General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

PREFACE
Welcome to the March 2024 edition of General Current Affairs Magazine by AffairsTap and created by
Brajesh Mohan (Mentor for Banking and Regulatory Exams, with 6+ Years of Experience in teaching and
Guiding Students). This magazine is your definitive guide to the latest current affairs shaping the world
around us. In this magazine, we delve into the most significant events, developments, and trends from
across the nation and world, meticulously curated to aid you in your preparation for banking exams such as
IBPS PO, SBI PO, RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade A, and insurance exams.

Bank exams, such as the IBPS, SBI and RBI exams have a section dedicated to Current Affairs which covers
Current Events and Developments that have occurred recently. As aspirants in the dynamic and competitive
field of banking and finance, staying updated with current affairs is paramount. Each passing day brings
forth new challenges, opportunities, and complexities that directly influence the financial landscape.
Whether it’s changes in economic policies, geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, or regulatory
reforms, being well-informed is crucial to excel in these examinations and thrive in your professional
journey.

In this magazine, we have meticulously compiled a comprehensive overview of the most relevant current
affairs topics, meticulously researched and presented in a concise and reader-friendly manner. Our aim with
AffairsTap is not only to provide you with the necessary information but also to stimulate critical thinking
and analytical skills. Each article of importance has explained in such a way to provide clear understanding,
encourage deeper exploration, and enhance your comprehension of complex issues. We believe that a well-
rounded understanding of current affairs is not only beneficial for exams but also indispensable for your
professional career.

As you embark on this journey of learning and preparation, we encourage you to engage actively with the
content and seek clarity whenever needed. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous process,
and every insight gained brings you one step closer to your goals.

We extend our best wishes to all the aspirants preparing for banking exams and hope that AffairsTap serves
as a valuable companion in your journey towards success.

Happy reading and best of luck!

Warm Regards.

Thank You, Brajesh Mohan

(B. Tech (ECE), MA (Economics), [Link]. (Education)
Founder & Lead Educator – EduGrade Learning
Ex-Educator, Unacademy Plus

**********

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Index
Table of Content Page No

Banking, Business and Economy Current Affairs 4-26

o PSBs in News
o Private Banks in News
o Payment Bank, SFBs and FinTech in News
o Business in News
o Economy in News
o Insurance in News
First in India and World 27-28

National Current Affairs 29-45

Science and Technology 46-50

Defense Current Affairs 51-55

International Current Affairs 56-58

Ranking and Reports in News 58-63

State - Wise Current Affairs 64-69

Appointments & Obituaries in News 70-73

Awards in News 74-76

Books and Authors ______

Sports Current Affairs 76-78

Important Days and Theme 79-81

Static in News 82-83

Copyright:
© The Study Materials and its content shared part of this course are the copyright of Brajesh Mohan,
EduGrade Learning.

© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning,
or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957 of India, without prior
written permission of Brajesh Mohan, EduGrade Learning.

No notes could be perfect or completely error free, although tried best to keep it
error free but if you find error or have feel something has been missed then Feel
free to Contact me through Email or Telegram.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Banking, Business, Economy & Insurance

Current Affairs
RBI UDGAM Portal for Unclaimed Deposits

• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India launched the UDGAM Portal for unclaimed deposits in India.
• UDGAM refers to the ‘Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access Information’.
• Purpose: It facilitates the registered users
• To search unclaimed deposits/accounts across multiple banks at one place in a centralized manner.
o To provide information on the claim/settlement process of each bank (which will be available
in the search result).
• Banks Covered: Currently, 30 banks representing 90% of unclaimed deposits (in value terms) in
Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund of RBI in India are part of UDGAM.
o A unique Unclaimed Deposit reference number (UDRN) is assigned to each unclaimed
account.
o This protects privacy and prevents identification of the bank branch or account holder by any
third party
• About Unclaimed Deposits
o According to RBI – Balances in savings / current accounts which are not operated for 10
years, or term deposits not claimed within 10 years from date of maturity are classified as
“Unclaimed Deposits”.
o These amounts are transferred by banks to the “Depositor Education and Awareness” (DEA)
Fund maintained by the Reserve Bank of India. The depositors are, however, still entitled to
claim the deposits at a later date from the banks where such deposits were held along with
interest, as applicable.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a warning against charging mobile phones using
public ports.

• Juice jacking is a form of cyberattack where hackers tamper with public USB charging ports,
infecting them with malware or making hardware changes that allow them to steal data from
devices connected to them. This type of attack has been a growing concern, with incidents
reported in various public spaces such as airports, hotels, and shopping centres.
• RBI emphasised the importance of protecting personal and financial data while using mobile
devices.

Common types of cyberattacks

• Malware: Cyberattacks use harmful software such as spyware, viruses, ransomware, and worms
known as malware to access your system's data. When you click on a malicious attachment or link,
the malware can install itself and become active on your device.
• Phishing: Phishing attacks rely on communication methods like email to convince you to open the
message and follow the instructions inside. If you follow the attackers’ instructions, they gain access
to personal data, such as credit cards, and can install malware on your device.
• Backdoor Trojan: Backdoor Trojan attacks involve malicious programs that can deceptively install
malware or data and open up what’s referred to as the “backdoor” to your computer system. When
attackers gain access to the backdoor, they can hijack the device without it being known to the user.
• Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious software that cyberattacks can install on your device,
allowing them to block your access until you pay the attackers a ransom.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• Crypto jacking: Crypto jacking involves gaining unauthorized use of a computer system, usually
through malware that allows the attacker to use the computer's resources for mining
cryptocurrency.
• Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM): In a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM), an attacker
surreptitiously inserts themselves into a communication between two unsuspecting parties. This
enables them to potentially eavesdrop on the conversation, extract sensitive information or
credentials, or even manipulate the content of the communication.

RBI’s proposal for a disclosure framework to ascertain climate-related financial risks | Explained

Seeking to institute a framework for regulated entities to tackle climate-related financial risks, the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) on February 28 presented draft guidelines on Disclosure framework on Climate-related
Financial Risks, 2024.

The Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, presented along with the Monetary Policy
statement on February 8, 2023, had recognised that climate change can translate into financial risks for
regulated entities. It further held that this could have broader financial stability implications.

How is climate change going to bother financial institutions?

• According to the regulator, climate-related financial risks may emanate either directly from
climate change events or as an outcome of efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Physical risks refer to economic costs and financial losses as a consequence of the increasing
frequency and severity of extreme weather events (like heatwaves, landslides, storms and wildfires),
long-term gradual shifts in climate (such as extreme weather variability, rising sea levels and ocean
acidification, among others) and indirect effects (like degradation of soil quality or marine ecology,
among others). The impact may vary subject to geographical locations.
o Although, any exposure to such risks may stress an entity’s cash flows, the primary risk
emerges out of a potential disruption of a corporate value chain or lower economic or
sectoral activity.
o Further, events such as chronic flooding or landslides may risk the value of a collateral
(especially immovable property) taken as security against loans.
o Severe weather events could also damage banking entity’s properties or data centre assets,
impacting their ability to provide services to customers.
• The other set relates to transitional risks, meaning associated risks caused by a transition to a
low-carbon economy.
o This could manifest in a potential downgrade in credit ratings or financial valuation because
of a climate mitigation policy or introduction of incentives encouraging the use of energy
efficient means.
o It may entail increased costs or an overhaul of operations. Technological innovations
(towards clean energy) could depreciate the value of (existing) assets dependent on older
technologies, leading to a reduction in the cash flow of certain borrowers.
• Shifts in public sentiment also have a role to play. This refers to an increased preference for
savings, projects and/or investment instruments with more climate-friendly policies and fostering a
positive impact on the environment.

How is this playing out in practice?

• Banks may face credit risk should their customers’ value of assets depreciate, or if their supply
chains are impacted affecting operations, profitability and viability. This would impact the borrower’s
capacity to service or repay debt, with the lender unable to fully recover losses.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• At the same time, climate change can spur a demand for liquidity. This can be in response to
extreme weather events or consumers perceiving future difficulties in liquidating their assets if a
climate event has a negative impact. This may in turn impact an entity’s capacity to raise funds and
address obligations. Banks also stand the risk of not meeting their exposure to claims (say, against
insurance products) from customers who are seeking to recover their climate-related losses. This
could be particularly acute if there is a heavy concentration of a vulnerable sector in their portfolio.
• Lastly, markets risks may emerge should there be a shift in investor preferences or climate
induced adverse effects on underlying economic activity.
• Non-Banking Finance Corporations (NBFCs) are particularly vulnerable, as argued in the Report
on Currency and Finance (May 2023). NBFCs extend about half their gross credit to the power and
automobile sectors – both of which have high carbon footprints. Six per cent of the overall money is
extended to MSMEs which typically depend on conventional fuel to operate. Thus, considering their
forward and backward linkages, it cautioned about “large-scale default” translating into “macro
financial instability” in these sectors.

How does the framework propose to address this?

- Disclosures would serve as an updated source of information for various stakeholders

(customers, depositors, investors and regulators) to understand the climate risks an entity is facing,
along with the approach adopted to address such issues. It would facilitate an early assessment of
risks and opportunities to ensure market discipline.
- RBI has acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the timing and severity of climate-
related risks. These threaten the “safety, soundness and resilience” of individual entities, and in
turn, the stability of the overall financial system. Conventional backward-looking risk assessment
methods are unlikely to adequately capture future impacts. RBI has observed that future impact
would be determined by actions taken today, especially when greenhouse gas emissions above a
certain threshold have irreversible consequences.
- For financial institutions, adequate information on this front would help avert the possibility of
mispricing assets and misallocation of capital by banks. The draft framework proposes disclosures
be made on four parameters: governance, strategy, risk management and metrices and targets.

About the Framework:

• All India financial institutions, and top and upper layer NBFCs will have to begin to provide
information on governance, strategy, and risk management strategy from 2025-26 and begin
disclosure metrics and targets from 2027-28.
• Banks will be mandated to disclose those climate-related risks which have a bearing on their
financial stability.
• The revelation will foster an early assessment of climate-related financial risks and opportunities and
also facilitate market discipline.
• Organisations under the Purview:
o All scheduled commercial banks (excluding local area banks, payments banks and regional
rural banks).
o All Tier -IV primary (urban) and cooperative banks (UCBs).
o All top and upper layer non-banking financial companies.
• Disclosure by the REs:
o Identified climate-related risks and opportunities over short, medium and long term.
o The impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on their businesses, strategy and
financial planning.
o The resilience of the RE’s strategy taking into consideration the different climate scenarios.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Explained: [Link]
ascertain-climate-related-financial-risks-explained/[Link]

Read Q& A: [Link]

[Link]

Circular: [Link]

Note: We have covered all the RBI Circulars and News in Our Monthly PIB Magazine, please refer it
for more coverage.

RBI bars Federal, South Indian Bank from issuing co-branded Credit Cards.

• On March 12, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred Federal Bank and South Indian Bank from
issuing co-branded credit cards to new customers on account of regulatory deficiencies.
o On March 7, 2024, RBI issued an amendment to the Master Direction on Credit Card and
Debit Card Issuance. It requires co-branded cards to clearly indicate the card issuer and
prohibits co-branding partners from marketing the card as their own product. The above
barring is on the lines of this amendment.
• Now, South Indian Bank won’t enrol new customers on their co-branded credit cards until fully
compliant with RBI’s Master Direction on Card Issuance.
o Existing cardholders will still be serviced. Its co-branded card with State Bank of India (SBI)
comes in two variants: SimplySAVE and Platinum.
• Similarly, Federal Bank will continue to service the existing customers.
o It has three co-branded credit cards viz. Federal Onecard, Federal Scapia, Federal FI.

