Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 5th December 2023

These Today’s Current Affairs MCQs 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 5th December 2023.

PM Modi Announces Renaming Of Ranks In Indian Navy

• In a momentous decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed the Indian government’s intent to overhaul the hierarchy within the Indian Navy. 
• The goal is to eradicate vestiges of colonial influence and instill a distinct Indian cultural identity. 
• This historic announcement transpired during the Navy Day event at the iconic Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra. 
• The selection of this venue underscores the commitment to embracing India’s cultural roots, given its historical ties to the Maratha empire.
• PM Modi emphasized that the restructuring of naval ranks is part of a broader initiative to shed colonial military legacies. 
• The renaming process seeks to mirror India’s rich cultural heritage, aligning the naval hierarchy more closely with indigenous traditions.

World’s First Portable Hospital, ‘Aarogya Maitri Cube,’ Unveiled In Gurugram

• India has revealed the world’s inaugural portable disaster hospital, the Aarogya Maitri Cube, a pioneering facility in Gurugram comprising 72 cubes. 
• This extraordinary endeavor is a component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious “Project BHISHM” (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri), introduced in February 2022.
• The core of this innovative disaster hospital lies in its 72 cubes, each containing essential equipment and supplies. 
• Noteworthy features include an operation theatre, a mini-ICU, ventilators, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a cooking station, food, water, shelter, a power generator, and more. 
• The Aarogya Maitri Cube can handle a diverse range of severe injuries, including 40 bullet injuries, 25 major burns, approximately 10 head injuries, long limb fractures, spinal injuries, chest injuries, and spinal fractures.

PM Modi Unveils Shivaji Maharaj Statue At Rajkot Fort In Maharashtra

• On December 4, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment by revealing the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. 
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary leader of the Maratha empire, was celebrated for his strategic acumen in constructing coastal and sea forts. 
• The unveiling ceremony highlighted his significant contribution to India’s maritime history, with a special focus on the iconic Sindhudurg Fort.
• Prime Minister Modi illuminated how the Maratha empire founder’s seal inspired the new naval ensign, officially adopted last year during the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

‘Hump WWII’ Museum Opens In Arunachal With US Aircraft

• In a poignant ceremony in Pasighat, the East Siang district headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh, a museum dedicated to the fallen airmen of the Allied forces during World War II was inaugurated on November 29.
• The Hump WWII Museum pays tribute to the aviators navigating the perilous air route between northeastern Assam and Yunnan in China, nicknamed ‘The Hump.’
• The air route earned its moniker due to the formidable challenges faced by Allied pilots flying from airfields in Assam to those in Yunnan. 
• Navigating through deep gorges and mountains rising beyond 10,000 feet, these pilots played a crucial role in the war effort, undertaking perilous journeys to transport supplies such as fuel, food, and ammunition.

Bihar Garners International Recognition At COP-28 For Afforestation Efforts

• The actions of the Bihar government in the realm of afforestation, particularly through the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan (Rural Development Department), earned international acclaim at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-28) in Dubai. 
• A detailed presentation titled “Afforestation Activities in Bihar to Combat Climate Change” was delivered during a dedicated session on “Building Climate Resilience” at the Indian Pavilion.
• Bihar stands among the first states in the country to introduce a green budget, aiming to allocate budgetary provisions to address climate change, conserve the ecosystem, and protect biodiversity. 
• This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to incorporating environmental considerations into its financial planning.

GRSE Delivers India’s Largest Survey Vessel To Navy

• The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd have delivered the largest-ever survey vessel built in the country, INS Sandhayak, to the Indian Navy. 
• The 110-meter-long vessel is the first in a series of four survey ships being constructed by GRSE for the navy, marking a crucial milestone in the indigenous shipbuilding industry.
• The Sandhayak-class vessels boast comprehensive capabilities, serving as invaluable assets to the Indian Navy.
• These survey ships can conduct full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, providing crucial data for port and harbor approaches, navigation channels, and routes. 
• In addition to their primary survey functions, these vessels exhibit multi-role capabilities, capable of carrying a helicopter, participating in low-intensity combat scenarios, and functioning as hospital ships.

