Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 19th 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 19th December 2023.

Modernizing India’s Postal System

• The Indian Parliament has recently passed the Post Office Bill, 2023, replacing the age-old Indian Post Office Act, 1898. 
• This step is taken to update and consolidate the legal framework governing post offices in India. 
• The new bill gives post office employees the authority to open, detain, or intercept items during transmission for national security or public safety, with certain conditions. 
• While providing immunity for post office employees, the bill includes conditions, exempting officers unless they act fraudulently or willfully cause loss, delay, or misdelivery of services.

Egypt’s President Secures Third Term

• Despite economic challenges and regional tensions, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has won a third term in the recent election with an overwhelming 89.6% of the vote. 
• The victory was expected due to limited opposition. Egypt is grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by a 36.4% annual inflation rate, affecting households. 
• The win comes amid heightened regional tensions from the Israel-Hamas war in neighboring Gaza, adding to the challenges faced by Sisi’s administration.

Advancement for Sikh Marriages in Jammu and Kashmir

• The administration in Jammu and Kashmir has made a significant move to fulfill a longstanding request from the Sikh community. 
• They have implemented the Anand Marriage Act, giving official recognition to Sikh marriage ceremonies. 
• This allows Sikh couples to register their marriages under specific rules, different from the Hindu Marriage Act. 
• The new rules, known as ‘Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023,’ explain the process for registering “Anand marriages,” with tehsildars acting as registrars within their jurisdictions.

India Launches Sustainable Solar Electric Boat

• India has unveiled ‘Barracuda,’ the country’s fastest solar electric boat named ‘Saur Shakthi.’ This boat is a significant step towards sustainable maritime technology.
• Developed collaboratively by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and Navalt, an eco-marine tech company, Barracuda showcases India’s commitment to a greener maritime future. 
• With twin 50-kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6-kW solar power, the vessel can reach a top speed of 12 knots (23 kmph) and has a range of seven hours on a single charge. It’s a noteworthy addition to eco-friendly maritime transportation.

RBI Board Analyzes Economic Landscape

• The 605th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, thoroughly examined the current economic and financial scenario. 
• Discussions took place against the backdrop of challenging global geopolitical developments, focusing on both domestic and international situations. 
• Special attention was given to the intricate challenges arising from ongoing geopolitical shifts. 
• A key highlight included discussions on the trends and progress of banking in India for the fiscal year 2022-23, aiming to provide insights into the trajectory and evolution of the banking sector.

Goa Liberation Day 2023 Celebrations

• Goa Liberation Day, celebrated annually on December 19, holds special significance as it marks the liberation of the state from Portuguese colonial rule. 
• The year 2023 commemorates the 62nd anniversary of this momentous occasion, showcasing the resilience and determination of the people of Goa in their pursuit of freedom. 
• Despite India gaining independence from British rule in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese rule for about 451 years. 
• The Indian government engaged in diplomatic discussions, but when negotiations failed, it resorted to the military option to liberate the region.

India Leads Global Remittance Charts

• According to the World Bank’s latest report, India has secured the top spot in global remittances, reaching an impressive $125 billion in 2023. 
• The top five remittance recipient countries also include Mexico (USD 67 billion), China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 40 billion), and Egypt (USD 24 billion). While remittances to low- and middle-income countries grew by 3.8%, challenges include declines in the Middle East and North Africa. 
• The report highlights sustained growth in remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, albeit at a slower pace compared to previous years.

Positive Outlook for Indian Economy

• The domestic rating agency ICRA has revised its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024, now projecting a growth of 6.5%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.2%. 
• While this is an optimistic adjustment, it still falls short of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) more hopeful forecast of 7% for the current fiscal year. 
• ICRA attributes this adjustment to the ongoing stability in global commodity prices, citing concerns about increasing demand from China, sufficient supplies for commodities like crude oil, and the normalization of supply chains.

Global Icon Award for Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath

• Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath, Chairman and Managing Director of Real Vision Homes Pvt Ltd, received the prestigious Global Icon Award at the G20 Initiative Summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 
• Hailing from Suryapet, Telangana, Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath’s visionary approach and unwavering dedication have positioned Real Vision Homes Pvt Ltd as a trusted name in the industry. 
• This year’s summit, marking the 200-year anniversary of Indians’ arrival in Sri Lanka, held special significance. 
• The United Nations expressed solidarity, recognizing the community’s contributions and addressing historical challenges.

