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December - 2023 Current Affairs
A)
2025
B)
2030
C)
2040
D)
2050

Correct Answer :   2050


In Dubai, nations reached for a landmark agreement, the 'UAE Consensus' that calls for a transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050.

* The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) has come to a historic close, marking a turning point in global efforts to combat climate change. 198 participating Parties, outlined an ambitious climate agenda aimed at keeping the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C within reach.
 
* In his closing speech, COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, declared, "The world needed to find a new way. By following our North Star, we have found that path. We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet. We should be proud of our historic achievement." Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the inclusivity of this COP, bringing together diverse voices from private and public sectors, civil society, faith leaders, youth, and indigenous peoples.

* Akashwani correspondent report The UAE Consensus encourages Parties to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions and sets specific targets, including tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The agreement also paves the way for a new architecture for climate finance and building momentum toward a sustainable future. Under the COP28 Presidency's 'Action Agenda,' bold and decisive steps were taken across four pillars of the Paris Agreement: fast-tracking a just energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people and nature, and fostering inclusivity in climate action. The COP28 process mobilised an unprecedented $85 billion in funding for climate action....Vinod Kumar for Akashvani News, Dubai.

 
* Key achievements under the Action Agenda include the launch of ALTÉRRA, a $30 billion catalytic private finance vehicle by the UAE, aiming to mobilize $250 billion for global climate action. Additionally, COP28 saw the endorsement of the 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate' by 158 countries, embedding sustainable agriculture and food systems in climate change responses.

* The 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health,' endorsed by 144 countries, accelerates the development of climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable health systems. The Global Decarbonisation Accelerator (GDA) introduced initiatives such as the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter.

* Outside the Global Stocktake, COP28 delivered historic negotiated outcomes, including the operationalisation of Loss and Damage, securing $792 million in early pledges, advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and institutionalising the role of the Youth Climate Champion. Dr. Al Jaber reaffirmed the balanced nature of the COP28 achievements, addressing emissions, adaptation, global finance, and loss and damage. The unprecedented consensus reflects a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and a determination to accelerate global climate action.
 
* As COP28 concludes, the focus now shifts to ensuring the agreements are implemented and followed through at COP29 and COP30. The COP28 Presidency has signed an agreement with Brazil, the host of COP30, to deepen collaboration and increase climate ambitions, working with Azerbaijan, the hosts of COP29, to ensure ambitious updated climate plans for action in this critical decade. COP28 has set a precedent for future conferences, providing a blueprint for ambitious and inclusive climate action on a global scale...

Source : AIR

Published On : December 15, 2023
A)
Karnataka
B)
Madhya Pradesh
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh


Madhya Pradesh government will set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state. The decision to this effect was taken at the first Cabinet meeting chaired by new Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Bhopal on 13th Dec 2023.

* In Madhya Pradesh, the government will upgrade one college in every district out of total 570 government colleges as "PM College of Excellence". More than Rs 460 crore will be spent on the development of these colleges.

* Apart from this, degree and mark sheets of students in all government and private universities will be uploaded in DigiLocker. The government has increased the tendu leaf collection rate from Rs 3,000 per bag to Rs 4,000 per bag

* With this, more than 35 lakh tendu leaf collectors will get additional remuneration of Rs 162 crore.

* The Council of Ministers has also decided to implement a cyber tehsil system in all the districts and ban on illegal use of loudspeakers at religious and other places.

Source : AIR

Published On : December 15, 2023
A)
12th December
B)
13th December
C)
14th December
D)
15th December

Correct Answer :   14th December


National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India every year on December 14, to raise public awareness about the value of energy efficiency and conservation.

Every year, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power spearheads the celebrations. It is necessary to consume energy wisely and efficiently to maximise energy efficiency and to ensure that it is conserved for future generations. Since 1991, December 14 has been designated as the National Energy Conservation Day.

The purpose of this day is to showcase the achievements of the nation in energy efficiency and conservation.


History of National Energy Conservation Day :

* In 1991, the Ministry of Power started a scheme to recognise through awards the contribution of industries and establishments for making special efforts to reduce energy consumption while maintaining their production.

* On December 14, 1991, the National Energy Conservation Awards were given to the winners for the first time. Since then, the day has been marked as the National Energy Conservation Day. The awards are given by eminent dignitaries during a function.

* Last year, President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the winners of the National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards, and National Painting Competition Prizes at an event on December 14. Also, she launched the EV Yatra Portal on the occasion.


Significance of National Energy Conservation Day :

* The Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, spearheads the National Energy Conservation Day with a particular theme of the year while keeping in mind the goals and objectives to reach the masses across the country. It is observed every year to send a message to people about the importance of conserving energy in all aspects of life.

* To promote the process of energy conservation, several events such as discussions, conferences, debates, workshops, and competitions and organised throughout the country. Energy conservation will reduce environmental stress also lower electricity and expenses.

