Correct Answer :   1 only

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The Indian Army recenty said it has sealed a deal with a Bengaluru-based company to procure the indigenously-developed "tactical LAN radio".

Why in News?

* It is the second contract that the Army has firmed up under the framework of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

About Tactical LAN Radio :

* It is a state-of-the-art high-bandwidth backhaul wireless radio equipment for the provisioning of reliable and failsafe communication.
* The LAN radio solution offers an enhanced range of communication and embedded frequency hopping mechanism to preclude chances of interception.
* It provides long-range point-to-multipoint high-bandwidth communication.
* The system also incorporates enhanced safety features and can operate continuously for 48 hours on a single-set basis, without any breakdown.


What is What is iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)?

* It is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched in April 2018.
* Aim : To achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia.
* iDEX has partnered with leading incubators in the country to provide handholding, technical support and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.
* iDEX will be funded and managed by a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)’ which has been formed as a ‘not for profit company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 by the two founder members, i.e. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) - HAL & BEL.
* iDEX willfunction as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities, while DIO will provide high-level policy guidance to iDEX.
* Under iDEX, financial support is provided to Start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and Partner Incubators through DIO..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   1 only

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The Cooperation Ministry recently said that the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) can also be employed as drone entrepreneurs for spraying fertilisers and pesticides.

About Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) :

* These are village-level cooperative credit societies that serve as the last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure.

* These are headed by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state level.

* Credit from the SCBs is transferred to the district central cooperative banks, or DCCBs, that operate at the district level.

* These DCCBswork with PACS, which deals directly with farmers.

* Individual farmers are members of the PACS, and office-bearers are elected from within them. A village can have multiple PACS.

* The main function of the PACS is to provide short and medium-term purpose loans to its members.


Other functions include :

* Supplying of agricultural inputs including seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.

* Maintaining the supply of the light machinery for the agricultural purpose.

* Providing marketing facilities that could enhance the sale of their agricultural products.

* Promote savings habits among its members..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   It is a red supergiant star.

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Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star at a distance of 724 lightyears from the Earth is nearly 50 per cent brighter than usual, leading astronomers to suggest that the star may explode in a violent supernova within tens of years.

About Betelgeuse :

* Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star that forms the left shoulder of the constellation of Orion.

* It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and one of the largest stars ever discovered.

* The star is approximately 650 light-years from Earth.

* It is one of the largest known stars, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter, 764 times as large as the Sun.

* It is known for its periodic dimming and brightening up.

Source : News9live

Correct Answer :   2 only

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Punjab Government has set a target of five lakh acres to be sown under direct seeded rice (DSR) method of paddy cultivation this kharif season.

About Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method :

* DSR, also called the ‘broadcasting seed technique’, is a water-saving method of sowing paddy.

* Seeds are directly drilled into the fields in this method.

* This saves groundwater, as opposed to the traditional water-intensive method, under which rice seedlings are transplanted from a nursery to waterlogged fields.
* With DSR technique, farmers must sow paddy only after pre-sowing (rauni) irrigation and not in dry fields. Further, the field should be laser levelled.


Advantages :

* No significant reduction of yield under optimal conditions;

* Savings on irrigation water by 12-35% under efficient water management practices;

* Reduces labor and drudgery by eliminating seedling uprooting and transplanting;

* Reduces cultivation time, energy, and cost;

* No plant stress from transplanting;

* Faster maturation of crops;

* Lower GHG emissions;

* Mechanized DSR provides employment opportunities;

* Increases total income by reducing the cost of cultivation;


Current Constraints :

* Higher seed rates;

* Seeds exposed to birds and pests;

* Weed management;

* Higher risk of lodging;

* Risk of poor or non-uniform crop establishment;

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   IICA and RRU

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) here 9th June 2023.

* The MoU intends to synergise the professional capabilities of IICA and RRU towards capacity building, education, research and consulting in the domain of Internal Security, Financial Crimes, Law Enforcement, Corporate Frauds and other subject matters common to their mandate and objectives.

* The MoU also provides for exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for conducting research, training and consultancy.

* Shri Praveen Kumar, Director General and CEO of IICA in his virtual address stated, “Corporate frauds constitute one of the most serious economic offences as enormous public money is involved thereunder which abysmally impacts the economic health of the nation. IICA in collaboration with RRU look forward to safeguarding economic security of the country through training and upskilling the officers of relevant stakeholders from banks, financial institutions, investigating agencies and other professionals in the financial landscape.”

