Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 20th March 2024

1. What is the primary objective of ‘Sagar Parikrama’?

A. To explore marine biodiversity

B. To understand the needs and challenges of fishermen

C. To encourage tourism in coastal areas

D. To enhance maritime security

• The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying unveiled a book and video on “Sagar Parikrama”. This outreach program aims to engage coastal fishermen along a predetermined sea route, addressing their concerns and promoting government schemes. Conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, the Sagar Parikrama Yatra covered 7,986 kilometers across 80 coastal districts, awarding certificates and sanctions under schemes like PMMSY and KCC to progressive fishermen and entrepreneurs.

2. What is the theme of ‘World Consumer Rights Day 2024’?

A. Fair digital finance

B. Fair and responsible AI for consumers

C. The Sustainable consumer

D. Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions

• World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, aims to safeguard consumer rights globally. It raises awareness about consumer needs, rights, and market injustices. The theme for 2024 is ‘Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers’. It’s an opportunity to advocate for fair treatment and ethical practices in the marketplace, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection.

3. Kazhuveli watershed region is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Karnataka

D. Andhra Pradesh

• Conservationists plan to nominate Kazhuveli watershed region of Tamil Nadu for inclusion in World Monuments Fund Watch 2025, linking local preservation efforts with global attention and action. The World Monuments Fund, founded in 1965, aims to conserve significant architectural and cultural sites worldwide. Headquartered in New York, it operates in 112 countries, partnering with communities, funders, and governments.

4. Sankalan App is related to which one of the following?

A. Mining related laws B. New criminal laws

C. New environmental laws D. Health awareness laws

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated a digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) and the ‘Sankalan’ mobile app. CCMS, developed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), aids in terrorism and organized crime case coordination, enhancing justice delivery. Sankalan serves as a guide through new criminal laws, bridging old and new legislation, benefiting all stakeholders.

5. Which one of the following best describes about ‘Miassite (Rh17S15)’?

A. World’s largest solar power plant

B. Newly discovered marine species

C. World’s First Unconventional Superconductor

D. Ancient Irrigation technique

• Scientists have discovered Miassite, the first unconventional superconductor found in nature. It’s one of only four minerals that exhibit superconductivity when grown in the lab. Miassite shares properties with high-temperature superconductors. Superconductivity allows electricity transmission without energy loss. The London penetration depth test determined Miassite’s superconductivity type.

6. Recently, which team won the 42^nd Ranji Trophy title?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Mumbai

C. Vidarbha

D. Madhya Pradesh

• Mumbai won the 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024, defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs on the fifth and final day of the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Mumbai team’s performance was marked by Dhawal Kulkarni’s exceptional performance, supported by key players like Ajinkya Rahane, Tanush Kotian, and Musheer Khan.

7. Which state became the first Indian state to buy land in Kashmir for tourism?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Maharashtra

D. Meghalaya

• Maharashtra is the first Indian state to buy land in Kashmir to build a bhawan for tourists. The land transfer agreement, costing ₹8.16 crore, symbolizes cooperation between states, promoting tourism and cultural exchange. This historic step reflects a proactive approach towards strengthening bonds and signifies a commitment to mutual growth and understanding.

8. According to the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024, what is the rank of India on the DHL Connectedness Index?

A. 61^st

B. 62^nd

C. 63^rd

D. 64^th

• According to the 2024 DHL Global Connectedness Report, India ranks 62nd out of 171 countries on the DHL Connectedness Index. This is a 5-position improvement from the previous year, when India ranked 67th. The report ranks countries based on their connectedness to the world through the flow of trade, capital, information, and people. The report also says that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and that it will play an increasingly central role in the development of globalization over the coming decades.

9. Noctis Volcano, a recently discovered massive volcano, was found on which planet?

A. Mars

B. Jupiter

C. Neptune

D. Saturn

• Scientists recently discovered a massive volcano on Mars called Noctis, which is located on the eastern edge of Tharsis, a broad regional topographic rise. The volcano is 9,022 meters high and 450 kilometers wide, which makes it almost 200 meters taller than Mount Everest.
• It’s located south of Mars’ equator, in Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, west of Valles Marineris, the planet’s vast canyon system. Scientists discovered Noctis using data from NASA’s Mariner 9, Viking Orbiter 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions, as well as ESA’s Mars Express mission.

10. According to a report by TRAFFIC and WWF-India, which state has topped in the illegal trade of shark body parts?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Odisha

C. Andhra Pradesh

D. Maharashtra

• According to a 2024 analysis by TRAFFIC and WWF-India, Tamil Nadu has topped the illegal trade of shark body parts in India, accounting for nearly 65% of seizures between 2010 and 2022. The study found that 16,000 kilograms of shark fins were seized during this period, which is almost 80% of the total. The confiscated products are headed to Singapore, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sri Lanka, and mainland China.

11. Recently, the Indian Navy has set up its first independent headquarters named ‘Nausena Bhawan’ at which place?

A. Delhi

B. Mumbai

C. Chennai

D. Jaipur

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, Indian Navy’s new headquarters at Delhi Cantonment, consolidating operations from 13 locations. The building, selected through a nationwide competition, features 3 wings across four stories, incorporating innovative technologies for efficiency and sustainability. This marks the Navy’s first independent HQ in Delhi, emphasizing functionality and aesthetics in its architectural design.

12. What is the theme of ‘National Vaccination Day 2024’?

A. Vaccine Prevents the Unwanted

B. Protected Together: Vaccines Work

C. Vaccines Work for All

D. Close the immunization gap

• National Vaccination Day, celebrated annually on March 16, signifies collective commitment to public health. Its 2024 theme, “Vaccines Work for All,” emphasizes universal protection against diseases through vaccination. Originating in 1995 with India’s Pulse Polio Vaccination Program, it also commemorates WHO’s polio eradication initiative since 1988. Notably, it marks the 1975 eradication of smallpox.