Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 22nd 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 22nd December 2023.

Ministry Of Mines Introduces Online Platform for Advanced Geoscience Exploration

• The Ministry of Mines has unveiled the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal. 
• Led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), this initiative aims to transform access to vital geoscience data.
• The NGDR Portal is a comprehensive online platform designed to simplify access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information nationwide.
•  The goal is to make essential geoscience data accessible to various industries and academia, offering them unprecedented access to valuable resources.
• This portal acts as a convenient solution for accessing a variety of geospatial information, making it easier for users across different sectors to analyze such data for informed decision-making.

RBI Enhances Liquidity Support in 7-Day VRR Auction on December 22

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to increase its liquidity support in the banking system through the 7-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction on December 22.
• Responding to a liquidity deficit nearing an 8-year high of ₹2.27-lakh crore by December 20, the central bank has increased the offered amount to ₹1.75-lakh crore, up from ₹1-lakh crore in the previous week.
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the liquidity challenges, mentioning the system’s deficit conditions for the first time since September 2023. 
• The central bank is closely monitoring liquidity conditions, attributing recent easing to increased government spending and a balanced distribution of liquidity among market participants.

RBI Proposes Outline for Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) in Banking and NBFCs

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a preliminary framework for self-regulatory organizations (SROs) tasked with overseeing banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and other entities under its regulatory oversight.
• This move aligns with RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’s September suggestion for fintech firms to establish an industry SRO. 
• To qualify for an SRO license, applicants must create a not-for-profit company with sufficient net worth and infrastructure capabilities for ongoing responsibilities.
• Applicants should represent their respective sectors and demonstrate specified membership or provide a roadmap for achieving it within a reasonable timeframe. 
• Clean legal records, both for the applicant and its directors, are crucial, with adherence to fit and proper criteria in all aspects.

IC Granted Extension Until 2032 for 25% Public Shareholding Goal

• Shares of the top government insurer LIC rose to a new high on December 22. Ongoing trading showed a 5.68% increase, with the stock priced at Rs 808 each on the BSE.
• The Ministry of Finance has given a one-time exemption to LIC regarding the 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) rule. 
• This allows LIC to reach the required 25% MPS within 10 years of listing, extending the deadline to May 2032.

Special Day Celebrations

• JAG Corps Day marks 40 years of judicial excellence for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Department, the legal arm of the Indian Army. 
• Celebrated on December 21, 2023, this day honors the historic introduction of the Army Act in Parliament in 1949, shaping military legal proceedings.
• The JAG Department is crucial for handling military disciplinary cases and litigation. Serving as the legal advisor to the Chief of Army Staff, it provides counsel on military, martial, and international law.
• The department also collaborates with the Adjutant General, contributing to maintaining discipline through military law.

National Mathematics Day 2023

• Every December 22, the nation celebrates National Mathematics Day (NMD) to honor the genius of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a renowned mathematician born on this day in 1887 in Erode, Tamil Nadu.
• The day, designated in 2012, aims to highlight Ramanujan’s contributions and promote the importance of mathematics in daily life. 
• Beyond textbooks, it encourages children to embrace critical thinking and logical reasoning, mirroring Ramanujan’s unique learning journey.

Expanding Ayushman Bharat Scheme

• The Indian government aims to expand the Ayushman Bharat health scheme by adding 270 million beneficiaries by January 26. Currently, over 280 million people have Ayushman cards, providing access to quality healthcare for those below the poverty line.
• The goal is to extend coverage to at least 550 million people. 
• The proliferation of Ayushman cards has led to a notable increase in hospitalizations, with a reported 3.16% hospitalization rate per 100,000 beneficiaries this fiscal year, surpassing the national average of 2.9%.

Top States in Solar Park Scheme Capacities

• Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, two major Indian states, have made big strides in adding more power under the “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” plan. 
• Started in December 2014 with a 20,000 MW capacity, later expanded to 40,000 MW in March 2017, the goal is to set up at least 50 solar parks by 2023-24.
• The main aim is to help Renewable Energy (RE) developers by offering ready-to-use land and transmission infrastructure. 
• This includes developing essential elements like land, roads, power systems, and water facilities, along with getting all the needed clearances and approvals.