* BEE is a constitutional body under the Government of India, which plays a key role in framing policies and strategies to reduce energy use..


Source : CNBC

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
Parama Sen
B)
Tessy Thomas
C)
Sameer V. Kamat
D)
Ritu Karidhal

Correct Answer :   Parama Sen


The Centre has appointed Parama Sen, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry, as a part-time member in Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

All three part-time member posts in PFRDA board are now filled.

Sen, a 1994 batch Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IAAS) officer, replaces Anne George Mathew, Additional Secretary in Finance Ministry, who demitted office this year.

PFRDA has a chairman besides three whole-time members and three part-time members. The post of Member (Law), which fell vacant in May last year, remains to be filled.

The two other part-time members — Rahul Singh (Department of Personnel and Training) and Pankaj Sharma (Department of Financial Services) — were appointed last year.


Pension scheme growth :

The assets under management of India’s National Pension System (NPS) and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are showing a robust CAGR of over 20 per cent over last the five years and on course to cross the ₹11-lakh-crore mark this  fiscal. NPS assets had touched the ₹10-lakh-crore mark on August 25, 2023.

Meanwhile, enrolments under APY crossed 6 crore, including over 70 lakh in the current financial year.

The flagship social security scheme was launched on May 9, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide old age income security, specifically for the poor, underprivileged, and workers in unorganised sectors.

Under APY, the subscriber is eligible for triple benefits — lifelong monthly pension of ₹1,000-5,000 from the age of 60 years, depending on the contribution, which would vary based on the joining age.

The pension would be paid to the spouse after the demise of the subscriber; on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the pension wealth as accumulated till age 60 of the subscriber would be returned to the nominee..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
Odisha
B)
Maharashtra
C)
Assam
D)
Jharkhand

Correct Answer :   Odisha


OYO’s founder Ritesh Agarwal on Thursday (14th Dec 2023) announced the establishment of five healthcare centers for the underprivileged in his home state of Odisha over the next one year.

The centers will be operated by the health-tech startup ‘Last Mile Care’, which already runs 11 health centers across India. “The strategic placement of these centers aims to cover regions with limited access to healthcare facilities, thereby bridging the gap between healthcare services and marginalised populations,” said OYO in a press release.

As part of this initiative, the first center – the Ramesh and Bela Agarwal Healthcare Center, has been inaugurated by Jagannath Saraka, the state minister for SC & ST Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare and Law, in Agarwal’s hometown of Rayagada.

In addition to this, each such center will have a team of doctors with specialisation in gynecology, eye diseases and heart diseases. A pharmacy will also be available to offer complete healthcare solutions to patients, the company said.

"As we navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, collaboration between healthcare providers, tech innovators, policymakers, and communities is paramount. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investing in initiatives such as these, we are doing our bit to ensure that quality medical services become accessible to everyone," said Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO..

Source : India Times

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
Shreyas Iyer
B)
Mohammed Shami
C)
Suryakumar Yadav
D)
Shubhman Gill

Correct Answer :   Shubhman Gill


The list of Google's top trending athletes of the year 2023 has been released. If we talk about cricketers, New Zealand cricket player of Indian origin Rachin Ravindra is on top.

Whereas India's young opening batsman Shubman Gill is the only Indian cricketer to make it to the top 10.

Shubhman Gill, popularly known as 'Prince of Cricket', played his first ODI World Cup tournament in 2023.  

Google’s top trending athletes of 2023

1. Damar Hamlin

2. Kylian Mbappé

3. Travis Kelce

4. Ja Morant

5. Harry Kane

6. Novak Djokovic

7. Carlos Alcaraz

8. Rachin Ravindra

9. Shubman Gill

10. Kyrie Irving.


Source : Indian Express

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
USA
B)
France
C)
Brazil
D)
Germany

Correct Answer :   France


A statue of Thiruvalluvar, regarded a cultural icon by Tamils, was inaugurated in the French town of Cergy on Sunday (10th Dec 2023). Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the statue is a "beautiful testament to our shared cultural bonds".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the inauguration of the statue "implements" an assurance given by the prime minister during his visit to Paris for the Bastille day in July.

"The inauguration of Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy, France today implements PM @narendramodi's assurance given during his visit for the Bastille day," he said on 'X'.


"The statue will be guide to many to follow Thiruvalluvar's noble thoughts and is yet another symbol of our long-standing cultural links, a key pillar of India-French friendship," Mr Jaishankar said.

India's envoy to France Jawed Ashraf also mentioned the inauguration of the statue in a post on 'X'.

"Fulfilling an assurance given by PM @narendramodi in Paris on July 13. Inaugurated Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy near Paris, gifted by Tamil Cultural Association France, with Mayor @Jp_jeandon, Minister K Laxminarayan from Puducherry, Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka," he said.

Jean-Paul Jeandon shared some pictures of the statue on X.



