Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2023

Notes:
The term extended reality (XR) covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and other technologies. It merges the real and virtual worlds, providing users an immersive experience.
The report, titled ‘Accelerating India’s Potential to Address the Global XR Opportunity’ which is supported by Meta, said Indian XR startups are evolving to develop global solutions, with 76% of those surveyed serving both domestic and international clients. The term extended reality (XR) covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and other technologies. It merges the real and virtual worlds, providing users an immersive experience.

Notes:
Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched a global service account (GSA) to address the banking needs of companies in the service export sector.
The account includes advisory services on forex markets and trends for a competitive edge. Clients will also have access to trade experts and digital solutions for expert trade insights and innovative digital solutions. They can also access business financing up to Rs 2 crore for on-time salaries, vendor payments or other short-term requirements. The bank said that the sector export sector contributes to 40% of total exports in India and grew at 26.8% in FY23 to $323 billion.

Notes:
The researchers of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of plant from Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. The plant has been named ‘Impatiens karuppusamyi’.
The species shows similarity with its alike species Impatiens Bicornis, but differs from it in terms of having small leaves, six to eight flowered, short scape, and small flowers. It also has a conical spur that is horizontally straight with an obtuse tip; base of the anterior lobe with two purplish, fleshy and erect auriculate projections to 1 mm long; stout biseriate purplish-blue hairs in front of the mouth; and orange-pinkish pollen grains. There are more than 1000 species of Impatiens worldwide, of which more than 280 are found in India.

Notes:
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), launched the India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES).
It is aimed at facilitating the smooth implementation of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by way of electronic exchange of origin information between the two customs administrations in respect of the goods traded under the CEPA.

Notes:
Novak Djokovic earned the year-end No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for the eighth time. The 36-year-old from Serbia regained the top ranking from Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Australian Open in January, the French Open in June, and U.S. Open in September, to raise his career total to a men’s-record 24 and was the runner-up at the other, Wimbledon.

Notes:
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Power has informed that the draft National Electricity Plan (2023) prepared by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has estimated the fund requirement for solar and wind generation projects during FY 2022 – 2032 as Rs. 20.67 lakh crore.
To ensure availability of low-cost funds for Renewable Energy Projects, Government of India raised Sovereign Green Bonds of Rs.16,000 crore during FY 22-23. Out of the proceeds of Sovereign Green Bonds, Rs. 6,186 crores were dedicated for renewable energy. IREDA raised Green Masala Bonds of USD 300 Million in October, 2017 for financing green energy projects in India.

Notes:
Launched in June 2020 with 15 members, Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence’s (GPAI) membership has expanded to 28 member countries and the European Union (EU).
India is hosting the Annual GPAI Summit from December 12-14, 2023 in New Delhi. As part of the Annual GPAI Summit, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is organizing the AI Gamechangers Award. This event will recognize and award AI entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse backgrounds to highlight their innovative AI solutions.

Notes:
India’s Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme.
This national forest certification scheme offers voluntary third-party certification designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country. The scheme includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification. The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme, will be overseen by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council.

Notes:
The military exercise “VINBAX-23” between the Armies of India and Vietnam will take place in Hanoi, this year.
It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam. The aim of the exercise is to foster a collaborative partnership and promote interoperability between the two forces. Exercise VINBAX was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Last edition was conducted at Chandimandir Military Station in 2022. India gifted its in-service missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam in July.

Notes:
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in September, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months.
The scheme, aimed at supporting and providing skill-upgradation training to artisans and craftspeople. The highest number of applications had come from Karnataka (6.28 lakh), followed by West Bengal (4.04 lakh), Assam (1.83 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (1.53 lakh) and Andhra Pradesh (1.21 lakh).