Daily Current Affairs - 30th June 2023

1.
Which university has been ranked 1st in India and 149th in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings?
(A)
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
(B)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
(C)
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
(D)
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: IIT Bombay has been ranked 149th in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

2.
Two-day-long Hemis Monastery Festival is being celebrated at which place?
(A)
Jammu and Kashmir
(B)
Himachal Pradesh
(C)
Ladakh
(D)
Uttarakhand

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Two day-long Hemis Monastery Festival is being celebrated in Ladakh.

3.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Energy Transition Index 2023? 1. India has been ranked 78th on Energy Transition Index. 2. Sweden is at the top of the Energy Transition Index 2023. Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: India has been ranked at 67th place on Energy Transition Index.

4.
Which state has launched 'Operation Conviction' for cow slaughter and child abuse cases?
(A)
Uttar Pradesh
(B)
Bihar
(C)
Madhya Pradesh
(D)
Rajasthan

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh Police Department has launched 'Operation Conviction'.

5.
Union Cabinet has recently approved highest ever fair and remunerative price of ________ for sugarcane farmers for the season 2023-24.
(A)
315 rupees per quintal
(B)
355 rupees per quintal
(C)
385 rupees per quintal
(D)
415 rupees per quintal

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: A fair and remunerative price of 315 rupees per quintal has been approved by Union Cabinet for sugarcane farmers for the season 2023-24.

6.
Which state government has signed an MoU with American chipmaker firm Micron Technology for establishing a semiconductor assembly and test facility at Sanand?
(A)
Maharashtra government
(B)
Gujarat government
(C)
Karnataka government
(D)
Tamil Nadu government

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Gujarat government has signed an MoU with Micron Technology.

7.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)? 1. CDRI was launched in September 2020 in New York. 2. CDRI is part of France's attempts to obtain a global leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters. Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Union Cabinet approved Ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

8.
Who has become the new MD and CEO of Hindustan Unilever?
(A)
Rohit Jawa
(B)
Amit Kumar Singh
(C)
Hari Menon
(D)
Vipul Parekh

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Rohit Jawa took charge as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL).

9.
Which country hosted the 64th Global Environment Facility (GEF) council meeting?
(A)
Brazil
(B)
India
(C)
China
(D)
France

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: 64th Global Environment Facility (GEF) council meeting was held in Brazil.

10.
National Statistics Day is celebrated every year on the birthday of _______________.
(A)
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
(B)
Kalyanapuram Rangachari Parthasarathy
(C)
Satyendra Nath Bose
(D)
Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: National Statistics Day is celebrated every year on the birthday of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.

11.
With reference to Uniform Civil Code, consider the following statements 1. The Uniform Civil Code is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. 2. These principles are not legally enforceable. 3. The only state in India that has a UCC is Goa. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Uniform Civil Code is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles are not legally enforceable but are meant to guide the state in making policies. It has been supported by some as a way to promote national integration and gender justice, but opposed by others as a threat to religious freedom and diversity. The only state in India that has a UCC is Goa, which retained its common family law known as the Goa Civil Code after it was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. The rest of India follows different personal laws based on their religious or community identity.

12.
With reference to the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education (GMER), as recently notified by National Medical Committee consider the following statements 1. It has advocated for the reduction of the overall time period for students to complete the MBBS course to five years. 2. It calls for a family adoption program through village outreach, for each MBBS student, and a ‘pandemic module’. 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: (B)
Explanation: The regulations have introduced a longitudinal program based on attitude, ethics, and communication competencies for young medical students. It lays stress on ethical values, being responsive to patient needs, and improved communication, early clinical experience. It had specified that lectures would not exceed a third of the schedule. The bulk of the course would include interactive sessions, practical, clinical experience, and case studies.

13.
With reference to Equalization levy, consider the following statements 1. It was first introduced by the Finance Act, of 2016, at the rate of 6 percent on payments for digital advertising services received by non-resident companies. 2. Companies with a turnover of over Rs. 2 crore, will pay this levy on the consideration received for online sales of goods and services. 3. It is an indirect tax. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Equalisation Levy was first introduced by the Finance Act, 2016, at the rate of 6 per cent on payments for digital advertising services received by non-resident companies without a permanent establishment (PE) in India, if these exceeded Rs 1 lakh a year.

