Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The spaceport’s unique advantage is launching directly south over the Indian Ocean, saving fuel for small rocket launches compared to the existing site. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, boosting India’s space capabilities.

Notes:
The BioTRIG, a revolutionary waste management technology, employs pyrolysis to combat indoor air pollution, enhance soil health, and generate clean power in rural India. Functioning at the community level, it utilizes locally generated waste, producing bio-oil, syngas, and biochar fertilizer. These products not only contribute to healthier living but also ensure sustainability by powering subsequent cycles and supplying surplus electricity to local homes and businesses. The clean-burning bio-oil serves as a green alternative for household cooking, while biochar aids in carbon storage and soil fertility improvement.

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock at Jantar Mantar, Ujjain. A world-first ‘Vedic Clock,’ it displays time using the traditional Indian Panchang. Positioned on an 85-foot tower, it also provides planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, IST, and GMT. Developed by Lucknow-based Sanstha Arohan, it connects to the internet via a mobile app. Ujjain, with its rich timekeeping heritage, is an ideal location due to its historical role in determining India’s time zones and its location at the interaction point of the zero meridian and Tropic of Cancer.

Notes:
Union Minister of Women & Child Development Smriti Irani revealed the logo and website for the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality in a ceremony attended by Bill Gates and Chandrajit Banerjee. Emphasizing India’s leadership in women’s empowerment, Irani highlighted international support garnered at Davos. Launched at Davos 2024, the alliance aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision for women-led development. Focused on SDGs, it seeks to consolidate practices, exchange knowledge, and attract investments in women’s health, education, and entrepreneurship.

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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:
Cuttack’s renowned Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. The Odisha State Co-operative Handicrafts Corporation Limited submitted the application, supported by the Department of Textile and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha. Filigree, linked to exquisite craftsmanship in classical jewelry, dates back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Historical evidence suggests its introduction to Cuttack from Persia through Indonesia around 500 years ago via sea trade.

Notes:
Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Founder and CMD of StemRx, received the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 for groundbreaking contributions to regenerative medicine. His unique approach and commitment have advanced scientific understanding and provided innovative therapies globally. Dr. Mahajan’s work at StemRx Hospital and Research Centre, and StemRx Bioscience Solutions, has not only transformed patient treatments but has also established him as a beacon in regenerative medicine, earning him the prestigious recognition for his impactful and pioneering efforts.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has introduced “Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)” to back young entrepreneurs. The initiative offers interest-free loans, up to Rs 5 lakh, supporting digital transactions and providing grants to encourage the adoption of digital payment methods. The government aims to nurture one lakh young entrepreneurs annually through this program, fostering economic growth and innovation in the state.

Notes:
Tripura’s traditional tribal attire, ‘risa,’ has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This handwoven cloth serves as a female upper garment, headgear, stole, and a gesture of respect. Adorning vibrant designs, it holds social and religious significance, notably in Garia Puja and weddings. Young girls receive their first risa at the Risa Sormani ceremony. Used creatively, it doubles as a makeshift hanger and an honorific gift. This cultural symbol is integral to the attire of Tripura’s 19 indigenous tribal communities.

Notes:
Cycas circinalis, locally known as Eenthu Pana, a palm like tree, faces imminent extinction in northern Kerala due to an unidentified, rapidly spreading plant disease. Belonging to the endangered cycad family, these ancient plants originated 300 million years ago. Growing up to 25 ft., Eenthu Pana thrives in hilly woodlands and holds cultural significance. Similar to the areca nut, it requires thorough drying before preparation, a challenge during the rainy season. Endemic to the Western Ghats, it serves as a nutraceutical plant for indigenous communities.