This is the current affairs of 23 to 25 December 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. After Biden’s refusal, the Indian Government made the President of which country the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations 2024?
a. USA
b. France
c. Japan
d. Turkiye
Answer: b. France
– On the 75th Republic Day of India (January 26, 2024), the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will be the chief guest.
– The Ministry of External Affairs provided this information on December 22, 2023.
– Previously, the chief guest was Joe Biden, but due to certain reasons, the President of the United States expressed inability to attend the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2024.
– This will be the sixth time that a French leader will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.
List of French leaders who have been chief guests:
1. Year 1976: Jacques Chirac (former Prime Minister)
2. Year 1998: Jacques Chirac (former Prime Minister)
3. Year 1980: Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (former President)
4. Year 2008: Nicolas Sarkozy (former President)
5. Year 2016: François Hollande (former President)
6. Year 2024: President Emmanuel Macron
Previous Chief Guests on Republic Day:
– 2023: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of Egypt.
– 2021 and 2022: No chief guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– 2020: Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil.
– 2019: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa.
– 2018: Leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries.
– 2017: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
– 2016: François Hollande, then President of France.
– 2015: Barack Obama, then President of the United States.
– 2014: Shinzo Abe, then Prime Minister of Japan.
– 2013: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan.
Women-Only Parade on Republic Day:
– On January 26, 2024, the Republic Day parade on Rajpath will feature only women.
– In addition to the parade, women will be visible in marching contingents, banners, and cultural programs.
– The Ministry of Defence had informed military forces and other participating departments in the parade about this decision through a letter.
– Note: In 2015, for the first time in the country’s history, all-women contingents from the Army, Air Force, and Navy marched between India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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Sahitya Akademi Award 2023
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2. Name the winner of Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 for Hindi language?
a. Badri Narayan
b. Hrishikesh Mallik
c. Arjun Chawla
d. Sanjeev
Answer: d. Sanjeev
– He received this award for his novel ‘Mujhe Pahchano.’
– He hails from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
– So far, he has written approximately 150 short stories and 14 novels.
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3. Name the winner of Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 for English language?
a. Niranjan Hansda
b. Anuradha Roy
c. Neelum Saran Gour
d. Khalid Hussain
Answer: c. Neelum Saran Gour
– She received this award for her English novel ‘Requiem in Raga Janki.’
– She is from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
– Neelam Saran Gaur is an Indian English novelist.
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4. Complete list of Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023 in 24 languages
– The Sahitya Akademi announced its annual Literary Academy Awards in 24 languages on December 20, 2023.
– Among the awards in 24 languages, there are nine books of poetry, six novels, five short stories, three essays, and one literary study.
Sahitya Akademi
– According to the board, the winner of the main Sahitya Akademi Award receives a distinguished copper plate, a shawl, and a prize of one lakh rupees.
– It is a national literary institution and an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture.
– Established on: March 12, 1954.
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– President: Madhav Kaushik
– Secretary: K. Srinivasarao
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Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023
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5. Which writer was given the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023 for Hindi language?
a. Bhagwant Anmol
b. Anirudh Kanisetty
c. Atul Kumar Rai
d. Meghsingh
Answer: c. Atul Kumar Rai
– Atul Kumar Rai was selected for the Sahitya Akademi Youth Award for the novel ‘Chandpur Ki Chanda’.
– He is a Hindi novelist, screenwriter, musician and lyricist.
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6. Which writer has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023 for English language?
a. Devendra Mewadi
b. Anmol Jha
c. Sudipto Sen
d. Anirudh Kanisetty
Answer: d. Anirudh Kanisetty
– Award for which book – ‘Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas’
– Anirudh Kanisetty is a historian.
– The book ‘Lords of the Deccan’ is a history of medieval South India.
