Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the World Bank Group organized the National Workshop on Logistics Efficiency Enhancement in New Delhi. The workshop brought together the logistics sector community to brainstorm. The DPIIT is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

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:
Keyi Panyor, Arunachal Pradesh’s 26th district, emerged from Lower Subansiri, fulfilling a longstanding demand of the Nyishi community. Ter Gapin-Sam Sarth is appointed as its headquarters. Chief Minister Pema Khandu lauded the district’s creation, foreseeing a developmental epoch. Acknowledging its agricultural and horticultural potential, Khandu pledged government support.

Notes:
The three-day National Horticulture Fair in Bengaluru, hosted by IIHR, focuses on ‘Nextgen technology-led horticulture for sustainable development.’ Emphasizing water conservation, it showcases innovative technologies like smart irrigation, vertical farming, and digital horticulture. The event aims to boost farmers’ income and ensure high-quality horticultural goods. Notably, 25 farmers, 5 from North Eastern States, 4 entrepreneurs, 5 Food Processing Organizations, and 5 Krishi Vigyan Kendra staff members were honored for their contributions during the fair.

Notes:
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event on March 8th, acknowledging women’s accomplishments in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. In 2024, the United Nations’ theme is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ emphasizing the need for gender equality. IWD serves as a worldwide celebration of women’s achievements and a powerful call to action for advancing women’s rights and opportunities.

Notes:
The Karnataka state government has partnered with the World Economic Forum to establish a state-of-the-art AI center, formalized through a Letter of Intent signed on February 29. This strategic alliance aims to position Karnataka as a global hub for artificial intelligence, marking a crucial move towards integrating the state into the global digital and technological landscape.

Notes:
Rajasthan State governments recently alarmed community dwellers by designating ‘orans’ as deemed forests, sparking fears of restricted access to forest resources. Orans, sacred spaces abundant in biodiversity with water bodies, are community-managed forests sustaining traditional water resources. These areas serve as vital spaces for herders, communal gatherings, festivals, and daily resource extraction, impacting the livelihoods of rural communities. The notification has raised concerns about the potential loss of access to essential forest produce for villagers.

Notes:
Maldives recently inked a defense pact with China, securing non-lethal weapons and training. Noteworthy collaborations include the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and social housing projects. The nation has previously engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative. These agreements signify strengthened ties and mutual developmental efforts between Maldives and China.

Notes:
In March 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir police launched Operation Kamdhenu to curb cattle smuggling. The operation’s goal is to catch the masterminds of cattle smuggling and to scrutinize their activities. The operation includes a meticulous approach, such as documenting details like the engine and chassis numbers, mobile numbers, and Aadhar card details of vehicles involved in smuggling.

Notes:
A school in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, introduced Iris, India’s first generative AI teacher, as part of the Atal Tinkering Lab project by NITI Aayog. Launched by the Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust, Iris operates at KTCT Higher Secondary School, pushing educational boundaries and promoting innovation. The Atal Tinkering Lab initiative, announced in January 2021, encourages experiential learning and extracurricular activities, marking a significant step in integrating AI technology into Indian education.