Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 2nd 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 2nd December 2023.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti orchestrates the ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ in the Heart of Delhi

• The National Water Mission, operating under the aegis of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, within the Ministry of Jal Shakti, elegantly hosted the ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, Delhi. 
• The primary objective was to elevate public consciousness regarding the preservation of water heritage sites, instill a sense of ownership among the masses, encourage tourism, and contribute substantially to the restoration of these venerable historical structures.
• The restoration efforts for Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, were crowned with success. 
• The meticulous cleaning and leveling of the Talab and its adjacent park were executed in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

UAE Reveals a $30 Billion Fund for Global Climate Solutions During COP28

• The United Arab Emirates, serving as the host for COP-28, has unveiled a groundbreaking commitment of US$30 billion to ALTERRA, a climate initiative led by Lunate, the world’s preeminent private climate investment vehicle. 
• This privately managed fund sets forth an ambitious goal of mobilizing a staggering US$250 billion globally by 2030, with a specific focus on climate investments aimed at reshaping emerging markets and developing economies.
• As part of the initial tranche of funding, a considerable allocation has been earmarked to develop over 6.0 GW of new clean energy capacity in Indi
• This includes the establishment of 1,200 MW of wind and solar projects, poised to commence clean power production by 2025.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Lays the Foundation Stone for NSTI Plus

• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stone for the National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) Plus. 
• This initiative aspires to enhance the skills of Odisha’s youth through demand-driven and high-quality vocational education.
• Situated on a sprawling 7.8-acre campus in Jatni, Bhubaneswar, NSTI Plus aims to host institutions like NIESBUD, NSDC, and SII
• It endeavors to become a hub for diverse skill development activities and an incubation center for emerging start-ups. 
• Under the aegis of the Directorate General of Training (DGT), NSTI Plus plans to train 500 instructors in Phase-1 through the Craftsmen Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). 
• Additionally, it envisions incorporating another 500 instructors for upskilling and reskilling, aligning with the vision of making India a global skilling destination.

Bihar Launches ‘Mission Daksh’ to Aid 25 Lakh Academically Weak Students

• The government of Bihar has inaugurated a novel initiative aimed at supporting nearly 25 lakh children grappling with significant academic challenges in state-run schools – ‘Mission Daksh’ (Dynamic Approach for Knowledge and Skill). 
• This initiative strategically focuses on providing specialized Hindi, Mathematics, and English classes to students in classes 3-8 statewide. 
• Each teacher will mentor only five students, specifically those grappling with fluency in Hindi and English, and encountering challenges in basic Mathematics.
• ‘Mission Daksh’ is designed to address the individual needs of these students, thereby enhancing their academic performance. 
• To ensure the effective implementation of ‘Mission Daksh,’ district-wise monitoring committees, led by district magistrates, will diligently oversee the program’s progress.

IDEX-DIO Marks the 300th Contract Milestone for Gallium Nitride Semiconductor Development

• The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative under the Department of Defence Production, has achieved a significant milestone by signing its 300th contract. 
• This contract is dedicated to the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors, crucial for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defense applications. iDEX accomplished this feat within nine months of signing its 200th contract, with the 150th contract being inked in December 2022. 
• This noteworthy progress follows the Indian Navy Prime challenge winner contract signed under the SPRINT initiative on February 15, 2023.

Indian Navy Appoints Its Inaugural Female Commanding Officer for a Naval Vessel

• In a momentous stride aligning with the ethos of ‘all roles, all ranks,’ the Indian Navy has attained a historic landmark by designating its first woman commanding officer for a naval ship. 
• Admiral Kumar proudly declared that the collective strength of women in the Navy, known as Agniveers, has now exceeded the 1,000 mark. 
• This accomplishment underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to an ‘all roles, all ranks’ philosophy, exemplifying the diverse deployment of women across various responsibilities within the organization.

Surge in Forex Reserves by $2.53 Billion, Reaching $597.93 Billion

• India’s foreign exchange reserves experienced a substantial augmentation of $2.53 billion in the week concluding on November 24, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). 
• This upswing, primarily attributed to foreign portfolio inflows into the debt market, reflects a strategic maneuver by the RBI to manage the rupee’s valuation. 
• The boost in reserves is largely credited to significant foreign portfolio flows into the Indian debt market. 
• Analysts in the foreign exchange domain suggest that the RBI astutely absorbed these inflows to regulate the rupee’s value, contributing to the overall augmentation in reserves. 
• Despite this noteworthy increase in foreign exchange reserves, the Indian rupee concluded at a historic low of 83.40 against the US dollar, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the RBI in managing the currency amidst global economic dynamics.

