Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2023

Notes:
National Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated in India on December 23rd. The day recognizes the contributions of farmers to the country’s socio-economic fabric. It also honors the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. The theme for National Farmers Day 2023 was “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience”.

Notes:
Prehistoric rock art has recently been discovered in Andriamamelo Cave located in western Madagascar. This cave is situated within a karst limestone landscape in the Beanka Protected Harmonious Landscape, part of a broader UNESCO World Heritage karst region that includes Bemaraha National Park. Andriamamelo’s distinct underground formations arise from soluble limestone rocks dissolving over time. The cave drawings offer a rare glimpse into ancient peoples and cultures that inhabited this region of the island nation of Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Notes:
The 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand from 19 – 22 Dec 23. Chiefs of Navies/ Senior Delegates from 27 Members/ Observer countries participated in the event. IONS was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008. The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with Indian Navy as the Chair for two years (2008 – 2010).
India is also scheduled to take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-27) during 9th CoC planned to be conducted in India in end 2025.

Notes:
The World Health Organization has prequalified the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, enabling broader global access. In October 2023, WHO recommended the vaccine’s use in children based on expert advice. Prequalification facilitates procurement by UNICEF and funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This is the second WHO-prequalified malaria vaccine after RTS,S/AS01 obtained prequalification status in July 2022. The new vaccine aims to prevent malaria in children, a key step in malaria control efforts.

Notes:
Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861–1946) was an Indian scholar, educational reformer, and politician, significant in the independence movement. He was a four-time president of the Indian National Congress and founded the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. Known as Pandit and Mahamana, Malaviya co-founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916, Asia’s largest residential university. He served as BHU’s vice chancellor from 1919 to 1938. A founder of The Bharat Scouts and Guides, he also established The Leader newspaper in 1919 and chaired Hindustan Times (1924-1946). He launched Hindustan Dainik in 1936. Malaviya received the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2014.

Notes:
Indian biotech company Gennova Biopharmaceuticals has developed the nation’s first Omicron-specific mRNA COVID-19 vaccine named GEMCOVAC as a booster dose. As new variants like XBB and JN.1 emerge, India has approved its first homegrown mRNA vaccine GEMCOVAC targeting Omicron variant. Its efficacy against such strains strengthens India’s vaccine security.

Notes:
Karnataka has chosen stations like Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avatihalli and Nandi Halt on century-old Bangalore-Chikkaballapur-Kolar light rail section for restoration and preservation as heritage sites. These stations on line inaugurated in early 1900s showcase architectural history and restoration will highlight natural beauty, culture and traditions for tourism.

Notes:
India made its first ever payment for crude oil import from the UAE in Indian rupees instead of US dollars. This was part of a rupee-dirham trade agreement signed between the two countries in July 2022. The payment was made by Indian Oil Corporation to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for purchase of 1 million barrels of UAE crude. Settling trade in local currencies saves on transaction fees and forex conversion costs.

Notes:
Vijayakant, founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party in Tamil Nadu, passed away on December 28th 2023 at age 71. Known affectionately as “Captain” after playing the title role in hit film “Captain Prabakaran”, he entered politics in 2006. Rattling stalwarts Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi, Vijayakant emerged as a surprise third force by securing 8.38% votes in 2006 state elections as an independent. His vote share later crossed 10% in 2009 parliamentary polls. Allying with AIADMK in 2011, DMDK became second largest party in Assembly, making Vijayakant Leader of Opposition with 29 MLAs. However, in later years his political fortunes declined after falling out with AIADMK.

Notes:
India and Israel established diplomatic ties in 1947, based on religious criteria. India officially recognized Israel in 1950. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1992. LK Advani was the first Indian minister to visit Israel in 2000. In 2003, Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India. Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017.