This is the current affairs of 28 & 29 December 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
PDF Download: Click here
1. Which country’s court commuted the death sentence of 8 former Indian Navy officers to imprisonment?
a. Israel
b. Pakistan
c. China
d. Qatar
Answer: d. Qatar
– Allegedly accused of espionage in Qatar, the court there has reduced the sentence of hanging for 8 former Indian sailors.
– Now, instead of the death penalty, these Indians will have to stay in jail. – This has been confirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
– The Court of Appeal in Qatar pronounced its verdict on December 28, 2023.
– During the hearing, India’s ambassador was present in court. Members of all eight families were also present.
Ministry of External Affairs said – Waiting for details of the decision.
– The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a written statement about this. It provides information about the commutation of the death penalty to imprisonment.
– According to the statement, they are waiting for details of the decision. We have been standing from the beginning for the safety of our citizens, and all assistance including consular access will continue.
Met with the Amir of Qatar, Modi
– During the COP28 summit in Dubai on December 1, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Amir (Chief Ruler) of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
– After the meeting, Modi had said on social media platform X: “Met with the Amir of Qatar in Dubai. I inquired about the well-being of Indian citizens residing in Qatar.”
– This meeting garnered global attention. The picture of Modi and Sheikh Hamad’s meeting went viral on social media.
About the Former Naval Officers
– Commander Purnendu Tiwari
– Commander Sagnikar Pakala
– Commander Sanjeev Gupta
– Commander Amit Nagpal
– Captain Navtej Singh Gill
– Captain Sourabh Vashisth
– Captain Birender Kumar Verma
Sailor Ragesh
Note: Several of them have served as commanding officers in the Indian Navy.
What Did Former Naval Officers Do?
– According to media reports, these eight former naval officers from India had retired early and moved to Qatar.
– Before their arrest, they were working in a private company named Dohra Global Technologies and Consultancy in Qatar.
– This company provides defense services. Khamees Al-Ajmi, a retired squadron leader from the Oman Air Force, is its chief.
– They were also arrested along with eight Indian citizens, but they were released in November.
– This company provides training to the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) and offers other services related to defense equipment operation, repair, and maintenance.
Commander Purnendu Honored in Qatar
– Commander Purnendu Tiwari was serving as the Managing Director in Dohra Company.
– For advancing bilateral relations between India and Qatar, he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2019.
– He is the sole person from the armed forces to have received this award.
– At that time, the then Indian Ambassador to Doha, P. Kumaran, and the former head of Qatar Defense Forces International Military – Corporation also welcomed Purnendu.
About Qatar
– Capital: Doha
– Amir: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (The Thani family reigns over Qatar)
– The Chief and Executive Amir rule the country.
– Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jasim Al Thani (He heads the government).
– It holds vast reserves of petroleum and natural gas.
– Neighbor country: Saudi Arabia
– Sea: Persian Gulf
Indians in Qatar
– There are 800,000 Indians residing and working in this country.
– Indians form the largest expatriate community in Qatar.
—————-
2. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar made a five-day visit to which country in December 2023, whose President invited PM Modi to his place?
a. China
b. Canada
c. Australia
d. Russia
Answer: d. Russia
– Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar was on a five-day trip to Russia in December 2023.
– The most noteworthy aspect during this visit was that President Putin, through the Foreign Minister, extended an invitation to PM Narendra Modi to visit Russia.
– Next year, for the general elections in India, PM Modi has also been given good wishes.
– Referring to the relationship between India and Russia, he stated that despite the chaos in the world, the relations between India and Russia are advancing rapidly.
– He termed India as a true friend of Russia. This is significant as America and Western countries have imposed various sanctions on Russia since the beginning of the conflict with Ukraine. Bans have been placed on exports like oil, grain, and other items. Despite this, India has continued importing oil from – Russia consistently. The imports have increased.