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Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023 list of winners
Language – Winner :Tital & Genre
1. Hindi – Atul Kumar Rai: “Chandpur Ki Chanda” (Novel)
2. English – Aniruddha Kanisetti: “Lords of the Deccan: Surn India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas” (Book)
3. Assamese – Jintu Gitarth: “Man Mora Tora” (Short Story)
4. Bengali – Hameeruddin Midya: “Matharkha” (Short Story)
5. Bodo – Mainavastri Daimari: “Sam, Jiu, Aro…” (Poetry)
6. Dogri – Dheeraj Bismil: “Ahlada” (Play)
7. Gujarati – Sagar Shah: “Gate Together” (Short Story)
8. Kannada – Manjunayak Challur: “Phoo Matoo Itar Kathegalu” (Short Story)
9. Kashmiri – Nighat Nasreen: “Lale Nilawath Chale Na” (Poetry)
10. Konkani – Tanvi Kamat: “Bambolkar Shots” (Short Story)
11. Malayalam – Ganesh Puthur: “Achanter Almara” (Poetry)
12. Marathi – Vishakha Vishwanath: “Svatahala Svatruvirdha Ubham Karatana” (Poetry)
13. Nepali – Naina Adhikari: “Ghat-Pratighatkā Udgaraharu” (Poetry)
14. Punjabi – Sandeep: “Chitthi Da Jugrafiya” (Poetry)
15. Rajasthani – Devilal Mahiya: “Antas Ro Olamo” (Poetry)
16. Santali – Bapi Tudu: “Dusi” (Short Story)
17. Sindhi – Monika J. Panjwani: “Glamour” (Short Story)
18. Tamil – Ram Thangam: “Thirukaratyal” (Short Story)
19. Telugu – Joni Takkesila: “Vivechani” (Criticism)
20. Urdu – Tausif Barelvi: “Jahan Jad” (Short Story)
21. Sanskrit – Madhusudan Mishra: “Sudarshanavijayam” (Prose)
22. Manipuri – Parshuram Thingnam: “Maatamgi Shereng” (Poetry Collection)
23. Odia – Dileswar Rana: “Senrara” (Short Story)
24. Maithili – Sanskriti Mishra: “Kahabak Achhi Hamra” (Poetry)
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Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023
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7. Sahitya Akademi has selected whom for the ‘Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023’ for Hindi language?
a. Suryanath Singh
b. Gurmeet
c. Badri Narayan
d. Daya Prakash Sinha
Answer: a. Suryanath Singh
– Suryanath Singh’s book ‘Kautuk App’ was selected for Bal Sahitya in Hindi.
– Suryanath Singh is a storyteller.
– Among his published works, story collection ‘Kuch Rang Benur’, novel ‘Chalti Chaaki’ and children’s literature like ‘Sher Singh Ko Mili Kahani’, ‘Barf Ke Aadmi’, ‘Bijli Ke Khambho’ were popular.
Bal Sahitya Puraskar
– The award carries Rs 50,000 and a copper plate.
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8. Who has been selected by the Sahitya Akademi for the ‘Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023’ for the English language?
a. Manoj Dara
b. Sudha Murthy
c. Anuradha Roy
d. Guru Charan Das
Answer: b. Sudha Murthy
– Sudha Murthy received this award for her book ‘Grandparents Bag of Stories’ in English language.
– Sudha Murthy is an Indian teacher and writer. She is also the President of Infosys Foundation. N is the wife of Narayana Murthy.
– He has received Padma Shri in the year 2006 and Padma Bhushan in the year 2023.
