Correct Answer : Option (C) - Himachal Pradesh

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The Himachal Pradesh government will collaborate with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to set up a state-of-the-art milk processing plant at Dagwar in Kangra district, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday (19th June 2023).

* While presiding over a meeting at Oakover in Shimla on Monday (19th June 2023), Sukhu said the plant would come up at a cost of about Rs 250 crore and dairy development board’s assistance would be taken for its operation and marketing.

* The chief minister said the Dagwar plant’s capacity would range from 1 lakh to 3 lakh litres, in which high-quality milk products would also be prepared.

* He said the Congress had in its “Pratigya Patra” promised to buy cow’s milk at Rs 80 per litre and buffalo’s at Rs 100 per litre from the farmers.

* “The state government is swiftly moving towards fulfilling this promise as it’s committed to promoting the dairy based industry in Himachal,” he added..

Source : TOI

Correct Answer : Option (A) - USA

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Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) on Thursday (22nd June 2023) said it has signed an agreement with California-based Kapoor Enterprises Inc for export of nano liquid urea to the US.

* The agreement comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a state visit to the US.

* “IFFCO now started exporting world’s 1st Nano Urea invented & manufactured indigenously in India by IFFCO to USA. An agreement in regard of exporting IFFCO Nano Urea to USA is signed between IFFCO & Kapoor Enterprises Inc, California," the cooperative said in a statement.

* As of now, IFFCO exports more than 5 lakh bottles of nano liquid urea to more than 25 countries.

* In June 2021, IFFCO launched the world’s first nano urea fertiliser, while nano DAP in April this year (2023).

* A report by E&Y said that “Green House Gas (GHG) saving from the usage of 5 bottles of Nano Urea is equivalent to 1 tree planted."

* A 500 ml bottle of IFFCO nano urea liquid will replace at least one bag of conventional Urea. The bottle can significantly bring down the cost of logistics and warehousing.

* IFFCO have already sold more than 5.7 Crore bottles of the nano urea liquid in India since its commercial rollout. Both Nano Urea and Nano DAP are the game changing innovations of the agriculture industry leading to sustainable agriculture.

Source : Mint

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Rajnath Singh

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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala on June 21, 2023.

The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously-built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy.

These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and Naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilised for training of personnel from friendly countries.

Amongst the many simulators envisaged in the complex, the Raksha Mantri visited Multi-Station Handling Simulator (MSSHS), Air Direction and Helicopter Control Simulator (ADHCS) and Astronavigation Dome.

The Ship Handling Simulators produced by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi have been exported to 18 countries. The Astronavigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first-of-its-kind in the Indian Navy.

The ADHCS - developed by Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis, a DRDO laboratory - would be able to provide real-time operational environment scenario to trainees.

These technologically advanced simulators are indicative of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and promise great defence export potential for the nation. Some of the other indigenously developed simulators in the Complex include Combat Management System and Maritime Domain Awareness Lab.

During the inauguration, Shri Rajnath Singh also interacted with senior representatives from the firms involved in the development of these simulators..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Vienna

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Austria's Vienna has come up top again as the best city to live in globally, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The Global Liveability Index 2023 attributed Vienna’s success to its “winning combination” of stability, good culture and entertainment, reliable infrastructure, exemplary education and health services.

“It has occupied this position regularly over the past several years, with only the Covid-19 pandemic causing the city to vacate its place at the top spot,” the report added.

Copenhagen also retains its position as the second most livable city in the world, while Australian cities Sydney and Melbourne broke into the top five.

The annual report rated 172 cities across these categories that define livability : stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

The index rose last year to reach a 15-year high as the world recovered from the pandemic, said the EIU. The average index score is now 76.2 out of 100, up from 73.2 a year ago.

Top 10 cities to live in :

* Vienna (Austria)
* Copenhagen (Denmark)
* Melbourne (Australia)
* Sydney (Australia)
* Vancouver (Canada)
* Zurich (Switzerland)
* Calgary (Canada)
* Geneva (Switzerland)
* Toronto (Canada)
* Osaka (Japan), Auckland (New Zealand) — Tie.

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Narendra Singh Tomar

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Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has unveiled Thursday (22nd June 2023) a new feature (face authentification) on the PM-Kisan mobile app.

Farmers registered under the centrally-sponsored scheme PM-KISAN can now complete e-KYC by scanning their face without one-time password or fingerprint as the government on Thursday (22nd June 2023) launched a "face authentification" feature on the mobile application.

* "Through PM-Kisan mobile App, remote farmers can do e-KYC by scanning their face without OTP or fingerprint," it said.

* Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), eligible farmers are provided with a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each every four months.

* The scheme was launched in February 2019 but is being implemented with effect from December 2018. The 13th installment of PM-KISAN was paid to more than 8.1 crore farmers.

* The new mobile app is very easy to use and easily available for download on the Google Play Store. The app will also provide very important information related to the scheme and PM-KISAN accounts to the farmers..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Indian Railways

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Indian Railways (IR) is proactively working towards the achievement of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030. IR has strategized multipronged approach.

As part of its commitment to reduce carbon footprints, Indian Railways is taking several initiatives. In line with this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Railways, Government of India and United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on 14th June, 2023 for collaboration on Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency.

The MoU was signed by Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways and Ms. Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, in the presence of Sh. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board.

USAID is an agency of the U.S. Government that supports international development and advances its Mission objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade, clean energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, global health, democracy and conflict mitigation and management, and humanitarian assistance.