– Russia is also providing discounts on this. India now accounts for nearly 40% of Russia’s total oil exports, which used to be around 7-8% earlier. This is significant for Russia’s economy because of the sanctions imposed by Western countries and America.
– Previously, European countries used to import 40-45% of oil from Russia, which has reduced to 5%.
– Western countries criticized India significantly, but India has clearly stated that it will procure oil from wherever it is cheapest because it is its duty to fulfill its energy needs.
– It is also a fact that India is the third-largest importer of oil.
– Putin mentioned to Jaishankar during the conversation that PM Modi wants a resolution to the Ukraine issue. There have also been discussions between Modi and Putin on the phone multiple times.
– Jaishankar also had discussions with Sergey Lavrov.
What agreements were reached between India and Russia?
– Cooperation regarding the Kudankulam Power Project was included.
– Russia and India have agreed to produce military equipment in India under the Make in India initiative.
– There have been discussions about the North-South Corridor.
– The trade between India and Russia was around 8-9 billion dollars in 2021. – The target now is to take it to around 30 billion dollars by 2025. Mutual investment is also aimed to be increased to 50 billion dollars. These are ambitious goals.
– There were discussions about increasing trade between India and Russia in terms of rupees and rubles, but detailed information was not provided.
—————-
3. What has the name of Ayodhya Railway Junction been changed in Uttar Pradesh?
a. Ayodhya Ram Railway Station
b. Ayodhya Dham Junction
c. Dham Ayodhyapur Station
d. Ayodhya Railway Station
Answer: b. Ayodhya Dham Junction
– According to the Hindu newspaper, on December 27, the name of Ayodhya Railway Junction has been changed to Ayodhya Dham Junction.
What is a Junction?
– If trains from three directions converge at a station, it is called a junction.
Some important name changes in Uttar Pradesh:
– Ayodhya Railway Junction: Ayodhya Dham Junction (2023)
– Jhansi Railway Station: Veerangana Lakshmibai Railway Station (2022)
– Faizabad Railway Station: Ayodhya Cantt (2021)
– Mughalsarai Railway Station: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction (2018)
– Mughalsarai Tehsil: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Tehsil (2019)
– Faizabad: Ayodhya (2018)
– Allahabad: Prayagraj (2028)
– Aligarh: Harigarh (2023)
Note: In the presence of Prime Minister Modi, the inauguration of the Ram Temple will take place in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
Uttar Pradesh:
Capital – Lucknow
Governor – Anandiben Patel
Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
—————
4. With which country is Khanij Videsh India Limited (KABIL) planning to enter into an agreement for five lithium blocks, in which India will invest Rs 200 crore?
a. Russia
b. America
c. Argentina
d. Australia
Answer: c. Argentina
– Identification of 5 lithium blocks has been made in the Catamarca province of Argentina.
– The Indian government plans to sign an exploration and development agreement with the government of Argentina.
– According to Business Standard, during a five-year period, the Central government will invest around 20 billion rupees for the exploration and development of these mines.
– A proposal for approval on financial matters has been sent to the cabinet committee.
– The new agreement will be signed by India’s joint venture company, Cabril, and Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado (CMYEN) in Catamarca, Argentina.
– Cabril is a company focused on identifying, acquiring, developing, processing, and commercially utilizing strategic minerals for supply in India from foreign sources.
– CMYEN is a government-owned mining and energy company in Argentina.
– There are plans for Cabril to establish a foreign office in the Catamarca province of Argentina, which is a strategic move to enhance better relations with local regulators.
– Mining lithium from salt flats in Argentina will reduce costs.
Efforts for Foreign Partnerships in Mineral Sourcing:
– This is India’s second attempt to sign a foreign partnership for critical mineral sourcing after Australia.
– In 2022, India had previously signed an agreement with the Critical Minerals Facilitation Office (CMFO) of Australia to identify 2 lithium and 3 cobalt blocks.
