Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 11th & 12th January 2024

1. Red Ant Chutney, which has recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, belongs to which state?

A. Odisha

B. Bihar

C. Goa

D. Jharkhand

• The Red Ant Chutney of Mayurbhanj in Odisha has recently been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The application for registration was submitted by The Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd in 2020 under Class 30, as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This unique chutney, also known as Kai Chutney, is rich in valuable nutrients such as proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, and amino acids, contributing to immune system enhancement.

2. Which country is host and chair of the 46th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2024?

A. UK

B. China

C. India

D. Nepal

• India is set to chair UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024, marking a historic milestone for our nation. Vishal V Sharma, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, announced this decision. The World Heritage Committee, comprising representatives from 21 member states, gathers annually to recognize global cultural and natural heritage.

3. According to the prestigious awards by Skytrax in 2023, which airport was crowned the World’s Best Airport for the year 2023?

A. Singapore’s Changi Airport

B. Qatar’s Hamad International Airport

C. Incheon International Airport

D. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

• Singapore’s Changi Airport has regained its title as the World’s Best Airport for the year 2023, according to the esteemed awards presented by Skytrax, an air transport research firm. After being surpassed by Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in the past two years, Changi Airport secured the top spot for the twelfth time, showcasing its enduring excellence.

4. What is the name of the assault rifle recently launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

A. Agni

B. Nirbhay

C. Ugram

D. Tejas

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the “Ugram” assault rifle. The DRDO developed the rifle in collaboration with a private company and the Armament Research & Development Establishments (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory in Pune. The name “Ugram” means “ferocious”. The rifle is intended to meet the needs of the military, paramilitary, and police.

5. Chandubi Festival, recently seen in news, is celebrated in which Indian State?

A. Assam

B. Goa

C. Kerala

D. Manipur

• The Chandubi Festival, an annual five-day celebration, recently took place along the Chandubi Lake in the Assam. This cultural extravaganza, starting on the first day of the New Year, showcases the rich local folk culture, ethnic cuisine, traditional handloom and dresses, as well as activities like boating.
• Not only does it contribute to the preservation of the waterbody, but it also plays a crucial role in generating livelihood opportunities for various tribes, including Rabhas, Garos, Gorkhas, and tea tribes, who sell local food items, homemade beverages, and traditional attire during the event.

6. Who has been appointed as the new prime minister of France by President Emmanuel Macron?

A. Stecca Ford

B. Gabriel Attal

C. Francois Hollande

D. Nicolas Sarkozy

• France’s President Emmanuel Macron made a significant move by appointing Gabriel Attal, 34, as the country’s new Prime Minister. Attal’s appointment follows the resignation of Elisabeth Borne, the former Prime Minister. Gabriel Attal previously held the education portfolio in Borne’s government.

7. Which military exercise did the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft participate in Guam?

A. Exercise Sea Dragon 24

B. Operation Desert Storm

C. Exercise Red Flag

D. Operation Neptune Spear

• The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft landed in Guam to participate in Exercise Sea Dragon 24. The exercise is an Anti-Submarine Warfare exercise led by the US Navy. The exercise’s goal is to improve coordination and interoperability between the participating navies through professional interactions on the ground and in the air. The Indian Navy’s P-8I is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

8. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, recently in news, is located in which Indian state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Madhya Pradesh

C. Bihar

D. Karnataka

• The Karnataka Forest Department has initiated the collection of green tax at BR Hills, specifically targeting vehicles entering through the BRT Tiger Reserve. The BRT Tiger Reserve, situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, derives its name from the white rocky cliff called ‘BILIGIRI,’ hosting a temple of Lord ‘VISHNU,’ locally known as ‘Rangaswamy.’ Established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974, it attained Tiger Reserve status in 2011, covering a total area of 574.82 Km².

9. What is the name of the indigenously manufactured Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) recently flagged off by Chief of Naval Staff?

A. Drishti 10 ‘Starship’

B. Drishti 10 ‘Skyrocket’

C. Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’

D. Drishti 10 ‘Stellar’

• The Chief of Naval Staff recently inaugurated the first indigenous Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy. Developed by Adani Defence and Aerospace, this advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform boasts 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity.

