Keeping up with Montly’s Current Affairs of July 2023 helps individuals stay informed about the latest news, trends, and happenings around the globe. It involves staying updated on political decisions, international relations, conflicts, natural disasters, advancements in technology, scientific breakthroughs, cultural events, and other significant occurrences.
- Which country approved ‘National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023’?
[A] USA
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Australia
Notes:
The Union Cabinet of India approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament.
The approved Bill will pave the way to establish National Research Foundation (NRF) that will promote Research and Development (R&D) and promote a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
Correct Answer: B [India]
2. Union Culture Ministry is set to implement “Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists” along with which bank?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Canara Bank
[C] Punjab National Bank
[D] HDFC Bank
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ministry of Culture and Canara Bank for disbursal of financial assistance to veteran artists under the “Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists”.
Under the scheme, a financial assistance of Rs. 6000/- per month is provided to artists and scholars above the age of 60 years who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of performing arts and culture.
Correct Answer: B [Canara Bank]
3. Which country announced USD 74 million assistance package to Ukraine?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Australia
[C] New Zealand
[D] USA
Notes:
Australia, one of the biggest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine, announced new USD 74m assistance package to Ukraine.
The money will go towards providing new military vehicles and artillery ammunition but funds are also being sent for humanitarian needs. Australia will also extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months.
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
4. Which city is the host of ‘International Conference on Green Hydrogen’?
[A] Mysuru
[B] Bengaluru
[C] New Delhi
[D] Pune
Notes:
The International Conference on Green Hydrogen is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from July 5 to 7, 2023.
The primary objective of the conference is to establish a comprehensive Green Hydrogen Ecosystem and accelerate progress towards global decarbonization goals by leveraging the potential of Green Hydrogen.
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
5. Which state/UT hosted the ‘Vitasta’ program to spread its art culture and literature?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Jharkhand
Notes:
The Vitasta program was conducted with the aim of spreading the diverse art, culture, literature, craft, and cuisine of Kashmir to every corner of the country.
This series of events, which commenced in Chennai and concluded in Srinagar, witnessed a remarkable level of interest among the youth in understanding and embracing the vibrant Kashmiri culture.
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
6. Which Union Ministry issued ‘Guidelines for Resource Adequacy Planning Framework’?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Power
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Notes:
In consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Union of Ministry has released Guidelines for the Resource Adequacy Planning Framework for India. These Guidelines have been formulated in accordance with Rule 16 of the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022.
The guidelines will ensure that sufficient electricity is made available to power the country’s growth, by putting in place a framework for advance procurement of resources by DISCOMs to meet the electricity demand in a cost-effective manner.
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Power]
7. Which Union Ministry is associated with ‘Urea Subsidy Scheme’?
[A] Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
[B] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Notes:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi approved a unique package of innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of Rs.3,70,128 crore.
The CCEA approved continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme to ensure constant availability of urea to the farmers at the same price of Rs 242/ 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neem coating charges. Rs. 1451 crore approved for Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to exemplify model of wealth from waste.
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers]
8. Which is the world’s second-largest rainforest after the Amazon?
[A] Congo
[B] Western Ghats
[C] Australiasia
[D] Sundland
Notes:
The Congo, which is the world’s second-largest rainforest after Amazon, continues to retreat according to recent report.
The forest is spread across six African countries, the largest of which is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has lost half a million hectares (mha) of forest last year, according to the report.
Correct Answer: A [Congo]
9. Which festival is also called ‘The festival of Sacrifice’ in Islam?
[A] Ramadan
[B] Muharram
[C] Bakrid
[D] Arafat
Notes:
The festival of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha or Baqraeed is being celebrated in various parts of the country. It is a significant Muslim festival that billions of people observe across the world.
During this festival, individuals of the Muslim faith come together in unity to offer Salah (prayer) simultaneously. It holds the distinction of being the second major festival among Muslims.
