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53rd GST Council meeting held on June 22, 2024, in New Delhi

The 53rd meeting of the GST Council, presided over by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on June 22 2024. The next GST Council meeting tentatively scheduled for mid to late August.

Decision’s of 53rd GST Council meeting,:

  • Aadhaar-based authentication: The council decided to implement a phased rollout of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for registration throughout India. This aims to curb fake invoicing and improve compliance.
  • Tax rate changes:
    • Milk cans: A uniform 12% GST rate was set for milk cans.
    • Platform tickets: Platform tickets for railway travel will now be exempt from GST.
    • Cartons: The GST rate on cartons was reduced from 18% to 12% to provide relief to apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Relief for students: Hostel accommodation services with a monthly rent exceeding ₹20,000 will be subject to GST. However, hostels charging up to ₹20,000 per month will be exempt, providing relief for students.

GST Council in India:

Function:

  • Established under the Constitution to oversee the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Acts as a joint forum between the Central Government (Union Finance Minister) and all Indian states and union territories (represented by their Finance Ministers).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Decides on GST tax rates (currently 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%).
  • Determines exemptions for certain goods and services.
  • Sets deadlines for filing GST returns and compliance procedures.
  • Recommends changes to GST laws and regulations.
  • Addresses revenue sharing between central and state governments.

Q: Who chairs the meetings of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council?

a) The President of India
b) The Prime Minister of India
c) The Union Finance Minister
d) The Governor of the RBI

Ans : c) The Union Finance Minister
The 53rd meeting of the GST Council, presided over by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on June 22 2024.

Q. How many tax rate slabs are currently recommended by the GST Council (as of June 2024)?

a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five

Ans : c) Four
GST tax rates (currently 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%).

ISRO successfully conducted the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ on June 23, 2024 at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

The experiment, named RLV LEX-03, demonstrated autonomous landing capability.

The Chinook helicopter released Pushpak from an altitude of 4.5 kilometers. Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers and accomplished a precise horizontal landing at the runway center line, approaching with a speed of 320 kmph.

The experiment reaffirmed ISRO’s expertise in acquiring critical technologies for the development of a reusable launch vehicle, which will help reduce launch costs and advance space exploration.

Pushpak employed multi-sensory fusion including an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC navigation system.

Q: Where was the third and final landing experiment of ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ successfully conducted?

A) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
B) Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka
C) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Kerala
D) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Ans : B) Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka

NEET (UG) Examination 2024; Director NTA removed, CBI to enquire into the alleged irregularities

Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on June 23, 2024, amid controversy over the NEET examination. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and MD of India Trade Promotion Organisation, has been given additional charge of NTA’s Director General.

Investigation into NEET Irregularities: The Ministry of Education has handed over the investigation of alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination 2024 to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Legislation: The Central Government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair practices in public examinations.

High-Level Committee Formation: A High-Level Committee of Experts chaired by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan and includes six other prominent members has been formed to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations by the NTA.

Q: Who was removed from the position of Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in June, 2024 after irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination 2024?

A) Pradeep Singh Kharola
B) Subodh Kumar Singh
C) Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
D) Dr. Randeep Guleria

Ans : B) Subodh Kumar Singh
Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on June 23, 2024, amid controversy over the NEET examination. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and MD of India Trade Promotion Organisation, has been given additional charge of NTA’s Director General.

Q: What act has the Central Government enacted to prevent unfair means in public examinations?

A) Public Examination (Prevention of Cheating) Act, 2024
B) Public Examination (Prevention of Malpractices) Act, 2024
C) Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
D) Public Examination (Integrity and Fairness) Act, 2024

Ans : C) Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
The Central Government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair practices in public examinations.

Q: Who is the chairperson of the High-Level Committee of Experts constituted to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations by the NTA. ?

A) Dr. Randeep Guleria
B) Prof. B. J. Rao
C) Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
D) Prof. Aditya Mittal

Ans : C) Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
A High-Level Committee of Experts chaired by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan and includes six other prominent members has been formed to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations by the NTA.

