Daily Current Affairs - 22nd June 2023

1.
What is the theme of International Yoga Day 2023?
(A)
"Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"
(B)
"Yoga for Humanity"
(C)
"Yoga for wellness"
(D)
"Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home"

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The theme of International Yoga Day 2023 is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

2.
Name the course collection, which has been launched by the central government on the iGOT platform to enhance the skills of young professionals.
(A)
‘Kaushal’
(B)
‘Nipun’
(C)
‘Dakshta’
(D)
‘Praveenata’

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: On 19 June, a new curated collection of courses called “Dakshta" (Development of Attitude, Knowledge, Skill for Holistic Transformation in Administration) has been launched on the iGOT Karmayogi Platform.

3.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the National Working Plan Code? 1. It was first adopted in 2008. 2. Ministry of Environment has recently released the National Working Plan Code-2023. Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Ministry of Environment released the National Working Plan Code-2023.

4.
Who has set a new Asian shot put record at Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar?
(A)
Tajinderpal Singh Toor
(B)
Manpreet Kaur
(C)
Joginder Singh Bedi
(D)
Vikas Gowda

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Tajinderpal Singh Toor sets new Asian shot put record at Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar.

5.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the knowledge-sharing platform recently launched for the inclusive development of National Highways? 1. The platform has been launched by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). 2. The platform will promote sharing of best practices from around the world. Select the correct answer using the following codes.
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: A Knowledge Sharing Platform has been launched by NHAI for the inclusive development of National Highways.

6.
Consider the following statements about the Ocean Ring of Yoga. 1. It has been planned by the Ministry of AYUSH in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and other ministries. 2. Under the Ocean Ring of Yoga, about 4500 naval personnel have traveled over 45,000 Km as ambassadors of Yoga in both national and international glasses of water. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Ministry of AYUSH has planned the Ocean Ring of Yoga to commemorate International Day of Yoga (IDY) 23.

7.
Pakistan has signed a $4.8 billion deal with which county to build a 1200-megawatt nuclear power plant.
(A)
United States
(B)
Russia
(C)
China
(D)
Japan

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: On 20 June, China and Pakistan signed an agreement of $4.8 billion to set up a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant in Punjab province.

8.
Central Government discontinued the sale of ________and ___________ under the Open Market Sale Scheme to state governments.
(A)
Wheat and Pulse
(B)
Rice and Sugarcane
(C)
Wheat and Rice
(D)
Pulse and Rice

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Union Food Ministry discontinued the sale of rice and wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to all state governments.

9.
IndiGo signed a $50bn deal for how many aircraft with Airbus?
(A)
300
(B)
500
(C)
400
(D)
550

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The order of 500 aircraft comprises a mix of A320 Neo, A321 Neo, and A321 Xlr aircraft. The engine selection for this order will be done later.

10.
The Drug Controller General of India recently approved GEMCOVAC-OM. It is India’s first indigenous ________ vaccine for the Omicron variant.
(A)
DNA
(B)
mRNA
(C)
tRNA
(D)
rRNA

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Last year, the company received approval for GEMCOVAC-19, the country’s first m-RNA vaccine against COVID-19.

11.
EX KHAAN QUEST 2023, often seen in the news, is associated with which of the following?
(A)
Bilateral army exercise between India and Qatar
(B)
Multinational military exercise between Africa and India
(C)
Free scholarship Talent Quest conducted by NITI Aayog
(D)
Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: India army contingent represented by GARHWAL RIFLES have participated in the EX KHAAN QUEST 2023 which was recently conducted in MONGOLIA. Ex Khaan Quest 2023 is Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise.

12.
Consider the following statements with respect to Phonons 1. Phonon is a unit of vibrational energy that arises from oscillating atoms within a crystal. 2. Phonons and electrons are the two main types of elementary particles in solids. 3. Phonons are essential particles in the phenomenon of superconductivity. How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Recent study have found that phonons can be used to build quantum computers Phonon is a unit of vibrational energy that arises from oscillating atoms within a crystal.

13.
Consider the following statements with respect to the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) 1. NIXI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology. 2. NIXI aims to route domestic Internet traffic within the country. 3. IN, India’s Country Code Top Level Domain is operated and managed by NIXI. How many of the statements given above are correct
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Recently National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day, reaffirming its unwavering dedication towards building India’s internet infrastructure.

14.
Consider the following statements with respect to President’s Rule 1. A law made by the President or any other specified authority during President’s Rule becomes void after the President’s Rule. 2. President’s rule can be extended for a maximum period of two years with the approval of the Parliament, every six months. 3. To approve President's Rule or its continuation, a resolution can be passed in either House of Parliament with an effective majority. How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The union government has reaffirmed that the president’s rule is the last resort to continuing Manipur violence Article 355 imposes a duty on the Centre to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The President’s Rule can be proclaimed under Article 356 on two grounds one mentioned in Article 356 itself and another in Article 365.

