Daily Current Affairs - 2026-01-20
Q1The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is scaling up the production of which biological agents to control Whitefly infestation in crops?Options
AHerbicidesBChemical pesticidesCPredators and parasitoidsDGenetically modified organisms
Options
Correct answer
Predators and parasitoids
Explanation
TNAU is increasing the production of natural predators and parasitoids as a biological control method against whitefly infestation, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Q2The Tamil Nadu government recently urged the Central government to enhance funds for which major rural employment guarantee scheme?Options
APradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)BMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)CPradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)DNational Health Mission (NHM)
Options
Correct answer
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Explanation
The Tamil Nadu government has requested the Centre to increase funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and also to withdraw the VB-G RAM-G program.
Q3Which monsoon system recently officially retreated from Tamil Nadu, according to weather reports?Options
ASouthwest MonsoonBNortheast MonsoonCNorthwest MonsoonDSoutheast Monsoon
Options
Correct answer
Northeast Monsoon
Explanation
The Northeast monsoon has officially retreated from Tamil Nadu, though a new weather system is expected to bring rain to the state from January 23.
Q4The Tamil Nadu Governor's address and subsequent statements by state leaders highlighted 'grave concern' regarding the Centre's adverse attitude towards Tamil Nadu on which key issues?Options
AAllocation of defence contracts and space missionsBRelease of funds and approval of infrastructure projects like Metro Rail for Coimbatore and MaduraiCAppointment of university Vice-Chancellors and state police chiefsDInternational trade agreements and diplomatic relations
Options
Correct answer
Release of funds and approval of infrastructure projects like Metro Rail for Coimbatore and Madurai
Explanation
The Governor's address and other reports indicated significant concern from the Tamil Nadu government regarding delayed fund releases and the Centre's non-approval of critical infrastructure projects, specifically citing Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai.
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Q5GRID-INDIA has partnered with which specific ISRO centre to enhance renewable energy forecasting and improve grid efficiency in India?Options
AVikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)BSatish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)CSpace Applications Centre (SAC)DLiquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
Options
Correct answer
Space Applications Centre (SAC)
Explanation
GRID-INDIA has collaborated with ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) to leverage satellite technology for better forecasting of renewable energy generation, thereby optimizing grid management.
Q6According to the VIT Chancellor, what issue in Tamil Nadu universities is significantly affecting students' academic and administrative affairs?Options
ALack of research fundingBInsufficient faculty membersCVice-Chancellor vacanciesDOutdated curriculum
Options
Correct answer
Vice-Chancellor vacancies
Explanation
The VIT Chancellor emphasized that the significant number of vacant Vice-Chancellor positions in Tamil Nadu universities is causing considerable disruption and negatively impacting students.
Q7A key demand raised by nutritious noon meal employees and Anganwadi workers in recent protests across Tamil Nadu is related to what?Options
AIncrease in working hoursBPension hike and regularisation of servicesCNew uniform allowanceDAccess to advanced training programs
Options
Correct answer
Pension hike and regularisation of services
Explanation
Noon meal employees and Anganwadi workers in Tamil Nadu have been protesting, primarily demanding a hike in their pension and regularisation of their services, among other long-pending demands.
Q8Two new rare species of 'ant flies' were recently discovered in India. In which two regions were these discoveries made?Options
AHimalayan foothills and SunderbansBThar Desert and Eastern GhatsCDelhi and Western GhatsDAndaman and Nicobar Islands and Coastal Odisha
Options
Correct answer
Delhi and Western Ghats
Explanation
Researchers have reported the discovery of two new rare species of 'ant flies' (Myrmeleontidae family) in the Delhi region and the Western Ghats of India.
Q9The Union Cabinet approved the extension of which central welfare scheme, providing free food grains, for another six months (April-September, 2022)?Options
APradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)BPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)CPradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)DPradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Options
Correct answer
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)
Explanation
The Cabinet extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), a scheme providing free food grains to beneficiaries, for an additional six-month period.
Q10The Madras High Court recently made a significant observation regarding whose remarks on Sanatana Dharma, terming them as 'hate speech'?Options
AK. AnnamalaiBUdhayanidhi StalinCM.K. StalinDSubramanian Swamy
Options
Correct answer
Udhayanidhi Stalin
Explanation
The Madras High Court, while quashing an FIR against BJP leader Amit Malviya, observed that the remarks made by Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatana Dharma amounted to 'hate speech'.