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Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 List
Language – Winner : Tital
1. Hindi- Suryanath Singh: Kotuk App (Short Story)
2. English – Sudha Murthy: Grandparents Bag of Stories (Story)
3. Assamese- Rathindranath Goswami: Povalmoni Aru Chinchingar Duhxahaxik Abhigan (Novel)
4. Bengali- Shyamalkanti Das: Eroplaner Katha (Novel)
5. Bodo – Pratima Nandi: Gosaini Gwjwn Nwjwr (Short Story)
6. Dogri – Balwan SinghJamoria : Kanjakan (Poetry)
7. Gujarati – Rakshabehen Prahladrao Dave : Hun Myaun, Tun Choon Choon’ (Poetry and Story)
8. Kannada – Vijayashree Haladi: ‘Surakki Gate’ (novel)
9. Konkani – Tukaram ‘Rama Shet: Jaann’ (novel)
10. Maithili – Akshay Anand ‘Sunny’: Ol Katra, Jhol Katra (Poetry)
11. Malayalam – Priya A.S. : Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal (novel)
12. Marathi – Eknath Avhad: Chhand Dei Anand (Poetry)
13. Nepali – Madhusudan Bisht: Bal Ekanki Natakharu (plays)
14. Oriya – Jugal Kishore Sarangi: Jejenka Gapa Ganthili (Short Story)
15. Punjabi- Gurmeet Karyalvi: Sachi Di Kahani (Short Stories)
16. Rajasthani – Kiran Badal: Tabraan Ri Duniyaan (Memoir)
17. Sanskrit – Radhavallabh Tripathy: Manvi (novel)
18. Santali – Mansing Majhi: Nene-Pete (Short stories)
19. Sindhi – Dholan Rahi: Vaangmal Ji Shaadi (Poetry)
20. Tamil – Udayasankar: Aadhanin Bommai (Novel)
21. Telugu – D.K. Chaduvula Babu: Vajrala Vaana (Short stories)
22. Urdu- Late. Mateen Achalpuri: Mamta ki Dor (Short stories)
23. Manipuri – Dilip Nongmaithem – Ibemma Amasung Ngabemma (Stories)
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9. In the bill passed in Parliament, there is a provision to implement which ‘Sanhita’ by abolishing the Indian Penal Code (IPC)?
a. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
b. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
c. Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS)
d. Bharatiya Dand Vidhan Sanhita
Answer: a. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Bill Name
– The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Second) Bill, 2023
Note: The draft of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was prepared based on the recommendations of the first Law Commission of India, established in 1834 under the chairmanship of Thomas Babington Macaulay, as per the Charter Act of 1833. It was implemented in India during British rule in 1862.
About the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Second Bill, 2023
Community punishment:
– For first time minor crimes (drunken riot, theft less than Rs 5,000) punishable with 24 hours’ imprisonment or a fine of Rs 1,000. The punishment may be a fine or community service. There is such a law in America and UK.
– Currently, people are sent to jail for such crimes.
Mob Lynching: Provision for Death Penalty
– If 5 or more people commit murder based on caste, race, or language, a minimum of 7 years and a maximum of life imprisonment or the death penalty will be imposed.
What is the proposed sedition law?
– Home Minister Amit Shah, while presenting the bill, stated that the sedition law has been abolished. However, the reality is that it has been presented under a new name.
– Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 is related to offenses related to sedition.
– Although the term sedition is not used, the offense is described as endangering “the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.”
– Now, under Section 150, any act against the nation, whether spoken or written, or done through signs or images or electronic media, could result in imprisonment for up to 7 years. It will be considered an offense against the unity and sovereignty of the country. The term terrorism has also been defined.
– While the old IPC Section 124A had imprisonment for sedition up to 3 years, the Supreme Court has nullified this section.
Provision for harsh punishment for those who marry under false identity
– Those who make sexual relations by giving false promises of marriage, employment, promotion and false identity have been kept in the category of crime.
Life imprisonment in gangrape case
– In all cases of gang rape, there has been a provision of 20 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment, which is not the case today.
– There is also a provision for death penalty in case of girls below 18 years of age.
Life imprisonment even on mob lynching
– There is a provision of 7 years imprisonment or life imprisonment and death penalty for mob lynching also in this law.
Fugitives will now be punished
– Provision for punishment has also been made for the criminals who remain missing during the hearing.
– The one who is declared a fugitive by the Session Court judge after the entire process, will be tried in his absence and he will also be punished.
– Wherever he hides in the world, he will be punished. If he wants to escape punishment then he should seek refuge in justice.
Marital rape still not a crime
– Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code deals with laws related to rape. However, there is an exception that states if the wife is not under the age of 15, and the husband engages in physical relations with his wife, it will not be considered rape. Now, this exception is being amended.
– In the new law, ‘the wife’s age must be at least 18.’ In simple terms, if a husband engages in physical relations with his wife, her age must be at least 18. This change is equivalent to the provisions of the POCSO Act.
– In this way, marital rape will still not be considered a crime.
Conditions on pardon for the death penalty
– The death penalty will now be replaced with life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to 7 years.
– This will ensure that politically influential people cannot escape the law.
– The government will not be able to withdraw cases with a sentence of at least 7 years without hearing the victim’s side.
