Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 8th September 2023

1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve, that was recently making news, is in which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Andhra Pradesh

[C] Gujarat

[D] Jharkhand

Answer: [A] Odisha

In the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, two highly decomposed elephant carcasses were recently discovered. This reserve is situated in the Odisha, spanning across four districts: Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh. The reserve covers a vast area of 1136.70 sq km, with 523.61 sq km designated as the core area. It’s also part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve and serves as the confluence of two significant bio-geographic regions in India: the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. Satkosia’s terrain is characterized by hills, moderate to steep slopes, and narrow valleys. The forest primarily consists of North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests and Moist peninsular low-level sal. Sal trees dominate the landscape, often growing in dense clusters, alongside species like Asan, Dhaura, Bamboo, and Simal. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, barking deer, bison, wild dogs, sloth bears, jackals, giant squirrels, and porcupines. It also provides a natural habitat for two endangered species: the freshwater crocodile and the gharial.

2. The 12 feet high statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated recently along with ‘Gandhi Vatika’ in which city?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Surat

[C] Mumbai

[D] Kolkata

Answer: [A] New Delhi

On September 4, 2023, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, unveiled a 12-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi and inaugurated ‘Gandhi Vatika’ at Gandhi Darshan, New Delhi. She praised Gandhi’s global influence, highlighting his non-violence principles during times of world turmoil like the world wars. The President cited leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama who followed Gandhi’s path for world welfare. She emphasized the role of institutions like Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in promoting his teachings through various media.

3. MQ-9B Predator Drone, that was in news recently, was developed by which country?

[A] Israel

[B] Russia

[C] United States

[D] Germany

Answer: [C] United States

India is finalizing a Letter of Request (LOR) to the US government to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics. These drones, a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper,” offer remote or autonomous flight capabilities and also carry strike missiles for precise target elimination. Developed by General Atomics, the MQ-9B comes in two versions, SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The Indian Navy already operates the MQ-9B Sea Guardian since 2020. With a payload of up to 5,670 kg, the drone can fly above 40,000 feet for 40 hours, making it valuable for surveillance, warfare, and expeditionary roles, including integration into civil airspace.

4. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), was launched by which agency?

[A] NASA

[B] ISRO

[C] ROCOSMOS

[D] JAXA

Answer: [A] NASA

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) recently captured an image of India’s Chandrayaan-3 lander. Launched in 2009, the LRO’s primary mission is to create a 3D map of the Moon’s surface from a polar orbit. Equipped with seven science instruments, including a powerful telescope and camera system that can discern details as small as 2.5 meters across, the LRO has played a pivotal role in lunar geology, mineralogy, and environmental studies. It orbits the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. One of its remarkable instruments is a laser altimeter, which measures reflection times to produce precise 3D maps of the lunar surface. The spacecraft also carries instruments designed to explore dark craters for signs of water ice and a temperature sensor that uncovered the coldest spot in the solar system.

5. Which Railway Station was recently awarded the ‘Green Railway Station’ certification with the highest rating of Platinum by the Indian Green Building Council?

[A] Chengalpattu Railway Station, Tamil Nadu

[B] Hubbali Railway Station, Karnataka

[C] Kalyan Railway Station, Maharashtra

[D] Vijayawada Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh

Answer: [D] Vijaywada Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada Railway Station achieved the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station’ certification, receiving the highest Platinum rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a division of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) founded in 2001. IGBC serves as India’s foremost certification body, offering services such as green building rating programs, certification, and training. They host the annual Green Building Congress and actively participate in global discussions on environmental issues. The station’s rating considers six key environmental categories: sustainable facilities, health and sanitation, energy and water efficiency, smart and green initiatives, and innovation. IGBC’s headquarters are located in Hyderabad.

