Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

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:
The Odisha government is establishing the State Water Information Centre (SWIC) to coordinate, store, and disseminate water resource data. Operating under the Water Resources Department, it aims to maintain a comprehensive repository of hydro-meteorological data for Odisha. The center will be staffed with experts in water resources management and data handling. Additionally, the approval for contractual supervisors will enhance service delivery in Internal Child Development Services in Odisha.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has marked a milestone by issuing 5 crore Ayushman cards, making it the first state to do so under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The state boasts 50,017,920 issued cards, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals across 3,716 hospitals. With 3,481,252 health claims filed, an impressive 92.48% were settled, reflecting the scheme’s success. Sangeeta Singh, CEO of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health, credits the achievement to continuous support from the National Health Authority and the dedication of various healthcare workers.

Notes:
The Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a joint naval drill between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy, commenced on February 28 and concluded on March 2 off the coast of Visakhapatnam. In its 3rd edition, the exercise involves Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir. Professional interactions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative sea operations aim to strengthen bilateral bonds, foster cooperation, and enhance interoperability between the two navies.

Notes:
World Wildlife Day, observed on March 3, emphasizes the critical importance of safeguarding global biodiversity. The 2024 theme, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” highlights the role of technology in conservation efforts. Originating from Thailand’s proposal to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this annual event underscores the urgency to protect flora and fauna worldwide, bringing attention to innovative digital solutions for wildlife preservation.

Notes:
Union Minister Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar, Haryana. A global first in the stainless steel sector, the off-grid facility incorporates rooftop and floating solar tech, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 2,700 MT annually and 54,000 tons over two decades. The project marks a milestone in sustainable industry practices, showcasing India’s commitment to green energy and environmental stewardship.

Notes:
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the World Bank Group organized the National Workshop on Logistics Efficiency Enhancement in New Delhi. The workshop brought together the logistics sector community to brainstorm. The DPIIT is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

Notes:
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The center is located near the Ganga River on the Patna University campus. The NDRC is a center of excellence that will help researchers and students understand the ecosystem of rivers. Researchers at the center will focus on various aspects of dolphin behavior in their natural habitat, including studying food habits and adaptation to changing environments. The center will also play a crucial role in training fishermen on methods to avoid inadvertently harming dolphins during fishing activities.

Notes:
India’s Prime Minister inaugurated the core-loading process of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Madras Atomic Power Station, Kalpakkam. The PFBR is a nuclear machine generating more fuel than it consumes, utilizing Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and Thorium-232 for transmutation. Liquid sodium serves as a coolant, facilitating electricity production. With advanced safety features, the indigenously designed PFBR by BHAVINI marks a significant achievement involving 200+ Indian industries, including MSMEs.

Notes:
India has successfully reduced extreme poverty, with under 3% of its population living below the poverty line, in accordance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal. Recent data from the World Poverty Clock, supported by organizations such as IFAD and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, highlights India’s significant strides towards ending extreme poverty, a key global objective set for achievement by 2030.