Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 19th February 2024
1. Where was the 16th World Social Forum 2024 meeting held?
A. Bhutan
B. New Delhi
C. Kathmandu
D. Bangladesh
- The 16th World Social Forum (WSF) conference in 2024 started in Kathmandu in February 2024. The conference is a 5-day event that aims to promote exchange among civil society organizations, social movements, trade unions, and individuals who oppose neoliberal globalization. The theme of the conference is “Another World is Possible”.
2. Recently, which bank has clinched the title of ‘Best Technology Bank of the Year Award’?
A. State Bank of India
B. South Indian Bank
C. HDFC Bank
D. Regional Rural Banks
- South Indian Bank has been honored as the Best Technology Bank of the Year at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference. The bank received six awards, including three wins, one runner-up position, and two special mentions. T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, presented the accolades to PR Seshadri, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, at the Mumbai venue organized by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
3. Recently, which country is launching the ‘Dream of the Desert’ train in the Middle East?
A. Saudi Arabia
B. Iraq
C. Iran
D. Oman
- Saudi Arabia is launching the “Dream of the Desert” train service in late 2025. The 800-mile trip will start in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, and travel northwest toward the border with Jordan. The route will pass through long stretches of scenic deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites.
4. Recently, which institute has created an anti-drone system that relies on sound technology?
A. IIT Roorkee
B. IIT Bombay
C. IIT Jammu
D. IIT Kanpur
- Professor Karan Nathwani of IIT-Jammu developed an innovative anti-drone system using sound technology, priced at around Rs 4 lakh. This cost-effective solution outperforms traditional anti-drone technologies and detects drones, aircraft, and birds within a 300-meter range. With production costs between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000, it ensures accessibility for a diverse user base, showcasing versatility and effectiveness in various scenarios.
5. Recently, which state government launched ‘Van Mitra’ Scheme to boost green cover?
A. Haryana
B. Rajasthan
C. Gujarat
D. Odisha
- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘Van Mitra’ scheme, focusing on community-driven afforestation in non-forest areas.
- The initiative aims to involve local communities in expanding the state’s green cover, increasing survival rates of newly planted trees, and promoting tree planting beyond conventional forest zones. The scheme emphasizes environmental conservation and underscores the importance of community engagement in fostering sustainable afforestation efforts across Haryana.
6. Diphtheria is caused by which one of the following agents?
A. Bacteria
B. Virus
C. Fungi
D. Protozoa
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines on managing diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or touching infected sores. While treatable with medications, advanced cases can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms include a gray throat membrane, sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing.
7. Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) is conducted by which one of the following?
A. Ministry of Defence
B. IIT Kanpur
C. ISRO
D. Ministry of Science & Technology
- ISRO is organizing the ‘Young Scientist Programme’ (YUVIKA) for school children, aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology and Science.
- Intended to create awareness and inspire STEM interest, the two-week residential program offers talks, lab visits, and discussions with experts. Eligible students, finishing class 8 and currently in class 9, can apply, with special consideration for rural students. Three participants from each state/UT are selected based on academic performance and extracurricular activities.
8. Which one of the following banks signed a pact for UPI-NPI linkage?
A. Reserve Bank of India & Nepal Rastra Bank
B. Reserve Bank of India & Nepal Investment Mega Bank
C. State Bank of India & Nepal Rastra Bank
D. State Bank of India & Nabil Bank
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Nepal Rastra Bank have partnered to integrate India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Nepal’s National Payments Interface (NPI). The collaboration aims to establish infrastructure for seamless cross-border transactions, facilitating efficient remittances. The formalized agreement signifies a concerted effort to interlink UPI and NPI, enhancing the speed and ease of cross-border payments between the two countries.
9. Sikkim’s INSPIRES programme is assisted by which multinational institutions?
A. International Monetary Fund
B. World Bank
C. Global Environment Facility
D. Asian Development Bank
- Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, introduced Sikkim INSPIRES, a groundbreaking collaboration between the state government and the World Bank. With a $100 million allocation, the program spans five years, engaging nine government departments to foster economic growth and inclusion. The initiative prioritizes collaboration and capacity-building across sectors, aiming to strengthen the state system for inclusive growth, employment for women and youth, and enhanced delivery of enabling services.
10. Who has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of IRCTC?
A. Sanjay Kumar Jain
B. Neeraj Sharma
C. KK Mishra
D. Ajit Kumar
- Sanjay Kumar Jain is the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Jain is an IRTS Officer from the 1990 batch and a qualified chartered accountant (CA). The Government of India’s Ministry of Railways has approved Jain’s appointment until his superannuation on December 31, 2026, or until further orders.
11. Which country’s instant payment platform AANI was linked with India’s UPI?
A. Qatar
B. Nepal
C. UAE
D. Myanmar
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that they would link their instant payment platforms, UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). The agreement will allow for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. AANI is an instant payment platform that allows users to transfer and settle funds in less than 10 seconds. The agreement is part of a number of pacts signed between the two countries in February 2024, including BIT and IGA on IMEC.
12. Which organisation has recently conducted the BSE EXPO-2024?
A. Broadcast Engineering Society
B. SEBI
C. Ministry of Economic Affairs
D. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
- The Broadcast Engineering Society (India) hosted the BSE EXPO-2024, the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology in New Delhi. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will be the chief guest, along with his deputy Dr L Murugan.