National Testing Agency (NTA) postponed the Joint CSIR-UGC-NET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) postponed the June edition of the Joint CSIR-UGC-NET on June 21, 2024, amid controversies regarding irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams.

  1. Purpose of CSIR-UGC-NET: The Joint CSIR-UGC-NET determines eligibility for junior research fellowships and admissions to PhD programs in science courses.
  2. New Law to Address Exam Malpractices: The Central Government notified a stringent law to combat malpractices and irregularities in competitive exams. The new law includes severe penalties for offenders, with a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to ₹1 crore.

Q: What is the purpose of the Joint CSIR-UGC-NET exam?

A) To determine eligibility for undergraduate admissions
B) To determine eligibility for junior research fellowships and PhD admissions in science courses
C) To assess eligibility for government jobs
D) To qualify for medical school admissions

Ans : B) To determine eligibility for junior research fellowships and PhD admissions in science courses
National Testing Agency (NTA) postponed the June 2024 exam of the Joint CSIR-UGC-NET on June 21, 2024, amid controversies regarding irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams.

“The Golden Thread,” won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF)

The closing ceremony of 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) took place in Mumbai, on 21 June 2024.

  1. Best Documentary Award: “The Golden Thread,” an Indian documentary, won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category. Actress Poonam Dhillon presented the award to director Nishita Jain during the closing ceremony.
  2. Special Category Award: In the ‘India in Amrit Kaal’ special category, Edmond Ranson received the Best Short Film award for “Life In Loom.”
  3. Best Debut Director: Sreemoyi Singh won the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director for her film “And, Towards Happy Alleys.”
  4. National Competition Winners:
  • “6-A Akash Ganga” won the Silver Conch Award for Best Documentary.
  • “Salt” won the Silver Conch for Best Short Fiction.
  • “Nirjara” from NID Ahmedabad won the Silver Conch for Best Animation.
  1. International Competition Winners:
  • “Zima” from Poland won the Silver Conch for Best Animation.
  • “Sour Milk” from Estonia won the Silver Conch for Best Short Fiction.

Q: Which Indian documentary won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival?

A) Life In Loom
B) And, Towards Happy Alleys
C) The Golden Thread
D) 6-A Akash Ganga

Ans : C) The Golden Thread
“The Golden Thread,” an Indian documentary, directed by director Nishita Jain won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category during closing ceremony of 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) took place in Mumbai, on 21 June 2024.

New Recruitment Policy in Uttar Pradesh to Ensure Fair Competitive Exams

The Uttar Pradesh government is planning new policies to ensure fair recruitment exams due to alleged irregularities in competitive exams.

Key points of the new policies include:

  1. Appointment of Agencies: Four agencies will conduct the recruitment examinations.
  2. Exam Location Restrictions: Candidates must take exams outside their home board area, with exceptions for disabled individuals and women.
  3. Phased Exams for Large Numbers: Exams with more than four lakh candidates will be conducted in two phases.
  4. OMR Sheet Scanning: Scanning of OMR sheets will be done by the Commission and the Board to prevent result rigging.
  5. Examination Centers: Two categories of examination centers will be established:
  • Category 1: Government Inter Colleges, Medical Colleges, and Engineering Colleges.
  • Category 2: Aided schools.
    Centers will not be set up in schools and colleges without financial support.
  1. Police Exam Controversy: The UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board canceled the constable recruitment exam due to a leaked question paper, affecting over 48 lakh candidates. Following this, the chairperson of the Board, Renuka Mishra, was sacked and replaced by Rajeev Krishna.
  2. Investigation of Irregularities: An order has been issued to investigate alleged irregularities in the Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) exams.

These measures are aimed at restoring the integrity of the recruitment process in the state.

Q: What is the primary reason for the Uttar Pradesh government implementing new policies for recruitment exams in June 2024?

