Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 1st 2nd & 3rd May 2024

1. Recently, which organization has sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products?

A. SIDBI

B. FSSAI

C. NABARD

D. ISRO

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products to Symbiosis School of Economics. A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of intellectual property through laws will help to reap benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.

2. What is ‘K2-18B’?

A. Exoplanet

B. Black hole

C. Asteroid

D. Submarine

• Preliminary data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggests a more than 50% likelihood of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas on the exoplanet K2-18b. However, further analysis is required before a definitive conclusion can be reached. DMS is a gas that is only produced by living beings on Earth, primarily by phytoplankton in marine environments. The presence of DMS in K2-18b’s atmosphere could be a groundbreaking discovery, as the planet is believed to be ocean-covered and 2.6 times larger than Earth. K2-18b, discovered in 2015, is a super Earth exoplanet orbiting an M-type star.

3. Recently, which organization has been granted ‘navratna’ status by the Department of Public Enterprises?

A. BHEL

B. HAL

C. HMTL

D. IREDA

• The Department of Public Enterprises has bestowed Navratna status upon the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). Established in 1987 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA functions as a Non-Banking Financial Institution.
• The Navratna status is awarded based on specific criteria including consistent high performance, such as achieving ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ ratings in MoUs for three out of the last five years and a composite score of 60 or above in selected performance indicators.

4. According to National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), what is the predicted growth rate of Indian economy in 2024-25?

A. 6%

B. 7%

C. 8%

D. 8.5%

• The National Council of Applied Economic Research predicts India’s economy to surpass 7% growth this fiscal year, citing global growth, trade acceleration, and a promising monsoon. The IMF has raised India’s growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.8%, up from 6.5%. Government data reveals a 7.6% growth in FY24.

5. Financial Intelligence Unit is a specialized agency comes under which ministry?

A. Ministry of Defence

B. Ministry of Power

C. Ministry of Finance

D. Ministry of Urban Development

• The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance recently issued alert indicators under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for various sectors, including capital markets, insurance, online payment gateways, and cryptocurrency services. It analyzes suspicious financial transactions to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Organizations like banks, stockbrokers, and insurance companies are mandated to register with FIU-IND as reporting entities under PMLA.

6. Which organization recently released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), 2023?

A. DRDO

B. ISRO

C. CSIR

D. ICAR

• ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched in space. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1.

7. Which organization recently launched the ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ and ‘Consumer Confidence Survey’?

A. Reserve Bank of India

B. Indian Economic Trade Organization

C. Ministry of Finance

D. Institute of Economic Growth

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ and ‘Consumer Confidence Survey’ to inform its bi-monthly monetary policy decisions. The former gathers subjective assessments on price movements from 19 cities, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data on inflation expectations. The latter seeks qualitative responses on economic conditions, employment, prices, income, and spending, also spanning 19 cities. These surveys aim to provide crucial insights for RBI’s policy formulation.

8. Which ministry recently signed an MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals?

A. Ministry of Mines

B. Ministry of Finance

C. Ministry of Earth Sciences

D. Ministry of Agriculture

• The Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation signed an MoU to enhance knowledge support for critical minerals crucial to India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition. The agreement was inked during the ‘Critical Minerals Summit’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and processing capabilities.

9. Recently, who has been re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group ahead of the Paris Games?

A. Pooja Khanna

B. Deepika Kumari

C. Gagandeep Kaur

D. Muskan Kirar

• Former world number one archer Deepika Kumari re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group for Paris Games. TOPS, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2014 (revamped in 2018), aims to enhance India’s Olympic and Paralympic performance. Funded by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Khelo India scheme, it identifies elite athletes through the TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee and provides targeted training via the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).

10. SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) system is developed by which organization?

A. ISRO

B. DRDO

C. CSIR

D. NDMA

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on May 1, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast. The test validated advanced mechanisms like symmetric separation and velocity control. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat praised the SMART team. SMART is a next-gen lightweight torpedo delivery system boosting Indian Navy’s anti-submarine capabilities.

11. What is the theme of ‘International Labour Day 2024’?

A. Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate

B. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance

C. Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor

D. Resilient Recovery

• Every year, May 1^st marks International Labour Day, celebrated worldwide, including in India, to honor the contributions of the labor movement. Originating from the 1886 Chicago labor strike demanding an eight-hour workday, it gained significance after the Haymarket incident. In 1889, leaders from twenty nations established it as International Labour Day. The 2024 theme focuses on workplace safety and health amidst climate change, emphasizing ongoing challenges faced by workers globally.

12. Recently, which Indian company recently signed an MoU with Norwegian firm to implement floating solar power technology in India?

A. NTPC Ltd

B. NHPC Ltd

C. SJVN

D. NEEPCO

• NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower developer, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Ocean Sun, a Norwegian tech firm specializing in floating solar solutions. The agreement aims to explore joint ventures in deploying Ocean Sun’s innovative floating solar technology, utilizing hydro-elastic membranes. NHPC’s commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy expansion is reinforced through this partnership, aligning with its portfolio diversification into solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects.