10. INS Kabra, recently seen in the news, is a type of what naval vessel?

A. Aircraft Carrier

B. Submarine

C. Offshore Patrol Vessel

D. Destroyer

• The INS Kabra, an indigenous fast attack craft of the Car Nicobar class, recently docked at the Colombo port as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. Named after an island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, the INS Kabra is one of the high-speed offshore patrol vessels built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy. As the eighth vessel in a series of 10 Fast Attack Crafts, it is designed for cost-effective patrol, anti-piracy, and rescue operations in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

11. What recent approval did the Union Cabinet grant in relation to space cooperation, involving the ISRO and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC)?

A. Establishment of Joint Research Facilty

B. Launch of a manned mission to Mars

C. MoU for Joint Small Satellite Development

D. Formation of an International Space Agency

• Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ISRO and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for the development of a Joint Small Satellite. MoU will help to establish a framework for cooperation between ISRO and MRIC on the development of a joint satellite as well as for cooperation on the use of the MRIC’s Ground Station.

12. Which airport is the venue of Wings India 2024, India’s largest civil aviation event?

A. Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad

B. Warangal Airport, Hyderabad

C. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

D. Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Andhra Pradesh

• Wings India 2024, India’s largest civil aviation event, will take place at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport from January 18–21, 2024. The biennial event is organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Indian Industry (FICCI).

13. What is the primary objective of the XRISM satellite mission, that was recently making news?

A. Studying Venusian Clouds

B. Mapping Earth’s Surface

C. Observing the X-ray cosmos

D. Monitoring Climate Change

• The XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) satellite mission, a collaborative effort led by Japan’s JAXA, along with NASA and ESA, primarily aims to observe and study the X-ray cosmos. Launched on September 6, 2023, XRISM’s mission is to scrutinize the universe’s hottest regions, largest structures, and objects with the strongest gravity.
• This is achieved through advanced technology capable of detecting X-rays with energies up to 12,000 electron volts. The mission is equipped with two significant instruments, Resolve and Xtend, each contributing uniquely to the exploration of the cosmos.

14. Who recently became the first Indian woman to receive the Arjuna Award for Equestrian Sports?

A. P. V. Sindhu

B. Mary Kom

C. Saina Nehwal

D. Divyakriti Singh

• Jaipur’s Divyakriti Singh, aged 23, is the inaugural Indian female recipient of the Arjuna Award for equestrian sports. The sole representative from Rajasthan this year, Singh underwent three years of training in Germany at the Hof Kasselman dressage yard in Hagen. She secured an Individual Silver and two bronze medals at the International Dressage Competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

15. Which government department is responsible for organizing the Startup India Innovation Week 2024 from 10th-18th January 2024?

A. Department of Food and Public Distribution

B. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

C. Department of Financial Services

D. Department of Heavy Industries

• The DPIIT, a part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will host the Startup India Innovation Week 2024 from January 10^th to 18^th. This initiative aims to bring together stakeholders, including startups, entrepreneurs, and investors, to celebrate and boost the Indian Startup Ecosystem, culminating in National Startup Day on January 16th, 2024.

16. Which ministry has been conferred with the prestigious 1st Prize in the Innovation Sandbox presentation for “Digital Transformation Initiatives in Land Governance through SVAMITVA Scheme”?

A. Ministry of Panchayati Raj

B. Ministry of Finance

C. Ministry of External Affairs

D. Ministry of Home Affairs

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj won the first prize in the Innovation Sandbox presentation for “Digital Transformation Initiatives in Land Governance through SVAMITVA Scheme”.
• The award was given at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy’s (BIPP) second annual three-day “Public Policy Dialogues” Conclave. Scheme is a reformative step towards establishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited (“Abadi”) areas, by mapping of land parcels using drone technology and providing ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with issuance of legal ownership cards (Property cards/Title deeds) to the property owners.

17. Which two countries’ scientists joined India’s 43rd Antarctic Expedition?

A. Singapore and Mauritius

B. Bangladesh and Bhutan

C. Mauritius and Bangladesh

D. Nepal and Myanmar

• In a landmark development this December, India’s 43rd Antarctic expedition, spearheaded by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, saw the inclusion of scientists from Mauritius and Bangladesh, signifying a noteworthy stride in global collaboration for polar research. This collaboration evolved from the inaugural Colombo Security Conclave held in 2022.