14.
With reference to Sedition law in India, consider the following statements 1. The law was originally drafted in 1837 by Thomas Macaulay but was inexplicably omitted when the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was enacted in 1860. 2. Section 124A was inserted in 1870 by an amendment introduced by Sir James Stephen. 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: Sedition laws were enacted in 17th century England when lawmakers believed that only good opinions of the government should survive, as bad opinions were detrimental to the government and monarchy. The law was originally drafted in 1837 by Thomas Macaulay, the British historian-politician, but was inexplicably omitted when the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was enacted in 1860.

15.
Consider the following statements. 1. A barrier to trade is a government-imposed restraint on the flow of international goods or services. 2. Capping foreign direct investment in sensitive sectors is a major example of a trade barrier. 3. Unreasonable tax on imports is a trade barrier. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
1 & 2 only
(C)
1 & 3 only
(D)
1, 2 & 3

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: A barrier to trade is a government-imposed restraint on the flow of international goods or services. The most common barrier to trade is a tariff—a tax on imports. Tariffs raise the price of imported goods relative to domestic goods (goods produced at home). An import quota is a type of protectionist trade restriction that sets a physical limit on the quantity of a good that can be imported into a country in a given period of time. FDI is related to the capital sector and the overall investment policy of the nation. FDI is not considered a trade component.

16.
Consider the following statements, with respect to recently introduced National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 1. It aims to set up the National Research Foundation (NRF), an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy. 2. Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of the National Research Foundation. 3. Functions of the National Research Foundation will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
1 & 3 only
(C)
2 & 3 only
(D)
1, 2 & 3

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in Parliament. The approved Bill will pave the way to establish NRF that will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D)

17.
Financial stability report is published by which organization/Ministry
(A)
Reserve Bank of India
(B)
NITI Ayog
(C)
Ministry of Finance
(D)
Indian Banks' Association

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Financial stability report is published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ) twice a year.

18.
Recently announced ‘PM-PRANAM’ scheme in Budget 2023-24 is related to
(A)
To promote tourism in the religious circuit
(B)
Restoration of archeological sites
(C)
Promoting alternative fertilizer and balanced use of chemical fertilizer
(D)
Providing benefit to farmers on agricultural loan.

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Recently, Centre cleared the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme for three years, up to 2024-25, with an outlay of Rs 3.68 lakh crore, as part of a Rs 3.70 lakh crore package of “innovative schemes for farmers” focussed on their “overall well-being” and “sustainable agriculture”.

19.
Which of the following are the foundational agreement between India and USA 1. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) 2. Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) 3. Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement(COMCASA) 4. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA) Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(A)
1, 3 and 4 only
(B)
1 & 2 only
(C)
1, 3 and 4 only
(D)
1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is Japan’s logistic agreement.

20.
Consider the following statements , with respect to Chandrayaan-3 mission 1. is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface 2. It consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover 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: Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It consists of Lander and Rover configuration. It will be launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

21.
What was the theme of the 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023?
(A)
Enhancing Quality Assurance in Pharmaceuticals
(B)
Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Techniques
(C)
Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and Quality
(D)
Ensuring Access to Quality Medicines Worldwide

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and Quality. The summit focused on exploring new approaches to manufacturing and quality assurance in order to prioritize patient needs and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

22.
What is the retained GDP growth projection for India for the fiscal year 2023-2024, according to S&P Global Ratings?
(A)
6.5%
(B)
6%
(C)
7%
(D)
7.5%

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: S&P Global Ratings has retained India’s GDP growth projection at 6% for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

23.
Which Indian university secured the highest position in the Asia University Rankings 2023?
(A)
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
(B)
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
(C)
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
(D)
Mahatma Gandhi University

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) secured the highest position among Indian universities in the Asia University Rankings 2023.

24.
Which country holds the first position in terms of the number of universities featured in the Asia University Rankings 2023?
(A)
China
(B)
India
(C)
Japan
(D)
Singapore

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: apan holds the first position with the highest number of universities featured in the Asia University Rankings 2023.

25.
Which country is expected to be the fastest growing economy among the Asia Pacific nations, according to S&P Global Ratings?
(A)
India
(B)
China
(C)
Vietnam
(D)
Philippines

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: S&P Global Ratings predicts that India will be the fastest growing economy among the Asia Pacific nations.