Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Kishor Makwana assumed the position of Chairman of the National Scheduled Castes Commission (NCSC), appointed by the President of India. Luv Kush Kumar also joined as a member on the same day. The NCSC, a constitutional body, works to prevent the exploitation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and promotes their social, educational, economic, and cultural interests in India.

Notes:
US envoy Amos Hochstein underscores the need for diplomatic resolution to quell rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along the Blue Line, UN-demarcated boundary separating Lebanon and Israel. Established in 2000 after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the Blue Line aims to prevent conflicts and facilitate security arrangements in the region.

Notes:
Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo announces significant funds transfer under the Krishak Unnati Yojana in Balod to support farmers. The scheme, fulfilling PM Modi’s promise, offers Rs 3100 per quintal for paddy procurement. Over 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured from 24 lakh farmers during the Kharif season, benefiting from the MSP and additional Rs 917 per quintal under the scheme.

Notes:
Annually on March 14th, the International Day of Action for Rivers is observed, with the 2024 theme “Water for All” highlighting universal access to clean water. Originating from the 1997 First International Meeting of People Impacted by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil, experts from 20 nations declared March 14th as the “Day of Action for Rivers.” Its aim is to combat the degradation of ecologically sensitive water bodies, rivers, and watersheds.

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:
Indian Navy launched ships ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ to bolster anti-submarine capabilities. The Ministry of Defence contracted Kolkata-based PSU GRSE for eight ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC). GRSE built these ships, launched nearly five years post-contract signing. Named after former Abhay class corvettes, Neeta Chaudhary named them INS Agray and INS Akshay. These are the fifth and sixth in the series. India’s shipbuilding prowess enhances maritime security with modern capabilities.

Notes:
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated India’s first indoor athletics and aquatic centres at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar, and laid the foundation stone for an indoor diving center. Costing Rs 120 crore, the stadium accommodates 120 athletes with coaching facilities, medical care, and a pantry. It features a 10,000 sq. meter track by Mondo SpA and hosts national and international events. It’s a training hub for the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre, aimed at developing athletics nationwide.

Notes:
India ascended to 134th place in the 2023/24 Global Human Development Index (HDI) by UNDP. Initiated in 1990, HDI assesses health, education, and standard of living. It highlights people’s well-being over mere economic metrics. Scores range from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating higher human development. Categories include Very High, High, Medium, and Low human development, emphasizing holistic progress beyond economic growth.

Notes:
Researchers from IIT Jodhpur, Kanpur, and Palakkad devised a hybrid unmanned vehicle for air and underwater operation, inspired by Anhingas. Utilizing 3D printing, waterproofing, and RC transmission, they crafted a prototype tested for aerial, water surface, and underwater maneuvering. Presented at AIR ’23, their work aims to enhance efficiency for tasks like oil spill mapping and lifeguard rescues. With six maneuvers for smooth transitions, this research advances hybrid vehicle capabilities significantly.

Notes:
IIT Delhi and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) join forces in applied research, reflecting IAI’s corporate social responsibility in India. The collaboration aims to foster innovation and technological advancement through joint projects, training, and research consultancy. Both entities strive to shape India’s technological landscape, aligning with IIT Delhi’s dedication to pioneering research.