RBI Reconstitutes Committee of Advisors of the Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reconstituted a three-member Committee of Advisors of
Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Limited by inducting Devendara Kumar in place of Mahendra Chhajed
after his resignation.
• Committee of Advisors:
o The ‘Committee of Advisors’ comprises of Devendra Kumar (former Chief-General Manager,
State Bank of India (SBI)), Venkatesh Hegde (former General Manager, SBI), and Suhas
Gokhale (former Managing Director, COSMOS Co-operative Bank).
o On November 2023, RBI replaced the Board of Directors of Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank
Limited for a period of 12 months and appointed Satya Prakash Pathak (former Chief General
Manager of SBI) as ‘Administrator’ to manage the bank.
o A ‘Committee of Advisors’ was also constituted to assist the Administrator to discharge his
duties.

Sebi mandates registration of index providers under regulatory fold

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has mandated registration of index providers
managing “significant indices” based on securities listed in India to foster transparency in
governance and administration of financial benchmarks in the securities market.
• What do the Regulations say?
o The regulations necessitate index providers such as NSE Indices and Asia Index (AIPL) to
register with SEBI. Additionally, they must publicly disclose their methodology documents
and comply with a code of conduct.
o Global index providers like MSCI, Nasdaq, and FTSE Russell might be exempted from
registration requirements unless their indices are significantly utilized by domestic asset
managers.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o Benchmarks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are also excluded from SEBI
regulations.
o Applicant should be an entity incorporated under Companies Act, 2013 or should be
incorporated with an equivalent legislation in the country of incorporation; or
o Applicant has a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crores or an equivalent amount in the currency
of the country in which the applicant is incorporated.
o Applicant has a proper infrastructure and adequate number of human resources.
• What are Indices?
o Indices are statistical tools employed to monitor the performance of a collection of assets or
securities within a specific market.
o They act as reference points or signals for investors, offering insights into the overall
performance and trends of a particular market segment.
o Indices are composed of stocks, bonds, commodities, or other financial assets, allowing
investors to track changes in different sectors or the overall market.
▪ Examples– Sensex and Nifty 200 in India, and S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial
Average, and NASDAQ Composite in the United States.

SEBI mulls relaxing disclosure norms for FPIs

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning to relax the enhanced disclosure
norms for certain foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in a bid to promote ease of doing business.
o In August last year, SEBI had asked FPIs to disclose detailed information about entities
holding any ownership, economic interest, or control in them, without any threshold. This
was for FPIs holding over 50 per cent of their equity assets in a single Indian corporate group
or holding more than ₹25,000 crore of equity AUM in the Indian markets.
• In its latest guidelines, SEBI said, FPIs with over 50% of Indian equity in one group exempt from
extra disclosures if holdings in a listed company with no identified promoter stay below 3%.
o Sebi also extended the timeline to provide documentary proof of material changes in an
FPI to 30 days from seven days now. It also said that a foreign fund not wanting to renew its
registration in India can dispose of their holdings in 180 days, from 30 days now. Even if the
fund can’t fully liquidate its India portfolio, it would get another 180 days to do so, provided
it pays 5% of the sale proceeds as penalty to Sebi’s Investor Protection and Education Fund
(IPEF).

Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF): SIDBI

• Recently, SIDBI gets $24.5 million from Green Climate Fund for its Avaana Sustainability Fund.
• The Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF)
o It is a USD 120 million venture capital fund.
o Aim: Invest in early-stage companies harnessing technology-led innovation to spur climate
solutions and sustainability.
o Support the transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.
• About Green Climate Fund
o Formation: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was formed under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
o It works as a Financial Mechanism entity, focusing on developing nations’ efforts to adapt to
and mitigate the effects of climate change.
o Headquarters: Incheon, South Korea.
o Purpose: To help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen
their capacity to respond to climate change.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

News Link: [Link]

sustainability-solutions-from-startups-msmes/3421434/

RBI data: Credit cards surpassed the 100 developed and generating
million marks in India revenue, compared to the 80%
requirement for larger REITs.
• As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) o The initial offering for an SM REIT
latest data, the total number of credit requires a minimum subscription
cards issued by banks in India breached amount of Rs 10 lakh per investor,
the 100 million marks in February 2024. lower than the usual Rs 25 lakh.
o Data revealed that till February o The investment manager must
2024, the total number of credit retain a minimum of 5% of total
cards in circulation was 100.6 outstanding units for two years,
million. Whereas, In February 2023, reduced from the proposed 15%.
the total number of credit cards in o SM REITs must ensure a 15% co-
circulation stood at 99.5 million. investment by the manager, with
• HDFC Bank, the largest private bank in leverage capped at 49% of assets.
India, leads in the number of credit card o SM REITs can raise funds from
issuances with 20.40 million credit cards in Indian and foreign investors
circulation, followed by SBI (State Bank of through unit issuance.
India) with 18.75 million credit cards, ICICI o Assets within SM REITs will be
Bank with 16.84 million, and Axis Bank organized through schemes
with 13.90 million cards. operated under SPVs. An
SEBI notifies Regulations for Small and investment manager establishing
an SM REIT must possess a
Medium REITs
minimum net worth of Rs 20 crore,
• The Securities Exchange Board of India and oversight will be provided by a
(SEBI) has introduced amendments to the separate trustee.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Regulations 2014 namely ‘SEBI (REIT) PFRDA Inaugurates Zerodha Developed
(Amendment) Regulations 2024’. This NPS Web App for Financial Inclusion
will establish guidelines for creation of • Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson of the
Small and Medium REITs, or SM REITs. Pension Fund Regulatory and
• This move aims to regulate the fractional Development Authority (PFRDA),
ownership industry and safeguard investor inaugurated the National Pension System
interests, (NPS) web application developed by
• incorporating both commercial and Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Zerodha
residential properties within the new Broking Limited.
framework. • The app offers seamless access of NPS for
• Key Points: users, allowing them to easily manage
o SM REITs can raise funds starting their NPS accounts
from Rs 50 crore by issuing units to • The app fosters innovation and inclusivity
a minimum of 200 investors for within the NPS architecture, particularly
acquiring and managing real estate through its engagement of fintech entities
assets, generating income for as Point of Presence (PoP).
investors.
o An SM REIT’s listing is same as an PFRDA Mandates Two-Factor Aadhaar
IPO, with a key distinction: at least Authentication for CRA Access from April
95% of its assets must be fully 1, 2024

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and policyholders and the insurance

Development Authority (PFRDA) in its ecosystem.
Digital Safety Practices for Government • IRDAI has already created an industry
Nodal Offices Under NPS Architecture service i-Trex, which ensures that there is
Advisory, 2024, has mandated two-factor no duplication of eIAs (e-insurance
Aadhaar authentication for accessing the accounts) across insurance repositories.
Central Record keeping Agency (CRA)
GoI Updates List of Banks Authorized to
system, enhancing security for National
Pension System (NPS) transactions. Import Gold & Silver During FY25
• Effective from April 1, 2024 about 1,600 • The Government of India(GoI) updated the
government offices will implement two- list of banks authorized by the Reserve
factor Aadhaar authentication for Bank of India(RBI) to import gold and
accessing the CRA system. silver during the Financial year 2024-2025
• NPS assets under management (AUM) (FY25).
have been growing steadily, with an • As per the list, RBI has authorised 11 banks
overall AUM exceeding Rs 11.56 lakh crore to import Gold and Silver and 3 banks to
as of March 16, 2024, 30% higher than the import only gold with effect from 1st April
previous year. The Government sector 2024.
accounts for Rs 8.95 lakh crore of this • The authorisation will be valid up to 31st
AUM, covering 9.2 million employees. March 2025.
• List of Banks Authorised to import
IRDAI Mandates E-Insurance for All New
Gold/Silver:
Policies From 1st April 2024
o Axis Bank Limited; Federal Bank
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Limited; HDFC Bank Limited;
Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated Industrial and Commercial Bank of
that all insurance policies should be issued China Limited; ICICI Bank Limited;
in electronic form with effect from 1st IndusInd Bank Limited; Kotak
April 2024. This is similar to how investors Mahindra Bank Limited; Karur
hold shares in demat account. Vysya Bank Limited (KVB); RBL
• The process of acquiring and managing Bank Limited; State Bank of India
insurance policies electronically is known (SBI); and Yes Bank Limited.
as “e-insurance”. o List of Banks authorised to import
• The insurance plans of an individual will be only Gold:
collectively recorded in his e-Insurance o Indian Overseas Bank (IOB); Punjab
Account (eIA). National Bank (PNB); and Union
• At present, there are 4 insurance Bank of India (UBI).
repositories viz. CAMS Insurance • Key Data about Gold Import & Export:
Repository, Karvy Insurance Repository, o India imported USD35.8 billion in
NSDL Database Management Limited Gold in 2022, making India the
(NDML), and Central Insurance Repository World’s 5th largest importer of
of India that facilitate the opening of e- Gold.
Insurance accounts in India. o India’s Top 3 Source: Switzerland,
• IRDAI requires insurers to issue new South Africa and UAE.
policies digitally, aligning with regulations o Top 3 exporters of Gold
for policyholders’ interests. Compounds are Germany (USD
• Transitioning to e-insurance is expected to 643M), Switzerland (USD 447M)
enhance accessibility and efficiency for and USA (USD 199 M) and top 3
silver exporters are China (USD

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

3.75B), UK (USD 3.2B), and Mexico assistance to FPSs through SIDBI’s Goods
(USD 2.49B). and Services Tax (GST) Sahay application.
o Top 3 Gold importers are UK, o On 14th March 2024, DoF&PD signed a
France, and Singapore, and top 3 MoU with NIESBUD to address the skill
silver importer development challenges faced by FPS
o Guyana Signs USD 23.27mn dealers.
LOC Agreement with Exim o The DoF&PD is under the Ministry of
Bank for Aircraft Procurement Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
o The government of the Co- Distribution.
operative Republic of Guyana has REC signs MoU with Rajasthan to Finance
signed a USD 23.27 million Line of
Power & Infrastructure Projects Worth
Credit (LOC) Agreement with the
Rs.20,000 Cr
Export-Import Bank of India (India
Exim Bank) for the procurement of o REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification
two Dornier aircraft. Corporation Limited) has signed a
o Under this LOC, Guyana will Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
purchase two Dornier (Hindustan with the Government of Rajasthan to
228-201) transport aircraft from finance power & infrastructure projects
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited worth Rs. 20,000 crore per annum for a
(HAL) for USD 23.37 million. period of six years, extending up to 2030.
o About Guyana: o Under the MoU, REC provides loans to
▪ President – Dr Mohamed various projects in Rajasthan, including
Irfaan Ali power projects, metros, roads & highways,
▪ Prime Minister – Mark airports, IT infrastructure, oil refineries,
Anthony Phillips ports & waterways, health sector, tourism
▪ Capital – Georgetown infrastructure, agriculture, and other
▪ Currency – Guyanese Dollar infrastructure projects.

DoF&PD Signed MoUs with NIESBUD & NPCI signed MoU with IISc Bangalore for
SIDBI to Transform Fair Price Shops Across Joint Research on Blockchain and AI
India Technology
The Department of Food and Public Distribution o The National Payments Corporation of
(DoF&PD) have signed two Memorandums of India (NPCI) has signed a multi-year
Understanding (MoUs) with the National Institute Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
for Entrepreneurship and Small Business with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Development (NIESBUD) under the Ministry of Banglore (Bengaluru, Karnataka), to
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), conduct joint research on Blockchain and
and the Small Industries Development Bank of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
India (SIDBI) to revolutionise Fair Price Shops o Under this partnership, NPCI–IISc Centre
(FPSs) across India. of Excellence (CoE) for Deep Tech Research
& Development will be established to
o This initiative aligns with the Government
foster innovation in these fields.
of India’s (GoI) vision of Kaushal Bharat
(Skill India), Viksit Bharat (Developed Interest rates on Small Savings Schemes
India), and digitally empowered India. remain unchanged for Q1FY25
o On 15th March 2024, DoF&PD signed a
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget
MoU with SIDBI to offer simple-to-use
Division), Ministry of Finance has kept the interest
digital solutions for working capital
rate on small savings schemes unchanged for first

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

quarter of 2024-2025(Q1FY25) i.e. from April 1, o The interest rate on the Kisan Vikas
2024 to June 30, 2024 from those notified for Patra will be 7.5 per cent, and the
Q4FY24. investments will mature in 115
months.
o The formula to arrive at the interest rates
o The interest rate on the National
for small savings scheme was given by the
Savings Certificate (NSC) will
Shyamala Gopinath Committee.
remain at 7.7 per cent for the April
o Interest rates for these schemes should
1-June 30, 2024, period.
range from 25 to 100 basis points above
o The interest rate for the Monthly
the yields of the government bonds.
Income Scheme will earn 7.4 per
o Key Rates:
cent for investors.
o The deposit under the Sukanya
o The interest rates for popular PPF
Samriddhi scheme will attract an
too have been retained at 7.1 per
interest rate of 8.2 per cent, while
cent
the rate on a three-year term
deposit remains at 7.1 per cent.

