Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 19th November 2023 and 20th November 

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 19Th November 2023 and 20th November 2023.

UK’s Position on Agricultural Geographical Indications Remains Obstacle in Free Trade Talks with India (international)

• The United Kingdom and India are currently engaged in discussions for a free trade agreement (FTA), with a significant point of contention revolving around the protection level for Geographical Indication (GI) products within the agricultural sector. 
• Once a product attains GI status, others are prohibited from selling a similar item under the same name. 
• The UK is advocating for heightened safeguards for its GIs, encompassing renowned items such as Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese, and Cheddar cheese.
• Noteworthy Indian products with GI tags include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.

India Dispatches Second Round of Assistance to Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict (international)

• India has once again demonstrated its dedication to providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip amidst the escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas insurgents. 
• The second batch of aid, transported by the Indian Air Force’s C17 aircraft, comprises 32 tonnes of essential supplies. 
• The aircraft is bound for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt, approximately 45 km away from the Rafah crossing, the sole entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. 
• India’s consistent efforts to provide aid underscore the global call for solidarity in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs arising from the conflict in the region.

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Seize India-Bound Ship in Red Sea, Confirms IDF (international)

• A cargo vessel named “Galaxy Leader,” traveling from Turkey to India, has been commandeered by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Around 50 crew members from various nations were on board. 
• The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the hijacking but clarified that the ship is not Israeli. The Washington Post reported ongoing US-mediated talks for a five-day ceasefire to facilitate aid shipments. 
• Earlier reports mentioned Qatari mediators seeking a deal for a three-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 50 hostages.

Putin to Participate in Virtual G20 Meeting on November 22 (international)

• Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to partake in a virtual G20 leaders meeting on November 22, as reported by Russian state television. 
• Notably, Putin has refrained from attending such meetings in person since the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 
• The upcoming virtual meeting aims to build on the outcomes of the September session, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing its significance.

Argentina Chooses ‘Shock Therapy’ Libertarian Javier Milei as President (international)

• Argentinians have elected Javier Milei as their next president. 
• Known for his unconventional appearance and sensational rhetoric, Milei pledged economic shock therapy and vowed to reduce the size of the state during his campaign. 
• With 55.8% of the votes, Milei’s victory marks the widest margin since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983, defying all poll predictions. 
• Drawing parallels with Trump, he also hinted at a potential relocation of the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, echoing a controversial move by the Trump administration.

AFMC to Receive President’s Color Award from President Droupadi Murmu on December 1 (national)

• President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to bestow the esteemed President’s Colour upon the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) on December 1, commemorating its platinum jubilee. 
• Renowned globally for its commitment to the highest medical training standards, AFMC has been instrumental in shaping healthcare professionals for the Armed Forces, contributing significantly to the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

Bengaluru Leads in Women-Led Startups, Followed by Mumbai and Delhi (national)

• India’s startup landscape has witnessed remarkable growth, positioning itself as the third-largest hub globally, after the United States and China. 
• According to Traxon data, Bengaluru takes the lead in women-led startups with 1,783 ventures, followed by Mumbai (1,480) and Delhi (1,195). 
• Notable contributions also come from Noida, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, highlighting the geographical distribution of women entrepreneurs in India.

Global Economic Trends: Inflation Recedes in US, UK; India’s Trade Gap Widens in October (economy)

• Both the United States and the United Kingdom are experiencing a decline in inflation, leading to speculations about potential interest rate cuts by their respective central banks by the middle of the next year. 
• While expectations for economic growth in Europe are rising, disparities within the European Union persist. 
• The economic recovery in the EU’s eastern region remains fragile, contrasting with improvements in other parts of Europe. 
• In Asia, uncertainties surround the economic recoveries in China and Japan, with factors like slowing consumption contributing to uncertain prospects.

India Achieves Historic Milestone: GDP Surpasses $4 Trillion (economy)

• In a significant economic milestone, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has exceeded the $4 trillion mark in nominal terms.
• The achievement is attributed to India’s consistent efforts across various sectors, strategic policies, and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit. 
• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) November bulletin reveals a stronger-than-expected GDP growth in the second quarter, surpassing the RBI’s initial forecast of 6.5%.

Rural Retail Inflation Surpasses Urban Counterpart for 18 Out of 22 Months (economy)

• Recent data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) exposes a concerning trend in India’s inflation dynamics. 
• Despite initiatives like the extended free-food program and ongoing efforts to stimulate rural demand, rural inflation stood at 5.12% in October 2023, indicating a sustained upward trend in rural price levels. 
• The persistently higher rural inflation raises questions about the effectiveness of the free-food program, designed to alleviate economic strain in rural areas.

India Plans to Extend Restrictions on Rice Exports Until 2024, Affecting Global Prices (economy)

• India, the foremost global rice exporter, is expected to prolong its limitations on international rice sales into the upcoming year. 
• Over the last decade, India has played a pivotal role in global rice exports, accounting for nearly 40% of the total. 
• However, in an effort to secure domestic supplies and control price surges, the Indian government has enforced export duties and set minimum prices. 
• Notably, specific rice varieties, including broken and non-basmati white rice, are prohibited from being exported.

Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2023 (international)

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is an annual celebration observed on November 19th, dedicated to fostering gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. 
• This day serves as a platform to recognize the substantial contributions of women in the business world and is celebrated in 144 countries and 65 universities/colleges. Founded in 2014 by Wendy Diamond, 
• Women’s Entrepreneurship Day emerged in response to the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the entrepreneurial space.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2022 Awarded to COVID-19 Warriors (national)

• The prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for the year 2022 was jointly awarded to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Trained Nurses Association of India. 
• The award ceremony, held on November 19, witnessed former Vice-President Hamid Ansari presenting the honor to Dr. Sharad Kumar Agarwal, President of the IMA, and Professor (Dr.) Roy K. George, President of the Trained Nurses Association of India. 
• This recognition extends to every doctor, nurse, paramedic, and support staff for their selfless service, dedication, and perseverance in the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.

Mira Murati Takes on Interim Chief Executive Officer Role at OpenAI (business)

• Mira Murati has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer at OpenAI following the dismissal of CEO and co-founder Sam Altman on November 18. 
• A 34-year-old mechanical engineer born to Albanian parents, Murati has been an integral part of the OpenAI team since 2018, initially serving as the Vice President of AI and partnerships. 
• Murati played a pivotal role in various leadership teams at OpenAI, contributing to the development of groundbreaking projects such as ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Codex. Founded in 2015, 
• OpenAI aims to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits society as a whole.

Virat Kohli Clinches “Player of the Tournament” Title in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 (sports)

• The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased a remarkable exhibition of cricketing excellence, with Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli securing the “Player of the Tournament” title for his exceptional performance. 
• Kohli’s stellar display set new records, amassing a total score of 765 runs in 11 innings, the highest-ever runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the World Cup. 
• The 35-year-old cricket icon surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record, achieving his 50th One-Day International (ODI) century. 
• Kohli’s achievement in eclipsing Tendulkar’s long standing record made this World Cup edition particularly special for the prolific batsman.

Australia’s Travis Head Secures ‘Man of the Match’ Accolade in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 (sports)

• In a captivating showdown at the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Travis Head showcased an outstanding performance, earning the esteemed title of Man of the Match. 
• The Australian opener played a crucial role in his team’s successful pursuit of the challenging 241-run target set by India. 
• Travis Head’s match-winning innings was characterized by a spectacular array of shots, featuring 15 fours and six sixes. 
• His ability to blend aggression with precision became the X-factor in Australia’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Demise of Acclaimed Director Sanjay Gadhvi at 56 (national)

• The film industry mourns the loss of a creative luminary with the sudden passing of acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Gadhvi on Sunday, November 19. 
• Widely recognized for helming the blockbuster films “Dhoom” (2004) and its sequel “Dhoom 2” (2006), Gadhvi’s impact on Indian cinema remains indelible. 
• Born to Manubhai Gadhvi, a prominent figure in Gujarati folk literature, Sanjay Gadhvi’s directorial journey commenced in 2000 with “Tere Liye.” 
• His diverse portfolio includes projects like “Kidnap” (2008), “Ajab Gazabb Love” (2012), and “Operation Parindey” (2020), marking his final directorial venture.

Passing of Former RBI Governor S. Venkitaramanan at 92 (national)

• Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor S. Venkitaramanan breathed his last at the age of 92 on November 18, succumbing to age-related issues at a private hospital in Chennai. 
• Assuming the role of RBI Governor in December 1990, Venkitaramanan faced the challenging task of navigating a severe balance of payments crisis. 
• His tenure coincided with significant changes in the Central government, demanding determination and courage in the face of economic challenges. 
• Venkitaramanan’s two-year term witnessed the multi-crore securities scam and persistent calls for his resignation. He was succeeded by C. Rangarajan.

1. What title did Travis Head earn in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023?

1. Player of the Tournament
2. Best Bowler
3. Man of the Match
4. Emerging Player

2. Which film series is Sanjay Gadhvi best known for directing?

1. Kidnap
2. Operation Parindey
3. Dhoom
4. Ajab Gazabb Love

3. What was S. Venkitaramanan’s role during his tenure as RBI Governor?

1. Handling a balance of payments crisis
2. Directing blockbuster films
3. Leading the Indian Medical Association
4. Winning the ICC Cricket World Cup

4. What marked Travis Head’s outstanding performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final?

1. Highest number of wickets
2. Most sixes in an inning
3. Spectacular array of shots
4. Perfect fielding record

5. What was the final directorial venture of Sanjay Gadhvi?

1. Dhoom
2. Operation Parindey
3. Ajab Gazabb Love
4. Kidnap

6. What is the primary reason for India’s decision to extend restrictions on rice exports through 2024?

1. Boosting global rice prices
2. Maintaining domestic supplies
3. Encouraging international trade
4. Facilitating global economic stability

7. Who founded Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED), celebrated annually on November 19th?

1. Wendy Diamond
2. Mira Murati
3. Indira Gandhi
4. Virat Kohli

8. Which organizations were jointly awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2022?

1. Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Trained Nurses Association of India
2. OpenAI and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED)
3. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and National Statistical Office (NSO)
4. ICC and Indian Cricket Board

9. Who has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer at OpenAI?

1. Wendy Diamond
2. Virat Kohli
3. Mira Murati
4. Sam Altman

10. What record did Virat Kohli achieve in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, making it a special edition for him?

1. Fastest century in World Cup history
2. Most wickets in a single World Cup
3. Highest-ever partnership in a World Cup final
4. Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for ODI centuries