Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 15th December 2023

These current affairs today are a part of our daily current affairs. We cover a wide range of topics from state, national, and international news that are relevant and important for competitive exams. Our team prepares today’s current affairs after going through many newspapers, such as The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, PRS, etc.

Scroll down for current affairs for 15th December 2023.

Initiating a Paradigm Shift: Anticipated Unveiling of 20 Novel Nuclear Power Facilities by 2031

• India is set to embark on a transformative journey, envisioning the commissioning of 20 cutting-edge nuclear power plants by 2031. 
• This strategic move aims to augment the nation’s power-generating capacity by nearly 15,000 MW, as disclosed by the government in a statement to the Lok Sabha. 
• The inaugural installation within this ambitious venture, a formidable 700 MW unit, is slated for commissioning in 2023 at Kakrapar in Gujarat, a region already hosting three operational atomic power-generating units. 
• Minister of State in the PMO, Jitendra Singh, detailed in a written response that the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam is poised to become operational in 2024, followed by two colossal 1,000 MW units at Kudankulam in 2025.

France Assumes Host Role for the Global Forum “Solidarity with the Ukrainian People”

• As per the official statement from the French embassy, France is set to host a momentous international conference titled “Standing with the Ukrainian People” in the majestic city of Paris. 
• The primary objective of this gathering is to synchronize global support for enhancing civilian resilience in Ukraine and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of its people. 
• Conceived at the behest of French President Emmanuel Macron and co-organized with Ukraine, the conference will feature virtual remarks by Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 
• The Ukrainian populace grapples with severe challenges across vital life sectors, including electricity supply, food security, water access, and medical care. 
• This predicament is exacerbated by the onset of winter and intensified Russian bombardments on civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, notably energy facilities, leading to substantial blackouts.

Poland Mourns the Loss of Cosmonaut Gen Miroslaw Hermaszewski

• Poland’s sole cosmonaut, Gen Miroslaw Hermaszewski, has passed away at the age of 81. Revered as a national hero for his historic journey into space in 1978 aboard a Soviet spacecraft, Hermaszewski and Soviet cosmonaut Pyotr Klimuk circled the Earth for nine days. 
• This historic mission, where they orbited the globe 126 times, cemented Hermaszewski’s legacy in Poland’s space exploration history.

Russia Ascends as Premier Oil Supplier to India, Surpassing Iraq in November

• In a significant shift, Russia has secured its position as the foremost oil supplier to India, displacing Iraq. 
• Refiners in the previous month exhibited a preference for oil from Moscow, driven by apprehensions that a price ceiling effective from December 5 could impede supplies and constrict payment channels. 
• India’s oil imports from Russia marked a fifth consecutive monthly increase, totaling 908,000 barrels per day (bpd) in November, a 4% surge from October, as indicated by data. 
• The Group of Seven nations (G-7), Australia, and the 27 European Union countries have enforced a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian seaborne oil from December 5, aiming to curb Moscow’s financing capabilities for its conflict in Ukraine. 
• The outlined price cap strategy involves G7 countries withholding insurance, finance, brokering, navigation, and other services for oil shipments exceeding the specified limit on crude and oil products.

Inauguration of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar’s Statue by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin

• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu marked the inauguration of the statue of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar at Bharathiyar’s renovated residence in Varanasi via a video conference on December 11. 
• Stalin also released a centenary souvenir in honor of Bharathiyar. 
• The 141st birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar was celebrated by the State Government across various locations. 
• Bharathiyar, a prominent figure, was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist, social reformer, and polyglot.

IIT Ropar and Army Training Command Forge Collaboration for a Center of Excellence

• In a collaborative effort, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) of the Indian Army have formalized an agreement through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a center of excellence dedicated to studies and applied research in defense and security at the esteemed institute. 
• The MoU, signed by Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Lt Gen SS Mahal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC, also encompasses the curation of training programs and the exchange of information on educational initiatives for security practitioners within the armed forces, 
• Central Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies, and state police forces. This collaboration is integral to the on-campus and off-campus programs focused on research and innovation.

