Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 6th March 2024

1. Poshan Utsav is organized by which ministry?

A. Ministry of Agriculture

B. Ministry of Rural Development

C. Ministry of Women and Child Development

D. Ministry of Defence

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the Poshan Utsav to promote good nutrition behavior and address malnutrition in India. Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani and Bill Gates graced the event, which saw the release of the ‘Poshan Utsav Book’ by the Deendayal Research Institute. This initiative aims to revive ancient nutrition traditions and appreciate India’s culinary heritage while combatting malnutrition.

2. What is the theme of the National Birth Defects Awareness Month 2024?

A. Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects

B. Healthy Communities, Healthy Babies

C. Best for You. Best for Baby

D. Prevent to Protect: Prevent Infections for Baby Protection

• Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, launched National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024, emphasizing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’s vital role in improving child health. The scheme covers half of India’s health and complements the existing Rashtriya Bal Swashtya Karyakram. The month-long campaign, themed “Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects,” aims to raise awareness about prevention, early identification, and timely management of birth defects.

3. INS Jatayu is the Indian Naval base located in which region?

A. Daman & Diu

B. Lakshadweep

C. Andaman & Nicobar

D. Puducherry

• The Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu on March 6, 2024, marking the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak.
• This enhances the Navy’s presence in the strategically vital Lakshadweep Islands, extending operational reach and surveillance. The southernmost Lakshadweep Island, Minicoy, holds strategic importance for Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). INS Jatayu will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the region, aiding Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea and strengthening connectivity with the mainland.

4. Nainativu Island is located in which one of the following straits?

A. Bali Strait

B. Malacca Strait

C. Palk Strait

D. Bass Strait

• The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority recently partnered with an Indian company to construct “Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems” on Delft, Neduntheevu, Nainativu, and Analaitivu islands near Jaffna peninsula.
• Nainativu Island, located in the Palk Strait near Jaffna, holds historical significance and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Notably, it houses the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the principal goddess Amman, identified with the renowned Tamil deity Meenakshi. The Mahavamsa mentions Buddha’s second visit to the island.

5. Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Assam

C. Mizoram

D. Kerala

• Mizoram’s Chapchar Kut festival, celebrated at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl, showed vibrant Mizo traditions with Cheraw and Chai dances. The spring festival, marked by clearing forests for jhum cultivation, featured locals in colorful attire, engaging in folk dances and songs. Chapchar Kut, observed annually in March, attracted a diverse crowd, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Mizo community in a day-long celebration.

6. Recently, how much funding has the government approved for the installation of solar plants under the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’?

A. Rs 55,023 crore

B. Rs 75,021 crore

C. Rs 85,021 crore

D. Rs 65,021 crore

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on February 29, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore. The scheme aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households and provide free electricity of up to 300 units per month.
• The scheme also includes: A central financial assistance of 60% of the system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of the additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity and a subsidy of Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 for an average monthly electricity consumption of 0-150 units, Rs 60,000 to Rs 78,000 for 150-300 units, and Rs 78,000 for more than 300 unit.

7. Which day is celebrated as World Wildlife Day?

A. March.03

B. March.04

C. March.05

D. March.06

• World Wildlife Day, observed on March 3, emphasizes the critical importance of safeguarding global biodiversity. The 2024 theme, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” highlights the role of technology in conservation efforts.
• Originating from Thailand’s proposal to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this annual event underscores the urgency to protect flora and fauna worldwide, bringing attention to innovative digital solutions for wildlife preservation.

8. Recently, Financial Intelligence Unit-India has imposed a penalty of Rs 5.49 crore on which one of the following payment banks?

A. Paytm Payments Bank

B. Airtel Payments Bank

C. Jio Payments Bank

D. Fino Payments Bank

• Paytm Payments Bank Ltd faces a ₹5.49 crore penalty from the Financial Intelligence Unit-India for breaching the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The penalty stems from the bank’s role in supporting illegal activities, notably online gambling, and mishandling funds derived from these operations.

9. Yars Missile is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by which country?

A. Russia

B. China

C. Israel

D. India

• Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a recent successful test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile. Developed by Russia, the Yars is a thermonuclear armed ICBM with a reported range of 12,000 km and the capability to hit targets over 11,000 km away.

10. What is ‘MH 60R Seahawk’?

A. Nuclear-powered submarine

B. Maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter

C. Amphibious assault ship

D. Stealth Attack Craft

• The Indian Navy will commission the MH 60R Seahawk, a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, on March 6, 2024, at INS Garuda, Kochi. The deal with the US government was signed in February 2020. The Seahawk will enhance the Navy’s maritime power with roles like anti-submarine warfare, search & rescue and medical evacuation. It boasts advanced weapons and avionics, catering to conventional and asymmetric threats.

11. ‘ADITI scheme’ is associated with which sector?

A. Defence sector

B. Health sector

C. Education Sector

D. Financial sector

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme in New Delhi on March 04, 2024, allocating Rs 750 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26. Operating under the iDEX framework, the scheme supports start-ups with grants up to Rs 25 crore for defence technology research. ADITI aims to develop 30 deep-tech critical technologies, fostering youth innovation and addressing Armed Forces’ needs, with 17 challenges in its inaugural edition.

12. Recently, which ministry has been honored with the award for Best Performance in Accounts during the Financial Year 2023-24?

A. Ministry of Finance

B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry

C. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

D. Ministry of Corporate Affairs

• The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was awarded for Best Performance in Accounts for FY 2023-24 on the 48th Foundation Day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service.
• Led by Chief Controller of Accounts Ajay S. Singh, the ministry showcased exceptional efficiency and diligence in accounting practices, earning the prestigious recognition from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.