Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
According to a 2024 analysis by TRAFFIC and WWF-India, Tamil Nadu has topped the illegal trade of shark body parts in India, accounting for nearly 65% of seizures between 2010 and 2022. The study found that 16,000 kilograms of shark fins were seized during this period, which is almost 80% of the total. The confiscated products are headed to Singapore, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sri Lanka, and mainland China.

Notes:
National Vaccination Day, celebrated annually on March 16, signifies collective commitment to public health. Its 2024 theme, “Vaccines Work for All,” emphasizes universal protection against diseases through vaccination. Originating in 1995 with India’s Pulse Polio Vaccination Program, it also commemorates WHO’s polio eradication initiative since 1988. Notably, it marks the 1975 eradication of smallpox. This day underscores the vital role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases globally.

Notes:
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s drug Rezdiffra gained the first US approval to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a potentially deadly liver disease caused by fat buildup. NASH, part of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, can lead to cirrhosis. Symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, weakness, and upper right belly ache. Risk factors include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Treatment involves managing conditions like cholesterol levels, weight, and diabetes.

Notes:
Pandavula Gutta is the only Geo-heritage site in the state of Telangana. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) organized a Geo-heritage walk at Pandavula Gutta in March, 2024 to raise awareness about the region’s geological heritage. Pandavula Gutta is a geological marvel that is older than the Himalayan hills. It is located in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana. The site was first discovered in 1990 and features Paleolithic cave paintings. The paintings are in various colors, including green, red, yellow, and white.

Notes:
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, received the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award in 2024 for his philanthropy work. The award ceremony took place in Mumbai. Tata is recognized for his exceptional contributions that have benefited many communities across the country.

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The Jammu & Kashmir LG administration has sanctioned 10% reservation for newly-included tribes, such as Paharis, in Schedule Tribe (ST), and included 15 new castes in Other Backward Classes (OBCs). LG Manoj Sinha approved the Social Welfare Department’s proposal to amend Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005. This includes adding Pahari Ethnic Group, Paddari Tribe, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins to the Scheduled Tribes Order, increasing ST reservation to 20%.

Notes:
SANY India, a construction equipment manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J&K Bank to provide financial solutions for infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The partnership aims to use the strengths of both organizations to offer comprehensive financial services with competitive rates. The partnership also aims to fuel growth and development opportunities in the region.

Notes:
World Water Day, observed on March 22 since 1993, raises awareness about freshwater conservation. The United Nations General Assembly initiated this observance to emphasize water’s significance in our lives. The 2024 theme, ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, highlights the crucial role of transboundary water cooperation in fostering universal peace and sustainable development.

Notes:
GRID-India, a crucial entity in India’s power sector, achieved Miniratna Category-I CPSE status in March 2024, designated by the Ministry of Power. Responsibilities include ensuring smooth operation of the Indian Electricity System, efficient power transfer within and across regions, and facilitating transnational power exchange. Managing the All India Synchronous Grid, including five RLDCs and NLDC, GRID-India plays a vital role in maintaining one of the world’s largest and complex power systems.

Notes:
India recently hosted the 41st Steering Committee Meeting of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) in New Delhi. Established in 2003, IPHE comprises 23 member countries and the European Commission, including major economies like the US, Japan, and China. It aims to expedite the transition to clean energy and mobility systems through hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. IPHE fosters international collaboration in research, development, and commercial utilization activities.