Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 16th September 2023
1. India recently organised its first ‘Investment Forum 2023’ with which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] Australia
[D] Germany
Answer: [B] Saudi Arabia
India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum 2023 was organized in New Delhi. This is the first formal investment symposium between the two nations. Over 500 companies from both countries participated in the event. The Saudi Crown Prince had previously announced an investment of approximately $100 billion in various sectors of the Indian economy. The forum also witnessed the signing of over 45 MoUs, aimed at deepening economic engagement and boosting investment flows.
2. Which city is the host of ‘Workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Gandhi Nagar
[D] Bhubaneswar
Answer: [A] Mumbai
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in partnership with UNICEF and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), organized a workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in Mumbai. The BRSR framework, rooted in the nine principles of the National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), mandates top 1000 listed companies to disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance aspects.
3. Which Union Ministry organised the ‘International Conference on Dam Safety’?
[A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Coal
Answer: [A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation is organizing the International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) in Jaipur. The Conference was inaugurated under the theme “Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity.” With India hosting over 6,000 dams, this event focuses on enhancing dam safety, discussing cutting-edge topics, and highlighting the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.
4. Araku coffee, which was one of the gifts presented to leaders at G-20 summit, is from which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] West Bengal
Answer: [B] Andhra Pradesh
During the recent G20 Summit in Delhi, world leaders were presented with a selection of handcrafted gifts representing India’s diverse cultural heritage. These gifts included such as Kannauj’s famous ittar, Kashmiri saffron, Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh, and tea from the Nilgiris, all packaged in a chest adorned with brass detailing. The gift also featured Sundarbans honey, Zighrana Ittar from Kannauj, Pashmina shawls from Changthangi goats, Khadi scarves symbolizing India’s freedom struggle, and commemorative coins and stamps.
5. Which institution has developed a new Approach for Early Detection and Treatment of Lung and Cervical Cancer?
[A] IIT-Madras
[B] IISc-Bengaluru
[C] IIT-Delhi
[D] IIT-Kharagpur
Answer: [B] IISC- Bengaluru
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) have unveiled a groundbreaking approach for cancer treatment with the potential for early detection and the targeted elimination of lung and cervical cancer cells. India is projected to witness approximately 29.8 million cancer cases by 2025, particularly in North and northeast regions.
6. As per a recent report, what per cent of sitting MPs in India have Criminal cases?
[A] 25%
[B] 40 %
[C] 50%
[D] 75 %
Answer: [B] 40 %
A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that approximately 40% of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) in India have criminal cases registered against them. 25% of them facing serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. The report also highlights that 7% of MPs are billionaires, with an average worth of assets per MP from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being Rs 38.33 crores.
7. Which Union Ministry initiated the ‘Aswasanidhi project’?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs
Answer: [A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
The Aswasanidhi project, initiated by the Women and Child Development department, has provided interim financial relief totaling 10.17 crore to nearly 1,400 victims of sex crimes and Severe gender-based violence since its inception in 2018. The project offers assistance to victims regardless of aid received from the Victim Compensation Fund or other legal provisions.
8. Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which ride-hailing service?
[A] Ola
[B] Uber
[C] Rapido
[D] DiDi
Answer: [B] Uber
The Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber- the American ride-hailing service. It aims to provide reliable, convenient, safe, and economical mobility solutions for personal travel and commute of Naval personnel and their families across the country.
9. Nyoma airfield, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Ladakh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Punjab
Answer: [B] Ladakh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 90 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost exceeding 2,900 crore. The projects span 11 States and Union Territories, including two revamped airfields, Bagdogra and Barrackpore, in West Bengal, and the Nyoma airfield inEastern Ladakh, which will boost air infrastructure and augment the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities along the Northern border.
10. An invasive non-native ant species, the red fire ant, has been detected in which country?
[A] India
[B] Italy
[C] Indonesia
[D] Germany
Answer: [B] Italy
A study warns that the invasive non-native ant species, the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), has become established in Italy and poses a threat to Europe and the UK due to global heating. These ants have a powerful sting, damage crops, and can infest electrical equipment. They are known to form “super colonies” rapidly, prey on invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants, and out- compete native ants, insects, and herbivores for food. The red fire ant is considered one of the most destructive invasive species globally, causing an estimated $6 billion in damage each year.
