Current Affairs Questions & Answers - June 23, 2016

1)   Cabinet has approved fiscal incentives for which sector on June 22, 2016?

a. Textile
b. Garments
c. Manufacturing
d. Sugar
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Textile

Explanation:
Cabinet has approved fiscal incentives for textile sector. Cabinet has approved fiscal incentives for textiles sector aimed at improving exports and boosting jobs.

  • Government will also subsidise employers’ social welfare contributions for employees in the textile sector.


2)   Which Olympian sportsperson has quit as President of Kerala Sports Council on 22nd June 2016?

a. Anju Bobby George
b. Shiny Wilson
c. PT Usha
d. Mary Kom
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Anju Bobby George

Explanation:
Olympian Anju Bobby George has quit as president of the Kerala Sports Council. This is after the star athlete objected to charges of corruption alleged by the Kerala sports minister.

  • She also said “sports is beyond the purview of any party or politics.”


3)   India has injected 20 satellites including how many foreign satellites into orbit in a single mission?

a. 14
b. 15
c. 16
d. 17
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 17

Explanation:
India has injected 20 satellites including 17 foreign satellites into orbit in a single mission

  • Primary payload of the mission is the Cartosat 2 series which provides remote sensing services
  • Mission has also injected satellites from Germant, Canada and US into orbit
  • India has also set a new record in space mission by successfully injecting 20 satellites into orbit through workhorse PSLV-C34 which set a new record on Wednesday, 22nd June
  • The 320 tonne PSLV C34 took off on its 36th flight from Satish Dhawan Space centre with the satellites
  • Cartosat-2 was placed in orbit at 9.44am. With Cartosat-2 weighing 727.5kg, PSLV lifted off a total of 1,288kg in to space and began placing the satellites into orbit about 17minutes later.


4)   Indian educational institutions opting for foreign collaborations will have to ensure students opting for these courses will study at least one semester for which degree?

a. Postgraduate
b. Undergraduate
c. MPhil
d. PhD
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Postgraduate

Explanation:
Indian educational institutions enter into academic collaborations with foreign institutes to ensure students who opt for these courses will have at least one semester of study for postgraduate degrees and two semesters for undergraduate degrees abroad.

  • UGC has decided to amend the existing guidelines as per decision whereby Indian institutes which get top accreditations will now be able to approach the UGC to seek its nod for entering into academic tie-ups with highly-rated education institutions abroad.
  • Under the previous norms, only foreign institutes could seek permission for academic collaborations.
  • As per the new norms, the name of the foreign institute will also be mentioned on the degree certificate for such courses.
  • A window of one year has been provided for institutes, which already have a global partnership, to get their pacts approved by UGC, the HRD minister said.


5)   US tech giant Microsoft has introduced mobile wallet feature in which service?

a. Mobile application
b. Mobile blog
c. Mobile website
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Mobile application

Explanation:
US tech giant Microsoft has finally introduced the mobile wallet feature in its mobile app.

  • However, for now, the feature is only available for Windows Insiders using build 14360 or higher.
  • Calling it a 'cloud-based payment technology,' the company announced the app in its official blog post.
  • According to the blog, the service will be initially rolled out in the US and will be compatible with Lumia 950, 950 XL and 650 smartphones .
  • It will also be available at more than a million retail locations with the Microsoft Wallet logo at the point of sale.
  • As of now, Microsoft has partnered with a few banks for the service. These include Bank of America, Chase, US Bank and a few others


6)   Which Yahoo owned platform is launching live video to compete against twitter and FB?

a. Bing
b. Tumblr
c. Yahoo Mail
d. Yahoo Ads
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Tumblr

Explanation:
Tumblr, the Yahoo-owned blogging platform, said on 21st June 2016 it was launching live video to help compete against similar offerings from Facebook and Twitter.

  • The new feature, unlike Facebook Live and Twitter's Periscope, won't have its own underlying technology platform
  • It will allow users to post from YouTube and other video services.

  • 7)   Government has given approval for auctions across how many bands in the largest spectrum sale?

    a. 7
    b. 6
    c. 5
    d. 4
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: 7

    Explanation:
    There will be mega spectrum sale with the Union Cabinet giving a go-ahead to auctions across seven bands.

