Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 22nd September 2023

1. Which state launched ‘Mobile Van Program’ to promote Natural Farming?

[A] Assam

[B] Himachal Pradesh

[C] Arunachal Pradesh

[D] Rajasthan

Answer: [B] Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department has introduced a ‘Mobile Van Program’ as part of the ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana’. It aims to advance eco-friendly and natural farming practices. This initiative focuses on delivering fresh, organic produce directly to consumers while promoting organic and chemical-free farming.

2. Which state launched ‘Griha Adhar’ and ‘Chavath e Bazaar’ initiatives?

[A] Kerala

[B] Gujarat

[C] Goa

[D] Odisha

Answer: [C] Goa

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders, a program aimed at financially supporting homemakers and improving their quality of life. He also launched “The Chavath e Bazaar,” a digital initiative empowering Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups, under the Swayampura Goa Programme. The government plans to provide free training to women in packaging and selling food items under Swayampurna Goa 2.0.

3. As per recent research, exposure to which element was linked to 5.5 Million Cardiovascular Disease Deaths Globally in 2019?

[A] Mercury

[B] Lead

[C] Cadmium

[D] Titanium

Answer: [B] Lead

A recent study revealed that lead exposure was responsible for approximately 30% of all cardiovascular disease deaths globally in 2019, equating to around 5.5 million people. The study found that global lead exposure had health and economic costs comparable to fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) air pollution. Lead exposure affected lower-income countries and resulted in the loss of 765 million IQ points in children under five.

4. Which Indian state launched free breakfast scheme in schools for students, after Tamil Nadu?

[A] Kerala

[B] Telangana

[C] West Bengal

[D] Rajasthan

Answer: [B] Telangana

Telangana government has announced the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme. Under this initiative, set to kick off on October 24, students in classes 1 to 10 attending government schools will receive a nutritious breakfast. The government has committed to spending an estimated amount of Rs 400 crore to ensure the successful execution of the program.

5. Which institution announced special awards to artists above 75 years of age?

[A] Sangeet Natak Akademi

[B] Lalit Kala Akademi

[C] Sahitya Akademi

[D] ICCR

Answer: [A] Sangeet Natak Akademi

The Sangeet Natak Akademi announced special one-time awards, commemorating 75 years of India’s independence to 84 artists, who are above the age of 75 years and haven’t been accorded any national honour in their career so far. The ‘Amrit’ awards were presented by Vice- President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar to a total of 84 artistes, including 70 men and 14 women.

6. Finance Ministry notified the constitution of how many Appellate Tribunals for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

[A] 13

[B] 18

[C] 31

[D] 42

Answer: [C] 31

Finance Ministry notified the constitution of 31 Appellate Tribunals across 28 States and eight UTs for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The tribunals were set up to resolve a growing number of taxpayer disputes with the Revenue Department. Of the 31 Benches in 28 States and UTS, the highest number is in Uttar Pradesh.

7. India has reached out to which country to restock monoclonal antibody doses to combat the Nipah virus?

[A] Australia

[B] Japan

[C] USA

[D] Israel

Answer: [A] Australia

India has reached out to Australia to procure monoclonal antibody doses to combat the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. India is expecting 20 more doses soon, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The virus has killed two people so far and has infected at least five others in the Kozhikode district. The current Nipah outbreak is Kerala’s fourth since 2018.

8. Burkina Faso’s military junta has ordered which country’s defence attache to leave?

[A] Israel

[B] UAE

[C] France

[D] Germany

Answer: [C] France

Bur kina Faso’s military junta has ordered the French embassy’s defence attache to leave the country due to “subversive” behaviour. Attache Emmanuel Pasquier’s expulsion is the latest sign of increasing tension between the West African nation -Burkina Faso and its former coloniser France since a military government seized power in two coups last year.

9. Automobile employees of which country launched a massive targeted strike?

[A] China

[B] Japan

[C] USA

[D] India

Answer: [C] USA

Around 13,000 members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union in the United States initiated a strike affecting General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis (parent of Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram). The strike follows the breakdown of negotiations over better pay raises and benefits. The UAW seeks a 40% wage increase over four years, restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, and pensions for all workers, among other demands.

10. G. Teswaini and Bommini Mounika Akshaya, who were seen in the news, play which sports?

[A] Chess

[B] Tennis

[C] Table-Tennis

[D] Squash

Answer: [A] Chess

Russia chess player Aleksey Grebnev clinched the Tata Steel Asian junior title, playing under the FIDE flag. He added another championship by claiming the blitz title to bring some cheer to Russian chess. G. Teswaini claimed the championship in the classical event, and Bommini Mounika Akshaya won the blitz title.

