Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Education conducted the “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” from Feb 28 to Mar 6, 2024, aiming to engage and encourage youth in the electoral process. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar issued a call to inspire and mobilize first-time voters, urging all to support the campaign. The nationwide initiative, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India, seeks to raise electoral awareness among the youth, fostering universal enlightened participation in elections.

Notes:
February 29 marks Rare Disease Day, highlighting awareness and support for those with rare medical conditions. The 2024 theme, “Share Your Colours,” emphasizes collaboration for individuals facing rare diseases. Defined by WHO, rare diseases are debilitating, lifelong disorders with a prevalence of 10 or fewer cases per 10,000 people. This day aims to shed light on these infrequent conditions, promoting understanding and assistance for affected individuals globally.

Notes:
Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a 1990 batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG), a crucial role in India’s security. Currently the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), he takes on the added responsibility of leading the NSG, known as the “black cats.” This move signifies a significant development in India’s security apparatus, enhancing Chaudhary’s role in shaping and overseeing critical aspects of national defense.

Notes:
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate change. Comprising 39 States and 18 Associate Members, SIDS, located in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIS regions, exhibit unique vulnerabilities. Recognized as a special case in 1992, they suffer from low economic diversification, dependence on tourism, and high debt stress. The UN has established action programs like the Barbados Programme of Action and SAMOA Pathway to address SIDS’ challenges.

Notes:
The Indian Navy will commission the MH 60R Seahawk, a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, on March 6, 2024, at INS Garuda, Kochi. The deal with the US government was signed in February 2020. The Seahawk will enhance the Navy’s maritime power with roles like anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment. It underwent rigorous testing in Indian conditions and boasts advanced weapons and avionics, catering to conventional and asymmetric threats.

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:
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has revealed the Indiramma Housing Scheme, set to commence on March 11. The initiative targets economic empowerment by offering housing solutions to underprivileged segments. In the initial phase, 3,500 houses per Assembly constituency will be approved, benefiting numerous recipients. Landowners will receive Rs. 5 lakh to build on their plots, while the homeless will get the same amount along with a plot for house construction, amplifying support for the economically disadvantaged.

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:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Asian River Rafting Championship near Basantpur on Sutlej River near the Ridge Shimla. The event hosts 20 teams from nations including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Iraq, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting adventure tourism, the Chief Minister highlighted a recent river rafting marathon in Nadaun, Hamirpur district, as part of this initiative.

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.