Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 9th May 2023

1. After nine-year ban, Coal mining has resumed legally in which state/UT?

[A] Assam

[B] Meghalaya

[C] West Bengal

[D] Odisha

Answer: [B] Meghalaya

After nine-year ban, coal mining in Meghalaya is set to resume legally by July this year. It was banned since 2014. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Centre had approved mining leases for four persons in the State, which will lead to scientific mining in the State.

2. The US and which country agreed on new immigration policies to prevent illegal border crossing?

[A] Canada

[B] Mexico

[C] Cuba

[D] El-Salvador

Answer: [B] Mexico

The US and Mexico have recently agreed on new immigration policies to prevent illegal border crossing. The countries have come up with a five- point plan, which will deter illegal immigrations and open other pathways to continue accepting immigrants from Haiti, Cuba and other countries.

3. The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it will form a panel on same-sex couples headed by?

[A] Union Home Minister

[B] Cabinet Secretary

[C] NITI Aayog CEO

[D] Union Women and Child Development Minister

Answer: [B] Cabinet Secretary

The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is willing to form a committee led by the Cabinet Secretary to address the genuine concerns of same-sex couples in their daily lives, such as banking and insurance, without addressing their legal recognition for same-sex marriage. The Constitutional Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud views this stance as a positive step towards promoting social acceptance of the right of same-sex couples to live together.

4. ‘Windhoek Declaration’ which was seen in the news, is associated with which field?

[A] Environment

[B] Press Freedom

[C] Finance

[D] Politics

Answer: [B] Press Freedom

The Windhoek Declaration, which was adopted in 1991, provides 19 principles related to “independent, pluralistic, and free press”. Its adoption is commemorated as the World Press Freedom Day on May 3 each year. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

5. What is India’s rank in the ‘World Press Freedom Index 2023’?

[A] 141

[B] 151

[C] 161

[D] 171

Answer: [C] 161

The ranking of India in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped 11 places to 161. The report was released recently by the global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In 2022, the country was ranked at 150 out of 180 countries. Norway is ranked first for the seventh year running.

6. Which term denotes the new type of chemical bonding in solids?

[A] Metavalent Bonding

[B] Quadravalent Bonding

[C] Pentavalent Bonding

[D] Ultravalent Bonding

Answer: [A] Metavalent Bonding

Metavalent bonding is a new type of chemical bonding in solids. This bonding can be used to modify the thermoelectric performance in quantum materials and efficiently convert waste heat to electricity. Recently, Scientists from India demonstrated how novel chemical bonding can be used to optimize thermoelectric performance in quantum material using TIBiSe2- a renowned topological insulator.

7. What is the name of the ‘Festival of Innovation in Arts’, which was launched on World Intellectual Property Day?

[A] ATAL

[B] UPAJ

[C] NIPUN

[D] MAHAN

Answer: [B] UPAJ

‘UPAJ: A festival of Innovation in Arts’ was launched on World Intellectual Property Day, which is observed on April 26 in NITI Aayog, New Delhi. It provided the platform for the artistic expression and promoting innovation in the art field. The UPAJ festival is planned for the first week of July when the G20 Startup20 summit meeting is planned.

8. King Charles III, who was officially crowned recently, wore which crown?

[A] St John’s Crown

[B] St Edward’s Crown

[C] St Charles’ Crown

[D] St Stephen’s Crown

Answer: [B] St Edward’s Crown

King Charles III, who was officially crowned alongside Queen Camilla, wore St Edward’s Crown for the historic coronation ceremony. The 74-year-old royal was officially crowned the UK’s monarch at Westminster Abbey. It is tradition for the monarch to wear the solid gold St Edward’s Crown. The crown dates back hundreds more years – to 1661 when it was made for King Charles II.

9. ‘Ekatha Harbour’ is the biggest Indian grant- in-aid projects in which country?

[A] Bangladesh

[B] Maldives

[C] Nepal

[D] Myanmar

Answer: [B] Maldives

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldives counterpart recently laid foundation stone for the Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’. It is one of the biggest Indian grant-in-aid projects inbMaldives. The project was announced during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit in February 2021.

10. ‘Innovating for Transport and Energy Systems (ITES)’ is a collaboration of India and which country?

[A] UK

[B] USA

[C] Australia

[D] Japan

Answer: [A] UK

The UK and India are collaborating on an innovation partnership, called Innovating for Transport and Energy Systems (ITES), to develop more sustainable and affordable transportation systems, including electric vehicle-ready infrastructure. The partnership is backed by governments, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and involves industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and investors from both countries.

