4th Week International Affairs+Visits + MoUs Flashcards
- In which city, Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic(PV) Independent Power Project (IPP), the world’s
largest single-site solar power plant has inaugurated in November 2023?
1) Aswan, Egypt
2) Konya, Türkiye
3) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
4) Doha, Qatar
5) Ibri, Oman
Answer- 3) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Explanation:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s state-owned
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) has
inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar
power plant, “2 GigaWatt(GW) Al Dhafra Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Project
(IPP)” in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• The Al Dhafra Solar PV project was unveiled
by Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler
of Abu Dhabi. With this solar power
production capacity will increase to 3.2GW.
• This plant will power almost 200,000 homes
and eliminate over 2.4 million tonnes of
carbon emissions every year.
• The project was co-developed by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company(TAQA), French power
company EDF Renewables and Chinese solar developer JinkoPower along with procurer
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 14th edition of Emissions
Gap Report 2023:Broken Record: Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions
(again) in November 2023.
As per the 14th edition of Emissions Gap Report 2023, the world must reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions by at least 28-42% by _________ (year) to limit warming to 2°C and 1.5°C,
respectively.
1) 2030
2) 2025
3) 2027
4) 2028
5) 2026
Answer- 1) 2030
Explanation:
As per the 14th edition of Emissions Gap Report 2023:Broken Record: Temperatures hit new highs,
yet world fails to cut emissions (again), released by the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), the world must reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 28-42% by 2030 to
limit warming to 2°C and 1.5°C, respectively.
i. The report warns that if countries fail to reduce GHG emissions, then global temperatures will be
increased by 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
ii. The report emphasizes that the only way to prevent exceeding the 1.5°C limit is to accelerate
implementation action in this decade.
iii. If GHG emissions reduction is delayed, then this will lead to a greater future reliance on carbon
dioxide (CO2) removal from the atmosphere.
- Which country’s Angkor Wat has recently (in Nov ‘23) become the Eighth Wonder of the
World?
1) Vietnam
2) Cambodia
3) Thailand
4) Indonesia
5) Myanmar
Answer- 2) Cambodia
Explanation:
Angkor Wat of Cambodia has become the Eighth Wonder of the World by surpassing Italy’s
Pompeii. The recognition of the Eighth Wonder is an informal one bestowed upon noteworthy new
structures, projects, or designs.
• Angkor Wat is an Ancient Hindu Temple Complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.It was built
by King Suryavarman II during the 12th century over a time span of 30 years.
• The temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but it later transformed into a
Buddhist temple.
• Angkor Wat is one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Heritage sites. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992.
i. The Seven Wonders of the World: Taj Mahal Agra (Uttar Pradesh, India), Christ the Redeemer Statue
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Colosseum (Rome, Italy), Chichen Itza (Yucatan, Mexico), Great Wall of China
(Beijing, China), Machu Picchu (Cusco, Peru), Petra (Aqaba, Jordan).
- Name the International Organisation/Union that has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU
with India to strengthen semiconductor supply chains and jointly pursue innovation.
1) International Monetary Fund
2) United Nations Development Programme
3) United Nations Industrial Development Organization
4) African Union
5) European Union
Answer- 5) European Union
Explanation:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the European Union (EU) and India to
strengthen semiconductor supply chains and jointly pursue innovation.
• Signatories: Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal market of the European Union, and
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information
Technology of the Government of India.
i. Share semiconductor ecosystem experiences, best practices, and information.
ii. Identify collaboration opportunities in research, development, and innovation.
iii. Promote skills and talent development, fostering collaboration through workshops and
partnerships. Ensure a level playing field in the sector, including sharing information on public
subsidies.
- In which country, the ASEAN-India Millet Festival has recently (in Nov ‘23) organised by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) and Indian Mission to the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?
1) Philippines
2) Indonesia
3) Thailand
4) Vietnam
5) Singapore
Answer- 2) Indonesia
Explanation:
The Indian Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in collaboration with the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) organised the ASEAN-India Millet Festival
2023 from 22nd to 26th November 2023, in Indonesia.
• The festival was inaugurated in the Kota Kasablanka Mall, in South Jakarta, Indonesia.
• The festival aims to raise awareness and create a market for millets and millets-based products
among the ASEAN Member states.
i. Millet Festival is a part of United Nation(UN)’s International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM 2023)
celebrations. The festival includes an exhibition, panel discussions, and cooking workshops.
ii. ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to
Crises was adopted at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 7, 2023.
- Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the visit of President of India,
Droupadi Murmu to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh (AP) in November 2023?
A) President Droupadi Murmu attended the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference
and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers Association at Baripada, Mayurbhanj district,
Odisha.
B) President along with Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs (MoTA) inaugurated
the new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) campus at Kuliana, Mayurbhanj (Odisha).
C) President addressed the 42nd Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
held at Sai Hira Convention Hall in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, was on an official visit to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh (AP)
from November 20 to 22, 2023. During her visit,
• On 20th November 2023, President Droupadi Murmu attended the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers Association at Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
• During her visit (on 20th November 2023), President Droupadi Murmu along with Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs (MoTA) inaugurated the new Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) campus at Kuliana, Mayurbhanj (Odisha).
• President Droupadi Murmu flagged off 3 new trains from Badampahar railway station in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
• The 3 new trains are:
• Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU(Mainline Electric Multiple Unit)
• Badampahar-Rourkela Weekly Express
• Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly Express
• President Droupadi Murmu launched the Education Campaign titled “New Education for New India ‘’ of Brahma Kumaris in Sambalpur, Odisha. The event was organised by Brahma Kumari Iswariya University.
