Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Article 371A of the Indian Constitution is a major obstacle to regulating coal mining in Nagaland. This provision protects Naga tribes’ customs, traditions, and religious practices from external interference. It also allows the continuation of indigenous legal systems and traditional methods of justice. Article 371A has made it difficult for the government to oversee small-scale mining, especially after recent fatalities in a rat-hole mine explosion. Rat-hole mining is a hazardous way of extracting coal by creating small tunnels just large enough for a person to crawl through.

Notes:
France has made history by becoming the first nation to embed the right to abortion in its constitution. In a landmark joint parliamentary session, a resounding majority of 780 votes supported the constitutional amendment, while only 72 opposed it. This historic decision adds explicit language to Article 34 of the French Constitution, guaranteeing women’s freedom to choose abortion within the legal framework, marking a significant milestone in reproductive rights.

Notes:
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative in New Delhi, aiming to make the agriculture sector the cornerstone of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The digital gateway, developed by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), streamlines farmers’ warehousing logistics through technology, ensuring fair prices for produce. Goyal also announced a reduction in security deposit charges at WDRA warehouses, from three percent to one percent, encouraging more farmers, particularly small-scale ones, to utilize the facilities and boost their income.

Notes:
“International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day, observed annually on March 5, was established by the UNGA in 2021. The day aims to enhance global understanding of disarmament issues, especially among youth. Its objectives include raising awareness about weapons of mass destruction, promoting education on disarmament, and encouraging actions to reduce threats and foster peace and security.” The theme for International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day 2024 is “The Way Forward”.

Notes:
Tiger Woods was selected for the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The award recognizes Woods’ commitment to sportsmanship and respect for golf’s traditions. Woods is a 15-time major champion who has won 82 PGA Tour events. He is known for his perseverance and mental power.

Notes:
The first Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 was held at Veterinary College Field in Guwahati, Assam, India, from March 5–7, 2024. The expo is organized by the Assam’s Inspectorate of Boilers (CIB) and supported by the Assam government’s Labour Welfare Department. The expo aims to improve the efficiency and growth of various sectors that use steam boilers.

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:
Bichom, the 27th district of Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The state assembly passed the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Organisation of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in February, leading to the creation of Bichom and Keyi Panyor districts. Bichom, carved out of West and East Kameng, includes 27 villages from West Kameng and 28 from East Kameng, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Notes:
Celebrated annually on March 10, CISF Raising Day commemorates the inception of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969 under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Formed by an Act of Parliament, CISF, initially comprising a few battalions, has evolved into a formidable, multi-skilled security force with specialized training, emphasizing growth and strength since its establishment.

Notes:
On International Women’s Day, the Indian Army unveiled plans for 2 Army Girls Sports Companies (AGSC), aligning with the national agenda for women empowerment. The Army designated two Centers of Excellence, the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, and the Army Sports Institute in Pune, to operate these companies. Starting from April 1, AGSC aims to educate and train girls nationwide in sports, enabling direct entry into the army upon graduation, fostering talent and contributing to military institutions’ recruitment goals.