Through MoU, technical assistance and support would be provided to Indian Railways. The MoU broadly includes but not limited to the following areas:-

* Long-term energy planning including clean energy for Indian Railways.
* Develop an Energy Efficiency Policy and Action Plan for IR Buildings.
* Planning for clean energy procurement to achieve Indian Railways’ net-zero vision.
* Technical support for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers.
* Bid design and bid management support for system-friendly, large-scale renewable procurement.
* Supporting Indian Railways in the promotion of e-mobility.
* Collaboratively host events, conferences, and capacity-building programs in the mentioned identified areas including field visits and study tours (domestic/international).

The collaboration of Indian Railways with USAID, India will go a long way in helping Indian Railways to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Yogi Aditynath

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath on Friday (23rd June 2023) unveiled the tickets sales for the premier two-wheel racing competition to be held at the Buddh International Circuit from September 22 to 24, 2023.



The tickets for the inaugural MotoGP Bharat to be held in Greater Noida in September range from Rs 800 to Rs 40,000.

As reported by PTI earlier this month, the lowest denomination of tickets are from Rs 800 in order to cater to the mass audience. The Main Grandstand ticket prices range between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000, depending on the tier a fan would prefer with a centre stage view. A more plush and exclusive experience can be had with a ticket in the Platinum Corporate Box which is priced at Rs 40,000.

The Indian promoters of the event, Fairstreet Sports, also honoured the UP CM, who has been instrumental in paving the way for MotoGP's smooth ride to make its maiden entry into the country, with the first ticket of the historic race event.

"MotoGP is the world's biggest, fastest, and oldest bike racing competition. It is a matter of pride and joy that for the first time India will be hosting MotoGP," Adityanath was quoted as saying in a press release. On behalf of MotoGP, the organisers also gifted the CM a helmet of the renowned Italian rider Enea Bastianini.

"The use of 30 per cent ethanol in the bike used in the competition is commendable. It is helpful in reducing the carbon footprint. Uttar Pradesh is the largest ethanol-producing state in the country. From this point of view, organising this grand event is important," Adityanath said.

MotoGP Bharat will be the biggest motorsport event to take place in India since the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix. "It's a moment of great pride and exhilaration for us at FairStreet Sports as we open the ticket sales for India's premier global motorcycling event MotoGP Bharat.

"This event will catapult India on the world map of motorcycling excellence where the world's best riders and machines compete for supremacy on the tarmac.

"The race, in more ways than one, is a corroboration of a lot of belief, collective efforts and a latent need for global sports popularity in the ‘New India' we all are so proud of," said Pushkar Nath Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer of FairStreet Sports. The tickets went live from Friday (23rd June 2023) on BookMyShow.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Hyderabad

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Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest financial services organisations, said on 21st June 2023 that it is setting up a technology centre in Hyderabad and will recruit 600 people by the end of 2023.

Lloyds’s captive will come up in the Knowledge City. The group, which has brands such as Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland under its belt, said it plans to expand its digital capabilities through the tech centre.

Lloyds’ Group Chief Operating Officer Ron van Kemenade said in a statement that the investment “reflects India's rise as a tech innovation powerhouse”, which the company would utilise to meet customers’ needs and support its long-term growth strategy.

“As we grow our presence in the area, and create additional roles, there will be a wealth of opportunities in Hyderabad, especially given its highly talented engineers and impressive technology ecosystem,” he said.

The new captive is part of the group’s strategic investment of £3 billion over the next three years to transform its digital offerings.

The hiring target of 600 is an initial number and the roles will be in technology, data, and cybersecurity, it said.

Like in the case of several other banking captives, Lloyds won’t offer banking services in the country. The captive will focus on using technology and digital data and analytics capabilities to drive innovation and end-to-end product delivery..

Source : Moneycontrol

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Hasmukh Adhia

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Former Union Finance Secretary and retired Gujarat cadre bureaucrat Hasmukh Adhia, who is principal advisor to chief minister Bhupendra Patel has been appointed as chairman of GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City, and as Chairman and Director of the Vadodara based Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL) and the Chairman and Director of the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC).

Adhia replaces Sudhir Mankad in GIFT City, and took charge on Wednesday (21st June 2023).

Adhia, a 1981 batch bureaucrat, headed the task force to chart the Gujarat roadmap in making India a five-trillion dollar economy, the report for which was submitted to the Gujarat government May last.

Adhia was principal secretary to Narendra Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.

In orders passed on Monday (19th June 2023), the Gujarat government also appointed the advisor to the CM and a former Gujarat cadre IAS officer SS Rathore as chairman of the DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) City in Surat.

For the GMDC which has acquired two major coal mines in Odisha in its first venture outside Gujarat, this appointment is a “break from tradition” as officials describe it and “a matter of great pride” , for the State PSU which has ambitious expansion plans. So far the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) would hold the position of chairman of GMDC..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Surat

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The city of Gujarat, Surat has set a Guinness World Record with over 1.53 lakh people participating in a yoga event at one place on the International Day of Yoga (IDY), organized on 21st June 2023.

* Guinness officials handed over the certificate to chief minister Bhupendra Patel at the venue.

* Two 4km-long stretches of roads, each around 300 meters wide, connecting the Y junction were covered with carpet for participants.

* The participants were divided into groups of 1,000 each and facilities for around 137 such groups were put in place..

Source : TOI