Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 6th & 7th April 2024

1. What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard ship that recently made a port call in Vietnam as part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries?

A. Tara Bai

B. Samrat

C. Samudra Paheredar

D. Priyadarshini

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Paheredar, along with a helicopter, docked at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on April 02, 2024, continuing its ASEAN deployment. Crew will focus on marine pollution response, search & rescue, and law enforcement through professional interactions, training, and sports events with Vietnam Coast Guard.
• Demonstrating India’s shipbuilding prowess, the visit strengthens bilateral ties and showcases cooperation. 25 NCC cadets will join in environmental activities.

2. ‘NICES Programme’ is operated by which organization?

A. ISRO

B. DRDO

C. IEA

D. SEBI

• NICES programme, operated by ISRO and the Department of Space, called upon Indian researchers to combat climate change. Launched in 2012 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, NICES monitors climate variability using Earth Observation satellites. Its objectives include disseminating Essential Climate Variables crucial for understanding Earth’s climate.

3. Bindyarani Devi belongs to which sports?

A. Hockey

B. Swimming

C. Boxing

D. Weight lifting

• Bindyarani Devi, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 silver medalist, secured a bronze at the IWF World Cup 2024 in Phuket, Thailand, lifting 196 kg in the women’s 55 kg category. Conversely, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu placed 12th. Despite not medaling, Chanu qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming India’s sole weightlifter to do so. Kang Hyon Gyong of North Korea clinched gold, while Romania’s Mihaela Cambei took silver.

4. Recently, who has taken over as president of industry body ASSOCHAM for 2024-25?

A. Vineet Aggarwal

B. Sanjay Nayar

C. Deepak Sood

D. Sunil Kanoria

• Sanjay Nayar, former chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, assumes presidency at ASSOCHAM for 2024-25, succeeding Ajay Singh of SpiceJet. Nayar, with extensive global financial experience, notably at Citigroup and KKR, retired in 2023. He played pivotal roles in establishing KKR India operations and serves on Nykaa’s board.

5. Bhojshala Complex is situated in which state?

A. Karnataka

B. Madhya Pradesh

C. Odisha

D. Goa

• The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a historically contested site between Hindus and Muslims. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds significance as a temple for Hindus and a mosque for Muslims.
• An arrangement by ASI allows Hindus to conduct pujas on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a stay on ongoing scientific surveys, emphasizing no physical alterations to the structure.

6. What is the theme of ‘International Mining Awareness Day 2024’?

A. Protecting Lives, Building Peace

B. Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home

C. Together for Mine Action

D. Perseverance, Partnership, and Progress

• International Mine Awareness Day, observed annually on April 4th, aims to raise awareness and eliminate landmines. The 2024 theme is “Protecting Lives, Building Peace.” Previously, in 2023, the focus was “Mine Action Cannot Wait.” This day established by the UN General Assembly in 2005.

7. Which region of West Bengal was recently struck by a devastating tornado?

A. Maynaguri

B. Siliguri

C. Darjeeling

D. Kolkata

• Recently, a destructive tornado hit Mainaguri, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, leaving five dead and over a hundred injured within its 10-minute rampage. Tornadoes, though rare, afflict India’s eastern regions like West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, especially pre-monsoon.
• A 2016 study by India Meteorological Department noted increased tornado activity in Bengal, with fatalities. Rising occurrences in India are attributed to factors like warming Bay of Bengal and unusual wind patterns.

8. Which organization recently collaborated with the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department for the successful radio-collaring of Nilgiri Tahr in Mukurthi National Park?

A. World Health Organization (WHO)

B. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

C. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

D. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The Tamil Nadu State Forest Department, with WWF-India, radio-collared a male Nilgiri Tahr in Mukurthi National Park, marking the first collar operation without tranquilization. Nilgiri Tahr, also called Varaiaadu, is Tamil Nadu’s state animal and the sole mountain ungulate in southern India. With an endangered status, its habitat spans the Western Ghats.

9. What is Kallakkadal?

A. Coastal flooding caused by swell waves

B. A loosely defined region in the western part of North Atlantic Ocean

C. It is traditional fishing technique in South India

D. Newly discovered asteroids

• High sea waves, termed swell waves have flooded coastal homes in Kerala, known locally as Kallakkadal or swell surge. Occurring primarily during pre-monsoon and sometimes post-monsoon, Kallakkadal results from distant storms generating ocean swells. Coined by fishermen, Kallakkadal signifies the sea’s thief-like arrival. These waves originate from the southern Indian Ocean, taking several days to reach Kerala’s coast. UNESCO recognized the term in 2012.

10. According to World Bank, what is the projected economic growth of India for FY 2024-25?

A. 6.3%

B. 6.4%

C. 6.6%

D. 6.8%

• The World Bank revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY 2024-25 to 6.6%, up by 20 basis points. Despite a slowdown from the current year’s estimated 7.5% growth, robust public investment is anticipated to drive future growth. India’s statistics ministry estimated the current year’s GDP growth at 7.6%, higher than earlier projections.
• The projected slowdown in growth from 2023-24 to 2024-25 is attributed to decreased investment, though services and industry sectors are expected to remain strong.

11. LEADS programme 2024, is recently launched by which organization?

A. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) & Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

B. Indian National Science Academy (INSA) & National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

C. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

D. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

• The 2^nd INSA-NCGG LEADS program, held in New Delhi from April 1-7, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). It aims to cultivate future leaders in science and technology, promoting visionary leadership and scientific excellence in India.

12. Recently, President of India launched India’s first indigenous gene therapy for cancer at which place?

A. IIT Chennai

B. IIT Mumbai

C. IIT Hyderabad

D. IIT Delhi

• India’s President Droupadi Murmu, launched the nation’s inaugural home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Mumbai. The groundbreaking “CAR-T cell therapy” offers affordable hope in the cancer fight. This medical milestone, a part of ‘Make in India,’ embodies ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Developed collaboratively by IIT Mumbai, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT, it marks a significant achievement in research and development.