PSBs in News
PNB, EaseMyTrip collaborate to introduce all eligible to invest in the BoB Earth Green
PNB EMT Credit Card Term Deposit scheme.
o In January 2024, the State Bank of
• Public sector bank Punjab National Bank India (SBI) introduced a unique
(PNB) has partnered with online travel tech fixed deposit (FD) scheme called
platform EaseMyTrip to launch a co- the SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit
branded travel credit card “PNB EMT (SGRTD). This initiative aims to
Credit Card”. gather funds to endorse eco-
• This co-branded travel credit card is aimed friendly projects, nurturing a green
at mass to premium segments. Users can finance environment in India, as
earn rewards in a variety of categories, stated in the bank's official release.
including flights, hotels, and holiday o Debadatta Chand, Managing Director &
packages. CEO, of Bank of Baroda
• PNB EMT credit card comes with an annual
membership fee of Rs 2000 and can be Government to strengthen regional rural
used across 100 countries. banks; Rs 6200 crore allotted for
recapitalisation
Bank of Baroda Launches bob Earth Green
Term Deposit Scheme o The central government has allocated Rs
6212.03 crore to Regional Rural Banks as
o Bank of Baroda has introduced the BOB
part of the recapitalization scheme, aimed
Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme to
at supporting RRBs to maintain the
gather funds for eco-friendly projects.
minimum prescribed capital-to-risk
Both existing and new customers can open
(Weighted) assets ratio of 9 percent.
a Green Deposit at any Bank of Baroda
o Under the recapitalization scheme, RRBs
branch in India.
receive support to maintain a minimum
o The Bank is offering interest rates of up to
prescribed capital-to-risk (weighted)
7.15 per cent per annum. The General
assets ratio of nine percent.
Public/Resident Indians, NRIs, and High
o The performance of RRBs has improved
Net Worth Individuals (HNI) investors are
significantly, with a consolidated CRAR

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

(Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio) at Bank of Baroda offers LITE Savings

an all-time high of 13.83 per cent as of Account with Lifetime Zero Balance
December 31, 2023. Feature
o In FY22-23, RRBs recorded the highest-
ever consolidated net profit of Rs 4,974 • Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched a
crores, and a net profit of Rs 5,236 crore Lifetime Zero Balance Savings Bank
up to the third quarter of FY 2023-24. Account called ‘bob LITE Savings Account’.
o About RRB: This account offers a lifetime free RuPay
o Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are Platinum Debit Card for customers who
commercial banks owned by the maintain a nominal Quarterly Average
Indian government operating at Balance (QAB).
the regional level across various • The account is open to all resident
states. RRBs were established in individuals, including minors aged 10
1975 to provide basic banking and years and above who can read and write.
financial services to rural areas, • QAB requirements:
particularly to small and marginal o Rs. 3,000 for metro/urban branches
farmers, agricultural labourers, o Rs. 2,000 for semi-urban branches
artisans, and small entrepreneurs. o Rs. 1,000 for rural branches
o RRBs are vital for banking and
IOB Launches 2 Gold Loan Products IOB
financial services to rural
Gold Powered Card & Jewel Loan Suvidha
communities, agriculture activities
and small businesses. • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched 2
o There are 43 RRBs sponsored by 12 new jewel loan products:
scheduled commercial banks in • IOB Gold Powered Card to provide
India. borrowers with instant access to a card
linked directly to their jewel loan overdraft
SBI partnered with One97 Communications
accounts, and
for UPI Transactions • Jewel Loan Suvidha, to serve the unique
• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest needs of housing loan borrowers, not only
public sector bank, has partnered with from IOB but also from other Financial
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) based One97 Institutions (FIs).
Communications Limited to settle Unified Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank launches
Payments Interface (UPI) transactions
New Loan Scheme ‘Vikas Spoorty’
upon acquiring the third-party app
provider (TPAP) license. • Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB)
• The other three TPAP partnerships are has launched a new loan scheme called
HDFC Bank Limited, Axis Bank Limited and ‘Vikas Spoorty’ to strengthen the rural
YES Bank Limited. credit delivery system and to motivate the
• The partnership aims to redirect Paytm common man to take up income-
Payments Bank (PPBL)’s handle “@paytm” generating activities on a smaller scale.
to one of the four banks for settlement. • The scheme was launched by Shreekanth
• National Payments Corporation of India M Bhandiwad, Chairman of KVGB in an
(NPCI), which handles UPI payments, event held in Dharwad, Karnataka.
requires most significant UPI companies to • Vikas Spoorty scheme offers hassle-free
have at least three banking partners. loan to small entrepreneurs without
collateral security and surety.

13
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• Under this scheme, people may avail loan

ranging from a minimum of Rs 50,000 to a
maximum of Rs 2 lakh.

Private Banks in News

Kotak Mahindra Bank Acquires Sonata ‘Flash Pay’: Federal Bank, NPCI partner for
Finance contactless payments

o In a strategic move, Kotak Mahindra Bank o Federal Bank has launched a RuPay smart
has successfully acquired Sonata Finance key chain called ‘Flash Pay’ for contactless
Private Limited (Sonata) for a total NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)
consideration of approximately Rs. 537 payments at enabled metro stations and
crores. This acquisition grants Kotak PoS terminals.
Mahindra Bank full ownership of Sonata, o Customers can conduct contactless
bolstering its presence in the microfinance transactions (up to ₹5000) without a PIN
sector. and will need PIN authentication for
o Sonata Finance is a Non-Banking Finance amounts exceeding this limit. The daily
Company – Micro Finance Institution transaction limit at any POS terminal is set
(NBFC-MFI) registered with the Reserve at ₹1,00,000.
Bank of India (RBI).
DBS Bank India Announces USD 250
o In a separate development,
earlier in February 2024, Kotak Million Lending Support for start-ups and
Mahindra Bank decided to give up New Economy Companies
its majority stake in the general o DBS Bank India announced a lending
insurance business. The private commitment of USD 250 million for new-
sector lender announced that age start-ups, demonstrating its
Zurich Insurance will acquire a 70% dedication to fostering innovation and
stake in the bank’s general entrepreneurship in India’s thriving start-
insurance arm, Kotak Mahindra up ecosystem.
General Insurance, for ₹5,560 crore o The Indian start-up sector has seen
in a single tranche. significant expansion over the years with
Axis Bank Launches Digital US Dollar Fixed over 1,12,718 DPIIT-recognised start-ups
and 113 unicorns with a total valuation of
Deposits for NRIs at GIFT City
more than $350 billion as of January
o NRI customers of Axis Bank can now open 31,2024.
US dollar fixed deposits at GIFT City o DBS Bank India’s Presence:
through the bank’s mobile banking o DBS Bank has been present in India
application, ‘Open by Axis Bank’. for 29 years, opening its first office
o This offering provides an end-to-end in Mumbai in 1994.
digital paperless solution, eliminating the o DBS Bank India Limited is the first
need for physical documentation. among the large foreign banks in
o According to the bank, this offering India to start operating as a wholly
simplifies the process of booking US dollar owned, locally incorporated
fixed deposits for NRI customers, subsidiary of a leading global bank.
providing them with a convenient and o DBS provides a range of banking
hassle-free experience. services for large, medium, and

14
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

small enterprises and individual company to list on the stock

consumers in India, focusing on a exchanges in India.
seamless customer experience that
Axis Bank Commits ₹100 Crore to Enhance
helps them ‘Live more, Bank less’.
o In November 2020, Lakshmi Vilas Cancer Care through National Cancer Grid
Bank was merged with DBS Bank o In an effort to advance cancer care in
India Limited. India, Axis Bank has pledged a significant
o Through platforms like DBS contribution of ₹100 crore to the National
Businessclass FoundED, the bank Cancer Grid (NCG), in collaboration with
celebrates modern-day founders, Tata Memorial Centre.
engaging with over 1000 startups o This partnership aims to bolster research,
and 50 incubators across India till innovation, and digital health adoption in
date. oncology over the next five years.
o Headquartered and listed in o About National Cancer Grid (NCG):
Singapore, DBS is in the three key o The National Cancer Grid (NCG)
Asian axes of growth: Greater was formed in August 2012 with
China, Southeast Asia, and South the mandate of linking cancer
Asia. centers across India
o Funded by the Government of
SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd, in
India through the Department of
collaboration with Titan Company Ltd,
Atomic Energy, the NCG has the
Presented Titan SBI Card
primary mandate of working
o SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd, in towards uniform standards of care
collaboration with Titan Company Ltd, across India by adopting evidence-
presents the Titan SBI Card, an exclusive based management guidelines,
shopping credit card designed to offer which are implementable across
unparalleled benefits to its users. these centers.
o About SBI Cards:
IndusInd Bank launches Indus PayWear, an
o SBI Cards and Payment Services
all-in-one tokenisable wearable
Limited is a non-deposit accepting
systemically important nonbanking o IndusInd Bank, in collaboration with
financial company registered with Mastercard, introduces ‘Indus PayWear,’
the RBI. The Company is engaged offering tokenised wearables for debit and
in issuing credit cards to credit cards. This innovative solution aims
consumers in India. to enhance payment flexibility,
o It is headquartered in Gurgaon, convenience, and security for users.
Haryana. o Offers three options: a ring, watch clasp,
o It is a subsidiary of India’s largest and stickers, catering to diverse customer
commercial bank, the State Bank of preferences.
India. o Facilitates tap-and-pay transactions
o SBI Card was launched in 1998 by globally at contactless Point-of-Sale
the State Bank of India and GE terminals, eliminating the need for
Capital. In December 2017, State physical cards or payment apps.
Bank of India and The Carlyle o Transaction Guidelines:
Group acquired GE Capital`s stake o Tap-and-pay transactions below Rs.
in SBI Card. 5000 can be seamlessly conducted
o In March 2020, SBI Card became using the wearable.
the first pure play credit card

15
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o For transactions exceeding Rs. • Mumbai (Maharashtra) headquartered

5000, entry of PIN on the PoS Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) has
machine is required, adhering to appointed Jaideep Hansraj as Group
RBI guidelines. President of One Kotak, with effect from
1st April 2024.
Kotak Mahindra Bank launched the ‘Smart
• Prior to the appointment, he had been the
Choice Gold Loan’
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
• Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) Managing Director (MD) of Kotak
launched the ‘Smart Choice Gold Loan’ Securities since 2019.
with a simpler application & disbursal • Shripal Shah, President and Chief
process which aims to offer consumers the Operating Officer (COO) at Kotak
maximum value and flexibility to meet Securities, will take over from Hansraj as
their credit needs the head of Kotak Securities.
• The monthly interest rate of the loan is as • ‘One Kotak’ is the term used by KMBL for
low as 0.88%. its internal framework for inter-group
synergies and cross-selling opportunities.
KMBL appointed Jaideep Hansraj as Group
President of One Kotak

