Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 7th 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 7th December 2023.

Volcanic Eruption at Indonesia’s Marapi Mountain

• Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Indonesia, recently erupted, leading to a tragic incident resulting in the loss of lives and the disappearance of several climbers. 
• The eruption, occurring on December 3, 2023, caught many by surprise as authorities hastily worked to evacuate those in the vicinity. 
• As Mount Marapi unleashed its fury, a massive cloud of volcanic ash enveloped the sky, and debris covered roads and vehicles. 
• Despite efforts to evacuate, 26 individuals were unfortunately left behind.
• Indonesia, situated in the seismic “Ring of Fire,” is known for its volatile tectonic region and boasts 127 active volcanoes. 
• Mount Marapi, standing at 2,891 meters (approximately 9,500 feet), is among the most active on Sumatra.

Italy’s Withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Project

• On December 7, 2023, another crucial update graced the daily news. Italy has officially withdrawn from China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a significant departure from its previous stance as the only G7 nation to participate. 
• This move comes more than four years after Italy initially joined the initiative in 2019 under the government of then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
• The Belt and Road Initiative, spearheaded by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to enhance China’s global influence by investing in infrastructure projects across participating countries. 
• With over 150 nations reportedly joining the initiative, it has become a cornerstone of China’s efforts to expand its economic and political clout internationally.

Lalduhoma’s Inauguration as Mizoram’s Chief Minister

• In a substantial political development, Lalduhoma, the leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and legislature party leader, is set to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram on December 8. 
• A Raj Bhavan official confirmed that Lalduhoma, along with other members of his council of ministers, will take the oath of office at 11 am in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan. 
• The ZPM emerged victorious in the Mizoram Assembly elections held on November 7, securing a total of 27 out of 40 seats. This electoral success resulted in the defeat of the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) led by Zoramthanga.

Geographical Indication Tag for Meghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric and Other Products

• In a noteworthy development, Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric, known for its exceptional quality, has been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 
• Considered one of the finest turmeric varieties globally, Lakadong turmeric boasts an impressive curcumin content ranging from 6.8 to 7.5 percent. 
• Grown organically in the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, this turmeric is renowned for its dark color, and cultivation is carried out without the use of fertilizers. 
• Alongside Lakadong turmeric, three more products from Meghalaya were honored with the GI tag: Garo Dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery, and Garo Chubitchi (alcoholic beverage).

Tata Motors’ Fourth Scrapping Facility in Punjab

• On December 7, 2023, Tata Motors, a homegrown auto major, took a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability with the inauguration of its fourth Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in Chandigarh. 
• This cutting-edge facility, developed and operated by Tata Motors’ partner, Dada Trading Company, underscores the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing and eco-friendly practices. 
• The Chandigarh RVSF is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, employing environmentally-friendly processes to safely and sustainably disassemble up to 12,000 end-of-life vehicles annually. 
• Tata Motors already boasts three RVSFs in Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar, and Surat, reflecting the company’s strategic vision to establish a comprehensive network of scrapping facilities across the country.

Crude Oil Prices Experience a Downturn Below $78 Per Barrel, Reports Industry Data

• The February Brent oil futures witnessed a marginal increase of 0.04%, reaching $77.23, while January crude oil futures on WTI (West Texas Intermediate) dipped to $72.31, marking a 0.01% decrease. 
• The unexpected surge in US crude oil inventories, as reported by the American Petroleum Institute (API), played a substantial role in the fluctuations observed in crude oil prices.
• In the Indian market, December crude oil futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) were observed trading at ₹6046, reflecting a 0.56% decrease from the previous close. 
• Additionally, January futures were impacted, trading at ₹6097 with a 0.52% decrease. These price movements underscore the interconnected nature of global events and their impact on local commodity markets.

Global Grain Price Forecast for 2024: Anticipated Decline, with Rice as an Exception

• Collaborative projections from the World Bank and BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, indicate a forecasted 6.5% decline in global grain prices for the year 2024. 
• Notably, rice stands out as an exception due to India’s export restrictions and concerns related to El Nino. 
• The World Bank Commodity Outlook suggests that the overall decrease in grain prices is attributed to the expected improvement in global grain supplies. 
• Despite the higher rice prices, the continual decline in maize and wheat prices is anticipated to balance the overall trend.