    • The sale will see the government put around 2,300 MHz of spectrum on sale - the highest-ever in a single auction - which is likely to fetch the exchequer at least Rs 5.5 lakh crore if all the mobile airwaves are sold at the reserve price
    • Telecom Commission - the inter-ministerial panel that is the supreme body on decisions on telecom matters - had suggested a flat 4.5% rate for spectrum acquired across bands at various points in time, a development that would have seen a hike in Mukesh Ambani's soon-to-be-launched Reliance Jio's charge (against the existing 1% in the 2,300 MHz band)
    • The decision was not supported by the Attorney General.


    8)   Who has been made the VP of Maldives on 22nd June, 2016?

    a. Abdulla Ali
    b. Mohammad Ali
    c. Abdulla Jihad
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Abdulla Jihad

    Explanation:
    Following resignation of Maldives’s Home Minister, Umar Naseer, President Abdulla Yameen on Wednesday reshuffled his Cabinet and made Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad the country’s Vice-President.

    • Mr. Jihad is the third person to occupy the post in less than a year.
    • Mohamed Jameel Ahmed (November 2013-July 2015) and Ahmed Adheeb (July-November 2015) were his predecessors.
    • Cabinet reshuffle


    9)   Which renowned Qawwal has been shot dead in Karachi on 22nd June 2016?

    a. Amjad Sabri
    b. Amjad Ali
    c. Amjad Mehar
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Amjad Sabri

    Explanation:
    Renowned Qawwal Amjad Sabri was shot dead in Karachi on the afternoon of 22nd June 2016.

    • Additional Inspector General Mushtaq Mehar told Dawn that two men riding a motorcycle fired shots at Sabri's car. He termed the incident “targeted killing.”
    • Additional police surgeon Dr Rohina Hasan confirmed Sabri's demise. He was shot thrice – twice in the head and once on the ear – police sources said.
    • Sabri was one of the country’s finest qawwals, known for his soul-stirring renditions of mystic poetry.


    10)   Syrian President Bashar al Assad has named whom as the new PM of the nation?

    a. Imad Ali
    b. Imad Khan
    c. Imad Khamis
    d. Imad Hassan
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Imad Khamis

    Explanation:
    Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on 22nd June 2016 named electricity minister Imad Khamis as the new prime minister of the war-ravaged country.

    • Mr. Assad tasked Mr. Khamis with forming a new government, according to the official news agency SANA.
    • The 54-year-old engineer replaces Wael al-Halqi who had held the post since August 2012.
    • Mr. Khamis had served as Syria's minister of electricity since 2011 and is an electrical engineer by trade.


    11)   Which software exporter has acquired UK based BIO Agency?

    a. Tech Mahindra
    b. Mahindra Comviva
    c. Mahindra and Sons
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

    ANSWER: Tech Mahindra

    Explanation:
    Tech Mahindra, the country’s fifth largest software exporter, said it has acquired the U.K.-based The BIO Agency (BIO), which specialises in digital transformation across sectors such as retail, financial and travel.

    • The acquisition was in an all-cash deal for an enterprise value of up to 45 million pounds.
    • The payment of 22 million pounds and the surplus cash (of 5 million pounds) will be made upfront and the balance as deferred payments based on company performance
    • Tech Mahindra will acquire 100 per cent of shares in BPO. The closing date of the transaction is expected to take place in the first week of July 2016
    • The BIO Agency posted revenue of 12.5 million pounds during the fiscal year 2015-16 compared with 7.4 million pounds the previous year, according to the filing.


    12)   International payments platform ______ has appointed Anupam Pahuja as MD and Country Manager for India operations.

    a. Paytm
    b. PayPal
    c. Skrill
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

    ANSWER: PayPal

    Explanation:
    Global payments platform PayPal on 22nd June said it has appointed Anupam Pahuja as the Managing Director and Country Manager for its India operations.

    • Pahuja has been with the company for over six years and he hs been heading the technology for APAC, PayPal said in a statement.
    • As the MD & Country Manager for India, he will be responsible for all aspects of PayPal’s India business and further strengthening the company’s operations in India, he added.
    • Pahuja was instrumental in establishing PayPal’s technology centres in India. Prior to PayPal, he was the Managing Director for India for NASDAQ-listed SumTotal Systems, the world’s largest eLearning company.


    13)   SoftBank has appointed whom as the President and CEO on 22nd June 2016?

    a. Nikesh Arora
    b. Ken Miyaichi
    c. Ken Miyauchi
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

    ANSWER: Ken Miyauchi

    Explanation:
    SoftBank Group said on 22nd June 2016 that Ken Miyauchi, head of the group’s Japanese telecommunications operations, would become president and chief operating officer to replace Nikesh Arora.