Payment Bank, SFBs and FinTech in News

Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) Aggregator (PA) for its payment gateway
has imposed a fine of Rs 5.49 crore on brand, CCAvenue.
Paytm Payments Bank for violating its RBI approves merger of Fincare SFB with
obligations under the Prevention of Money AU Small Finance Bank
Laundering Act.
o The Reserve Bank of India has approved
o FIU-IND is an independent body reporting the amalgamation of Fincare Small Finance
directly to the Economic Intelligence Bank with Jaipur-based AU Small Finance
Council (EIC) headed by the finance Bank, effective from April 1, 2024, creating
minister. an entity with a balance sheet of over Rs
o Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU- 1.16 trillion.
IND) is the central, national agency o All the branches of Fincare SFB will
established in 2004 under the Ministry of function as branches of AU Small Finance
Finance. Bank with effect from April 1, 2024, RBI
o It is responsible for receiving, processing, said in a statement
analysing and disseminating information o This is the first-ever merger in the small
relating to suspect financial transactions to finance bank space.
enforcement agencies and foreign FIUs.
PayU Introduces Industry-First
Infibeam Avenues received Online Downpayment EMI Solution for Online
Payment Aggregator licence from RBI Retail
o Gandhinagar (Gujarat) based Infibeam • PayU Payments Private Limited (PayU), a
Avenues Limited (formerly Avenues India leading payments solution provider in
Private Limited) has received final India, introduced a first-of-its-kind
authorisation from the Reserve Bank of Downpayment EMI (Equated Monthly
India (RBI) to operate an Online Payment Instalment) solution for online retail. This
replicates the flexibility and convenience

16
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

of downpayment options available in make payments between Rs 1 to Rs 25,000

offline EMIs. per day in Point of Sale (POS) machines.
• This will enable the users to make a partial • About Airtel Payments Bank Limited
payment upfront while the remaining can (APBL):
be converted into easy EMIs. o APBL is the first payment bank of
India which was launched in
APBL in Partnership with Noise &
January 2017, by Bharti Airtel
Mastercard launched Airtel Payments Bank Limited.
Smartwatch o Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Airtel Payments Bank Limited (APBL) has Executive Officer (CEO) – Anubrata
developed the Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch Biswas
in partnership with Gurugram (Haryana) based o Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Nexxbase Marketing Private Limited (Noise) and Fintech startup Perfios Became India’s
Mastercard.
Second Unicorn of 2024
• This smartwatch is equipped with Near
• Fintech-focussed Software as a Service
Field Communication (NFC) technology
(SaaS) firm Perfios has become the second
powered by Mastercard.
unicorn of 2024 after it secured a USD 80
• The smartwatch comes with a Tap-and-Pay
million fund from Teachers’ Venture
feature for contact less payments directly
Growth (TVG).
from the smartwatch.
• AI startup Krutrim was India’s first Unicorn
• Upon linking the smartwatch with Airtel
of 2024
Payments Bank account, a customer can

Business in News
NIPL & Eurobank S.A. Signed MoU to Offer NPCI and Fonepay Collaborate for Cross-
Foreign Inward Remittances Using UPI Border UPI Transactions between India and
Nepal
o NPCI International Payments Limited
(NIPL), a subsidiary of the National o NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL)
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with Nepal’s leading
signed a Memorandum of Understanding payment network, Fonepay Payment
(MoU) with Greece-based Eurobank S.A., Service Ltd, to enable cross-border Unified
to transform cross-border payments using Payment Interface (UPI) transactions
the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) between India and Nepal.
platform. o Initially, Indian consumers will be able to
o This initiative will place Greece as one of make instant, secure, and convenient UPI
the 1st European countries to facilitate UPI payments at various businesses in Nepal
remittances, empowering the Indian using UPI-enabled apps.
diaspora in Greece to undertake efficient
remittances to India. Patanjali Teams Up with Ongo to Launch
o Signatories: Ritesh Shukla, Chief Executive Co-branded Prepaid Cards
Officer (CEO) of NIPL, and Fokion Karavias, o AGS Transact Technologies, operating
CEO of Eurobank, signed the MoU at the under the digital payments brand Ongo,
Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, Delhi. has forged a partnership with Patanjali
Ayurved to unveil co-branded open-loop
prepaid cards.

17
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o These prepaid cards can be accepted on Warburg Pincus Sells Entire 2.25% Stake in
any device on the Rupay network pan IDFC First Bank
India
• Warburg Pincus, a private equity firm sold
ICICI Securities Delists its Share and its entire 2.25% stake in IDFC (formerly
Merges with ICICI Bank Infrastructure Development Finance
Company Limited) First Bank for Rs 1,195
• The Industrial Credit and Investment
crore through the open market
Corporation of India (ICICI) Securities has
transaction.
received approval from shareholders to
delist its shares to proceed with its merger CII and ETS India Signs MoU to train Indian
with ICICI Bank, the parent company and workforce for Global Employability
main shareholder.
• As of March 28, 2024, ICICI Bank holds a • Educational Testing Service (ETS) India and
roughly 75% stake in ICICI Securities. the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
have signed a Memorandum of
Vedanta’s BALCO Receives India’s First ASI Understanding (MoU) to enhance the
Performance Standard Certification global employability of the Indian
workforce.
• The Bharat Aluminium Company Limited
• The partnership aims to improve the
(BALCO), a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has
employability of India’s young
emerged as the first company in India to
professionals by focusing on English
obtain the Aluminium Stewardship
language proficiency and key 21st-century
Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3
skills.
Certification for the production and
• It seeks to streamline the hiring process
distribution of a broad range of primary
for Indian talent, ensuring that they secure
aluminium products at its Korba facility,
jobs that match their skill sets on an
Chhattisgarh.
international level.

Sterlite Power & Singapore’ GIC Partners to

RIL buys 26% stake in Adani’s Madhya Develop Power Transmission Projects in India
Pradesh Power Project Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd (SPTL), a part of
• The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the Vedanta Group, and Singapore’s GIC Private
owned by Mukesh Ambani, has bought a Limited has signed a definitive agreement to set-
26% share in Gautam Adani’s Adani Power up a new platform to develop and operate power
Ltd’s Madhya Pradesh power project and transmission projects in India.
has agreed to use the 500 MW of • Sterlite Power will own the majority stake
electricity produced by the facility for of 51% and GIC will own the remaining
captive use. The two billionaires are 49% stake.
working together on a business project for • GIC, formally known as Government of
the first time. Singapore Investment Corporation Private
• Under the terms of the Captive User policy Limited, is a Singaporean sovereign wealth
as outlined in the Electricity Rules, 2005, fund that manages the country’s foreign
Mahan Energen Limited (MEL), a wholly reserves.
owned subsidiary of Adani Power Limited
(APL), and RIL have signed into a 20-year Standard Chartered Bank Sold a 7.18%
long-term Power Purchase Agreement stake in CDSL for Rs 1,266.48 crore
(PPA) for 500 MW.
The Standard Chartered Bank sold its entire 7.18%
stake in Central Depository Services (India) Ltd

18
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

(CDSL) in a block deal worth over Rs 1,266.48 • It is a Japanese initiative aimed at

crore. fostering sustainable development in
partner countries through both public and
About CDSL:
private infrastructure investments.
• CDSL facilitates the holding of securities in
Israel Aerospace Industries opens its Indian
electronic form. CDSL and National Stock
Exchange (NSE)-promoted National subsidiary “AeroSpace Services India”
Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) are the ASI acts as the sole authorised original equipment
only two depositories in India. manufacturers (OEM) technical representative for
• CDSL was promoted in 1999 by the BSE the entire Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile
(formerly Bombay Stock Exchange), along (MRSAM) system used by the Indian Army, Indian
with banks such as State Bank of India, Air Force(IAF), and Indian Navy.
Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank,
Standard Chartered Bank and Union Bank • The MRSAM system includes an advanced
of India. phased array radar, command and control,
mobile launchers and interceptors with
NTPC signs pact with Japanese agency for advanced RF seeker.
USD 200 million loan
Aditya Birla Housing Finance Launches
The NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Digital Lending Platform “ABHFL-Finverse”
Thermal Power Corporation) has inked a pact with
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) • Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited
for sourcing foreign currency loans of USD 200 (ABHFL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
million (Japanese Yen (JPY) 30 billion or around Rs Aditya Birla Capital Limited, has launched
1,650 crore). a unified digital lending platform called
‘ABHFL-Finverse’ for its home loan
• The loan is co-financed by Sumitomo customers.
Mitsui Banking Corporation and the Bank • The platform would digitise the entire
of Yokohama Ltd. lending process, from prospecting to
disbursement.
• The ABHFL-Finverse platform has been co-
L&T Finance signs Financing Pact with JICA created in association with Tata
for USD 125 million Consultancy Services (TCS).

On March 12, 2024, a loan agreement ceremony RIL acquires Paramount Global’s 13.01%
was held between the L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. stake in Viacom for Rs 4,286 crore
(LTFH) and Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This India's Reliance Industries has agreed to buy
follows the signing of loan agreement in Paramount Global's entire 13.01 per cent stake in
December 2023 by LTFH with JICA for up to USD local entertainment network Viacom 18 Media for
125 million to improve financial access in the about $517 million (Rs 4,286 crore), the U.S.
India’s lagging states. company said in a regulatory filing.

• The project was arranged by the Asian • With this Reliance Industries stake in
Development Bank (ADB) who co-financed Viacom18 will increase from 57 per cent to
the funding amount. 70 per cent.
• The project was signed as a part of the • Viacom18 is majority-owned by Reliance
Facility for Accelerating Financial Inclusion and has 40 television channels, including
(FAFI), established in May 2023. Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV.
• Reliance’s efforts to consolidate stake in
Viacom18 came at the heels of the $8.5-

19
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

billion media merger between Reliance • The merger, which is scheduled to

and Disney. complete by March 2025, will have
• With this, Reliance is set to become the exclusive digital and broadcast rights to
largest entity in the media industry. The some of the key sporting events —
joint venture stands to capture about 85 including the next four years of popular
per cent of the country’s on-demand cricket tournament IPL, flagship ICC
streaming service audience and about half events, domestic Indian cricket, FIFA World
of the TV viewers. Cup, Premier League and Wimbledon.

Economy in News
Indian GDP Data For 2023-24’s Q3 paid-in construction costs, and the
foreign balance of trade.
o India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
o Calculation of GDP: GDP = private
growth rate surpassed expectations to rise
consumption + gross investment +
to a six-quarter high of 8.4% in the third
government investment +
quarter (October-December) of 2023-24,
government spending + (exports-
data released by the National Statistical
imports)
Office (NSO) showed.
o What Is GVA in Economics?
o This was much higher than the 6.5%
o GVA measures the value of goods
estimate for Q3 by the Reserve Bank of
and services produced in a specific
India (RBI), and similar estimates by
area, considering the value added
economists. The Q3 GDP helped push the
to a product. In India, GVA is
estimate for the full year to 7.6% in the
measured at ‘basic prices.
second advance estimates, from the 7.3%
o Calculation of GVA: It is calculated
estimated in the first advance estimates
by deducting the intermediate
released in January.
value of consumption from the
o There was, however, a sharp divergence in
total output produced, reflecting
the growth rates based on GDP and Gross
the added value generated during
Value Added (GVA), which has led some
the production process.
economists to suspect that GDP may have
o GDP Vs GVA
been overstated. While GDP for Q3 was
o GDP being derived from GVA and
8.4%, GVA growth was recorded 190 basis
adjusted for taxes levied by
points lower at 6.5%.
governments on products and
o However, the Divergence is Due to A sharp
subsidies provided by the
increase in net taxes & fall in subsidies.
government.
o What Is GDP?
o GDP = GVA + Taxes on products –
o GDP represents the total value of
Subsidies on products.
goods and services produced
o GDP is >> GVA, due to the higher
within a country’s borders over a
amount of taxes received
specified period, offering a
compared to subsidies provided by
comprehensive overview of the
the government.
country’s economic health.
o Components of GDP: It Explained:
encompasses private and public [Link]
consumption, government ned-economics/why-have-gdp-and-gva-growth-
expenditures, investments, rates-diverged-in-q3-9191086/
additions to private inventories,