ICICI Bank Approval for Sandeep Batra’s Re-Appointment

• In a significant move, ICICI Bank got the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval for Sandeep Batra’s re-appointment as the Executive Director (ED).
  The approval is effective from December 23, 2023, to December 22, 2025.
• Sandeep Batra has been serving as ED on ICICI Bank’s Board since July 2018, overseeing various areas.
• The Board acknowledged his contributions and unanimously approved his reappointment for an additional two years.

IREDA’s Pradip Kumar Das Wins ‘CMD Of The Year’ Again

• Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), has won the “CMD of the Year” award for the second consecutive year. 
• This recognition highlights IREDA’s commitment to high standards of corporate governance and social responsibility.
• IREDA also emerged as a runner-up in four key categories: “Operational Performance Excellence,” “Corporate Governance,” “Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability,” and “Inclusivity- Contribution of Women and Differently-Abled In.”

Indian Hockey Star Hardik Singh Wins FIH Player Of The Year

• Hardik Singh, a midfielder in the Indian hockey team, secured the title of Men’s FIH Player of the Year at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023. 
• This achievement adds to his success in India’s bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Dutch player Xan de Waard won the Women’s FIH Player of the Year, and Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, secured the title of the Best Goalkeeper of the Year, marking her third consecutive win in this category.

President Droupadi Murmu Honors Crompton for Energy Conservation 2023

• Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL), a major player in India’s consumer electrical industry, received the National Energy Conservation Award 2023. 
• The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented this honor on National Energy Conservation Day, along with the Ministry of Power through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• This recent award adds to Crompton’s impressive history of consistent excellence. 
• The company has previously earned this esteemed recognition in various categories, such as fans and lights, in previous editions of the National Energy Conservation Awards.

1. What is the purpose of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal introduced by the Ministry of Mines?

1. Facilitating online gaming
2. Simplifying access to geoscience data
3. Promoting space exploration
4. Enhancing social media platforms

2. Why did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increase the offered amount in the 7-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction?

1. To fund a new space mission
2. Responding to a liquidity deficit
3. Supporting a film festival
4. Encouraging cryptocurrency trading

3. What is the primary purpose of the proposed self-regulatory organizations (SROs) framework by RBI?

1. Regulating the food industry
2. Overseeing banks and NBFCs
3. Promoting sports activities
4. Managing social media platforms

4. What exemption has the Ministry of Finance granted to LIC regarding the 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) rule?

1. Tax reduction for policyholders
2. Extension of deadline to May 2032
3. Permission to operate globally
4. Exclusion from regulatory oversight

5. What does JAG Corps Day commemorate?

1. Discovery of a new planet
2. Introduction of the Army Act in Parliament
3. Invention of a new technology
4. Establishment of a new national park

6. Who is honored on National Mathematics Day, celebrated on December 22?

1. A famous chef
2. A renowned mathematician – Srinivasa Ramanujan
3. An astronaut
4. A historical figure

7. What is the goal of the Indian government in expanding the Ayushman Bharat health scheme?

1. Reducing unemployment rates
2. Providing access to quality healthcare for more people
3. Promoting cultural events
4. Enhancing space exploration

8. What is the main aim of the “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” plan?

1. Protecting endangered species
2. Promoting tourism
3. Assisting Renewable Energy (RE) developers
4. Creating a new form of currency

9. What position does Sandeep Batra hold at ICICI Bank?

1. Chief Operating Officer
2. Executive Director (ED)
3. Director of Board
4. Assistant Director

10. What award did Pradip Kumar Das win for the second consecutive year?

1. Best Actor in a Drama
2. Best Chef in Renewable Energy
3. CMD of the Year
4. Outstanding Contribution to Fashion

Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Mcqs 21st December 2023

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