India’s GST Revenue Reaches Unprecedented Heights in Fiscal Year 2023-24

• In a recent parliamentary session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman heralded India’s impressive fiscal achievements, spotlighting a consistent surge in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections. 
• Monthly collections have consistently surpassed the Rs 1.50 lakh crore mark, with April 2023 reaching an unprecedented high of Rs 1.87 lakh crore. 
• Compared to the average monthly GST collection of Rs 94,734 crore in 2020-21, the fiscal year 2023-24 boasts an average gross monthly GST mop-up of Rs 1.66 lakh crore, reflecting an 11% YoY increase.

Indian Construction Sector Drives Economic Growth Amidst Housing Expansion

• The GDP data for July-September underscores the stellar performance of India’s construction sector, exhibiting a remarkable year-on-year growth of 13.3%. 
• This surge, the most robust in five quarters, has propelled India’s overall economic expansion to an impressive 7.6%, establishing it as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. 
• Despite six years of economic challenges, including debt and pandemic-induced downturns, factors such as increased incomes for many Indians and substantial population growth have contributed to this economic upswing.

Examining Unemployment Patterns in Indian States: Insights from July-September 2023

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office sheds light on unemployment rates among individuals aged 15 to 29 in urban areas during the third quarter of 2023. 
• Nationally, the overall unemployment rate in this age group stands at 17.3%, with females experiencing a higher rate of 22.9% compared to males at 15.5%. 
• Notably, Himachal Pradesh faces the most substantial joblessness challenge, boasting the highest overall unemployment rate at 33.9%, followed closely by Rajasthan at 30.2%.

China Introduces Innovative Provincial Financial Risk Management Approach

• Led by Li Yunze, China’s National Financial Regulatory Administration has unveiled a pioneering approach to address financial risks at the provincial level. 
• This initiative responds to concerns about the country’s economic struggles, compounded by the lingering effects of restrictive Covid Zero policies and persistent property issues. 
• Li Yunze advocates for a more tailored and flexible strategy, encouraging provinces to formulate their own policies to address specific challenges and risks. 
• The National Financial Regulatory Administration pledges to intensify efforts to identify individuals causing significant risks and commit to rectifying chaos and disruptive behavior in financial markets.

India’s Services PMI Records One-Year Low in November

• In November, India’s Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 56.9, marking a one-year low compared to October’s 58.4. 
• Despite this dip, the sector maintained its expansion streak for the 28th consecutive month, remaining above the crucial 50-point threshold that distinguishes expansion from contraction. 
• The composite PMI also witnessed a one-year low at 57.4, down from October’s 58.4. However, an increase in the manufacturing index to 56.0 from the previous month’s eight-month low of 55.5 mitigated a steeper decline.
• Despite rising inflation expectations, the expansion rates in both services and manufacturing sectors are considered healthy, supported by strong demand for services.

RBI Revokes License of Kolhapur’s Shankarrao Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank Limited

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken the decision to cancel the banking license of Shankarrao Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank Limited, based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. 
• Effective from the close of business on December 4, 2023, the bank is instructed to cease all banking operations. 
• The RBI’s statement declares that the bank is now prohibited from conducting the business of banking, including the acceptance and repayment of deposits. 
• In the event of liquidation, the RBI assures depositors of a claim amount up to ₹5,00,000 from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), in accordance with the DICGC Act, 1961.

Bajaj Group Achieves Milestone Market Cap of Over ₹10 Lakh Crore

• On December 4, 2023, the Bajaj Group marked a significant accomplishment, surpassing a market capitalization of Rs.10 lakh crore. 
• This achievement places the group in an elite league, joining names like Tata, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and the Adani Group. 
• Notably, Bajaj Group’s market valuation has surged by an impressive 41% since April, with Bajaj Auto playing a major role in this growth, posting a remarkable 63% increase during the same period.