Amount of Lithium Reserves in Argentina:
– According to the United Nations Geological Survey (USGS) Statistical Information on Lithium 2023 report, Argentina holds a 21% share of the world’s 9.8 million tons of lithium reserves.
– Argentina stands as the second-largest reserve holder after Bolivia.
– These reserves are primarily concentrated in the salt flats of Catamarca, Salta, and Jujuy provinces known as the Lithium Triangle.
Mining Auctions for Minerals:
– On November 29, 2023, India initiated mining auctions.
– Two lithium blocks in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh were put up for bidding.
– As per government estimates, the Jammu and Kashmir block holds approximately 5.9 million tons of lithium reserves.
– According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s lithium import was approximately $3 billion or around 2.49 trillion rupees in the financial year 2013.
– This import has surged by nearly 58% compared to the financial year 2022.
Argentina:
– A South American nation.
– Capital: Buenos Aires.
– President: Javier Milei
– Official Language: Spanish.
– Neighboring countries: Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay
– Population: 47.3 million.
– Currency: Argentine Peso.
– Inflation rate: 143%.
– Approximately 40% of the country’s population lives below the poverty line.
—————
5. An explosion took place outside the embassy of which country in India in December 2023 amid the war between Israel and Hamas?
a. Israel
b. Afghanistan
c. Iran
d. Pakistan
Answer: a. Israel
– The explosion occurred on the evening of December 26, 2023, near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi.
– On December 27, the NIA (National Investigation Agency) and NSG (National Security Guard) arrived to conduct investigations.
– It was discovered during the investigation that the explosion took place near Gate Number 4 of Nandha House, about 260 meters away from the embassy.
Number of Suspects Identified by the Police:
– According to PTI sources, two individuals were spotted at the site of the explosion.
– However, it cannot be confirmed yet whether they are suspects or not.
– The police are actively tracking both individuals.
– A letter wrapped in the Israeli flag was found at the scene, written in the English language, associated with the “Sir Allah Resistance” group.
– It contained words like “Zionist,” “Gaza,” and “Palestine.”
– According to ANI, the letter mentioned an “Israel attack on Gaza” and the concept of “revenge.”
– The letter also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
– Israel has issued security advisories, advising its citizens in crowded areas in India to avoid going there.
– Delhi Police have decided to investigate active mobile numbers and end-to-end encrypted calls in and around the Israeli Embassy.
A Previous Blast in 2021:
– A low-intensity blast occurred outside the same embassy in 2021, damaging three cars.
– NIA was investigating that incident as well.
– Following the blast, Israel accused Iran of a conspiracy.
– A letter was recovered from the scene claiming retaliation for the assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.
Israel-Hamas Conflict:
– On October 7, Hamas, an extremist organization from Gaza, infiltrated Israel and killed 1,200 people.
– Subsequently, Israel retaliated by attacking Gaza.
– This conflict is ongoing.
– Reports suggest that around 16,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with more than 21,000 casualties on both sides.
Prime Minister of Israel – Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Palestine – Mohammad Shtayyeh
————–
6. Who is the first Indian woman to become a member of the Governing Board of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)?
a. P.T. Usha
b. Vita Dani
c. Sania Mirza
d. Saina Nehwal
Answer: b. Vita Dani
– Vita Dani has become a member of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Governing Board.
– She is the first Indian woman to do so.
– As the president of Ultimate Table Tennis, – Vita Dani is organizing tournaments in several states across the country.
– Vita Dani stated that being part of such an organization is a fantastic feeling that resonates perfectly with my perspective on the development of table tennis and its impact on the community.
Table Tennis Sport:
– Table tennis is a game that anyone can play.
– It has numerous mental and physical benefits.
– Our goal is to spread that message and make the sport accessible to all.
– Vita and her organization (Dani Foundation) have played a significant role in shaping the path of Indian table tennis.
– She is also a co-owner of Chennaiyin Football Club, which participates in the Indian Super League.
Note: The ITTF Federation established the ITTF Foundation in 2018 to attract more people to the sport.