6. Who are the main beneficiaries of ‘Project Naman’ launched by the Indian Army?

[A] Active-duty soldiers

[B] Foreign nationals

[C] Veterans and families of deceased personnel

[D] High-ranking military officials

Answer: [C] Veterans and families of deceased personnel

The Indian Army has launched ‘Project Naman’ to establish facilitation and grievance redressal centers for veterans and the families of personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. The first center will be located in Delhi Cantonment. ‘Naman’ will house a Common Service Centre providing government-to- customer services, including pension account updates on the SPARSH portal. The SPARSH portal, initiated by the Ministry of Defence, is designed to manage pension sanction and disbursement for the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Civilians. This system offers complete transparency to defense pensioners, recording their pension history from its inception to the end of the pension due to the last eligible beneficiary. The Defense Accounts Department, under the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), will oversee this comprehensive system, handling all aspects of the pension cycle, including initiation, sanction, and disbursement, revision, and grievance resolution. ‘Project Naman’ and the SPARSH portal aim to enhance support and services for Indian Army veterans and their families.

7. ‘Kinzhal Missile’, that was recently making news, is developed by which country?

[A] USA

[B] France

[C] Russia

[D] Israel

Answer: [C] Russia

The first Su-34 bomber crew to launch a Kinzhal missile in Ukraine received state awards. The Kh-47M2, known as “Kinzhal” (Dagger), is a Russian air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads with a 480 kg payload, including a 10-50 kt thermonuclear option. It achieves speeds up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr) and has a range of 1,500-2,000 km. With an 8 m length, 1 m body diameter, and 4,300 kg launch weight, it’s launched from MiG-31 jets at 18 km altitude, maneuvering throughout its flight to evade air defense.

8. Tharosaurus indicus, dinosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic period, was recently discovered in which region?

[A] Deccan Plateu, India

[B] Thar Desert, India

[C] Gobi Desert, China

[D] Indus Valley, Pakistan

Answer: [B] Thar Desert, India

Recently, scientists from IIT Roorkee made a discovery by characterizing dinosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic period, unearthed in the Thar Desert near the Jaisalmer Basin, by the Geological Survey of India. The fossils belong to a species known as Tharosaurus indicus, a member of the Dicraeosauridae family within the superfamily Diplodocoidea. These fossils represent the first dicraeosaurid sauropods ever found in India and are approximately 167 million years old, making them the world’s oldest known diplodocoid fossils. The scientists coined the name Tharosaurus indicus, drawing from “Tharo” (referring to the Thar desert), “sauros” (Greek for lizard), and “indicus” (indicating its Indian origin). These dinos were distinct within their family, characterized by smaller size and shorter necks and tails compared to their long- necked sauropod counterparts. Sauropods originated during the Jurassic period around 200 million years ago and were a dominant group of dinosaurs, surviving until the late Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs met their demise. While dicraeosaurid fossils have been found in other parts of the world, this discovery sheds new light on prehistoric India’s biodiversity.

9. Koraput Kalajeera Rice, which got Geographical Indication (GI) status, is cultivated in which state?

[A] Punjab

[B] Odisha

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Uttar Pradesh

Answer: [B] Odisha

Koraput Kalajeera Rice, known as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ recently received Geographical Indications status. Indigenous to Odisha’s Koraput district, this aromatic rice has been cultivated for generations by local farmers. Resembling coriander seeds, it boasts excellent nutritional and cooking qualities. The rice, grown by the region’s tribal communities for thousands of years, is celebrated for its black color, enticing aroma, and rich taste. Traditional wisdom. suggests it aids memory, diabetes control, raises hemoglobin levels, and boosts metabolism. Moreover, this fragrant grain possesses various medicinal properties, including being antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antibacterial, astringent, and sedative. It thrives in areas like Tolla, Patraput, Pujariput, Baliguda, and Mohuli in Koraput district.

