Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 15th 16th and 17th June 2024

1. Recently, who became the first Indian to win a three-star Grand Prix event in equestrian?

A. Roshni Sharma

B. Shruti Vora

C. Alisha Abdullah

D. Kalyani Potekar

• Shruti Vora, a 53-year-old from Kolkata, became the first Indian to win a three-star Grand Prix event in equestrian. She triumphed in the CDI-3 event at the FEI Dressage World Cup in Lipica, Slovenia, on June 7, 2024, scoring 67.761 points on her horse Magnanimous. Vora has previously represented India in the 2022 Dressage World Championships and the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.

2. Lipulekh Pass is located in which state?

A. Himachal Pradesh

B. Uttarakhand

C. Sikkim

D. Assam

• Indian traders have urged the central government to resume border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass. Located in Uttarakhand at 5,334 meters, Lipulekh connects India with Tibet and is key for trade and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. Historically significant as a trade route, it was the first Indian border post for trade with China, opened in 1992, followed by Shipki La and Nathu La passes.

3. What is ‘Olympus Mons’?

A. A shield volcano on Mars

B. Invasive plant

C. Nuclear Ballistic Submarine

D. Short Range Ballistic Missile

• Scientists discovered frost on Mars’ tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, indicating an active water cycle. Olympus Mons, a 3.5-billion-year-old shield volcano in Mars’ western hemisphere, is the highest point on Mars and the largest volcano in the solar system. It stands 16 miles (24 km) high, about three times taller than Mt. Everest.

4. ‘Kavli Prizes’ are awarded for which fields?

A. Literature, Peace, and Music

B. Economics, Environment and Chemistry

C. Astrophysics, Nanoscience and Neuroscience

D. Agriculture, Physics and Maths

• The 2024 Kavli Prize winners were announced, honoring contributions in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. David Charbonneau and Sara Seager received the astrophysics prize for exoplanet discoveries. In nanoscience, Robert Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad Mirkin were awarded for biomedical breakthroughs. In neuroscience, Nancy Kanwisher, Winrich Freiwald, and Doris Tsao were recognized for their pioneering work on facial recognition and brain mapping. The prizes, established in 2008, commemorate Fred Kavli.

5. Which ministry recently launched an e-flow ecological monitoring system that allows real-time monitoring of river quality?

A. Ministry of Jal Shakti

B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

C. Ministry of Agriculture

D. Ministry of Rural Development

• The Union Jal Shakti Ministry launched an e-flow ecological monitoring system for real-time planning and monitoring of river projects and water quality. Developed by NMCG, it analyzes Ganga and Yamuna water quality, tracks Namami Gange program activities, and ensures STPs operate efficiently. This system supports sustainable Ganga River flow by monitoring crucial parameters across 11 projects.

6. Teesta River, recently seen in news due to flood in West Bengal, is tributary of which river?

A. River Brahmaputra

B. River Yamuna

C. River Narmada

D. River Kaveri

• Kalimpong in West Bengal faces extensive damage from heavy rains, causing flooding in the Teesta River. The Teesta, a Brahmaputra tributary, originates from glacial lakes in Sikkim, spanning 309 km. It flows south through deep gorges in the Siwalik Hills, before turning eastward into Bangladesh. Major tributaries include Lachung Chhu and Rangit River.

7. Which organization recently released the “UNTAPPED: Collective Intelligence for Climate Action” report?

A. UNEP

B. UNDP

C. UNESCO

D. World Bank

• The UNDP’s “Untapped Collective Intelligence for Climate Action” report highlights the potential of Collective Intelligence (CI) in climate adaptation and mitigation. CI enhances capabilities by combining diverse contributions through collaboration and technology.
• It bridges gaps in data by mobilizing citizens for real-time information, in action by involving more people, and in diversity by including varied perspectives, such as those of Indigenous communities, in climate processes and data collection.

8. Divya Drishti AI tool has been developed under the technical guidance of which organization?

A. Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)

B. Centre for Advanced Technology

C. National Informatics Centre (NIC)

D. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• The AI tool “Divya Drishti,” developed by a start-up under the guidance of the DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), a lab of DRDO, combines facial recognition with gait analysis to create a robust authentication system. This enhances identification accuracy and reduces the risk of false positives and identity fraud. Its applications include defence, law enforcement, corporate, and public infrastructure sectors.

9. Kheer Bhawani Temple is located in which state/UT?

A. Sikkim

B. Assam

C. Jammu and Kashmir

D. Lakshadweep

• Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, for the annual Zeisht Ashtami festival. Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 and renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Durga. The Kheer Bhawani Mela is also celebrated at shrines in Kupwara, Anantnag, and Kulgam.

10. Raja Parb is an agricultural-based festival of which state?

A. Odisha

B. Assam

C. Punjab

D. Uttar Pradesh

• The President of India attended the Raja Parb celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the first time. Raja Parb, an agriculture-based festival from Odisha, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by women and children, during the onset of monsoons. The three-day-long festival is one of Odisha’s most significant celebrations.

11. Recently, India launched a Local Currency Settlement System with which country?

A. UAE

B. Russia

C. Canada

D. Maldives

• India and the UAE have launched a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) for bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams, reducing reliance on the US Dollar. This initiative aims to simplify trade processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance economic ties between the countries through direct currency settlements.

12. Recently, the APEDA has facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to which country?

A. Sri Lanka

B. UAE

C. Myanmar

D. France

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of MD 2 pineapples, also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” to the UAE. The shipment included 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of pineapples. Developed by Del Monte in the 1980s, MD 2 pineapples are primarily grown in Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand, with Indian production in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.

