Current Affairs Quiz - March, 2024

Notes:
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honored Indian astrophysicist Professor Jayant Murthy by naming asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy after him. Discovered in 2005 by MW Buie at Kitt Peak National Observatory, the asteroid orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years. The renaming signifies Murthy’s significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, highlighting his global impact on celestial studies.

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The Supreme Court has formed an expert committee to preserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, emphasizing the need for sustainable development in line with renewable energy commitments. The bustard, native to India, symbolizes grassland health and faces alarming decline with only 150 individuals remaining, including those in captivity. Classified as Critically Endangered, it holds significant conservation status under international agreements and is the state bird of Rajasthan.

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ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module 3 (POEM 3) Mission aims to tackle orbital debris with PSLV’s PS4 stage, designated as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module. This marks ISRO’s third deployment of PS4 for orbital experiments, dubbed POEM-3. The module will conduct in-orbit scientific experiments for 4-6 months, powered by solar panels and a Lithium-ion battery. Equipped with 10 payloads, it aims to explore microgravity conditions and advance space research.

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Scientists at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University discovered a new disease, “Witches’ Broom,” affecting pea crops, caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI). The American Phytopathological Society published their report in ‘Plant Disease,’ marking the first research on the disease. Dr. B. R Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor, noted the significance of early detection for planned breeding programs. The university’s scientists are credited as the first to identify this global concern.

Notes:
At 44, Bassirou Diomaye Faye secures victory as Senegal’s youngest president-elect, defeating rival Amadou Ba, who conceded after the first-round vote. Faye, mentored by Ousmane Sonko, vows to transform Senegal’s political scene, focusing on democratic reforms, reducing executive authority, and fighting corruption. His agenda includes renegotiating international deals and possibly introducing a new currency. Faye’s win marks a significant shift in Senegalese politics, signaling a new era of change and promise.

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In March 2024, Pankaj Advani, an Indian billiards player, was inducted into the World Billiards Museum’s Hall of Fame in Shangrao, China. Advani was inducted after winning the 26th IBSF title in China. The museum covers 13,500 square meters and offers an overview of snooker’s history, equipment, events, cultural traditions, and people. The museum promotes international sports excellence and cultural preservation.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, dubbed “Butterfly Cicadas.” Cicadas, belonging to the Cicadidae family, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes, and ocelli. They measure 2 to 5 cm and males produce loud noises via vibrating membranes. Females typically lay eggs in woody plants. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, predominantly in tropical regions like deserts, grasslands, and forests.

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Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has operationalized 1,000 MW of solar energy at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Covering 726 square kilometers, it’s the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park, featuring windmills and solar panels. Fully operational by December 2026, it’s set to be visible from space. Expected to generate 30 GW of clean energy, it could power 16.1 million homes annually, avoiding 58mn tonnes of CO2 emissions, at a cost of $2.26 billion.

Notes:
India disbursed the second installment of ₹500 crore to Bhutan for infrastructure development under the GyalSung Project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bhutan, concluded on March 23, and emphasized India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development. Modi pledged ₹10,000 crore over five years to Bhutan. This reaffirms India’s support for its Himalayan neighbor’s growth, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

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China launched the Yunhai-3 02 satellite for environmental monitoring from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The satellite, now in its designated orbit, will focus on atmospheric and marine environment detection, space environment monitoring, disaster prevention, and scientific research.