20
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

India inks pact with EFTA, gets $100 billion industrial goods for all countries,
commitment effective from January 1, 2024,
diminishes the benefits India could
India signed a significant trade agreement with gain from the FTA.
the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Explained:
and Iceland, committing to a $100 billion [Link]
investment over 15 years. ned-economics/trade-agreement-with-efta-why-
it-marks-a-shift-could-be-a-template-for-bigger-
o About European Free Trade Association deals-9207019/
(EFTA)
o The European Free Trade India to become upper middle-income
Association (EFTA) is the country by 2031.
intergovernmental organisation of
o The Indian economy is expected to double
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and
to USD 7 trillion with a growth trajectory
Switzerland.
that positions India to attain upper
o It was set up in 1960 by its then
middle-income status by 2031, said ratings
seven Member States for the
agency Crisil recently.
promotion of free trade and
o Major highlights of the Crisil India
economic integration between its
Outlook report
members.
o After a better-than-expected 7.6
o Trade with India: India’s exports to
per cent this fiscal, India’s real GDP
the EFTA bloc in 2023 were at $1.87
growth will likely moderate to 6.8
billion, with items such as
per cent in fiscal 2025.
chemicals, pharmaceuticals,
o It said that the next seven fiscal
apparel and pearls, precious &
years (2025-2031) will see the
semi-precious stones.
Indian economy crossing the USD
o It imported goods worth $20.45
5 trillion-mark and inching closer
billion from the EFTA countries in
to USD 7 trillion.
2023 with inflows of pearls,
o A projected average expansion of
precious or semi-precious stones,
6.7 per cent in this period will
precious metals, and coins valued
make India the third-largest
at $16.7 billion.
economy in the world and lift per
o Concerns
capita income to the upper-middle
o Trade Deficit with Switzerland:
income category by 2031.
During the last financial year,
o Crisil expects the economy to
India’s imports from Switzerland
expand to USD USD 6.7 trillion by
stood at $15.79 billion, in stark
fiscal 2031.
contrast to its exports of $1.34
o India, with a GDP size of USD 3.6
billion, leading to a substantial
trillion, is currently the fifth largest
trade deficit of $14.45 billion.
economy in the world, after the US,
o The proposed deal will see India
China, Japan and Germany.
eliminate its duty for a wide range
of products from EFTA countries News Link:
which is likely to increase trade [Link]
deficit. omy/indicators/india-to-grow-at-6-8-in-fy25-to-
o Elimination of Import Duties in become-upper-middle-income-country-by-
Switzerland: It’s decision to 2031/articleshow/[Link]
eliminate import duties on all

21
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

NHAI raises more than ₹16,000 crore in its o The T+0 settlement will be
largest InvIT monetisation round optional for 25 stocks and will be
applicable only for trades
o The National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), executed between 9:15 a.m. and
the infrastructure investment trust of the 1:30 p.m.
National Highways Authority of India o Phased Implementation:
(NHAI), has raised more than ₹16,000 o The T+0 settlement cycle will be
crore for 889 kilometres of national executed in two phases.
highway through its ‘InvIT round 3’. ▪ First Phase: Trades
o NHIT was set up in November 2021 to executed up to 1:30 pm will
support the government’s National be considered for
Monetisation Pipeline. settlement, which must be
o About Infrastructure Investment Trust completed by 4:30 pm.
(InvITs) ▪ Second Phase: It extends
o It is a Collective Investment trading time till 3:30 pm,
Scheme similar to a mutual fund, discontinuing the first
which enables direct investment of phase.
money from individual and o Impact on Investors and Traders:
institutional investors in o The T+0 settlement cycle is
infrastructure projects to earn a expected to benefit investors and
small portion of the income as traders by providing immediate
return. liquidity.
o The InvIT is designed as a tiered o It means there will be increased
structure with Sponsor setting up trading opportunities and reduced
the InvIT which in turn invests into settlement risks.
the eligible infrastructure projects o The current T+1 system, sellers
either directly or via special receive only 80% of their cash on
purpose vehicles (SPVs). the day of sale, with the remaining
o The InvITs are regulated by the 20% withheld until the following
SEBI (Infrastructure Investment day.
Trusts) Regulations, 2014. o However, with the new T+0
T+0 Settlement Cycle (or Same Day settlement system, sellers will have
immediate access to 100% of their
Settlement)
cash on the day of the transaction.
The Indian Stock Market recently introduced the
Explained:
T+0 settlement cycle, marking a significant shift
[Link]
from the existing T+1 settlement cycle.
ned-economics/t0-settlement-cycle-9236796/
o About the T+0 Settlement Cycle:
o The trades involving shares are Microlending portfolio grows 31% to Rs
settled on the same day they occur 4.02 trillion in Dec quarter: Report
in the T+0 system. It means shares o The microfinance lending space witnessed
are transferred to the buyer’s an increase in its portfolio, rising by 30.9
account and funds are deposited in per cent to Rs 4.02 lakh crore during the
the seller’s account on the same December quarter FY24.
day of the trade. o The gross loan portfolio rose 6% quarter-
o It is a departure from the current on-quarter (q-o-q).
T+1 cycle, where trades are settled
by the next day.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o The number of active loans rose 23.2% y- increased by 6.3% during the same
o-y to 155 million, the CRIF MicroLend time period.
report stated. o Decline in Fertilizer Production:
o The top 10 states by gross loan However, fertilizer production
portfolio contribute to 83% of national decreased by 9.5% in February
gross loan portfolio. Bihar continues to 2024.
dominate as the top state by gross loan o Growth in Index of Core Industries:
portfolio as of December. From April to February 2023-24,
o Non-banking financial companies the ICI had a preliminary growth
dominate the microfinance institutions rate of 7.7%.
market with a portfolio share of 38.3%, o Growth in Petroleum Refinery
followed by banks at 33.4%, small finance Products: In February 2024,
banks at 17.4%, and diversified non- Petroleum Refinery Products
banking financial companies at 9.4% as on climbed by 2.6%, leading to a 3.8%
December 31. overall index growth.
o Around 52% of the portfolio of o Strong Industrial Performance:
NBFC MFIs’ comprised loans of Overall, robust growth in these
ticket size Rs 30,000-Rs 50,000, main industries implies a strong
against 49.8% for small finance industrial performance, albeit some
banks, 43.7% for non-banking sectors are experiencing variations.
financial companies, and 43.7% for o What is Core Sector Growth?
banks. o About: The main or the key
industries constitute the core
News Link:
sectors of an economy. In India,
[Link]
there are eight sectors that are
ng-finance-mfi-portfolio-up-31-y-o-y-to-rs-4-
considered the core sectors.
trillion-report-3438745/
o India’s Eight Core Sectors: The
India’s Core Sector Output Growth: Key eight core sectors of the Indian
Highlights economy are electricity, steel,
refinery products, crude oil, coal,
o India’s core sector output increased by cement, natural gas and fertilizers.
6.7% in February, driven by significant o Impact of Core Sector: These
growth in the coal, natural gas, and sectors have a major impact on the
cement industries. Indian economy and significantly
o Key Highlights of the Core Sector affect most other industries as well.
Output Growth o Share of Eight Core Sectors: The
o Coal Production: In February 2024, eight industries have a combined
coal production increased by share of 40.27 per cent in the Index
11.6%, while natural gas of Industrial Production (IIP), which
production rose by 11.3%. gives the growth rates of different
o Cement and Steel Production: industry groups in a specified
Cement production increased by period.
10.2%, while steel production rose o Published by: The Index of Eight
by 8.4%. Core Industries (ICI) is prepared
o Crude oil and Electricity every month and released by the
generation: Crude oil production Office of the Economic Adviser
increased by 7.9% in February (OEA), Department for Promotion
2024. Electricity generation of Industry and Internal Trade

23
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

(DPIIT), and Ministry of Commerce o The current level of reserves stands close
& Industry. to the all-time high of $645 billion
achieved in October 2021.
India’s GDP to grow by 6.8% in FY25: S&P
o Growth in Gold Reserves:
Global o Gold reserves saw a notable
o S&P Global released its Economic Outlook increase of $2.3 billion, reaching
Asia-Pacific Q2 2024 report, offering $50.72 billion as of March 18, 2024.
insights into the region’s economic o Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and
landscape. IMF Reserves:
o S&P Global raises India’s GDP growth o SDRs increased by $31 million to
forecast for FY25 to 6.8%, a 40 basis points $18.21 billion.
increase, contrasting with the government o Reserve position in the
and central bank’s projection of 7%. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
o Anticipates India to achieve a growth rate rose by $19 million to $4.82 billion.
of 7.6% in FY24, positioning it among the
Fitch Raises India’s GDP Forecast for FY25
top growth performers in the region.
to 7%
o Retains GDP growth predictions for FY26
and FY27 at 7%, showcasing sustained o Fitch Ratings has raised India’s growth
growth momentum. forecast for FY25 to 7%, up from the
o Expected Monetary Policy Adjustments previous estimate of 6.5%. The upgrade is
in India: attributed to robust domestic demand and
o Forecasts rate cuts of up to 75 sustained growth in business and
basis points in India during 2024, consumer confidence, following a strong
driven by factors such as slowing 8.4% expansion in Q3FY24.
inflation, reduced fiscal deficit, and o Inflation Expectations
lower US policy rates. o Gradual Decrease: Fitch expects
o Expects the Reserve Bank of India inflation to gradually decrease to
to initiate rate cuts, likely 4% by the end of the year,
commencing from June 2024 or assuming stabilization in food
later, contingent on further clarity prices.
on the path of disinflation. o Monetary Policy Forecast
o Anticipates rate adjustments in line o Revised Interest Rate Cut Estimate:
with projections for US policy rates, Fitch now anticipates the Reserve
with significant moves expected in Bank of India to cut interest rates
the latter half of the year. by 0.5% in the second half of the
year, down from the previous
India’s forex reserves jump to over two-
estimate of 0.75%. This adjustment
year high of $636.1 bn reflects the stronger growth
o India’s foreign exchange reserves outlook.
witnessed a significant surge, marking a o RBI’s Stance: The RBI has
third consecutive increase in the week maintained the repo rate at 6.50%
ended March 8, 2024. This surge propelled for six consecutive meetings and
the reserves to reach a two-year high of remains committed to achieving a
$636.1 billion, showing the highest weekly sustainable 4% inflation target.
increase since July 14, 2023, according to Moody’s Upgrades India’s GDP Growth
data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Forecast to 6.8% for 2024

24
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o Moody’s, the global credit rating agency, o Moody’s projects India’s GDP growth
has raised its GDP forecast for India in momentum to persist into 2025, with a
2024 to 6.8%, reflecting a positive forecasted growth rate of 6.4%.
economic outlook.
Insurance in News
IRDAI Identifies LIC, GIC Re, and New India as these entities are considered too
Assurance as D-SIIs big to fail.
o The companies included in the D-
o The Insurance Regulatory and SIIs are expected to raise their level
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) of corporate governance and
has designated three insurers as Domestic identify all relevant risks to
Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for promote a sound risk management
the year 2023-24. framework and culture.
o These insurers, namely Life Insurance o Life Insurance Company (LIC)
Corporation of India (LIC), General o The Life Insurance Corporation of
Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), India (LIC) is owned by the
and New India Assurance Co Ltd, have government of India and is the
retained their D-SII status from the largest life insurance company in
previous year. India.
o These insurers are considered “too big or o It is a statutory body created by
too important to fail” (TBTF), necessitating the Life Insurance Corporation Act
additional regulatory measures to address 1956. It was created on 1
systemic risks and moral hazard issues. September 1956 by the
o What is Domestic Systemically government of India after
Important Insurers (D-SIIs) nationalising all the private life
o The insurance sector regulator insurance companies in the
IRDAI introduced the concept of country.
Domestic Systemically Important o Its headquarters is in Mumbai,
Insurers (D-SIIs) in 2021-22. It Maharashtra.
identified three insurance o Chairperson: Siddhartha Mohanty
companies, LIC, GIC Re and New o General Insurance Corporation of India
India Assurance, as D-SIIs in 2021- (GIC Re)
22. o The General Insurance Corporation
o Domestic Systemically Important of India was set up by the
Insurers (D-SIIs) refer to insurance government of India in 1972 after
companies that are dominant the passage of the General
players in the domestic market and Insurance Business
interconnected with the global (Nationalisation) Act 1972.
market. The failure of such o Under the General Insurance
insurance companies can Business (Nationalisation) Act of
destabilise the country’s financial 1972, the government nationalised
system and cause significant all the private general insurance
dislocation. companies operating in India.
o Systemically important insurance o In 2002, the government of India
companies attract closer notified GIC Re as an Indian
supervision and regulation from reinsurer. Reinsurance is insurance
the country's insurance regulators provided by an insurance company

