27 October 2022 Daily Current Affairs: Infantry Day 2022, Plastic Roads, Genome Editing, and More

Nation celebrates 76th Infantry Day today, 27th October 2022

Infantry Day is commemorated on 27 October every year in memory of the first battle of Independent India that was fought in Kashmir way back in 1947-48.

The day honours the contributions of the Infantry - the largest fighting arm of the Indian Army. It was on this day in 1947 that Infantry-men from the Indian Army became the first troops to land at Srinagar airport, which ultimately pushed back the Pakistani invaders from much of the territories of Jammu and Kashmir. To those unaware, Pakistan was on the verge of capturing both Srinagar and Leh from the Kashmiri troops at the moment.

How it is Celebrated?

A 'Wreath Laying' ceremony is being organised at the National War Memorial today to honour the heroes of the Infantry.

Why to credit only Infantry, and not the whole army?

In 1947, there was no all-weather land connectivity between India and Pakistan and so the only way to defend Kashmir was through air-dropping troops via aircraft. And Srinagar was the only airport in the state. Losing control of the airport meant losing logistical support and the war. It was then decided to air drops infantry around Srinagar Airport to save the state from going into enemy hands forever.

Who can forget Major Somnath Sharma on this day?

The country's first Paramveer Chakra was awarded during this very battle to Major Somnath Sharma. He superhumanly fought and held his ground with just 50 men against over 1,000 Pakistani raiders. Had he lost his ground, the airport of Srinagar and probably all of Kashmir would have fallen to Pakistan.

His famous last words before a mortar explosion martyred him:

"The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are hopelessly outnumbered. I will not withdraw one inch but fight to the last man last round."

Scroll Down to Read about: Gujarat Jal Jeevan Mission, Genome Editing of Plants in India, Plastic Roads, and More

National Affairs

Gujarat achieves 100 percent Jal Jeevan Mission Target 2 years before the deadline

Gujarat’s 91.73 lakh rural households now have running and potable water connections through taps under the Jal Jeevan Mission Launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2019, the mission aims to provide 55 litres of water per person per day to each rural household through household tap connections by 2024. Other states/UTs to achieve 100% Target: Haryana, Goa, Telangana, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman, and Nicobar Island

Veteran Assamese actor Nipon Goswami breathes his last at the age of 80

Nipon Goswami, a classmate of famous Bollywood Director Subhas Ghai, has acted in 50 Assamese films.

Border Road Organization uses Shredded Plastic in Road Construction

Border Road Organization (BRO) has carried out trials to extensively use shredded plastic in bituminous road construction in India as well as in Bhutan. BRO has used the technology in resurfacing of various road stretches in India and Bhutan. In India, the technology was used to renew roads in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Tourists delight: Neral-Matheran Toy Train services resume after 3 years

The toy train service had to be cancelled in 2019 after several damages to the rail section following unprecedented rainfall. It took Indian Railway 3 years to upgrade the infrastructure and resume the service. The route will now have a Vistadome coach, Gabion protection, and Grouting of stone pitching beneath the track.

Indian Men and women cricketers to receive equal match fees from BCCI

After the decision, both genders will individually get ₹15 lakh for each test, ₹6 lakh for each one-day international and ₹3 lakh for every Twenty20 international.

Government makes it easier to genome-edit SDN-1 and SDN-2 category plants

The guidelines (SOP) lay out regulatory requirements and guidance for acceptable research and experiments - such as genome editing - on SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories of plants. SDN 1 and SDN 2 category plants are those plants which are free from any transgenes and so some regulatory exemptions are provided to companies involved in the research and development of these varieties. The move will streamline and propel the development of Genome Edited Plants in India. Just so you know, genome-edited plants can benefit us in more ways than one. Farmers will get seeds which are more productive and more resilient to the vagaries of weather and other calamities. This will reduce their cost and increase their income. It'll also help the country economically and in matters of food security. These SOPs shall be applicable for all organizations involved in research, development and handling of the Genome Edited Plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories. We can now hope to see more and more plant varieties with improved traits contributing towards increasing Farmer's income.