10. Gilbert Hill, a monolith column of black basalt rock, lies in which state of India?

[A] Gujarat

[B] Maharashtra

[C] Tamil Nadu

[D] Kerala

Answer: [B] Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Government has proposed to transform Gilbert Hill, a 200-foot monolithic column of black basalt rock in Mumbai, into a tourist attraction similar to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. This geological wonder, formed around 66 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era, stands as a unique heritage site. Declared a National Park in 1952 and categorized as a Grade II heritage structure by the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation in 2007, Gilbert Hill is one of only three volcanic rock outcrops globally. The site features temples and a small garden atop the rock, accessible via a steep carved staircase. This project aims to boost tourism and conservation efforts, preserving this ancient relic for future generations. The Mesozoic Era, during which Gilbert Hill was formed, spans from 252 million to 66 million years ago. It’s known as the “Age of Dinosaurs,” characterized by the emergence and domination of various dinosaurspecies across three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The era ended with a mass extinction event, marking a critical transition in Earth’s history.

11. What is the primary purpose of the National Carbon Registry launched by the UNDP in August 2023?

[A] To facilitate carbon credit trading between countries

[B] To track emissions and invest in emission-reducing projects

[C] To provide customizable software for carbon management

[D] To promote digital public infrastructure for climate challenges

Answer: [B] To track emissions and invest in emission-reducing projects

National Carbon Registry is open-source software that allows countries to manage their carbon credit trading data and processes. The software was launched by the UNDP in August 2023. It is the first of its kind to allow countries to customize the code to their specific needs. The registry is supported by the Digital4Climate Working Group, which includes the UNDP, World Bank, UNFCCC, and EBRD. The group aims to build a digital public infrastructure to address climate challenges and carbon markets. The carbon registry system allows companies to track their emissions and then offset them by investing in emission-reducing projects. For example, a company might invest in a project that captures methane from a landfill or replaces high-emitting lightbulbs with low-emitting LED lights. The registry’s framework is based on globally recognized ISO standards. Independent verification bodies ensure that carbon reduction projects follow strict rules in offsetting.

12. What is the conservation status of “Stump Tailed Macaque”, as per the IUCN Red List?

[A] Near Threatened

[B] Endangered

[C] Critically Endangered

[D] Vulnerable

Answer: [D] Vulnerable

Eight stump-tailed macaques were recently relocated to the Delhi Zoo from Aizawl Zoological Park in Mizoram. Also known as bear macaques, these monkeys belong to the Old-World monkey species, Macaca arctoides. They are primarily found in the tropical and subtrópical evergreen forests of South Asia. Their natural habitat spans Cambodia, southwest China, northeast India, Laos, Myanmar, northwest Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In India, they inhabit regions south of the Brahmaputra River, including Assam, Meghalaya, eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Stump-tailed macaques sport thick, dark brown fur, short tails (3.2-69 mm), and distinctive pink or red faces that darken as they age. Males are larger than females, with longer canine teeth used for social dominance. Their diet comprises fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals, often stored in cheek pouches. They move primarily on the ground due to limited treeagility. These macaques are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 (Schedule II). Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard their population.

13. Umiam Lake is located in which state?

[A] Manipur

[B] Mizoram

[C] Megahalaya

[D] Tripura

Answer: [C] Megahalaya

Meghalaya government has adopted Al-enabled robotic technology to safeguard Umiam Lake, a prominent tourist attraction. Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is located 15 km north of Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, surrounded by lush East Khasi hills. Formed in 1965 for hydroelectric power generation, it resulted from the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project. The lake primarily draws water from the confluence of Umkhrah and Umshvrpi streams, forming the Wah Ro-ro stream. With a catchment area spanning 220 square km, including Shillong, it offers water sports and adventure activities, making it a favored destination in Meghalaya.

14. COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), is an initiative of which organization?

[A] World Health Organization (WHO)

[B] Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

[C] Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

[D] Johns Hopkins University

Answer: [A] World Health Organization (WHO)

The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) has secured three new licensing agreements via the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP). Launched in May 2020 with WHO and Costa Rica’s collaboration, backed by 44 Member States, UN agencies, and partners like MPP, C-TAP operates under the Solidarity call to action. Its mission is to facilitate the voluntary sharing of intellectual property, knowledge, and data among developers of COVID-19 treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, and health products. This initiative aims to expedite technological advancements and enhance global production capacity to combat the pandemic.

