Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
As of March 2024, water is disappearing from Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico’s vital desert oasis, due to agricultural activities. The oasis is the Chihuahuan Desert’s most important wetland, and scientists say it can help them understand climate change, the origin of the Earth, and the chances of life on Mars. However, water is being used for alfalfa crops and other agricultural activities, causing the oasis to dry up. As a result, communities have to bring in water by truck when there is gasoline, which is a costly expense.

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Kerala’s decision to opt for an alternative approach to smart electricity meters undermines government’s Rs 3 lakh crore smart meters project. Smart meters record electricity usage and voltage levels, aiming to enhance billing and collection efficiencies for distribution companies. The Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) seeks to replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart ones across India. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Ministry of Power, leads the implementation.

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The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honored Indian astrophysicist Professor Jayant Murthy by naming asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy after him. Discovered in 2005 by MW Buie at Kitt Peak National Observatory, the asteroid orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years. The renaming signifies Murthy’s significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, highlighting his global impact on celestial studies.

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World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27, initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961. Each year, a prominent theatre figure delivers a message. Jean Cocteau gave the inaugural speech in 1962. ITI boasts over 85 global centers. Theatre encompasses various roles including writers, directors, actors, sound producers, costume and set designers, and show callers, all crucial in bringing a performance to life beyond acting and narration.

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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a Global Trade Update report noting a 14% increase in India’s services exports in 2023, while goods exports fell by 6%. It anticipates a global trade rebound in 2024. However, logistical challenges like shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and Black Sea may escalate costs and disrupt supply chains. Established in 1964, UNCTAD serves as the primary authority of the UN General Assembly in trade and development matters.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare introduced ‘Kalpa Suvarna,’ a new dwarf coconut variety, and two cocoa hybrids by CPCRI. ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ is optimal for tender coconut and copra production, blooming 30-36 months after planting. Its fruits are large, oblong, green, with tender nut water content of 431ml, copra content of 186g, and 64.5% oil. Yielding 108 to 130 nuts yearly, it suits Karnataka and Kerala. The cocoa hybrids, VTL CH I and VTL CH II, have high fat and nutrient contents, with CH I suitable for intercropping in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, and CH II resistant to black pod rot, fitting high rainfall regions.

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued recommendations on the ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications (M2M)’. M2M involves automated interactions between devices over networks, excluding human intervention. Embedded sensors and communication modules facilitate data exchange between devices via wired and wireless networks. Applications range from robotics in factories to Smart Grids and home appliances, enhancing efficiency in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and utilities.

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NHPC Limited, India’s largest hydropower utility, secured a JPY 20.00 billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for renewable energy projects. This includes a 300 MW solar project in Bikaner under the CPSU 1000 MW Scheme. JBIC’s GREEN Operations program supports environmental preservation. The loan, facilitated by MUFG Bank Ltd Japan and Bank of Yokohama Ltd Japan, marks NHPC’s first foray into JBIC financing for renewables. The Bikaner Solar Project aligns with India’s aim for Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Notes:
Thailand issues warning following an anthrax outbreak in Laos. Anthrax is a severe infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria, also known as malignant pustule or woolsorter’s disease. It’s naturally found in soil and affects both domestic and wild animals globally. Anthrax is zoonotic, transferring from animals to humans. The FDA has approved BioThrax and Cyfendus vaccines for prevention.

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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.