25
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

to other insurance companies to o Chairperson: Debasish Panda.

reduce risk. o Headquarters: Hyderabad,
o Headquarters of GIC Re: Mumbai, Telangana
Maharashtra
LIC: World’s Strongest Insurance Brand
o Chairman and Managing Director:
Ramaswamy Narayanan o In the latest Brand Finance Insurance 100,
o New India Assurance Company Limited 2024 report, Life Insurance Corporation of
o It is a general insurance company India (LIC) solidifies its position as the
that was established in 1919 as a strongest insurance brand worldwide,
private company by Sir Dorabji maintaining a stable brand value of Rs 816
Tata. It was nationalised in 1972 by billion.
the government of India. o With a Brand Strength Index score of 88.3
o Initially, it was made a subsidiary and an AAA brand strength rating, LIC
company of the General Insurance showcases its unparalleled prominence in
Corporation of India. the industry.
o In 2002, the ownership of New o According to the report, Cathay Life
India Assurance Company Limited Insurance (Taiwan) is the second strongest
was transferred from GIC to the brand, with a 9 per cent increase in brand
government of India. value to $4.9 billion, followed by NRMA
o Headquarters: Mumbai, Insurance (Australia), which saw an 82 per
Maharashtra. cent rise in brand value to $1.3 billion.
o Chairman cum Managing Director:
Neerja Kapur Finance Minister Sitharaman Inaugurates
o Insurance Regulatory and Development LIC’s International Business Centre and
Authority of India (IRDAI) Receives Interim Dividend
o The Insurance Regulatory and
o Finance Minister inaugurated LIC’s new
Development Authority of India
international business centre at GIFT City,
(IRDAI) was established on the
Gujarat, through virtual mode.
recommendation of the R.N.
o This strategic move underscores LIC’s
Malhotra Committee, which the
commitment to offering world-class
government of India established
insurance and financial services at GIFT
on Insurance Sector reform in
City, aligning with its global expansion
1993.
strategy.
o In 1999, the Insurance Regulatory
o Finance Minister also received an interim
and Development Authority (IRDA)
dividend cheque of ₹2,441.44 crore from
was established as an autonomous
LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty,
body under the Union Ministry of
showcasing the insurance giant’s financial
Finance.
strength.
o Parliament passed the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Kotak Life Introduces Non-Linked Par
Authority Act 1999, which made Product Kotak G.A.I.N
the authority a statutory body in
o Private sector life insurer Kotak Life
April 2000.
Insurance made headlines with the launch
o It was renamed India's Insurance
of its latest offering, Kotak G.A.I.N.
Regulatory and Development
o Kotak G.A.I.N sets a minimum annual
Authority on 26 December 2014.
premium requirement of Rs 50,000,
o It is the regulator of the Insurance
ensuring accessibility for a wide range of
sector in India

26
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

investors, regardless of their financial • The plan aims to address the various
capacity. needs of women across the different
stages of their lives.
Future Generali Launches ‘Health PowHER’,
• The plan offers coverage for women-
a Unique Health Insurance Plan for Women specific health issues such as reproductive
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Future Generali health, breast health, gynaecological
India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILI) has health, hormonal health, bone health and
launched a comprehensive women’s health mental health.
insurance plan ‘Health PowHER’ designed
specifically for women.

First in India and World

Union Minister Scindia Inaugurates India’s 1st o According to the IEA, Natural gas accounts
Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector for about a quarter of global electricity
in Haryana generation.
o The top natural gas producing countries
o Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia,
are the United States, Russia and Iran.
Ministry of Steel, virtually inaugurated
o What is LNG?
India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in the
o LNG is typically 85–95% methane
Stainless-Steel Sector at Jindal Stainless
(CH4) with some ethane (C2H6),
Limited (JSL) in Hisar, Haryana.
and it produces 40% less carbon
o The Green Hydrogen plant has been set
dioxide than coal and 30% less
up by JSL in association with Hygenco
than oil. It also doesn’t emit soot,
Green Energies Private Limited.
dust, or particulates.
o This plant will be the world’s 1st off-grid
o LNG is odourless, colourless, non-
Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless-
toxic, and non-corrosive. It is made
steel industry and the world’s 1st Green
up of almost entirely methane,
Hydrogen plant with rooftop and floating
which has less carbon than other
solar.
fossil fuels.
India’s First Small-Scale LNG Unit in o LNG is created by cooling natural
Madhya Pradesh gas to -161°C (-259°F), which
reduces it to 1/600 of its original
o The Union Minister for Petroleum and volume and half the weight of
Natural Gas recently inaugurated India’s water.
first small-scale liquefied natural gas
(SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur Explained:
complex in Madhya Pradesh. [Link]
o This development is part of the ned-economics/small-scale-lng-vijaipur-fuel-
government's broader initiative to energy-9221867/
promote the use of natural gas in various
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde
sectors and increase its share in the
Inaugurates India’s First LNG-Powered Bus
country's primary energy mix to 15% by
2030. Presently in India the share of o Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath
natural gas in the energy basket is 6.7%. Shinde has inaugurated India’s first
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered bus,
which will be operated by Maharashtra

27
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

State Road Transport Corporation o Developed with an investment of over Rs

(MSRTC). 41,000 crore, the KG-DWN 98/2
o MSRTC announced that it will convert its Deepwater Oil Field M in the Krishna
5,000 diesel vehicles into LNG alternative Godavari Basin is considered to be one of
fuel vehicles in phases. the most technologically complex projects
in India's oil and gas industry to date.
Rajasthan Becomes 1st State to Launch
Water Resource Dashboard Read Here: [Link]
[Link]/economy/news/pm-narendra-
o On 16th March 2024, Rajasthan became modi-flags-off-first-crude-oil-tanker-from-ongc-
the 1st Indian state to launch the State s-kg-project-124030300381_1.html
Water Resources Information Systems
dashboard to forecast drought and to India's Gujarat state civic body issues Asia's
enable better water management based first certified green municipal bond
on water availability.
o The Vadodara Municipal Corporation
o The portal was developed by the
(VMC) successfully raised Rs 100 crore
Department of Water Resources under the
from the Certified Green Municipal Bond
National Hydrology Project.
for Sustainable Water Infrastructure, which
o The portal offers real-time information
opened for bidding on the Electronic
about water availability, which will benefit
Bidding Platform (EBP) of Bombay Stock
farmers in planning their crop cycles and
Exchange.
irrigation.
o The bonds are rated AA+ STABLE by India
o About National Hydrology Project
Ratings, and have received a green
o It is a Central Sector Scheme
security certificate from the Climate Bond
implemented by the Department
Initiative.
of Water Resources, River
o A green municipal bond is a debt security
Development and Ganga
issued by a municipality to fund projects
Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti,
that are sustainable and socially
with the support of the World
responsible.
Bank.
o It aims to extent, quality and Kerala Launches ‘CSpace’, India’s 1st
accessibility of water resources Government-Owned OTT Platform
information and to strengthen the
capacity of targeted water o CSpace is India's first government-backed
resources management institutions OTT platform, launched with support from
in India. the Kerala State Film Development
Corporation and the Department of
PM Narendra Modi flags off first crude oil Cultural Affairs in Kerala.
tanker from ONGC's KG project o Each submission on CSpace undergoes a
meticulous evaluation process by three
o Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
curators who consider its artistic, cultural,
Saturday flagged off the first tanker -
and entertainment value. Only approved
Swarna Sindhu - carrying crude oil
content makes it to the platform.
produced in state-owned ONGC’s Krishna
o CSpace adopts a pay-per-view model,
Godavari deepwater block.
charging users ₹ 75 per movie.
o At its peak production, this project will
add 7 per cent each to India’s oil and gas India’s 1st Integrated Oil Palm Processing
production, the national oil and gas Unit Began Operations in Arunachal
company said in a statement. Pradesh

28
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o On 16th March 2024, 3F Oil Palm Private 19.00 kg/person/annum till 2025-
Limited started the commercial operation 26.
of India’s 1st Integrated Oil Palm o Oil palm farmers will be provided
Processing Unit at Roing, Lower Dibang financial assistance and will get
Valley, Arunachal Pradesh (AR). remuneration under a price and
o This factory marks the first Oil Palm factory viability formula.
in AR and India’s first Oil Palm Factory o The Viability Formula is a Minimum
under the National Mission for Edible Oils Support Price-type mechanism and
- Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). the government will fix this at
o About National Mission for Edible Oils - 14.3% of Crude Palm Oil (CPO)
Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) price.
o The Indian government launched o Special Focus:
the National Mission for Edible Oils o The special emphasis of the
- Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August scheme will be in India’s North-
2021. Eastern (NE) states and the
o The total approved cost of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due
NMEO (Oil Palm) Scheme is ₹ to the conducive weather
11,040 crore, out of which ₹ 8844 conditions in the regions.
crore is Central share and ₹ 2196 o To attract industry to the NE and
crore state share. Andaman regions, a provision of Rs
o The mission has aimed to increase 5 crore of 5 mt/hr (million tonne
oil palm cultivation and boost per hectare) with pro-rata increase
crude palm oil production to 11.20 for higher capacity will be given.
The target fixed for Oil palm area
India’s first under-river metro tunnel
expansion by 2025-26 under
NMEO-Oil palm is given below: inaugurated in Kolkata
o To increase area of oil palm to 10 o The metro tunnel is part of the East-West
lakh hectares from 3.5 lakh ha Metro corridor and passes under the
during 2019-20 by 2025-26 Hooghly River, between Howrah Maidan
(additional 6.50 lakh ha) of which it and Esplanade.
is targeted 3.22 lakh hectares for o The stretch also has the deepest metro
general state and 3.28 lakh ha in station in the country — the Howrah
North Eastern states with targeted metro station at around 32 metres below
FFBs production of 66.00 lakh the ground.
tonnes. o The first underground metro operation in
o To increase in Crude Palm Oil India was started in Kolkata in 1984.
production from 0.27 lakh tonnes o The metro network in India is currently the
during 2019-20 to 11.20 lakh third biggest in the world after the USA
tonnes by 2025-26. and China.
o Increase consumer awareness to
maintain consumption level of

National Current Affairs

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day state visit to Bhutan as part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood
First’ Policy.

29
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o India and Bhutan inked seven agreements, on cooperation in energy, food safety, sports and
research, as well as a space collaboration roadmap.
o PM Modi was awarded the Order of Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest honor. PM Modi is the first
foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.
o Also, India has decided to double Bhutan’s assistance over the next five years, from ₹5,000 crore in
2019-2024 to ₹10,000 crore for the period till 2029.
o India-Bhutan Relations
o Geographical Connection: Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states,
o Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serve as a
buffer between India and China.
o Trade Relations: India is Bhutan’s top trading partner, and in the last decade, India’s non-
hydropower trade in goods with Bhutan has increased from US$ 484 million to US$ 1.606
billion.
o Financial assistance: For the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, India’s contribution of In Rs 5000
Cr. constitutes 73% of Bhutan’s total external grant component.
o Development Projects
o India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan: Chukha HEP, Kurichhu
HEP and Tala HEP which are operational and exporting surplus power to India.
o Recently, India completed a 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project and there are
ongoing projects including the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1 & 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-2.
o India is supporting the ‘Gelephu Mindfulness City’, which is the “visionary project” of Bhutan.
o India and Bhutan plan to build a 58-km rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam.