A) To increase the number of candidates
B) To ensure exams are conducted in a free and fair manner
C) To reduce the duration of exams
D) To lower the exam fees

Ans : B) To ensure exams are conducted in a free and fair manner
The Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment exam was cancelled due to a leaked question paper, affecting over 48 lakh candidates.

10th International Day of Yoga celebrated on 21 June 2024

The 10th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across India on 21 June 2024. The main function led by PM Modi was held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

The theme for this year is “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizing yoga’s role in individual well-being and societal harmony.

Indian Army personnel performed yoga in icy heights on the northern frontier and in Eastern Ladakh.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel performed yoga at Muguthang Sub Sector in Sikkim at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet.

Border Security Force (BSF) personnel performed yoga at zero line at the Joint Check post at Attari, Amritsar.

Q: Where was the main function for the 10th International Day of Yoga held in 2024?

A) New Delhi
B) Leh
C) Srinagar
D) Lucknow

Ans : C) Srinagar
The main function led by PM Modi was held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Chenab Rail Bridge : World’s highest railway bridge

Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run on 20 June 2024 across the newly constructed Chenab Rail Bridge.

Chenab Rail Bridge Height: The bridge stands at 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, making it the world’s highest railway bridge.

Bridge Length and Significance: The Chenab Rail Bridge is 1,315 meters long and is a vital part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with India’s national railway network. Officials expect the entire USBRL project to be completed by the end of this year.

Q: How high is the Chenab Rail Bridge above the Chenab River?

A) 250 meters
B) 300 meters
C) 359 meters
D) 400 meters

Ans : C) 359 meters
Chenab Rail Bridge stands at 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, making it the world’s highest railway bridge.

North Korea and Russia sign pact to provide all available military help if other is attacked

North Korea and Russia agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression, under a newly signed pact during Putin’s visit to North Korea on 20 June 2024.

The agreement signifies a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Russia and North Korea. The pact specifies that if either country faces armed invasion, the other will provide military and other assistance per Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and their national laws.

UN Charter Article 51: This article provides the right for collective self-defense actions by member countries.

Historical Context: This agreement revives a mutual defense agreement under a 1961 treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union, which was annulled in 1990.

Q: What did North Korea and Russia agree to provide under their newly signed pact during Putin visit to North Korea on 20 June 2024?

A) Economic assistance
B) Military assistance
C) Diplomatic support
D) Humanitarian aid

Ans : B) Military assistance
North Korea and Russia agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression.

Q: Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, provides for the right of:

A) Economic sanctions
B) Collective self-defense actions
C) Environmental protection
D) Humanitarian intervention

Ans : B) Collective self-defense actions
North Korea and Russia signed “comprehensive strategic partnership” under UN Charter Article 51 to provide all available military help if other is attacked

Government cancelled the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination; order CBI Enquiry

The government has cancelled the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination on 18 June 2024 in two shifts across different cities. A fresh examination will be conducted later, with information to be shared separately.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for thorough investigation.

UGC-NET, which is a Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for ‘Assistant Professor’ as well as ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ in Indian Universities.

Q.: Which agency conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination?

A) University Grants Commission (UGC)
B) Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
C) National Testing Agency (NTA)
D) UPSC

Answer: C) National Testing Agency (NTA)
The government has cancelled the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination on 18 June 2024

Q.: What is the purpose of the UGC-NET exam conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) ?

A) To determine eligibility for undergraduate admissions in Indian universities
B) To determine eligibility for ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ in Indian universities
C) To evaluate the performance of Indian university staff
D) To certify the quality of higher education institutions in India

Answer: B) To determine eligibility for ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ in Indian universities

Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 June 2024, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif crops for the Marketing Season 2024-25.

