December 2023

• Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed as the Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He was previously heading the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Anish Dayal Singh is a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Manipur cadre.
• Rahul Rasgotra, a 1989-batch IPS officer of Manipur cadre and a special director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), has been appointed as the Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
• Nina Singh, a 1989-batch IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre and currently serving as Special Director General, CISF, has been appointed as the chief of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

MCQs

Q: Who has been appointed as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)?

• a) Rahul Rasgotra
• b) Anish Dayal Singh
• c) Nina Singh
• d) Vivek Srivastava

Q: Who is the newly appointed Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)?

• a) Anish Dayal Singh
• b) Rahul Rasgotra
• c) Nina Singh
• d) Vivek Srivastava

Q; Who has been appointed as the chief of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)?

• a) Anish Dayal Singh
• b) Rahul Rasgotra
• c) Nina Singh
• d) Vivek Srivastava

• The death sentences of eight Indians in Qatar, who were former Indian Navy personnel working with the private company Al Dahra, have been commuted.
• The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement acknowledging the verdict of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, where the sentences were reduced.
• The Indian Ambassador to Qatar and other officials, along with family members, were present in the Court of Appeal.
• Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the case proceedings, the Ministry refrained from making further comments at this time.
• The eight individuals were initially sentenced to death by a Qatari court for alleged espionage in August 2023.

Q: What was the initial charge against the eight Indians in Qatar sentenced to death in Aug 2023?

• a) Murder
• b) Espionage
• c) Theft
• d) Fraud

Ans : b) Espionage

The University Grant Commission (UGC) has issued a notification cautioning students against pursuing an MPhil degree, as it is no longer recognized. The UGC has prohibited universities from offering the MPhil program, and admissions for the 2023-24 academic year are not allowed.

However, MPhil degrees awarded before the issuance of new regulations in 2022 will remain valid. The UGC emphasizes Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations 2022, which explicitly forbids higher educational institutions from offering MPhil programs. The commission had previously declared the MPhil degree illegitimate and instructed institutions not to offer MPhil programs.

Q: Which degree has been derecognized by the UGC ?

• A. PhD degree
• B. Bachelor’s degree
• C. MPhil degree
• D. Postgraduate diploma

Ans : C. MPhil degree

The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) MLJK-MA declared ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA on 27 December 2023 by Ministry of Home Affairs. The organization is involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, supporting terrorism in India. Members aim to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir, posing a threat to India’s sovereignty, security, and integrity. Multiple criminal cases registered under UAPA 1967, IPC 1860, Arms Act 1959, and Ranbir Penal Code 1932.

Q: Why was the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA?

• A. Involvement in anti-national activities
• B. Advocating for democratic reforms
• C. Promoting cultural diversity
• D. Supporting economic development

Ans : A. Involvement in anti-national activities

The Indian Navy commissioned its latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Imphal, in Mumbai on December 26, 2023. This warship is the third of the ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai.

INS Imphal is the first warship named after a city from the North East, emphasizing the region’s significance for national security, sovereignty, and prosperity. The ship successfully test-fired the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile in November 2023, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to combat effectiveness and confidence in its cutting-edge indigenous weapons and platforms.

Upon commissioning, INS Imphal will become part of the Western Naval Command.

Q: What is the name of the latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer commissioned by the Indian Navy on December 26, 2023?

a) INS Visakhapatnam
b) INS Mumbai
c) INS Imphal
d) INS BrahMos

Answer: c) INS Imphal

On December 26th, India celebrates Veer Baal Diwas in honor of two young Sikh princes, Baba Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. These brave boys, aged 9 and 7, chose martyrdom over betraying their faith. They sacrificed their lives for courage, faith, and principle, inspiring us all. This day remembers their story and teaches us to stand strong for what we believe in.

Q: On which date do we celebrate Veer Baal Diwas?

a) January 26th
b) April 13th
c) December 26th
d) June 7th

Answer: c) December 26th

An Airbus A340, operated by Romania’s Legend Airlines, carrying 276 passengers, mostly Indians, landed in Mumbai on 26 Dec 2023, after a four-day detention in France.

• The detention in France was due to suspected human trafficking allegations, and the French authorities launched a probe into the purpose of the trip.
• The charter plane was detained upon landing in Vatry on 22 Dec 2023.
• French authorities confirmed 276 passengers boarded the plane, while 25 individuals, including two minors, sought asylum in France.
• The flight’s connection to Nicaragua raised concerns, given the surge in Indians attempting to enter the US illegally, with a significant increase recorded in the fiscal year 2023.
• The grounding of the flight was prompted by a tip-off suggesting the passengers were likely victims of human trafficking.
• The plane, a charter service from Dubai, was grounded at the airport near Paris, and the investigation is now under the jurisdiction of France’s anti-organised crime unit, JUNALCO.
• If proven, human trafficking carries severe consequences in France, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years.

Q: Why was the Airbus A340, a charter plane carrying mostly Indians detained in France?

• A. Mechanical issues
• B. Suspected human trafficking allegations
• C. Passport verification
• D. Weather-related concerns

Ans : B. Suspected human trafficking allegations

Q: What was the destination of the chartered flight detained in France for suspected human trafficking allegations?

A. Mumbai
B. Dubai
C. Nicaragua
D. Paris

C. Nicaragua

President Emmanuel Macron of France will be the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in India on 26 January 2024.

1. India and France have a strong partnership, sharing a high degree of convergence on various regional and global issues.
2. The visit is significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
3. Prime Minister Modi had previously been the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on July 14, 2023.

Q: Who will be the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in India?

a. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister India
b. Emmanuel Macron, President France
c. President Joe Biden, President USA
d. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister , Britain

Ans : b. Emmanuel Macron, President France