Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 12th September 2023
1. ‘Kala Jeera Rice’ is a famous food product from which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Karnataka
[D] Punjab
Answer: [A] Odisha
A private company, Jaivik Shree Farmers Producers Company (JSFPC), applied for the GI tag for ‘Kala Jeera Rice’ of Koraput, Odisha. The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Jeypore, Odisha, has raised concerns over potentially excluding local farmers from its benefits. MSSRF argued that only government agencies should apply for GI tags to ensure broad benefits to the farming community.
2. Which city topped the ‘Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 Clean Air Survey’?
[A] Indore
[B] Mysuru
[C] Kochi
[D] Panjim
Answer: [A] Indore
Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the results of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (clean air survey). Indore, Madhya Pradesh, claimed the top spot among million-plus population cities. The survey, in its second year, included 130 identified cities under the National Clean Air Programme. Agra, Uttar Pradesh, secured the second rank, followed by Thane, Maharashtra, in third place.
3. Which country has launched ‘Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition’?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] India
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Nepal
Answer: [B] India
India, under its G20 presidency, has introduced two initiatives that have gained consensus within the G20 Agriculture Deputies Group. The first initiative is the “Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition, 2023,” and the second is an international research initiative focused on millets and ancient grains. Both initiatives are expected to feature prominently in the G20 outcome document.
4. Timor-Leste, which was seen in the news, is located in which region?
[A] North America
[B] South-East Asia
[C] South America
[D] Africa
Answer: [B] South-East Asia
During the annual ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s decision to establish an embassy in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste, having joined ASEAN as an Observer in 2022 before becoming a full member, has gained importance in regional diplomacy. The move to open an embassy in Timor-Leste signifies India’s strategic engagement in Southeast Asia, strengthening ties in line with its ‘Act East’ policy.
5. Which institution organised the ‘2023 Regional Cooperation and Integration Conference’?
[A] WEF
[B] IMF
[C] ADB
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: [C] ADB
India recently presented its PM GatiShakti National Master Plan at the ‘2023 Regional Cooperation and Integration Conference’ organized by the Asian Development Bank in Georgia. The conference aimed to enhance regional cooperation through economic corridor development (ECD). The PM GatiShakti platform offers data-driven decision-making tools and promotes holistic development around critical project locations.
6. Which institution released the ‘Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns’?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Consumer Affairs
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of MSME
Answer: [B] Ministry of Consumer Affairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs has invited public feedback on the Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. Dark patterns are deceptive design practices used to manipulate user behavior. The guidelines define dark patterns, such as “False Urgency” and “Confirm shaming,” and aim to prevent practices that mislead or deceive consumers. They seek to ensure transparency, protect consumer interests, and promote fairness in the digital marketplace.
7. Which institution released a report highlighting Growth of Online Gig Work in Developing Nations?
[A] IMF
[B] WEF
[C] World Bank
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: [C] World Bank
A recent report from the World Bank reveals that online gig work is on the rise globally, particularly in developing countries. The report estimates that approximately 435 million people worldwide engage in online gig work, with demand for such work increasing by 41% between 2016 and 2023. The report underscores the need for social protections and labor standards to address the challenges faced by gig workers worldwide.
8. Which institution has developed the ‘Military Combat Parachute System’ of India?
[A] HAL
[B] BHEL
[C] DRDO
[D] ISRO
Answer: [C] DRDO
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a historic test of the Military Combat Parachute System. It was indigenously designed and developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), an R&D lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
9. Which company has introduced India’s first UPI-ATM in partnership with NPCI?
[A] Hitachi
[B] Paytm
[C] Pine Labs
[D] India 1
Answer: [A] Hitachi
Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Japan- based Hitachi, introduced India’s first UPI-ATM in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) during the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, This UPI-ATM allows customers to withdraw cash without the need for a debit or credit card. The United Payments. Interface (UPI) is a mobile payment method operated by NPCI that enables instant and free fund transfers between bank accounts.
10. Which institution released the ‘Gender Snapshot 2023 Report’?
[A] United Nations
[B] IMF
[C] World Bank
[D] WEF
Answer: [A] United Nations
The United Nations has released a report stating that the goal of achieving gender equality by 2030, as set by the U.N., is unlikely to be realized due to deeply ingrained biases against women in various sectors such as health, education, employment, and politics. The report, titled “The Gender Snapshot 2023,” by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, highlights that active resistance to gender equality and chronic underinvestment are key factors slowing progress and even leading to reversals in some cases.