GST Collection Witnesses a 15% Year-on-Year Surge to ₹1.68 Lakh Crore in November

• India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for November 2023 exhibited an impressive 15% year-on-year surge, reaching a total of ₹1.68 lakh crore. 
• This marks the sixth instance during the ongoing fiscal year that gross GST collections have surpassed the ₹1.60 lakh crore milestone. 
• The total GST revenue for November 2023 is ₹1,67,929 crore, with a breakdown of GST components: CGST: ₹30,420 crore, SGST: ₹38,226 crore, IGST: ₹87,009 crore (including ₹39,198 crore from import of goods), and Cess: ₹12,274 crore (including ₹1,036 crore from import of goods).

Economic Growth Forecasts for India: 2023-2025

• Goldman Sachs has revised India’s growth forecast for the calendar year 2023 upward by 20 basis points, now standing at an impressive 6.7% year-on-year. 
• However, caution prevails in their optimism, as the forecast for 2024 remains unchanged at 6.2%. 
• Morgan Stanley adopts a bullish stance, revising the financial year 2024 growth forecast to 6.9% from the previous 6.4%, with a steady forecast of 6.5% for the financial year 2025. 
• SBI Research has also adjusted its GDP forecast for fiscal 2023-24 to approximately 7%, showcasing confidence in India’s economic momentum. 
• Meanwhile, DBS envisions growth in the current financial year at 6.8%, up from the earlier projection of 6.4%.

UPI Transactions Surpass Previous Records in November 2023

• On December 2, 2023, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform in India marked a momentous period of growth, establishing new benchmarks in recent months. 
• In November, UPI transactions surged to an unprecedented ₹17.40 lakh crore, surpassing the previous record of ₹17.16 lakh crore in October. 
• This reflected a 1.4% monthly upswing and an impressive 46% year-on-year expansion, as disclosed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 
• The annual growth of UPI transactions has consistently been remarkable, with transaction values maintaining a growth rate exceeding 40% in the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) and transaction volumes consistently growing by over 50%.

Actis Unit BluPine Acquires Acme Solar Assets Worth ₹1,700 Crore

• In a strategic move, London-based private equity firm Actis Llp has successfully acquired Kolkata-based Atha Group’s 404MW solar power assets through its portfolio company, BluPine Energy. 
• The deal, valued at approximately ₹2,100 crore, underscores Actis’ commitment to driving India’s energy transition and expanding BluPine’s renewable energy capabilities. 
• BluPine Energy, a subsidiary of Actis Llp, secured the 404MWp operating pan-India solar portfolio from Atha Group for an equity value of around $100 million. 
• The enterprise value of Atha’s solar assets in this transaction stands at ₹2,100 crore.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2023

• Annually observed on December 2nd, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle against slavery and its contemporary forms. 
• Originating from the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others on December 2, 1949, this day commemorates the historic efforts to combat various forms of exploitation.
•  While historical slavery treated individuals as property, the modern-day struggle encompasses challenges such as human trafficking, forced labor, and the exploitation of children in diverse industries.

Border Security Force Celebrates 59th Raising Day

• On December 1, the Border Security Force (BSF) commemorated its 59th raising day, signifying its pivotal role in safeguarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
•  Established after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the BSF, guided by the motto “जीवन पर्यन्त कर्तव्य” (Duty Unto Death), exhibits an unwavering commitment to national security. 
• Initially constituted with 25 battalions, the BSF has witnessed substantial growth, currently comprising 192 battalions and around 270,000 personnel. 
• Beyond core battalions, the BSF includes specialized units like air and naval wings, as well as an artillery regiment, enhancing its operational capabilities.

PM Modi Unveils LeadIT 2.0 at COP28 for Inclusive Industry Transition

• During the 28th edition of the climate change conference, COP28, in Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced LeadIT 2.0 on December 2, 2023. 
• This initiative, emphasizing an inclusive and just industry transition, aims to facilitate the co-development and transfer of low-carbon technology, alongside providing financial assistance to emerging economies. 
• By promoting collaboration between nations for the development and transfer of low-carbon technologies, LeadIT 2.0 seeks to bridge technological gaps. 
• The focus on inclusivity underscores the importance of ensuring that emerging economies have access to sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies.

PM Modi Proposes Hosting COP33 in India in 2028

• Expressing India’s commitment to climate action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed hosting the UN climate meet (COP33) in 2028 during the inaugural session of the World Climate Action Summit at COP28 in Dubai. 
• His address highlighted India’s ambitious plans, including tripling its renewable energy capacity, developing alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and participating in the Global Biofuels Alliance. 
• These initiatives signify India’s proactive steps towards achieving a sustainable energy future. Modi acknowledged the integral role of collective efforts, emphasizing the crucial support of the international community in bolstering India’s climate initiatives.

