Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 13th and 14th June 2024

1. Which state recently launched the ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ scheme to promote girl education in the state?

A. Manipur

B. Nagaland

C. Sikkim

D. Assam

• The Assam government launched the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme in June, 2024, to promote girl education and end child marriage.
• Approved by the state cabinet, the scheme offers financial support to around 10 lakh girl students. Girls in higher secondary education will receive Rs 1000 monthly, those in degree courses Rs 1200, and those in Post Graduation or B. Ed programs Rs 2500.

2. Which organization recently collaborated with the National Commission for Indian Medical Systems to organize the ‘PRANA’ conference?

A. All India Council for Technical Education

B. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization

C. NITI Aayog

D. Ministry of Education

• The National Commission for Indian Medical Systems held a two-day National Conference, ‘PRANA’ (Protecting Rights and Novelties in ASUS), in collaboration with the All-India Council for Technical Education and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell to mark its fourth foundation. The conference highlighted patentable innovations suitable for commercialization and startups in the Indian System of Medicines.

3. Global Gender Gap Report 2024, recently released by which organization?

A. World Economic Forum

B. World Meteorological Organization

C. International Labour Organization

D. World Bank

• In India’s new cabinet, only two out of 30 ministers are women, down from 10 previously. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum underscores global gender disparities. Iceland leads as the most gender-equal country for the 14th year, with India ranking 129th. India’s slight decline in the index reflects setbacks in educational attainment and political empowerment, despite marginal improvements in economic participation and opportunity.

4. What is ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’?

A. Microalgae

B. Bacteria

C. Amoeba

D. Fungi

• Scientists from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology highlighted Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), derived from microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’, as beneficial for food and feed applications. Microalgae, microscopic and mostly unicellular, thrive in diverse aquatic environments and lack roots or stems. They are crucial in ecosystems as primary producers, offering nutritional benefits due to their richness in lipids, proteins, and pigments. Examples include Spirulina and Chlorella, commonly used as dietary supplements for their health benefits.

5. Which country became the first country to adopt the India’s ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’?

A. Maldives

B. Mauritius

C. Bhutan

D. Nepal

• India’s ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ aims to provide affordable generic medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs). Mauritius adopted the scheme, becoming the first country outside India to do so. Nepal is now in talks with India to establish similar centers, enhancing access to low-cost, high-quality medicines. With over 10,000 PMBJKs across India, the scheme aims to reduce healthcare costs and promote generic medicine use, managed by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau.

6. Visakhapatnam port has secured which place in the Container Port Performance Index?

A. 18^th

B. 17^th

C. 15^th

D. 19^th

• The World Bank, in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, launched the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), utilizing data from 405 global ports, the largest dataset of its kind. Visakhapatnam Port achieved a notable ranking of 19 in this index, reflecting its efficiency and infrastructure quality in handling container traffic.
• This assessment provides insights into global port operations, aiding in strategic improvements for enhanced trade facilitation and logistics management.

7. According to a global assessment of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions, which country is the world’s second largest source of nitrous oxide (N2O)?

A. China

B. India

C. Brazil

D. Russia

• India ranks as the world’s second largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. In 2020, India contributed nearly 11% of global man-made N2O emissions, following China’s 16%. These emissions primarily stem from nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal manure used in agriculture. Despite this, India’s per capita emissions are relatively low at 0.8 kg/person compared to other top emitters like China, the US, Brazil, and Russia.

8. Recently, scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have discovered three new craters on which planet?

A. Venus

B. Earth

C. Mars

D. Saturn

• Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad discovered three craters on Mars within the Tharsis Volcanic Region, known for extensive lava flows. Named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa, these craters offer insights into Martian surface geology and age. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of Mars’ stable crust and geological processes, contrasting with Earth’s active geology and erosion.

9. What is the theme of ‘International Fatty Liver Day 2024’?

A. Act Now, Screen Today

B. Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-ups

C. Keep your liver healthy and disease-free

D. Do Regular Liver Check-up

• June 13 is observed as International Fatty Liver Day with the theme ‘Act Now, Screen Today’. Fatty liver disease, or steatosis, involves the accumulation of excessive fat in liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and serious complications if untreated. It can be caused by alcohol abuse (alcoholic steatohepatitis) or other factors (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Awareness and early screening are crucial to prevent liver damage and manage this common global health issue.

10. Abua Awas Scheme is associated with which state?

A. Odisha

B. Haryana

C. Jharkhand

D. Bihar

• Jharkhand’s Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite the construction of 2 lakh houses under the ‘Abua Awas’ scheme’s first phase, launched in November 2023 to aid those excluded from PM Awas Yojana benefits. The state plans to allocate over Rs 15,000 crore over two years from its funds to provide three-room houses to the needy, including laborers, farmers, tribals, and Dalits.

11. What is the name of the mobile app recently launched by NCRB to provide information about new criminal laws?

A. NCRB Samarth

B. NCRB Sahayak

C. NCRB Sangrah

D. NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws

• The NCRB has launched the “NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws” mobile app to provide comprehensive information on new criminal laws, effective from next month. The app compiles the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, with features like chapter and section indexing, old-to-new law comparison charts, and offline functionality. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store, it benefits the public, court officers, advocates, law students, and police officers.

12. What is ‘Nagastra-1’?

A. Earth observation satellite

B. Man-portable suicide drones

C. Nuclear ballistic submarine

D. Exoplanet

• The Indian Army has received Nagastra-1, a unique man-portable suicide drone designed to target launch pads, enemy camps, and infiltrators safely. Under Emergency Procurement Powers, the Army ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL).

