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 Horticulture Department of Karnataka has collaborated with International Flower Auction Bangalore, to set up a flower processing centre.
This centre is aimed to convert unsold flowers into value added and useful products like floral papers, incense sticks, flower petal powder, floral embedded works etc.

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.

Notes:
The World Employment and Social Outlook 2021 is released by the International Labour Organisation.
This report is one of ILO’s flagship publications that gives details on transformation of way work is organised. It also depicts the experience of workers and businesses on online web-based and location-based platforms.

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:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa has recently launched the ‘Namma Cargo’ service in the state.
Under this initiative, the state road transport corporation buses would carry cargo parcels to generate additional revenue to the state. This is being implemented in 109 bus stations in Karnataka and select locations of neighbouring states.

Notes:
The ISSF World Cup was scheduled to be held in Changwon, South Korea, from April 16 to 27. It was recently announced that the tournament has been postponed due to restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the Indian team withdrew from the tournament because of South Korea’s mandatory two-week quarantine rules, which would come in the way of the shooters’ training.

Notes:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended the re-appointment of Pramod Chandra Mody as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
PC Mody, a 1982-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, was appointed as the CBDT Chairman in February 2019. His tenure was extended in August last year for six months.