Bharti Airtel Joins ₹6 Lakh Crore Market Cap Club

• Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications company in India, reached a noteworthy milestone on December 4 by becoming the 8th company to surpass Rs.6 lakh crore in market capitalization. 
• This surge in market value is attributed to positive market sentiment following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decisive victory in state elections. 
• The company’s stock witnessed a 2% increase during Monday’s trade, contributing to a year-to-date gain of 28%. 
• Bharti Airtel now stands alongside other Indian giants with a market capitalization exceeding Rs.6 lakh crore.

Observing World Soil Day 2023

• Every December 5, people globally come together to commemorate World Soil Day (WSD), recognizing the pivotal role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. 
• This annual event serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between soil, plants, animals, and humans. 
• The United Nations has designated the theme for World Soil Day 2023 as ‘Soil and water, a source of life,’ emphasizing the critical link between soil and water, contributing to over 95 percent of food production.

International Volunteer Day 2023 Celebrates Collective Action

• International Volunteer Day (IVD), observed annually on December 5th, celebrates the contributions of volunteers worldwide. 
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1985, IVD recognizes the selfless efforts of volunteers and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The 2023 theme, “The Power of Collective Action: If Everyone Did,” underscores the enormous renewable resource that volunteerism represents for solving social, economic, and environmental problems globally.

PMAY-U Logo Mandatorily Displayed on Houses for Transparency

• The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has mandated the display of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) logo and beneficiary details on all houses constructed under the scheme. 
• This directive applies nationwide, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of the government’s flagship urban housing mission. 
• The standardized display of the PMAY-U logo reinforces the commitment to providing dignified housing for all.

Ujjivan SFB and Water.Org Collaborate for Water and Sanitation Loans

• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Water.org to address water and sanitation issues in India. 
• This collaboration aims to reach 65,000 households over the next three years, providing affordable loans for safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. 
• Beyond financial support, Water.org will offer technical assistance, market assessments, development of informational materials, and monitoring and evaluation support. 
• This partnership signifies a proactive step towards addressing critical water and sanitation challenges in India.

Olympian M. Sreeshankar Attains the 35th Prestigious Jimmy George Foundation Award

• In a jubilation of athletic prowess, Olympian M. Sreeshankar has been bestowed with the esteemed 35th Jimmy George Foundation Award for emerging as the preeminent sportsperson of Kerala.
• This acknowledgment stands as a testament to Sreeshankar’s exceptional accomplishments, notably securing the silver medal in the long jump discipline in both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
• The Jimmy George Foundation Award, now in its 35th iteration, stands as a distinguished accolade within Kerala’s sporting community. 
• The award includes a monetary prize of Rs 1 lakh and a plaque, symbolizing the recognition of outstanding contributions to the realm of sports.

ISRO And Team Chandrayaan-3 Acknowledged for Exemplary Contribution To India’s Reputation

• In a historic event on August 23, India’s Chandrayaan-3 achieved a remarkable lunar landing, establishing India as the first nation to reach the Lunar South Pole. This successful mission, a testament to India’s scientific prowess, has firmly established its position as a space superpower.
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Chandrayaan-3 team were recently honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Brand India” award at the 19th India Business Leader Awards (IBLA), held in Mumbai on December 2.
• The “Outstanding Contribution to Brand India” award bestowed upon ISRO and the Chandrayaan-3 team at the IBLA is a recognition of their remarkable achievements in space exploration. This acknowledgment not only celebrates scientific success but also underscores the positive impact on India’s global image.

Sheetal Devi Triumphs as Best Young Athlete At APC Conference

• Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi emerged triumphant at the fourth edition of the Asian Awards in Riyadh, securing the prestigious title of Best Youth Athlete.
• Devi’s outstanding performance at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games in October played a pivotal role in earning her the coveted award. 
• The 16-year-old para-archer clinched gold in both the individual and team compound events, further adding a silver medal in the compound doubles category to her impressive tally.
• In a testament to her skill and consistency, Sheetal Devi achieved the world number one ranking in compound women this year, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-archery.