News Link: [Link]

highest-civilian-award-order-of-the-druk-gyalpo/[Link]

PM SURAJ Portal

o The Prime Minister of India recently launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar
Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal.
o Parent ministry: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
o Aim: To economically empower people belonging to socially backward classes, scheduled castes,
tribes and other disadvantaged sections of the society.
o The portal has been launched in order to set up a one-stop point where people from disadvantaged
sections of society can apply for and monitor the progress of all loan and credit schemes already
available to them.
o This assistance will be provided through banks, NBFC-MFIs and other organizations.
o Support to Disadvantaged Groups: While launching the portal, the Prime Minister also dispersed
around ₹720 crore worth of credit to 1 lakh beneficiaries from Scheduled Caste and other
beneficiaries.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

o The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Saturday (March 16) that the country would
vote in seven phases in the Lok Sabha elections, from April 19 to June 1 and the results will be
announced on June 4. With this, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect.
o What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?
o It was first introduced in the 1960 Assembly elections in Kerala. In 1991, T.N. Seshan first codified the
MCC.
o It is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate the campaigning of political
parties and candidates during elections.

30
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) helps the Election Commission of India in fulfilling its mandate,
given by Article 324 of the Constitution, of supervising and conducting free and fair elections.
o Judicial Recognition
o The MCC has received judicial recognition in the Union of India Vs. Harbans Sigh Jalal and Others
case of 2001 wherein the Supreme Court ruled that the Code of Conduct would come into force the
moment the Election Commission issues the press release.
o The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has originated and evolved with the consensus of political
parties. It does not have any statutory backing and hence is not enforceable by any law.
o Elections in India are held on the basis of universal adult franchise, which means all Indians of 18
years of age and above have the right to vote, irrespective of their caste, colour, religion, sex or
place of birth.

TH Explained: [Link]
explained/[Link]

IE Explained: [Link]

Hybrid Perovskites

o A study by Bharat Ratna Professor C N R Rao and his team has explored precise atomic
rearrangements that occur in each phase transition of lead iodide perovskites due to altered
temperature and pressure and their resulting effects on optoelectronic properties. Such studies
could help in efficient renewable energy generation.
o One of the main motivations for undertaking this comprehensive review was the huge potential of
these hybrid perovskites for commercial applications, primarily due to their varied and unique
crystalline structures.
o A major concern with lead iodide perovskites is their stability. Lead is a toxic element, and the
materials can degrade over time, especially when exposed to moisture or heat.
o The lead iodide perovskites is used in solar cells, LEDs, X-ray shielding, and Energy Storage Systems.

News Link: [Link]

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education recently conducted the
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta
Karyakram Initiative.

o About FLNAT
o FLNAT is a nationwide assessment test conducted as part of the ULLAS initiative.
o It aims to evaluate the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of registered non-literate
learners aged 15 and above.
o The assessment comprises three subjects – Reading, Writing, and Numeracy – each carrying
50 marks, totalling 150 marks. This test is developed to evaluate the foundational literacy
and numeracy skills of registered non-literate learners.
o ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Initiative
o It aims to bridge the gap in basic literacy and critical life skills among citizens aged 15 and
above.
o The program targets individuals who may have missed formal education opportunities. It
equips them with basic literacy skills like reading, writing, and numeracy.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o ULLAS goes beyond basic literacy by imparting essential life skills like digital literacy,
financial literacy, and legal awareness. This empowers individuals to navigate the
complexities of modern life.

Scheme Guidelines for setting up Hydrogen Hubs in India under the National Green Hydrogen
Mission (NGHM)

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines for the development of Green
Hydrogen hubs where it will provide financial support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for
creating core infrastructure for common services and facilities.

o The core infrastructure includes Storage and transportation facilities for green hydrogen and its
derivatives; Development or upgradation of pipeline infrastructure; Green hydrogen-powered
vehicles re-fuelling facility etc,
o Key Points:
o The MNRE said that the scheme for the development of Green Hydrogen hubs will have a
budgetary outlay of Rs 200 crore.
o Under the scheme, at least 2 green hydrogen hubs will be established with Central Financial
o Assistance (CFA) of up to Rs 100 crore each to support the core infrastructure by FY2025-26.
o The Hydrogen hub should have a planned capacity of at least 1,00,000 MTPA. Higher
production capacity will get priority, said the MNRE.
o The projects will be evaluated based on the planned production capacity (weightage 50%),
technology, applications and end use (20%), and financial commitment (30%).
o The MNRE and its nominated Scheme Implementation Agencies (SIA) will be the
implementing agency for these hydrogen hubs.
o About National Green Hydrogen Mission:
o It is a program to incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make India a net
exporter of the fuel.
o The Mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen.
o Sub Schemes:
o Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT):
▪ It will fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and produce green hydrogen.
o Green Hydrogen Hubs:
▪ States and regions capable of supporting large scale production and/or utilization of
hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
o Objective:
o Developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne)
per annum, alongside adding renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW (gigawatt) in India
by 2030.
o It aims to entail over Rs 8 lakh crore of total investments and is expected to generate six lakh
jobs.
o It will also lead to a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore and an
abatement of nearly 50 MT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
o Mission Governance Structure: An Empowered Group (EG) chaired by the Cabinet
Secretary and comprising Secretaries of Government of India and experts from the industry
will guide the Mission; an Advisory Group chaired by the PSA and comprising experts will
advise the EG on scientific and technology matters; and a Mission Secretariat headquartered
in MNRE will undertake the programme implementation.
o Mission Outlay: The initial outlay for the Mission will be ₹ 19,744 crore, including an outlay
of ₹ 17,490 crore for the SIGHT programme, ₹ 1,466 crore for pilot projects, ₹ 400 crore for

32
 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

R&D, and ₹ 388 crore towards other Mission components. MNRE will formulate schemes
guidelines for implementation of the respective components.

About Scheme: [Link]

PM Modi launched India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Ferry

o Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) manufactured the vessel and will be used for service at Varanasi in
Uttar Pradesh.
o The ferry will be handed over to the Inland Waterways Authority of India by the CSL after trials. The
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has provided 75% of the project cost.
o The Hydrogen fuel cell vessel is a 24-meter-long catamaran (a watercraft) that can transport up to
50 people in its air-conditioned passenger area.
o The 'Harit Nauka' (green boat) initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to
transition inland vessels to green technology.
o Harit Nauka initiative
o In January 2024, the shipping ministry introduced the Harit Nauka guidelines for inland
vessels.
o These guidelines state that all states must aim to use green fuels for 50% of inland
waterways-based passenger fleets within the next ten years, and 100% by 2045. This will help
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

MHA notified Citizenship Amendment Act Rules, 2024

On March 11, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the rules under the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 to fast-
track the citizenship process for non-Muslims, immigrants such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis,
and Christians from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, who had entered India before December 31,
2014.

o The rules are notified four years after Parliament passed this law on December 11, 2019 amending
the Citizenship Act of 1955.
o These rules will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship.
o As per parliamentary procedures, legislation rules should be framed within six months of
presidential assent. Failure to do so requires an extension from the Committees on Subordinate
Legislation in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
o MHA obtained extensions from these committees at regular intervals to develop rules enabling
eligible individuals to apply for Indian citizenship.
o What are CAA Rules 2024?
o The application process for citizenship under CAA has been made under Section 6B of the
Citizenship Act, 1955. Applicants need to prove their country of origin, religion, date of entry
into India, and knowledge of an Indian language to qualify for Indian citizenship.
o Proof of Country of Origin: Relaxed requirements allow various documents, including birth or
educational certificates, identity documents, licenses, land records, or any document proving
previous citizenship of the mentioned countries.
o Date of Entry into India: Applicants can provide 20 different documents as proof of entry into
India, including visas, residential permits, census slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, ration
cards, government or court letters, birth certificates, and more.
o Mechanism for Implementation of Rules:

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o The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the task of processing citizenship
applications under the CAA to the Postal department and Census officials under the Union
government.
o Background and security checks will be conducted by Central security agencies like the
Intelligence Bureau (IB).
o Final decisions on applications will be made by empowered committees led by the Director
(Census Operations) in each State.
o These committees will include officials from various departments, including the Intelligence
Bureau, Post Master General, State or National Informatics Centre, and representatives from
the State government's Department of Home and Divisional Railway Manager.
o District-level committees, headed by the Superintendent of the Department of Post, will sift
through applications, with a representative from the District Collector's office as an invitee.
o Processing of Applications: The Empowered Committee and District Level Committee (DLC),
instituted by the Centre, will process citizenship applications, bypassing state control.
o DLC will receive applications, and the final decision will be made by the Empowered
Committee, headed by the Director (Census Operations).
o Key Points:
o Relaxations: Under the Citizenship Act, 1935, one of the requirements for citizenship by
naturalization is that the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months, as
well as for 11 of the previous 14 years.
o The 2019 amendment relaxes the second requirement from 11 years to 6 years as a specific
condition for applicants belonging to these six religions, and the aforementioned three
countries.
o Exemptions: CAA will not apply to regions mentioned under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution, which include Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and
Mizoram.
o Additionally, areas covered by the Inner Line Permit system (ILP) are also exempt from the
CAA.
o The concept of Inner Line separates the tribal-majority hills of the Northeast from the plains
areas. To enter and stay in these areas, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is needed.
o Currently, Inner Line Permit regulates visit of all persons, including Indian citizens, to
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
o This exclusion is intended to protect the interests of tribal and indigenous communities in
the North-Eastern region, ensuring that individuals residing in these areas cannot seek
citizenship under the provisions of the CAA, 2019.

TH Explained: [Link]
explained/[Link]

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw releases Postal Stamp to Mark AIRF Centenary
Celebration

o Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR) has released a commemorative
postage stamp to mark the 100 years of the All-India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) in an event
held at Karnail Singh Railway Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi.
o AIRF is one of the oldest and largest trade unions in India.
o AIRF was established on 24th April 1924, but was recognized by Railway Board in 1929.

Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani Launched Logo & Website of Alliance for Global Good –
Gender Equity and Equality

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Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the logo
and website for the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality in an event held in New Delhi,
Delhi.

o The Logo: Significance

o The logo forms the alphabet “e” which represents Equality and Equity. The parallel strokes
reflect collective action by Governments, industry and institutions enabling women to
achieve their economic potential, globally. The Tricolours symbolize the values of the Alliance
- saffron for strength and courage, white for truth and green for growth. The red dot denotes
prosperity. The logo draws inspiration from Lord Ganesh who symbolises intellect, wisdom
and understanding.
o About Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality:
o Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality was launched by India on the sidelines
of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2024) held Davos,
Switzerland in January 2024.
o The Alliance, aligning with India’s vision on women-led development, represents a setp
towards the gender equality.
o The alliance is a response to the G20 Summit 2023 Leaders' Declaration and India's
commitment to women-led development.
o It seeks to build on the initiatives of the Engagement Group and frameworks like Business 20,
Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER.
o The G20 Alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women's Economic
Representation (G20 EMPOWER) is an initiative that aims to increase women's leadership and
empowerment in the private sector.
o The primary objective of this new Alliance is to bring together global best practices,
knowledge sharing and investments in the identified areas of women’s health, education,
and enterprise.
o Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and
anchored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Centre for Women Leadership.
o CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organisation that
works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India.
o The WEF has come on board as a ‘Network Partner’ and Invest India as an ‘Institutional
Partner’.
o Invest India is a national Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency. It was set up in 2009
as a non-profit venture under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
o World Economic Forum
o The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
o The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to
shape global, regional and industry agendas.
o The WEF was founded on 24th January, 1971 by German engineer Klaus Schwab.
headquartered in Geneva.
o He introduced the concept of “stakeholder capitalism.”
o The WEF is best known for its annual meeting at Davos, Switzerland. The event attracts
political and business leaders from around the world for discussions about global issues.
o Major Reports: Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Energy Transition
Index, Global Risk Report, Global Travel and Tourism Report.

