Category: Current Affairs December 2023

Correct Answer: C. United States and Sudan

The United States and Sweden signed a first-ever defense cooperation agreement that will strengthen military ties and permit bilateral exercises as the Scandinavian nation awaits accession to NATO, authorities said. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the agreement with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, the Pentagon said.

Correct Answer: B. UNICEF

The head of the United Nations children’s agency condemned in December acts of sexual violence committed against women during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel — a condemnation that Israel deemed insufficient. Anger over the accusations of rape and other sexual violence has grown in recent days, and US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on governments and international organisations to “forcefully condemn the sexual violence of Hamas terrorists without equivocation”.

Correct Answer: B. 2011 – 2020

The decade from 2011-2020 was the warmest ever in history. While there has been a rise in economic losses from extreme weather and climate losses, this was the decade with the lowest number of deaths from extreme events, said a report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on 5 December 2023.

Correct Answer: A. India

India has unveiled the world’s first portable disaster hospital, Aarogya Maitri Cube, a groundbreaking facility in Gurugram that can be airlifted and consists of 72 cubes. This extraordinary endeavor is a component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious “Project BHISHM” (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri), unveiled in February 2022. The heart of this innovative disaster hospital lies in its 72 cubes, each containing an array of essential equipment and supplies. Among these are an operation theatre, a mini-ICU, ventilators, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a cooking station, food, water, shelter, a power generator, and more.

Correct Answer: B. Iran and Cuba

Iran and Cuba vowed 4 December 2023 to strengthen relations and stand together against sanctions imposed on them by the United States. “What can neutralize the sanctions is the exchange of capacities between the two countries,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said during a joint statement with his visiting Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Correct Answer: C. China

China frames ‘One Province, One Policy’ plan for financial risk. China’s financial regulator has called on provinces to develop their own plans to address financial risks, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. This comes after officials previously committed to establishing a mechanism to tackle local debt issues. In an interview, Li Yunze, the head of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, emphasized the need for China to enhance its efforts in financial risk management.

Correct Answer: C. Philippines

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the cost of the Philippines island of Mindanao. A tsunami warning was issued. In Japan, authorities issued evacuation orders late Saturday in various parts of Okinawa prefecture, including for the entire coastal area, affecting thousands of people.

Correct Answer: A. 66%

According to the World Malaria Report, India accounted for 66% of malaria cases in the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia region in 2022. India and Indonesia accounted for about 94% of all malaria deaths in the region last year, the World Health Organization said.