Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 19th & 20th May 2024

1. Sunil Chhetri, who recently announced his retirement, belongs to which sports?

A. Basketball

B. Football

C. Baseball

D. Hockey

• Sunil Chhetri, India’s revered football star, will retire from international football after India’s match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024, concluding his illustrious career. As the captain of the Blue Tigers, he’s been a pivotal figure, known for wearing Jersey No. 9. Chhetri, hailing from Secunderabad, debuted professionally with Mohun Bagan in 2002 and played internationally since 2005.

2. Which country was declared the host of the Women’s World Cup 2027?

A. Brazil

B. India

C. Australia

D. South Africa

• Brazil was declared the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at the FIFA Congress, beating the joint bid of Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. Brazil secured 119 votes against 78 for the European bid. The decision followed a FIFA technical evaluation favoring Brazil. The U.S. and Mexico had withdrawn their joint bid to focus on the 2031 tournament.

3. According to a recent report released by the NOAA, how much of the world’s coral reefs have bleached in the past year?

A. 55%

B. 60%

C. 70%

D. 80%

• According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 60% of the world’s coral reefs have experienced heat stress severe enough to cause bleaching in the past 12 months, which is a record. This is the fourth mass coral bleaching event on record, with the previous three occurring between 1998 and 2017. Bleaching can make reefs more vulnerable to disease and harm the biodiversity they support.

4. Recently, where was the ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ conference held?

A. Chennai

B. New Delhi

C. Guwahati

D. Bhopal

• The Union Ministry of Law and Justice, with the Assam Government, organized a conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ in Guwahati on May 18-19, 2024, to discuss recent changes in India’s criminal justice system.
• The event highlighted three new laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replacing outdated British-era laws. These laws will be implemented on July 1, 2024.

5. What is the theme of ‘World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024’?

A. Digital technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Ageing

B. Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development

C. Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times

D. Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on May 17 annually to explore the use of ICT and the Internet in societies and to address the digital divide. Each year, the ITU selects a theme; for 2024, it is “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.” Sustainable development, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

6. Recently, where was the third session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held?

A. New Delhi

B. Chennai

C. Hyderabad

D. Bengaluru

• The Third Session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi from May 13-14, 2024. Co-chaired by India’s Priya P. Nair and Zimbabwe’s Rudo M. Faranisi, the session focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors such as healthcare, renewable energy, and digital economy. Both sides agreed to explore MoUs for regulatory cooperation and to strengthen ties between investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.

7. Recently, where was the 12^th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting on defence held?

A. Darkhan

B. Bengaluru

C. Ulaanbaatar

D. New Delhi

• The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) of Indian and Mongolian defence ministers met in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024, as part of their annual meetings. Indian delegation led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary of Defence, and Mongolian delegation by Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj. Discussions included bilateral cooperation, Indian Armed Forces capabilities, and potential collaboration in defence manufacturing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation and pledged to enhance it further.

8. Which day is observed as ‘World Hypertension Day’ every year?

A. 16.May

B. 17.May

C. 18.May

D. 19.May

• World Hypertension Day, observed on 17 May, raises awareness about hypertension, a silent but deadly health issue increasing risks of heart attacks, stroke, and renal failure. Initiated by the World Hypertension League on 14 May 2005 and shifted to 17 May from 2006, its goal is to inform the public on hypertension’s risks and management. The 2024 theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”

9. Ambaji White Marble, recently awarded a GI tag, is predominantly quarried from which state?

A. Rajasthan

B. Gujarat

C. Maharashtra

D. Madhya Pradesh

• Marble mined in Ambaji, Gujarat, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Central Government. Known as Ambaji White Marble, it is renowned for its pristine white color with unique gray or beige veining. This marble is durable, long-lasting, and has a smooth, polished surface, making it popular for luxury architectural projects, sculptures, and monuments.

10. What is ‘Deda method’?

A. A paddy cultivation method in Northern India

B. A method of preserving seeds by Muria tribes

C. A traditional irrigation technique

D. An ancient medicinal practice to cure Malaria

• A Muria tribal farmer from Chhattisgarh, settled in the Godavari Valley, uses the traditional ‘deda’ method to preserve seeds. Seeds are wrapped in Siali leaves, layered with wood ash and lemon leaves, and sealed airtight. Each deda supports 5kg of seeds, protecting them from pests and preserving viability for up to five years. This method is effective for pulses like green gram, red gram, black gram, and beans.

11. Which ministry has recently taken a significant step towards promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability by launching Swachhata Pakhwada?

A. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

C. Ministry of Rural Development

D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

• The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region launched Swachhata Pakhwada from May 16 to 31, 2024, under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Initiated in April 2016, this initiative focuses on cleanliness and sustainability by engaging central government ministries and departments. Ministries, termed ‘Swachhata Ministries,’ follow a pre-circulated annual calendar and are monitored via Swachhata Samiksha to ensure significant improvements.

12. PREFIRE Polar Mission is developed by which space organization?

A. JAXA

B. ISRO

C. NASA

D. ESA

• NASA’s PREFIRE polar mission, launching from New Zealand on May 22, involves twin satellites measuring Earth’s poles six hours apart. The mission aims to reveal the full spectrum of heat loss from polar regions, improving climate models. PREFIRE will address knowledge gaps, enhancing predictions of climate change and sea level rise by providing new data on how Earth’s atmosphere and ice influence heat radiation from the Arctic and Antarctic.