Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 25th & 26th April 2024

1. What is ‘Enceladus’?

A. Ancient irrigation system

B. Nuclear powered ballistic submarine

C. Saturn’s ocean moon

D. Invasive plant

• Enceladus, one of Saturn’s 146 moons, reveals potential for life with its liquid ocean, carbon-based chemistry, and energy from tidal heating. NASA’s Cassini-Huygens mission, spanning 2004 to 2017, discovered plumes of water erupting from Enceladus, providing insights into its subsurface ocean’s composition. The presence of life-supporting phosphate in ice grains further strengthens the case. Mimas and Titan, Saturn’s other moons, also show signs of life.

2. Which district of Tamil Nadu recently celebrated the ‘Chithirai Car Festival’?

A. Madurai

B. Virudhunagar

C. Tiruchirappalli

D. Tirunelveli

• Thousands of devotees’ flock to the Masi streets for the grand Chithirai Car Festival at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Celebrated during the Tamil months of Chithirai or Panguni, the festival honors the divine union of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. It symbolizes unity between Saivaites and Vaishnavites, glorifying both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The festival spans various rituals, beginning with temple flag hoisting and culminating in celebrations at Alagar Hills, rooted in tradition dating back 700 years.

3. What is ‘Crystal Maze 2’?

A. Ballistic Missile

B. Asteroid

C. Earth Communication Satellite

D. Invasive Plan

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful test firing of the Crystal Maze 2 missile, also known as ROCKS. Originating from Israel, this air-launched medium-range ballistic missile is designed for targeting high-value stationary and relocatable assets like long-range radars and air defense systems. It boasts extended stand-off range capabilities compared to its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, with a range of over 250 kilometers.

4. Which day is celebrated as ‘National Panchayati Raj Day’?

A. 22.April

B. 23.April

C. 24.April

D. 25.April

• The National Panchayat Raj Day is celebrated every year in India on April.24 by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj. On this day, in 1993, the Constitution (73^rd Amendment) Act, 1992 came into force that has institutionalized Panchayat Raj through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats.

5. What is the theme of ‘World Immunization Week’ 2024?

A. Long Life for All

B. Humanly Possible: Immunization for All

C. Vaccines bring us closer

D. Vaccines Work for All

• ‘World Immunization Week’ is celebrated annually from April 24 to 30 to highlight the importance of vaccines. Established by the World Health Assembly in 2012, it now spans over 180 countries. The theme for 2024 is ‘Humanly Possible: Immunization for All’, emphasizing universal access to vaccines. Vaccination campaigns have eradicated smallpox and nearly eliminated polio.

6. What is the Miyawaki Method?

A. Technique to create dense forests with native plants

B. To establish urban gardens with non-native species

C. Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

D. Promotion of commercial farming in semi-arid areas

• The Embassy of Israel in India has partnered with the ‘Million Miyawaki’ project, which focuses on enhancing air quality in Indian cities by mass afforestation of urban areas. The initiative is based on the Miyawaki Method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which promotes rapid growth and replication of natural biodiversity in limited spaces. Although lacking some qualities of natural forests, like medicinal properties and rain generation, Miyawaki forests aid in mitigating ecological impacts of activities like mining and create carbon sinks.

7. Recently, where was the ‘ASEAN Future Forum’ held?

A. Jakarta, Indonesia

B. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

C. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

D. Hanoi, Vietnam

• India’s External Affairs Minister joined the inaugural ‘ASEAN Future Forum’ virtually, hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam. ASEAN, comprising 10 member nations, focuses on economic growth and regional stability. Proposed at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2023, the forum serves as a platform for member states and partners to exchange ideas and policy suggestions.

8. Recently, which bank has signed an agreement with Tata Power Solar Systems to provide loans under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

A. NABARD

B. Indian Bank

C. State Bank of India

D. Karur Vysya Bank

• Indian Bank, based in Chennai, has partnered with Tata Power Solar Systems to offer loans under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, aims to provide free electricity to one crore households in India through rooftop solar systems. Eligible households, meeting specific criteria, can receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly. The government has allocated Rs 75,021 crore for this scheme.

9. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, as a part of the Earth Day Celebrations, recently installed India’s biggest Climate Clock at which place?

A. Chennai

B. New Delhi

C. Prayagraj

D. Ujjain

• As part of Earth Day Celebrations, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) unveiled India’s largest Climate Clock at its headquarters in Rafi Marg, New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change. Prof Chetan Singh Solanki, from IIT Bombay, emphasized the urgency for energy literacy among citizens, urging them to minimize energy consumption.

10. Voyager 1 Spacecraft is a space probe launched by which space organization?

A. ISRO

B. NASA

C. JAXA

D. CNSA

• NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977, is transmitting vital data after a period of malfunction, the agency announced. The spacecraft’s mission aims to explore the outer Solar System and beyond, conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, discovering new moons and rings. It became the first human-made object to exit the Solar System in 2012. Voyager 1 is expected to remain operational until at least 2025, currently 13.8 billion miles away from the sun.

11. Which organization recently released a report titled “Towards a Regenerative Blue Economy – Mapping the Blue Economy”?

A. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

B. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

C. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

D. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

• The IUCN released a report titled “Towards a Regenerative Blue Economy – Mapping the Blue Economy,” proposing a definition and principles for a Regenerative Blue Economy (RBE). The RBE model aims for effective regeneration and protection of ocean ecosystems, along with sustainable economic activities and fair prosperity.

12. Recently, which state government is planning to denotify a sizeable area of Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Karnataka

D. Odisha

• The Tamil Nadu government intends to denotify a significant portion of the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. Situated along the Bay of Bengal between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is India’s second-largest brackish water lake, following Odisha’s Lake Chilika. Sriharikota Island acts as a barrier between the lagoon and the Bay of Bengal. Fed by the Kalangi and Arani rivers, the sanctuary hosts the largest gathering of flamingos.

13. Which Indian Naval Sailing Vessel recently marked a historic transoceanic expedition of nearly 2 months by two women officers of the Indian Navy?

A. INSV Tarini

B. INSV Saryu

C. INSV Kaveri

D. INSV Kirpan

• The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Tarini completed a significant transoceanic journey, led by two female officers, culminating in its return to Goa after nearly two months. This achievement underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in maritime roles. Next, the crew is gearing up for Sagar Parikrama-IV, a global circumnavigation expedition set for September 2024 aboard INSV Tarini.

14. Recently, which country has appointed Col.Edison Napyo as the first Defence Adviser of India?

A. New Zealand

B. Tonga

C. Fiji

D. Papua New Guinea

• Papua New Guinea has named Colonel Edison Napyo as its inaugural Defence Advisor to India, signifying deepening cooperation between the two nations. Acting Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara led the farewell ceremony for Napyo, who will serve as a liaison between PNG’s government and military in India. Col Napyo, the first to hold this position.

15. Which bank recently unveiled its Climate Strategy 2030 document, which aims to address India’s need for green financing?

A. NABARD

B. SIDBI

C. SBI

D. PNB

• On Earth Day, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) revealed its Climate Strategy 2030, targeting India’s green financing requirements. Key pillars include accelerating green lending, broadening market-making roles, internal transformation, and resource mobilization. India needs approximately $170 billion annually to achieve a cumulative total of over $2.5 trillion by 2030, yet only received $49 billion in green financing as of 2019-20.

16. What is the theme of ‘World Malaria Day 2024’?

A. Zero Malaria starts with me

B. Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world

C. Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden

D. Zero Malaria – Draw the line against Malaria

• World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25. In 2024, the theme is “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.” Malaria, transmitted through mosquito bites, manifests with symptoms like shaking chills and high fever. It’s prevalent in tropical regions but preventable with precautions. The day aims to raise awareness about prevention methods and combat the disease’s impact.

