Current Affairs Quiz - December, 2023

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India’s debutant Sai Sudharsan was awarded the ‘Impact Fielder of the Series’ medal by India’s fielding coach Ajay Ratra after the KL Rahul-led side clinched the 3-match ODI series against South Africa 2-1.

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In Badminton, Anmol Kharb has won the women’s singles title at the Yonex-Sunrise 85th Senior National Badminton Championships 2023 in Guwahati.

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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.

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India and Russia signed agreements pertaining to the future units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. Kudankulam nuclear plant is being built with technical assistance of Russia and new agreements were signed during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow. This nuclear project has strategic importance for India’s energy security.

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Styangkung village shrine of Islamic preacher Akhone Muhammad Shareef in Ladakh has been included in sustainable development programme by Kargil Development Authority for preservation as a heritage site. Shareef and his descendants contributed immensely to the culture and history of Purig region. Restoration of his shrine will boost village development.

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The Ministry of Heavy Industries administers the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme. Instituted in 2015, this scheme aims to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. The ongoing implementation of FAME India Scheme Phase-II by the Ministry of Heavy Industries spans a five-year period starting from April 1, 2019, with a total budgetary allocation of Rs. 10,000 crore. The initial phase, FAME I, provided purchase incentives across all electric vehicle categories. The subsidy under FAME-2 for electric vehicles is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2024.

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On December 16, 2023, the country’s first Himalayan Air Safari was launched from Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to start Gyrocopter Adventure.

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Leprosy, also referred to as Hansen’s disease, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This condition impacts the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Occurring across all age groups, leprosy is treatable. The transmission of leprosy occurs through droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. India achieved the status of “Leprosy Eliminated” in 2005. The Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27) aims to bolster the campaign against leprosy. Nikusth 2.0 serves as an integrated portal for leprosy case management under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

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Veer Bal Diwas is observed on 26th December every year to commemorate the martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth and last Sikh guru. The four sons were named Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh, Jai Singh and Kulwant Singh who fought against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his army.

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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.