Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

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:
30 banks are part of the RBI’s UDGAM portal for unclaimed deposits. The remaining banks are also in the process of joining. The UDGAM portal, which stands for Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access Information, is an online portal developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The portal allows individuals to search for their unclaimed deposits and accounts.

Notes:
The US Coast Guard Bertholf ship arrived in Port Blair for the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard. Set off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the two-day event focuses on maritime piracy, simulated drone attacks, search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug exercises. Emphasizing international cooperation, the exercise underscores the partnership between the Indian and US Coast Guards, showcasing readiness for emergencies like medical evacuations.

Notes:
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:
India was honored with the prestigious ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ award on March 6, 2024, for its outstanding efforts in combatting these diseases. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington DC. The recognition from ‘The Measles and Rubella Partnership’ highlights India’s steadfast commitment to public health and controlling the spread of infectious diseases among children.

Notes:
China has officially revealed new territorial claims in the northern Gulf of Tonkin, a shared area with Vietnam. The crescent-shaped Gulf, located in the South China Sea, borders Vietnam’s northwestern coast, China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island. Known as “Beibu Gulf” in Chinese and “Bac Bo Gulf” in Vietnamese, it connects with the South China Sea and Hainan Strait. Notably, the Gulf of Tonkin gained historical significance due to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident during the Vietnam War.

Notes:
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) inked the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). EFTA, founded in 1960, promotes trade and integration for its four member states. TEPA with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein marks India’s first FTA with a major European economic bloc. The historic pact commits to a $100 billion investment and 1 million jobs in 15 years, boosting Make in India and providing Indian exporters access to expansive European and global markets.

Notes:
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting introduced Prasar Bharti – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) along with revamped websites for DD News and Akashvani News, alongside an updated News on Air mobile app. PB-SHABD, a news sharing service by Prasar Bharati, offers daily news feeds in video, audio, text, photo, and more formats across fifty categories. The service, free for the first year, aims to provide news stories in major Indian languages, enhancing access to diverse media content.

Notes:
The Government of India secured a USD 181 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to enhance urban livability and mobility in Ahmedabad’s peri-urban areas. The project aims to benefit the urban poor, women, and migrant workers through improved infrastructure and services. Key components include water distribution networks, stormwater drainage, sewerage systems, sewage treatment plants, and junction improvements. ADB’s support will strengthen urban planning, climate resilience, and capacity building while promoting environmental safeguards and gender equality.

Notes:
In March 2024, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched Operation “Rising Sun” to bust a major gold smuggling syndicate. The operation took place across four states on March 12 and 13, 2024 and resulted in the seizure of 61.08 kilograms of gold, valued at around Rs 40 crore, along with 19 vehicles, cash, and other electronic items. The gold was recovered from Guwahati, Barpeta, Darbhanga, Gorakhpur, and Araria.