13. Which country will host the multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ in August?

A. Germany

B. Spain

C. France

D. India

• The Indian Air Force will host its first multinational exercise, Tarang Shakti 2024, in August 2024. Around 10 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and the US, are expected to participate, with others as observers. Initially scheduled for late 2023, the exercise was deferred. The event will enhance interoperability with friendly neighboring air forces.

14. Which organization recently supported the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to achieve sustainable waste management in the city?

A. UNEP

B. World Bank

C. UNDP

D. IMF

• The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), with World Bank assistance, aims to enhance trash management by 2026-2027, focusing on stopping waste disposal at the Kodungaiyur dump. In a recent meeting with state officials, GCC discussed making solid waste management strategic, setting a Zero Waste goal, and eventually closing the Perungudi dumpsite following Kodungaiyur’s success.

15. Matsya 6000 is developed by which institute?

A. IIT, Roorkee

B. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai

C. IIT, Kanpur

D. National Institute of Oceanography

• India is set to become the 6th country with a Deep Sea Mission, planning the first harbor trial at 40-50 meters depth by September 2024. The Matsya 6000, a three-person submersible developed by Chennai’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), will reach depths of 6,000 meters. Made of 80mm-thick titanium alloy, it can operate for 12-16 hours with a 96-hour oxygen supply. This mission is expected to boost India’s economy significantly.

16. Recently, where was the ‘Swiss Peace Summit’ held?

A. India

B. Switzerland

C. France

D. Germany

• The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort concluded with hopes of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Out of 100 delegations, 80 countries and four organizations supported the final joint communiqué. The Swiss Peace Summit, focused on facilitating dialogue and negotiations to end the conflict that started in February 2022, gathered international representatives to discuss and promote peace initiatives.

17. Recently, which organization has developed a new tool to predict the emergence of El Nino and La Nina conditions?

A. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

B. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)

C. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

D. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)

• The Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed the Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN) to predict El Nino and La Nina conditions. Utilizing AI, deep learning, and ML, BCNN forecasts ENSO phases by observing ocean-atmosphere interactions and using the Nino3.4 index.
• Established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, INCOIS provides ocean data, information, and advisory services to various stakeholders.

18. Which day is observed as ‘World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought’ every year?

A. June.16

B. June.17

C. June.18

D. June.19

• On June 17th, the world observes the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, raising awareness about land degradation’s severe impacts. This year’s theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,” highlights the vital importance of collective land stewardship to protect the environment and support communities globally.

19. Which ministry recently organised the ‘Global Wind Day’ event with a central theme of ‘Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India’?

A. Ministry of Defence

B. Ministry of Agriculture

C. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

D. Ministry of Urban Development

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) celebrated Global Wind Day on June 15, 2024, highlighting India’s wind energy achievements and future potential. With the theme “Pawan–Urja: Powering the Future of India,” the event featured discussions on wind energy’s role in meeting power demand, accelerating onshore adoption, and offshore development.
• India, with 46.4 GW of installed wind power capacity, aims to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030 and net zero by 2070.

20. What is the rank of India in the ‘Environment Performance Index 2024’?

A. 156^th

B. 166^th

C. 176^th

D. 186^th

• Despite the Union government’s environmental improvement claims, India ranks 176th out of 180 nations in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), slightly better than its 180th position in 2022. Compiled by Yale and Columbia researchers, the EPI assesses green performance across multiple parameters. Since 2012, India has consistently declined in this index, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges.

21. Indian Railways recently operated the first trial train from Sangaldan to Reasi, crossing the world’s highest rail bridge on which river?

A. Sutlej

B. Jhelum

C. Chenab

D. Yamuna

• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the completion of the first trial run of the Sangaldan-Reasi train, crossing the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River, approximately 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.

22. Recently, where was the second edition of Exercise Red Flag 2024 held?

A. Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma

B. Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska

C. Beale Air Force Base, California

D. Creech Air Force Base, Nevada

• An Indian Air Force contingent, including Rafale aircraft, participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This advanced aerial combat training involved air forces from Singapore, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and the US.
• Conducted four times annually by the US Air Force, Red Flag simulates realistic combat scenarios with Red Force defending and Blue Force attacking, enhancing international air force cooperation and readiness. This marked the debut of IAF’s Rafale in Red Flag exercises.

23. Recently, which regulatory body has been awarded the ‘Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024’ by Central Banking, London, UK?

A. RBI

B. NABARD

C. SEBI

D. SBI

• In 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the “Risk Manager of the Year Award” from Central Banking in London. This accolade recognizes RBI’s efforts in enhancing risk management policies and ensuring financial stability in India. Mr. Manoranjan Mishra, RBI’s Executive Director, accepted the award, highlighting RBI’s achievements in risk culture and setting benchmarks for global central banks in effective risk management practices.

24. Recently, which state has won the award for maximum wind power installed capacity?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Gujarat

C. Rajasthan

D. Odisha

• Gujarat received the “1st Rank” award for highest wind power installed capacity at the “Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India” event, celebrating Global Wind Day in New Delhi. Gujarat surpassed Tamil Nadu with 11,823 MW of installed capacity by May 2024, compared to Tamil Nadu’s 10,743 MW. Karnataka ranked third with 6,312 MW. The award was accepted by Gujarat officials Mamta Verma and Jai Prakash Shivahare.