Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 19th April 2024

1. Recently, which state holds the top position among Indian states for economic complexity?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Gujarat

C. Kerala

D. Telangana

• Tamil Nadu leads Indian states in economic complexity, gauged by GDP and employment diversity. Its agri sector’s contribution to Gross Value Added and labor force is below the national average, compensated by higher shares of industry, services, and construction. This balanced economy reflects a lower dependency on agriculture compared to the national average, positioning Tamil Nadu as a robust economic entity.

2. ‘Probe 3 Mission’ is related to which space agency?

A. CNSA

B. ISRO

C. JAXA

D. ESA

• The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission is scheduled to launch in September 2024, using India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The mission will see two satellites fly together in space, 144 meters apart, and aligned with the sun. The satellites will block each other’s solar disk, allowing researchers to see the sun’s faint corona, or surrounding atmosphere. This will be the first precision formation flying mission in the world.

3. Which institution recently green lighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS)?

A. RBI

B. SIDBI

C. Ministry of Finance

D. NABARD

• The Reserve Bank of India permits Foreign Institutional Investors to invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs), aiming to fund environmental projects. SGrBs are debt securities issued by governments to support climate initiatives. The Union Budget 2022-23 introduced SGrBs.

4. Recently, who was honored with the World Literary Prize for her contribution to literature by the World Organization of Writers (WOW)?

A. Mahasweta Devi

B. Mamta Ji Sagar

C. Anita Desai

D. Manjit Singh

• Kannada poet Mamta Ji Sagar received the World Literary Prize from the World Organization of Writers (WOW) in April 2024 for her literary contributions. The ceremony took place during the inaugural Congress of the World Organization of Authors in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Writers Village, established by Chinua Achebe in 1981.

5. Noyyal River is the tributary of which river?

A. River Kaveri

B. River Vaigai

C. River Thamirabarani

D. River Palar

• The Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu originates from the Velliangiri hills, flowing through Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Karur, and Erode districts before joining the Cauvery River. It faces pollution and choking due to plastics and sewage. Historical relics from Chalukya and Chola periods line its banks. Restoration efforts, aided by the Central Government’s National River Restoration Fund, managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

6. What is the theme of ‘World Heritage Day 2024’?

A. Discover and Experience Diversity

B. Heritage Changes

C. Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures

D. Heritage and Climate

• April 18 marks ‘World Heritage Day,’ honoring cultural sites globally. It’s also ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites,’ stressing heritage preservation. Recognized by UNESCO, it celebrates significant cultural and natural sites. In 2024, the theme is “Discover and Experience Diversity,” urging reflection on our global treasures. It emphasizes understanding diverse cultures, traditions, and ecosystems, fostering appreciation for our shared heritage.

7. Recently, a state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Maharashtra

D. Odisha

• In Kerala, the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO unveiled the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE). It’s a testing hub for sonar systems on Indian Navy ships, subs, and helicopters. SPACE has two parts: a floating platform and a submersible one reaching 100m depth. It facilitates quick deployment and recovery of scientific gear, aiding survey, sampling, and data collection for Anti-Submarine Warfare research.

8. Recently, a team of archaeologists discovered a unique Iron Age megalithic site in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Telangana

C. Tripura

D. Madhya Pradesh

• Archaeologists uncovered a unique Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala village in SS Tadvai mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana. The Iron Age, spanning from 1200 BC to 600 BC marked a pivotal shift in human history with the advent of iron tools. This period witnessed significant advancements in agriculture, notably with the introduction of iron plows, enhancing farming efficiency.

9. Recently, which ministry has issued new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations for the space sector?

A. Ministry of Home Affairs

B. Ministry of Defence

C. Ministry of Finance

D. Ministry of Power

• The Ministry of Finance has issued new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations for the space sector. The ‘Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2024’ modify the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019. These rules operate under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• The amended FDI policy allows 100% FDI through both automatic and government routes, aligning with the Indian Space Policy 2023, replacing the previous approval route for satellite establishment and operation.

10. State of World Population 2024 report, recently released by which organization?

A. World Bank

B. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

C. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

D. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released the 2024 State of the World’s Population report in April 2024. India leads with a population of 144.17 crore, expected to double in 77 years. 68% aged 15-64, with a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0.
• Life expectancy at birth is 71 and 74 years for men and women respectively. Child marriage rates were 23%, and women with disabilities face up to 10 times more gender-based violence. Marginalized communities are largely ignored despite 30 years of SRH progress.

11. Recently, where was the World Future Energy Summit 2024 organized?

A. Abu Dhabi

B. London

C. Paris

D. New Delhi

• The 16th World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2024 took place from April 16–18, 2024 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The summit focused on the global energy transition, investment in clean energy, and a sustainable future. The summit featured a panel of women entrepreneurs leading decarbonization innovation.
• Masdar’s parent company Mubadala, along with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and holding company ADQ, also agreed to form a hydrogen alliance to produce green and blue variants of the fuel.

12. Recently, which IIT has launched India’s first medical devices calibration facility “on wheels”?

A. IIT Kanpur

B. IIT Madras

C. IIT Bombay

D. IIT Roorkee

• IIT Madras launched India’s first mobile medical device calibration facility to enhance healthcare accessibility. Developed under the Anaivarukkum IITM initiative, it addresses the critical need for accurate calibration of medical instruments for precise diagnosis and treatment. This initiative aligns with UN SDG 3, aiming for universal healthcare.