17. Recently, which organization has been conferred the Outstanding Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Year award?

A. BHEL

B. ONGC

C. HAL

D. IOCL

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the Outstanding Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Year award at the All-India Management Association (AIMA) Managing India Awards. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar presented the award in Delhi on April 23. HAL achieved record revenue of over ₹29,810 crore in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking an impressive 11% growth. AIMA, established in 1957, promotes management excellence across India, collaborating with various sectors to advance the profession.

18. What is ‘Stellaria mcclintockiae’?

A. A new plant species

B. Traditional irrigation technique

C. Earth observation satellite

D. Black hole

• A new plant species, Stellaria mcclintockiae, has been identified by researchers in the Nelliyampathy hills, belonging to the Stellaria (Caryophyllaceae species) group. Named in tribute to geneticist Barbara McClintock, it’s the first of its kind discovered in southern India. The species exhibits distinct traits compared to others in the wild, marking a significant addition to botanical knowledge.

19. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme is administered by which ministry?

A. Ministry of Rural Development

B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

C. Ministry of Women and Child Development

D. Ministry of Agriculture

• The Delhi High Court recently deemed the new income threshold for the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme as “extremely low.” Under the revised RAN umbrella scheme, the monthly income limit for benefits stands at ₹1,571 for rural areas and ₹1,605 for urban areas. Administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, RAN provides one-time financial aid to impoverished patients with life-threatening diseases like heart, kidney, liver, and cancer for treatment at specialized government hospitals.

20. Eravikulam National Park, recently seen in news due to project Nilgiri Tahr, is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Karnataka

D. Goa

• Tamil Nadu and Kerala are set to conduct the first synchronized survey of Nilgiri tahrs starting April 29, a monumental effort in India. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forest, anticipates valuable insights from this initiative. The Eravikulam National Park harbors the largest population of these endemic ungulates, native to the southern Western Ghats. Nilgiri tahr, the state animal of Tamil Nadu, faces endangerment, according to the IUCN.

21. Which organization has recently released the 2^nd edition of its global sodium benchmarks for different food categories?

A. FAO

B. WHO

C. ILO

D. WMO

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its 2nd edition of global sodium benchmarks for various food categories, as part of its effort to curb sodium intake and combat chronic health issues like high blood pressure and obesity. These benchmarks serve as reference values to gauge progress in reducing sodium consumption. WHO advises adults to consume less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt) for better health outcomes.

22. What is the theme of International Delegate’s Day 2024?

A. Make the World a better place

B. Together, we challenge those in power

C. People of the World

D. Role of Delegates

• The International Delegate’s Day is celebrated on April 25th each year to recognize the important role of delegates who represent their countries at the United Nations (UN). The theme for International Delegate’s Day in 2024 is “Together, we challenge those in power”. Delegates negotiate agreements, coordinate with their home countries, and form alliances or compromise. They embody the multilateralism that the UN stands for.

23. Khongjom Day is observed in which state?

A. Jharkhand

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Manipur

D. Haryana

• On April 23, Manipur observed Khongjom Day, commemorating the fallen heroes of the Khongjom Battle in 1891 against the British. The event took place at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Thoubal district. High-profile attendees included Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who laid floral wreaths and honored the martyrs with a guard of honor, salute, and two-minute silence.

24. Recently, where was the 6th edition of International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure held?

A. New Delhi

B. Chennai

C. Hyderabad

D. Bengaluru

• The 6^th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure held in New Delhi, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister emphasized, “We must invest in resilient infrastructure today for a better tomorrow.”
• Underlining that nature and disasters have no borders, the Prime Minister said that disasters and disruptions cause widespread impact in a highly interconnected world. “The world can be resilient collectively, only when each country is resilient individually”, PM Modi said. He stressed the importance of shared resilience due to shared risks and said that CDRI and this conference will help the world come together for this collective mission.