This is the current affairs of 10th June 2023. Here are 10 questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. In June 2023, the American city of New York set the record for being the most air-polluted city in the world. What caused this to happen?
a. Canadian wildfires
b. Fire in New York
c. Car smoke in washington
d. None of these
Answer: a. Canadian Wildfires
– One of the most bustling cities in the world, New York, is grappling with the worst air pollution in June 2023.
– The air quality index of New York City is the worst in the world.
– The cause behind this is the fire in the forests of the neighboring country, Canada.
– The smoke from the fire in Canada’s forests reached the eastern coast and the central-midwestern region of the United States on June 7, 2023, severely affecting the air quality in New York City.
– The city was enveloped in red, orange, and yellow haze.
– People were compelled to wear face masks when going outside.
– On June 7th and 8th, 2023, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of New York City reached up to 342, which is considered “hazardous” for everyone.
– The smoke haze was so dense in New York City on Wednesday that the city’s famous skyline became hazy to the eyes.
– There were also issues with the operation of flights.
Delhi’s Condition is Also Deteriorating
– According to IQ Air’s data, on Wednesday, the pollution level in New York City surpassed that of major cities in the world.
– Its air quality reached the poor category, even worse than India’s capital, Delhi.
Global Air Quality Report 2022
– In the Global Air Quality Report, India was identified as the eighth most polluted country in the world in 2022.
– Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh occupied the top five positions in this list, respectively.
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2. The cyclone that formed in the Arabian Sea was named ‘Biparjoy’. Which country named it?
a. Thailand
b. Myanmar
c. Nepal
d. Bangladesh
Answer: d. Bangladesh
– The Meteorological Department has classified the ‘Biparjoy’ cyclonic storm as highly severe.
– However, it will remain far away from the Indian coastline.
– Despite this, warnings of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds have been issued for the coastal areas of Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh for the next 5 days.
– The wind speed in the center of the cyclone will be the highest, currently at 125-130 kilometers per hour. It can increase up to 160 kilometers per hour. Due to the high speed of the winds, there may be rough waves in the sea. Safety guidelines have been issued accordingly.
Impact of the Cyclone on the Monsoon?
– Dr. Mritunjay Mahapatra, Deputy Director General of the Meteorological Department, has stated that the Southwest Monsoon made its arrival in Kerala and nearby regions yesterday (June 8).
– Biparjoy is far away from the Indian coast, so its direct impact has not been felt.
– However, indirectly, strong winds may start blowing along the Gujarat coast.
How are cyclones named in the Indian Ocean?
– The Indian Ocean region has 13 countries that assign names to cyclonic storms.
– These countries include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen.
– These 13 countries have already prepared a list of names.
– As soon as a cyclone reaches any part of these countries, a unique name from the list is assigned to that cyclone.
– This not only makes it easy to identify the cyclone but also helps in disaster preparedness campaigns. No name is repeated.
– The system of naming cyclones is governed by the United Nations.
How are cyclonic storms formed?
– Cyclonic storms are formed when a low-pressure area is created over the ocean.
– The question arises: what is a low-pressure area in the ocean and how is it formed?
– Global warming is responsible for this.
– When the temperature of the ocean rises or, in other words, when the ocean starts getting warm, the warm air rises from the surface and the surrounding air rushes in to fill the void (creating a vacuum-like area). This is called a low-pressure area.
– Since the ocean is vast, this process becomes extensive.
– As the warm air rises, it travels upwards, and the air from larger areas rushes in. However, the air that rises upwards also cools down because as we go higher, the temperature decreases.
– In this process, the upper-level cool air also wants to descend, and this transforms into a cyclone.
– The air moves at a high speed.
– The ocean plays a significant role in absorbing global warming or heat in the Earth.
– In a way, it can be said that through cyclonic storms, the ocean tries to keep itself cool.
Cyclones with Different Names in Different Regions of the World:
– America – Hurricane / Tornado
– Caribbean Sea – Hurricane
– China Sea – Typhoon
– Indian Ocean – Tropical Cyclone
– Japan – Typhoon
– Northern Australia – Willy-willy
– Philippines – Bagyo
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3. Where was the ‘Agni Prime’ missile successfully test-fired for the first time on 7 June 2023?
a. Satish Dhawan Space Center
b. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
c. Vikram Sarabhai Space Center
d. None of these
Answer: b. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
– Who conducted the test? – The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Strategic Forces Command conducted the test.
