Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has introduced “Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)” to back young entrepreneurs. The initiative offers interest-free loans, up to Rs 5 lakh, supporting digital transactions and providing grants to encourage the adoption of digital payment methods. The government aims to nurture one lakh young entrepreneurs annually through this program, fostering economic growth and innovation in the state.

Notes:
India’s rank in the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index rose to 113 out of 190 countries. The index assesses the legal environment for women’s economic opportunities across eight categories, including mobility, workplace, and entrepreneurship. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 representing equal rights. The report provides objective benchmarks for global progress towards gender equality, highlighting achievements and underscoring the need for further efforts to ensure economic empowerment for all.

Notes:
Cycas circinalis, locally known as Eenthu Pana, a palm like tree, faces imminent extinction in northern Kerala due to an unidentified, rapidly spreading plant disease. Belonging to the endangered cycad family, these ancient plants originated 300 million years ago. Growing up to 25 ft., Eenthu Pana thrives in hilly woodlands and holds cultural significance. Similar to the areca nut, it requires thorough drying before preparation, a challenge during the rainy season. Endemic to the Western Ghats, it serves as a nutraceutical plant for indigenous communities.

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 17th Annual International Biocuration Conference (AIBC-2024) is set to take place at the National Capital Region (NCR) Biotech Science Cluster in Faridabad, India. The venue, comprising the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), offers a comprehensive platform for scientific discussions and collaboration during the conference.

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Riken Yamamoto, a Japanese architect and social advocate, has been named the winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize. The Pritzker Prize is considered the highest international honor in the field of architecture and is sometimes called the “Architecture Nobel”.

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In March 2024, Bengaluru received the first set of six driverless train coaches as part of its Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system. The coaches are part of the 18.8 km-long Yellow Line, which is under construction and connects RV Road and Bommasandra. The CBTC system is a radio-based communication system that provides timely and accurate train control information.

Notes:
INS Tir, the flagship of the First Training Squadron, recently joined Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 in Seychelles. Held from Feb 26 to Mar 08, 2024, the exercise aims to counter malign activities in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean. Sponsored by U.S. AFRICOM and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, it enhances maritime security, cooperation, and interoperability among participating nations. The Indian Navy, part of the exercise since 2019, actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries in Maritime Interdiction Operations, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, and Diving operations.

Notes:
Union Minister Narayan Rane inaugurated the MSME-Technology Centre in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, laying the foundation for its estimated Rs 182 Crore project. The event included the launch of Sindhudurg Audyogik Mahotsav and Self Employment Conclave. The Government of India plans to establish 20 new Technology Centres and 100 Extension Centres nationwide, enhancing technology access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Sindhudurg center will prioritize General Engineering and Food Processing, fostering growth opportunities in the region.

Notes:
Union Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated the 3-day National Dairy Mela in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, organized by the National Dairy Research Institute. The first-of-its-kind event in Jharkhand aims to enhance livestock and agriculture development in tribal areas, attracting over 6,000 participants, including cattle rearers, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and government officials.