Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 18th 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 18Th November 2023.

Ayodhya’s Saryu River Welcomes Solar-Powered ‘Ramayana’ Vessels (national)

• Two solar-powered ‘mini-cruise’ ships are set to embark on the sacred Saryu River in Ayodhya, coinciding with the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in January. 
• Alaknanda Cruise introduces these sustainable vessels, blending tradition and modernity, offering a unique experience for those exploring Ayodhya’s cultural and spiritual heritage linked with Lord Ram.

India Sets Record in Patent Grants: 41,010 Patents in 2023-24 (national)

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a historic achievement as the Indian patent office granted an unprecedented 41,010 patents in the current fiscal year until November 15. 
• India’s patent applications showed remarkable growth, recording a 31.6% increase in 2022, reflecting the nation’s innovative spirit, as acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi.

Kochi Secures Spot on Condé Nast’s Best Places to Visit in 2024 (state)

• Kochi, a dynamic city in Kerala, finds itself on Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2024. 
• Recognized for providing enriching experiences with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation, Kochi International Airport (CIAL) stands out as the world’s first airport operating solely on solar energy, symbolizing Kerala’s dedication to sustainability.

DGFT Anticipates Soaring Growth in Indian E-Commerce Exports (economy)

• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) anticipates exponential growth in India’s e-commerce exports, projecting an increase from the current $1.2 billion to an impressive $200 billion within the next six to seven years. 
• Speaking at the ‘E-commerce Exports’ conference organized by Ficci, DGFT Santosh Kumar Sarangi attributes this optimistic forecast to the diverse product range, ongoing innovation, and the adaptability of Indian entrepreneurs to meet market demands.

Global Day for Child Protection 2023 (international)

• The United Nations has declared November 18 as the “Global Day for Child Protection” to address the widespread issue of child exploitation, abuse, and violence. 
• This day encourages global collaboration to protect children, promote healing, and eliminate these serious violations affecting countless young individuals worldwide.

Highlights from 2nd Voice Of Global South Summit (international)

• The recently concluded Second Voice of Global South Summit, hosted by India on November 17, provided a platform for member countries to share perspectives and priorities under the theme “Together for Everyone’s Growth with Everyone’s Trust.” 
• The summit discussed strategies for a more inclusive, representative, and progressive world order to address global challenges.

BofA Survey: Japan and India Preferred Markets in Asia Pacific (International)

• A Bank of America survey revealed that Japan and India are the most favored markets in the Asia Pacific region. 
• Japan leads with a net 45 percent overweight, followed by India at 25 percent. 

Observing World Prematurity Day 2023 (international)

• World Prematurity Day, celebrated annually on November 17, brings attention to the global health concern of premature births. 
• The theme for this year emphasizes the importance of “Small actions, big impact: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere.” 
• This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by premature babies and their families, advocating for immediate and specialized care.

NITI Aayog Appoints Four Distinguished Fellows Under Fellowship Guidelines (national)

• NITI Aayog, the esteemed policy think tank of the Government of India, has recently enlisted four new Distinguished Fellows for a one-year term.
• The appointees include Dr. Anoop Singh, a distinguished member of the fifteenth Finance Commission, Dr. O.P Agrawal, a seasoned expert in urban transport and a 1979 batch IAS officer.
• Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, a co-founder of HCL, and Sh. V. Lakshmikumaran, a legal expert with 35 years of experience, completes the quartet.
• These individuals, recognized for their extensive work experience and expertise, are anticipated to make substantial contributions to addressing key social, economic, and technical challenges facing the nation.

Uttar Pradesh Cadre IPS Officer Alok Sharma Named New Chief Of SPG (national)

• Alok Sharma, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has assumed the role of the new director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite security unit tasked with safeguarding the Prime Minister.
• This crucial appointment follows the unfortunate passing of SPG chief Arun Kumar Sinha in September.
• Alok Sharma, currently serving as the additional director general of SPG, takes on the leadership role with immediate effect, as approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Virat Kohli’s Wax Statue To Be Installed In Jaipur Wax Museum (Sports)

• Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort Wax Museum is set to welcome a wax statue of star cricketer Virat Kohli.
• Skilled artisans will meticulously craft the lifelike representation of Virat Kohli over the next month.
• With the addition of Virat Kohli’s statue, the Jaipur Wax Museum proudly showcases a total of 43 wax statues.

Renowned Art Historian BN Goswamy Passed Away At 90 (national)

• B. N. Goswamy, a renowned art historian and prolific writer, peacefully passed away at the age of 90 at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
• Mr. Goswamy, a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1998 and Padma Bhushan in 2008, authored over 26 books, focusing on subjects like Pahari paintings, miniature paintings, and Indian painting masters.
• His specialized knowledge in the Pahari style of paintings made him a cornerstone for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Renowned Novelist A.S. Byatt Passes Away At 87 (national)

• Acclaimed British novelist Antonia Susan Byatt, widely known as A.S. Byatt, has passed away at the age of 87.
• Born on August 24, 1936, in Sheffield, England, Byatt’s literary career spanned almost six decades.
• Notably, her work “Possession: A Romance” earned her the prestigious Booker Prize in 1990, solidifying her position as one of the most significant writers and critics of her time.

1. What is the theme of World Prematurity Day 2023?

1. Small Babies, Big Impact
2. Immediate Care for Newborns
3. Tiny Steps, Huge Changes
4. Premature Babies Awareness Day

2. Which Indian city’s airport operates solely on solar energy, earning it a spot on Condé Nast’s Best Places to Visit in 2024?

1. Mumbai
2. Delhi
3. Kochi
4. Chennai

3. What does the acronym SPG stand for in the context of Alok Sharma’s appointment?

1. Special Police Group
2. Special Protection Group
3. Security Protocol Guard
4. Special Patrol Guard

4. Which river in Ayodhya welcomes solar-powered ‘mini-cruise’ ships coinciding with the inauguration of the Ram Temple?

1. Yamuna
2. Ganges
3. Brahmaputra
4. Saryu

5. On what date is the “Global Day for Child Protection” observed?

1. November 15
2. November 16
3. November 17
4. November 18

6. What is the projected increase in India’s e-commerce exports, according to DGFT Santosh Kumar Sarangi?

1. $50 billion
2. $100 billion
3. $150 billion
4. $200 billion

7. How many patents were granted in India during the fiscal year 2023-24 until November 15?

1. 30,000
2. 35,500
3. 41,010
4. 45,500

8. Which novel by A.S. Byatt earned her the Booker Prize in 1990?

1. The Children’s Book
2. Possession: A Romance
3. Angels & Insects
4. The Biographer’s Tale

9. What is the theme of the Second Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India?

1. A United Future for the South
2. Together for Everyone’s Growth with Everyone’s Trust
3. South for Progress
4. Inclusivity and Prosperity

10. Which Indian state is Ayodhya located in?

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Bihar
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Rajasthan