Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foreign delegates from over 30 nations observed ‘Bharat Shakti,’ the largest military exercise in India’s history, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The tri-service drill featured the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Indian Army as the host. Key commanders from each force attended, showcasing India’s military prowess on a global stage.

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:
ISRO’s Project SOORYA is the name of its Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) project, which aims to build the country’s own space station and send Indians to the moon. The project is led by S. Sivakumar, with the initial phase being his responsibility. The first launch of the NGLV, codenamed SOORYA, is expected by 2034-35, and will require a third launch pad at Sriharikota. The project demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to technological innovation and solidifying India’s position as a global space power.

Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative to foster self-reliance and sustainable growth. Under the Aspirational Blocks Programme, it promotes local products from 500 blocks through the Aakanksha brand. Aakanksha serves as an umbrella brand, facilitating international market access. The initiative includes a dedicated window on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for these products. Partners offer support for e-commerce, linkages, literacy, certification, and skill enhancement to promote local entrepreneurship.

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the first Oil Palm Processing Mill under Mission Palm Oil in Arunachal Pradesh. Launched in 2021, the National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to boost oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production. With a Rs. 11,040 crore outlay, the scheme targets a significant increase in oil palm area and productivity by 2025-26, focusing on the North East and Andaman-Nicobar Islands. Various stakeholders will implement NMEO-OP.

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:
India and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on law and dispute resolution. The MoU focuses on exchanging best practices in law and dispute resolution. The collaboration is expected to lead to the adoption of more effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

Notes:
According to the 2024 DHL Global Connectedness Report, India ranks 62nd out of 171 countries on the DHL Connectedness Index. This is a 5-position improvement from the previous year, when India ranked 67th. The report ranks countries based on their connectedness to the world through the flow of trade, capital, information, and people. The report also says that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and that it will play an increasingly central role in the development of globalization over the coming decades.

Notes:
The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme on the JanSamarth Portal in March 2024. This integration is a significant step towards providing credit to fishers and fish farmers across the country. It also provides a digital platform for stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Introduced in 2018-19 by the GoI, the Kisan Credit Cards facility supports fisheries and animal husbandry farmers. Administered by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, benefits include interest subvention and prompt repayment incentives.