• Who has inaugurated the 10-day Bekal International Beach Festival at Bekal Beach Park in Kasaragod - Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Which country has recently elected a member of the UN 'Peacebuilding Commission' - Nepal.
• Who has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Fiji - Sitiveni Rabuka.
• British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has recently appointed whom as his Ethics Advisor - Laurie Magnus.
• Who has been named captain of the 18-member Indian team for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup - Harmanpreet Singh.
• Which state's governor has approved the State's Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act – Uttarakhand.