Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 21th 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 21st November 2023.

IIT Madras Launches Innovative Platform for Startup Incubators (national)

• The Centre for Research on Startups and Risk Financing (CREST), an Institute of Eminence Research Centre at IIT Madras, has revealed a cutting-edge information platform for incubators and accelerators. 
• Developed in collaboration with YNOS, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, this platform aims to centralize comprehensive information on incubators and accelerators throughout India. 
• By addressing the challenge of scattered information, it provides a unified and easily accessible location for relevant data, recognizing the pivotal role of these entities in supporting startups within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

International Tourism Mart Hosted by Ministry of Tourism in Shillong (national)

• The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is organizing the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 21st to 23rd, 2023. 
• This annual event serves as a significant platform for stakeholders in the North Eastern States to engage with counterparts from across the country and international markets. 
• With a focus on promoting the unique tourism potential, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage of the North East Region (NER), the event will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy. 
• Shillong, hosting the event for the second time, anticipates the participation of approximately 100 delegates, both domestic and international.

Historic Election in Argentina: Javier Milei Secures Presidency (international)

• Argentina experiences a seismic shift in its political landscape as Javier Milei, a self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist and right-wing populist, achieves a decisive victory in the recent presidential runoff. 
• Milei’s triumph over Economy Minister Sergio Massa signals a departure from the traditional political order, promising a radical overhaul of the state in response to the nation’s deep-seated discontent with soaring inflation and increasing poverty. 
• This electoral outcome, with 97.6% of votes tallied, marks the most significant mandate since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983, signifying a clear mandate for change and a rejection of the status quo.

Political Transition in Luxembourg: Luc Frieden Assumes Prime Minister Role (international)

• Luxembourg, a small yet influential European nation, witnesses a significant political shift as former finance minister Luc Frieden takes on the role of prime minister. 
• This change follows the recent election victory of Frieden’s Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), reshaping the country’s political dynamics. Xavier Bettel, who led Luxembourg for a notable decade, will transition to the role of foreign affairs minister.
•  Gilles Roth, a member of the CSV, has been appointed as the new finance minister, tasked with navigating economic policies crucial for Luxembourg’s continued prosperity.

China Expands Economic Corridor Strategy to Sri Lanka (international)

• In a strategic move, China actively pursues the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEto Sri Lanka, signaling an intent to enhance its influence in South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 
• The CMEC, one of the six land corridors under the BRI, gains prominence, overshadowing the stalled Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor. 
• This development underscores China’s strategic vision for economic connectivity and geopolitical influence in the region.

Indo-Australian Defense Dialogue: Strengthening Maritime Security Through Hydrography and Joint Airborne Surveillance

• In a recent diplomatic meeting between the defense ministers of India and Australia, Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles, discussions unfolded on avenues to elevate their defense alliance. 
• The focus of the deliberations was on strategic cooperation in hydrography and the exploration of possibilities for joint air-to-air refueling. 
• These collaborative efforts are designed to enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Uttar Pradesh Enforces Ban on Halal Certified Products (state)

• The government of Uttar Pradesh has implemented an immediate prohibition on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of products certified as halal within the state. 
• This prohibition encompasses a diverse range of items, including dairy products, sugar, bakery goods, peppermint oil, beverages, edible oil, certain medicines, and cosmetic products. The decision comes in response to the labeling of products such as oil, sugar, toothpaste, and spices with halal certificates, leading to confusion about food quality and potential violations of government regulations. 
• The ban aims to address these concerns, emphasizing that certification should be exclusively conducted by authorized bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Gyanodaya Express Set to Revolutionize Education in Jammu and Kashmir: LG Manoj Sinha (state)

• The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the Gyanodaya Express from the Katra railway station in the Reasi district. 
• Termed the “College on Wheels,” this pioneering project aims to empower around 700 female students from universities in the Union Territory. 
• The Gyanodaya Express seeks to transform education by fostering immersive, collaborative, and project-based learning experiences for students, establishing a precedent for innovative educational initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. 
• The initiative aligns with Gandhi’s principles of Satya and Ahimsa (Truth and Non-violence), aspiring to inspire society with universal and enduring values.

Bihar Governor Greenlights Bill Elevating Reservation from 50% to 65% (state)

• In a momentous step toward addressing social inequality, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar approved the ‘Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill’ on November 17. 
• This bill raises the reservation quota for Backward, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes from 50% to 65%, surpassing the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court. 
• The legislative amendment comprehensively reevaluates reservation quotas across various categories, applying not only to employment opportunities but also extending to educational institutions.

Karnataka Bank Collaborates with HDFC Life for Insurance Offerings (banking)

• Karnataka Bank, a prominent private sector lender based in Mangalore, has announced a strategic partnership with HDFC Life, a premier life insurance provider in India. 
• This collaboration aims to offer customers a comprehensive suite of innovative and customer-centric financial solutions. 
• Bringing together Karnataka Bank’s extensive banking expertise and HDFC Life’s proven track record in delivering high-quality life insurance products, this partnership seeks to provide enhanced financial services to a wider customer base.

