Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 22nd 23rd and 24th June 2024

1. What is the theme of ‘International Yoga Day 2024’?

A. Yoga for Self and Society

B. Yoga is way of life

C. Yoga for humanity

D. Yoga for Wellness

• The theme for Yoga Day 2024 is ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, emphasizing its holistic benefits for health and well-being. Established by the United Nations in 2014, at the suggestion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice. This day highlights yoga’s transformative power and its role in promoting balance and harmony in individuals and communities worldwide.

2. Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swavalamban Protsahan Scheme is a social security scheme of which state?

A. Jharkhand

B. Odisha

C. Bihar

D. Haryana

• In Khunti district, Jharkhand, individuals with sickle cell anemia will receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 under the Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swawlamban Protsahan Scheme. The district administration has initially identified nine beneficiaries from various blocks. Pension eligibility is based on disability certificates, benefiting those severely affected by the condition.

3. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved Rs 2869.65 Crore development plan for Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport. It is located in which city?

A. Varanasi

B. Ayodhya

C. Indore

D. Bhopal

• The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 2869.65 crore development plan for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. Managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the project aims to expand passenger capacity significantly. Key features include a new terminal spanning 75,000 square meters, lengthened runways, and an enlarged apron. The airport will handle 6 million passengers annually, with eco-friendly measures like energy efficiency, waste recycling, and solar power adoption promoting sustainability and enhancing traveler experience.

4. Recently, how much funding has approved by Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve India’s health system preparedness?

A. $140 million

B. $150 million

C. $160 million

D. $170 million

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted India a significant loan of USD 170 million (approximately Rs 1,418 crore) to enhance its healthcare system’s readiness and response capabilities for future pandemics.
• Aligned with India’s National Health Policy 2017, the policy-based loan aims to improve governance and policy frameworks essential for achieving universal healthcare coverage. Key initiatives include strengthening disease surveillance networks nationwide through interconnected laboratories, enabling quicker responses to infectious disease threats across cities, states, and union territories.

5. What is “Indiconema”?

A. New genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom

B. Newly discovered species of spider

C. Nuclear ballistic submarine

D. Ancient irrigation technique

• Researchers discovered a new diatom genus, Indiconema, in the clean water rivers of India’s Eastern Ghats. Diatoms are photosynthetic, single-celled organisms essential to the aquatic food chain and sensitive indicators of water health. Indiconema, differing from others by having pore fields at both poles, was also found in the Western Ghats. It is morphologically related to the East African genus Afrocymbella.

6. Which institute recently signed an MoU with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to enhance road safety through AI?

A. IIT, Kanpur

B. IIIT, Delhi

C. IIM, Ahmedabad

D. IIT, Bombay

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an MoU with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Delhi) to enhance road safety using AI-based solutions to improve road sign availability on national highways. The project will cover approximately 25,000 km. IIIT Delhi will conduct surveys to collect imagery and data on road sign conditions along selected highway stretches.

7. Mudgal Fort is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Maharashtra

D. Karnataka

• Mudgal Fort in Karnataka showcases India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting its architectural, cultural, and historical significance. The fort has a 1,000-year history, linked to the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Bahmani Sultans, and Vijayanagara Empire.
• It became a strategic battleground between the Vijayanagara Empire and Adil Shahi Sultanate, witnessing 11 battles due to its pivotal location in the fertile, mineral-rich Raichur Doab between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers.

8. Recently, which country has become the first in 2024 and the 51st globally to eliminate a neglected tropical disease- the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis?

A. Nigeria

B. Chad

C. Kenya

D. Tanzania

• In 2024, Chad became the first country and the 51st globally to eliminate a neglected tropical disease, the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. HAT is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by tsetse flies and is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The gambiense form, found in 24 West and Central African countries, causes chronic illness, while the rhodesiense form, found in 13 East and Southern African countries, causes acute disease.

9. Hooch tragedy, recently occured in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Bihar

C. Gujarat

D. Rajasthan

• In Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi, at least 34 people died, and around 100 were hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor, known as hooch. Hooch, derived from the Alaskan Hoochinoo tribe, is produced in crude settings without quality control. Made through fermentation and distillation, it often contains toxic methanol. Improper distillation can concentrate methanol, making it highly dangerous. The incident underscores the lethal risks of consuming illicit alcohol.

10. Kolar Gold Fields is located in which state?

A. Odisha

B. Assam

C. Punjab

D. Karnataka

• The Karnataka government approved the Centre’s proposal to revive gold mining at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). Located 100 km from Bangalore in Kolar district, KGF mines are among the world’s deepest, operated by Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML), a public sector undertaking established in 1972. Mining here is costly due to the depth of the ore.

11. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?

A. Rajasthan

B. Gujarat

C. Madhya Pradesh

D. Odisha

• Six Asiatic lions recently migrated from Gir Forest to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). These endangered lions, slightly smaller than African lions, are protected under IUCN’s Endangered status, CITES Appendix I, and India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The Gir forest and other protected areas in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region are their exclusive habitats.

12. Which organization recently released the ‘World Investment Report 2024’?

A. UNCTAD

B. UNDP

C. UNEP

D. UNICEF

• The UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2024 reveals a 2% global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in 2023, with significant drops noted in India. Funding for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) investments via sustainable finance products is also slowing. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aids developing nations in accessing the advantages of a global economy equitably.