15. The Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme operates under which of these policy / legiislative arrangaments?

[A] Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972

[B] Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878

[C] National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA)

[D] Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958

Answer: [D] Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958

Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Scheme is a government initiative aimed at enhancing amenities at historical monuments in India through corporate involvement and their CSR funds. This program is a revamped version of the 2017 scheme and operates under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) of 1958. Interested stakeholders can adopt specific monuments or amenities through the dedicated web portal, providing comprehensive information and financial requirements. To promote heritage awareness, an Indian Heritage App will be launched, showing monuments with details, photos, amenities, geotagged locations, and a citizen feedback mechanism. This initiative is collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India.

16. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (I-CRR) for which of these reasons?

[A] To encourage banks to increase their lending to the public

[B] To absorb surplus liquidity resulting from the return of Rs 2000 currency notes

[C] To reduce the reserve requirements for banks

[D] To promote digital payment methods

Answer: [B] To absorb surplus liquidity resulting from the return of Rs 2000 currency notes.

I-CRR was introduced as a temporary measure to manage the excess liquidity in the banking system, which occurred due to the return of Rs 2000 currency notes. This reserve required banks to maintain 10% of the increase in their net demand and time liabilities between May and July 2023 to absorb the surplus liquidity. The RBI has decided to discontinue the I-CRR in a phased manner by releasing impounded funds in installments, as mentioned in the text, to ensure that the system liquidity is not subject to sudden shocks and that money markets function smoothly.

17. Hero Kim Kun Ok, which was recently in the news, is which type of defense equipment?

[A] Fighter Jet

[B] Submarine

[C] Tank

[D] Missile

Answer: [B] Submarine

North Korea has launched its first operational tactical nuclear attack submarine “Hero Kim Kun Ok” and assigned it to patrol the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan.

18. “Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol” is a patriotic song written by?

[A] Nazrul Islam

[B] Rabindranath Tagore

[C] Jibanananda Das

[D] Sukanta Bhattacharya

Answer: [B] Rabindranath Tagore

On on 7 September 2023, West Bengal assembly has adopted a resolution to celebrate the first day of the Bengali calendar, Poila Baisakh, as “Bangla Divas (Bengal Day)”. This decision was made with 167 MLAs in favor and 62 against, with all 62 opposing the resolution being from the BJP. West Bengal Legislative Assembly also passed a resolution, officially designating “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” as the state song of West Bengal. Banglar Mati Banglar Jol is a Bengali patriotic song written by Rabindranath Tagore written in 1905 in support of the “Bangabhanga Rodh Movement” in Bengal, initiated by Tagore. He launched the “Raksha Bandhan Utsav” on 16 October 1905, aiming to unite Hindu and Muslim Bengalis who were protesting against the Partition of Bengal (1905). On that significant day, “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” became the rallying cry of the movement, symbolizing unity and resilience. The musical notation for the song was provided by Indira Debi Chowdhurani.

19. What is one of the primary objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission regarding the Sun’s upper layers?

[A] To explore the Sun’s core

[B] To investigate the solar wind

[C] To study the chromosphere and corona

[D] To measure the Sun’s magnetic field

Answer: [C] To study the chromosphere and corona

One of the primary objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission is to study the upper layers of the Sun, specifically the chromosphere and corona, to gain a better understanding of their behaviour and interaction with each other.

20. What does the Language Diversity Index (LDI) measure?

[A] The total number of languages spoken in a country

[B] The decline in the number of mother-tongue speakers worldwide

[C] The probability that two people chosen at random have the same mother tongue

[D] The linguistic diversity of a country’s population

Answer: [C] The probability that two people chosen at random have the same mother tongue

The Language Diversity Index (LDI) measures the probability that two people selected from a population at random will have different mother tongues, indicating the linguistic diversity of a country’s population. It ranges from 0 (everyone has the same mother tongue) to 1 (no two people have the same mother tongue).