Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 3rd & 4th April 2024

1. Recently, which institute hosted the International Chess Federation (FIDE) rated chess tournament?

A. IIT Madras

B. IIT Kanpur

C. IIT Delhi

D. IIT Hyderabad

• IIT Madras hosts the 6^th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament from March 30 to 31, 2024, in Chennai. It’s the sole IIT in India to conduct an annual Open Rapid Rating Tournament. Over 35 players from IIT Madras join, alongside international players from countries like Australia, England, America, and Singapore.

2. What is ‘Stargate’?

A. Black hole

B. Meteorological satellite

C. AI Supercomputer

D. Nuclear powered submarine

• Microsoft and OpenAI are jointly embarking on a $100 billion project to create “Stargate,” an AI supercomputer. Scheduled for launch in 2028, it follows OpenAI’s AI upgrade in 2022. The project aims to surpass existing data centers’ capabilities by 100 times. Divided into five phases, with Stargate as the fifth, a smaller fourth-phase supercomputer is slated for release in 2026.

3. Recently, who was honored with the ‘International Culture Award 2024’?

A. Rizwana Hasan

B. Meena Charanda

C. Najla Mangoush

D. Taif Sami Mohammed

• Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service. The honor was bestowed upon her at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.

4. What is the name of the Iranian fishing vessel which was recently rescued by Indian Navy from pirates?

A. Bayandor

B. Kaivan

C. Sahand

D. Al Kambar

• The Indian Navy rescued the Iranian fishing vessel Al Kambar and its 23 Pakistani crew members from armed pirates in the Indian Ocean under Operation Sankalp. INS Sumedha and INS Trishul conducted the operation, about 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra. The Socotra Archipelago, near the Gulf of Aden, is under Yemen’s jurisdiction.

5. Cnemaspis vangoghi belongs to which species?

A. Lizard

B. Spider

C. Fish

D. Frog

• Scientists from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in India discovered Cnemaspis vangoghi, a new lizard species in Tamil Nadu’s Southern Western Ghats. Named after Vincent Van Gogh, it measures up to 3.4 cm. Preferring rocky habitats, it can be found on buildings and trees. Alongside C. vangoghi, another species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, was identified in the same region. Both species inhabit low-elevation forests in the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.

6. Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS), a residential energy conservation building code, was developed by which organization?

A. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)

B. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

C. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

D. Department of Science and Technology

• The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introduced the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer in buildings. It’s a Residential Energy Conservation Building code by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), setting standards for energy-efficient residential buildings. ENS 2018 (Part 1) focuses on envelope designs, while ENS Part 2 (ENS 2021) addresses code compliance and electromechanical systems. Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage.

7. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?

A. Thanjavur

B. Nagapattinam

C. Sivaganga

D. Pudukkottai

• The Forest Department conducted the annual wildlife census at Point Calimere, located in Kodiakkarai, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Cape Calimere, it’s situated on the Coromandel Coast, about 9 km south of Vedaranyam.
• This area boasts historical significance with structures like the Kodi Kuzhagar temple from the Chola period and a Chola lighthouse, destroyed during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The forests here are remnants of the East Deccan dry evergreen forests ecoregion.

8. Recently, which country of East Africa was hit by the tropical cyclone named ‘Gamane’?

A. Madagascar

B. Tanzania

C. Kenya

D. Mauritius

• Tropical cyclone Gamane struck Madagascar, claiming 18 lives and displacing thousands, reported by the country’s disaster management office. Madagascar, the world’s second-largest island, spans 592,800 sq. kilometers in the Indian Ocean. Its geography comprises three regions: eastern coastal strip, central plateau, and western low plateaus.

9. P-800 Onyx Missile is developed by which country?

A. China

B. Japan

C. Russia

D. India

• Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, known as the P-800 Onyx or Oniks, is set to become deadlier with a new target seeker. With speeds exceeding 3,000 km/h, it’s tough to intercept. Operating at low altitudes, it’s stealthy and versatile, targeting ships and ground objects. It boasts a range of up to 300 km.

10. What is ‘INDRA App’?

A. A multipurpose app that will helps astronauts to carry activities

B. It disseminates weather related information and forecasts

C. It provides digital financial data to states

D. It is related to Anganwadi workers

• The INDRA app, launched during World Meteorological Day celebrations by School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology and Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre at Southern Naval Command, facilitates weather information dissemination. Developed by BISAG and Indian Navy, it aids quick decision-making.

11. Recently, which ministry issued an advisory to the Artificial Intelligence industry?

A. Ministry of Communication

B. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

C. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

D. Ministry of Law and Justice

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to the AI industry, particularly targeting major platforms like Google. It requires platforms to submit an action report within 15 days. Key points include needing permission for testing AI models, explicit approval for under-tested or unreliable AI, and proper labeling of potential errors.

12. Maravakandy Dam is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Karnataka

D. Telangana

• With fishing halted, migratory birds flock to Maravakandy Dam in the Nilgiris. Situated 35 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, it was constructed in 1951 over Aravarihalla stream, a Sigur River tributary. This dam serves as the main water source for the Moyar hydroelectric powerhouse, attracting diverse avian species during migratory seasons.

