Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 19th July 2023
1. Which country is the host of ‘ASEAN Countries Conference on Traditional Medicines’?
[A] Thailand
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Myanmar
Answer: [B] India
India is set to host the ASEAN Countries Conference on Traditional Medicines on July 20. It aims to establish a strong platform to share best practices and draw a strategy for future cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicines. The Ministry of Ayush with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Mission to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat is hosting the Conference on Traditional Medicines for ASEAN Countries.
2. Which country organized the ‘Op Southern Readiness 2023’ exercise?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Seychelles
[D] Maldives
Answer: [C] Seychelles
INS Sunayna recently took part in Op Southern Readiness 2023 organized by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Seychelles. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relationships between multiple nations and promote cooperation through the CMF exercise. The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa.
3. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved procurement 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
Answer: [B] France
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, approved three proposals. These include the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft and associated equipment for Indian Navy from France, and the integration of Indian-designed equipment and establishment of a Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub to be included in the contract documents.
4. Which institution has developed the book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’?
[A] NABARD
[B] FCI
[C] FAO
[D] FSSAI
Answer: [D] FSSAI
A book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ was released recently by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. It was developed by FSSAI. The book aims to encourage the consumption of millets, also known as Shree Anna, and highlight their numerous health benefits. Earlier, the Union Defence Ministry signed MoU with FSSAI to promote use of millets among the Defence forces.
5. Kaas Plateau, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Goa
Answer: [C] Maharashtra
The Kaas Plateau, situated in the Western Ghats and recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2012, derived its name from the Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus), also known as Kaas Pathar in Marathi, belonging to the rudraksha family. A recent research conducted on sediment samples from a seasonal lake located in the Kaas Plateau of the Satara district in Maharashtra, India, has revealed a significant change in the Indian Summer Monsoons.
6. What is the theme of ‘India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023’?
[A] Global Digital Innovation
[B] Premier Digital Technology
[C] Artificial Intelligence and Technology
[D] Machine Learning in Technology
Answer: [A] Global Digital Innovation
The Curtain Raiser of IMC-2023 was organized recently. The event will be jointly hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The Congress will be held from 27th – 29th October at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi this year with the theme of ‘Global Digital Innovation’. IMC 2023 event will witness around 100,000 plus participants, 5,000 plus CXO-level delegates, 350 plus speakers, and 400 plus exhibitors.
7. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Action Taken Report (ATR) Module of AuditOnline’?
[A] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: [A] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
ATR Module of AuditOnline was launched virtually by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Kapil Moreshwar Patil. The objective of this module is to offer a well-organized method for conducting audits, guaranteeing transparency regarding the steps taken to address audit findings.
8. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System?
[A] Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
[B] Minister of External Affairs
[C] Minister of MSME
[D] Minister of Commerce and Industry
Answer: [A] Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, officially launched the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) named ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’. In line with the Digital India initiative, it will enhance the digital transformation of the Indian maritime industry, aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of marine operations within the country.
9. Michele Bullock has been appointed as the first female head of which country’s central bank?
[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] New Zealand
[D] UK
Answer: [B] Australia
Michele Bullock has been appointed as the first female head of the Reserve Bank of Australia for a duration of seven years. The current Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe will leave office on September 17. For the first time in its 62-year history, the Reserve Bank of Australia has appointed a woman as governor.
10. 5-Year Work Visa will be granted to Indian Students pursuing Masters in which country?
[A] France
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] Australia
Answer: France
During his two-day visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in France would now be granted a long-term post-study visa lasting five years, as opposed to the previous two-year work visa provision. France is ranked as one of the top five preferred destinations for international students, following the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
11. ‘Block 20’, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Iraq
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] South AFrica
Answer: [A] Iraq
‘Block 20’, previously referred to as Block 8, is a substantial land-based exploration block located in Iraq’s Western Desert, covering an area of 10,500 square kilometers. Centre is looking at resuming operations of state-run ONGC Videsh Ltd’s (OVL) hydrocarbon exploration block in Iraq, which has been under force majeure since 2003.
12. Mines and Minerals Act was enacted in which year in India?
[A] 1882
[B] 1902
[C] 1942
[D] 1957
Answer: [D] 1957
The Union Cabinet has granted approval for amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. These amendments will enable the commercial mining of several minerals, including lithium, as well as beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and zirconium. Consequently, the ban on commercial mining of these six critical minerals will be lifted.
13. Which state/UT launched the ‘Gajah Kotha Campaign’?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Bihar
Answer: [C] Assam
Assam has initiated the ‘Gajah Kotha’ campaign to address the growing issue of human-elephant conflict (HEC) by involving more than 1,200 individuals in promoting coexistence. The campaign focuses on villages in eastern Assam affected by HEC, aiming to educate residents about the behavior, ecology, and cultural significance of elephants in the region while emphasizing the importance of their conservation efforts.
14. Which is the world’s most liveable city as per the EIU’s Global Livability Index 2023?
[A] Vienna
[B] Madrid
[C] Paris
[D] Berlin
Answer: [A] Vienna
Vienna is the world’s most liveable city as per the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Livability Index 2023. The EIU’s Global Livability Index 2023 ranks Karachi at 169th out of 173 cities evaluated, placing it among the least livable cities in the world. Only Lagos, Algiers, Tripoli, and Damascus have lower rankings than Karachi.
15. Which leader was honored with the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’?
[A] Xi Jinping
[B] Vladimir Putin
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Answer: [C] Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron. This prestigious recognition is the highest honor bestowed by France, whether in military or civilian realms.
16. Which city is the host of ‘MEIDAM 2023’ Exhibition?
[A] New York
[B] New Delhi
[C] Dubai
[D] Berlin
Answer: [C] Dubai
Dubai is preparing to hold the eighth iteration of the Middle East International Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine Conference & Exhibition (MEIDAM 2023) in September, 2023. Acting as a gathering hub for global experts, businesses, and governments, MEIDAM 2023 is organized by DXB Live, the experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, with the objective of showcasing the most recent advancements in the field.
17. Gurdwara Patshahi Rori Sahib Jahman is located in which country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Myanmar
Answer: [B] Pakistan
The Gurdwara Patshahi Rori Sahib Jahman carries large spiritual significance dating back centuries and pays tribute to Guru Nanak Dev, the inaugural Guru of Sikhism, by commemorating his life and teachings. The heritage monument located in Lahore is currently experiencing a state of decay and neglect.
18. Which country’s senate passed resolution recognising Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India?
[A] USA
[B] Canada
[C] Australia
[D] UK
Answer: [A] USA
A Congressional Senatorial Committee of the United States has passed a resolution recognising Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. This was done in less than a month after the historic visit of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to the U.S. The resolution pushes back against Chinese claims that large portions of Arunachal Pradesh are PRC territory.
19. Which city has announced the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Dubai
[C] New York
[D] Rome
Answer: [B] Dubai
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the prominent financial center in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has revealed the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum. This event is scheduled to take place on October 4 to 5, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC. The inaugural Future Sustainability Forum marks the Year of Sustainability in the UAE.
20. Which Indian city is the host of ‘Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2023’?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] Pune
[D] Kochi
Answer: [B] Chennai
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting revealed the trophy for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy, Chennai 2023 at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi. During the event, the Union Minister also initiated the ‘Pass the Ball Trophy Tour’ Campaign.