Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 30 Dec 2022
- 3 min read
Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project
Recently, the India-assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project (on Mangdechhu River) was handed over to Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), Bhutan. The project was conceived in 2010.
With this project, the two have successfully completed 4 mega hydroelectric power projects. The other three include - 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project (on Kholongchhu river) and 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1 & 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-2 Projects (Punatsangchhu River).
Cooperation in the hydropower sector between India and Bhutan is an example of mutually beneficial cooperation, providing clean electricity to India, generating export revenue for Bhutan.
Read More - Hydroelectric Power Projects
Chillai Kalan
Currently, Kashmir valley is going through the hardest winter period of 40 days famously known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ (persian for major cold). The minimum temperature of Kashmir is below the freezing point (-5.7℃ to -2.5℃) and the continuous cold wave has resulted in freezing the Dal Lake along with the water supply.
Chillai Kalan usually occurs from 21st December to 30th January. The cold waves will then carry forward with a 20 day stretch of “Chillai’ Khurd’ (small cold) followed by 10 days long “Chillai-Bacha’ (baby cold).
Read More - Chillai Kalan
Netanyahu Returns as Israel PM
Recently, Benjamin Netanyahu was again sworn in as Israel’s PM (replacing Yair Lapid). The country of Israel is currently in conflict with Palestine over issues related to Jerusalem and West Bank. In 2020, the Abraham Accords were signed between Israel Bahrain and UAE, mediated by the USA to decouple the Arab countries from the Palestine question.
In the beginning of the year 2022, India and Israel marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two. India is Israel's 3rd largest trade partner in Asia (7th largest globally) and the largest buyer of military equipment from Israel.
Read More - India-Israel Relations, Israel-Palestine Conflict
Dhanu Jatra
Recently, the Dhanu Jatra - considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre, began. It came into existence in Bargarh (Odisha) in 1947-48 as part of the celebration of the country’s Independence and is held annually.
The Yatra relates to the episode of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura (UP) to witness the ceremony of 'Bow' organised by Kansa as described in the 'Bhagavata Purana'. The fest continues for 7-11 days preceding Pausa Purnima (falling in Dec-Jan every year).
A similar festival, Jagannath Rath Yatra (also called Chariot Festival) is also held in Orissa.
Read More - Jagannath Rath Yatra