13. What is ‘Peucetia chhaparajnirvin’?

A. Newly discovered green lynx spider

B. Traditional Irrigation Technique

C. Invasive weed

D. Submarine

• Daryapur arachnologist unveils Peucetia chhaparajnirvin, a new green lynx spider species. Found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, it’s named after the locale. Typically dwelling on Vachellia nilotica leaves, its green hue aids camouflage for ambushing prey. With swift legs, it hunts nocturnally, feasting on small insects.

14. India will host the 2025 BWF World Junior Championships in which city?

A. Chennai

B. Guwahati

C. Bengaluru

D. Gangtok

• India will host the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, as announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It marks India’s first hosting since 2008, when Pune held the event. The specific dates for the 2025 edition will be disclosed later.

15. Recently, India has agreed to train the civil service personnel of which country from 2025-30?

A. Myanmar

B. Bangladesh

C. Bhutan

D. Nepal

• The Indian government renews an agreement with Bangladesh to train 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. Signed by DARPG India and Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration, the pact emphasizes mid-career capacity-building for Bangladesh Civil Servants. During a 3-day visit (28-30 April 2024), led by V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, the agreement was finalized, focusing on field administration programs.

16. Pattachitra paintings are associated with which states?

A. Bihar & Jharkhand

B. Odisha & West Bengal

C. Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan

D. Karnataka & Kerala

• In West Bengal, Swarna Chitrakar is a revered figure among the village’s patuas (scroll painters). The PM recently lauded Odisha’s Bhagyashree Sahu, another pattachitra artist, on his show Mann ki Baat. Pattachitra, a traditional cloth-based scroll painting, originates from Odisha and West Bengal, dating back to the 12^th century. Patuas depict daily life scenes, accompanied by songs.

17. Which state recently launched a digital water distribution system for agricultural fields?

A. Gujarat

B. Rajasthan

C. Maharashtra

D. Kerala

• Rajasthan introduced a digital water distribution system for agriculture, employing “Barabandi,” a fixed turn method for canal water distribution. The new online “barabandi” system, developed by NIC Jaipur, allows scheduled irrigation supply accessible remotely. Farmers can track water flow to their fields, reducing manual errors. This innovation aims to optimize water usage and enhance agricultural efficiency in Rajasthan.

18. Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which has recently completed 50 years, was launched by which organization?

A. WHO

B. WMO

C. ILO

D. UNICEF

• The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) marks its 50th anniversary, initiated by WHO in 1974. Renamed UIP in India in 1985, it now offers vaccines for 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific ones. Global DPT coverage surged from 5% in the ’70s to 84% in 2022. Smallpox eradicated; polio remains in Afghanistan & Pakistan. In India, coverage grows yearly, reaching 76% in 2019-21.

19. Recently, which country has launched a new currency ‘ZiG’?

A. Rwanda

B. Zimbabwe

C. Somalia

D. Botswana

• Zimbabwe introduces the ZiG currency, aiming to stabilize its economy. The ZiG, backed by gold reserves, replaces the depreciated Zimbabwe dollar. Initially launched electronically, physical banknotes and coins are now in circulation. Despite efforts to restore faith, skepticism persists, with some government departments refusing to accept the new currency. This move reflects ongoing struggles to address Zimbabwe’s enduring economic challenges.

20. Kankesanthurai Port is located in which country?

A. Sri Lanka

B. Myanmar

C. Malaysia

D. India

• Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approves renovation of Kankesanthurai Port, funded entirely by India. The port, located in the Northern Province, spans about 16 acres and is 104 km from Karaikal Port in Puducherry, India. The decision underscores efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Additionally, a direct passenger ship service links Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai.

21. Which country is the host of the 46^th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26^th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26)?

A. Argentina

B. India

C. Norway

D. Chile

• India will host the 46^th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to 30. Organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research these meetings aim to foster global discussions on Antarctica’s environmental conservation and scientific collaboration. India, a Consultative Party since 1983, operates two research stations and enacted the Antarctic Act in 2022.

22. Recently, India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in which city?

A. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

B. Nagpur, Maharashtra

C. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

D. Jaipur, Rajasthan

• India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project aims to streamline air traffic management (ATM) by consolidating India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) into a single system overseen from Nagpur. India’s airspace is currently divided into four FIRs and a sub-FIR at Guwahati. The FIRs are controlled by India through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with a sub-FIR at Guwahati. India also shares its FIRs with 12 neighboring countries.

23. Recently, which intergovernmental organization has formed a panel specifically focused on critical energy transition minerals?

A. United Nations

B. World Health Organisation

C. World Bank

D. World Trade Organisation

• The UN has formed a panel to address critical energy transition minerals, primarily sourced from underdeveloped nations like those in Africa. This initiative aims to curb resource nationalism and environmental damage caused by high demand for these minerals.
• The panel’s goal is to establish global principles for a smoother transition to renewable energies, aligned with sustainable development goals and climate agreements. It emphasizes equitable benefits for communities and environmental protection.

24. Recently, the Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group collaborated to open the India’s first Constitution Park in which city?

A. Ahmedabad

B. Pune

C. Jaipur

D. Varanasi

• The Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group joined hands to inaugurate Pune’s inaugural Constitution Park. Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh led the ceremony, stressing citizens’ constitutional duties for India’s progress by 2047. He highlighted the global importance of the Indian Constitution, which secures Fundamental Rights and underscores Fundamental Duties. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is pivotal for India’s development.