Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 22nd February 2024

1. Which country hosted the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)?

A. Indonesia

B. India

C. Myanmar

D. Malaysia

• The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from February 16-19, 2024, marking its 3rd meeting since the agreement’s signing in 2009. Initiated in September 2022 for a comprehensive review, eight sub-committees were established to enhance the agreement’s trade facilitation and mutual benefits.

2. What are Iris and Massalia?

A. Asteroids

B. Black holes

C. Glacial lakes

D. Patrol vessels

• Iris and Massalia are asteroids that have similar orbits and are potentially the first asteroids in our solar system to have confirmed water. Iris is 124 miles in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids in our solar system. It orbits between Mars and Jupiter and is the fourth brightest object in the asteroid belt. Massalia is 84 miles in diameter and is similar in size to Iris. Scientists using SOFIA’s infrared telescope discovered molecular water on the asteroids.

3. Recently, which organization released the report titled ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’?

A. UNESCO

B. UNESCAP

C. UNDP

D. IMF

• The UNESCAP’s ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ reveals that the region is 32 years behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target. Established in 1947 as ECAFE, it became ESCAP in 1974, one of the UN’s five regional commissions. With 53 member states (including India) and 9 associate members, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its objective is to foster cooperation among members to address sustainable development challenges.

4. Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement named Morodharo in which state?

A. Gujarat

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Bihar

D. Odisha

• Archaeologists recently uncovered Morodharo, a Harappan-era fortified settlement in Kutch District, Gujarat. Dating from 2,600 to 1,300 BCE, the settlement spans the mature to late Harappan period. The fortification, measuring 102m east to west and 58m north to south, boasts a 3.3m thick wall. Features include a 10x10m platform, a well, burial cairns, and Harappan pottery with perforated jar sherds.

5. What is the theme of the ‘World Day of Social Justice 2024’?

A. Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances

B. Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment

C. Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice

D. Workers on the Move: The Quest for Social Justice

• Annually on February 20th, the World Day of Social Justice unites the global community to address worldwide inequality and injustice. Emphasizing decent work and fair globalization, the 2024 theme, “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” underscores the significance of collaboration in confronting global challenges.

6. Which district of Madhya Pradesh recently organized a ‘Banana Festival’?

A. Burhanpur

B. Ujjain

C. Balaghat

D. Rewa

• Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, known as the banana city, is hosting its annual Banana Festival in collaboration with the district administration. The two-day event, under the One-District One-Product programme, highlights Burhanpur’s agricultural strength with 23,650 hectares of banana cultivation involving 18,325 farmers.
• The region yields an impressive 16 lakh metric tonnes of bananas, contributing to a significant sales turnover of 1,700 crore rupees. The festival aims to attract investment by showcasing Burhanpur’s agricultural prowess to companies, experts, and scientists nationwide.

7. Where was the ‘Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair’ held?

A. Chennai

B. Madurai

C. New Delhi

D. Thiruvananthapuram

• The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, hosted in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative initiative led by ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. With diverse stakeholders, the event highlights neem’s versatile applications in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Embracing the theme “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment,” the summit aims to spotlight neem’s multifaceted benefits and promote its role in fostering sustainability across various sectors.

8. What is the rank of India in the Henley Passport Index 2024?

A. 84^th

B. 85^th

C. 86^th

D. 87^th

• France leads the Henley Passport Index 2024 with visa-free access to 194 countries. European nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain, benefiting from EU influence, also rank high. India, now at 85th place, improved visa-free access to 62 countries but dropped one position. Maldives, India’s maritime neighbor, stands at 58th place with visa-free access to 96 countries.

9. What is the primary focus of INDUS-X initiative?

A. Protection of historical monuments

B. Advancing of high-tech cooperation in the defense sector

C. Advancing of cyber security measures

D. Developing software solutions for startups

• The ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.

10. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in which district of Uttar Pradesh?

A. Ayodhya

B. Saharanpur

C. Varanasi

D. Sambhal

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed by Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, chaired by Acharya Pramod Krishnam, the temple’s unique feature is its ten garbh grihas, representing all ten avatars of the Lord, including the human form. The Prime Minister highlighted the intricate architecture, emphasizing the embodiment of various divine forms in the scriptures.

11. Which state government recently launched the ‘Swayam scheme’ to empower its youth with interest free loans?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Odisha

D. Maharashtra

• The Odisha government recently launched the ‘Swayam’ scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.

12. Recently, which organization has launched the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)’?

A. World Health Organization (WHO)

B. UNICEF

C. United Nations

D. European Union

• The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) as part of India’s G20 presidency. The initiative aims to democratize digital health technologies. Union Health Minister Mandaviya highlighted its role in creating an institutional framework for digital health. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros emphasized GIDH’s support in promoting global digital health standards.