* Prof (Dr) Bimal Patel, Vice-Chancellor of RRU in his address said, “Economic and Financial Security is a crucial facet of National Security and Economic Security of a country forms the very backbone for its good governance. It becomes imperative that the stakeholders in the financial and corporate system as well as personnel from law enforcement agencies must be adequately equipped for early detection and prevention of financial crimes. This collaboration between the two institutions would be a significant step towards strengthening of the existing financial system of the nation.”

* The MoU was signed by Prof (Dr) Naveen Sirohi from IICA who also shared the purpose statement of the collaboration. Dr Dimpal T Raval, Director School of National Security and Law from RRU proposed vote of thanks along with articulating action plan.  


ABOUT IICA :

IICA is an institution established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India as an autonomous body to act as a think-tank and a centre of excellence to support the growth of the corporate sector in India through an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach. RRU is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is a pioneering national security and police University of India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   V Anantharaman

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Credit bureau TransUnion CIBIL has appointed banker V Anantharaman as non-executive chairman.

Anantharaman has worked in the banking industry for over three decades having led corporate and investment banking teams in leading international firms including Standard Chartered Bank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America.

A post-graduate diploma in business management from XLRI and a bachelor of engineering from Jadavpur University. Anantharaman was also a senior advisor to British International Investment (formerly CDC), UK’s Development Finance Institution.

He serves on the boards of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Axis Asset Management Company, IIFL Home Finance Ltd and Ecom Express Ltd. He is also an advisor to Lighthouse Funds, a consumer and healthcare-focused mid-market private equity firm.

He takes over from Mr. M V Nair who has stepped down after more than eleven years of chairmanship.


TransUnion CIBIL’s products and services include :

* Credit reports : A credit report is a document that summarizes a person’s credit history. It includes information on loans, credit cards, and other debts, as well as payment history and other details.

* Credit scores : A credit score is a number that lenders use to assess the risk of lending money to a borrower. Scores range from 300 to 900, with a higher score indicating a lower risk.

* Credit monitoring : Credit monitoring is a service that alerts borrowers to changes in their credit report, such as new accounts, inquiries, or late payments.

* Dispute resolution : TransUnion CIBIL offers a dispute resolution service that helps borrowers correct errors on their credit reports..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   US and UK

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The United States and Britain on Thursday (8th June 2023) announced a new strategic pact as their leaders rededicated the "special relationship" to counter Russia, China and economic instability.

They signed Atlantic Declaration to develop a new green economy through extensive industrial subsidies instead of pursuing a post-Brexit free-trade agreement.

What is Atlantic Declaration?

* The “Atlantic Declaration” aims to enhance industry collaboration in defense and renewable energy sectors in response to China’s growing competition.

* The declaration recognizes the challenges posed by authoritarian states, disruptive technologies, non-state actors, and transnational issues like climate change.

* Both leaders affirmed the strength of the transatlantic relationship and emphasized the need to adapt to the changing world economy driven by AI and technological advancements.


Key terms of the Atlantic Declaration :

Supply Chain Strengthening : The US and UK will strengthen their supply chains, invest in each other’s industries, and develop future technologies under the Atlantic Declaration.

Clean Energy Partnership : They agreed to launch a civil nuclear partnership, aiming to promote clean energy cooperation and reduce reliance on Russian fuel.

Technology and Critical Minerals : The countries will collaborate on the safe development of AI technology, negotiate a critical minerals agreement, and cooperate on telecoms technology and quantum technologies.

UK-US “Data Bridge” : The declaration includes a commitment in principle to a UK-US “data bridge” that facilitates the transfer of data between British and US businesses without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Critical Minerals Agreement : Negotiations on a critical minerals agreement will allow certain UK firms to access tax credits available under the US Inflation Reduction Act.

Business Collaboration : Cooperation will extend to telecoms technology, including 5G and 6G, as well as quantum technologies, fostering collaboration and innovation between the US and UK.

Correct Answer :   9th June

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World Accreditation Day is an annual global observance held on June 9th. It aims at recognizing and promoting the role of accreditation across various sectors.

Aim : This day aims to raise awareness about the value and benefits of accreditation in ensuring competence, reliability, and credibility in industries such as healthcare, laboratories, certification bodies, and conformity assessment services.

