Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 9th April 2024

1. Recently, which country developed the world’s most powerful laser?

A. Bulgaria

B. Estonia

C. Romania

D. Sweden

• Romania has developed the world’s most powerful laser, which is part of the European Union’s Infrastructure ELI project. The laser, called the “Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics”- (ELI-NP) laser, is located in Magurele, Romania, near Bucharest. It uses Chirped-Pulse Amplification, which is a groundbreaking technology based on the inventions of Nobel Physics Prize winners Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland. The laser is operated by the French company Thales and is expected to have revolutionary applications in healthcare and space exploration.

2. Papikonda National Park is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Gujarat

D. Kerala

• The Andhra Pradesh government is taking measures to prevent forest fires in Papikonda National Park, receiving technical assistance. PNP, located in the Eastern Ghats, is crucial for high precipitation and hosts the river Godavari. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and upgraded to a national park in 2008, it’s recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International. The region also boasts a unique dwarf goat breed, the “kanchu mekha.”

3. Akashteer Air Defence System developed by which organization?

A. Hindustan Shipyard Ltd

B. Bharat Electronics Limited

C. Power Grid Corporation of India

D. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd

• On Apr.04, 2024, the Indian Army integrated the ‘Akashteer Command and Control System’ into its Air Defence Corps to bolster air defence security. Developed by BEL, this advanced system is part of India’s self-reliance initiative.
• The Army’s ‘Year of Technological Absorption’ in 2024 aims to expedite the integration of modern technologies, reinforcing India’s air defence capabilities. Akashteer signifies a leap in India’s military preparedness, enhancing its response to evolving threats.

4. Recently, which state has filed a suit at the Supreme Court claiming that the Centre is withholding national disaster relief funds?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Karnataka

D. Maharashtra

• Tamil Nadu has sued the Centre at the Supreme Court, alleging withholding of national disaster relief funds post-Cyclone Michaung and floods in 2023. Disaster relief funds stem from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 after the 2004 tsunami. NDRF encompasses severe calamities like cyclones, droughts, and floods, necessitating additional funding beyond SDRF.

5. Recently, which space organization is going to establish a Coordinated Lunar Time for the moon and other celestial bodies?

A. JAXA

B. ISRO

C. NASA

D. ROSCOSMOS

• The White House has instructed NASA to create a unified time standard, Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), for the moon and celestial bodies. This aims to set international norms in space amid a competitive lunar race. LTC, to be developed by 2026, will account for lunar gravitational forces and facilitate precision in missions and data transfers.

6. Recently, who was awarded the 15^th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution?

A. NHPC

B. POWERGRID

C. SJVN Limited

D. NTPC

• SJVN Limited received the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution. The company also secured the ‘Achievement Award for Social Development and Creating Impact’ and the ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’.
• Geeta Kapur, Chairperson and Managing Director, highlighted SJVN’s commitment to CSR initiatives, managed through the SJVN Foundation. SJVN spent over Rs 450 crore on diverse CSR activities including education, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster relief, and cultural promotion. CGM (HR) Baljit Singh accepted the awards.

7. Which organization has recently introduced a new AI model known as Voice Engine that can replicate any voice in any language?

A. Deep Mind

B. OpenAI

C. Machine Intelligence Research Institute

D. IBM

• OpenAI unveils Voice Engine, a groundbreaking AI capable of mimicking any voice in any language. Users upload short audio samples to generate speech in the same voice. It’s unreleased to the public but has diverse applications such as aiding reading, translating, and assisting patients’ voice recovery.

8. Pathimalai Cave, recently seen in news due to ancient rock paintings, is located in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Gujarat

D. Karnataka

• The Pathimalai cave hosts ancient rock art, approximately 3,000 years old, depicting an elephant, a chariot (sometimes interpreted as a peacock), and early dwellers’ lives. Located near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the site lacks protection, endangering the paintings.
• This artwork, drawn in white pigments, is significant in the Kongu region. Unlike other rock art sites, Pathimalai is easily accessible, situated at the base of a rocky hillock amidst farmland, drawing visitors’ attention.

9. What type of comet is the “Mother of Dragons” comet?

A. Halley Comet

B. Tempel Comet

C. Encke Comet

D. Kuiper Belt Comet

• The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is now visible in the Northern Hemisphere after dusk. A ‘Halley-type’ comet, it orbits roughly every 71 years with a 30 km wide nucleus. Composed of ice, dust, and rocky material, it transitions from solid to gas as it nears the Sun. Classified as a Jupiter-family comet, it reaches perihelion near Mars’ orbit and will approach Earth closely in June 2024.

10. What is the name of the world’s oldest man that died at the age of 114 recently?

A. John Tinniswood

B. Juan Vicente Perez Mora

C. Yukichi Chuganji

D. Eugenie Blanchard

• Juan Vicente Perez Mora, recognized by Guinness as the world’s oldest man, passed away shortly before his 115^th birthday. His longevity secrets included hard work, early bedtimes, and a daily glass of aguardiente.

11. Recently, which ministry has drafted model rules for childbirth registration?

A. Ministry of External Affairs

B. Ministry of Home Affairs

C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

D. Ministry of Urban Development

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed new rules for childbirth registration, requiring parents to specify the religion of both mother and father separately. Previously, only the family’s religion was noted. The updated “Form No.1-Birth Report” will include separate sections for the child’s religion and that of both parents. This update also applies to adopted children. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act of 2023 mandates maintaining this information in the national database.

12. What is the theme of ‘World Health Day 2024’?

A. Building a fairer, healthier world

B. My Health, My Right

C. Our planet, our health

D. Support nurses and midwives

• World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and raises awareness on global health issues. It emphasizes the importance of healthy living and fosters global cooperation in healthcare. In 2024, the theme ‘My Health, My Rights’ underscores individual rights to healthcare.