Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren introduced the State Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme, offering Rs 2 lakh to widows upon remarriage. Aimed at empowering widows, the initiative encourages remarriage within a year. Applicants need a marriage registration certificate, and upon approval, receive the financial support to facilitate their integration into society. Notably, the Jharkhand government allocated a budget of Rs 1.28 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Notes:
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated 201 CNG stations in 17 states and India’s first Small Scale LNG Unit at GAIL’s Vijaipur LPG plant. The event, conducted via video conferencing in New Delhi, included Minister of State Rameshwar Teli. Puri emphasized India’s commitment to cleaner fuels, marking progress towards a 15% natural gas share in the primary energy basket by 2030. The development aligns with the government’s vision for a gas-based economy, including a National Gas Grid and widespread City Gas Distribution network.

Notes:
Narasapur crochet lace craft, chain-stitch embroidery using a hook, has secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Originating in Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh, and the craft was introduced in 1844 by Scottish missionaries. Resilient through historical adversities like the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929), it covers 19 mandals in West Godavari and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema districts. The GI tag ensures the craft’s unique identity and geographical authenticity.

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.

Notes:
Riyawan village’s garlic in Jaora, Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its bold flavors and high oil content. Each bulb contains five to six cloves known for their pungent taste and medicinal properties. The recognition highlights the unique qualities of Riyawan garlic, distinguishing it from other varieties.

Notes:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore to conduct joint research on blockchain and AI technology. The collaboration aims to find new solutions to complex technological and engineering problems.

Notes:
Majuli manuscript painting, a traditional art form dating back to the 16th century in Assam, recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The paintings are created on sanchi pat, manuscripts made from the bark of the sanchi or agar tree, using homemade ink. Srimanta Sankardev’s illustrated rendering of the Adya Dasama from the Bhagwat Purana is considered the earliest example. Originally patronized by Ahom kings, this art form persists in every sattra in Majuli.

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:
Entomologists from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment discovered Taeniogonalos deepaki, a new wasp species in Karnataka’s Western Ghat region. Found in Belgaum, it’s named after Dr. Deepak Deshpande. Taeniogonalos belongs to the Trigonalyidae family, known for hyperparasitoids. The genus spans various global regions, with previous Indian and Chinese species. Researchers also detailed the first male of Taeniogonalos eurysoma, expanding knowledge on these wasps, primarily found in South India.

Notes:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs plans to partner with ISRO to deploy V-SAT stations for a pilot project in 80 tribal villages across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The collaboration aims to provide essential services like Internet, medical, and educational connectivity. ISRO Chief S. Somnath confirmed the collaboration and announced the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the initiative at a ministry event focusing on innovative projects for tribal development.