Daily Current Affairs - 28th June 2023

1.
Name the exercise, which was carried out by the Indian Air Force with a focus on integrated operations from June 16-23.
(A)
Ranvijay
(B)
Desert Knight
(C)
Vayu Shakti
(D)
Aviaindra

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Indian Air Force conducted the exercise Ranvijay where day and night operations were carried out by fighter aircraft including Su-30 with a focus on integration.

2.
Which of the following statements is correct about the NANDI? 1. NANDI portal has been developed for a resilient Animal Health Sector in India. 2. NANDI full form is NOC Approvals for New Drugs & Inoculation System. Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2 only
(D)
None of the above

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala launched NANDI. On 26th June, NANDI (NOC Approvals for New Drugs & Inoculation System) has been launched by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala.

3.
Recently, ‘1,000-year-old’ Jaina sculptures have been found near which city?
(A)
Kanpur
(B)
Gaya
(C)
Jaipur
(D)
Hyderabad

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: ‘1,000-year-old’ Jaina sculptures found near Hyderabad.

4.
Politician Hardwar Dubey passed away recently. He was a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from which of the following states?
(A)
Uttar Pradesh
(B)
Madhya Pradesh
(C)
Bihar
(D)
Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: He was a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh.

5.
What is the name of the doctor chosen for an award instituted by the Indian Medical Association to commemorate National Doctors’ Day on 1 July?
(A)
Dr. S. Prasad
(B)
Dr. K. Venugopal
(C)
Dr. P. Singh
(D)
Dr. J. Nambiar

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Dr. K. Venugopal has been chosen for an award by the Indian Medical Association.

6.
The first underwater tunnel of Assam to be constructed between ______________ and ____________.
(A)
Numaligarh, Gohpur
(B)
Jorhat, Tezpur
(C)
Tinsukia, Dibrugarh
(D)
Dhubri, Tezpur

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Assam's first underwater tunnel will be constructed between Numaligarh and Gohpur through the Brahmaputra river at Rs 6,000 crore.

7.
Which state will set up a dedicated task force to combat the drug menace?
(A)
Himachal Pradesh
(B)
Madhya Pradesh
(C)
Gujarat
(D)
Rajasthan

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Himachal Pradesh to set up a dedicated task force to combat the drug menace.

8.
Which state is on the first position in surrendering passports in the last 10 years?
(A)
Punjab
(B)
Goa
(C)
Madhya Pradesh
(D)
Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: More than 90 percent of these surrendered passports were from just eight states. These states are Goa, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

9.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with which of the following aimed at developing geospatial solutions for the Indian Agriculture Ecosystem?
(A)
Pixxel Space India
(B)
Antrix Corporation
(C)
Skyroot Aerospace
(D)
Agnikul Cosmos

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited signed an MoU on 26 June 2013.

10.
With reference to the Wagner Group, consider the following statements 1. It is a mercenary organization that was first identified in 2014, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea. 2. It’s essentially a network of contractors that supply soldiers for hire and the group got registered as a company in 2022. 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: (C)
Explanation: Wagner Group is the mercenary organization that was first identified in 2014, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea. It’s essentially a network of contractors that supply soldiers for hire and the group got registered as a company in 2022. Headquarters: St Petersburg

11.
With reference to India-Egypt bilateral relations, consider the following statements 1. India and Egypt have a long history of contact dating back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. 2. Both countries were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. 3. China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently lower than India’s. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: India and Egypt have a long history of contact dating back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. They shared relations during the rule of Ptolemy II. Mahatma Gandhi and Egyptian revolutionary Saad Zaghloul had a common goal of independence from British colonial rule. Diplomatic relations were established in 1947, and a friendship treaty was signed in 1955. India condemned the attack on Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis and tried to mediate. Both countries were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently higher than India’s.

12.
With reference to mRNA Vaccines, consider the following statements 1. They work by using mRNA, or messenger RNA, which is the molecule that essentially puts DNA instructions into action. 2. mRNA vaccines are considered safe as they are non-infectious, non-integrating in nature, and degraded by standard cellular mechanisms. 3. mRNA vaccines are fully synthetic and do not require a host for growth. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: mRNA vaccines tricks the body into producing some of the viral proteins itself. They work by using mRNA, or messenger RNA, which is the molecule that essentially puts DNA instructions into action. Inside a cell, mRNA is used as a template to build a protein. mRNA vaccines are considered safe as mRNA is non-infectious, non-integrating in nature, and degraded by standard cellular mechanisms. They are highly efficacious because of their inherent capability of being translatable into the protein structure inside the cell cytoplasm.

