Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER-Tirupati) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department are collaborating to create a bird atlas of Papikonda National Park (PNP) and the surrounding hill range in Andhra Pradesh. The team, led by ornithologists, birdwatchers, and wildlife experts, has recorded more than 200 bird species, including the Common Iora, Green Munia, Buff Chested Babbler, Grey Treepie, and Abbott’s Babbler.

Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Dhanuka Agritech Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2024 to provide new farm technology to farmers and promote natural farming. The MoU was signed by ICAR Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) US Gautam and Dhanuka Agritech Chairman RG Aggarwal. The MoU aims to use the efficiency of both institutions to deliver new technology to farmers. Dhanuka Agritech will provide agricultural production training to farmers by partnering with central institutes, ATARIs (Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute) and KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras).

Notes:
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute (PAJANCOA & RI) introduces KKL(R)3, its third paddy variety. Developed to address water scarcity during the kuruvai season, KKL(R)3 is salt tolerant, crucial for delta regions facing saline water issues. It matures in 110-115 days, tailored for the coastal delta region. Yielding 3,435-3,500 kg/ha in salt-affected areas and 6,420 kg/ha under normal conditions, it offers a solution to farmers’ challenges.

Notes:
In March 2024, the Indian Finance Ministry imposed an anti-dumping duty on cast aluminum alloy wheels (ARWs) from China, ranging from $0.23 to $1.71 per kilogram, depending on the producer. The duty is valid for five years. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has said that applicants have submitted evidence of dumping of the product from China in spite of the existing anti-dumping duties. The DGTR can review the need for the continued imposition of the duty before the end of five years.

Notes:
A study from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, reveals lianas, or woody vining plants, threaten forests. Also known as vines or climbers, lianas use trees to ascend to the canopy. Common in tropical forests, they flourish in warm, lowland areas and thrive in disturbed environments. Lianas compete with trees for sunlight, suppressing them and reducing carbon sequestration. This could worsen global warming by hindering forests’ ability to store carbon effectively, altering carbon cycles.

Notes:
The European Space Agency’s Gaia telescope uncovered ancient star streams, Shiva and Shakti, shedding light on galaxy origins. These structures, formed 12 billion years ago, influenced Milky Way formation. Shakti stars orbit farther from the galactic center in circular paths, unlike Shiva. Named after Hindu deities, they symbolize universal creation. Gaia, launched in 2013, maps the Milky Way by analyzing data from over a decade, measuring stars’ positions, distances, and speeds.

Notes:
India and Mauritania held their 1st Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott, discussing bilateral, regional, and global issues. Talks covered political cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchanges. Bilateral trade surged to $378 million in 2022-23 from $108 million in 2021-22. India’s Resident Mission, opened in June 2021, has bolstered relations. The meeting highlighted the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

Notes:
EU antitrust regulators are probing Apple, Google, and Meta for potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at fostering fairer digital markets. DMA seeks to ensure a safer internet, empower citizens, and improve consumer protections by defining “gatekeepers” among large digital platforms. Gatekeepers, like search engines and app stores, must adhere to DMA’s obligations and prohibitions, marking a significant step in regulating the power of major tech firms.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, dubbed “Butterfly Cicadas.” Cicadas, belonging to the Cicadidae family, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes, and ocelli. They measure 2 to 5 cm and males produce loud noises via vibrating membranes. Females typically lay eggs in woody plants. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, predominantly in tropical regions like deserts, grasslands, and forests.

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China launched the Yunhai-3 02 satellite for environmental monitoring from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The satellite, now in its designated orbit, will focus on atmospheric and marine environment detection, space environment monitoring, disaster prevention, and scientific research.