This is the current affairs of 9 January 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 suspended its three ministers for making derogatory comments on PM Modi and India?
a. Sri Lanka
b. Bangladesh
c. Maldives
d. UAE
Answer: c. Maldives
Maldives
– Capital: Male
– President: Mohammed Muizzu (considered pro-China)
– Population: 515,000
– Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
Lakshadweep
– Capital: Kavaratti
– Administrator: Praful Patel
– In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep in January 2024 and inaugurated several projects.
– During this time, PM Modi praised the tourism here and appealed to people to visit. Photos and videos of PM Modi enjoying the beach and scenic views became viral.
– Subsequently, three ministers of the Maldivian government, Malsha Sharif, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdullah Mahjoom Majid, made disrespectful comments against PM Modi and India.
– They also commented on the facilities in India’s tourism sector.
– As the matter escalated, Maldives President Mohammed Moizzu suspended his three ministers on January 7th.
India instructs dismissal of ministers:
– The case of disrespectful comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is escalating.
– On January 8, 2024, India summoned the High Commissioner of Maldives, Ibrahim Shahib, to the Ministry of External Affairs.
– According to media reports, the discussion lasted only 4 minutes during which it was conveyed that the relations between the two countries have deteriorated due to this matter. – The responsibility to mend them lies with President Muizzu.
– It was suggested that the Maldivian government should dismiss all three ministers who made comments against PM Modi and the Indians. Their suspension is not enough.
Indian Tourists in the Maldives:
– 2023 (until December 13): 193,000
– 2022: 241,000
– 2021: 291,000
Impact of Controversy on Maldives Tourism:
– The Maldivian economy relies heavily on tourism.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted Lakshadweep in India, which boasts several beautiful islands similar to the Maldives.
– Experts suggest that in the next four to five years, Lakshadweep could become a significant international tourism center.
– Following the comments from Maldivian ministers and the reactions from India and Indians, tension has risen in Maldives.
EaseMyTrip Suspends All Flight Bookings:
– Meanwhile, on social media, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives trended throughout the day on January 7.
– On the other hand, Bollywood actors and netizens expressed support for promoting tourism in Lakshadweep.
– People praised the Indian government on social media, leading to the trend #ExploreIndianIsland.
– Additionally, EaseMyTrip suspended all flight bookings to the Maldives. Nishant Pitti, the co-founder of EaseMyTrip, shared this information on the social media platform X.
India-Maldives Relations:
– The relationship between India and Maldives is historical and cultural.
– After gaining independence from British rule in 1965, both countries established diplomatic relations.
– India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Maldives.
– India openly came forward to assist Maldives multiple times, including Operation Cactus in 1988.
– During the 2004 tsunami, India was the first country to provide humanitarian aid.
– Relations between India and Maldives are crucial for the stability of the Indo-Pacific and maritime security.
– As part of the Indian government’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, India remains committed to the secure, prosperous, and peaceful development of Maldives.
– India provides the largest number of training programs for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), fulfilling approximately 70% of their defense training needs.
– However, there has been a strain in relations between Maldives and India since the presidency of Mohammed Moizzu.
– Moizzu has asked India to remove Indian soldiers from Maldives.
– Subsequently, tensions have escalated, particularly in the context of tourism.
Various Operations in Maldives:
– Operation Cactus 1988: Under Operation Cactus, Indian armed forces assisted the Maldivian government in thwarting a coup attempt.
– Operation Neer 2014: Operation Neer aimed to address the water crisis by supplying drinking water to Maldives.
– Operation Sanjeevani: India supplied 6.2 tons of essential medicines to Maldives under Operation Sanjeevani to combat COVID-19.
China’s Role in India-Maldives Relations:
– Like several other countries in the Indian Ocean region, Maldives has become a recipient of Chinese investments for foundational infrastructure.
– China has made significant investments in Maldives and has become a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
India’s Concerns:
– India has expressed concerns about the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives.
– The development of Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in these regions is viewed as a challenge to India’s strategic interests and regional security.
—————
2. Which leader’s party won the Bangladesh general elections for the fourth consecutive time?
a. Sheikh Hasina (Awami League)
b. Khaleda Zia (BNP)
c. Roshan Irshad (Jatiyo Party)
d. Neither of the above
Answer: a. Sheikh Hasina (Awami League)
– Sheikh Hasina is set to become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the fifth time.
– However, if the question is about becoming the Prime Minister for the consecutive time, the answer is the fourth time.
– She served as the Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001. After that, she again became the Prime Minister in 2009 and has held power ever since.
Seats Won in the Election:
– In the general elections held on January 7, 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, won 204 out of the 300 seats in the parliament.
– Voting took place for 299 seats this time.
– The recent general election was widely discussed worldwide as opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the election.
India Congratulates:
– After the victory of the Awami League, India’s Ambassador Pranay Verma met with Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. He conveyed congratulations to Sheikh Hasina on behalf of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sheikh Hasina Wins for the 8th Consecutive Time:
– Sheikh Hasina has won elections for the eighth consecutive time. She defeated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate M. Nizamuddin Laskar by a margin of more than 2.49 lakh votes from the Gopalganj-3 constituency.
– Hasina won her first election in 1986.
40% Voter Turnout:
– Opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the elections.
– According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, there was a 40% voter turnout in this election, which could change.