    • Mr. Arora, the former Google executive handpicked by the SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son as his successor, has abruptly quit as president
    • This was after it became clear that Mr. Son wanted to remain at the helm longer than first planned.


    14)   Union Cabinet has approved labour law changes while approving a package for textile and apparel sector worth how much on June 22, 2016?

    a. INR 5000 crore
    b. INR 6000 crore
    c. INR 7000 crore
    d. INR 8000 crore
    Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

    ANSWER: INR 6000 crore

    Explanation:
    The Union Cabinet introduced labour law changes while approving a Rs 6,000-crore package for the textile and apparel sectors on June 22, 2016.

    • A key element is increase in overtime for workers which should not exceed 8 hours per week, translating into nearly 90 hours over three months.
    • The current norm allows only 50 hours of overtime in three months.
    • The government also announced a change in income tax laws to allow for deduction in case more permanent workers are hired by textile and garment units.


    15)   Which cabinet gave minority status to Jew community on 21st June 2016?

    a. MP
    b. HP
    c. UP
    d. Maharashtra
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Maharashtra

    Explanation:
    Maharashtra Cabinet on 21st June 2016 approved minority status to the Jew community. Decision will provide benefit to students from communities to avail scholarships from the state government.

    • Following minority status in the state the Jews in the state will be entitled to use benefits of government schemes meant for minorities and can also apply in educational institutions under the minority status
    • The Jewish people living in the state would now also be able to set up their own educational institutions and practice and promote their culture.


    16)   Who has authored the recently released “A Life in Diplomacy” in June 2016?

    a. Maharajakrishna Rasgotra
    b. Manesh Rasgotra
    c. Mahesh Rasgotra
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Maharajakrishna Rasgotra

    Explanation:
    The book titled A Life in Diplomacy was in news in the third week of June 2016.

    • The book was written by former Indian diplomat Maharajakrishna Rasgotra.
    • It is an insider's account of the personalities and policies that shaped Indian diplomacy, providing a view of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka and the Cold War


    17)   Which team won the NBA Championship 2016?

    a. Cleveland Cavaliers
    b. GSW
    c. Cleveland Warriors
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Cleveland Cavaliers

    Explanation:
    Cleveland Cavaliers wins NBA Championship by beating Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7.

    • They are the first team in history to win after trailing 3-1 in the final series
    • Loss completes a devastating turnaround for the Warriors led by MVP Stephen Curry


    18)   Which noted Telangana poet and lyrics was well known for his song “Ooru manadi ra, ee vada manadi ra”?

    a. Guda Anjaiah
    b. Guda Ali
    c. Guda Pattnaik
    d. Guda Raman
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: Guda Anjaiah

    Explanation:
    Noted Telangana poet and lyricist Guda Anjaiah died on 21st June 2016 at Ragannagudem, Telangana following a brief illness.

    • He was 61. He is survived by three daughters.
    • His songs both regaled and incensed supporters of statehood movement.


    19)   World Hydrographic Day was celebrated on which day by the SNC?

    a. 21st June
    b. 22nd June
    c. 23rd June
    d. 24th June
    Answer  Explanation 

    ANSWER: 21st June

    Explanation:
    World Hydrographic Day was celebrated by the Southern Naval Command on 21 Jun 16.

    • The theme for this year was ‘Hydrography - The Key to Well Managed Seas And Waterways’.
    • There are three survey ships based in Kochi. In addition, a Hydrographic Survey Unit (Kochi) functions under the Southern Naval Command. While the Survey Unit undertakes local surveys, the ships carry out hydrograhic surveys both in Indian as well as international waters.
    • All the three ships have been involved in Foreign Cooperation Surveys in the recent past in friendly countries like Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius. This provides an excellent platform for better diplomatic engagements with foreign nations.
    • Hydrographic day has been celebrated worldwide every year on 21 June since 2005 .
    • The day is observed to create awareness about hydrography which is an essential science before undertaking any activity on or under the sea.


    20)   Which new initiative uses mobile telephony to spread awareness about diabetes?

    a. M-Diabetes
    b. Mobile-Diabetes
    c. M-Disease
    d. None of the above
    Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

    ANSWER: M-Diabetes

    Explanation:
    The Health Minister launched the M-Diabetes initiative which harnesses the power and potential of the vast mobile telephony network.

    • With a missed call to 011-22901701 the caller can get more information on Diabetes and how to prevent and manage it.
    • One can also log on to www.mdiabetes.nhp.gov.in for more information.
    • Shri Nadda also launched the guidelines for screening of Diabetes, Hypertension and Common Cancer.