Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 13th & 14th January 2024

1. Which initiative was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote cleanliness at pilgrimage sites?

A. Clean Pilgrimage project

B. Swachh Mandir Campaign

C. Swachh Bharat Initiative

D. Sacred Site Hygiene Program

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Swachh Mandir’ (Clean Temple) campaign ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22. He called for a nationwide initiative to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in India. The campaign encourages citizens to clean pilgrimage sites from January 14 to 22, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the initiative.

2. Recently, which printing press published a book titled ‘Modi: Energising A Green Future,’?

A. Pentagon press

B. Penguin Random House

C. Acme Printing press

D. Harper collins publishers

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, leading the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, launched the book “Modi: Energising A Green Future.” Published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, the book explores PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable future. Edited by notable figures like RK Pachnanda and Bibek Debroy, it offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s environmental policies.

3. What is the name of a guideline issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India to instill human values and professional ethics in higher education institutions?

A. UTSAH

B. NEP SAARTHI

C. Mulya Pravah 2.0

D. Diksha

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India is promoting values and ethics in higher education through Mulya Pravah 2.0 guidelines. Aimed at instilling human values and professional ethics, it builds value-based institutions, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and accountability. The guidelines stress deep respect for fundamental duties and constitutional values, urging institutions to prioritize transparency, fairness, and the highest ethical standards. Mulya Pravah 2.0 is a modified version of the 2019 guideline with a focus on promoting constitutional values.

4. Who has been recently appointed as the Secretary of Railway Board?

A. Aruna Nayar (IRPS)

B. Arun Kumar (IPS)

C. Preeti Singh (IPS)

D. Swati Sharma (IAS)

• Aruna Nayar, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) Officer of the 1987 Batch, has assumed the role of Railway Board Secretary. She officially took charge on January.06. Notably, the Appointments Committee of Cabinet appointed her as Secretary in IRMS Level-16, making her the first IRPS officer to be empanelled in IRMS at this level.

5. Which city has been named the cleanest in India for the seventh consecutive year?

A. Tiruchirappalli

B. Indore

C. Salem

D. Mumbai

• Indore has been acclaimed as the cleanest city in India for the seventh year in a row, a title it has proudly held for an impressive consecutive streak. This recognition comes as part of the results from the Swachh Survekshan 2023, unveiled by President Droupadi Murmu on January 11, 2024. Notably, this year, Surat also achieved the joint top rank, sharing the honor with Indore for the first time. Swachh Survekshan, the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, had accolade the city’s persistent and effective efforts in urban cleanliness and sanitation.

6. Which reserve has been named India’s first ‘International Dark Sky Park’?

A. Ranthambore National Park

B. Kaziranga National Park

C. Pench Tiger Reserve

D. Jim Corbett National Park

• Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been honored with the title of India’s first ‘International Dark Sky Park’ by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). This significant accolade places Pench Tiger Reserve at the forefront of a global movement aimed at promoting astronomy and preserving natural night skies. The reserve has achieved this recognition for its efforts in implementing dark sky-friendly lighting policies, conducting educational outreach, and actively monitoring night sky quality.

7. Which city hosted the World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrations 2024?

A. Chennai

B. Madurai

C. Salem

D. Kanyakumari

• Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrations in Chennai on January 11, 2024. This event, spanning two days, was a significant gathering that brought together Tamils from about 58 countries, highlighting the global presence and cultural unity of the Tamil community. The celebration was marked by the participation of state ministers, people’s representatives, industrialists, writers, and others.

8. Which two entities have recently collaborated to streamline Self-Help Group (SHG) loans?

A. Ministry of Finance and ICICI Bank

B. Ministry of Rural Development and HDFC Bank

C. Ministry of Rural Development and SBI

D. Ministry of Commerce and Axis Bank

• The Ministry of Rural Development and State Bank of India have signed an MoU to ease enterprise financing for rural self-help groups (SHGs). State Bank of India introduced Svyam Siddha, a financial product tailored for SHG women entrepreneurs, offering loans up to Rs 5 lakhs.

9. Who secured the gold in the 57 kg category at the 2024 Zagreb Open Singles?

A. Aman Sherawat

B. Ravi Kumar Dahiya

C. Udey Chand

D. Deepak Punia

• Aman Sehrawat clinched gold at the Zagreb Open 2024 in the men’s singles 57 kg division, triumphing over China’s Zou Wanhao 10-0. Currently ranked 13^th globally, Sehrawat displayed dominance, securing victory within a minute and eight seconds in the final.

10. Who recently secured the India’s 16^th quota for Paris Olympics?

A. Rhythm Sangwan

B. Jiin Yang

C. Manini Koushik

D. Yeji Kim

• Rhythm Sangwan clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championships 2024, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, securing a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India. This marked India’s 16th shooting quota, surpassing the previous record of 15 for Tokyo 2020.

11. What is the official slogan of the 9^th Asian Winter Games?

A. Winter Wonderland

B. Unity in Diversity

C. Dream of Winter, Love among Asia

D. Play in Winter

• The 9th Asian Winter Games, scheduled for 2025, unveiled its core symbols in Heilongjiang, China. The official slogan, “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” reflects unity and sportsmanship, embodying the passion for winter sports across Asian countries. Mascots “Binbin” and “Nini,” Siberian tiger cubs, symbolize the Games’ vitality. The emblem, named “Breakthrough,” creatively merges Chinese culture and Olympic symbols.

12. Which infrastructure project, also known as Atal Setu, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai?

A. Mumbai Metro Line 3

B. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

C. Mumbai Coastal Road Project

D. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), officially named Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link, which is the country’s longest bridge over the sea. The 22-km-long twin-carriageway six-lane bridge spans the Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea, connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district. The MTHL is part of an effort to improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, encompassing Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts, with the goal of fostering economic development. The new bridge will significantly enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, alleviate congestion on the existing Vashi bridge route, and play a pivotal role in the region’s overall transportation infrastructure.

13. Udupi railway station, situated under the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) network, was recently included in which government scheme for redevelopment?

A. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

B. Production-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)

C. National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030

D. Vikalp Scheme

• The Udupi station, part of the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., has been added to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) for redevelopment. Launched in February 2023 by the Indian Railways Ministry, ABSS targets the transformation of 1,309 stations across India. The scheme focuses on modernizing stations, enhancing passenger amenities, improving traffic circulation, facilitating inter-modal integration, and implementing long-term Master Plans.