Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 15Th and 16th 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 15th November 2023 and 16th November 2023.

Global Financial Watchdog Conducts On-Site Evaluation in India: Scrutinizing Measures Against Financial Crimes and Terrorism Financing (international)

• A delegation from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), headquartered in the cultural capital of Paris, has initiated on-site review sessions within the borders of India. 
• The primary aim is to gauge the nation’s legal infrastructure in its battle against money laundering and terrorist funding.
•  The forthcoming assessment report, anticipated to be deliberated upon during the June 2024 FATF plenary, undergoes rigorous cycles of discussions and evaluations. 
• The conclusions, inclusive of ratings, are meticulously discussed, culminating in the adoption of the final report for public dissemination.

India Poised to Attain the Position of the World’s Third-Largest Economy by 2027: Insights from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (national)

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently addressed the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue, shedding light on India’s impressive economic trajectory amid global challenges. 
• She prognosticated that by 2027, India would outpace Japan and Germany, securing the status of the world’s third-largest economy. 
• This assertion underscores the robustness of the Indian economy in the face of global uncertainties. 
• Minister Sitharaman emphasized that even conservative estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) point towards India’s ascent to the position of the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surpassing the USD 5 trillion mark.

IndusInd Bank Leads as the First Operational Financial Information Provider Under RBI’s Account Aggregator Framework (banking)

• IndusInd Bank has achieved the milestone of being the inaugural bank to operate as a ‘Financial Information Provider’ (FIP) under the recently introduced ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ by the Reserve Bank of India. 
• Customers can now experience a range of advantages, including the ability to view account statements, monitor deposits, strategize investments (such as shares, mutual funds, insurance, EPF, PPF), and obtain credit cards, all through a unified platform. 
• This innovative framework eliminates the conventional and time-consuming process of physical document submission

GAIL Achieves First-Ever Transfer of LNG Between Ships (national)

• Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the leading gas company in the country, has successfully completed the world’s first ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 
• In a recent operation, GAIL’s hired vessel, Castillo De Santisteban, conducted a ship-to-ship transfer mid-journey. 
• The LNG cargo was moved to another chartered vessel, Al Gharrafa of QatarGas, making this the world’s first such transfer. 
• GAIL reaped a substantial gain, exceeding USD 1 million, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome for both GAIL and QatarGas.

Observing National Press Day 2023 (national)

• National Press Day, observed annually on November 16th in India, commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI), which regulates the news media in the country. 
• This day provides an essential moment to ponder the role of the press in a democratic society and express gratitude for journalists’ efforts in upholding journalistic values. 
• As India marks this day, it reiterates its commitment to a free, responsible, and ethical press, recognizing its integral role in preserving the democratic ethos of the nation.

International Day for Tolerance 2023: A Global Call for Understanding (international)

• International Day for Tolerance, observed on November 16th, serves as a global platform to promote tolerance, respect, and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 
• In 2023, the theme is “Tolerance: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation,” emphasizing tolerance’s crucial role in building peaceful and inclusive societies. 
• This day’s roots trace back to 1995 when the United Nations General Assembly designated November 16th to globally promote tolerance.

RBI Instructs Bajaj Finance to Cease Loans for ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI’ Products (banking)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive on November 15, instructing Bajaj Finance to discontinue the approval and disbursement of loans under two of its lending products, namely ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI Card.’ 
• This swift action results from the company’s non-compliance with the existing provisions outlined in the Digital Lending Guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India. 
• The central bank clarified that the supervisory restrictions imposed on Bajaj Finance will be reviewed upon the rectification of the identified deficiencies.

World Philosophy Day 2023: Celebrating Thought and Culture (international)

• World Philosophy Day, celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November, highlights the enduring significance of philosophy in human thought, cultural enrichment, and individual growth. 
• Organized by UNESCO, this day underscores philosophy’s inspiring influence as both a discipline and an everyday practice capable of transforming societies and fostering intercultural dialogue.
• The theme for World Philosophy Day 2023 is “Philosophical Reflection in a Multicultural World,” emphasizing philosophy’s role in promoting understanding and dialogue between different cultures and perspectives.

Celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2023 (national)

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the celebration of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ at Birsa College, Khunti, Jharkhand, on November 15th, 2023. 
• Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, also known as Tribal Pride Day, honors the birth anniversary of the revered tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda. 
• This occasion also witnessed the release of the 15th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to support farmers and promote inclusive agricultural development.

9th Edition of India’s International Science Festival to Take Place in Faridabad in January 2024 (international)

• The 9th installment of the Indian International Science Festival (IISF) is scheduled to occur at the Campus of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana, from January 17th to January 20th, 2024. 
• The primary objective of IISF is to provide an inspiring platform for a diverse audience, including students, educators, scientists, researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and science communicators. 
• The theme for this edition is ‘Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal.’

Record High Greenhouse Gas Concentrations in 2022 Trigger Urgent Calls for Action (international)

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), under the United Nations, has issued a stark warning, revealing unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere in 2022. 
• The surge in carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide sets the stage for intensified climate impacts, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and elevated sea levels. 
• In 2022, carbon dioxide concentrations rose to 418 parts per million, methane to 1,923 parts per billion, and nitrous oxide to 336 parts per billion, representing alarming increases, standing at 150%, 264%, and 124% of pre-industrial levels, respectively.

Biden and Xi Jinping Summit Highlights: Key Discussions (international)

• In a significant four-hour meeting at the scenic Filoli estate near San Francisco, U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping engaged in discussions covering critical issues from military conflicts to drug trafficking. 
• While assuring no immediate military plans, Xi discussed the conditions under which force could be employed. 
• President Biden stressed the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and urged respect for Taiwan’s electoral process.