15.
Consider the following statements with respect to Hawkish Pause and Dovish Pause in economy 1. A hawkish pause is a situation in which a central bank decides to raise interest rates but is still committed to fighting inflation. 2. A dovish pause is a situation in which a central bank decides to stop raising interest rates because they are worried about slowing economic growth. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: A hawkish pause is a situation in which a central bank decides to temporarily stop raising interest rates but makes it clear that they are still committed to fighting inflation and may resume raising rates in the future. A dovish pause is a situation in which a central bank decides to stop raising rates because they are worried about slowing economic growth.

16.
Consider the following statements 1. International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on 21st June 2015. 2. Yoga is included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient Indi Statement 2 is correct: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally inscribed Yoga in 2016 in its representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

17.
Consider the following statements about the recently approved vaccine GEMCOVAC-OM 1. It is a mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2 2. It has received emergency use authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Recently, Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals got approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine, GEMCOVAC-OM, against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2. As “A booster dose against SARS-CoV2 is still required in the country. Original vaccines have shown limited efficacy against the Omicron lineage. An updated vaccine is required and yes, we anticipate enough demand in the market for the precautionary dose,” Statement 2 is correct: It has received emergency use Authorisation, as GEMCOVAC-OM has demonstrated robust immune responses in phase 3 clinical trials conducted at 20 centers across 13 cities in India. In Phase-II/ III trials, approximately 3,000 individuals received GEMCOVAC-OM and the vaccine was safe and well tolerated.

18.
Consider the following statements about the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) 1. It is under the Department of Health Research of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 2. It derives its power from the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 3. It is responsible for the approval of licenses for vaccines and their emergency use. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A)
1 & 2 only
(B)
2 & 3 only
(C)
1 & 3 only
(D)
1, 2 & 3

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Statement 1 and statement 2 are correct: Statement 2 is correct Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is a central drug authority for discharging functions as assigned by the Central Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Statement 1 is correct: It functions under the Directorate General of Health Services; the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is the National Regulatory Authority of India.

19.
Consider the following statement, with respect to heat wave 1. Heatwave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40° C or more for Plains and at least 30° C or more for Hilly regions. 2. A Severe Heat Wave situation is declared when the actual maximum temperature is more than 47° C at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days. 3. Heatwave for the coastal area is declared when the maximum temperature departure is 4.5° C or more from normal Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
2 and 3 only
(B)
3 only
(C)
1 & 2 only
(D)
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: What is a heat wave? Qualitatively, a heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal.

20.
A mitigation work program was launched by which Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(A)
COP-26, Glasgow
(B)
COP-27, Sharm el-Sheikh
(C)
COP-25, Madrid
(D)
COP-21, Paris

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) was launched at COP26 at the Glasgow summit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It aims to scale up mitigation ambition and implementation in this critical decade in a manner that complements the global stocktake.

21.
Luhansk, Kherson, and Donetsk regions are in the news due to this reason
(A)
Discovery of new crude oil wells.
(B)
Discovery of Uranium block
(C)
Ukraine-Russia war
(D)
Expansion of desertification

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions are in the news due to due to Ukraine-Russia war.

22.
Which state topped the Best State category at the National Water Awards 2022?
(A)
Gujarat
(B)
Maharashtra
(C)
Madhya Pradesh
(D)
Rajasthan

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh was awarded the first prize in the Best State category at the National Water Awards, recognizing its exceptional efforts in water conservation.

23.
What is the primary objective of the expert committee formed to reform the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, of 1996?
(A)
Reducing court intervention
(B)
Expediting finality of awards
(C)
Developing a competitive environment in arbitration services
(D)
All of the above

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The primary objective of the expert committee is to reduce court intervention, expedite the finality of awards, and develop a competitive environment in arbitration services.

24.
Which district received the Best District award at the National Water Awards 2022?
(A)
Bhadradri Kothagudem District (Telangana)
(B)
Ganjam District (Odisha)
(C)
Amritsar District (Punjab)
(D)
Bhopal District (Madhya Pradesh)

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Ganjam District was honored with the Best District award at the National Water Awards for its remarkable initiatives and effective implementation of water conservation projects.

25.
Who is the World Bank’s Country Director for India?
(A)
David Malpass
(B)
Kristalina Georgieva
(C)
Jim Yong Kim
(D)
Auguste Tano Kouame

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Auguste Tano Kouame is the World Bank’s Country Director for India and has emphasized the importance of the Resilient Kerala Program in increasing the state’s resilience to climate change.