Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2021

Notes:
India and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed a USD 304 million loan agreement for the Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project.
The project aims to construct transmission substations and lay required transmission lines. It will also upgrade 15 substations, transmission lines and ground wire to optical power ground wire. The remaining project cost USD 61 million would be financed by the state.

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:
The Indian government, Government of Nagaland and the World Bank signed a USD 68 million project to enhance the governance of schools across Nagaland.
It also aims to improve teaching practices and environments in some select schools. The project titled “Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources Project” also provides technology support to hybrid and online learning.

Notes:
Indian Government think tank NITI Aayog has prepared a draft national migrant labour policy, along with a working group of officials and other members.
The draft highlights two approaches in designing the policy: one focussed on cash transfers, special reservations; two focussed on enhancing the capability of the community.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the “National Urban Digital Mission”. The aim of the mission is to create a shared digital infrastructure for cities.
The mission would create a citizen centric approach to urban governance and service delivery in cities by 2022, and across all towns by 2024.

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:
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to impose President’s Rule in Puducherry. Earlier, the Congress-led Government in the Union territory lost power during a vote of confidence.
The Cabinet took the decision as no party came forward to stake claim to form the government in the UT, following the resignation of the Chief minister V Narayanasamy. After the Lieutenant Governor had recommended President’s Rule, the Cabinet has approved the same.

Notes:
The insurance regulator IRDAI has proposed a standard personal accident cover, named Saral Suraksha Bima.
All general and standalone health insurers have to mandatorily offer the policy from April 1 this year. The product will have a maximum sum assured of Rs 1 crore and minimum of Rs 2.5 lakh. The sum insured will also increase by 5 per cent each year for each claim-free policy 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 Task force on Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) has agreed and approved the preparation of final detailed project report (DPR) on the proposed Mahanadi-Gadavari link.
The group also directed to ensure the utilisation of the allocated Godavari waters by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, via the link canal of the project. The Chairman of the task force is Sriram Vedire, Advisor to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.