Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 25th July 2023

1. What is the growth forecast of India for the current fiscal, as per the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?

[A] 6.1%

[B] 6.4%

[C] 7.2%

[D] 7.5%

Answer: [B] 6.4 %

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) retained India’s economic growth forecast at 6.4 per cent for FY24. The forecast is based on recovery in consumption demand in both rural and urban areas. The Indian economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23. In an update to its Asian Development Outlook (ADO), ADB lowered its inflation projection for current fiscal year (FY24) at 4.9 per cent.

2. Which country has recently passed the ‘Illegal Migration Bill’?

[A] India

[B] USA

[C] UK

[D] Sri Lanka

Answer: [C] UK

In a victory for the Rishi Sunak government, the U.K. House of Lords passed the Illegal Migration Bill, a law that will make it the Home Secretary’s “duty” to remove illegal migrants from the U.K. This bill will significantly change existing protections for asylum seekers. By decreasing access to routes to asylum, the Bill seeks to deter illegal migration to the country – especially via small boats crossing the English Channel.

3. Which technology company has unveiled a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model called “CM3leon”?

[A] Google

[B] Samsung

[C] Microsoft

[D] Meta

Answer: [D] Meta

Facebook parent company Meta has unveiled a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model called “CM3leon”. It possesses the ability to generate both images from text and text from images. The Al model CM3Leon is also distinguished by being one of the first image generators capable of generating captions for images, laying the groundwork for more capable image- understanding models going forward.

4. Which country/ies is/are hosting the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup 2023?

[A] Brazil

[B] USA and Canada

[C] Australia and New Zealand

[D] Argentina

Answer: [C] Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are jointly hosting the 9th edition of the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup. New Zealand opened with a 1-0 win over Norway. In the latest edition, 32 nations including defending world champions US are taking part. It is the first Women’s World Cup with two Co-hosts.

5. Which country hosted the Asian Surfing Championship 2023?

[A] India

[B] Maldives

[C] Mauritius

[D] Bangladesh

Answer: [B] Maldives

The India surf team, participating for the first time, in the Asian championship has bagged the bronze medal. Two Tamil Nadu youths also broke into the top 10 Asian rankings. As a team, India scored 2,708 points securing the third position, thereby winning the bronze medal. Japan won the gold with 4,450 points.

6. Department of Telecommunications conducted the ‘Cell Broadcast Alert System testing’ along with?

[A] NDMA

[B] ISRO

[C] DRDO

[D] BHEL

Answer: [A] NDMA

The Department of Telecommunications, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority, conducted Cell Broadcast Alert System testing. Its objective is improving emergency communication during disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.

7. The Export Policy of ‘Non-Basmati White Rice’ has been changed from ‘Free with export duty of 20%’ to which state?

[A] State Trading Enterprises

[B] Restricted Goods

[C] Prohibited Goods

[D] Free Goods

Answer: [C] Prohibited Goods

The government has modified the Export Policy of Non-Basmati White Rice to ensure sufficient domestic supply at affordable rates. To guarantee sufficient presence of Non-Basmati White Rice in the Indian market and address the price surge within the country, the Government of India has swiftly changed the Export Policy of this rice variety from ‘Free with export duty of 20%’ to ‘Prohibited,’ taking immediate effect.

8. Which state issued a ‘Vision Document to Achieve 2070 Net Zero Target’?

[A] Odisha

[B] Jharkhand

[C] Kerala

[D] Goa

Answer: [B] Jharkhand

The Jharkhand government has issued a vision document outlining eight thematic areas, such as coal transition, to work towards the country’s net-zero target for 2070. The vision document laid out key areas of focus, encompassing livelihood and energy transitions, decarbonizing pathways, green hydrogen mission, coal transition, sustainable mobility transition, investment and finance, and institutional framework.

9. Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha ascended to become the inaugural monarch of which country?

[A] The Netherlands

[B] Belgium

[C] Germany

[D] Ukraine

Answer: [D] Belgium

July 21 marks the celebration of Belgian National Day, also known as the National Day of Belgium. On this day, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a German aristocrat residing in the United Kingdom, ascended to become Belgium’s inaugural monarch, marking the commencement of the modern Kingdom of Belgium.

10. India entered into a MoU regarding semiconductor development with which country?

[A] Japan

[B] China

[C] France

[D] Israel

Answer: [A] Japan

India and Japan have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning semiconductor development, including aspects such as design, manufacturing, equipment research, and talent development. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) focuses on five key areas, namely semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment research, talent development, and enhancing the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain.

