Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2021

Notes:
As per the recent study by NASA and German Aerospace Center, some microbes are found on the Earth may survive in the Mars.
The researchers tested a new way to expose the bacteria and fungi to Mars-like conditions by launching them in a scientific balloon up to Earth’s stratosphere. This is significant in the success of future missions to the Mars.

Notes:
According to the provisional data from the Union Commerce Ministry of India, the two-way trade stood at USD 77.7 billion last year.
With this, China regained its position as India’s top trade partner in 2020, with the higher reliance of India on imported machines. The bilateral trade with the United States stood at USD 75.9 billion. The UAE remains the third trade partner.

Notes:
The world’s largest cricket stadium located at Motera in Ahmedabad has been renamed as the Narendra Modi Stadium. It was inaugurated recently, by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind recently.
The stadium is built as a part of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which is spread in 220 acres in the banks of Sabarmati river.

Notes:
Ghana became the first country to receive a batch of free Covid vaccine doses through the COVAX initiative.
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the COVAX initiative together with Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. It aims to share the vaccines to poorer countries.

Notes:
As per the recent statement of the Indian Army chief General M M Naravane, the Indian Army is set to start using a messaging platform called SAI (Secure Application for Internet), for internal communications.
The application, which was developed by Colonel Sai Shankar, is undergoing the process of obtaining cybersecurity clearance and data testing. After getting clearance, the platform will be used from April 1, this year.

Notes:
India and Ireland recently held bilateral consultations on the UN Security Council issues via video conference.
During the session, both the countries congratulated each other on their election to the UNSC and agreed to work closely together during their stint at the UNSC in 2021-2022. Joint Secretary (UNP and Summits) Prakash Gupta led the Indian delegation.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has recently released a report titled Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2020-21.
This theme for this year’s report is “Reviewing the Monetary Policy Framework”. The report critically analyses the trends in inflation and inflation target for March 2021 against the prevailing uncertain economic atmosphere.

Notes:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has recently released a report titled ‘Technology and Innovation Report 2021’.
The UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2021 examines whether modern technologies widen the existing inequalities and create more inequalities. The report shows that with a present USD 350 billion market, the technologies could grow to USD 3.2 trillion by 2025.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh approved a law to give life imprisonment to food adulterators, with the cabinet recently approving a Penal Law (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2021.
In 2019, a massive rally was organised in the state against food adulteration, with the participation of several citizens of all age groups.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has proposed to collaborate with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay for creating a Centre of Excellence in gaming and other related areas.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar stated that the centre is in its advanced stage of preparation and would come into effect in the next session of Parliament during the current year.