• President Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 15th annual convocation of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology at Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha.
• On 22nd November 2023, She addressed the 42nd Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning held at Sai Hira Convention Hall in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
- Which Institute has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoUs with New Delhi(Delhi) based
National Book Trust (NBT) and Daisy Forum of India (DFI) to promote inclusivity?
1) National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities
2) National Institute of Social Defence
3) Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research
4) National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities
5) National Institute of Mental Health
Answer- 4) National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities
Explanation:
On November 20, 2023, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual
Disabilities/(Divyangjan)-NIEPVD signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with New
Delhi(Delhi) based National Book Trust (NBT) and Daisy Forum of India (DFI) to promote inclusivity.
i. The MoU with NBT aims to establish a Universal Design Center for Reading in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand.
ii. The MoU with DFI aims to create and disseminate accessible books through Sugamya Pustakalaya,
an online library designed for persons with print disabilities in India.
- Name the GoI Department that has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU with the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
(NMBA).
1) Department of School Education & Literacy
2) Department of Art & Culture
3) Department of Social Justice & Empowerment
4) Department of Youth Affairs
5) Department of Women & Child Development
Answer- 3) Department of Social Justice & Empowerment
Explanation:
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment(DoSJE), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJE), and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) to synergize efforts in combating drug abuse and building a healthier, addiction-free nation.
i. This collaboration would help in spreading the message of NMBA among the youth, women, students, etc.
ii. The partnership with religious/spiritual organisations will boost the efforts towards achieving drug-sensitized India.
iii. Under this partnership, ISKCON will publicize the NMBA campaign at all their meetings and gatherings.
Note: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal agency for Drug Demand Reduction.
- Which institute/defence sector has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU with Headquarters,
Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to provide a framework for initiating collaboration in
Defence Technology?
1) Central Reserve Police Force
2) Defence Research & Development Organisation
3) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
4) Aeronautical Development Agency
5) Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory
Answer- 3) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Explanation:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Headquarters, Integrated Defence
Staff (HQ IDS), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The MoU aims to provide a framework for initiating collaborative interaction between CSIR Labs,
HQ IDS, and Armed Forces (Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force).
ii. The partnership focuses on
• Enhancing scientific understanding of defence-related technologies
• Developing dual-use technologies related to defence.
• Undertaking joint research and development in dual-use technologies
- Name the institute/NGO that has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU with the National
Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) to collaborate on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
1) Smile Foundation
2) The Energy and Resources Institute
3) Care India
4) Sakal Relief Fund
5) HindRise
Answer- 2) The Energy and Resources Institute
Explanation:
The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and The Energy and Resources Institute
(TERI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Disaster Risk Reduction
(DRR).
i. The MOU will formalize a strategic partnership, fostering research, capacity building, and training to
enhance Research Initiatives.
ii. Both entities will utilize their expertise to address critical challenges posed by disasters and
climate-related risks.
iii. This aims to contribute to the national agenda of disaster risk reduction, reinforcing the
importance of collaboration in building a resilient and safer India.
- Which organisation has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU with NRW.Global Business to
establish a launchpad program in Germany?
1) Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
2) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
3) National Association of Software and Service Companies
4) Indian Economic Trade Organization
5) Confederation of Indian Industry
Answer- 3) National Association of Software and Service Companies
Explanation:
The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with NRW.Global Business for the expansion of NASSCOM’s launchpad
program in Germany.
• This collaboration aims to promote innovation, investment, and technological exchange
between North Rhine-Westfalia (NRW) in Germany and India.
• The initiative aligns with the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India
and the European Union (EU).
i. The launchpad program particularly benefits smaller tech companies by reducing initial setup costs
and enhancing market credibility in Germany.
ii. With this agreement, Indian tech companies looking to establish a presence in NRW will have
access to 180 days of rent-free office space.
- Which company has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for
the procurement and manufacturing of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)?
1) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
2) Bharat Electronics Limited
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
5) Defence Research and Development Organisation
Answer- 1) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Explanation:
On November 28, 2023, Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with M/s Bharat Heavy Electricals
Limited (BHEL), Haridwar, Uttarakhand for the procurement and manufacturing of 16 Upgraded
Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated equipment/accessories for Indian Navy (IN)
under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 2956.89 crore.
i. SRGMs will be installed onboard Indian Navy’s on serving and newly built ships by M/s Mazagon
Dock & Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, Maharashtra and Garden Reach Shipbuilders &
Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal.
ii. The SRGMs are medium calibre anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon systems for
sustained rate of fire and high accuracy.
- Which state government has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Meta to
offer training to teachers and students in digital safety & Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual
Reality (VR) by 2025?
1) Jharkhand
2) Maharashtra
3) Telangana
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Karnataka
Answer- 5) Karnataka
Explanation:
The Karnataka government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Meta (formerly known as Facebook),
an American Multinational Social Technology Company to elevate awareness about online user safety
and digital citizenship among students and educators.
• Through this partnership, the Karnataka government plans to offer training to 1 lakh teachers
and 10 lakh students in digital safety and Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) by
2025.
i. Under the online safety initiative, those aged 18 to 24 from 100 colleges and universities across
Karnataka would receive digital awareness training.The aim of the program was to make them more
mindful of the new trends in digital safety.
ii. Furthermore, students and teachers will also take the Digital Nagrik pledge, as a reminder and
commitment to creating a safer digital world.
