Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 23rd April 2024

1. What is the theme of ‘World Earth Day 2024’?

A. Invest in our Planet

B. Planet vs Plastics

C. Climate Action

D. Restore Our Earth

• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. World Earth Day, April 22, 2024, focuses on “Planet vs Plastics,” highlighting the urgent need to address plastic pollution. earthday.org calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 for planetary health. Originating in 1970 from Senator Gaylord Nelson and Harvard student Denis Hayes, Earth Day responds to environmental degradation, catalyzed by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill.

2. Recently, which region of India is being considered for the prestigious World Craft City (WCC) title by the World Crafts Council International (WCCI)?

A. Kumbakonam

B. Srinagar

C. Kanchipuram

D. Udaipur

• The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has identified Srinagar as a potential candidate for the World Craft City (WCC) designation from India this year. The WCCI is a Kuwait-based non-profit organization that promotes fellowship, economic development, and exchange programs. The WCCI has inspected several clusters where artisans are working on local crafts like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.

3. Recently, who received the Asunta Lakra Award?

A. Deepika Soreng

B. Nikki Pradhan

C. Navneet Kaur

D. Sharmila Devi

• Deepika Soreng, honored with the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player in 2023. Making her debut at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, she scored 7 goals in 6 matches, securing the gold medal for India. Deepika’s presence in international tournaments, including the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup, contributed to significant victories. Notably, she played a crucial role in India’s silver medal at the FIH Women’s Hockey 5s World Cup Oman 2024, earning the Young Player of the Tournament title with 9 goals.

4. Indelible ink, recently seen in the Lok Sabha elections, is prepared by using which chemical?

A. Sodium Nitrate (NaNO₃)

B. Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)

C. Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)

D. Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

• As Lok Sabha elections approach, the iconic symbol of Indian polls, a purple-black indelible ink mark on the left index finger, becomes ubiquitous. The ink, containing silver nitrate, remains visible under UV light and resists soap and liquids for up to 72 hours. Manufactured by CSIR and licensed to Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. since 1962, it’s exported to over 25 countries. Mandated by the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951, it ensures electoral integrity.

5. Seng Khihlang festival is celebrated in which state?

A. Meghalaya

B. Sikkim

C. Mizoram

D. Nagaland

• The 34th Seng Khihlang festival concluded in Wahiajer, Meghalaya. Hosted by the Seng Khasi Sein Raij, it unifies followers of the Khasi Indigenous Faith. A highlight is the exchange of the Monolith, symbolizing unity. This year, Wahiajer received it from Seng Khasi Shaid Shaid. Khasi people, indigenous to Meghalaya and parts of Assam and Bangladesh, celebrate their culture and faith during Seng Khihlang, showcasing their vibrant community.

6. Recently, who became the youngest male chess player to win the FIDE Candidate Tournament?

A. Ding Liren

B. D Gukesh

C. Arjun Erigaisi

D. Nihal Sarin

• 17-year-old D Gukesh of India, after drawing with Hikaru Nakamura, became the youngest male to win the 2024 FIDE Candidate Tournament in Toronto, Canada. Tan Zhongyi of China won the women’s section. Gukesh, with nine points, secured his victory, facing Ding Liren for the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship. He’s the second Indian to win after Vishwanathan Anand and the youngest ever. Kasparov and Carlsen won at 21 and 22, respectively.

7. Recently, which armed force conducted ‘Exercise Poorvi Lehar’ on East Coast?

A. Indian Navy

B. Indian Air Force

C. Indian Army

D. National Security Guard

• Indian Navy conducted ‘Exercise Poorvi Lehar’ off the Eastern Seaboard on April 20, 2024. Under Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, the exercise aimed to assess the Navy’s readiness for maritime security challenges. It involved ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces. Conducted in two phases, it included combat training in real scenarios and successful firings to confirm warhead delivery capability. Continuous maritime awareness was maintained with aircraft operating from various locations.

8. Thrissur Pooram festival is primarily associated with which state?

A. TN (Tamil Nadu)

B. KA (Karnataka)

C. MH (Maharashtra)

D. KL (Kerala)

• Thrissur Pooram, a grand temple festival celebrated globally, embodies Kerala’s rich culture and diversity. Rooted in tradition, it unites people of all backgrounds with music, processions, fairs, and fireworks. Lasting seven days, the highlight is the sixth day in the Malayalam month of Medam, coinciding with the Pooram star. Established in 1796 by Shakthan Thampuran, it ensures the continuity of temple festivals. This year, Thrissur Pooram falls on April 20, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant heritage.

9. Recently, Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvana Mahotsav at which place?

A. New Delhi

B. Chennai

C. Hyderabad

D. Pune

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav in New Delhi on Mahaveer Jayanti. He paid homage to Bhagwan Mahaveer, witnessed a dance drama by school children, and released a commemorative stamp and coin. Addressing the gathering, he praised the youth’s dedication to Mahaveer’s values, thanked the Jain community.

10. Recently, Zero Shadow Day was observed in which region of India?

A. Puducherry

B. Great Nicobar

C. Cape Comorin

D. Kavaratti

• Zero Shadow Day was recently observed in Pondicherry. It happens twice yearly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, occurring between the December and June solstices, and vice versa. This phenomenon is exclusive to latitudes within +23.5 and -23.5 degrees. On this day, the Sun is directly overhead, casting no shadows. This occurs when sunlight strikes surfaces perpendicularly, resulting in shadows being obscured.

11. Rampage Missile is developed by which country?

A. Iran

B. Iraq

C. Israel

D. Indonesia

• Israel recently utilized the Rampage missile, an advanced air-to-surface weapon, in an attack on an Iranian military base. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems, the Rampage is a long-range, supersonic missile designed for precision strikes against fortified targets.

12. Which organization will host the Summit of the Future on September 22–23, 2024?

A. World Bank

B. United Nations General Assembly

C. International Monetary Fund

D. United Nations Environment Programme

• The Secretary-General announced that reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) will be a focal point at the 2024 Summit of the Future. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will host the Summit of the Future on Sept.22–23, 2024. MDBs are crucial international financial institutions offering aid and expertise to developing nations, owned by multiple member countries. They work globally to foster economic progress, alleviate poverty, and endorse sustainable growth. Prominent MDBs comprise the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, among others.