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10. In the bill passed in Parliament, there is a provision to implement which ‘Sanhita’ by abolishing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)?
a. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
b. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
c. Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS)
d. Bharatiya Dand Vidhan Sanhita
Answer: b. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
Bill Name
– The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023
About the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS) (Second) Bill, 2023
Trial court will have to give decision in 3 years
– The biggest change is that now the trial court will have to give every decision within a maximum of 3 years.
– There are 5 crore cases pending in the country.
– Of these, 4.44 crore cases are in the trial court.
Use of Handcuffs
– Police officers may be permitted to use handcuffs when arresting an individual if the person is a habitual offender, has repeatedly escaped from custody, or is involved in organized crime, terrorist activities, offenses related to narcotics, illegal possession of weapons, murder, rape, acid attacks, counterfeit currency, human trafficking, sexual offenses against children, or offenses against the state.
Permission to Prosecute
– The decision to grant or reject permission to prosecute a public servant should be made by the government within 120 days of receiving the request.
– If the government fails to do so, the approval will be deemed granted.
– No permission is required in cases of sexual offenses, trafficking, etc.
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11. In the bill passed in the Parliament, there is a provision to implement which ‘Sanhita’ by abolishing the Indian Evidence Act?
a. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
b. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
c. Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS)
d. Bharatiya Dand Vidhan Sanhita
Answer: c. Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS)
Bill Name
– The Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita Bill, 2023
Arrest Without Warrant
– The bill provides for a magistrate to order the collection of samples of his signature, handwriting, voice, or fingerprints from any person without arrest for investigation.
Replacement of Old Laws with New Laws
– Indian Penal Code (IPC): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
– Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
– Indian Evidence Act: Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS)
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12. When is National Farmer’s Day celebrated?
a. 23 December
b. 22 December
c. 21 December
d. 20 December
Answer: a. 23 December
– In India, December 23 is celebrated as Farmer’s Day.
– On this day, the birth anniversary of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, is observed.
– He initiated several policies to improve the lives of farmers.
– In honor of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Government of India declared December 23 as Farmer’s Day in 2001.
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13. When is National Consumer Rights Day celebrated?
a. 23 December
b. 24 December
c. 25 December
d. 26 December
Answer: b. 24 December
– National Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on December 24.
– The objective of this day is to raise awareness about the rights of consumers.
– On this day in 1986, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, received the President’s approval.
– Its purpose is to prevent exploitation of consumers.
– World Consumer Rights Day – March 15
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14. When is Good Governance Day celebrated?
a. 23 December
b. 24 December
c. 25 December
d. 26 December
Answer: c. 25 December
– Good Governance Day is observed every year on December 25.
– On this day, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is celebrated.
– The Government of India announced the observance of Good Governance Day in 2014.
– The objective of this day is to increase awareness among people about the accountability of the government.
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15. Who received the Best Actor Award at Cannes Film Festival 2023?
a. Ciaran hinds
b. Troy kotsur
c. Koji Yakusho
d. Song Kang-ho
Answer: c. Koji Yakusho (film- Perfect Days)
– He is a Japanese actor.
– He received this award for the 2023 film “Perfect Days” directed by Vim Vendors.
Cannes Festival 2023 Winners:
– Palme d’Or Award: “Anatomy of a Fall” directed by Justin Traite.
– Grand Prix Award: “The Zone of Interest” directed by Jonathan Glazer.
– Jury Award: “Fallen Lives” directed by Aki Kaurismäki.
– Best Director: Tran Anh Hung for “The Pot-au-Feu.”
– Best Screenplay: “Monster” written by Yuji Sakamoto.
– Best Actress: Marve Dizdar for “About Dry Grass.”
– Best Actor: Koji Yakusho for “Perfect Days.”
– Camera d’Or: “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell” directed by Thien Nham Fam.
– Short Film Palme d’Or: “27” directed by Flora Anna Buda.
– Queer Palm: “Monster” film.
– Honorary Palme d’Or: Michael Douglas for his outstanding career.
Cannes Film Festival:
– The festival is held in France.
– Its official name is “Festival de Cannes.”
– The film festival started in 1946.
– In 2023, the festival’s 76th edition took place.
– The event was held from May 16 to May 27, 2023.
– The main awards are the Palme d’Or and the Grand Prix.
