Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 14th November 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 14th November 2023.

PM Modi Unveils PM-PVTG Initiative and Viksit Bharat Sankalp Expedition on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (National News)

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate the PM-PVTG Development Mission, an innovative program aimed at facilitating the holistic advancement of approximately 28 lakh individuals belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• This momentous occasion is set to coincide with the commemoration of the esteemed tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda, celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas for the past three years.
• Concurrently, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to commence the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” from Khunti, with the ambitious objective of achieving widespread success of flagship government initiatives throughout the nation.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s Five-Day Visit To The United Kingdom (international news)

• Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar embarks on a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom.
• This visit aims to fortify the bilateral alliance between India and the UK, characterized by a cordial and flourishing relationship.
• Dr. Jaishankar is scheduled to partake in crucial deliberations with his counterpart, Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverly. These discussions are likely to encompass pivotal diplomatic matters, shared concerns, and collaborative endeavors.
• The exchange of ideas and cooperation on various fronts is expected to contribute significantly to the overall enhancement of diplomatic ties.

Geographical Indication Tags Granted to Distinctive Products from Uttarakhand (State News)

• The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has conferred the esteemed GI tags upon over 15 products originating from Uttarakhand.
• Uttarakhand’s finger millet, known as Mandua and a vital element of the local diet in Garhwal and Kumaon, has been accorded a GI tag.
• Another indigenous millet, Jhangora, discovered in the rain-fed areas of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, now bears the GI tag.

Goldman Sachs Revises Ratings in Asian Markets: Upgrades India, Downgrades China (Economy News)

• Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has recently made substantial revisions to its ratings in Asian markets.
• The bank has lowered its rating on Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong, citing apprehensions about low earnings growth and the potential for a consensus downgrade.
• Goldman Sachs has upgraded its rating on Indian equities, emphasizing the strategic appeal of the market.
• The bank foresees India experiencing the most favorable structural growth prospects in the region, with mid-teens earnings growth anticipated over the next two years.

Morgan Stanley Predicts Strong Growth for India’s Economy in the Coming Years (economy)

• Morgan Stanley Research, in their recent report on the 2024 India Economics Outlook, forecasts that India’s economy will see a robust growth of 6.5% in both the fiscal years 2024 and 2025. 
• The research highlights the importance of domestic demand, supported by strong factors, in maintaining India’s growth path. Moody’s Investor Service also applauds India’s resilience, maintaining its growth projection at 6.7% for 2023.

Retail Inflation Takes a Dip to a 4-Month Low in October (economy)

• In October, India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), hit a 4-month low, settling at 4.87%. 
• The decline is attributed to a supportive economic foundation and a moderation in non-food prices compared to September’s 5.02%. 
• This drop, now below the Reserve Bank of India’s upper limit of 6%, provides some relief for policymakers.

Children’s Day 2023 (national)

• In India, we celebrate Children’s Day every year on November 14th. This special day is chosen to honor the birthday of India’s first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. 
• This year’s Children’s Day theme is ‘For every child, every right,’ emphasizing the commitment to protect the rights of every child worldwide. 
• The tradition of Children’s Day began on November 5, 1948, initially called “Flower Day.” 
• However, in 1954, it officially became Children’s Day, coinciding with Nehru’s birthday.

Islamic Arab Summit (international)

• Leaders from Arab and Islamic nations gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on November 11, 2023. 
• H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC, called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression against Palestinians. 
• The summit emphasized the need for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

SIDBI Introduces ‘Sumpoorn’ MSME Economic Activity Index (economy)

• The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) collaborated with Jocata to launch the ‘Sumpoorn’ MSME Economic Activity Index. 
• Unlike traditional indices, ‘Sumpoorn’ uses monthly sales data from over 50,000 MSMEs, providing a unique high-frequency indicator for the MSME segment.

Three New Judges Welcomed to the Supreme Court (national)

• The Supreme Court of India expanded its judicial strength by appointing three new judges. Chief Justices Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih, and Sandeep Mehta were sworn in. 
• This addition brings the Supreme Court’s judicial strength to its sanctioned capacity of 34 judges.

Former PM David Cameron Appointed UK Foreign Secretary (international)

• Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed as the Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. 
• The move is part of a broader reshuffle, including the appointment of Victoria Atkins as the new Health Secretary and Steve Barclay as the Environment Secretary.

Mika, the AI-Powered Robot, Becomes CEO of Dictador (science and tech)

• Dictador, a Polish beverage company, appointed Mika, an AI-powered humanoid robot, as its experimental CEO. 
• Mika, a more advanced version of Sophia, works tirelessly, making decisions based on data analysis aligned with the company’s objectives.

India and ADB Sign $400 Million Deal for Urban Infrastructure Development (economy)

• India signed a $400 million policy-based loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance urban infrastructure. 
• The program aligns with the government’s urban sector strategy, focusing on reforms to make cities livable and centers of economic growth.

Founder of Bikanervala, Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, Passes Away at 86 (national)

• Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, the visionary founder of Bikanervala, a popular sweets and snacks brand, passed away at 86. 
• Bikanervala gained fame for its delicacies, including Moong Dal Halwa and Bikaneri Bhujia.

