Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 29th April 2024

1. Alagar Temple is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?

A. Madurai

B. Theni

C. Dindigul

D. Tenkasi

• The conclusion of the Chithirai festival was signified by the return procession of Lord Kallazhagar from the Vaigai river. Alagar Temple, situated at the foothills of Alagar hills in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is one of Lord Vishnu’s 108 abodes, revered as Kallazhagar. It boasts six corridors within fort walls and is referenced in Tamil epic Silappadikaram and Alvars’ hymns. The temple’s mandapam pillars showcase Nayaka art style.

2. Harshit Kumar, who recently won a gold medal in the 21st U-20 Asian Athletics Championship 2024, belongs to which sports?

A. Javelin throw

B. Hammer throw

C. Tennis

D. Chess

• Indian athletes dominated the 21^st U-20 Asian Athletics Championship 2024, earning 18 medals. Harshit Kumar clinched gold in the Hammer throw, while Ritik secured silver in men’s discus throw. Laxita Sandilea took silver in the 800m race. The mixed relay team won silver, and Shreeya Rajesh grabbed bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles. Prateek also secured bronze in the hammer throw event.

3. What is nephrotic syndrome?

A. A skin disorder

B. A kidney disorder causing excessive protein in urine

C. A respiratory condition

D. A neurological disorder

• Regular use of fairness creams has been linked to nephrotic syndrome by Kerala researchers. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder causing excessive protein in urine due to glomeruli inflammation. Healthy kidneys filter waste but inflamed glomeruli leak protein into urine. It’s not a specific kidney disease but can result from various conditions damaging kidney filters.

4. National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) functions under which ministry?

A. Ministry of Women & Child Development

B. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

C. Ministry of Home Affairs

D. Ministry of Agriculture

• The Union government plans to introduce a new test developed by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) to diagnose specific learning disabilities (SLDs) in Indian adults. NIEPID, established in 1984, operates under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, focusing on services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With headquarters in Secunderabad, Telangana, it offers training, research, and rehabilitation services nationwide.

5. According to UNCTAD report, what was the growth rate of the Indian Service Sector export in 2023?

A. 11.4%

B. 9.2%

C. 8.1%

D. 10.7%

• In 2023, Indian service sector exports surged by 11.4% to $345 billion, while Chinese service exports fell by 10.1% to $381 billion, as per a UNCTAD report. India’s service imports slightly decreased by 0.4% to $248 billion. India ranks 7th globally in service exports, with the US leading. Additionally, India stood as the 9th largest service-importing country. The US and China hold top positions as service importers, according to UNCTAD.

6. Recently, where was the meeting of Defense Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held?

A. New Delhi, India

B. Astana, Kazakhstan

C. Beijing, China

D. Tehran, Iran

• Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan on April 26, 2024. All member states’ defense ministers signed a protocol. They endorsed the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, echoing the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

7. Patenting Trends in India report, recently released by which organization?

A. NASSCOM

B. CSIR

C. IRDAI

D. Ministry of Finance

• NASSCOM’s recent release, the Patenting Trends in India report, coincided with World Intellectual Property Day. Celebrated annually on April 26, the day aims to highlight the importance of Intellectual Property rights in fostering innovation and creativity. Established in 2000 by WIPO, this year’s theme is ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation & Creativity’.

8. Recently, which state government’s food safety department has imposed a ban on using Liquid Nitrogen in food items?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Karnataka

C. Kerala

D. Andhra Pradesh

• The commissioner of food safety in Tamil Nadu has instructed officials to oversee the use of liquid nitrogen in food items and enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Liquid nitrogen, an inert, colorless, extremely cold element with a boiling point of –320°F (–196°C), poses health risks including frostbite-like injuries, organ damage, and potential perforation. It’s utilized to rapidly cool and freeze food in various industrial processes.

9. What is ‘Bambi Bucket’?

A. Aerial firefighting tool

B. Traditional Irrigation Technique

C. Earth Observation Satellite

D. Black hole

• The Indian Air Force deployed MI 17 V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets to combat forest fires in Nainital. The Bambi Bucket, also known as a helicopter bucket, is a specialized firefighting tool used since the 1980s. It’s suspended under the chopper and filled from rivers or ponds, releasing water via a pilot-controlled valve. Its features include quick filling, storage within the helicopter, and precise water discharge, aiding in combating inaccessible wildfires.

10. According to recent data from the Reserve Bank of India, what was India’s net household savings rate for the fiscal year 2023?

A. 4.5%

B. 5.3%

C. 6.7%

D. 7.1%

• Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India shows India’s net household savings hit a 47-year low at 5.3% of GDP in 2023, dropping from 7.3% in 2022. Simultaneously, household debt surged to 5.8% of GDP, the second-highest since the 1970s. The Household Saving Rate is the proportion of disposable income saved rather than spent, encompassing financial assets, physical assets, and precious metals like gold and silver ornaments.

11. Recently, who has been named as the regional winner for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards?

A. Gina Justus

B. Revathi Advaithi

C. Supriya Sahu

D. Mridula Garg

• Gina Justus, a teacher at English High School, Sharjah Girls’ Branch, UAE, wins the MENA region in the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she’s worked in the UAE since 2005. Recognized for mentorship and charity work, she stood out among 14,840 nominations from 141 countries. The awards honor primary and secondary educators globally.

12. Recently, which former Indian cricketer has been appointed as the ambassador of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?

A. Yuvraj Singh

B. Harbhajan Singh

C. Suresh Raina

D. Irfan Pathan

• Yuvraj Singh, famed Indian cricketer, is named ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting in 36 days. Renowned for hitting six sixes in an over during India’s 2007 victory, he joins Chris Gayle and Usain Bolt as ambassadors. Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, adds to the event’s excitement. Singh, 42, played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 win and will participate in pre-tournament promotions for the 10-team event starting June 1.