11. Scientists have discovered the fossil of Fujianvenator, a bird-like dinosaur in which country?
[A] Greece
[B] China
[C] Chile
[D] Japan
Answer: [B] China
Scientists have discovered the fossil of a pheasant-sized, bird-like dinosaur in Fujian Province, China, dating back to approximately 148 to 150 million years ago. The dinosaur, named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, has an unusual anatomy, with elongated legs and arms resembling wings. It belonged to a group called avialans, which includes birds and their closest non-avian dinosaur relatives.
12. Which country are pioneering efforts to grow fruit tissue in laboratories?
[A] USA
[B] New Zealand
[C] Israel
[D] UAE
Answer: [B] New Zealand
Scientists at Plant and Food Research in New Zealand are pioneering efforts to grow fruit tissue in laboratories to address growing food security concerns arising from climate change. This program aims to produce fruit tissue from plant cells that closely resemble real fruit in terms of taste, smell, and texture.
13. Claudia Sheinbaum, who was seen in the news, is set to become the first leader of which country?
[A] Singapore
[B] Mexico
[C] Australia
[D] France
Answer: [B] Mexico
Mexico’s ruling party, the leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), has named former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum as its candidate for the next year’s presidential election. Sheinbaum, a close ally of the President, is now positioned to become Mexico’s first female leader. Sheinbaum secured her nomination after winning each of five nationwide polls, averaging about 39% of the vote.
14. ‘Antonín Dvořák’, who was honoured as the Google Doddle, was associated with which profession?
[A] Writer
[B] Musician
[C] Sports person
[D] Scientist
Answer: [B] Musician
Google Doodle honoured the 182nd birthday of Czech composer and musician Antonín Dvořák, known for his significant contributions to classical music. He gained recognition in Prague with his hymn, “The Heirs of the White Mountain,” and later composed renowned pieces like the “Symphony No. 9 From the New World.” Dvořák’s time in the US, where he was inspired by Black and Native American music, also led to his famous symphony being taken to the moon by astronauts.
15. One Week One Lab programme is organised by which institution in India?
[A] CSIR
[B] ISRO
[C] DRDO
[D] BARC
Answer: [A] CSIR
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is conducting a One Week One Lab programme from the 11th to the 16th of September 2023. During the event, the 37 CSIR laboratories across the country will portray their research outcomes and achievements. The event would be open to the public and they can witness CSIR’s academic and research initiatives. The programme will also include lectures, workshops, puppet shows etc.
16. ‘LAKHPATI DIDIS’ is envisaged under which mission?
[A] National Rural Livelihood Mission
[B] National Urban Livelihood Mission
[C] National Health Mission
[D] National Poshan Mission
Answer: [A] National Rural Livelihood Mission
The Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh had recently chaired the National Conclave on Enabling 2 Crore LAKHPATI DIDIS’. LAKHPATI DIDIS are SHG women members who earn a sustainable income of at least Rs one Lakh per annum per Household. This is envisaged under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
17. When is World Physiotherapy Day observed every year?
[A] September 5
[B] September 8
[C] September 10
[D] September 15
Answer: [B] September 8
Every year, the 8th of September is observed as the World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day). The theme for World PT Day 2023 is arthritis and the role of physiotherapists. In 2023 the day had a special focus on arthritis, with an in-depth look at some forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.
18. Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran are associated with which sport?
[A] Archery
[B] Boxing
[C] Table Tennis
[D] Wrestling
Answer: [C] Table Tennis
The Indian men’s Table Tennis team clinched the bronze medal at Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 held at Pyeongchang, the Republic of South Korea. The team composed of Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran faced a semi final defeat to Chinese Taipei. The Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 was a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
19. Durand Cup is associated with which sport?
[A] Cricket
[B] Basketball
[C] Football
[D] Hockey
Answer: [C] Football
The Durand Cup is associated with Football. Recently, Mohun Bagan clinched the Durand Cup 2023 trophy beating East Bengal at Kolkata. This is the 132nd Durand Cup tournament and Mohun Bagan team has won the trophy after 23 years. With this victory, Mohun Bagan SG became the first team in the history of Durand Cup to win 17 titles.
20. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted a joint training exercise named?
[A] Shravan
[B] Nabh Shakti
[C] Strike Shakti
[D] Brahmastra
Answer: [B] Nabh Shakti
The Indian Army’s elite Brahmastra Corps in the Northeastern states recently conducted a joint training exercise called ‘Nabh Shakti,’ with participation from both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Brahmastra Corps, also known as the 17 Mountain Strike Corps, has been established to carry out strike operations in enemy territory during conflicts in the eastern regions of India.