Current Affairs

1. RECENTLY, INDIA HAS ACHIEVED HIGHER ETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM GRAINS, PARTICULARLY MAIZE, SURPASSING THAT FROM SUGAR-BASED FEEDSTOCK –

• Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel produced from various sources such as sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, and biomass.
• Molasses, a byproduct of sugar manufacture, are generally the main source of production of ethanol (anhydrous alcohol) and rectified spirit.
• The production process involves the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.
• Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol to create a cleaner fuel alternative. Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic wine-like odor and pungent taste. It is fully soluble in water and most organic solvents.
• In its pure form, it has a boiling point of 78.37 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -114.14 degrees Celsius. Ethanol is a combustible material and has a lower combustion temperature than gasoline, making it a cleaner-burning alternative.

 

2. RECENTLY, THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES WAS OBSERVED WHICH WAS SIGNED ON 28TH JUNE 1919, AT THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES, IN PARIS, FRANCE –

• It was one of the treaties that officially ended five years of conflict known as the World War I (1914-18). The Treaty mentioned the conditions of peace between Germany and the victorious Allies, led by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
• The war guilt clause of the treaty forced Germany and other Central Powers (like Austria-Hungary) to take all the blame for World War I.
• This led to the loss of territories, reduction in military forces, and reparation payments to Allied powers by Germany. Disintegration of the German population was later used by Hitler to justify German aggression and expansion.
• It further posed severe risks to the entire European economy which led to the Great Depression of 1929. The treaty caused resentment among Germans who saw it as a dictated peace and is considered one of the reasons for World War II.
• Also, the treaty led to the formation of the League of Nations.

 

3. T20 WORLD CUP 2024, INDIA LIFTS THE TROPHY –

• India beats South Africa by 7 runs and lifts the India lifts ICC T20 World Cup 2024 for 2nd time after 2007. India has ended an 11-year trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the T20 World Cup final by a margin of 7 runs. This victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup title. At the end of their 20 overs, South Africa managed to reach 169/8, chasing India’s 176/7.
• Earlier, Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47) weathered the early storm to push India to a competitive score in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Bridgetown on June 29.

Here is the list of all winners of the T20 World Cup 2024:

• Player of the match – Virat Kohli (India)
• Player of the tournament – Jasprit Bumrah (India)