CII Envisions Robust Growth for India’s Economy in FY24 and FY25

• India’s economic landscape is poised for a robust rebound, with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projecting a growth of 6.8% in the current fiscal year (FY24) and an acceleration to 7% in the subsequent fiscal year (FY25). 
• This optimistic outlook is credited to the government’s steadfast commitment to infrastructure development and the facilitation of ease of doing business. 
• The CII’s initial estimate of 6.5-6.7% growth has been surpassed, with the current expectation set at 6.8% for the ongoing fiscal year.

Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I Expenditure Reaches Rs 4.10 Trillion: Update By Nitin Gadkari

• As of October 31, 2023, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reported a total expenditure of Rs 4.10 lakh crore under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I (BPP-I). 
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) collected Rs 53,536.48 crore in user fees at toll plazas on national highways through FASTag until November 23, 2023. 
• NHAI has successfully raised a substantial amount of Rs 70,127 crore through the monetization of National Highways, employing Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT), and project-based financing modes.

Observing International Civil Aviation Day and Armed Forces Flag Day

• December 7 holds significance as International Civil Aviation Day, commemorating the establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1944. 
• This year’s theme, “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development,” emphasizes the crucial role of innovation in shaping the future of civil aviation worldwide.
• Simultaneously, Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated to pay tribute to the unwavering spirit and sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, and airmen. 
• Established on August 28, 1949, by the Ministry of Defence, this day serves as a reminder of the dedication of the armed forces and provides an opportunity for citizens to contribute towards their welfare.

LIC Secures Fourth Position Globally in S&P Global’s 2022 Insurance Report

• According to a recent report by S&P Global Market Intelligence, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has secured its position as the world’s fourth-largest insurer based on life and accident & health reserves for the year 2022. 
• Allianz SE (Germany) claimed the top spot, followed by China Life Insurance Company (China) and Nippon Life Insurance Company (Japan). LIC clinched the fourth spot globally, boasting reserves of $503.7 billion.

Nirmala Sitharaman and Three Other Indian Women Feature in Forbes’ “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” of 2023

• In the recent unveiling of Forbes’ annual compilation, “The World’s Most Powerful Women,” four prominent Indian figures have gained notable acknowledgment. 
• These individuals include Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, HCL Corporation Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Steel Authority of India Chairperson Soma Mondal, and Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. 
• The top positions on the list are primarily occupied by political figures, with the number one spot claimed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Sri Lanka, India, and Paris Club Reach Understanding on Debt Treatment

• Sri Lanka, grappling with a severe economic crisis, has taken a significant step toward resolving its debt challenges. 
• An “agreement in principle” has been established with India and the Paris Club group of creditors, which includes Japan. 
• This development is crucial for Sri Lanka as it opens the pathway to accessing the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) nearly $3 billion recovery package. 
• The Paris Club announced that they have agreed on the main parameters of a debt treatment, consistent with the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement between Sri Lanka and the IMF.

Time Magazine Honors Lionel Messi as ‘Athlete Of The Year’ for 2023

• Argentine football maestro Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023. 
• This prestigious accolade follows Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. 
• Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s victory at the 2022 World Cup, securing their first title in 36 years.
• Beyond the field, Messi’s move to Inter Miami generated significant excitement among fans and sports enthusiasts.

Indian-Origin Novelist Meira Chand Receives Singapore’s Highest Arts Award

• Singapore recently conferred its prestigious Cultural Medallion upon three distinguished individuals, recognizing their artistic excellence and significant contributions to the nation’s rich arts and culture. 
• Among them, Meira Chand, an eighty-one-year-old Indian-origin writer, shares this esteemed accolade with novelist Suchen Christine Lim and Malay dance veteran Osman Abdul Hami
• Meira Chand, of Swiss-Indian parentage, is renowned for her award-winning novels depicting multicultural societies, including the Booker Prize longlisted ‘The Painted Cage’ (1986).