13.
With reference to MQ-9B drones in the news, consider the following statements 1. MQ-9B drones are High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV). 2. It has two variants — the SkyGuardian and the SeaGuardian, its maritime variant. 3. Recently it has been signed as a deal to procure by India with Israel. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s plans to procure General Atomics MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV), the joint statement issued last week after talks between the two leaders said. The MQ-9B has two variants — the SkyGuardian and the SeaGuardian, its maritime variant. The MQ-9B is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours, depending on configuration.

14.
Consider the following statements with reference to Critical Minerals Partnership. 1. It has been established to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally. 2. It has been led by the United States. 3. India has become the newest partner. How many of the above statements are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Critical Minerals Partnership: India has become the newest partner of the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) that has been established to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally. The MSP, which started in june 2022, has 12 other partner countries, plus the European Union. India’s Epsilon Carbon Limited will invest $650 million in a greenfield electric vehicle battery component factory, which will be the largest ever Indian investment in the US electric vehicle battery industry.

15.
What is the significance of the Medha Rail Coach Factory in Hyderabad?
(A)
It is the largest private coach factory in India.
(B)
It is a joint venture with Stadler Rail.
(C)
It has attracted a massive investment of Rs 1,000 crore.
(D)
It was established in defiance of the Centre’s promise.

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Medha Rail Coach Factory in Hyderabad holds significance as it is the largest private coach factory in India.

16.
Which organization approved and implemented World Hydrography Day as an annual celebration?
(A)
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
(B)
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
(C)
International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB)
(D)
National Hydrographic Office (NHO)

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) approved and implemented World Hydrography Day as an annual celebration.

17.
How will the Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System benefit the endurance of conventional submarines?
(A)
By significantly improving their operational range
(B)
By reducing their maintenance requirements
(C)
By enhancing their stealth capabilities
(D)
By increasing their top speed

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System will significantly improve the endurance of conventional submarines by extending their operational range.

18.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed annually on June 24. What is the theme for the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023 Inaugural Forum?
(A)
Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development
(B)
Women in Diplomacy: Empowering Change
(C)
Women in Diplomacy: Shaping the Future
(D)
Women in Diplomacy: Leading the Way

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The theme for the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023 Inaugural Forum is “Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.”

19.
World Olympic Day is observed globally on June 23. The theme of Olympic Day 2023 is ‘Let’s Move,’ which aims to inspire people around the world to make time for daily physical activity. Where is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee located?
(A)
Paris, France
(B)
Lausanne, Switzerland
(C)
Athens, Greece
(D)
London, United Kingdom

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is located in Lausanne, Switzerland.

20.
What is the name of the collaborative platform launched between India and the United States in the defense sector?
(A)
INDUS X
(B)
INDIA-US DEFENSE
(C)
DEFENSE X
(D)
INDIA-USA ALLIANCE

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The collaborative platform launched between India and the United States in the defense sector is called INDUS X.

21.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was founded in 2003 under the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002. Which ministry does the CCI come under?
(A)
Ministry of Finance
(B)
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(C)
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(D)
Ministry of Home Affairs

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India.

22.
Indian Railways has recently (on June ‘23) announced a plan to introduce India’s first hydrogen train, expected to start operating from _________ (district) by March 2024.
(A)
Jind (Haryana)
(B)
Amravati (Maharashtra)
(C)
Jamnagar (Gujarat)
(D)
Balangir (Odisha)

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Indian Railways is set to introduce its first hydrogen train, expected to start operating from Jind district in Haryana by March 2024. The first prototype of the hydrogen train is scheduled to run between the Jind-Sonipat (Haryana) Section of Northern Railway in the fiscal year 2023-2024.

23.
Name the country that has recently (in June ‘23) signed Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with India for authorized economic operators (AEOs).
(A)
Australia
(B)
United Kingdom
(C)
United Arab Emirates
(D)
United States of America

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: On 26th June 2023, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for authorised economic operators (AEOs) of both countries on sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of World Customs Organization(WCO) Customs Co-operation Council meeting, in Brussels, Belgium.

24.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023) released by Startup Genome in June 2023, Bengaluru, Karnataka startup ecosystem positioned in the _______rank globally, while _____________ remained at the top ecosystem in the GSER 2023.
(A)
20th; Silicon Valley (United States)
(B)
18th; Tel Aviv (Israel)
(C)
20th; London (United Kingdom)
(D)
16th; Silicon Valley (United States)

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023) released by policy advisory and research firm Startup Genome, Indian ecosystems continue to rise, with Bengaluru (Karnataka) startup ecosystem positioned to the 20th spot, moving two places from 2022.

25.
India has been ranked _____ in the 2023 global competitiveness index.
(A)
40th
(B)
41st
(C)
42nd
(D)
43rd

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: India has been ranked 40th in the 2023 global competitiveness index.