She-Guard, a Pakistan-Based Startup, Emerges Victorious in Top Climate Innovation Competition (international)

• The Pakistan-based cleantech startup, She-Guard, clinched victory at the ‘ClimateLaunchpad Asia-Pacific’ finals, showcasing an innovative biodegradable and plastic-free sanitary product. 
• Their mission involves transforming banana crop waste into affordable, eco-friendly sanitary napkins, addressing climate change, public health, and solid waste management challenges in Pakistan. 
• Vietnamese startup Alterno secured the runner-up position, offering a low-cost thermal energy storage solution, and Japanese startup Aonbarr claimed the third spot with an innovative seawater-based hydrogen generation idea.

Salman Rushdie Receives Inaugural ‘Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award’ (national)

• Renowned author Salman Rushdie was honored with the first ‘Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award’ by the Vaclav Havel Center. 
• Having recently received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Rushdie humorously pondered on the significance of this new accolade. 
• The Vaclav Havel Center also conferred the ‘Disturbing the Peace Award to a Courageous Writer at Risk’ upon Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah.

Rohit Sharma Makes World Cup History with 50 Sixes (sports)

• Indian captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first player to hit 50 sixes in the World Cup. 
• Achieving this milestone during the semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, the 36-year-old scored an impressive 47 runs from 29 balls, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record of 49 sixes in World Cups. 
• Beyond eclipsing Gayle’s overall record, Sharma set a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single edition of the World Cup, reaching his 27th six, surpassing Gayle’s 2019 record of 26 sixes. 
• Following Sharma, Glenn Maxwell holds the second position with 22 sixes in the current World Cup.

Petroleum Minister Launches 3rd Hockey India Women’s Championship (sports)

• Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, inaugurated the 3rd Hockey India Senior Women Inter Department National Championship 2023 at Shivaji Stadium. 
• Shri Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, pledged full support not only to women’s hockey but also to other sports. He affirmed the corporation’s commitment to creating opportunities for star female players and fostering a team of young hockey players. 
• The championship promises a thrilling display of top-tier talent, featuring eight of the best women’s teams from across the nation, ensuring a high level of skill and competition with more than 12 players boasting international experience.

Omegle, Popular Video Chat Service, Shuts Down After 14 Years (science and tech)

• Omegle, a once-popular online chat service founded in 2009 by Leif K-Brooks, has recently announced its shutdown after more than 14 years of operation. 
• The platform, known for connecting individuals to talk with strangers, faced challenges leading to its closure. 
• Omegle received widespread criticism for association with various illicit activities, particularly during the pandemic. The surge in usage exposed the platform to misuse, raising concerns about user safety and well-being.

Suresh Wadkar to Receive Maharashtra’s ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award 2023’ (culture)

• The Maharashtra government has selected esteemed playback singer and National Award winner, Suresh Ishwar Wadkar, as the recipient of the prestigious ‘Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar Award’ for 2023. 
• Wadkar, a Sangeet Natak Akademi laureate in 2018, has been a significant figure in the music industry. 
• His early hits, including “Sona Kare jhilmil jhilmil” and “Seene Me Jalan,” drew attention, with Lata Mangeshkar recommending him to other renowned music composers.

India and US Strengthen Innovation Ties with Landmark Agreement (national)

• India and the United States have taken a significant step to enhance collaboration among startups and promote innovation through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on November 14th in San Francisco. 
• The MoU focuses on fostering collaboration in the startup ecosystem, addressing regulatory obstacles, and sharing best practices for fundraising by entrepreneurs. 
• The ultimate goal is to promote innovation and job growth, particularly in critical and emerging technologies, as identified under the India-US initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). 

Freedom Fighter and Communist Leader N Sankaraiah Passes Away at 102 (national)

• N Sankaraiah, one of the oldest communist leaders in the country, passed away in a Chennai hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday morning. 
• At the age of 102, he had dedicated his life to the principles of communism and the struggle for a just society. 
• Elected to the state assembly thrice in 1967, 1977, and 1980, he also served as the CPI-M state secretary of Tamil Nadu from 1995 to 2002. 

1. What is the primary purpose of the on-site evaluation conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in India?

1. Reviewing economic policies
2. Assessing measures against financial crimes and terrorism financing
3. Evaluating cultural initiatives
4. Scrutinizing diplomatic relations

2. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which global ranking does India anticipate achieving by 2027?

1. Fourth-largest economy
2. Second-largest economy
3. Third-largest economy
4. Fifth-largest economy

3. What action did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instruct Bajaj Finance to take in its recent directive?

1. Expand credit services
2. Halt loans for ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI’ Products
3. Increase interest rates
4. Launch new financial products

4. Which bank became the first operational Financial Information Provider under RBI’s Account Aggregator Framework?

1. HDFC Bank
2. ICICI Bank
3. State Bank of India
4. IndusInd Bank

5. In the world’s first ship-to-ship transfer of LNG, which company successfully executed this operation?

1. Chevron
2. Gazprom
3. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)
4. ExxonMobil

6. What does National Press Day in India commemorate?

1. Independence Day
2. Establishment of the Press Council of India
3. Republic Day
4. Gandhi Jayanti

7. What is the theme of the International Day for Tolerance in 2023?

1. Building Bridges
2. Tolerance: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation
3. Embracing Diversity
4. Global Harmony Through Understanding

8. What does World Philosophy Day 2023 emphasize in its theme?

1. Historical achievements of philosophers
2. Multiculturalism in philosophy
3. Role of philosophy in society
4. Technological advancements in philosophy

9. Which day is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, also known as Tribal Pride Day?

1. Independence Day
2. Republic Day
3. Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
4. Gandhi Jayanti

10. What significant event occurred during the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping?

1. Signing of a trade agreement
2. Resolution of military conflicts
3. Discussion on climate change
4. Agreement on space exploration