Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 23rd February 2024

1. Which state has become the first north-eastern state in India to achieve 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under Jal Jeevan Mission?

A. Assam

B. Manipur

C. Arunachal Pradesh

D. Sikkim

• Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.

2. Where was the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ organised?

A. Visakhapatnam

B. Dhaka

C. Kathmandu

D. Myanmar

• Kathmandu recently hosted the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV,’ becoming a hub for global peacekeeping efforts. The event involved army representatives from 19 nations engaged in UN Peacekeeping missions, emphasizing collaborative dedication to global peace and security. Co-hosted by the Nepali Army and the US Indo-Pacific Command, the exercise highlighted the robust military cooperation between Nepal and the United States.

3. Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited collaborated with which organization for the upgrade of Sukhoi Fighter Jet Fleet?

A. DRDO

B. ISRO

C. UNESCO

D. CSIR

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, in partnership with DRDO, launches a Rs 60,000 crore project to upgrade the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. The initiative focuses on enhancing capabilities by integrating advanced technologies and indigenous systems.

4. Who has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’, France’s highest civilian honour?

A. Rajnath Singh

B. Shashi Tharoor

C. Neeraj Chopra

D. LK Advani

• Shashi Tharoor, a diplomat, author, and politician, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,’ France’s highest civilian honor, for his lifelong commitment to global understanding and substantial service to India and the world. The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolizes French recognition for exceptional contributions, transcending nationality.

5. Faiz Fazal is associated with which sports?

A. Wrestling

B. Badminton

C. Football

D. Cricket

• Vidarbha cricketer Faiz Fazal, aged 38, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, marking the end of a remarkable career. Fazal leaves behind a significant legacy with immense contributions to Vidarbha cricket, celebrated for generations. The Vidarbha cricket team, representing eastern Maharashtra, participates in India’s domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

6. Ministry of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship recently inaugurated the country’s first Skill India Centre (SIC) in which state?

A. Odisha

B. Bihar

C. Maharashtra

D. Kerala

• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative aims to upgrade skills in demand-driven industries, empowering over 1200 students. The Centre offers low-cost courses to democratize access to quality education.

7. Which day is celebrated as International Mother Language Day?

A. 21 February

B. 22 February

C. 23 February

D. 25 February

• On February 21, 2024, International Mother Language Day is celebrated globally, acknowledging linguistic diversity. Originating in Bangladesh, the day emphasizes the historical movement for linguistic rights. In 2024, the theme is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” underscoring the importance of linguistic education.

8. Where has been ‘World’s highest frozen lake marathon’ organized?

A. Sikkim

B. Himachal Pradesh

C. Arunachal Pradesh

D. Ladakh

• The “world’s highest frozen lake marathon,” Pangong Lake marathon in Ladakh, hosted 120 runners from seven countries in its second edition. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh, supported by the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14 Corps of the Indian Army, the event aimed to raise awareness about melting Himalayan glaciers and their environmental impact.

9. Khajuraho Dance Festival is associated with which state?

A. Uttar Pradesh

B. Madhya Pradesh

C. Andhra Pradesh

D. Rajasthan

• The 50^th Khajuraho Dance Festival, 2024, commenced on February 20, inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Scheduled until the 26th, the festival features diverse classical dance styles performed by over 1500 Kathak artistes. Originating in 1975, the festival is aiming to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

10. Recently, how much amount of the development assistance loan has Japan committed to India?

A. 232.2 billion Japanese Yen

B. 225.2 billion Japanese Yen

C. 230.3 billion Japanese Yen

D. 239.3 billion Japanese Yen

• Japan has pledged JPY 232 billion for nine projects in India, as confirmed by the exchange of notes on February 20, 2024, between Vikas Sheel of the Indian Ministry of Finance and Suzuki Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador.
• The committed ODA loan assistance covers various initiatives, including the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, NH 127B (Phulbari-Goeragre section), start-up promotion in Telangana, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Phase 2), sustainable horticulture in Haryana, climate change response in Rajasthan, medical facilities in Nagaland, urban water supply in Uttarakhand, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.

11. TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India Case is associated with which one of the following?

A. Reservation

B. Forest conservation

C. LGBTQ rights

D. Privacy and Data protection

• The Supreme Court of India recently directed governments to adopt a ‘broad’ definition of forests, emphasizing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Enacted to safeguard forests and resources, the Act’s Section 2 defines ‘forest land’ broadly, encompassing reserved, protected, or government-recorded areas. The landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India (1996) case reinforced this, interpreting ‘forest’ in line with its dictionary meaning.

12. Recently, which country has become the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance?

A. Malta

B. Egypt

C. Vietnam

D. Ukraine

• Malta has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 119th member. Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi. Established in 2015 with headquarters in Gurugram, India, ISA aims to promote solar energy globally. India warmly welcomed Malta’s participation in this alliance, strengthening international cooperation for sustainable solar development.