13. Which state government recently launched “Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom” scheme to improve soil health?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Karnataka

D. Kerala

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the “Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom” plan to promote sustainable farming in state with a ₹206 crore budget. A key focus is improving soil health using green manure methods. A ₹20 crore start-up fund will support the distribution of green manure seeds across 200,000 acres from 2024–25, benefiting over 200,000 farmers directly.

14. Recently, who won the FIDE under-20 Girl’s World Chess Championship 2024?

A. Mariam Mkrtchyan

B. Salonika Saina

C. Divya Deshmukh

D. Shubhi Gupta

• 18-year-old Nagpur girl and International Master Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE U-20 Girl’s World Chess Championship, becoming the fourth Indian woman to do so. The tournament, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from June 2-13, 2024, featured 230 players from 44 countries. Divya remained unbeaten, finishing with 10 points out of 11. Grand Master Kazybek Nogerbek from Kazakhstan won the men’s title. Divya will compete in the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

15. Which day is observed as ‘World Blood Donor Day’ annually?

A. Odisha

B. Himachal Pradesh

C. Maharashtra

D. Karnataka

• World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the importance of donating safe blood. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004, the day honors Austrian biologist Karl Landsteiner, born on June 14, 1886. In 2005, the World Health Assembly officially recognized the day. The 2024 theme is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors,” marking the 20th anniversary of the observance.

16. Recently, which ministry released the first All-India survey on ‘AYUSH’?

A. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

B. Ministry of AYUSH

C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

D. Ministry of Home Affairs

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the first All-India survey on AYUSH, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office from July 2022 to June 2023. Key findings reveal that 95% of rural and 96% of urban populations aged 15 and above are aware of AYUSH.
• Predominantly used for rejuvenation, AYUSH’s usage and expenditure are higher in urban areas. AYUSH includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, offering cost-effective treatments with negligible side effects.

17. Recently, the United Nations declared which year as the ‘International Year of Camelids (IYC)’ to raise awareness of untapped potential of camelids?

A. 2024

B. 2025

C. 2026

D. 2027

• The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids (IYC) to raise awareness about the crucial role these animals play in the lives of millions of people, particularly in harsh environments. The IYC aims to highlight the untapped potential of camelids and encourage increased investment in the camelid sector.

18. What is the primary objective of the GREAT Scheme?

A. To support traditional textile industries in UAE

B. To develop a startup ecosystem in technical textiles

C. To promote agricultural products across urban India

D. To export Indian Medicines globally

• The Empowered Programme Committee of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has approved seven startup proposals under the GREAT scheme. GREAT (Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) is part of NTTM’s Research, Development, and Innovation Component, led by the Ministry of Textiles. It offers grants-in-aid of up to INR 50 lakhs over 18 months to harness India’s technical textiles sector expertise for innovative product and technology development.

19. Recently, which telescope of NASA’s observed the symbiotic system HM Sagittae (HM Sge) in Milky Way Galaxy?

A. Hubble Space Telescope

B. Broad Band X-ray Telescope

C. Spitzer Space Telescope

D. Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

• NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope studied HM Sagittae (HM Sge), a symbiotic binary star system in the Milky Way. It features a white dwarf and a red giant. White dwarfs are remnants of stars that have burned, while red giants are stars in their final stage. In HM Sge, material from the red giant forms an accretion disk around the white dwarf after being drawn in by its gravitational pull.

20. Recently, which country became the 43^rd signatory nation to NASA’s Artemis Accords for lunar exploration?

A. China

B. Russia

C. Armenia

D. Austria

• Armenia became the 43rd signatory of NASA’s Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. Established in 2020 with seven founding nations, the Accords are based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They are a non-binding set of principles for civil space exploration, promoting peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation in space. Notable signatories include India, the UAE, and the UK.

21. Recently, the WHO has designated which medical institute as a WHO Collaborating Centre (CC) for “Fundamental and Literary Research in Traditional Medicine” ?

A. National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad

B. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur

C. AIIMS, Delhi

D. KGMU, Lucknow

• The World Health Organization has designated the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad, as a WHO Collaborating Centre for “Fundamental and Literary Research in Traditional Medicine” from June 3, 2024, for four years. Established in 1956, NIIMH documents medico-historical research in various traditional Indian healthcare systems.

22. Recently, Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of which country?

A. Kenya

B. Rwanda

C. South Africa

D. Nigeria

• Cyril Ramaphosa secured a second term as South Africa’s President on June 14, 2024, after a coalition deal between the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and other smaller parties. The ANC, for the first time since 1996, failed to secure a parliamentary majority, obtaining only 40% of the votes in the May 29, 2024 election. Ramaphosa first became President on February 15, 2018.

23. Which organization and Sansad TV recently signed an agreement to make Indian art and culture more accessible to the people?

A. Lalit Kala Academy

B. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

C. Sangeet Natak Academy

D. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Sansad TV signed an agreement to make Indian art and culture more accessible. IGNCA-produced programs will be aired on Sansad TV. The MoU was signed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi (IGNCA) and Mr. Rajat Punhani (Sansad TV). Both expressed happiness over this collaboration, aiming to produce and broadcast various cultural programs and utilize IGNCA’s archive.

24. Which country hosted the 50^th G7 leaders summit?

A. Italy

B. France

C. India

D. Canada

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G7 Outreach session in Borgo Egnazia, Italy, on June 14, discussing AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Invited by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Modi met leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Rishi Sunak. The 50th G7 Summit ran from June 13-15 in Apulia, Italy.