The MSP increase aims to ensure remunerative prices for growers. The highest absolute MSP increases are for nigerseed (Rs. 983 per quintal), sesamum (Rs. 632 per quintal), and tur/arhar (Rs. 550 per quintal). The Paddy (Common) has been fixed Rs. 2300 per quintal, increase of Rs 117 from the Rs 2183 in Season 2023-24.

The Full list of Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25

Ques:What is the new MSP for Paddy (Common) for the Marketing Season 2024-25?

A) Rs. 2183 per quintal
B) Rs. 2300 per quintal
C) Rs. 2203 per quintal
D) Rs. 2625 per quintal

Answer: B) Rs. 2300 per quintal
Union Cabinet on 19 June 2024, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif crops for the Marketing Season 2024-25.

Vinod Ganatra receive the ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his contribution to films

Vinod Ganatra has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ from South Africa for his contribution to films. He was honored with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival for his contributions to children’s cinema.

Ganatra has won 36 national and international awards, including the ‘Janakinath Gaur Award’ from Doordarshan for his children’s program ‘Baingan Raja.’ He is the only Indian filmmaker to receive the ‘Liv Ullmann Peace Prize’ in Chicago for his Gujarati film ‘Harun-Arun.’

Ganatra has served on the jury of over 100 national, regional, and international film festivals in the past three decades. He has edited and directed more than 400 documentaries and newsreels. He has produced 25 multilingual television programs for children and youth.

Q: Who is the first Indian to receive the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ from South Africa for his contribution to films?

a) Satyajit Ray
b) Vinod Ganatra
c) Mira Nair
d) Shyam Benegal

Ans : b) Vinod Ganatra
He was honored with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival for his contributions to children’s cinema.

International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration in Srinagar on June 21, 2024. The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Self and Society.”

Yoga nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual growth while promoting societal harmony. The enthusiastic participation of millions in recent years reflects Yoga’s profound impact on communities.

MCQs on International Day of Yoga

Q.: When do we celebrate the International Day of Yoga every year?

a) June 11
b) June 21
c) July 21
d) June 1

Ans : b) June 21
10th International Day of Yoga celebration on June 21, 2024,

Q: What is the theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga?

a) Yoga for Peace
b) Yoga for Health
c) Yoga for Self and Society
d) Yoga for the World

Ans : c) Yoga for Self and Society
PM Modi will participate in the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration in Srinagar on June 21, 2024

Neeraj Chopra won the Gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour

Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra won the Gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in Turku, Finland, on June 18, 2024.

Chopra’s best effort was 85.97 meters, topping an eight-man field. He began with a throw of 83.62 meters. Local favorite Oliver Helander temporarily took the lead with an 83.96-meter throw in the second round. Chopra reclaimed the top spot with his best throw of 85.97 meters on his third attempt.

Q: Who won the Gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour in Finland on June 18, 2024?

a) Johannes Vetter
b) Thomas Röhler
c) Magnus Kirt
d) Neeraj Chopra

Answer: d) Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra is Olympic and World Champion in the men’s javelin throw

New criminal laws will come into force on July 1, 2024

New criminal laws Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will come into force on July 1, 2024. IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act are being replaced after consultation and Law Commission of India reports. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and judicial academies are providing training.

Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections, with 177 provisions changed, nine new sections, 39 new sub-sections, and 44 new provisions and clarifications added. The police custody under general criminal laws is increased from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the offense.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 358 sections, with 20 new crimes added, increased imprisonment for 33 crimes, higher fines for 83 crimes, and mandatory minimum punishment in 23 crimes. Community service penalty introduced for six crimes, and 19 sections repealed or removed.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will have 170 provisions, with 24 provisions changed, two new provisions, six sub-provisions added, and six provisions repealed or deleted.

Q: When will the new criminal laws Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam come into force?

A) January 1, 2024
B) April 1, 2024
C) July 1, 2024
D) October 1, 2024

Ans : C) July 1, 2024

Q: What laws are being replaced by the new criminal laws on July 1, 2024?