11. Archaeologists Discover 24,000-Year-Old Paleolithic Cave Art Site at “Cova Dones” in which country?
[A] Greece
[B] China
[C] Spain
[D] Australia
Answer: [C] Spain
Archaeologists have uncovered a Paleolithic cave art site in eastern Spain, believed to be over 24,000 years old. The cave, known as “Cova Dones” or “Cueva Dones,” is situated in the Spain’s Valencia region. The site contains more than a hundred individual prehistoric paintings and engravings, including depictions of hinds, horses, aurochs, and deer.Notably, most of the paintings were made using clay, which is a rare find at Paleolithic sites.
12. Which city approved the ‘Aspirational City Scheme’ for 100 Most Backward Urban Areas?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Answer: [B] Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the implementation of the ‘Aspirational City Scheme’ in 100 of the most backward urban areas with populations ranging from 20,000 to 1 lakh. Under this scheme, projects will be executed through funding from government schemes, including central and state government programs, as well as MP and MLA funds. The selection of these 100 aspirational urban areas will be based on 16 parameters set by NITI Aayog among the 762 urban areas.
13. Which state introduced the ‘Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: [B] Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced the Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana under the Nand Baba Mission to enhance cattle breeds and boost milk production in the state. The scheme aims to improve cow breeds, particularly Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, and Gangatiri, to increase milk production and the income of dairy farmers. The government will provide a 50% subsidy on the estimated cost of Rs 62.5 lakh for establishing a unit of 25 milch cows, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 31.25 lakh per beneficiary.
14. Which city is the host of ‘Second Edition of ICAR-CIBA’s Shrimp Farmers Conclave-2023’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Navsari
[C] Panaji
[D] Chennai
Answer: [B] Navsari
The Second Edition of ICAR-CIBA’s Shrimp. Farmers Conclave-2023 was inaugurated by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, in Navsari, Gujarat. Key highlights include the signing of MoU between CIBA and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for aquaculture crop insurance and technology support for Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPO). A shrimp crop insurance product by Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited was also launched.
15. As per the data from International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is the world’s deadliest land migration route?
[A] U.S. – Mexico border
[B] China Taiwan border
[C] India Sri Lanka border
[D] Afghanistan – Pakistan border
Answer: [A] U.S.-Mexico border
The U.S.-Mexico border has been identified as the world’s deadliest land migration route, according to data from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). In 2022, the IOM recorded 686 deaths and disappearances among migrants along the border, with 307 of those deaths occurring in the Sonora and Chihuahua deserts. These figures likely underrepresent the actual death toll due to missing data.
16. Which state introduced a bill to exclude regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Answer: [A] Assam
The Assam government has introduced a bill that aims to exclude entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from the ambit of the Assam Microfinance Institution (Regulation of Money Lending) Act, 2020. This move is intended to prevent dual regulation of such entities in the state. The 2020 Act was initially applied to all RBI- regulated entities, including NBFC-MFIS. However, the recent amendment seeks to remove these entities from the scope of the Act, aligning with RBI regulations.
17. Which state/UT is set to unveil its Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Delhi
[C] Kerala
[D] Goa
Answer: [B] Delhi
The Delhi government is set to unveil its EV Policy 2.0, which will prioritize electric vehicle (EV) retro-fitment as a key strategy for promoting clean energy and extending the lifespan of existing vehicles. EV retro-fitment involves converting traditional petrol or diesel vehicles into electric ones by replacing their internal combustion engines with electric powertrains.
18. Which institution released its research on business value of Household and Personal Care Sector, when focussed on nature?
[A] WEF
[B] IMF
[C] NABARD
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: [A] WEF
The household products and personal care sector has the potential to create an additional $62 billion in annual business value by 2030 if it places a central emphasis on nature in its operations, according to research by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The WEF’s broader projection estimates a $10.1 trillion business opportunity by 2030 if more nature-positive solutions are embraced by the private sector.
19. Which city is the host of ‘Second Edition of ICAR-CIBA’s Shrimp Farmers Conclave-2023’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Navsari
[C] Panaji
[D] Chennai
Answer: [B] Navsari
The Second Edition of ICAR-CIBA’s Shrimp Farmers Conclave-2023 was inaugurated by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, in Navsari, Gujarat. Key highlights include the signing of MoU between CIBA and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for aquaculture crop insurance and technology support for Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPO). A shrimp crop insurance product by Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited was also launched.
20. Which country has won their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup title?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Spain
[D] Italy
Answer: [B] Germany
Germany have won their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup title by beating Serbia 83-77. Germany became the first team to win a FIBA World Cup crown in their final debut since Spain in 2006. The two teams, who boast strong teamwork and chemistry, traded baskets in the first half, and entered the break at 47 apiece. But Germany built up a 12-point lead late on in the third quarter.