Asian Development Bank Affirms India’s Economic Growth at 7%

• The Asian Development Bank, headquartered in Manila, has maintained its economic growth projection for India at seven percent for the fiscal year 2022-23. 
• This outlook, consistent with its September forecast, indicates a moderation from the previous fiscal year’s robust 8.7 percent GDP growth. 
• Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2023-24, the ADB foresees a sustained growth rate of 7.2 percent, attributing it to the positive impacts of structural reforms and the catalyzing effect of public investment on private enterprises.

Joe Root Joins Elite Club with 10,000+ Test Runs and 50+ Wickets

• Former England captain Joe Root achieves a historic milestone, becoming only the third cricketer in history to amass 10,000 runs and take 50 wickets in Test cricket. 
• This feat was accomplished during the ongoing second Test against Pakistan in Multan. 
• Root reached the milestone by dismissing Faheem Ashraf, a remarkable accomplishment shared with cricket legends Jacques Kallis of South Africa and former Australian captain Steve Waugh.

Landmark Legislation: New Zealand Government Enacts Pioneering Tobacco Prohibition

• The New Zealand government has ushered in an unprecedented era by passing legislation aimed at eradicating tobacco consumption, particularly among the youth.
  The Smoke Free Environments and Regulated Products (Smoking Tobacco) Amendment Bill, now law in New Zealand, seeks to achieve a smoke-free nation by 2025. 
• The legislation prohibits the sale of tobacco to individuals born after January 1, 2009, and endeavors to diminish the prevalence of cigarette retailers across the country. 
• Enjoying bipartisan support in New Zealand’s parliament, the bill, championed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, also outlines plans to restrict the permissible nicotine content in smokeless tobacco products. 
• Successful implementation of the bill would significantly reduce the number of tobacco retailers nationwide to approximately one-tenth of the current count of 6,000.

HDFC Bank Collaborates with Startup India for Parivartan SmartUp Grants

• HDFC Bank has unveiled its sixth annual grants program for social startups in collaboration with the Government of India’s flagship initiative, ‘Startup India.’ Branded as Parivartan SmartUp Grants, the initiative aims to identify startups operating in the social impact domain and provide them with financial support through grants allocated to their incubators. 
• Under the overarching umbrella of Parivartan, the bank has already disbursed over INR 30 crore to more than 45 incubators, supporting over 165 startups across various sectors, including environment, agri-business, ed-tech, waste management, healthcare, and skill development.

ISRO’s Initiative to Enhance the Utilization of NavIC, India’s Navigation System

• To foster the adoption of ‘NAVigation with the Indian Constellation’ (NavIC), ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, plans to introduce the L1 frequency in all upcoming satellites. 
• Currently, the NavIC constellation’s seven satellites utilize the L5 and S bands for positioning data, but most mobile System on Chips (SoCs) and wearable devices are compatible with the L1 band. 
• In a strategic move, ISRO has announced that future satellites, starting from NVS-01 onwards, intended to replace existing satellites, will incorporate the L1 frequency.

Government Commits Rs 1037.90 Crore to New India Literacy Programme for Next 5 Years

• The Ministry of Education (MoE) has given the green light to a fresh initiative called the “New India Literacy Programme,” with an allocation of Rs 1037.90 crore for the next five years. 
• This program aims to comprehensively address adult education in alignment with the new National Education Policy (NEP). 
• Notably, the term “Education For All” will replace “Adult Education” to more inclusively represent all non-literates aged 15 and above. 
• The scheme’s objectives extend beyond foundational literacy and numeracy, encompassing critical life skills like financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, and health care awareness, vital for 21st-century citizens.

EVs Set to Unlock a $100 Billion Opportunity in India by 2030

• A report by Bain & Company forecasts a significant growth opportunity in India’s electric vehicle (EV) value chain, estimating a revenue pool of $76-100 billion by 2030, potentially translating to a profit pool of $8-11 billion. 
• The report highlights the conducive factors for rapid EV growth in the Indian automotive market, including government incentives, improving cost-competitiveness, OEM investment, and heightened customer readiness and awareness.

Bhopal to Host the 8th India International Science Festival 2022

• The forthcoming India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022 is slated to take place in Bhopal in January 2023, marking a significant event following India’s assumption of G-20 Presidency. 
• Organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Science in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati, the science movement with a swadeshi spirit led by eminent scientists, IISF celebrates the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements. 
• The eighth edition of IISF since its inception in 2015 will bring together students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists, and technocrats from India and abroad.

