Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 13th May 2024

1. Recently, which organization adopted the first law to tackle violence against women?

A. European Union (EU)

B. United Nations (UN)

C. African Union (AU)

D. ASEAN

• The European Union (EU) adopted its first law to combat violence against women. The law requires EU countries to criminalize female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and online harassment. However, the law does not include a common definition of rape. The EU Commission proposed the law in 2022.

2. Recently, which organization has released upgraded Dietary Guidelines for Indians to suit modern eating habits for 2024?

A. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

B. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

C. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

D. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued updated Dietary Guidelines for Indians in 2024, developed by researchers from the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad. Emphasizing physical activity, regular exercise, and limitations on salt and high fat/sugar foods, the guidelines aim to combat obesity.

3. Hindon River is tributary of which river?

A. Godavari

B. Kaveri

C. Krishna

D. Yamuna

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to present an additional report within two weeks on Hindon River pollution, detailing actions against polluting municipal bodies. Hindon, a Yamuna tributary, spans 400 km from Saharanpur to Noida. Urban, agricultural, and industrial waste have rendered it one of the most polluted stretches in the Ganga basin. In 2015, CPCB declared it a ‘dead river,’ unfit for bathing.

4. Which institute recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386?

A. Indian Agricultural Research Institute B. National Sugar Research Institute

C. TATA Institute of Fundamental Research D. Central Scientific Industrial Organization

• The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386, which is resistant to leaf rust and yellow diseases. These diseases are common in the northwest region of India, which includes Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. IARI is a leading institute that has developed many of India’s wheat and rice varieties, which are often called the “Green Revolution”.

5. What is ‘FLiRT’?

A. Nuclear ballistic submarine

B. Malicious software

C. An underwater research station

D. New variant of COVID–19

• FLiRT, a new variant of COVID-19, has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States. It belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage and features two mutations, KP 1.1 and KP.2. Rapidly spreading, FLiRT exhibits diverse symptoms including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, fever, and gastric issues. Continuous monitoring and appropriate public health measures are essential to address its rapid transmission.

6. Recently, which country’s ambassador inaugurated the Kohima Peace Memorial in Nagaland?

A. Japan

B. China

C. Bhutan

D. Nepal

• In Nagaland, Japan’s ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki and CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Kohima Peace Memorial and laid Eco Park’s foundation stone. Symbolizing Japan-Nagaland collaboration, it commemorates WWII’s Battle of Kohima, signifying peace and reconciliation.

7. What is the causative agent of ‘Foot rot disease’?

A. Bacteria

B. Fungi

C. Virus

D. Protozoa

• Punjab Agricultural University introduces Trichoderma asperellum to tackle ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati rice, endorsed by Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). The disease, caused by Fungus Fusarium verticillioides, affects seedlings and transplanted crops. Symptoms include yellowing, elongation, and eventual death of plants. Current chemical treatments like Trichoderma harzianum and Sprint 75 WS pose risks to soil and consumers due to toxicity. Carbendazim, a component of Sprint 75 WS, is banned in Punjab due to high residues.

8. Recently, what amount has India contributed to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund?

A. $200,000

B. $300,000

C. $400,000

D. $500,000

• India’s $500,000 contribution to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund underscores its commitment to combating global terrorism. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), established in 2017, coordinates counter-terrorism efforts worldwide. It provides leadership, enhances coordination among 38 entities, strengthens capacity-building assistance to Member States, and advocates for resources.

9. What is ‘55 Cancri e’?

A. Invasive weed

B. Super-Earth 

C. Ancient Irrigation Technique

D. Submarine

• Scientists have found a super-Earth, 55 Cancri e, near our solar system. It’s twice Earth’s size with a thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and monoxide. Orbiting its star, Copernicus, at a close distance, it completes an orbit every 18 hours. Positioned 41 light years away, it faces perpetual day and night.

10. What is Nerium Oleander?

A. Evergreen shrub

B. Asteroid

C. Black hole

D. Naval Ship

• After a woman and two cattle died from consuming Nerium Oleander, the Travancore Devaswom Board decided to remove the flower from offerings to devotees. Nerium Oleander, an evergreen shrub known as ‘Arali’ in Malayalam, grows up to 18-20 feet and is used in poojas despite its toxicity. Ancient civilizations like the Mesopotamians, Romans, and Arabs valued Nerium Oleander for its medicinal properties. Its toxicity, due to cardiac glycosides, can cause severe symptoms including death.

11. Kadet Defence Systems has been developed India’s first kamikaze drone in collaboration with which organization?

A. DRDO

B. ISRO

C. BHEL

D. HAL

• India’s first kamikaze drone, developed by Kadet Defence Systems with DRDO, is a Loitering Aerial Munition (LAM) or Suicidal drone. It loiters over targets for precise identification, capable of changing targets mid-flight or aborting missions. Adaptable to diverse terrains like deserts and high-altitude areas, it has a 12-hour loitering capacity and a flying range of 150-300 km.

12. Which day is celebrated as ‘National Technology Day’ every year?

A. 10 May

B. 11 May

C. 12 May

D. 13 May

• India celebrates National Technology Day on May.11, commemorating its advancements in technology. It marks India’s entry into the nuclear club, the maiden flight of its indigenous aircraft, and the successful testing of the Trishul missile. The 2024 theme for the day is, “From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate”.