Acko Collaborates With Actor R Madhavan as ‘Voice of the Customer’ (banking)

• Insurtech company Acko has joined forces with acclaimed actor R Madhavan, appointing him as the ‘Voice of the Customer.’ 
• This partnership seeks to debunk common misconceptions about insurance, providing consumers with the information needed to make well-informed decisions. 
• Madhavan, in his role, will collaborate with the Acko team to create content that simplifies intricate insurance terms, leveraging his influence to empower consumers.

RBI Introduces New Penalty Framework for Banks (banking)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is contemplating a comprehensive review of its penalty system, considering potential increases in penalty amounts and the imposition of additional capital charges on regulated entities. 
• This initiative aligns with the RBI’s broader objective of enhancing corporate governance standards within regulated entities, emphasizing the significance of robust governance structures for financial system stability and integrity.

PwC India Eyes ₹9,000 Crores Revenue Mark Amid Robust Growth (economy)

• PwC India anticipates surpassing the ₹9,000 crores revenue mark in the current fiscal year, with robust growth rates exceeding 20% in its assurance, tax, and advisory services. 
• The advisory segment is leading this growth, reflecting the success of the ‘new equation strategy’ implemented in August 2021. 
• Having already surpassed its initial goals, PwC India, with a current staff of 27,000, is on track to achieve its revenue target by the fiscal year’s end.

Covid Call: Over a Third of EPFO Members Opt for Non-Refundable Withdrawals (economy)

• In response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced a special window for non-refundable withdrawals. 
• More than a third of EPFO members, totaling over 22 million, opted for this withdrawal option, aimed at alleviating financial strains during unprecedented times. 
• EPFO manages the retirement savings of approximately 60 million subscribers, overseeing a corpus of around ₹18 lakh crore.

Goldman Sachs Forecasts India’s Economic Growth for 2024-25 (economy)

• Goldman Sachs predicts India’s economy to grow at a rate of 6.5% in the fiscal year 2024-25, surpassing the projected 6.2% for the current financial year. 
• The first half of 2024 is expected to be dominated by consumption spending, with subsidies and transfer payments playing a pivotal role in driving growth. 
• The report suggests that these financial incentives will likely be primary growth drivers leading up to the general elections in Q2 2024, aligning with historical spending patterns during previous election cycles.

Observing World AMR Awareness Week 2023 (November 18-24) (international)

• The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is scheduled from November 18 to 24, 2023. 
• The primary objective is to reduce the emergence and transmission of drug-resistant infections. 
• The chosen theme for WAAW 2023 will remain consistent with the previous year – “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” just as it was in 2022. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to humans, animals, plants, and the environment, impacting all facets of our interconnected world. 
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that, if not addressed, AMR could push 24 million people into extreme poverty in the next decade and lead to trillions of dollars in lost GDP.

Celebrating World Children’s Day 2023 (international)

• World Children’s Day is an annual celebration held on November 20, commemorating the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959. 
• The theme for World Children’s Day 2023 is “For every child, every right,” reinforcing the commitment to uphold the rights outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  World Children’s Day serves as a platform for people across various professions to raise awareness about child rights and welfare. It encourages reflection on the small choices individuals can make to contribute positively to the younger generation.

World Television Day 2023: Beyond the Screen (international)

• World Television Day, observed globally on November 21, goes beyond seeing TV as just an electronic device. In 1996, the United Nations organized the first World Television Forum on November 21. 
• According to the United Nations, World Television Day is a reminder of the power of visual media, its role in global communication, and the responsibility to deliver truthful information in a world where trust in media is crucial.

Government’s ‘Skills On Wheels’ Initiative for Rural Empowerment (national)

• In an effort to empower rural communities, the government is set to launch the ‘Skills On Wheels’ initiative, aiming to deliver skill training directly to the doorsteps of rural individuals, with a particular focus on equipping rural youth, especially women, with foundational digital skills. 
• The foundational skills training will cover essential digital skills, emphasizing the use of digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar, digilocker, and UPI. Additionally, the program aims to educate participants on obtaining a driving license. 
• The digital skills component of the initiative will encompass various aspects, such as using mobile phones for sharing multimedia content and location, engaging in instant messaging, downloading apps, and creating videos.

Historic Achievement: Deepti Babuta Secures Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature (national)

• Deepti Babuta has made history by becoming the first woman to receive the esteemed Dhahan Prize, the largest international literary award for Punjabi fiction. 
• This accolade is in recognition of her compelling collection of short stories titled ‘Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai’ (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’). 
• The award ceremony took place at the Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, where Babuta was honored with a cash award of $25,000 CAD and a trophy. 
• This marks a significant milestone as the top honor has been awarded to a woman for the first time in the prize’s 10-year history.

Celebrating Excellence: Madhuri Dixit Receives Award at 54th IFFI (national)

• Renowned actress Madhuri Dixit has been bestowed with the ‘Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema’ award at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa. 
• With a career spanning four remarkable decades, Dixit’s impact on the silver screen is enduring. 
• This honor not only acknowledges her on-screen brilliance but also recognizes her profound influence on the cultural landscape of Indian cinema.

