Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 28th June 2024

1. Which organization recently collaborated with Manav Rachna University (MRU) to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver in Delhi NCR?

A. ISRO

B. NASA

C. JAXA

D. CNSA

• Manav Rachna University (MRU) partnered with ISRO and NARL to install Delhi NCR’s first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. This initiative aims to enhance research in atmospheric and space sciences, offering engineering and science students practical experience with satellite navigation technology.

2. Ambubachi Mela is an annual festival of which state?

A. Assam

B. Sikkim

C. Manipur

D. Nagaland

• Devotees nationwide are gathering at Assam’s Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati for the annual Ambubachi Mela. The Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s 51 Shaktipeeths, is located atop Nilachal Hills and is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a form of Goddess Parvati. The Ambubachi Mela celebrates the goddess’s annual menstruation. The temple’s architecture uniquely combines the traditional Nagara and Mughal styles, known as the Nilachala Style.

3. Recently, who has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha?

A. Piyush Goyal

B. J P Nadda

C. Chirag Paswan

D. Rajnath Singh

• Union Minister JP Nadda has been appointed Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, succeeding Piyush Goyal, who is now a Lok Sabha member from North Mumbai, Maharashtra. Nadda was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat by the BJP in February this year.

4. Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) is an administrative arrangement between India and which country?

A. France

B. China

C. Australia

D. Russia

• Russia has approved a draft logistics agreement with India, advancing military cooperation under the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS). This agreement aims to streamline logistics support for joint military operations, providing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft during peacetime and wartime missions. It enhances India’s maritime influence, supports Arctic research collaboration.

5. Recently, which ministry has launched the “Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao” initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0?

A. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

B. Ministry of Rural Development

C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

D. Ministry of Agriculture

• The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launched the Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 from July 1 to August 31. It aims to prepare Urban Local Bodies for monsoon challenges, focusing on cleanliness and health. Aligning with the Health Ministry’s ‘STOP Diarrhoea Campaign,’ it promotes inter-departmental collaboration to address cleanliness and disease risks during heavy rainfall.

6. Recently, where was the ‘Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education’ inaugurated?

A. Jaipur

B. Gandhinagar

C. Patna

D. Lucknow

• The Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) was inaugurated on June 23 at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha highlighted BCORE’s role as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and performance in Indian sports. Officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, BCORE promotes Olympic values as an academic center.

7. Recently, which UT has become the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram?

A. Chandigarh

B. Puducherry

C. Lakshadweep

D. Ladakh

• Ladakh is the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Announced by Lieutenant Governor Dr BD Mishra, this milestone surpasses 97% literacy. The program, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, empowers adults with literacy, numeracy, and life skills through volunteerism.
• Over 77 lakh people nationwide have benefited, with 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers engaged via the ULLAS Mobile App.

8. What is the causative agent of African Swine Fever?

A. Bacteria

B. Fungi

C. Virus

D. Protozoa

• Since February, the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Mizoram has killed over 3,350 pigs. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease with a 100% mortality rate in pigs. Symptoms include fever, weakness, and diarrhea. The virus spreads through direct and indirect contact and survives long in pork products. Endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, it reached India in 2020. There is no cure or vaccine, necessitating animal culling to prevent spread.

9. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a flagship initiative of which ministry?

A. Ministry of Home Affairs

B. Ministry of Communications

C. Ministry of Defence

D. Ministry of Earth Sciences

• Recently, the 350^th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for a miniaturized satellite. iDEX, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, promotes self-reliance and innovation in Defence and Aerospace by engaging MSMEs, start-ups, and R&D institutes. Managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), it supports innovators through financial aid and technical guidance.

10. ALMA telescope is located in which desert?

A. Kalahari Desert

B. Atacama Desert

C. Sahara Desert

D. Gobi Desert

• Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have gained new insights into planet formation around binary star systems, where two stars orbit a common center of mass. ALMA, with 66 antennas in Chile’s Atacama Desert, studies celestial objects at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, penetrating dust clouds to observe distant galaxies and stars. Operated by an international partnership, ALMA detects faint radio signals with extraordinary sensitivity.

11. Salihundam Buddhist Heritage Site is located in which state?

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Bihar

C. Karnataka

D. Rajasthan

• Historians and enthusiasts are restoring Srikakulam’s ancient history in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its prominent Buddhist sites like Dantapuri and Salihundam, Neolithic-era caves, and ancient temples, Srikakulam was once part of the Kalinga Dynasty and later ruled by the Gajapati Kingdom, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara empires. Key sites include the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli and the Srimukhalingam Temple by the Vamsadhara River.

12. HOPEX is a joint military exercise between which two countries?

A. India and Japan

B. India and UAE

C. India and France

D. India and Egypt

• Exercise HOPEX is a joint military drill between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Egyptian Air Force aimed at enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation. Indian assets like Rafale fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, and IL-78 tankers are participating in this exercise, which takes place in Egypt.