Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand in February 2024. The MoU is for academic collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine. The NIA also has collaborations with other universities, institutes, and organizations in countries like Malaysia and Korea.

Notes:
The four-day ‘Tawi Festival’ in Jammu and Kashmir, starting on March 1, 2024, highlights the region’s art, culture, and heritage. Emphasizing Jammu’s diverse art forms and cultural heritage, the festival features seminars, workshops, folk music, street theatre, classical and folk dance, and a Mela. It provides a platform for youth creativity and encourages discussions with experts. The event showcases entrepreneurship, innovation, local cuisines, and organic products from women’s NGO groups in the Himalayan region, culminating at the University of Jammu.

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.

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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 Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on February 29, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore. The scheme aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households and provide free electricity of up to 300 units per month. The scheme also includes: A one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore for five years until 2027-28, a central financial assistance of 60% of the system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of the additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity and a subsidy of Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 for an average monthly electricity consumption of 0-150 units, Rs 60,000 to Rs 78,000 for 150-300 units, and Rs 78,000 for more than 300 unit.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme in New Delhi on March 04, 2024, allocating Rs 750 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26. Operating under the iDEX framework, the scheme supports start-ups with grants up to Rs 25 crore for defence technology research. ADITI aims to develop 30 deep-tech critical technologies, fostering youth innovation and addressing Armed Forces’ needs, with 17 challenges in its inaugural edition.

Notes:
The Bihar government appointed Brajesh Mehrotra, a senior IAS officer, as the new chief secretary. Presently the additional chief secretary of revenue and land reforms, Mehrotra’s distinguished career includes roles in general administration and parliamentary affairs, showcasing his dedication and competence in public service.

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.

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India’s rank in the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index rose to 113 out of 190 countries. The index assesses the legal environment for women’s economic opportunities across eight categories, including mobility, workplace, and entrepreneurship. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 representing equal rights. The report provides objective benchmarks for global progress towards gender equality, highlighting achievements and underscoring the need for further efforts to ensure economic empowerment for all.

Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu introduced the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna,” a groundbreaking initiative empowering women aged 18 to 60. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a ₹1,500 monthly stipend, totaling ₹800 crore annually. Envisioned to aid over five lakh women, the scheme aims to provide crucial financial support, marking a significant step towards women’s empowerment in the state.