11. Which company has been roped in as the title sponsor for MotoGP Bharat?

[A] Byjus

[B] Indian Oil

[C] Sahara

[D] India Cements

Answer: [B] Indian Oil

MotoGP Bharat has roped in IndianOil as the title sponsor for the event scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The event will be organised from September 22 to 24, as per its promoter Fairstreet Sports.

12. Which country is the host of the Asian Games 2023?

[A] Japan

[B] China

[C] India

[D] Sri Lanka

Answer: [B] China

The Hangzhou Asian Games Village was inaugurated at Hangzhou, China in the presence of acting director general of the Olympic Council of Asia, Vinod Kumar Tiwari. The 19th edition of the mega event will commence on September 23. The village will accommodate 20,000 people in three communities: Athletes’ Village, Media Village and Technical Officials’ Village.

13. What is the rank of India in the ‘World Happiness Index 2023’?

[A] 126

[B] 121

[C] 118

[D] 108

Answer: [A] 126

India has been ranked 126th among 146 countries in the latest World Happiness Index for 2023. This decline in happiness levels is attributed to the country’s growing mental health crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent data reveals a significant surge in the sale of antidepressants and mood stabilizers in India, with a 41% increase from August 2019 to August 2023.

14. Which institution introduced the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP)?

[A] ICMR

[B] IMA

[C] AIIMS

[D] NITI Aayog

Answer: [A] ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) introduced the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) to prioritize crucial assistive products for individuals with functional impairments. These assistive products are vital for enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence among individuals with disabilities. The NLEAP consists of 21 essential assistive products and technologies that are considered fundamental for improving the lives of those with functional impairments.

15. Santiniketan, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in which state?

[A] Uttar Pradesh

[B] West Bengal

[C] Rajasthan

[D] New Delhi

Answer: [B] West Bengal

Santiniketan, the cultural and educational hub in West Bengal founded by poet Rabindranath Tagore, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The announcement was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1901, Santiniketan was initially a residential school based on Indian traditions and the vision of global unity transcending religious and cultural boundaries. In 1921, it evolved into a world university known as ‘Visva Bharati’.

16. Which country has been recording increasing number of cases of West Nile virus?

[A] UK

[B] USA

[C] Australia

[D] New Zealand

Answer: [B] USA

Health authorities in several US states, including New York City, New Jersey, Georgia, Maryland, and Texas, are expressing increasing concerns over cases of West Nile virus. In New York City, officials report a higher number of mosquito pools infected with the virus compared to the five-year average, with 16 human cases documented across the five boroughs. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and has no human vaccine.

17. India announced its plan to eradicate Tuberculosis by which year?

[A] 2024

[B] 2025

[C] 2027

[D] 2030

Answer: [B] 2025

Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of a public-private partnership (PPP) with an integrated strategy to achieve a “TB-mukt Bharat” (tuberculosis-free India). India’s ambitious goal is eradicating tuberculosis by 2025. He flagged off the “TB-Mukt Express,” a mobile medical van under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana healthcare initiative. This van will travel to various villages in Udhampur, promoting the slogan “Chalo Chale TB ko Harane” (let’s defeat TB).

18. Which Indian Coast Guard Ship has been deployed to ASEAN countries for Marine Pollution Response?

[A] Samudra Prahari

[B] Samarth

[C] Rajdhwaj

[D] Sankalp

Answer: [A] Samudra Prahari

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from September 11 to October 14, 2023, as part of India’s ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response. Equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, the ship aims to showcase the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities and commitment to addressing marine pollution issues in the region. During this deployment, it will make port calls in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, and Jakarta.

19. Which country has announced a ban on American Bully XL dogs?

[A] Japan

[B] India

[C] UK

[D] China

Answer: [C] UK

The UK government has announced a ban on American Bully XL dogs by the end of the year due to a series of serious and sometimes fatal attacks. The breed is considered a “danger to communities.” American Bully XL is the largest of four American Bully types, known for their strength, muscular build, and the potential to weigh up to 60 kg and reach 53 cm in height. These dogs first appeared in the UK around 2014-2015.

20. Which state approved compensation plan for women victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes?

[A] Gujarat

[B] Manipur

[C] Jharkhand

[D] Telangana

Answer: [B] Manipur

Manipur approves compensation plan for women victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes. The notification comprised of the schedule of injuries and crimes for which women victims will be given compensation, with the amount varying depending on the nature of the crime, the severity of the injury, loss of employment, and other associated factors.