Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 2nd & 3rd March 2024

1. Recently, Election Commission of India started the ‘Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye’ campaign with which ministry?

A. Ministry of Education

B. Ministry of Home Affairs

C. Ministry of Corporate Affairs

D. Ministry of Defence

• The Ministry of Education conducted the “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” from Feb 28 to Mar 6, 2024, aiming to engage and encourage youth in the electoral process. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar issued a call to inspire and mobilize first-time voters, urging all to support the campaign.

2. Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Karnataka

C. Maharashtra

D. Gujarat

• The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crores, boosting India’s space capabilities.

3. Recently, the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) signed an agreement with which country to promote Ayurveda & Thai traditional medicine?

A. Singapore

B. Vietnam

C. Thailand

D. Japan

• The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand in February 2024. The MoU is for academic collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine. The NIA also has collaborations with other universities, institutes, and organizations in countries like Malaysia and Korea.

4. Recently, who has been appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal?

A. Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar

B. Satish Chandra Sharma

C. Surya Kant

D. Sanjiv Khanna

• Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal, a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013. The Lokpal, mandated to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries, consists of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members.
• Members, appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee, serve a term of five years or until the age of 70. The salary and conditions of service mirror those of the Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court judges.

5. Recently, where was the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024 organized?

A. Lucknow

B. Bhopal

C. New Delhi

D. Jaipur

• India concluded its successful run at the 43rd Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024 in New Delhi on February 26, winning a total of 18 medals. Held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, the competition featured 500 riders from 18 countries, encompassing junior and para track cycling events. Notably, this championship served as the ultimate qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

6. Recently, which ministry launched the ‘SWAYAM Plus Platform’?

A. Ministry of Education

B. Ministry of Home Affairs

C. Ministry of Corporate Affairs

D. Ministry of Defence

• The Ministry of Education introduced the SWAYAM Plus Platform, an extension of the Massive Open Online Course platform, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. SWAYAM Plus now incorporates courses fostering industry-specific skills in collaboration with leaders, promoting learners’ employability. Notable features include multilingual content, AI-guidance, credit recognition, and pathways to employment. IIT Madras is the appointed nodal agency for implementation, with funding from MoE and the Department of Higher Education.

7. Recently, the first herpetofaunal survey was conducted in the Core Area of which tiger reserve?

A. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

B. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

C. Kalakkad Tiger Reserve

D. Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve

• The inaugural herpetofaunal survey in the Core Area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve uncovered 82 reptile and amphibian species, aiding the forest department in tailoring conservation strategies. Notable findings include the near-threatened Indian rock python and the vulnerable mugger crocodile.

8. Recently, who has been appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for India?

A. Sachin Jain

B. Arti Saxena

C. Dharmesh Sodah

D. Sheela Kulkarni

• Sachin Jain was appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for India in February 2024. Jain will join the World Gold Council from De Beers, where he has held several senior roles for the past 13 years. He has a deep understanding of the Indian consumer and jewelry market.

9. What is the theme of ‘Rare Disease Day 2024’?

A. Rare is many, rare is strong, rare is proud

B. Share Your Colours

C. Reframe Rare for Rare Disease Day

D. Bridging health and Social Care

• February 29 marks Rare Disease Day, highlighting awareness and support for those with rare medical conditions. The 2024 theme, “Share Your Colours,” emphasizes collaboration for individuals facing rare diseases.

10. Tawi festival is celebrated in which state/UT?

A. Kerala

B. Jammu and Kashmir

C. Delhi

D. Goa

• The four-day ‘Tawi Festival’ in Jammu and Kashmir, starting on March 1, 2024, highlights the region’s art, culture, and heritage. Emphasizing Jammu’s diverse art forms and cultural heritage, the festival features seminars, workshops, folk music, street theatre, classical and folk dance, and a Mela. It provides a platform for youth creativity and encourages discussions with experts.

11. Recently, Prime Minister of India launched the country’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Maharashtra

D. Uttar Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s inaugural indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi under the Harit Nauka initiative. This project, a gift from Tamil Nadu to Kashi, signifies India’s commitment to innovative green energy solutions. Hydrogen fuel cells, pivotal in transportation, material handling, stationary, portable, and emergency backup power.

12. ‘Annual Financial Literacy’ week campaign, is recently organized by which one of the following?

A. IIT Madras

B. Reserve Bank of India

C. State Bank of India

D. ISRO

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been conducting Financial Literacy Week (FLW) every year since 2016. The 2024 FLW will be observed from February 26 to March 1, 2024 with the theme “Make a Right Start – Become Financially Smart”. The FLW aims to promote financial literacy by spreading financial education messages to the public.