Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 9th 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 9th December 2023.

New Project to Record Village Heritage

• Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, in charge of culture, tourism, and Northeastern Region development, introduced the “Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar” (MGMD) project. 
• Developed with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCunder the Ministry of Culture, MGMD is a key part of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping. 
• MGMD’s main aim is to share information about Indian villages with virtual and real-time visitors. 
• This aligns with the broader goals of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, showing the government’s commitment to document and map the diverse cultures in villages across the country.

Lahore Tops Global Pollution List

• Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, recently gained the unfortunate distinction of having the worst air quality globally, with a hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) of 400 in the morning. 
• The AQI is based on five categories of pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. 
• These pollutants come from various sources like industries, vehicles, and farming. 
• The effects of Lahore’s air quality problem go beyond discomfort, potentially causing serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart diseases, and other respiratory illnesses.

New Push to Support Young People in Important Environmental Projects

• On December 8th, during COP28, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and India’s Ministry of Environment launched the “Green Rising” initiative. 
• This effort, part of India’s YuWaah campaign, focuses on getting young people involved in meaningful environmental actions at the community level, inspired by the Mission Life movement. 
• Hosted by UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and Dubai Cares, the Green Rising initiative was officially kicked off at the RewirEd Summit. 
• Over the next three years (2023-2025), the goal is to create opportunities for at least 10 million children and young people in developing countries, helping them get involved in local initiatives, learn green skills, and explore jobs and entrepreneurship.

Ministry of Defence Inks ₹588 Crore Agreement with TCIL for Digital Transformation of Indian Coast Guard

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently signed a significant ₹588.68 crore contract with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) for the implementation of the “Digital Coast Guard (DCG)” project. 
• Under the “Buy (Indian)” category, the DCG project aims to establish a centralized monitoring and management system for the Indian Coast Guard’s applications and assets, advancing the technological landscape. 
• The project includes various key components, utilizing secured MPLS/VSAT connectivity and establishing a Tier-III standard Data Centre with cutting-edge capabilities.

Telangana Appoints Damodar Rajanarasimha as Health Minister

• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has named Damodar Rajanarasimha Cilarapu, an engineering graduate, as the state’s Health Minister. 
• Rajanarasimha achieved a significant victory in the Andole constituency, securing 53.65% of the votes (1,14,147 votes) with a substantial margin of 28,193 votes. 
• His electoral success solidifies his position, leading to his appointment as the Health Minister. 
• Despite lacking a medical background, Rajanarasimha brings extensive experience and political acumen, holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Osmania University’s College of Engineering in 1982.

India’s Forex Reserves Surpass $600 Billion Mark After Four-Month Break

• India’s foreign exchange reserves have seen a noteworthy increase, reaching $604 billion as of December 1, marking a significant milestone after a four-month gap.
• The last instance of reserves crossing the $600 billion threshold was recorded on August 11 earlier this year.
• As of November 24, the forex reserves stood at $597.935 billion, showing a steady increase from the previous week. 
• It’s worth noting that in October 2021, India’s foreign exchange reserves reached an unprecedented all-time high of $642 billion. 
• However, subsequent months witnessed a decline as the central bank strategically deployed reserves to defend the Indian rupee against global pressures. 

RBI Raises UPI Limit for Healthcare and Education to Rs 5 Lakh

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a significant move by increasing the UPI payment limits from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. 
• This decision is expected to change how financial transactions work, especially in healthcare and education.
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted that the updated UPI transaction limit aims to allow higher payments for medical and educational purposes. This announcement indicates a positive change in digital transactions, giving consumers more flexibility in handling transactions related to healthcare and education.
• According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) website, the current UPI transaction limit for regular payments is Rs 1 lakh per transaction. 
• However, certain categories, like capital markets, collections, insurance, and foreign inward remittances, have a higher transaction limit of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Union Cabinet Allocates Rs 2,500 Crore for Extended Interest Equalisation Scheme

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an extra Rs 2,500 crore for the Interest Equalisation Scheme. 
• This scheme will now run until June 30, 2024, with the goal of supporting exporters from specific sectors and all MSME manufacturer exporters.

The scheme’s objectives are:

1. To make it easier for businesses to get affordable Rupee export credit before and after shipping.
2. To continue aiding manufacturers and merchant exporters in identified tariff lines.
3. To promote growth in the MSME sector, which is crucial for creating jobs.

The scheme has shown positive results in boosting export growth, as confirmed by a study conducted by IIM Kashipur. It particularly focuses on labor-intensive sectors, essential for MSMEs, and encourages job creation by increasing exports in targeted areas.

India Implements Duty-Free Import of Yellow Peas to Regulate Pulse Prices

• In an effort to control pulse prices, the Indian government, through the Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has removed restrictions on the import of yellow peas. 
• This move allows duty-free shipments of yellow peas until March 31, 2024, aiming to improve the supply of pulses in the market.
• Yellow peas, mainly brought in from Canada and Russia, previously had a 50% duty imposed in November 2017. 
• The recent decision changes their import status from “Restricted” to “Free” as part of New Delhi’s efforts to manage overall pulse prices.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023

• International Anti-Corruption Day is observed worldwide on December 9 each year. In 2023, this special day falls on a Saturday. 
• The aim is to draw attention to the harmful impact of corruption on society and encourage collective efforts to combat this global issue. 
• The theme for 2023 is ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption,’ emphasizing ongoing global efforts to fight corruption and highlighting our collective responsibility.