Social Innovators From India Shine at the 4th Edition of AIGIF in Malaysia

• The 4th edition of the ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF), hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), concluded on November 30, 2023. The event celebrated grassroots and student innovators from India and across the ASEAN Member States (AMS).
• Innovators like Mr. Dipak Bharali, Mr. Sunil Shinde, and Ms. Aanchal Aggarwal were recognized for their remarkable contributions.

Indian-Origin Samir Shah Chosen to Lead BBC Board

• The U.K. government has appointed Samir Shah as the new chair of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 
• With over four decades of experience in the media industry, Shah has held various positions, including a non-executive director at the BBC. 
• A 71-year-old media executive, Shah, born in Aurangabad, has been instrumental in the U.K. government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. 
• His responsibilities include overseeing the independence of the organization, a critical aspect given recent concerns about the broadcaster’s governance.

Google Unveils ‘Gemini,’ Its Most Advanced AI Model

• In a groundbreaking announcement on December 6, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, revealed Gemini, its latest and most sophisticated AI model. 
• This unveiling signifies a significant stride for the tech giant in the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence. 
• Gemini stands out as the inaugural AI model emerging from Alphabet’s consolidation of its esteemed AI research units, DeepMind and Google Brain. 
• This amalgamation has given rise to a unified entity named Google DeepMind, led by DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Gemini distinguishes itself as a “multimodal” model, showcasing the capability to comprehend and process diverse types of information simultaneously. 
• Its versatility spans text, code, audio, images, and videos, positioning Gemini as a formidable tool with broad applications.

Time Magazine Honors Taylor Swift as Person of the Year for 2023

• Taylor Swift has been bestowed with the title of Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2023. 
• This recognition follows her recent achievement as the most-played artist on Spotify, underscoring the extensive impact of her music and influence. Beyond her musical accolades and financial success, Swift’s ability to forge connections with global audiences underscores the enduring power of her artistry.
• In a field of diverse finalists, including Barbie, King Charles III, and OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, Swift emerged as the Person of the Year. 
• Time Magazine’s choice not only acknowledges Swift’s individual accomplishments but also recognizes her cultural resonance and profound influence.

1. What is Gemini, the recently unveiled AI model by Alphabet, known for?

1. Alphabet’s first AI model
2. Multimodal capabilities
3. Google Brain’s solo project
4. DeepMind’s exclusive creation

2. Who leads the unified division named Google DeepMind, as mentioned in the news?

1. Larry Page
2. Sundar Pichai
3. Demis Hassabis
4. Sergey Brin

3. What quality of Gemini makes it a versatile tool for various applications?

1. Unprecedented speed
2. Multilingual capabilities
3. Multimodal nature
4. Quantum computing

4. What recent title has Taylor Swift been honored with by Time Magazine?

1. Artist of the Decade
2. Person of the Year
3. Most-Played Artist on Spotify
4. Cultural Icon of the Year

5. Besides her musical achievements, what aspect of Taylor Swift’s influence does Time Magazine acknowledge?

1. Financial success
2. Global connections with audiences
3. Collaborations with other artists
4. Social media presence

6. Who secured the number one spot on Forbes’ “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” list of 2023?

1. Ursula von der Leyen
2. Nirmala Sitharaman
3. Kamala Harris
4. Christine Lagarde

7. What critical agreement has Sri Lanka reached with India and the Paris Club, as mentioned in the news?

1. Trade partnership agreement
2. Climate change mitigation pact
3. Debt treatment agreement
4. Military alliance

8. Why was Lionel Messi named Time magazine’s ‘Athlete of the Year’ for 2023?

1. Eighth Ballon d’Or win
2. Leading Inter Miami to victory
3. Exceptional performance at the 2022 World Cup
4. All of the above

9. Which novel by Meira Chand, the Indian-origin novelist, was longlisted for the Booker Prize?

1. The Painted Cage
2. The Silent Echo
3. Cultural Medallion
4. The Multicultural Mosaic

10. Who was appointed as the new chair of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)?

1. Richard Sharp
2. Samir Shah
3. Nirmala Sitharaman
4. Ursula von der Leyen