18. According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, what is the rank of India?

A. 83^rd

B. 80^th

C. 82^nd

D. 90^th

• According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, India is ranked 80th out of 199 countries. This is a three-rank increase from 2023, when India was ranked 83rd. The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on the number of destinations that allow visa-free entry to their passport. India’s passport allows visa-free access to 62 destinations, including Thailand, Indonesia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. The most powerful passports in the world in 2024 are Japan, Singapore, French, German, Italy and Spain. Citizens of these countries can travel visa-free to 194 destinations.

19. ‘Polygonum Chaturbhujanum’ recently seen in the news, belongs to which of the following species?

A. Amphibians

B. Plants

C. Fungi

D. Animals

• A recent survey conducted at Gol Pahadi Island in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra led to the discovery of a new plant species belonging to the Polygonum genus. Named Polygonum Chaturbhujanum, this herbaceous plant adds to the biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the survey revealed the presence of six plant species endemic to India within the Pench Tiger Reserve, namely Aegineta indica, Boerhavia crispa, Habenaria gibsonii, Iphigenia pallida, Petalidium barlerioides, and Barleria gibsonii.

20. Einstein Probe (EP), a new astronomical satellite, was recently launched by which country?

A. China

B. India

C. Russia

D. UK

• China recently launched the Einstein Probe (EP), an astronomical satellite developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), dedicated to time-domain high-energy astrophysics. Launched successfully on Jan.09, 2024, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a “Long March-2C” rocket, the EP aims to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe. Equipped with advanced X-ray mirrors and detectors, the EP focuses on exploring the transient and variable X-ray sky.

21. Yakshagana, a traditional folk dance, belongs to which of the following state?

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Karnataka

C. Kerala

D. Bihar

• The century-old Yakshagana mela in Dakshina Kannada, known as Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagaana Dashavatara Mandali or Kateel Mela, is set to resume its all-night performances following approval from the Karnataka High Court. This renowned Yakshagana troupe, founded in the mid-19^th century, plays a significant role in ‘Harake Seva’—fulfilling devotees’ wishes by hosting Yakshagana shows. Yakshagana is a traditional folk-dance form in Coastal Karnataka.

22. What is the name of the mobile app developed by the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project to track and monitor fish diseases across the country?

A. Report Fish Disease

B. Disease Alert

C. FishCare

D. AquaTracker

• The National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) has launched the ‘Report Fish Disease’ mobile app to effectively monitor and track fish diseases across the country. Developed under the lead institute ICAR-NBFGR, in collaboration with partners like the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), the app aims to empower fish farmers by providing a user-friendly platform for reporting diseases on their farms.

23. In which region of India, Regional Conference on the theme “e-governance” being inaugrated?

A. Kutch

B. Guwahati

C. Jaipur

D. Bombay

• A two-day Regional Conference on the theme “e- Governance” organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with Government of Assam began in Guwahati. Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh graced the inaugural event.

24. Srimandir Parikrama Project, recently in news, aims to improve the administration of which temple?

A. Puri Jagannath Temple

B. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

C. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

D. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to inaugurate the Jagannath Puri heritage corridor, part of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, on Jan.17. The project focuses on improving amenities, security, and traffic flow around the iconic Jagannath Puri Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is a historic Hindu pilgrimage site in Odisha.

25. Which Indian Bowler was bestowed with the Arjuna Award by the President of India Droupadi Murmu?

A. Mohammed Shami

B. Jasprit Bumrah

C. Arshdeep Singh

D. Deepak Chahar

• Team India pacer Mohammed Shami was honoured with the Arjuna Award by President of India Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. He was conferred with the honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Arjuna Award is the second-highest sporting honour of India after the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recommended Shami’s name following his exceptional performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.

26. On which day is National Youth Day celebrated annually to honor the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda?

A. January.12

B. January.09

C. January.13

D. January.05

• National Youth Day, observed on Jan.12^th, pays tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s spirit, celebrating the vibrant energy and potential of young minds. Commemorating Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, the day emphasizes the pivotal role youth play in shaping the future. It serves as a catalyst for inspiration, empowerment, and fostering positive change and innovation. National Youth Day 2024 marks a celebration of these aspirations and dreams.