– In the 2018 elections, there was an 80% voter turnout.
Bangladesh:
– Capital: Dhaka
– Parliament: Jatiya Sangsad, also known as the House of the Nation
– President: Mohammad Shafiuddin
– Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina
————–
3. When is Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrated?
a. 5 January
b. 9 January
c. 10 January
d. 11 January
Answer: b. 9 January
– Every year, January 9 is celebrated in India as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, marking the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on January 9, 1915. His return played a significant role in leading the country to independence, and hence, January 9 was chosen to commemorate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in remembrance of Gandhi’s return to India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan:
– On the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the government organizes a large-scale conference every two years.
– The celebration of Pravasi Divas began in 2003, but it was modified in 2015, and a decision was made to observe it every two years.
– The previous conference (17th) was held in 2023 in Indore with the theme “Pravasi: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in the Amrit Kal.” The Chief Guest was Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana.
– On Pravasi Divas, recognition is given to those Indians who have achieved special milestones in their respective fields abroad, contributing to the enhanced reputation and honor of India.
————–
4. The book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is the memoir of which former Army Chief?
a. General Bipin Rawat
b. General Manoj Mukund Naravane
c. General Dalbir Singh
d. General Bikram Singh
Answer: b. General Manoj Mukund Naravane
– General MM Naravane has served as the 28th Chief of Army Staff.
– In this book, he has mentioned several significant moments during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff. This includes the Ladakh Standoff, where a violent clash occurred between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Galwan.
– The book also discusses various dialogues between the Indian government and the army during this incident.
– Due to these revelations, the book has been a topic of discussion in the media.
– The military is reviewing the facts presented in this book.
—————-
5. Who received the Best Film award at the Golden Globes 2024 ceremony?
a. Flower moon
b. Oppenheimer
c. Maestro
d. Past Lives
Answer: b. Oppenheimer
– Winners announced at the 81st annual function.
– This event was held on 8 January 2024 at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in Los Angeles (USA).
————-
6. Who received the Best Director award at the Golden Globes 2024 ceremony?
a. Christopher Nolan (film – Oppenheimer)
b. Greta Gerwig (film – Barbie)
c. Celine Song (Film – Past Lives)
d. Yorgos Lanthimos (film – Poor Things)
Answer: a. Christopher Nolan (film – Oppenheimer)
– “Openheimer” is based on the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. He played a major role in developing the first atomic weapon during the Manhattan Project. This atomic bomb was dropped on Japan.
– Christopher Nolan is the writer, producer, and director of this film.
————-
7. Who won the Best Actor (Male) award at the Golden Globes 2024 ceremony?
a. Christopher Nolan (film – Oppenheimer)
b. Colman domingo (film – rustin)
c. Cillian Murphy (film – Oppenheimer)
d. Barry Keoghan (film – Saltburn)
Answer: c. Cillian Murphy (film – Oppenheimer)
————-
8. Who received the Best Actor (Female) award at the Golden Globes 2024 ceremony?
a. Annette Bening (film – Nyad)
b. Greta Lee (Film – Past Lives)
c. Carey Mulligan (film – Maestro)
d. Lily Gladstone (Film – Killers of the Flower Moon)
Answer: d. Lily Gladstone (Film – Killers of the Flower Moon)
————-
Golden Globes 2024 winners list
– Best Film (Drama): “Openheimer”
– Best Director (Film): Christopher Nolan (“Openheimer”)
– Best Male Actor (Film – Drama): Silian Murphy (“Openheimer”)
– Best Female Actor (Film – Drama): Lily Gladstone (“Killer of the Flower Moon”)
– Best Supporting Male Actor (Film): Robert Downey Jr. (“Openheimer”)
– Best Supporting Female Actor (Film): Davine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”)
– Best Film (Musical or Comedy): “Poor Things”
– Best Male Actor (Musical or Comedy Film): Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”)
– Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: “Barbie”
– Best TV Series (Drama): “Succession”
– Best Female Actor in a TV Series: Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
– Best TV Series (Musical or Comedy): “The Bear”
– Best Limited TV Series, Anthology Series, or TV Movie: “Beef”
– Best Original Song from a Film: “What Woz I Made For” (Billie Eilish and Finneas – “Barbie”)
– Best Animated Film: “The Boy and the Heron”
– Best Female Actor in a TV Series (Drama): Ayoadebiri (“The Bear”)
– Best Non-English Language Film: “Anatomy of Fall”
————–
9. Who became the new CEO of Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?
a. Raghuram Iyer
b. Mohan Awasthi
c. Kalyan Choubey
d. Dinesh Mohanty
Answer: a. Raghuram Iyer
– The post of CEO in the Indian Olympic Association was vacant for one year.
– Raghuram Iyer has previously worked as the CEO of Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL.
President of Indian Olympic Association – PT Usha
————–
10. What is the new name of Ayodhya Airport?
a. Maharishi Durvasa International Airport
b. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
c. Bhagwan Ram Airport
d. Mata Janaki Airport
Answer: b. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
– In the Cabinet meeting held on January 5, 2024, the proposal to change the name of Ayodhya Airport was approved.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this airport on December 30, 2023.
– With the name change, it has also been granted the status of an international airport.
– The terminal building of the airport will have an area of 6500 square meters, catering to approximately 10 lakh passengers annually.
– The interior of the terminal building reflects the architectural style of the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
