Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 1st March 2024

1. Where was the world’s first Vedic clock installed?

A. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

B. Bikaner, Rajasthan

C. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

D. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

• The world’s first Vedic clock, displaying time according to the ancient Indian Panchang, has been erected in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, standing at 85 feet within Jantar Mantar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it. The clock, adjacent to the Jiwaji observatory, showcases Vedic Hindu Panchang, planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, predictions, and indicates Indian Standard Time (IST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

2. Which institute developed the ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’?

A. IIT Madras

B. IIT Kanpur

C. IIT Roorkee

D. IIT Bombay

• Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated IIT Madras’ ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform,’ aiding startups in accessing investor networks, government schemes, and comprehensive startup insights.
• Developed by CREST researchers, the platform offers a one-stop solution for entrepreneurs, integrating information on government agencies, investors, VCs, and banks supporting startups. Noteworthy is the AI-based “StartupGPT” for simplified data navigation. With information on 200,000 startups, 11,000 angel investors, 5,000 VCs, and more, the platform fosters growth in India’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

3. Neil Wagner, who recently retired from international cricket, is from which country?

A. New Zealand

B. Australia

C. South Africa

D. England

• New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, 2024. Wagner (37) made the decision after being told he would not be in the starting XI for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Wagner has played 64 tests for New Zealand and will finish fifth on New Zealand’s list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.

4. What is the name of the substance which is generally injected into the stratosphere in Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI)?

A. Sulfur dioxide

B. Carbon dioxide

C. Nitrogen dioxide

D. Carbon Monoxide

• A recent study focused on the Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) to combat global warming in West Asia and North Africa. SAI involves injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere to mimic the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions. Inspired by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, this method aims to scatter radiation in the stratosphere, reducing tropospheric absorption. The artificial aerosol layer can be created by deploying sulfur particles via cannons, balloons, or aircraft.

5. What is the rank of India in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2024?

A. 42^nd

B. 45^th

C. 44^th

D. 46^th

• The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12^th edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, ranking 55 economies on their IP frameworks. India secured the 42nd position with a 38.64% overall score. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France topped the list, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong IP systems in economic development. The index evaluates the effectiveness of IP landscapes in fostering innovation and creative industries globally.

6. Recently, which state government has decided to repeal the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935?

A. Tripura

B. Assam

C. Kerala

D. Uttar Pradesh

• The Assam government has repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935, as announced in a recent cabinet meeting in Guwahati. The Act, utilized by 94 Muslim registrars for marriage and divorce registrations, will no longer be valid. Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah revealed the decision, stating that Muslim marriage and divorce registrations will no longer be conducted under this Act. The government will offer a one-time compensation of two lakh rupees to the affected Muslim Marriage Registrars for rehabilitation.

7. What is Roen olmi (Termitomyces species)?

A. Daisy flower

B. Common sunflower

C. Wild mushroom

D. Rubber Plant

• Researchers in Goa have produced gold nanoparticles from the Termitomyces species, a wild mushroom widely consumed in the region. This mushroom plays a vital role in ecosystems, converting 50% of dead plant material into soil. Found on termite hills in the Western Ghats, it relies on termites for growth. Harvesting was banned in 1992 due to concerns about forest diseases, but the ban was later limited to wildlife sanctuaries and government-owned protected forests, emphasizing potential ecological risks.

8. Which country has decided to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India?

A. Mauritius

B. Maldives

C. Australia

D. Singapore

• The Mauritius Government is set to amend its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India to align with OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting proposal. The DTAA is a treaty preventing non-residents from paying double taxes. India has signed DTAA with 85 nations, aiming to prevent double taxation for non-resident Indians. The historic India-Mauritius DTAA, signed in 1983, has facilitated over $160 billion in foreign investments. The amendment’s primary objective is to curb tax avoidance, elevating the treaty to a covered tax agreement under BEPS MLI.

9. Where was the 21^st edition of BioAsia started?

A. Hyderabad

B. Chennai

C. Mumbai

D. Bengaluru

• The 21^st edition of BioAsia, an international business convention, began in Hyderabad, India on February 26–28, 2024. The event’s theme is “Data and AI: Redefining Possibilities”. BioAsia is a partnership between the Government of Telangana, the Government of India, and the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA). The event aims to bring together industry leaders, exchange ideas, and foster innovation. It also explores the potential of data and AI to shape the future of the life sciences industry and healthcare delivery.

10. Agalega Island is located in which country?

A. Mauritius

B. Maldives

C. Indonesia

D. Iceland

• Indian PM and Mauritius PM will inaugurate a modern airstrip and jetty on Agalega Island, Mauritius, strengthening connectivity with mainland Mauritius. Agalega, a dependency of Mauritius, comprises two outer islands in the southwest Indian Ocean, situated 1,050 km north of Mauritius Island, with a total area of 2,600 ha.

11. According to latest NSSO survey, what is the poverty rate in India?

A. 4%

B. 5%

C. 6%

D. 10%

• According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) consumer expenditure survey, India’s poverty rate is 5%. This indicates that both rural and urban areas are becoming more prosperous. The survey also shows that per capita monthly household expenditure has doubled. The survey also shows that rural poverty has declined from 25.7% in 2011-12 to 7.2% in 2022-23. Urban poverty has also declined from 4.6% in 2011-12 to 4.5-5% in 2022-23.

12. Pey Jal Survekshan Awards is an initiative of which ministry?

A. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs

B. Ministry of Jal Shakti

C. Ministry of Agriculture

D. Ministry of Defence

• The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs recently announced the inaugural Pey Jal Survekshan Awards, comprising 130 awards in various categories. Awards include Pey Jal Gold, Silver, and Bronze City Awards based on population categories.
• Other categories encompass Best Water Body, Sustainability Champion, Water Quality, and more. Parameters for evaluation cover access, coverage, water quality, sustainability, and infrastructure. Cities will receive star ratings based on performance, ensuring clean water through independent lab testing and transparent data collection via GIS-enabled web portal.