– When was the test conducted? – The test was conducted on the night of June 7, 2023.
– Where was the test conducted? – The test was conducted at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Bhadrak, Odisha.
– This was the first pre-induction night launch.
– It means the first test of this missile was conducted at night, which was successful.
– Secretary of the Department of Defense Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Satheesh Reddy, has commended the efforts of the scientists.
What are the features of Agni Prime missile?
– The length of this missile is 34.5 feet.
– Multiple warheads can be installed.
– It is a canisterized missile with two stages.
– It weighs 11,000 kilograms.
– It has a range of 2000 kilometers.
– It can target any objective up to a distance of 2,000 kilometers.
– It can carry high-yield thermo-baric or nuclear warheads.
– It can be equipped with warheads weighing between 1500 to 3000 kilograms.
– It is a missile propelled by two-stage rocket motors.
What will be the benefit?
– This successful test has increased the country’s military strength.
– This missile is a modern, lethal, accurate, and medium-range nuclear-capable missile of the Agni series.
– It hits the enemy with precise targeting from a long distance.
– It is a maneuverable re-entry vehicle of the third stage.
– It is launched from the MEML-Tractor Transporter Erector Launcher.
– India has developed this missile as part of its indigenous weapon program.
– Agni Prime is lighter in weight compared to its previous version (Agni II).
Range of other Agni missiles:
– Agni I: Range of 700-800 kilometers.
– Agni II: Range of over 2000 kilometers.
– Agni III: Range of over 2,500 kilometers.
– Agni IV: Range of over 3,500 kilometers and can be fired from a road-mobile launcher.
– Agni-5: The longest-range Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in the Agni series, with a range of over 5,000 kilometers.
What is Abdul Kalam Island?
– The island was previously known as Wheeler Island.
– It is an island located in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, on the coast.
– It is approximately 150 kilometers east of the state capital, Bhubaneswar.
– On September 4, 2015, the name of this island was changed to honor the late Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Strategic Forces Command (SFC):
– It was established on January 4, 2003, by the Vajpayee government.
– It is a command of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
– The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is sometimes referred to as the Strategic Nuclear Command.
– It is part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
– It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s non-strategic and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
DRDO:
– Formation: 1958
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– Chairman: Dr. Satheesh Reddy
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4. When is World Accreditation Day celebrated?
a. 9 June
b. 10 June
c. 11 June
d. 12 June
Answer: a. 9 June
Theme 2023
– Accreditation : Supporting the future of global business
– This day emerged as a result of a joint effort between the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) in the year 2007.
– Accreditation plays a crucial role in instilling trust and confidence among consumers, businesses, and regulators. It provides assurance that products, services, and systems meet international standards.
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5. The Union Cabinet approved a package of how much rupees for BSNL in June 2023 for 4G and 5G spectrum and other expenses?
a. ₹ 68,047 crores
b. ₹ 70,047 crores
c. ₹ 89,047 crores
d. ₹ 95,047 crores
Answer: c. ₹ 89,047 crores
– The introduction of 4G in the country took place in 2014.
– After 9 years, the central government has now announced the allocation of spectrum to BSNL.
– In June 2023, the Central Cabinet approved a relief package worth ₹89,047 crores for revitalizing BSNL.
– The major portion of this package is allocated for 4G and 5G spectrum.
Here’s how the package will be utilized:
The company will be debt-free in three years: Vaishnav
– Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that BSNL has started operating in profit with the help of the previous two relief packages.
– With the assistance of this package, it will become debt-free in the next three years.
– Currently, BSNL has a debt of ₹22,289 crores.
– Two years ago, this debt was ₹32,944 crores.
– The company recorded an operating profit of ₹1,559 crores in 2022-23.
BSNL – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
– Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) – Pravin Kumar Purwar
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6. Who was elected the 78th President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)?
a. Denise Francis
b. David Paul
c. Rakesh Maria
d. S Jaishankar
Answer: a. Denise Francis
– Dennis Francis is an experienced diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago.
– He was elected as the new President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in June 2023.
– He will lead and preside over the 78th session of the UNGA as the President.
– Dennis Francis’s tenure begins amidst the challenging times of conflicts between nations, climate turmoil, increasing poverty, and inequality.
– Prior to him, the President of the 77th session was Kaha Imnadze.