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)
Established: 1926
President: Petra Sörling
————
7. When is International Epidemic Day observed?
a. 27 December
b. 30 December
c. 03 December
d. 26 December
Answer: a. 27 December
– On this day, discussions are held on the significant necessity of proactive measures to combat the dangers of infectious diseases and to seek freedom from them.
– The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established International Day of Epidemic Preparedness in December 2020, acknowledging the losses caused by COVID-19.
————–
8. Which linguistic cinema’s actor and DMDK party founder Vijaykant passed away on 28 December 2023?
a. Hindi Cinema
b. Tamil Cinema
c. Kannada Cinema
d. Malayalam Cinema
Answer: b. Tamil Cinema
– He was 71 years old.
– He was COVID positive.
– He took his last breath at MIOT Hospital in Chennai.
– Vijayakanth was the opposition leader in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
Vijayakanth’s acting journey:
– He made a distinct identity by working in 154 films.
– He acted in super hit movies like “Narasimha”, “Captain Prabhakaran”, and “Dharmachakram”.
– He was also a successful director and producer.
– Later, Vijayakanth entered politics.
– He also founded Tamil Nadu’s DMDK party.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vijayakanth.
– Sonu Sood also expressed grief over the demise of the legendary actor Vijayakanth.
—————–
9. The government of which state will offer Dwarka darshan from a submarine 300 feet below the sea?
a. Maharashtra
b. Gujarat
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b. Gujarat
– The Gujarat government is planning to operate a submarine for pilgrims to visit the original Dwarka located in the Arabian Sea.
– The Indian government has signed an MoU with the state government along with the company Majgawan Dock Shipyard.
– The announcement for this will be made at the Vibrant Summit scheduled for January 2024.
– Although the fare might be high, the Gujarat government may provide subsidies or similar relief considering the common man’s interests.
– Through this submarine, the sightseeing of the ancient city of Dwarka, submerged in the sea thousands of years ago, will now become accessible.
– The weight of the submarine will be around 35 tons.
– It will also contain a medical kit.
– There will be 24 passengers in two rows on the submarine. Two operators, two divers, a guide, and a technician will accompany.
– Each seat will provide a window view, enabling an easy view of the natural beauty within the sea at a depth of 300 feet.
– Passengers will be provided with oxygen masks, face masks, and a diving agency will operate scuba dress, all included in the ticket fare.
– It will also feature natural lighting arrangements, communication systems, and facilities like video conferencing.
– Passengers seated inside the submarine will be able to witness the movements, aquatic life, and can also record through the screen provided.
This project is for the pilgrimage to the original Dwarka:
– The submarine project is being launched for the purpose of sightseeing the original Dwarka (Bet Dwarka) under the Dwarka Corridor.
– The largest cable bridge in the Arabian Sea is being constructed in Bet Dwarka, which will begin around Janmashtami.
– This bridge aims to offer an experience of circumambulating the submerged Dwarka in the sea.
—————-
10. Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to make which city the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) city?
a. Lucknow
b. Kanpur
c. Noida
d. Ayodhya
Answer: a. Lucknow
– With the aim of fostering growth in the field of Artificial Intelligence, the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has made this decision.
– The Uttar Pradesh government has set a goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy for the state within five years.
– Noida has already emerged as a center for IT, and following the same pattern, Lucknow is now being developed.
What is the plan for the AI city?
– Real estate developers working on the project will construct towers with Grade A office spaces based on plug-and-play infrastructure for office infrastructure and incubators for start-ups.
– The nodal agency of the project, UP Electronics Corporation Limited, has stated that luxury residential complexes will also be developed to include the walk-to-work model in the AI City.
– The IT and Electronics Department has selected land for the project.
– Accordingly, 40 acres of land owned by the IT and Electronics Department will be developed as the AI City.
– As per the EOAI document, an investment of up to 25% will be made, ranging from 20 crores for the IT park to 100 crores for the AI city.
Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