A) Constitution of India
B) IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act
C) Consumer Protection Act
D) Right to Information Act

Ans : B) IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act

Jake Sullivan, US NSA, met with Indian NSA Ajit Doval

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on 17 June 2024. Comprehensive discussions were held on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

Sullivan and Doval attended the second annual meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). They reviewed the entire spectrum of Indo-US strategic ties. The US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) was announced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in May 2022. The initiative aims to elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of the two countries.

Q: Who is the US National Security Advisor (NSA)?

A) Antony Blinken
B) Jake Sullivan
C) Lloyd Austin
D) Kamala Harris

Ans : B) Jake Sullivan

Q: What annual meeting did Jake Sullivan attended with and Ajit Doval during India visit in June 2024 ?

A) Indo-US Defense Summit
B) Annual Trade and Economic Dialogue
C) Second annual meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET)
D) Global Climate Change Conference

Ans : C) Second annual meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET)

Q: What is the purpose of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)?

A) To promote cultural exchanges between the two countries
B) To elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation
C) To negotiate trade agreements
D) To address climate change issues

Ans : B) To elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation

Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) on 15 June 2024

The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) was inaugurated in Mumbai with a grand opening ceremony on 15 June 2024.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, and film celebrities Randeep Hooda, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sonali Kulkarni, and Divya Dutta attended the inauguration.

The FTII student short film “Sunflowers were the first ones to know,” which won the La Cinef Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, was screened at the opening ceremony.

The V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 was presented to Subbiah Nallamuthu, an award-winning wildlife filmmaker.

MIFF 2024 will screen a total of 314 films from 59 countries in 61 languages. The festival will feature 8 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 18 Asia premieres, and 21 India premieres. For the first time, a documentary Film Bazaar is being organized this year.

A record 1,018 films were submitted for the competition sections, with 102 films selected by three Selection Committees of eminent film experts for the International and National competition sections.

MIFF screenings are being held not only in Mumbai but also in Delhi (Sirifort Auditorium), Chennai (Tagore Film Centre), Pune (NFAI auditorium), and Kolkata (SRFTI Auditorium).

Q: Which cities, apart from Mumbai, are hosting MIFF screenings this year?

A) Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur
B) Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata
C) Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai
D) Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad

Ans : B) Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata
The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) was inaugurated in Mumbai on 15 June 2024.

Q: Who received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024?

A) Madhur Bhandarkar
B) Randeep Hooda
C) Subbiah Nallamuthu
D) Divya Dutta

Ans : C) Subbiah Nallamuthu
Subbiah Nallamuthu, is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker.

IAF participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024.

Exercise Red Flag is an advanced aerial combat training exercise conducted four times a year by the US Air Force. This was the second edition of Exercise Red Flag 2024.

Participating forces included the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force, German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force.

The IAF participated with Rafale aircraft and personnel, including aircrew, technicians, engineers, controllers, and subject matter experts.

Red Flag simulates realistic combat settings with multiple scenarios, featuring a demarcation of forces into Red Force (Air Defence elements) and Blue Force (Offensive Composite elements).

Q: What is the name of the advanced aerial combat training exercise conducted four times a year by the US Air Force, which saw participation from the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force, German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force in June 2024?

A) Exercise Air Show
B) Exercise Friend Force
C) Exercise Green Sea
D) Exercise Red Flag

Ans : D) Exercise Red Flag
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024.

G7 summit , from June 13th to 15th, 2024 in Apulia, Italy

The recent G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, which took place from June 13th to 15th, 2024. The leaders from the G7 member states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US) along with representatives from the European Union attended the submit. India was also invited as an Outreach Country to discuss global issues and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Italy.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change and energy security, food security, and migration were prominent topics. Leaders discussed ways to address these challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous world.