Pablo Picasso’s ‘Woman With A Watch’ Sells for Record $139 Million (international)

• Picasso’s renowned painting, “Woman with a Watch,” sold for a record $139 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on November 8, 2023. 
• The painting depicts Picasso’s lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter, and is considered one of his most important works.

Government’s Move to Empower Divyang Individuals (National)

• The government has taken a significant step to empower and financially include persons with disabilities. 
• They have introduced a one percent interest rate rebate for divyang borrowers as part of the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC). 
• This initiative shows a commitment to ease financial burdens and encourage responsible financial practices within this community. 
• The aim is to enhance financial inclusion by addressing the unique financial challenges faced by divyang individuals.

Government’s Initiative to Break Traders’ Monopoly (national)

• The Ministry of Agriculture is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative, PMKisan Bhai (Bhandaran Incentive), supporting small and marginal farmers. 
• This scheme aims to break the monopoly of traders in determining crop prices. 
• It empowers farmers to decide when to sell, allowing them to retain their crops for a minimum of three months post-harvest.

India-OPEC Energy Dialogue Meeting in Vienna (international)

• The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue recently took place in Vienna, Austria. 
• The focus was on ensuring availability, affordability, and sustainability to stabilize energy markets globally. Discussions covered crucial issues related to oil and energy markets.

Inauguration of India International Trade Fair 2023 in New Delhi (international)

• The 42nd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2023 has commenced at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. 
• Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, will inaugurate the event. Running until the 27th of this month, the fair centers around the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” highlighting interconnectedness and collaborative efforts in trade for sustainable growth and well-being. 
• Bihar and Kerala are the Partner States, and Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are recognized as Focus States, contributing to the diverse array of exhibitors and offerings.

Jio and OneWeb Obtain Licenses for Satellite Internet Services (national)

• The Department of Telecom (DoT) has granted Internet Service Provider (ISP) licenses to Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb.
•  These licenses enable them to offer internet services by seamlessly combining satellite capabilities with terrestrial networks. 
• Additionally, they can use Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology to establish direct connections with end consumers. This move reflects a commitment to bridging the digital gap and expanding internet access to underserved regions.

Asia-Pacific Airlines Set Ambitious Green Fuel Usage Target (international)

• The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAP announces a goal for its 14 member airlines, including Air India, to achieve 5% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage by 2030. 
• Emphasizing a comprehensive approach, the industry aims to be “feedstock and pathway agnostic.” 
• In India, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to mandate 1% SAF use by domestic carriers by 2025. 
• The civil aviation ministry plans to increase the blending of sustainable aviation fuel to 2% by 2026 and 5% by 2030.

World Diabetes Day 2023 Highlights Global Concerns (international)

• World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, sheds light on diabetes as a significant global public health issue. 
• The theme for 2023 is “Access to Diabetes Care.” This date is chosen in honor of Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday, the co-discoverer of insulin in 1922. 
• Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day gained official recognition by the United Nations in 2006.

1. According to Morgan Stanley Research, what is the projected growth rate for India’s economy in fiscal years 2024 and 2025?

1. 5.5%
2. 6.5%
3. 7.5%
4. 8.5%

2. What factor does the report by Morgan Stanley emphasize as crucial for sustaining India’s growth trajectory?

1. International collaborations
2. Robust domestic demand
3. Technological advancements
4. Government policies

3. What is the reason behind the decline in India’s retail inflation in October, as per the news?

1. Increase in non-food prices
2. Decline in economic base
3. Supportive economic base and moderation in non-food prices
4. Government intervention in pricing

4. What is the goal set by the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAP for its member airlines, including Air India, regarding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage by 2030?

1. 1%
2. 2%
3. 5%
4. 10%

5. Why is World Diabetes Day observed on November 14 each year?

1. To celebrate the discovery of insulin
2. To raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle
3. To honor a renowned doctor
4. To commemorate a significant medical breakthrough

6. What is the primary objective of the PM-PVTG Development Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

1. Promotion of urbanization among tribal groups.
2. Holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
3. Enhancement of agricultural practices in tribal regions.
4. Implementation of digital literacy programs in tribal areas.

7. What is the theme for Children’s Day 2023 in India?

1. Celebrating Youthfulness
2. For every child, every right
3. Play and Learn
4. Nehru’s Legacy

8. When did the tradition of Children’s Day officially begin in India?

1. November 14, 1947
2. November 5, 1948
3. November 14, 1954
4. November 5, 1954

9. What financial incentive has the government introduced for empowering divyang individuals?

1. Tax exemptions
2. One percent interest rate rebate for divyang borrowers
3. Subsidized healthcare
4. Educational grants

10. What is the objective of the PMKisan Bhai (Bhandaran Incentive) scheme introduced by the Indian government?

1. Promoting organic farming
2. Breaking the monopoly of traders in determining crop prices
3. Providing financial aid to agricultural universities
4. Offering subsidies for irrigation equipment