11. Which institution suggested the creation of ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority of India’?

[A] DoT

[B] NASSCOM

[C] TRAI

[D] NITI Aayog

Answer: [C] TRAI

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) suggested the creation of an independent statutory body called the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority of India (AIDAI), which would function as both a regulator and advisory body for all Al-related matters. It also recommended that the administrative responsibility for AI should be placed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

12. ‘STAR-C initiative’ is associated with which bloc?

[A] G -20

[B] ISA

[C] BIMSTEC

[D] European Union

Answer: [B] ISA

Solar Technology Application Resource Centre [STAR C] Initiative aims to cultivate the human capacity and skills among a Member Country’s public to encourage the undertaking of energy transition activities, creating jobs and contributing to the country’s economic growth. India is contemplating extending its solar STAR-C initiative, operated in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance, to several Pacific Island nations.

13. As per the recent discovery by the james Webb Orbital Observatory Project, which particles were identified in the early universe?

[A] Silicon-rich dust grains

[B] Carbon-rich dust grains

[C] Lithium-rich dust grains

[D] Potassium-rich dust grains

Answer: [B] Carbon-rich dust grains

The James Webb Orbital Observatory Project identified carbon-rich dust particles, potentially composed of graphite or diamond-like materials, in the early universe. This discovery challenges current scientific models. This observation suggests the possibility of a unique type of carbon-based molecule, potentially comprising tiny particles resembling graphite or diamond, which could have originated from the earliest stars or supernovae.

14. Who has issued a directive to judges, advising them against using their protocol facilities which might inconvenience to public?

[A] Chief Justice of India

[B] Prime Minister

[C] President of India

[D] NITI Aayog Vice Chairman

Answer: [A] Chief justice of India

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has issued a directive to judges, advising them against using their protocol facilities in a way that might inconvenience others or lead to public criticism of the judiciary. He cautioned that judges should not use the protocol privileges to create a sense of privilege that separates them from society or displays their power or authority.

15. Which state/UT launched the ‘Early childhood care and education (ECCE) kit’ or

“Khel Pitara” kits?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Uttar Pradesh

[C] Bihar

[D] Telangana

Answer: [A] New Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister recently launched the early childhood care and education (ECCE) kit or “Khel Pitara” kits. It was developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Delhi and anganwadi team. The kit comprises games, toys, puzzles, and books. They will be distributed across 11,000 Anganwadi centres in Delhi.

16. Which state/UT recently passed the ‘Honour of Dead Body Bill, 2023’?

[A] Rajasthan

[B] Punjab

[C] Odisha

[D] West Bengal

Answer: [A] Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Honour of Dead Body Bill, 2023 was passed recently by the state assembly. The bill aims to forbid protests by relatives of deceased individuals who sit with the bodies on roads or public spaces and demand Compensation or jobs. The Bill states that such acts will become an offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to five years.

17. Which state/ UT launched the SC/ST (prevention of transfer of certain lands) (Amendment) Bill?

[A] Madhya Pradesh

[B] Karnataka

[C] Assam

[D] Odisha

Answer: [B] Karnataka

Recently, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly approved the Karnataka SC/ST (prevention of transfer of certain lands) (Amendment) Bill. It aims to clarify the “time limitation” issue related to preventing the transfer of lands allocated to SC/ST Communities. The beneficiaries are not subject to any time limitation when approaching courts to seek the restoration of lands allocated to them.

18. Which state implements the ‘Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP)”? scheme?

[A] Karnataka

[B] Kerala

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Telangana

Answer: [B] Kerala

Kerala received the National Healthcare Excellence Award for its state health and safety scheme. Additionally, the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) scheme of Kerala has been recognized with the Public Health Excellence Award. The award will be presented at the National Healthtech Innovation conclave in New Delhi on July 27.

19. As per WHO data, what is the immunisation coverage for DPT3 in India in 2022?

[A] 50%

[B] 75 %

[C] 90 %

[D] 93 %

Answer: [D] 93 %

The coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines, in India rose to an all-time of 93% in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. It surpassed the previous pre-pandemic best of 919% recorded in 2019, and also marking a sharp increase from the 85% recorded in 2021.

20. Chennai Metro inks 1,205-crore contract agreement with which company for stations?

[A] L&T

[B] Tata Projects

[C] BHEL

[D] Mazagon Dock

Answer: [B] Tata Projects

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd signed a contract agreement with Tata Projects Ltd for a value 1,205 crore. The contract is part of JICA funding for Phase-II. The scope of work invo lves construction of four underground stations and works other than the diaphragm wall of two underground stations.