Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2023

Notes:
India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project being constructed between Delhi and Meerut has been renamed as ‘Namo Bharat’ after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Previously called the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the implementing agency has also been renamed as Namo Bharat. The first stretch of the 82 km rapid rail corridor between Sahibabad to Duhai is already operational. Namo Bharat aims to significantly bring down travel time between Delhi and Meerut to around 50 minutes. RRTS is being seen as a game changer in enabling faster and sustainable regional connectivity through rail. The name change is being seen by some experts as a move by the BJP government to leverage the brand value of PM Modi ahead of crucial state elections.

Notes:
The name of the joint military exercise conducted between Indian and US Army Special Forces is “Vajra Prahar”. The 14th edition of this exercise concluded in December 2023 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. It aims at sharing best practices between the special forces of both armies in areas like joint mission planning and counter-terrorism operations. The context is that such military collaborations enhance defense ties and interoperability between India and the US.

Notes:
India’s fastest solar-electric boat launched on December 14th 2023 is named Barracuda. Built by Navalt Solar and Electric Boats based in Kochi, the 14-metre long Barracuda can attain a top speed of 23 kmph. It runs on twin electric motors powered by marine-grade batteries charged by 6 kW solar panels. With zero emissions and low noise, Barracuda signifies India’s increasing focus on eco-friendly transportation using renewable energy. It will be introduced by builder Mazagon Dock Limited at Mumbai port.

Notes:
NAMO Drone Didi, was launched by the Prime Minister recently during interaction with beneficiaries of central government’s schemes. NAMO Drone Didi Initiative aims to supply drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to rent to farmers for agriculture purposes.
The NAMO Drone Didi initiative positions rural women at the forefront of the rural economy by integrating cutting-edge drone technology into agriculture.

Notes:
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were named the 2023 ITF World Champions by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The pair were recognized for their performances at the year’s Grand Slam events, where they were the only singles players to reach at least the semifinals at all four tournaments.

Notes:
Researchers from Kerala University have confirmed the remote area of Luna in Kutch, Gujarat as the site of a meteorite impact crater dating back approximately 6,900 years. This coincides with the thriving phase of the Indus Valley Civilization, whose prominent site Dholavira lies 200km away. With evidence of high-temperature minerals proving a young crater of 1.88km diameter, the meteor is estimated to be 200m wide. While past discussions assessed faunal impacts, this opens speculation on whether the meteor destabilized advanced Indus settlements, as covered sediments obscured its signature over centuries before discovery.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh recently overtook Tamil Nadu to become the second largest economy among Indian states after Maharashtra. As per recent data, UP accounts for nearly 9.2% share of the national GDP, behind Maharashtra’s 15.7% share. Experts have credited UP’s feat to the Yogi Adityanath-led government’s industry friendly policies that have boosted investments. The state’s expanding economy highlights its success in ushering industrial growth.

Notes:
A strange new kind of rock called “plastistone” has been discovered across the globe that contains compressed plastic polymers discarded by humans along with natural mineral particles like sand and clasts. These plastic-bearing rocks have alarmingly been found deposited on coasts and inland across 5 continents and 11 countries so far. Their discovery signals the extensive spread of plastic pollution across the world and how microplastics are penetrating diverse environments. Researchers warn these plastic rocks can release embedded microplastics through weathering and pose ecological risks. Their formation also indicates the complexity plastic pollution has acquired through interactions with geological processes.

Notes:
Courtney Walsh, a right-arm fast bowler from the West Indies, is the first bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket. Walsh achieved this feat in 2001 against South Africa. Stuart Broad, an English fast bowler, became the seventh bowler in cricket history to take 500 wickets in Test matches. He achieved this feat during the third and final Test against West Indies.
Nathan Lyon became the eighth bowler to take 500 or more wickets in Test cricket on December 17, 2023. The Australian off-spinner achieved the milestone by dismissing Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf at Perth Stadium.

Notes:
International Migrants Day is celebrated annually on December 18th. The day recognizes the contributions and challenges faced by migrants worldwide. The theme for International Migrants Day 2023 is “Promoting Safe Migration”. The United Nations chooses a theme each year to recognize the contributions of migrants and break down prejudices. The theme for 2022 was also “Promoting Safe Migration”.
Designated as National Minorities Rights Day, December 18 carries significant importance in India. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication to safeguarding the rights of religious, ethnic, racial, and linguistic minorities within the nation.