Q: In which of the following locations and during what timeframe did the G7 Summit 2024 occur?

a) Tokyo, Japan in 03th to 05th April 2024
b) Apulia, Italy from June 13th to 15th, 2024
c) Berlin, Germany in 10th to 12th May 2024
d) Ottawa, Canada in 23th to 25th December 2023

Ans : b) Apulia, Italy from June 13th to 15th, 2024

Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, began in Saudi Arabia

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, officially began in Saudi Arabia on Friday (14 June 2024). Two million Muslim pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey. After circling the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and converging on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, the pilgrims engage in a day and night of prayer. 

Nearly 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are participating in the Haj rituals. Out of the Indian pilgrims, 1,40,020 have traveled through the Haj Committee, and about 35,000 through private operators. Over 5,000 Indian women are participating in the pilgrimage without a Mehram (male guardian).

Q.: Where does the Hajj, an annual Muslim pilgrimage take place?

A) Jerusalem
B) Mecca
C) Medina
D) Cairo

Correct Answer: B

Divya Deshmukh won the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship

India’s Divya Deshmukh won the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship at the Gift City Club in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 13 June 2024.

  • Divya defeated Bulgaria’s Beloslava Krasteva in the final round.
  • She secured her maiden U-20 title by winning the 10th round in 26 moves.
  • Divya finished the championship unbeaten, with nine wins and two draws.

Q: Who won the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship in 2024?

A) Beloslava Krasteva
B) Divya Deshmukh
C) Magnus Carlsen
D) Viswanathan Anand

Ans : B) Divya Deshmukh

Pramod Kumar Mishra reappointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Pramod Kumar Mishra has been reappointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The order from the Department of Personnel and Training states that his appointment will be effective from June 10, 2024.

Dr. P. K. Mishra, a retired IAS officer, belongs to the 1972 batch has been closely associated with Prime Minister Modi for the past decade and has previously served as the additional principal secretary to the Prime Minister from 2014 to 2019.

Question: Who has been reappointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

A) Pramod Kumar Mishra
B) Amit Shah
C) Ajit Doval
D) S. Jaishankar

Answer: A) Pramod Kumar Mishra

Ajit Doval Reappointed as National Security Adviser (NSA)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will continue in his role in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment as NSA, effective from June 10, 2024. A 1968 batch IPS officer, Doval is a renowned counter-terrorism expert.

Ajit Doval first became NSA in May 2014, soon after PM Modi’s first term began, and continued in this role during the previous BJP-led NDA government.

Q: Who has been re-appointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA) in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government?

A) Rajiv Gauba
B) Amit Shah
C) Ajit Doval
D) S. Jaishankar

Answer: C) Ajit Doval

NEET-UG Exam: Scorecards 0f 1,563 Students with Grace Marks Canceled, Re-Test on June 23

The National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1,563 candidates who received grace marks in the 2024 NEET-UG exam will be cancelled.

The retest is scheduled for June 23, and results are expected before June 30 to ensure that the July counselling process is not delayed.

Following the Supreme Court’s observations on the NTA’s High Powered Committee report, the compensatory marks awarded to these candidates were withdrawn.

Multiple petitions were filed in the Supreme Court seeking the recall of NEET-UG 2024 results and a fresh examination due to alleged malpractices.

Aspirants have reported issues including question paper leakage, the awarding of compensatory marks, and anomalies in the NEET 2024 questions.

NEET-UG is the entrance examination for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in government and private institutions across India, conducted by the NTA.

Q: What is the purpose of the NEET-UG examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)?

A) For admissions into engineering courses
B) For admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses
C) For admissions into law courses
D) For admissions into management courses

Answer: B) For admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses

Around 40 Indians died, 50 Injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in Kuwait

Around 40 Indians died and over 50 were injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12, 2024.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is working with Kuwaiti authorities and the involved company to gather full details. Injured individuals are receiving medical care in five government hospitals, with most in stable condition.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed the incident with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Dr. Jaishankar was assured that the incident will be fully investigated and responsibilities will be assigned.

Q: Around 40 Indians died, and 50 were injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in which country on June 12, 2024?

