MLC Daily Current Affairs – 20 June 2024

Today in History (June 20^th, 1887)

On this day in 1887, Victoria Terminus, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), the busiest railway station in India, opens in Bombay (Mumbai).

Let’s revise

A) What was the primary purpose of Nalanda University during its peak?

1. Military training
2. Religious rituals
3. Trade and commerce
4. Higher education and research

Ans. (4)

B) Who is credited with founding Nalanda University?

1. Ashoka
2. Harsha
3. Kumaragupta I
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Ans. (3)

C) In which present-day country was the ancient Nalanda University located?

1. Nepal
2. India
3. Bangladesh
4. Pakistan

Ans. (2)

D) Which of the following rulers is most infamously associated with the destruction of Nalanda University?

1. Mahmud of Ghazni
2. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
3. Bakhtiyar Khilji
4. Timur

Ans. (3)

E) Which significant feature of Nalanda University was lost during its destruction?

1. Its ancient architectural structures
2. Its large collection of manuscripts
3. Its extensive gardens
4. Its network of trade routes

Ans. (2)

F) Who is the current chairperson of National Commission for Women?

1. Ms Rekha Sharma
2. Anandi ben
3. Rajeshwari
4. Sunita Kaushal

Ans. (1)

G) What is the primary focus of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?

1. Agricultural research
2. Peace, conflict, and security studies
3. Economic development
4. Space exploration

Ans. (2)

H) Which of the following does SIPRI regularly publish information on?

1. Global agricultural output
2. Nuclear weapon arsenals and disarmament
3. Technological advancements in medicine
4. World tourism trends

Ans. (2)

I) According to SIPRI’s reports, which country currently possesses the largest number of nuclear warheads?

1. China
2. France
3. Russia
4. United States

Ans. (3)

Summary of Today’s News

USA’s interference in Tibetan region

• The recent visit of a U.S. congressional delegation to Dharamshala underscores the United States’ firm support for the Tibetan cause and its opposition to Chinese interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama. The delegation, led by Michael McCaul, emphasized that the U.S. will not allow Beijing to control Tibetan Buddhism and urged China to engage in unconditional dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
• This visit, coinciding with the Dalai Lama’s upcoming 89th birthday, signals strong U.S. backing for Tibet’s self-determination and cultural preservation. The Chinese government, however, reiterated its stance on safeguarding its sovereignty and dismissed the U.S. assertions as propaganda.

Another exam after NEET for irregularity claims

• he Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam held on Tuesday due to concerns from the Ministry of Home Affairs about the exam’s integrity being compromised. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will investigate the issue. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies and protests over irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
• The Ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of examinations and protecting students’ interests, stating that a fresh UGC-NET exam will be scheduled. Students and opposition leaders have called for further actions, including the resignation of education officials and the cancellation of NEET.

MSP hikes for various Kharif crops

• MSP Increase: The Union Cabinet approved a 5.35% increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy to Rs. 2,300 per quintal for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season.
• Wider MSP Hikes: MSP hikes were approved for all 14 kharif season crops, following the government’s policy of keeping MSPs at least 1.5 times above production costs.
• Significant Crops: Only four crops (bajra, arhar dal, maize, and black gram) will have MSPs providing margins over 50% above production costs.
• Paddy: The MSP for paddy will increase by Rs. 117 per quintal, providing a 50% margin above production costs.
• Economic Implication: The MSP hike will result in a total financial implication of Rs. 2 lakh crore, Rs. 35,000 crore more than the previous season.
• Election Context: The decision comes ahead of Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.
• Targeted Crops: The highest absolute MSP increases are for oilseeds and pulses, particularly nigerseed and sesamum.
• Pulses Focus: To reduce dependence on pulse imports, MSP for arhar dal and green gram beans were significantly increased.
• Cotton: MSP for cotton saw increases, with medium staple cotton rising to Rs. 7,121 and long staple to Rs. 7,521 per quintal.

Heat waves should be counted as Natural disaster

• Northern India is experiencing an intense heatwave crisis, with prolonged high temperatures and sluggish monsoon progression causing severe strain on power and water infrastructure. Minimum temperatures have consistently exceeded normal levels, and monsoon rainfall is predicted to be below normal.
• This has led to unprecedented power demand, necessitating imports from other regions, and exacerbated water shortages in Delhi. The situation calls for the prolonged summer to be classified and addressed as a natural disaster by the government.

Inauguration of Nalanda University campus in Bihar by PM of India

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near its ancient ruins in Rajgir, Bihar, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of India’s academic heritage and cultural exchange. Established through the Nalanda University Act, 2010, the university began operations in 2014 and has now expanded with the new campus.

• The event, attended by international representatives, highlights Bihar’s development and Nalanda’s potential as a global academic hub. Modi planted a Bodhi tree sapling, symbolizing the university’s historical and spiritual roots.