Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Sachin Jain was appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for India in February 2024. Jain will join the World Gold Council from De Beers, where he has held several senior roles for the past 13 years. He has a deep understanding of the Indian consumer and jewelry market.

Notes:
In February 2024, the 60-member Mizoram Assembly adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with the neighboring country. The FMR allows people living on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa.

Notes:
NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) collaborates with Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) to establish Renewable Energy Parks in Maharashtra. This joint venture aligns with green energy initiatives and bolsters India’s energy transition goals, aiming to build gigawatt-scale renewable energy parks in the state, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development and clean energy sources.

Notes:
The Indian government has implemented supportive measures for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. FCV tobacco, cured through a heat-exposure process, is favored for its mild, sweet flavor and high sugar content, commonly used in cigarette blends. Predominantly produced in India’s Mysore and Hassan districts (over 95%), it’s a vital crop in the global market. The Government’s initiatives aim to bolster the livelihoods of FCV tobacco farmers in these regions.

Notes:
PM Modi dedicated the HURL Sindri Fertilizer Plant in Jharkhand on March 1, 2024, addressing India’s urea demand. The nation requires 360 lakh metric tons yearly, but in 2014, produced only 225 lakh metric tons. Thanks to government efforts, production increased to 310 lakh metric tons in the last decade. Modi revealed plans to revive more plants by 2025, ensuring affordable fertilizers for farmers and generating employment opportunities for local youth, including the Talcher Fertilizer Plant.

Notes:
On March 3, 2024, the WWF EIACP PC-RP, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, marked World Wildlife Day at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Recognizing its rich biodiversity and Mission LiFE focus, the celebration aimed to acknowledge wildlife’s vital roles. It is situated at NOIDA’s entrance in Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary spans 4 sq km, making it one of the state’s 15 bird sanctuaries and one of India’s 466 Important Bird Areas.

Notes:
REC Limited, in collaboration with UNISED, is contributing Rs. 9.91 crores through REC Foundation to educate 75,500 children in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh. As a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, REC aims to empower students with modern educational tools. UNISED will implement solar-operated smart classes and joyful learning labs in government schools, fostering innovative learning. Additionally, REC Foundation recently allocated Rs. 15 crores to support the education of 12,500 children of ex-servicemen through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.

Notes:
Indian scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have developed a new wound dressing material from banana fibers. The material is a multifunctional patch that combines banana fibers with biopolymers like chitosan and guar gum. The patch has excellent mechanical strength and antioxidant properties.

Notes:
In March 2024, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) commissioned its first indigenously-manufactured electrolyzer at the Green Hydrogen Plant at A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. The electrolyzer is developed and assembled in India and conforms to international standards. L&T plans to use its giga-scale facility in Hazira to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen. They also plan to maximize product localization through enhanced local supply chain and automation for cost-competitiveness.

Notes:
The Minister of Communications unveiled the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and ‘Chakshu’ on the Sanchar Saathi portal. DIP facilitates real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among stakeholders like Telecom Service Providers, Law enforcement agencies, Banks, Social media platforms, and Identity document authorities. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications, DIP is a secure platform inaccessible to citizens. The portal also highlights cases of telecom resource misuse.