A) United Arab Emirates
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Kuwait
D) Qatar

Ans : C) Kuwait

N. Chandrababu Naidu took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

N. Chandrababu Naidu took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 12 June 2024. This is Naidu’s fourth term as Chief Minister and Second term since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Previously served as Chief Minister from 1995 to 2004 and from 2014 to 2019.

Ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari. Oath administered by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. Cabinet consist of 21 MLAs from TDP, three from Janasena Party, and one from BJP.

Notable attendees: former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi, Rajnikanth, and Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Naidu led TDP-BJP-Janasena National Democratic Alliance to a landslide victory in assembly and parliamentary elections. TDP holds majority in 175-member assembly with 135 MLAs. Janasena Party has 21 MLAs, BJP has eight MLAs. Opposition YSR Congress Party has 11 legislators.

Q: Who became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 12 June 2024?

A) Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy
B) Pawan Kalyan
C) N. Chandrababu Naidu
D) K. Chandrashekar Rao

Answer: C) N. Chandrababu Naidu

Pema Khandu elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third term in a row

BJP leader Pema Khandu was re-elected as leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Arunachal Pradesh. Pema Khandu will become Chief Minister for the third term in a row. He will take the oath of office along with his cabinet on 13 June 2024. He became Chief Minister for the first time in 2016.

BJP won 46 seats in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly in the elections. A meeting of the newly-elected BJP MLAs was held in the presence of Bharatiya Janata Party’s central observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Tarun Chugh and Pema Khandu was unanimously elected as the leader of the legislative party. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is an MP from the state, was also present at the meeting.

Q: Who has been elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third time in 2024?

A) Kiren Rijiju
B) Nabam Tuki
C) Pema Khandu
D) Tapir Gao

Answer: C) Pema Khandu

Japan-India maritime exercise (JIMEX 24) commenced at Yokosuka, Japan

Japan-India maritime exercise (JIMEX 24) commenced on 11 June 2024 at Yokosuka, Japan.

  1. Participating Navies: The Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are participating.
  2. Indian Navy Representation: The Indian Navy is represented by the indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik.
  3. Japan Representation: Japan is represented by the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri.

Objectives:

  • To jointly hone warfighting skills at sea.
  • To enhance interoperability between the navies.
  • To learn from each other’s best practices.
  • To facilitate operational interactions between India and Japan.

Significance: The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of India and Japan towards maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Q: The maritime exercise (JIMEX 24) conducted in June 2024 was between the navies of which countries?

  • A) India and China
  • B) India and Japan
  • C) Japan and South Korea
  • D) India and Australia

Answer: B) India and Japan

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi appointed as the next Army Chief

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He will take charge from 30 June 2024.

The present Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj C Pande will retired on 30th June.

Born on 1st July 1964, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on 15th December 1984. He has served as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarters Northern Command) from 2022 to 2024, before getting appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

An alumnus of the Sainik School, Rewa, National Defence College and US Army War College, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has M Phil in Defence and Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science. He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Q: Who has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff?

A) General Manoj C Pande
B) Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi
C) General Bipin Rawat
D) Lieutenant General Raj Shukla

Answer: B) Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi

Mohan Majhi to be the new Chief Minister of Odisha

Mohan Charan Majhi will be the new chief minister of Odisha. He was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) legislature party at a meeting held on 11 June 2024. The 52-year-old leader, a four-time MLA, is a prominent tribal face in Odisha.

There will two Deputy CM- Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.

The BJP is forming its first government in Odisha after securing a majority in the assembly polls. The BJP won 78 of 147 seats in the Odisha assembly.

Rajnath Singh and union minister Bhupender Yadav were in the state capital as the party’s central observers for the meeting of MLAs.

Q: Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Odisha?

A) Rajnath Singh
B) Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo
C) Mohan Charan Majhi
D) Pravati Parida

Answer: C) Mohan Charan Majhi

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