Source : NDTV

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
Prasun Banerjee
B)
Abhishek Banerjee
C)
Derek O'Brien
D)
Nusrat Jahan Roohi

Correct Answer :   Derek O'Brien


* Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien was suspended from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, December 14, for the remaining Winter Session of Parliament. He was suspended for his "unruly behaviour" and "misconduct".

* Soon after the House assembled at 12 noon after an initial adjournment, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar named O'Brien and warned him for his conduct. When the Upper House assembled for the day, the chairman asked the TMC MP to leave the House for his "misconduct".

* Dhankar accused O'Brien of violating the directions of the Chair and for disrupting the proceedings of the House. He allowed Leader of the House Piyush Goyal to move a motion in this regard.

* The motion was adopted with a voice vote and the chairman announced that O'Brien stands suspended from the House for the remainder of the session. Dhankhar then adjourned the proceedings till 2 PM as members of the opposition protested the suspension.

* TMC MP Dola Sen said, "Today Derek O'Brien has been suspended. It is our right to go to the well and raise people's issues. Derek O'Brien has done nothing wrong. PM, Home Minister, treasury are silent on the security breach issue, so as opposition we raised this issue and raised slogans."

* O'Brien observed silent protest in the Parliament complex over his suspension..

Source : CNBC

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
$500 Million
B)
$300 Million
C)
$200 Million
D)
$100 Million

Correct Answer :   $200 Million


The Centre has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for availing a $200 million loan from the latter to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply in the State of Uttarakhand.

* The signatories to the loan agreement for the Uttarakhand Climate Resilient Power System Development Project were Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry and Hoe Yun Jeong, Deputy Country Director and Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, for ADB.

* “The ADB funding for the project will strengthen power system infrastructure and help Uttarakhand in achieving its goal of providing 24x7 power to its residents,” said Mukherjee after signing the loan agreement.

* Jeong said that the project will enhance the power system network’s capabilities, facilitating the seamless integration and transmission of renewable energy to load centers.

* Simultaneously, it involves upgrading the distribution system to minimize power outages and reduce technical losses, Jeong added.

* The project will modernise Dehradun city’s power network infrastructure by introducing an advanced and climate-resilient underground cable system comprising 537 km subterranean cables, 354 ring main units, and 99 compact substations.


* Additionally, it will enhance the current power system by installing upstream substations and their associated power lines that will help meet increasing electricity demand, reduce network congestion, and improve power distribution reliability in urban and suburban areas.

* The project will empower women self-help groups in rural hilly districts, providing them with access to renewable energy sources and energy-efficient equipment to enhance their livelihoods.

* ADB will facilitate training programs for communities, focusing on energy conservation and business management skills, while also conducting awareness and educational activities in schools to promote opportunities for employment in the energy sector. The project will involve nongovernmental organizations in implementing and monitoring livelihood activities.

* The Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, financed by the Government of Japan through ADB, will provide a $2 million grant to support livelihood enhancement, training, and awareness-raising activities of the project.

* ADB will support the capacity development of the Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited and the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited by conducting leadership courses and project management programs to develop climate-resilient power sector projects.

* It will also collaborate with the Energy Department to formulate an energy transition road map to support Uttarakhand’s low-carbon transition..


Source : The Hindu Businessline

Published On : December 14, 2023
A)
Nitin Sawhney
B)
Kiran Desai
C)
Amitabh Ghosh
D)
Salman Rushdie

Correct Answer :   Nitin Sawhney


Award-winning British Indian musician "Nitin Sawhney", known for musical scores including for a screen adaptation of Salman Rushdie's 1981 Booker Prize-winning 'Midnight's Children', was on Thursday (14th Dec 2023) announced as a member of the 2024 Booker Prize judging panel.

* Sawhney, in his late 50s, will join a five-member panel chaired by artist and author Edmund de Waal and including novelist Sara Collins, fiction editor of 'The Guardian' newspaper Justine Jordan and Chinese American writer and professor Yiyun Li.

* Sawhney took to social media to say he was "honoured" to be on the panel, which will begin its search for next year's winner of one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes worth GBP 50,000.

* Born in Kent, south-eastern England, Sawhney is recognised as a world-class producer, songwriter, touring artist, club DJ, multi-instrumentalist and composer for theatre, dance, videogames and orchestras.

* Besides Rushdie's novel, he has also composed for the screen adaptation of Booker-shortlisted novelist Jhumpa Lahiri's 'The Namesake' and most recently for Shekhar Kapur directed film 'What's Love Got To Do With It'.

* He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the late Queen Elizabeth II in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to music.

* "The recipient of the Ivor Novello 2017 Lifetime Achievement award, he has collaborated with other world-class artists of all kinds...He holds eight honorary doctorates from UK universities and sits on the boards of multiple charities, including Complicite," notes the Booker Prize brief on the musician, whose latest album 'Identity' was released in October.

* He will now join his fellow panelists to sift through the best works of long-form fiction by writers of any nationality, written in English and published in the UK and/or Ireland between October 1 this year and September 30, 2024. ..


Source : Times of India

Published On : December 14, 2023