Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 16th & 17th July 2023
1. Which state/UT launched the upgraded version of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana- Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) scheme?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Answer: [C] Gujarat
Recently, the Gujarat Government introduced an upgraded version of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY- MA) scheme. It allows individuals to access free medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh, an increase from the previous limit of Rs 5 lakh. A total of 2,027 government hospitals, 803 private hospitals, and 18 Central government hospitals in the state are authorized to offer medical treatment and perform surgeries.
2. Which institution released the ‘2023 Employment Outlook’ report?
[A] World Bank
[B] ILO
[C] OECD
[D] IMF
Answer: [C] OECD
According to the OECD’s 2023 Employment Outlook, there is currently limited evidence of notable adverse impacts on employment resulting from AI. The report highlighted that despite the current low adoption rate of AI, the combination of swift advancements, decreasing costs, and the growing pool of skilled AI professionals suggests that OECD economies could be on the verge of an imminent AI revolution.
3. ‘Ker Puja’ festival is celebrated in which state/UT?
[A] Tripura
[B] West Bengal
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Answer: [A] Tripura
Ker Puja, a Hindu festival, occurs a fortnight following Kharchi Puja and pays tribute to Ker, a protective deity. It is mainly observed in Tripura. It is a century old traditional festival. The area around the royal palace has been notified for Ker Puja, where the rituals are held uninterrupted for more than 30 years.
4. Which department issued Quality Control Orders for ‘Potable water bottles’ and ‘Flame- Producing Lighter’?
[A] Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
[B] Department of Commerce
[C] Department of Economic
[D] Department of Revenue
Answer: [A] Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued official notifications regarding Quality Control Orders for two items: ‘Potable water bottles’ and ‘Flame-Producing Lighters’. The objective of these Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is to bolster India’s quality infrastructure and improve the well-being and safety of consumers.
5. Louvre Museum, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Ukraine
[C] France
[D] Germany
Answer: [C] France
India is in the final stages of establishing a unique partnership with the renowned Louvre Museum to assist in the design and planning of the proposed new National Museum in the national capital, located on Raisina Hill. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris, an extensive cultural agreement is expected to be signed between the Indian and French governments.
6. ‘The Eunuchs Act 1919’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Telangana
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: [A] Telangana
The Telangana Eunuchs Act, formerly known as the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) Eunuchs Act, was established in 1919 within territories of Hyderabad Nizam. This act pertained to individuals identified as “eunuchs.” According to its provisions, “eunuchs” were defined as “individuals of the male gender who either self- identified as impotent or were deemed impotent based on medical examination.” Recently, the Telangana High Court declared the Telangana Eunuchs Act of 1919 invalid, stating that it violated the constitution and encroached upon the personal lives of transgender individuals.
7. Which country hosted the ‘India-Arab business partnership conference’ recently?
[A] India
[B] Bahrain
[C] UAE
[D] Saudi Arabia
Answer: [A] India
The sixth India-Arab Partnership Conference 2023 was organized in New Delhi. UAE was the third-largest trading partner of India while Saudi Arabia, was the fourth-largest partner during the last financial year. The Conference has provided a useful platform to the business community on both sides to explore new prospects for trade and investment.
8. As per a recent draft notice, Installation of air-conditioning systems has been mandated in the cabins of trucks manufactured from which date?
[A] 1st January 2024
[B] 1st January 2025
[C] 1St January 2026
[D] 1st January 2027
Answer: [B] 1st January 2025
Recently, the Indian government released a draft notice that requires the installation of air- conditioning systems in truck cabins, manufactured from 1st January 2025 onwards. This step aims to enhance the working environment for truck drivers in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said installation of air-conditioning system in the cabins of motor vehicles belonging to categories N2 and N3 will be mandatory. The N2 category motor vehicles are goods carriages of 3.5 tons, while N3 exceed 12 tons.
9. INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with which country’s navy?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Tanzania
[D] Egypt
Answer: [C] Tanzania
During the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar to Tanzania, guided missile frigate, INS Trishul visited the ports of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Tanzanian Navy and also participated in a Maritime Partnership exercise with TNS Fatundu and Pengusi.