13. Which organization has recently released the snow update ‘Hindu Kush Himalaya’ between 2003-2024?

A. UNEP

B. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

C. Greenpeace India

D. World Bank

• The ICIMOD’s Hindu Kush Himalaya snow update for 2024 reported record low snow persistence in India’s Ganga River basin, alongside similar challenges in the Brahmaputra and Indus basins. The HKH region spans eight countries and is crucial for Asia’s major river systems, supporting 1.9 billion people. It holds vast snow and glacier resources, essential for ecosystem services and downstream communities, making it pivotal for water supply across South and East Asia.

14. Recently, which state government has launched an intensified campaign to eradicate malaria from the state by 2027?

A. Gujarat

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Haryana

D. Bihar

• Uttar Pradesh has launched a campaign to eliminate malaria by 2027, intensifying efforts under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. With 771 cases reported this year, the initiative focuses on thorough case investigation, treatment, and community education.
• Enhanced vector control measures and mosquito prevention activities are underway, crucial ahead of the monsoon. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, threatens health, with P. falciparum and P. vivax posing the highest risks among the five parasite species.

15. “One Family, One Identity” scheme is associated with which state?

A. Gujarat

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Haryana

D. Bihar

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pushed for the swift implementation of ‘Family IDs’, aiming to streamline government benefits and job opportunities. Under the “One Family, One Identity” scheme, each family receives a unique ID to enhance scheme management and ensure transparent operations. Around 15.07 crore people benefit from this initiative, leveraging Family IDs for access to the National Food Security Act.

16. Recently, which armed force launched the first-of-its-kind skin bank for the treatment of severe burn injuries in defence?

A. Indian Air Force

B. Indian Navy

C. Indian Army

D. National Security Guard

• The Indian Army inaugurated a state-of-the-art skin bank at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on June 18. This facility, a first within Armed Forces Medical Services, focuses on treating severe burn injuries for armed forces personnel and families. It addresses injuries from fire accidents, electrical incidents, and high-altitude kerosene warmers. The skin bank centralizes collection, processing, storage, and distribution of skin grafts.

17. Recently, a huge imbalance of energy has been detected on which planet?

A. Venus

B. Saturn

C. Mars

D. Jupiter

• Researchers at the University of Houston discovered a significant seasonal energy imbalance on Saturn using data from the Cassini probe. These finding challenges existing models of gas giants’ climate and planetary evolution. This discovery by Xinyue Wang highlights the influence of internal heat on Saturn’s climate and reshapes understanding of planetary and atmospheric sciences in our solar system.

18. Recently, which state has established the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures?

A. Gujarat

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Haryana

D. Bihar

• Uttar Pradesh has established the world’s first conservation and breeding center for Asian king vultures in Maharajganj district. Named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, it aims to revive the critically endangered species, listed since 2007. The vultures face threats from habitat loss and diclofenac poisoning. It aims to increase the number of eagle pairs and ensure their survival.

19. Which intergovernmental body recently won the ‘Blue Planet Prize 2024’?

A. Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

B. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

C. Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP)

D. None of the above

• The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was awarded the 2024 Blue Planet Prize for its role as the global authority on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature’s contributions to people.
• Established in 1992, this prestigious award by Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation recognizes scientific contributions towards solving global environmental challenges. IPBES shares the honor with Robert Costanza from University College London for his work in ecological economics.

20. Which ministry recently launched the first National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS) 2024?

A. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

B. Ministry of Home Affairs

C. Ministry of Defence

D. Ministry of Urban Development

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) inaugurated the first National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS) 2024, emphasizing India’s commitment to advanced manufacturing. MeitY Secretary S Krishnan released an Additive Manufacturing Landscape Report and unveiled an indigenous AM machine. The symposium highlighted India’s AM ecosystem, building on the 2022 National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing.

21. Which state/UT recently organized the ‘Hemis festival 2024’?

A. Ladakh

B. Assam

C. Manipur

D. Lakshadweep

• The Hemis Festival, celebrating Tibetan Buddhism, occurs annually in Ladakh, India. In 2024, it celebrated on June 16^th & 17^th. Known as Hemis Tsechu, it commemorates Guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary. The 2-day event fills Hemis Monastery, Ladakh’s largest Buddhist monastery, with vibrant colors, music, and spiritual energy, making it a significant cultural celebration.

22. Fire Dragon 480 is a tactical ballistic missile of which country?

A. India

B. Japan

C. China

D. Israel

• A PLA study claims China’s Fire Dragon 480 missile can sink a US Ticonderoga-class cruiser in the Red Sea. The 750-mm tactical ballistic missile, made by Norinco Group, features precision-guidance sensors and a high-speed launch platform. With a warhead over 400 kg and impact velocity over 500 meters per second, it can destroy a 10,000-ton cruiser with two hits. Adopted in 2019, it has a range exceeding 500 km.

23. Which organization recently released the “State of Global Air (SoGA) 2024”?

A. World Bank

B. Health Effects Institute (HEI)

C. World Health Organization (WHO)

D. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for death, per the 2024 State of Global Air (SoGA) report by the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF. It causes non-communicable diseases like heart disease and lung cancer, with 8.1 million deaths in 2021. India and China accounted for 54% of the global air pollution disease burden. In 2021, air pollution caused 1,69,400 child deaths in India and 2,37,000 COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) deaths.

24. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to which state government on custodial death row?

A. Kerala

B. Odisha

C. Jharkhand

D. Sikkim

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Odisha government over unpaid compensation for a custodial death. From 2017 to 2022, India reported over 660 custodial deaths, with Gujarat having the highest at 80. Constitutional safeguards include Articles 14 and 21, while legal safeguards encompass Sections 330, 331 IPC, and 176 Cr.P.C. NHRC guidelines and Supreme Court rulings further protect detainees, ensuring prompt reporting and proper arrest procedures.