11. Which institution released a report on Currency and Finance?

[A] NITI Aayog

[B] RBI

[C] NPCI

[D] SEBI

Answer: [B] RBI

The RBI Report on Currency and Finance was released recently based on the theme “Towards a Greener Cleaner India”. According to this report, regulatory policies such as carbon taxes and ETS standards for carbon emission rates and energy efficiency can contribute to the reduction of overall CO2 emissions in an economy.

12. How many digits are in the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?

[A] 10

[B] 14

[C] 18

[D] 20

Answer: [D] 20

Legal Entity Identifier is a unique 20-character global identifier for legal entities taking part in financial transactions. The SEBI has introduced LEI for issuers that are planning to list or has already listed non-convertible securities, securitized debt instruments and security receipts.

13. As per the ‘Internet in India Report, what percent of the Indian population accessed the internet at least once a month in 2022?

[A] 22%

[B] 32%

[C] 42%

[D] 52%

Answer: [B] 52 %

Internet in India Report 2022 was released recently by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar. According to this report, around 52 percent of the Indian population accessed the internet at least once a month in 2022.

14. ‘Fake News Law, also known as the Bill 2630’ is the proposed legislation in which country?

[A] USA

[B] Brazil

[C] New Zealand

[D] Bangladesh

Answer: [B] Brazil

The Fake News Law, also known as the Bill 2630, is a proposed legislation in Brazil that puts the onus on the internet companies, search engines and social messaging services to find and report illegal material. It is being opposed by tech giants like Google. Brazil ordered the U.S. company to change a link on its search engine in Brazil.

15. Which institution released the “Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Sub-Saharan Africa Caught between the Fault Lines” Report?

[A] WEF

[B] IMF

[C] ADB

[D] AIIB

Answer: [B] IMF

The IMF recently released a report titled “Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Sub-Saharan Africa Caught between the Fault Lines”. This report warned that if the world were to divide into isolated trading blocs centered around China or the United States and the European Union (EU), sub-Saharan African economies could suffer a permanent decline of up to 4% of their gross domestic product (GDP) within 10 years.

16. ‘Kyasanur Forest Disease’ has been recorded in which state/UT?

[A] Goa

[B] Karnataka

[C] West Bengal

[D] Sikkim

Answer: [B] Karnataka

Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is a viral infection that spreads via the tick named Haemaphysalis spinigera. The outbreak of this disease can be curbed by restoring Karnataka’s forests. The illness, named after Kyasanur forest in the Western Ghats, where it originated, is a haemorrhagic fever borne by the tick, Haemaphysalis spinigera. It has a fatality rate of 3-5 per cent.

17. India’s CSIR signed MoU on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation with which country?

[A] Brazil

[B] Israel

[C] Iran

[D] Russia

Answer: [B] Israel

India’s CSIR and its Israeli counterpart sign MoU on Industrial Research and Development. Cooperation. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology of India. The MoU will be implemented through specific products agreed upon by both parties and monitored by 3 Joint Steering Committee led by the heads of CSIR and DDR&D.

18. Which state/UT launched a dedicated website for food safety and mobile app for consumers?

[A] Odisha

[B] Tamil Nadu

[C] Goa

[D] Assam

Answer: [B] Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu state health ministry has launched website for food safety and a mobile app for consumers. The Minister said the website would provide information about the Food Safety Department’s activities, banned items, Acts governing food safety and licences. The website would be available in English and Tamil.

19. What is the name of the eclipse, when the Moon moves through the outer part of the Earth’s shadow?

[A] Partial Lunar Eclipse

[B] Penumbral lunar Eclipse

[C] Total lunar Eclipse

[D] Central lunar Eclipse

Answer:[B] Penumbral lunar Eclipse

Penumbral lunar eclipse occurred on May 5, 2023. It happens when the Moon moves through the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, resulting in the Moon appearing slightly darker than usual. Among several penumbral lunar eclipses in 2023, the first penumbral lunar eclipse of 2023 is the one which occurred recently.

20. Which country/region’s regulator derecognised six Indian central counterparties?

[A] USA

[B] Australia

[C] European Union

[D] Germany

Answer: [C] European Union

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the European Union (EU’s) financial markets regulator and supervisor, has derecognised six Indian central counterparties (CCPS). These six CCPs are The Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL), Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd (ICCL), NSE Clearing Ltd. (NSCCL), Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing (MCXCCL), India International Clearing Corporation (IFSC) Ltd (IICC) and NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation Ltd (NICCL).