Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal, overseen by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Targeting marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and sanitation workers, it offers credit assistance nationwide. Eligible individuals can access support through banks, NBFC-MFIs, and other entities, fostering socio-economic upliftment.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-member selection panel has appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India. However, there seems to be dissent from the Opposition member of the panel, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has questioned the process of their appointment. The appointments have been made under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act 2023.

Notes:
Mumbai won the 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024, defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs on the fifth and final day of the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Mumbai team’s performance was marked by Dhawal Kulkarni’s exceptional performance, supported by key players like Ajinkya Rahane, Tanush Kotian, and Musheer Khan.

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According to the 2024 DHL Global Connectedness Report, India ranks 62nd out of 171 countries on the DHL Connectedness Index. This is a 5-position improvement from the previous year, when India ranked 67th. The report ranks countries based on their connectedness to the world through the flow of trade, capital, information, and people. The report also says that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and that it will play an increasingly central role in the development of globalization over the coming decades.

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At Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, situated on Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh, nature enthusiasts relish the sight of thousands of migratory birds, particularly Pelicans. Spanning 673 sq km across West Godavari and Krishna districts, it’s under the Kaikalur forest range. Common species include Cormorants, Common Redshanks, and more. Kolleru Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake, balances floods for Krishna and Godavari deltas, with over 68 inflowing channels and serves as a vital migratory bird habitat.

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The National Time Protocol (NTP) for dissemination of Indian Standard Time (IST) was inaugurated in Mumbai in March, 2024 by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Piyush Goyal. The NTP will provide accurate time information with milliseconds, and will also improve cyber security. The National Time Protocol (NTP) for dissemination of Indian Standard Time (IST) was inaugurated in Mumbai on March 15, 2024 by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Piyush Goyal. The NTP will provide accurate time information with milliseconds, and will also improve cyber security.

Notes:
The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme on the JanSamarth Portal in March 2024. This integration is a significant step towards providing credit to fishers and fish farmers across the country. It also provides a digital platform for stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Introduced in 2018-19 by the GoI, the Kisan Credit Cards facility supports fisheries and animal husbandry farmers. Administered by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, benefits include interest subvention and prompt repayment incentives.

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Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, inaugurated the ‘Centre for Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Culture & Heritage’ in Padampur, Jharkhand. The museum aims to preserve Jharkhand’s tribal legacy and lifestyle. The Ministry allocated Rs. 10 crores for the project, intending to showcase tribal culture, history, and provide developmental support. The center plans to evolve into a live cultural hub and tourism destination.

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In March 2024, Iceland declared a state of emergency after a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption site is located a few kilometers northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. The eruption has sent orange lava streams into the sky at night. The eruption has also led to the evacuation of nearby areas, including the Blue Lagoon, a well-known tourist attraction.

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Researchers at IIT Madras devised a method utilizing phosphoric acid to treat bauxite residue, commonly known as Red Mud. This process extracts valuable materials, including ceramics with notable dielectric and optical properties, suitable for electronic components and energy storage. Red Mud, a byproduct of aluminum production, harbors toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury. Its corrosive nature and high alkalinity pose significant threats to soil and ecosystems.