RBI and Bank of England Collaborate for CCIL

• On December 2, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on collaboration and information exchange related to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL). 
• This agreement facilitates the Bank of England’s assessment of CCIL’s application for recognition as a third-country Central Counterparty (CCP). 
• As a CCP, CCIL plays a crucial role in providing clearing and settlement services for transactions in government securities, foreign exchange, and money markets within Indi
• This collaboration brings relief to UK-based lenders, such as Barclays and Standard Chartered, ensuring their ability to continue offering clearing and settlement facilities to clients in India.

Leadership Changes at IDRCL and NARCL

• In an organizational shift, Narayan Seshadri, former managing partner at KPMG, is set to assume the role of Chairman at IDRCL, the government-backed bad bank, succeeding Diwakar Gupt
• Simultaneously, Gupta is expected to become Chairman of NARCL. This strategic change aims to expedite the resolution of bad loans, addressing challenges and delays in the process. 
• Seshadri, currently an independent director at IDRCL, brings valuable experience in revitalizing distressed companies.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Record-Breaking T20 Achievement

• In the fourth T20I against Australia at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Ruturaj Gaikwad made history by becoming the fastest Indian to reach 4,000 runs in Men’s T20 cricket. 
• Gaikwad achieved this remarkable feat in just 116 innings, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. 
• This accomplishment surpasses the previous record held by KL Rahul, who reached 4,000 runs in 117 T20 innings.
• Virat Kohli, a cricketing legend, is the third-fastest Indian to achieve this milestone, taking 138 T20 innings.

Sandra Day O’Connor, First Woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, Passes Away

• On December 2, 2023, Sandra Day O’Connor, the trailblazing first woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 93 in Phoenix, Arizon
• Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, O’Connor faced significant challenges as a female lawyer in a male-dominated profession. 
• Retiring in 2006, her legacy paved the way for Justice Samuel Alito. Born on March 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, Sandra Day O’Connor earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Stanford University.

RBI Successfully Withdraws 97.26% of ₹2,000 Banknotes in India

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has achieved a significant milestone in its monetary policy by successfully withdrawing 97.26 percent of the ₹2,000 banknotes from circulation as of May 19, 2023. 
• This initiative stemmed from the fulfillment of its objective in introducing these notes, meeting the currency requirements of the economy after the withdrawal of legal tender status for all ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes in circulation during the November-December 2016 demonetization. 
• As of November 30, 2023, the total value of ₹2,000 banknotes in circulation has diminished to ₹9,760 crore, signifying a substantial reduction from the initial ₹3.56 lakh crore.

1. What historic achievement did the Indian Navy announce on December 2, 2023?

1. Launching a new naval vessel
2. Appointing the first woman commanding officer for a naval ship
3. Crossing 1,000 Agniveers in the Navy
4. Conducting a joint military exercise with a foreign navy

2. What is the primary reason for the significant increase in India’s foreign exchange reserves reported by the RBI?

1. Increase in gold reserves
2. Rise in crude oil prices
3. Foreign portfolio flows into the debt market
4. Decrease in imports

3. What is the total GST revenue for November 2023, according to the report?

1. ₹1,60,000 crore
2. ₹1,68,000 crore
3. ₹1,67,929 crore
4. ₹1,70,000 crore

4. What is the main objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between RBI and Bank of England?

1. Collaboration in climate change research
2. Exchange of information related to CCIL
3. Joint efforts in cybersecurity
4. Partnership in renewable energy projects

5. Who is appointed as the Chairman of IDRCL following Diwakar Gupta’s resignation?

1. Narayan Seshadri
2. Virat Kohli
3. Diwakar Gupta
4. KL Rahul

6. How did Ruturaj Gaikwad make history in the T20I match against Australia?

1. Achieving a century
2. Fastest Indian to reach 4,000 runs in T20 cricket
3. Scoring a double century
4. Breaking the record for the most sixes in a T20 innings

7. What distinguishes Sandra Day O’Connor, who recently passed away at 93?

1. First woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court
2. Renowned scientist in climate research
3. Acclaimed novelist and poet
4. Record-breaking athlete in tennis

8. What is the primary focus of LeadIT 2.0 unveiled by PM Narendra Modi at COP28?

1. Exploration of interplanetary resources
2. Inclusive and just industry transition through low-carbon technology
3. Cybersecurity measures for global financial institutions
4. Promoting international cooperation in space missions

9. According to Goldman Sachs, what is India’s revised growth forecast for the calendar year 2023?

1. 6.4%
2. 6.7%
3. 6.9%
4. 6.2%

10. What is the main reason cited by the RBI for the withdrawal of ₹2,000 banknotes from circulation?

1. Introduction of new security features
2. Demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes
3. Counterfeiting concerns
4. Shift to a digital currency system