10. What is the peculiarity of the LTT9779b exo- planet recently discovered?
[A] It is the most reflective planet
[B] It is the farthest planet
[C] It is the biggest planet
[D] It is heaviest planet
Answer: [A] It is the most reflective planet
A peculiar planet named LTT9779b has been identified by astronomers. This Neptune-sized body, located over 260 light-years away from Earth, reflects 80% of the light from its host star. Notably, it is the first exoplanet found to exhibit a similar brightness level to Venus. The ultra-hot exoplanet, acts like a cosmic mirror because it is covered by reflective clouds of metal.
11. As per a recent research, which disease can induce alterations in microglial cells associated with Alzheimer’s disease?
[A] Gum disease
[B] Hypertension
[C] Diabetes
[D] Skin Disease
Answer: [A] Gum disease
Recently, researchers have established a connection between periodontal (gum) disease and the development of amyloid plaque, a defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that gum disease can induce alterations in microglial cells, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the brain against amyloid plaque, a protein linked to cellular demise.
12. What is the name of India’s first regional AI news presenter?
[A] Tina
[B] Lisa
[C] Mona
[D] Hira
Answer: [B] Lisa
Odisha TV, an Odia-based news station, has unveiled “Lisa”, India’s first regional Al news anchor. Lisa’s introduction marks a groundbreaking moment in TV broadcasting and journalism. This AI possess the ability to converse in multiple languages like Odia, English etc. She would soon host news updates, showcasing her capabilities as an AI news anchor.
13. Which institution has developed a flexible composite semiconductor material using inkjet printing?
[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: [A] IISC Bengaluru
Scientists at the Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISC) have developed a flexible composite semiconductor material using inkjet printing. It has potential for various applications in next- generation technologies such as flexible or curved displays, foldable phones, and wearable electronics.
14. Which country is the host of the Asian Athletics Championships 2023?
[A] Thailand
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Indonesia
Answer: [A] Thailand
The 2023 Asian Athletics Championships which began in Thailand have chosen revered Hindu god Hanuman as the official mascot for this year’s event. The championships event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the continental governing body. This is Asia’s biggest ‘track and field’ meet.
15. Which country launched methane and liquid oxygen-powered rocket, Zhuque-2?
[A] UAE
[B] South Korea
[C] China
[D] Japan
Answer: [C] China
Chinese aerospace company LandSpace recently launched methane and liquid oxygen-powered rocket, Zhuque-2, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The successful mission involved placing a test payload into the sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), making LandSpace the first company globally to accomplish this achievement.
16. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is recently spreading in which country?
[A] South Africa
[B] Cyprus
[C] Indonesia
[D] Pakistan
Answer: [B] Cyprus
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a feline strain of the coronavirus, has been causing devastating consequences for the cat population on Cyprus. The rapid spread of the disease has particularly affected the island’s stray cats, known for their friendly behavior towards humans. Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
17. ‘Prayut Chan-o-cha’, who was seen in the news, was the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] North Korea
[B] Thailand
[C] Indonesia
[D] Malaysia
Answer: [B] Thailand
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has made an announcement of his departure from the political arena. After assuming power in a coup as the army chief in 2014, he has held Thailand’s highest position and governed the country since then.
18. Which state/UT has approved two ‘Obra D thermal power plants’?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: [C] Uttar Pradesh
With an aim to ensure affordable electricity for the residents of Uttar Pradesh, the government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given its approval for two ‘Obra D’ thermal power projects. These power plants, with a capacity of 800MW each, will be constructed in Obra, Sonbhadra at an estimated cost of Rs 18,000 crore.
19. As per a recent report, what percent of poorest people of the global population face around 40% higher vulnerability to heatwaves than the wealthiest?
[A] 10%
[B] 25%
[C] 40%
[D] 50%
Answer: [B] 25 %
According to a new study, the least affluent 25% of the global population face around 40% higher vulnerability to heatwaves compared to the wealthiest 25%. By the 2060s, regions with higher poverty rates are projected to experience heatwaves two to five times more frequently compared to wealthier nations.
20. P. indicus, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Snake
[B] Turtle
[C] Shrimp
[D] Dolphin
Answer: [C] Shrimp
Aquaculture scientists in India have successfully decoded the genome of an indigenous white shrimp variety called P. indicus. This development is expected to enhance self- sufficiency and increase export earnings. The country currently relies on imported Pacific white shrimp, but this breakthrough aims to reduce dependence on a single species and promote the use of indigenous species for the benefit of the shrimp industry and farmers.