Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 17th June 2023

1. A celt, belonging to the neolithic period, was recently discovered in which state/UT?

[A] Kerala

[B] Karnataka

[C] Tamil Nadu

[D] Andhra Pradesh

Answer: [C] Tamil Nadu

A celt, belonging to the neolithic period, was recently discovered in Poothinatham village in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. Archaeological excavations are being carried out by Tamil Nadu’s Department of Archaeology in the village. It was a significant discovery as the celt was used as either a plough or an axe, and was made of Doloraid stone.

2. Which city hosted the first National Training Conclave?

[A] Kolkata

[B] New Delhi

[C] Pune

[D] Mysuru

Answer: [B] New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the first National Training Conclave in New Delhi. It is an effort by the government aiming to strengthen training infrastructure for Civil servants across India. The event was hosted by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and is sponsored by the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) – Mission Karmayogi’.

3. Who is the head of the Border Security Force (BSF), as of 2023?

[A] Rakesh Agarwal

[B] Nitin Agarwal

[C] Gagandeep Singh Bedi

[D] Rajesh Lakhani

Answer: [B] Nitin Agarwal

Nitin Agarwal, a 1989-batch IPS officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed the new Director-General of the Border Security Force (BSF). Agarwal replaces Pankaj Kumar Singh, who retired on December 31. Central Reserve Police Force DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen led BSF in an additional capacity since Singh’s retirement.

4. Which state/UT hosted the ‘National conference of tribal writers’?

[A] Maharashtra

[B] Jammu and Kashmir

[C] West Bengal

[D] Odisha

Answer: [B] Jammu and Kashmir

The first-ever national conference of tribal writers was recently held in Jammu and Kashmir. Its participants have set up a forum to safeguard authentic tribal literature and encourage youngsters to showcase their unique culture through writings.

5. Mayon Volcano, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?

[A] Indonesia

[B] Japan

[C] Australia

[D] Philippines

Answer: [D] Philippines

The Philippines’ most active volcano -Mayon Volcano- was gently spewing lava down its slopes, alerting tens of thousands of people. More than 12,600 people have left the communities within a six-kilometre radius of the Volcano’s crater in mandatory evacuations since volcanic activity increased last week.

6. Which country has approved record USD 153bn budget aimed at creating jobs?

[A] Iraq

[B] USA

[C] UK

[D] Israel

Answer: [A] Iraq

Iraq’s parliament has approved a budget of 198.9 trillion dinars (USD 153bn) for 2023 for a record spending on a growing public wage bill and development projects, It aims to improve services and rebuild infrastructure ruined by neglect and war. The approved budget is the largest in the country’s history, covering three years- 2023, 2024 and 2025.

7. Which is the only cricket team to win an ICC title in all three formats?

[A] India

[B] Australia

[C] England

[D] West Indies

Answer: [B] Australia

Australia scripted history as they became the first men’s team in world cricket to win an International Cricket Council (1CC) world title in all three formats. Australia achieved the feat when they defeated India in the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23 at The Oval to become the new world champions of the Test Cricket.

8. Which country clinched its maiden Women’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup title?

[A] Sri Lanka

[B] India

[C] China

[D] South Korea

Answer: [B] India

India defeated four-time champions South Korea 2-1 and clinch their maiden Women’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup in Japan’s Kakamigahara. This marks India’s first-ever win in the tournament. Annu and Neelam scored the goals for India while Indian captain Preeti who was named Player-of-the-Match.

9. International Albinism Awareness Day 2023 observed on which date?

[A] 10 June

[B] 13 June

[C] 15 June

[D] 18 June

Answer: 13 June

The world is observing International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13 as the United Nations effort to stop the brutalities against people with albinism. Albinism is a genetically inherited condition resulting in little or no melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. The theme of this year’s celebration of International Albinism Awareness Day is “Inclusion is strength.”

10. Carrier Battle Group (CBG) operation is associated with the Navy of which country?

[A] India

[B] China

[C] USA

[D] Russia

Answer: [A] India

The Indian Navy, recently conducted a massive Carrier Battle Group (CBG) operation, which is considered as one of the biggest demonstrations of its operational capabilities in recent years. The operation involved twin both of India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant – along with a diverse fleet of escort ships, submarines and aircraft.