Accreditation plays a crucial role in building trust and confidence among consumers, businesses, and regulators. It is done by providing assurance that products, services, and systems meet international standards. It contributes to market access, facilitates international trade, and supports the protection of public health and safety. World Accreditation Day serves as a platform to acknowledge the efforts of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment professionals, and other stakeholders who uphold quality and integrity in their respective fields.

World Accreditation Day 2023 Theme :

* The chosen theme for this year revolves around the important concept of “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade." The central focus is to highlight how accreditation actively contributes to the achievement of several vital United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

* These goals include poverty eradication, hunger alleviation, promoting good health and well-being, fostering gender equality, and reducing inequalities. By aligning with these SDGs, accreditation plays a significant and indispensable role in fostering sustainable development and tackling critical global challenges.

World Accreditation Day History :

* World Accreditation Day came into existence in 2007 as a result of a joint effort between the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

* The initial commemoration occurred in 2008 and cantered around the theme “Accreditation: Delivering Trust in the Global Market." Throughout the years, World Accreditation Day has continuously delved into various aspects of accreditation, shedding light on its importance in domains like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the improvement of food quality.


World Accreditation Day 2023 Significance :

* World Accreditation Day holds immense significance as a global platform to raise awareness regarding the pivotal significance of accreditation across diverse sectors. Accreditation plays a crucial role in instilling trust and confidence among consumers, businesses, and regulators by ensuring that products, services, and systems adhere to internationally recognized standards. It facilitates market access, fosters international trade, and safeguards public health and safety.

* Furthermore, this day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and value the contributions made by accreditation bodies, professionals in conformity assessment, and other stakeholders who tirelessly uphold quality and integrity within their respective domains. Through a range of events, workshops, and campaigns organized on this occasion, the significance of accreditation is effectively conveyed to a broader audience.

Correct Answer :   Ritu Kalra

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Ritu Kalra, an Indian-American investment banking and financial management expert, has been named Vice President (VP) for finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Harvard University.

* She currently serves as assistant vice president of finance and treasury and special projects adviser in the university.

* The university in The Harvard Gazette said Kalra will oversee all aspects of financial management, including long-range planning, annual budgeting, endowment fund spending policy, treasury, and financial accounting and reporting.

* Her portfolio will also include research administration, strategic procurement, capital planning, and risk management.

* Overall, she will lead multiple financial departments with a full-time workforce of more than 200 people, the university release said.

* Before joining the University, Kalra spent 18 years at Goldman Sachs, where she held several progressive roles culminating in managing director and served as head of public sector and infrastructure finance for the western region, and as head of higher education finance nationally.

* In her infrastructure financing practice, she provided strategic advisory services to public and private sector entities throughout the US, including designing innovative financing strategies to manage climate-related risks, the university release said.

* Her new role begins in July and she will report to executive vice president Weenick, with a dotted line to president Claudine Gay..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Amazon Kisan

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Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi signed a MoU with Amazon Kisan to combine strengths and create synergy between the two organizations for guiding the farmers on scientific cultivation of different crops for optimum yield and income.

* ICAR will provide technological backstopping to the farmers through Amazon’s network. It will improve farmers’ livelihood and boost crop yield. This MoU in farmer’s partnership with Amazon Kisan program will help ensuring access to high quality fresh produce for consumers across India, including through Amazon Fresh.

* Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE & Director General ICAR, on this occasion, emphasized upon secondary agriculture for better remuneration for the farmers. He further highlighted the importance and role of critical inputs in agriculture and season-based crop plans. He mentioned that ICAR will collaborate with Amazon for technologies, capacity building and transfer of new knowledge.

* On the behalf of ICAR, Dr US Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) and Mr. Sidhrtha Tata, Senior Product Leader from Amazon Fresh Supply Chain & Kisan signed the MoU.

* The outcomes from a pilot project at Pune between ICAR-KVK and Amazon has motivated to further expand the collaboration to extend the precise agriculture practices developed through extensive research. Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s will strengthen a wider group of farmers by leveraging technological base through transfer of technology and capacity building programmes.

* ICAR and Amazon will work together on other farmer engagement programs at Krishi Vigyan Kendras, conducting demonstrations, trials, and capacity building initiatives to enhance farming practices and farm profitability. Furthermore, Amazon will provide training support and assist farmers in marketing their produce through its online platform, facilitating direct connections with consumers..

Source : PIB