IDFC FIRST Bank Introduces Youth-Focused “FIRST SWYP” Credit Card With Mastercard

In a smart move catering to the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z, IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the “FIRST SWYP” credit card, specially designed for the needs of the modern customer.

Key features of this credit card include:

1. No-Interest Charge Card: The FIRST SWYP credit card is unique as it doesn’t charge interest, providing users with financial flexibility.
2. EMI Repayment Flexibility: The card allows flexible bill repayments through EMIs, aligning with the financial needs and habits of the target demographic.
3. Referral Program: Users can benefit from a referral program, encouraging them to share the FIRST SWYP experience with friends.
4. Exclusive Merchant Partnerships: The card offers access to lifestyle-related offers through exclusive merchant partnerships, enhancing its overall value.

Human Rights Day 2023

• The year 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of a significant global commitment—the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). 
• Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, this transformative document remains a beacon of hope, ensuring the inalienable rights of every individual, regardless of various factors. 
• It’s a groundbreaking document that lays the foundation for fundamental human rights, universally protected.

Federal Bank Named “Bank of the Year 2023” in India: The Banker

• In great news, Federal Bank got the special title of “Bank of the Year (India)” by The Banker, a big publication. This award is one of the few global prizes for banks worldwide.
• Federal Bank did cool things like starting the Digital Personal Loan, ‘Bank on the Go’ initiative, and ‘Feddy,’ an AI chatbot. 
• These things show the bank is trying new ideas, helping customers, and doing awesome stuff in banking. 

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide

• Every December 9 holds significance as the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide marks the adoption of the Genocide Convention, a global commitment made at the inception of the United Nations. 
• This day, recognized as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, emphasizes preventing this heinous crime. 
• Approaching the 75th anniversary of the Genocide Convention, it remains a beacon in the fight against genocide, emphasizing international cooperation and a commitment to “never again.” 
• This year’s theme is “A Living Force in World Society: The Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” showcasing the Convention’s achievements and challenges in its effective implementation.

GPAI 2023: AI Research Symposium on December 12-14

• India is hosting the Annual GPAI Summit from December 12 – 14 to talk about AI. 
• The Prime Minister is starting the event on December 12, 2023. GPAI is a big group working on AI since June 2020. 
• They want to connect the ideas and actions of AI, helping with important research and activities.
• As part of the Annual GPAI Summit, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is working with the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras to set up a Research Symposium. 

• The theme is “Advancing Responsible AI in Public-Sector Applications.” 
• This is like a meeting for teachers and researchers, both from India and around the world, to work together on responsible AI ideas.

1. What is the main objective of the “Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar” (MGMD) project?

1. Promote tourism in villages
2. Document and map diverse cultures in Indian villages
3. Develop infrastructure in rural areas
4. Implement environmental initiatives in villages

2. Why did Lahore recently gain global attention?

1. Hosting a major international summit
2. Achieving economic growth milestones
3. Having the worst air quality globally
4. Launching a groundbreaking environmental initiative

3. What is the focus of the “Green Rising” initiative launched during COP28?

1. Economic development in developing countries
2. Improving education access for youth
3. Involving young people in environmental actions
4. Enhancing healthcare facilities in communities

4. What is the primary goal of the Ministry of Defence’s ₹588.68 crore agreement with TCIL?

1. Strengthening diplomatic ties
2. Digital transformation of the Indian Coast Guard
3. Enhancing military capabilities
4. Space exploration initiatives

5. Why was Damodar Rajanarasimha appointed as Telangana’s Health Minister despite lacking a medical background?

1. Extensive experience and political acumen
2. Outstanding achievements in engineering
3. Strong support from medical professionals
4. Previous experience as a Health Minister

6. What is the significance of India’s forex reserves reaching $604 billion as of December 1, 2023?

1. It marks an all-time high for India’s forex reserves.
2. This is the first time India’s forex reserves crossed the $600 billion threshold.
3. It represents a decline from the previous week.
4. India strategically deployed reserves to defend the rupee.years

7. What prompted the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to raise the UPI payment limit to Rs 5 lakh?

1. Increased government funding for healthcare and education.
2. Rising consumer demand for higher transaction limits.
3. A strategic move to combat corruption.
4. To facilitate higher payments for medical and educational purposes.

8. What is the main objective of the Union Cabinet’s allocation of Rs 2,500 crore for the Extended Interest Equalisation Scheme?

1. Enhancing diplomatic ties with other countries.
2. Supporting exporters and MSMEs in specific sectors.
3. Encouraging foreign investment in India.
4. Boosting the defense budget.

9. Why did the Indian government implement duty-free import of yellow peas until March 31, 2024?

1. To promote domestic production of pulses.
2. To control pulse prices in the market.
3. Due to a surplus of yellow peas in India.
4. To restrict the entry of foreign pulses.

10. What is the theme for International Anti-Corruption Day 2023?

1. ‘Uniting Against Global Corruption’
2. ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption’
3. ‘Global Efforts for Corruption-Free Future’
4. ‘Collective Responsibility for a Corruption-Free Society’