11. Which Indian organisation is set to become International Social Security Association (ISSA) affiliate?

[A] NIBM

[B] EPFO

[C] LIC of India

[D] SBI

Answer: [B] EPFO

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to become an International Social Security Association (ISSA) affiliate institution. With this, EPFO will gain access to professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services and support from the ISSA for its pension subscribers while gaining international recognition as a full administrative social security institution.

12. When is the “World Blood Donor Day” celebrated every year?

[A] 14 June

[B] 20 June

[C] 25 June

[D] 30 June

Answer: [A] 14 June

On 14 June 2023, the World Blood Donor Day was celebrated throughout the world. It is an annual event by the WHO, which commenced in 2005. The Theme for this year is “give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”. This Day provides a special opportunity to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors around the world and become a major focus for action towards achieving universal access to safe blood transfusion.

13. As per the data from MyGovIndia, how many digital transactions were recorded in India in 2022?

[A] 20 million

[B] 50.5 million

[C] 89.5 million

[D] 100 million

Answer: [C] 89.5 million

As per the data from MyGovIndia, India has recorded 89.5 million digital transactions in the year 2022 and has topped the list of five countries in digital payments, India accounted for 46% of the global real-time payments and the digital payment transactions in India are more than the other four leading countries combined.

14. “Sanshodhak” vessel which was launched recently, belongs to which class of sea vessels?

[A] Kalvari Class Vessels

[B] Survey Vessels

[C] P15B Class

[D] Khukri Class

Answer: [B] Survey Vessels

The fourth vessel named Sanshodhak belonging to Survey Vessels (Large) SVL Project of Indian Navy was recently launched at Kattupalli, Chennai. The vessel was built by L &T/ GRSE for Indian Navy. The launch ceremony was presided Chief guest of Launch Ceremony was Vice Admiral Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to Government of India. The ship named ‘Sanshodhak’, meaning ‘Researcher’, signifies primary role of ship as a Survey Vessel.

15. What is the outlay for 3 schemes related to disaster management, which were announced by the Government of India, recently?

[A] Rs. 1000 crore

[B] Rs.2000 crore

[C] Rs. 8000 crore

[D] Rs. 9000 crore

Answer: [C] Rs.8000 crore

The Union Home Minister, has recently announced three schemes worth 8,000 crore related to disaster management, which includes modernisation of fire services, flood mitigation in seven major cities and prevention of landslides in 17 states. It was informed by the Minister, that for modernization and expansion of fire brigade services, about 5,000 crore assistance will be given to all States and to mitigate the danger of floods in urban areas, in seven major cities, ₹2,500 crore will be given.

16. When is the Global Wind Day celebrated annually?

[A] June 10

[B] June 15

[C] June 18

[D] June 23

Answer: [B] June 15

Every year, the Global Wind Day is celebrated on June 15 worldwide. The event is a collaborative endeavor led by Wind Europe and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). This event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of wind energy and promote its further development and usage worldwide.

17. Which country has decided to rejoin UNESCO?

[A] India

[B] USA

[C] Ukraine

[D] Russia

Answer: [B] USA

The United States plans to rejoin the U.N. cultural and scientific agency UNESCO and pay more than USD 600 million in back dues. The officials of U.S. have stated that the country’s decision to return was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap left by the U.S. in UNESCO policymaking, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education around the world.

18. Where is the World Squash Federation (WSF) – Squash World Cup held?

[A] Jakarta

[B] Chennai

[C] Brunes Aries

[D] Osaka

Answer: [B] Chennai

The World Squash Federation (WSF) – Squash World Cup is held at Chennai from June 13 to 17 2023. Eight countries including India are participating in the tournament – Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Colombia. The last edition of the World Cup was also held in Chennai in 2011 and this is the 4th edition of the event.

19. What is the retain inflation in India during May 2023?

[A] 6.25%

[B] 5.25%

[C] 4.25%

[D] 3.25%

Answer: [C] 4.25 %

India’s retail inflation got reduced further in May to a 20-month low of 4.25%, from 4.7% in April, with price rise in food items faced by consumers moderating to 2.91%. This is the third successive month that inflation has remained below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) upper tolerance limit of 6%.

20. Which state announced a Monthly Pension of 10,000 for the Padma Awardees from the State?

[A] Assam

[B] Haryana

[C] Jharkhand

[D] Goa

Answer: [B] Haryana

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar announced a Monthly Pension of 10,000 for the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardees of the state. The Chief Minister also announced free travel facility for them in Volvo buses of the Haryana Roadways.