Correct Answer: C [Bakrid]
10. Which Union Ministry hosted the ‘Divya Kala Mela’ fair?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Notes:
Divya Kala Mela was recently organised at Jaipur, Rajasthan. During this event, 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from around 20 states/UTs will showcase their products and skills.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is organizing the unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country.
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
11. Gustav Klimt, who is renowned for ‘The Kiss’ painting, is from which country?
[A] Austria
[B] France
[C] Greece
[D] Russia
Notes:
At a London auction held by Sotheby’s, the final portrait created by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt was sold for USD 108.4 million or 885 crores, making it the highest-priced artwork ever sold at a European auction.
Regarded as one of the most influential decorative painters of the 20th century, Gustav Klimt’s oil on canvas painting, “The Kiss,” created between 1907 and 1908, depicts two lovers in an embrace and is recognized as one of his most iconic masterpieces.
Correct Answer: A [Austria]
12. Which country has recently ended affirmative action in college admissions?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] China
[D] Pakistan
Notes:
Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States of America has ruled to end the ‘affirmative action’ or ‘positive discrimination’ in college admissions.
The verdict was pronounced in the Students for Fair Admissions v Harvard case, which has sparked significant debate and discussion across the world over positive discrimination.
Correct Answer: B [USA]
13. National Defence Mobilisation Offices (NDMO) are associated with which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Notes:
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has recently created National Defence Mobilisation Offices (NDMO) and introduced significant revisions to its Reserve Personnel Law.
NDMOs are being established in in Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Fujian, Wuhan, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, etc which are primarily influenced by the insights gained from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Correct Answer: B [China]
14.‘Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project’ has been built in which states?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
[B] Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[D] Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh and Assam]
Notes:
NHPC Limited has successfully concluded the construction of the dam for the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric project.
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 2,000 Mega Watts, is situated in both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
15. Which organization has released the ‘Ozone-UV bulletin’?
[A] FAO
[B] UNEP
[C] WMO
[D] NASA
Notes:
After a gap of seven years, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reintroduced the ozone-UV bulletin, demonstrating the consistent recuperation of the ozone layer.
The annual bulletin will offer up-to-date details regarding global stratospheric ozone levels and ultraviolet radiation.
Correct Answer: C [WMO]
16. Which institution developed the ‘Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas’?
[A] HAL
[B] DRDO
[C] BEL
[D] ISRO
Notes:
The Indian Air Force is celebrating the seventh anniversary of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) on July 1, 2023.
Originally named Tejas in 2003, this aircraft is a versatile platform renowned for its exceptional capabilities within its category. Designed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), the multi-role Tejas fighter can perform the roles of air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike, switching between roles with the press of a button.
Correct Answer: B [DRDO]
17. As per recent research, ‘Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency’ is triggered by which product?
[A] Protein Drinks
[B] Carbonated Drinks
[C] Soda Drinks
[D] Carbohydrate-rich food
Notes:
The ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is a rare genetic disease that causes ammonia to build up in the blood.
It is more common in boys than girls and tends to be more severe when symptoms emerge shortly after birth. Research has found that protein drinks have the potential to trigger this disease.
Correct Answer: A [Protein Drinks]
18. Musompo Trading Centre’ is associated with which country?
[A] DRC
[B] Canada
[C] Egypt
[D] Argentina
Notes:
Musompo Trading Centre is a government-backed depot in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that was set up to prevent rigging of the purity reading of illegally mined ore brought in by informal miners.
This initiative aims to eliminate intermediary mercenaries by providing testing and storage services for ore on behalf of the miners.
Correct Answer: A [DRC]
19. Alef Armada Model Zero’, the car that can be flown in air or driven on road, was approved in which country?
[A] Spain
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] China
Notes:
Alef Armada Model Zero is a car that can be flown in the air or driven on the road. It recently received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Alef Aeronautics is a California company building a flying electric car. This certification means the company will now be allowed to road/air test the car.
