Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 18th April 2024

1. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) recently signed an MoU with which institution for co-operation in research and technology?

A. IIT Mandi

B. IIT Madras

C. IIT Kanpur

D. IIT Bombay

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research and technology. The MoU focuses on semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones. It aims to strengthen the synergies between BEL and IIT-Mandi, and to improve the quality and range of solutions BEL provides to its customers.

2. Tiger Hill is a part of which wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal?

A. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

B. Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary

C. Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary

D. Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Eastern Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in Kolkata has issued notices to key Union and state government departments, along with the Darjeeling district administration, regarding the degradation of Tiger Hill’s environment. Petitioner Subhas Datta’s complaints prompted the action, citing unplanned activities harming the iconic site. Tiger Hill, renowned for its sunrise views over Mt Kanchenjunga, is part of the Senchal wildlife sanctuary, established in 1915.

3. Which day is observed as ‘World Hemophilia Day’ every year?

A. April.16

B. April.17

C. April.18

D. April.19

• World Hemophilia Day, observed annually on April 17, raises awareness about hemophilia and bleeding disorders. It highlights the rare blood disorder’s impact on clotting and prolonged bleeding due to clotting factor deficiency. The 2024 theme for the day is, “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders”.

4. Who becomes the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on the NS-25 mission of Blue Origin?

A. Gopi Thotakura

B. Santosh Kulangara

C. Rajeev Aggarwal

D. Sanjay Sinha

• Gopi Thotakura is set to make history as the first Indian space tourist on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, founded by Jeff Bezos. It’s divided into sub-orbital and orbital trips. Sub-orbital flights briefly breach the Kármán line (~100 km) before returning to Earth, like NS-25.

5. Recently, which organization has developed Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines?

A. ISRO

B. DRDO

C. BHEL

D. HAL

• ISRO announced a significant advancement in rocket engine technology, unveiling a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). This breakthrough promises to boost payload capacity by enhancing crucial parameters like thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios. Leveraging advanced materials such as Carbon-Carbon composites, VSSC crafted a nozzle divergent with exceptional properties, paving the way for improved launch vehicle performance.

6. According to IMF, what is the GDP growth projection of India for FY 2024-25?

A. 5.1%

B. 6.8%

C. 7.1%

D. 4.5%

• The IMF raised India’s GDP growth projection for FY 2024-25 to 6.8%, up 30 basis points from its previous forecast. India’s growth is anticipated to stay strong due to robust domestic demand and a growing working-age population. Globally, growth is projected to continue at 3.2% for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26. India retains its status as the world’s fastest-growing economy, outpacing China’s growth projection of 4.6% in the same period.

7. Recently, ISRO has decided to achieve debris-free space by which year?

A. 2025

B. 2027

C. 2030

D. 2035

• ISRO Chairman S Somanath declared India’s ambition for a debris-free space by 2030 at the 42nd IADC annual meeting. S Somanath, also the Secretary of the Department of Space, highlighted the importance of debris-free missions for space sustainability. This initiative aims to spark discussions and actions toward achieving a cleaner space environment.

8. What is ‘Gaia-BH3’?

A. Communication satellite

B. Nuclear ballistic submarine

C. Invasive weed

D. Massive stellar black hole

• Astronomers have identified Gaia-BH3, the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way. Discovered through data from the Gaia mission, it causes an unusual ‘wobbling’ of its companion star. Confirmed by ground-based observatories, it boasts a mass 33 times that of our sun, located 1,926 light-years away in Aquila. Gaia-BH1, another nearby black hole, has nearly 10 solar masses. Sagittarius A* remains the galaxy’s most massive black hole.

9. Recently, DRDO organized the first international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies and Challenges for Exoskeleton’ at which place?

A. Bengaluru

B. Chennai

C. Hyderabad

D. Bombay

• Bengaluru hosts the inaugural international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton’ organized by DRDO. Inaugurated by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D, the event underscores exoskeleton technology’s significance in military and civilian realms. Lt Gen JP Mathew highlights its history, challenges, and dual-use potential.

10. Recently, which Indian Naval Ship seized 940 kgs of narcotics in the Arabian Sea as part of an operation led by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)?

A. INS Kaveri

B. INS Shakti

C. INS Talwar

D. INS Veer

• INS Talwar, a vessel of the Indian Navy, intercepted 940 kg of drugs in the Arabian Sea under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operation. CMF, headquartered in Bahrain, spans 3.2 million square miles of waters, safeguarding shipping lanes. It combats terrorism, piracy, fosters regional cooperation, and ensures maritime safety.

11. Veeranam Lake is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?

A. Chennai

B. Chengalpattu

C. Cuddalore

D. Tirunelveli

• Veeranam Lake, vital for Chennai’s water supply, hit zero million cubic feet (mcft) in April, 2024, as per Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) data. Last year, it held 687.40 mcft; its capacity is 1,465 mcft.
• Located in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, it’s among the world’s longest man-made lakes (14 km). It is built by Chola Prince Rajaditya Chola between 907-955 A.D., it’s named after his father, Veeranarayanan. Fed by the Kollidam River, it’s referenced in Kalki’s “Ponniyin Selvan.”

12. Which organization developed the KAVACH system?

A. Power Grid Corporation of India

B. Research Design and Standards Organisation

C. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation

D. NTPC Ltd

• The Supreme Court recently commended Railways for implementing the Kavach anti-collision system. Developed indigenously by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Indian industry, Kavach is a state-of-the-art ATP system meeting SIL-4 standards. Utilizing high frequency radio communication, it prevents collisions by updating train movement continuously. It’s the most cost-effective collision protection system.