13. Katchatheevu Island is situated between which two countries?

A. India and Bangladesh

B. India and Myanmar

C. India and Sri Lanka

D. Spain and France

• Documents obtained through an RTI application by Tamil Nadu’s BJP chief K Annamalai reveal India’s inconsistent approach to the Katchatheevu island dispute with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, lacks a permanent settlement and freshwater source. Administered by both India and Sri Lanka historically, a 1974 agreement marked its boundary.

14. 2024 – Utkal Divas is related with which state?

A. Odisha

B. Bihar

C. Jharkhand

D. Telangana

• Utkal Diwas, also known as Odisha Day, commemorates the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936. It signifies the state’s cultural and historical significance, marking the end of a struggle for a separate identity from British colonial rule. Celebrated annually, it showcases Odisha’s rich heritage through festivities, including decorations and cultural displays.

15. Recently, how many sites have been added to the Global Geoparks network?

A. 16

B. 17

C. 18

D. 19

• In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

16. Recently, which city is being established by the armed forces as the country’s first tri-service common defense station?

A. Chennai

B. Mumbai

C. Vellore

D. Barrackpore

• The Armed Forces plan to transform Mumbai into India’s inaugural tri-service common defense station for the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF). This aims at fostering jointness among the services preceding the establishment of integrated theatre commands. Theatreization involves integrating army, air force, and navy capabilities to optimize resources for warfare.

17. Recently, who clinched the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, USA?

A. Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner Jannik

B. Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden

C. Daniil Medvedev and C. Norrie

D. Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek

• Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title on March 31, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. They overcame Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, reclaiming their ATP World No.1 rank. Bopanna, breaking his own record, became the oldest player to win an ATP 1000 Masters Championship.

18. Clean Energy Transitions Programme annual report 2023, recently released by which government agency?

A. International Energy Agency (IEA)

B. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

C. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

D. Ministry of Power

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its 2023 Clean Energy Transitions Programme report. Established in 2017, the program aims to accelerate global progress towards a net-zero energy system, aligning with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. IEA, founded in 1974 amidst an oil crisis, operates within the OECD framework, collaborating with governments and industries worldwide. With 31 member countries and stringent criteria for candidacy, it focuses on shaping a secure, sustainable energy future.

19. Recently, who were named the women’s and men’s player of the year, respectively, at the sixth annual Hockey India Awards?

A. Gurjit Kaur and Manpreet Singh

B. Rani Rampal and Vivek Prasad

C. Salima Tete and Hardik Singh

D. Savita Punia and Krishan Pathak

• Hockey India Awards 2023 were held on March 31, 2024, in New Delhi. Salima Tete and Hardik Singh were named Women’s and Men’s Players of the Year, respectively. Started in 2014, the awards honor India’s top hockey talents. Hardik Singh, Vice-Captain from Punjab, won FIH Player of the Year and Best Midfielder awards. Salima Tete, from Jharkhand, received recognition for her achievements at the Asian Games and as the AHF Emerging Player of the Year.

20. Recently, which state emerged as the largest exporter of electronic goods, contributing 30% to the country’s total electronic goods exports in FY 2023-24?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Karnataka

C. Andhra Pradesh

D. Telangana

• Tamil Nadu is India’s largest exporter of electronic goods, contributing 30% to the country’s total electronic goods exports in FY 2023-24. From April 2023 to January 2024, Tamil Nadu’s electronics exports were valued at $7.37 billion, which is 32.52% of India’s total export of electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) goods of $22.65 billion for the same period. Histrorically, Tamil Nadu lagged behind Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka in this sector until FY 2021-22. However, in recent years, Tamil Nadu has experienced consistent growth.

21. Vaigai, Mettur, and Papanasam dams, recently seen in news due to water level, are located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Madhya Pradesh

D. Goa

• Recent news highlighted water levels in several dams including Vaigai, Mettur, and Papanasam. Vaigai Dam in Tamil Nadu serves Madurai’s water needs. Mettur Dam, on the Cauvery River, is one of India’s largest, with inflows from Karnataka. Papanasam Dam irrigates fields in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, considered holy due to its association with Lord Shiva.

22. Chamayavilakku festival is associated with which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Maharashtra

D. Telangana

• Chamayavilakku, or the Kottankulangara Festival, celebrates goddess Bhagavathy in Kerala. Men don women’s attire, carrying lamps in processions. They hold Chamayavilakku, symbolizing devotion, circling the temple. Boys under 10 dress as girls for Kakkavilakku daytime rituals.

23. Recently, who has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Niger?

A. Pankaj Saran

B. P R Chakraborty

C. Vikram Misri

D. Sita Ram Meena

• Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.

24. What is the theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2024?

A. Empowering Autistic Voices

B. The Transition to Adulthood

C. Inclusive Quality Education for All

D. Assistive Technologies, Active Participation

• World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2nd, advocates for improving the lives of individuals with autism and promoting their human rights. Established by a UN resolution in 2007, the day raises public awareness and encourages inclusive actions. The 2024 theme for the day is, “Empowering Autistic Voices”.