Correct Answer: C [USA]
20. ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme is to be implemented by which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Notes:
The Karnataka government intends to implement the ‘Anna Bhagya’ initiative, which seeks to offer 5 kg of rice to each member of a below poverty line (BPL) household.
Due to inadequate rice availability, the government has opted to deposit funds into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts instead.
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
21. When is the International Day of Parliamentarism observed by the United Nations?
[A] June 30
[B] July 1
[C] July 5
[D] July 10
Notes:
June 30 marks the annual celebration of the International Day of Parliamentarism which commemorates the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889.
This special day was established by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2018 to reflect on the progress made by parliaments worldwide in achieving predetermined goals.
Correct Answer: A [June 30]
22. Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) is being constructed in which state/UT?
[A] Gujarat
[B] West Bengal
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand
Notes:
India’s first domestically developed 700 MW nuclear power reactor, located at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) in Gujarat, has commenced commercial operations.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is building two 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar, which is also home to two 220 MW power plants.
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
23. ‘National Space Mission for Earth Observation’ is associated with which country?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Notes:
Due to budget constraints, Australia was forced to abandon National Space Mission for Earth Observation.
The main goal of the program was to develop, build, and operate a set of four satellites, scheduled for launch between 2028 and 2033, with the purpose of collecting crucial Earth observation data.
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
24. ‘Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project’ has been built in which states?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
[B] Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[D] Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Notes:
NHPC Limited has successfully concluded the construction of the dam for the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric project.
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 2,000 Mega Watts, is situated in both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh and Assam]
25. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Tomato Grand Challenge Hackathon’?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Consumer Affairs
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of MSME
Notes:
Department of Consumer Affairs announced the Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) hackathon to invite innovative ideas at various levels of the tomato value chain to ensure availability of tomato to the consumers at affordable prices and help tomato farmers get value for the produce.
The Hackathon has been formulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Education (Innovation Cell).
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Consumer Affairs]
26. Which institution issued ‘Guidelines on Information Security Practices’ for Government Entities for Safe and Trusted Internet?
[A] NASSCOM
[B] CERT-In
[C] CDAC
[D] NITI Aayog
Notes:
CERT-In issued “Guidelines on Information Security Practices” for Government Entities for a Safe and Trusted Internet.
The guidelines serve as a roadmap for both government entities and the industry, facilitating the establishment of a secure and trusted cyber space.
Correct Answer: B [CERT-In]
27. Which neighboring country of India recently enacted a new foreign relations law?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] China
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Myanmar
Notes:
The National People’s Congress (NPC) of China recently enacted a new law pertaining to foreign relations, which bolsters the legal foundation of the Politburo to take ‘countermeasures’ against Western nations.
The law was initiated in response to a report presented during the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October last year, which called for legislation in important areas related to emerging industries and foreign affairs.
Correct Answer: B [China]
28. Which is the first country to allow prescription of MDMA and magic mushrooms for PTSD?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] USA
[D] UAE
Notes:
Australia has made history by becoming the first country to permit doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms for the treatment of psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD.
The decision, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), follows a thorough three-year process that involved consultations with experts and remains a subject of controversy.
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
29. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is based in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chennai
[D] Pune
Notes:
Researchers have developed a tool called Diversity for Restoration (D4R), originally created by Bioversity International, to support agroforestry and ecosystem restoration efforts.
The tool has been further adapted by a team of researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in collaboration with Bioversity International to specifically cater to restoration programs in India.
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
30. Which Union Ministry announced a project to install Transponders in sea vessels?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Notes:
Transponders are wireless tracking devices that function by utilizing radio frequencies. The national rollout project for vessel communication and support systems, which includes the installation of transponders, has been granted approval by the central government.
This initiative aims to equip around 100,000 fishing vessels across coastal states and Union territories of India.
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying]
Current Affairs of July 2023 – France marks a historic event known as Bastille Day every year on July 14th. This day is significant in French history because it commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 during the French Revolution.