In Memoriam: Dinesh Phadnis, Celebrated for Portraying Fredericks in CID

• Actor Dinesh Phadnis, renowned for his portrayal of the comical and innocent CID officer Fredericks on the popular Sony TV show CID, has passed away. 
• His demise was confirmed by his co-star Dayanand Shetty, who clarified that Dinesh suffered from liver damage and not a heart attack.
• Dinesh Phadnis played the role of Fredericks, providing comic relief in CID, a show that initially lacked humor. Dinesh’s portrayal of Fredericks added a touch of levity to the intense crime-solving narrative of CID, earning him great appreciation from the audience.
• He also featured in Bollywood movies such as Sarfarosh and Super 30, in addition to contributing as a writer for a Marathi film. Aside from his roles in shows like CID: 
• Special Bureau, Adaalat, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and CIF, Dinesh Phadnis made cameo appearances.

Exploration of Language: “Rizz” Crowned Oxford University Press Word Of The Year By Generation Z

• Oxford University Press has revealed “Rizz” as its Word of the Year, reflecting the linguistic preferences of Generation Z. 
• The term, used to depict someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person, prevailed over finalists like “Swiftie,” “situationship,” and “prompt” in the annual decision made by language experts at the renowned publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary.
• The selection of “rizz” as the Word of the Year by Oxford University Press emphasizes the dynamic nature of language, especially in the realm of Generation Z. 
• This linguistic evolution serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of communication, reflecting the unique ways in which younger generations shape and redefine the words that encapsulate their experiences, perspectives, and interactions in the modern world.

Today’s Current Affairs MCQs

1. What significant milestone did the Bajaj Group achieve on December 4, 2023?

1. ₹5 Lakh Crore in Market Cap
2. ₹8 Lakh Crore in Market Cap
3. ₹10 Lakh Crore in Market Cap
4. ₹15 Lakh Crore in Market Cap

2. Which telecommunications company joined the ₹6 Lakh Crore Market Cap Club on December 4, 2023?

1. Reliance Industries
2. HDFC Bank
3. Bharti Airtel
4. Tata

3. What is the theme for World Soil Day 2023?

1. Soil and Air, a Source of Life
2. Soil and Water, a Source of Life
3. Soil and Plants, a Source of Life
4. Soil and Animals, a Source of Life

4. When is International Volunteer Day (IVD) observed annually?

1. December 1st
2. December 5th
3. November 15th
4. November 30th

5. What does the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry mandate for houses constructed under PMAY-U?

1. Gir National Display of State Emblemand Sanctuary
2. Display of Beneficiary’s Photo
3. Display of PMAY-U Logo and Beneficiary Details
4. Display of Government Slogan

6. What is the focus of the collaboration between Ujjivan SFB and Water.org?

1. Agricultural Development
2. Education Initiatives
3. Water and Sanitation Loans
4. Renewable Energy Projects

7. What award did Olympian M. Sreeshankar receive, marking his recognition as the best sportsperson of Kerala?

1. Bharat Ratna
2. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
3. Jimmy George Foundation Award
4. Arjuna Award

8. Why were ISRO and the Chandrayaan-3 team honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Brand India” award at the India Business Leader Awards (IBLA)?

1. Successful Lunar Landing
2. Remarkable Mars Mission
3. Exceptional Earth Observation
4. Pioneering Satellite Launch

9. What title did Sheetal Devi secure at the Asian Awards in Riyadh?

1. Best Para Archer of the Year
2. Best Archer of the Year
3. Best Youth Athlete
4. Best Female Archer

10. What was Dinesh Phadnis known for in the entertainment industry?

1. Leading Roles in Bollywood Movies
2. Renowned Theatre Performances
3. Portrayal of CID Officer Fredericks
4. Scriptwriting for Marathi Films