According to the Founding Charter, the United Nations has six principal organs:
– General Assembly
– Security Council
– Economic and Social Council
– Trusteeship Council
– International Court of Justice
– Secretariat
(Note – This is the main organ. Rest others like WHO, IMF, UNESCO, ILO are specialized agencies of UN)
UNGA
– It is one of the six organs of the United Nations.
– Headquarters: New York, USA.
– The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the principal policy-making organ of the UN.
– UNGA is composed of all member states of the United Nations. Each member state has one vote in the General Assembly.
– UNGA holds regular sessions from September to December each year. Special sessions can also be convened by the Secretary-General upon the request of the Security Council or a majority of UN member states.
UNGA also takes important decisions for the UN, including:
– Appointment of the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
– Election of non-permanent members of the Security Council.
– Approval of the United Nations budget.
United Nations Secretary-General
– Secretary-General: António Guterres
– Headquarters: New York, USA
Trinidad and Tobago
– It is a Caribbean island nation.
– Capital: Port of Spain
– President: Christine Kangaloo
– Prime Minister: Keith Rowley
– Population: 1.4 million
– Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar
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7. Who was elected as the new non-permanent member (year 2024-25) of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?
a. South Korea, Guyana
b. Sierra Leone, Algeria
c. Slovenia
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above (South Korea, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Algeria and Slovenia)
– For this, voting took place in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the United Nations Security Council in June 2023.
– South Korea, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia were elected as non-permanent members.
– Their two-year term will be for the years 2024 and 2025.
Since 1965, the Security Council has had 15 member countries:
– Five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
– The General Assembly elects ten non-permanent members based on geographical regions.
– Africa: 3
– Asia-Pacific: 2
– Latin American and Caribbean Group: 2
– Eastern European Group: 1
– Western European and Others Group: 2
United Nations Security Council
– Established: October 24, 1945
– Headquarters: New York, USA
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8. When is the martyrdom day of Birsa Munda celebrated?
a. 9 June
b. 10 June
c. 11 June
d. 12 June
Answer: a. 9 June
– On June 9, 1900, Birsa Munda took his last breath in Ranchi Jail.
– In the year 2023, it will be his 123rd death anniversary.
– Birsa Munda is worshipped like a deity in the tribal regions of Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
About Birsa Munda:
– Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand.
– Munda is a tribal community.
– In the year 1894, Birsa Munda organized a movement to seek land rights and forgiveness of taxes from the British.
– In 1895, Birsa Munda was arrested by the British government on charges of working against the British.
– He was sentenced to two years of imprisonment.
– Witnessing his dedication to the people, the residents of the tribal regions started calling him “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth).
– Between 1897 and 1900, there were ongoing conflicts between the Mundas and the British soldiers.
– Birsa and his followers posed a significant challenge to the British forces.
– In August 1897, Birsa and his four hundred soldiers launched an attack on Khunti police station with bows and arrows.
– In 1898, there was a clash between the Mundas and the British forces on the banks of the Tanga River, where the British army initially suffered a defeat.
– However, later on, many tribal leaders from that region were arrested.
– In January 1900, another struggle took place on the Dombari Hill, where several women and children were killed.
– Birsa Munda was also captured by the British on February 3, 1900, in the Jamkopai jungle.
– Birsa Munda breathed his last in the custody of the British on June 9, 1900.
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9. Where did the Navy of India, France and the United Arab Emirates conduct a joint maritime exercise together for the first time?
a. Red Sea
b. Gulf of Oman
c. Bay of Bengal
d. Gulf of Aden
Answer: b. Gulf of Oman
– The Joint Maritime Exercise was conducted in the Gulf of Oman on June 7 and 8, 2023.
– This exercise included surface warfare, helicopter cross-deck landing operations, and the participation of French Rafale aircraft.
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10. Who was elected the new President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)?
a. Dr. Abdullah Al Mandos
b. Robert Wall
c. Peteri Talas
d. None of These
Answer: a. Dr. Abdullah Al Mandos
– He is a meteorologist from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
– He has been elected as the new President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for a four-year term from 2023 to 2027.
– WMO is an official agency within the United Nations system that focuses on weather, climate, hydrological, and related environmental fields.
World Meteorological Organization
– Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
– Established: March 23, 1950
– First female Secretary-General (elected): Celeste Saulo (resident of Argentina)
