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:
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:
The Telangana government mandates the One Time Scheme (OTS) adoption in all urban local bodies, including GHMC, aiming to ease financial burdens on property owners. The initiative seeks to alleviate concerns of mounting arrears interest on property tax payments, providing a strategic solution to ease financial strain across urban municipalities in the state.

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:
Italian archaeologists recently uncovered a 5,000-year-old cemetery from the Copper Age, shedding light on this transitional period between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The Copper Age, spanning 5,000 to 2,000 years ago, witnessed the emergence of metallurgy, particularly copper usage. Chalcolithic farmers engaged in agriculture, long-distance trade, and built distinctive polychrome painted pottery. The period marked the onset of societal complexities, with houses showcasing various architectural patterns. The discovery offers insights into early social structures and technological advancements before the advent of the Bronze Age.

Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu introduced the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna,” a groundbreaking initiative empowering women aged 18 to 60. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a ₹1,500 monthly stipend, totaling ₹800 crore annually. Envisioned to aid over five lakh women, the scheme aims to provide crucial financial support, marking a significant step towards women’s empowerment in the state.

Notes:
Researchers recently identified a new flowering plant species, Begonia Narahari, in Arunachal Pradesh. This Begonia naraharii, discovered in the Lohit district, is distinguished by its vibrant blue iridescence under direct light. Named in honor of Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry, the former CSIR-NEIST director, the species is part of the Begoniaceae family. Due to scarce global population data, it is provisionally classified as Data Deficient according to IUCN guidelines, emphasizing the need for further research and conservation efforts.

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.

Notes:
Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, launched India’s first city-specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP). The plan aims to boost the decarbonization of the building sector by 2050 and contribute to India’s goal of net zero by 2070. The plan includes a roadmap for public buildings, government-led affordable housing, commercial buildings, and homes. It also includes an implementation strategy to achieve net-zero buildings city-wide by 2050.