Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
In February 2024, the 60-member Mizoram Assembly adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with the neighboring country. The FMR allows people living on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa.

Notes:
150 railway stations and 6 metro stations have earned the coveted “Eat Right Station” certification, a part of the Eat Right India movement by FSSAI. Led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the initiative mandates stringent food safety, hygiene, and nutrition standards for all vendors at certified stations.

Notes:
The premature blooming of the Jacaranda tree in Mexico City raised concerns among residents and scientists. Also called Jacaranda acutifolia, it’s a deciduous tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and North West Argentina. Thriving in tropical climates, well-drained soil, and sunlight, these hardy trees are cultivated worldwide for their vibrant blue or violet flowers. In Brazil, the wood is used for guitars, and its bark and root offer medicinal benefits. Early blooming poses ecological concerns, affecting hummingbirds and bees.

Notes:
The Nagaland government introduced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme, aiming to alleviate financial hardships resulting from untimely deaths. This initiative guarantees financial security by offering coverage for both breadwinners and their family members. The scheme works in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, providing comprehensive protection and support.

Notes:
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a recent successful test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile. Developed by Russia, the Yars is a thermonuclear armed ICBM with a reported range of 12,000 km and the capability to hit targets over 11,000 km away. It can carry multiple independently targetable warheads and is designed to deploy multiple re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) for independent targeting, enhancing its strategic capabilities.

Notes:
On March 3, 2024, the WWF EIACP PC-RP, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, marked World Wildlife Day at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Recognizing its rich biodiversity and Mission LiFE focus, the celebration aimed to acknowledge wildlife’s vital roles. It is situated at NOIDA’s entrance in Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary spans 4 sq km, making it one of the state’s 15 bird sanctuaries and one of India’s 466 Important Bird Areas.

Notes:
IIT Madras is hosting the All India Research Scholars’ Summit (AIRSS) 2024 from March 4th to 7th. Organized by the Research Affairs Council, the event brings together minds from diverse disciplines across India to showcase and explore the latest research advancements. With a focus on fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the summit aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s vision, promoting self-reliance through innovation.

Notes:
The Defence Minister is set to inaugurate two piers and seven towers, providing 320 homes for Navy officers and Defence civilians at Naval Base Karwar, Karnataka, under Project Seabird—the largest naval infrastructure project in India. Conceived in the early 1980s and sanctioned in 1985, the project spans 11,000 acres, featuring a deep-sea harbour, breakwaters, a township, a naval hospital, and more. Once completed, it will be the largest naval base in the Eastern Hemisphere, accommodating warships, submarines, and aircraft.

Notes:
Researchers from IIT Mandi and Palakkad created a drowning detection robot, addressing challenges in underwater investigation and exploration. The robot, designed for sea, reservoirs, and dams, aims to replace risky human involvement. Led by Jagdeesh Kadiyam, an AI and Robotics Center assistant professor, the team developed a prototype, emphasizing safety and efficiency in marine operations. The innovation targets increased precision and reduced risks for costly search missions, enhancing exploration capabilities in challenging environments.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the UDGAM portal, facilitating users to search unclaimed deposits in 30 banks, covering 90% of Depositor Education and Awareness Fund deposits. UDGAM, meaning Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access inforMation, allows centralized searches for both individual and non-individual categories. Users provide specific details like account holder’s name, bank name, and relevant identification for the search. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and awareness regarding unclaimed deposits in the RBI’s DEA Fund.