Zinc Football Academy Attains AIFF’s Elite 3-Star Rating

• Zinc Football Academy, a CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc, has achieved the renowned ‘Elite 3-star’ rating from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in just over six years since its establishment. 
• This accolade positions Zinc Football among the top youth development academies in India. The academy, operating on a full-scholarship model, is dedicated to nurturing young football talent. 
• The Elite 3-star rating enables Zinc Football Academy to participate in the prestigious AIFF Youth League alongside ISL and I-League clubs.

Bangladesh Triumphs in U-19 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament

• In an exciting cricket showdown, Ashiqur Rahman Shibli played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s Under-19 team securing victory in the U-19 Asia Cup. 
• Shibli, a wicketkeeper and batter, displayed outstanding performance, scoring a second century in five matches and leading Bangladesh to a remarkable win over UAE. 
• With 129 runs in 149 balls, including 12 fours and a six, Shibli contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s total of 282/8 in 50 overs. 
• His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match and Series titles.

Outstanding Achievement for Indian Armed Forces Officers in Sri Lanka

• Three officers from the Indian Armed Forces, currently enrolled in the Command and Staff Course at Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Sri Lanka, have received the esteemed ‘Golden Owl’ award for their exceptional performance. 
• Wing Commander Sumeet Mahajan, Major Rohit, and Lieutenant Commander Sunny Sharma, representing the Air Force, Army, and Navy, respectively, secured top positions among foreign student officers. 
• The ‘Golden Owl’ award is a prestigious recognition, symbolizing excellence in joint operations and higher command among international peers.

Recognition for Afghan Women Skills Development Center

• Finland, a global advocate for gender equality, has awarded the International Gender Equality Prize for 2023 to the Afghan Women Skills Development Center. 
• This recognition acknowledges the center’s dedicated efforts to promote and protect women’s rights in Afghanistan. 
• The Afghan Women Skills Development Center plays a crucial role in providing training, supporting skills development, and empowering Afghan women. 
• The prestigious award, accompanied by a EUR 300,000 prize, was presented by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a ceremony in Tampere.

1. What is the primary purpose of the Post Office Bill, 2023 passed by the Indian Parliament?

1. To privatize the Indian postal system
2. To update and consolidate the legal framework for post offices
3. To increase postal rates
4. To establish new post offices

2. Which authority does the Post Office Bill, 2023 grant the power to open, detain, or intercept items during transmission?

1. Prime Minister’s Office
2. Postmaster General
3. Post office employees
4. Local police

3. What is the key reason cited for Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi winning a third term in the recent election?

1. Strong opposition candidates
2. Economic stability
3. Regional tensions
4. International intervention

4. What significant move has been taken by the administration in Jammu and Kashmir for the Sikh community?

1. Implementing the Hindu Marriage Act
2. Recognizing Sikh marriage ceremonies under the Anand Marriage Act
3. Establishing Sikh-only zones
4. Banning Sikh marriage rituals

5. What is the name of India’s fastest solar electric boat recently unveiled?

1. Solar Voyager
2. Saur Shakthi
3. EcoMarine Speedster
4. Green Wave

6. What is the Elite 3-star rating awarded to Zinc Football Academy by the AIFF indicative of?

1. Lowest performance rating
2. Mid-level youth development academy
3. Top youth development academy
4. Participation in local tournaments

7. What does Goa Liberation Day, celebrated on December 19, commemorate?

1. Independence from British rule
2. Liberation from Portuguese colonial rule
3. Statehood day
4. Victory in a war

8. According to the World Bank’s latest report, which country leads in global remittances in 2023?

1. Mexico
2. China
3. India
4. Egypt

9. What is the revised GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024 by ICRA?

1. 7%
2. 6.5%
3. 6.2%
4. 5%

10. Who received the Global Icon Award at the G20 Initiative Summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka?

1. Indian Prime Minister
2. Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath
3. Finnish Prime Minister
4. Goa Chief Minister

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