India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise “KAZIND – 2022” Kicks Off in Umroi, Meghalaya

• The 6th Edition of the Indo-Kazakhstan joint training exercise, “KAZIND-22,” is underway in Umroi, Meghalaya, from December 15 to 28, 2022. 
• The exercise encompasses a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at the Battalion level and a Company level Field Training Exercise (FTX) focusing on sub-conventional operations. 
• Activities include joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and raiding a hostile target. 
• The joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan Army, initiated in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk, has evolved into a company-level exercise, now known as Ex Kazind since 2018.

SS Rajamouli’s “RRR” Secures Two Golden Globe Award Nominations

• SS Rajamouli’s cinematic masterpiece, ‘RRR,’ has garnered two nominations at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards in January 2023. Recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), ‘RRR’ competes in the categories of Best Picture: Non-English Language and Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu.” 
• The film, delving into the pre-Independence era and centered around Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem in the 1920s, features Ram Charan and Jr NTR in leading roles. 
• Notably, ‘RRR’ stands as the sole Indian film among the final five nominations, surpassing other notable entries.

GMR Delhi Airport Honors SpiceJet with ‘Safety Performer of the Year’ Award

• SpiceJet clinches the prestigious ‘Safety Performer of the Year’ accolade at the GMR Delhi Airport Awards, leading among self-handling airlines. 
• Recognized for a remarkable reduction in ground safety violations, SpiceJet’s ground handling team at Delhi Airport achieved this distinction through unwavering commitment to quality improvements, innovation, and diligence. 
• Their pivotal role in minimizing incidents of ground safety violations underscores their dedication to adhering to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Hyderabad Strikers Secure Tennis Premier League Championship

• Hyderabad Strikers emerge victorious in the 4th Tennis Premier League (TPL) 2022, claiming the championship for the second consecutive year. 
• The final, held in Pune, Maharashtra, witnessed Hyderabad Strikers defeating Mumbai Leon Army (41-32). 
• \Notably, the title was secured by Hyderabad Strikers’ pair S. Balaji and Nikki Poonacha, who outplayed Mumbai’s R. Ramanathan and J. Nedunnchezhiyan with a 14-6 score.

1. What is the primary objective of India’s plan to commission 20 new nuclear power plants by 2031?

1. To decrease power-generating capacity
2. To decommission existing power plants
3. To enhance power-generating capacity
4. To reduce government expenditure on energy

2. Where is the first nuclear power plant, a 700 MW unit, expected to be commissioned in 2023?

1. Mumbai
2. Kalpakkam
3. Kakrapar in Gujarat
4. Kudankulam

3. What is the primary focus of the international conference “Standing with the Ukrainian People” hosted by France?

1. Military strategies
2. Civilian resilience in Ukraine
3. Global economic policies
4. Environmental conservation efforts

4. Who initiated the international conference “Standing with the Ukrainian People” to coordinate global support for Ukraine?

1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
2. French President Emmanuel Macron
3. Russian President Vladimir Putin
4. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

5. What challenges are the Ukrainian people facing, as mentioned in the news?

1. Political instability
2. Economic recession
3. Electricity supply, food security, water access, and medical care challenges
4. Technological disruptions

6. Why did refiners in India show a preference for oil from Russia in November, according to the news?

1. Lower quality of oil from Iraq
2. Price concerns and potential supply disruptions
3. Strategic geopolitical reasons
4. Environmental considerations

7. What measure did the G-7, Australia, and the 27 European Union countries enforce regarding Russian seaborne oil from December 5?

1. Increased import quotas
2. Sanctions on Russia
3. Price cap of $60 per barrel
4. Diplomatic negotiations

8. Who inaugurated the statue of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar in Varanasi on December 11?

1. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
2. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
3. Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar himself
4. President of India Ram Nath Kovind

9. What was the occupation of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar, as mentioned in the news?

1. Scientist
2. Politician
3. Poet, writer, journalist, and Indian independence activist
4. Military officer

10. What was the occasion for the inauguration of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar’s statue in Varanasi?

1. Republic Day
2. His birth anniversary
3. Independence Day
4. New Year’s Day

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