Literary Unveiling: Prasoon Joshi Launches Dr. Hema Joshi’s Book ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main’ (national)

• Prasoon Joshi, celebrated poet, lyricist, and Chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), recently introduced ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main,’ a book authored by esteemed academician Dr. Hema Joshi. 
• The book, a fictionalized account, intricately weaves together the author’s literary prowess with her deep affection for two Indian cities – Almora, her birthplace, and Prayagraj, where she spent her later years. 
• It captures the essence of these cities, reflecting the nostalgic roots of Almora and symbolizing the challenges and character development in Prayagraj.

Historic Seventh Title: Novak Djokovic Clinches ATP Finals Victory (sports)

• Novak Djokovic made history on November 19 by securing his seventh ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy. 
• The world number one displayed a commanding performance, defeating local favorite Jannik Sinner with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. 
• This triumph places Djokovic ahead of the retired Roger Federer in ATP Finals victories, concluding a remarkable season that included three Grand Slam wins, bringing his total to a record-breaking 24, and claiming his 40th Masters 1000 title.

Remembering Rosalynn Carter: Former First Lady Passes Away at 96 (international)

• Former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, known as the ‘Steel Magnolia,’ passed away at the age of 96. 
• As the wife of President Jimmy Carter, they made history as the longest-married U.S. presidential couple. 
• Rosalynn Carter was a fervent supporter of equal rights and received the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, in 2001. This honor marked her as the third First Lady to join the esteemed ranks of the Hall of Fame, alongside Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt.

USI Hosts UN Forum 2023 on Humanitarian Law and Peacekeeping (international)

• The United Service Institution of India (USI), founded in 1870 as the country’s premier think-tank for national security and military affairs, is hosting the Annual UN Forum 2023 in New Delhi on November 21-22. 
• In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping Operations, the forum will focus on the pressing theme of ‘International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Peacekeeping.’ 
• The forum aims to foster an interactive, multi-stakeholder discussion on the applicability and limitations of implementing IHL frameworks in UN peace operations.

Government Appoints Vinay Tonse as MD of SBI for 2 Years (national)

• The Government of India appointed Vinay M. Tonse as the Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI) until November 30, 2025. 
• This appointment fills the vacancy left in June after the appointment of Swaminathan Janakiraman as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank. 
• This decision comes after the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB). 
• The final decision was taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Uttar Pradesh Bags First Prize for Best State in Inland Fisheries (awards)

• Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of the Yogi Adityanath government, has secured a notable ‘Best State’ award for inland fisheries (plain areas). 
• The state is set to receive this prestigious accolade at the two-day Global Fisheries Conference-2023 in Delhi on November 21 and 22. 
• The fisheries department reported a remarkable increase in fish production, with this year’s value reaching 9.15 lakh metric tonnes compared to last year’s 8.09 lakh metric tonnes. 
• The success in fisheries is further underscored by the implementation of 31 projects under the Pradhan Mantri Sampada Yojna in Uttar Pradesh.

1. What was the central focus of the recent bilateral meeting between the defense ministers of India and Australia, Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles?

1. Exploration of military alliances
2. Enhancement of cultural exchange
3. Collaboration in hydrography and joint airborne surveillance
4. Technology transfer agreements

2. What is the primary goal of Acko’s collaboration with actor R Madhavan?

1. Cultural exchange promotion
2. Debunking insurance misconceptions
3. Military alliances formation
4. Technology transfer advancements

3. What major changes is the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) contemplating in its penalty system?

1. Reduction in penalty amounts
2. Imposition of additional capital charges
3. Expansion of subsidy programs
4. Implementation of cultural exchange initiatives

4. Who recently became the first woman to receive the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature?

1. Madhuri Dixit
2. Deepti Babuta
3. Rosalynn Carter
4. Prasoon Joshi

5. Which award was Madhuri Dixit honored with at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)?

1. Lifetime Achievement Award
2. Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema
3. Best Actress Award
4. Critics’ Choice Award

6. Who is the author of the book ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main,’ recently launched by Prasoon Joshi?

1. Madhuri Dixit
2. Dr. Hema Joshi
3. Deepti Babuta
4. Novak Djokovic

7. How many ATP Finals titles has Novak Djokovic won, making history with his recent victory?

1. Five
2. Six
3. Seven
4. Eight

8. Which former U.S. First Lady recently passed away at the age of 96?

1. Hillary Clinton
2. Michelle Obama
3. Rosalynn Carter
4. Laura Bush

9. Which segment is leading the robust growth of PwC India, according to recent projections?

1. Military alliances
2. Tax services
3. Advisory services
4. Cultural exchange programs

10. What is the purpose of the special window introduced by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) during the Covid-19 pandemic?

1. Promotion of cultural exchange
2. Military alliances formation
3. Alleviating financial strains through non-refundable withdrawals
4. Implementation of technology transfer agreements