News Link: [Link]

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MOCI Minister Piyush Goyal Launched Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry, Website & Logo of Startup
Mahakumbh.

o Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) unveiled a new database
for India’s startup ecosystem, named Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry, a website, and logo of
‘Startup Mahakumbh’ during the curtain raiser event of the first-ever ‘Startup Mahakumbh’.
o The registry will act as a single platform database for startups, investors, incubators, and other
stakeholders in India’s startup ecosystem.
o The event was organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
under MOCI.
o Startup Mahakumbh:
o The first-ever ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ is to be held from March 18-20, 2024 at Bharat
Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi.
o It is envisioned to make the Indian startup ecosystem stronger to have global dominance
and foster entrepreneurship among Indian youth.
o The theme of the Startup Mahakumbh is ‘Bharat Innovates,’ which underscores the intricate
link between innovation and startups.
o The Government of India launched the “Startup India” initiative in 2016 to build a stronger
ecosystem for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ to Facilitate Post-Harvest
Financing for Farmers

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD),
launched ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’, an online digital platform of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory
Authority (WDRA) to facilitate post-harvest financing for farmers.

o About ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’:

o The platform enables farmers to secure collateral-free loans from the banks against their
farm produce stored in the WDRA-registered warehouse.
o It also simplifies the process for farmers to store their produce at any WDRA-registered
warehouse for six months at 7% interest per annum.
o It was developed collaboratively by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the
Department of Financial Services, and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD).
o The union minister also announced that the security deposits to be paid by the farmers to
WDRA registered warehouses would be reduced to 1% from 3%.
o Launched in 2018, e-NWR is a digital warehousing receipt issued by registered warehouses
regulated and governed by WDRA.

Read More: [Link]

MoHFW launches National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming in India

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched a National Action Plan for Prevention and
Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) during a ceremony in New Delhi, Delhi envisaging a reduction
in snakebite deaths by halve by 2030.

o NAP-SE in India is a framework that offers guidance to states, Union Territories (UTs), and other
stakeholders to create customized action plans to manage, prevent, and handle snakebites through
the ‘One Health’ approach. The activities envisaged under human, wildlife, tribal and Animal health
component will be undertaken by concerned stakeholders at all levels.

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o Snakebite Helpline no (15400) for immediate assistance, guidance, and support to individuals and
communities affected by snakebite incidents is piloted in five States viz. Puducherry, Madhya
Pradesh (MP), Assam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Delhi.

MoWCD Introduces National Curriculum for ECCE & National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) launched a National Curriculum for Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children from 3 to 6 years and a National Framework for Early
Childhood Stimulation for children from birth to 3 years.

o The National Curriculum for ECCE 2024 aims to improve the quality of ECCE transacted at the
Anganwadi Centre through competency-based lesson plans and activities.
o National Curriculum for ECCE:
o The National Curriculum for ECCE 2024 aims to improve the quality of ECCE transacted at the
Anganwadi Centre through competency-based lesson plans and activities.
o The curriculum emphasises all domains of development outlined in the National Curriculum
Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 (NCF-FS), such as physical, cognitive, etc.
o Focus on joy-based learning prepares children for primary school, emphasising a balance between
child-led and educator-led activities, etc.
o National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation:
o This 2024 framework empowers caregivers and Anganwadi Workers for holistic early stimulation.
o Based on principles of responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning, it ensures optimal
development of children, both body and brain.
o It fills conceptual and practical gaps in the understanding of care and stimulation, based on the
Nurturing Care Framework.

Anant Ambani launched ‘Vantara’ programme for Welfare of Animals

o Anant Ambani, Director on the boards of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Reliance Foundation,
has launched an umbrella initiative called the ‘Vantara’ (Star of the Forests) programme to rescue,
treat, care for, and rehabilitate injured, abused, and threatened animals, in India and abroad.
o The initiative is the first of its kind in India and it aims to construct the world’s largest animal rescue
and rehabilitation centre spanning about 3,000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar
Refinery Complex in Gujarat.
o The initiative offers dedicated medical facilities and specialized animal kitchens.

MoE & MIB Jointly launches nationwide awareness campaign “Mera pehla vote desh ke liye”

o The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) have jointly
launched a nationwide awareness campaign “Mera pehla vote desh ke liye (my first vote for the
country)” to encourage the first-time voters to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
o The campaign activities involve both on-ground physical events and online competitions on the
MyGov platform.

MSME Minister Narayan Rane Launched Three Initiatives to Promote Women

Entrepreneurship

Addressing the ninth Annual Shakti International Women Entrepreneurs Summit in New Delhi, Union
Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane, celebrated the unprecedented rise of women entrepreneurs in the Micro,
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, attributing it to better policies and an enabling environment
cultivated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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o Highlighting the pivotal role of initiatives aimed at nurturing women entrepreneurship, the summit
witnessed the launch of three impactful programs:
o 'Panjikaran Se Pragati': A joint integrated national campaign by the Ministry of MSME and
the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), urging women entrepreneurs to register under
the Udyam scheme and unlock a plethora of opportunities awaiting them.
o 'WEP Unnati - Udyamita se Pragati tak': This pioneering initiative, a collaboration between
the Ministry of MSME and WEP, introduces the Award-to-Reward (ATR) program. Designed
to propel Women MSMEs towards exponential growth, it provides comprehensive capacity-
building support through WEP, ensuring their holistic development.
o The Mentorship Platform: Under the aegis of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP),
this platform fosters mentorship opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange and skill
enhancement among aspiring and established women entrepreneurs.

MeitY Notifies PIB’s Fact Check Unit as Authorised Body for Centre under IT Rules 2021

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the
Press Information Bureau (PIB) as a statutory body with powers to flag misinformation about the Central
government and its departments across social media platforms.

o The rule mandates all social media and internet intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent
the spread of deceptive or misleading content from their users, related to the central government.
o FCU is managed by 3 Joint Director rank officers of the Indian Information Service, overseen by the
Principal Director General (DG) of the PIB.

MoRD Notifies 3-10% hike in MGNREGA Wage Rates for FY25

o The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has notified a 3-10% increase in the wage rate of
workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in
nominal terms for the financial year 2024-25(FY25).
o The notification was issued under Section 6 (1) of the MGNREGA, 2005.
o The new wage hike range from Rs 7 to Rs 26 will come into force from 1st April 2024.
o The wages have seen an average increase of about 7% from the existing all-India average wage rate
of Rs 267.32 per day to Rs 285.47 per day for FY25.
o Goa witnesses the highest hike of 10.56% over the current wage rate, while Uttar Pradesh(UP) and
Uttarakhand have recorded the lowest raise of 3.04% each.
o Key Points:
o MGNREGA wage rates are determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index for
Agricultural Labor (CPI-AL), reflecting rural inflation.
o Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated Rs 86,000 crore for MGNREGA.
o States can also provide wage rates exceeding the Centre’s notified levels for the
beneficiaries.

Read More: [Link]

rates-for-2024-24-124032701265_1.html

National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited

The Union Cooperation Minister launched the National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development
Corporation Limited (NUCFDC), the Umbrella organisation for the Urban Cooperative Banks in New Delhi.

o The NUCFDC has received Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India to operate
as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and serve as the umbrella organization for the urban
cooperative banking sector.

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o In addition to this, it will be allowed to operate as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) for the
sector.
o Aim: To modernize and strengthen the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector in India, ultimately
benefiting both the banks and their customers.
o Parent ministry: Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
o Objectives:
o Raise capital: NUCFDC plans to reach a capital base of Rs. 300 crores to support Urban
Cooperative Banks.
o Provide specialized services: Offer financial assistance, consultancy services, and capacity
building programs to UCBs.
o Develop shared technology platform: Besides offering liquidity and capital support, the
umbrella organization would set up a technology platform that can be shared by all UCBs,
enabling them to widen their range of services at a relatively lower cost.
o It can also offer fund management and other consultancy services.
o Facilitate communication and regulation: Act as a bridge between UCBs and regulatory
bodies for better communication and streamlined regulations.

News Link: [Link]

urban-cooperative-finance-and-development-corporation/[Link]

HCES for 2022-23 shows milk emerging as India’s top food spend item.

o The government’s latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 shows
milk emerging as India’s top food spend item, both in rural and urban areas.
o The monthly value of milk and dairy products consumed by an average person in rural India, at Rs
314, was ahead of vegetables (Rs 203), cereals (Rs 185), egg, fish & meat (Rs 185), fruits (Rs 140),
edible oil (Rs 136), spices (Rs 113) and pulses (Rs 76).
o The HCES data reveals the same for urban India: Milk (Rs 466), fruits (Rs 246), vegetables (Rs 245),
cereals (Rs 235), egg, fish & meat (Rs 231), edible oil (Rs 153), spices (Rs 138) and pulses (Rs 90).
o The challenge
o Indians spending more on milk – viewed as a “superior” food – is good news for the dairy
industry, especially farmers. But this could face headwinds from two sources.
o The first relates to consumer demand itself from inflation. The all-India modal (most-quoted)
price of milk has gone up from Rs 42 to Rs 60 per litre in the last five years, according to the
department of consumer affairs. Much of the increase – from Rs 52 to Rs 60 – has happened
in the last one year alone.
o The second has to do with the cost of fodder, feed and raw materials/ingredients. As these
have increased significantly (see table), dairies have had to hike procurement prices paid to
farmers and, in turn, pass-through the same to consumers.

Supreme Court’s ruling on immunity for legislators facing bribery charges.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of
Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) cannot claim any immunity from prosecution for accepting bribes to cast a
vote or make a speech in the House in a particular fashion.

o Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution confers on MPs immunity from prosecution in respect of
anything said or any vote given in Parliament or on any parliamentary committee. Similarly, Article
194(2) grants protection to MLAs.

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o A seven-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) unanimously overruled its
Judgement in P.V Narasimha Rao v. State (1998).
o P.V Narasimha Rao v. State (1998)
– A five-member Constitution Bench had held that parliamentarians and legislators enjoyed
immunity for their actions on the floor of the House, even if they had taken bribes to vote in
a particular manner.
– It allowed legislators to claim immunity from prosecution in bribery cases under the
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Explained: [Link]
facing-bribery-charges-explained/[Link]

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the inaugural of the finals of the National
Youth Parliament Festival, 2024

o Yatin Bhaskar Duggal from Haryana won the first prize in the National Youth Parliament Festival,
2024. First National Youth Parliament Festival was organized in 2019.
o The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and
National Service Scheme (NSS) has been organizing the Youth Parliament.
o Aim: These Youth Parliaments are aimed at strengthening the roots of democracy; inculcate healthy
habits of discipline, tolerance of the view of others and to enable youths to know about practices
and procedures of the Parliament.

The stakeholders meeting on Right to Repair Portal India was held recently.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has launched the Right to Repair Portal India to provide consumers
with access to repair information for their products and reduce e-waste.

o The launch was made on the occasion of National Consumer Rights Day 2022.
o Features:
o It provides information about the circular economy, which is the new economic model that
focuses on repairing and reusing products, as opposed to throwing them away.
o The portal brings together information from different sectors, including automobiles,
consumer durables, mobile and electronics, and farming equipment.
o All public information related to products, services, warranties, terms, and conditions, etc. will
also be easily accessible through this portal.
o Department of Consumer Affairs had set up a committee chaired by Nidhi Khare,
Additional Secretary to develop a comprehensive framework on 'Right to Repair'.

Explained: [Link]
[Link]

National Archives of India Foundation Day & Subhash Abhinandan

The National Archives of India is celebrating its 134th Foundation Day (8th March). On this occasion, a
digital exhibition “Subhash Abhinandan”, based on the life of Subhash Chandra Bose is being organized.

o Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s personal records are preserved in the National Archives of India and
can be accessed on Netaji Portal and Abhilekh-Patal.
o In these records, letters written by him, diary of his father Shri Janaki Nath Bose, documents of Azad
Hind Fauj and many government documents related to him are available.
o The National Archives of India

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o Parent body: The National Archives of India is an attached Office under the Ministry of
Culture.
o Established on: 11 March 1891 at Kolkata (Calcutta) as the Imperial Record Department.
o Transfer: Following the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, the present
building of the National Archives of India was constructed in 1926 which was designed by Sir
Edwin Lutyens.
o Role: The National Archives of India is also the nodal agency for the implementation of the
Public Records Act, 1993 and Public Record Rules, 1997.

Sela Tunnel

o Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the strategically-important Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
o The Sela Tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, will be the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at
an elevation.
o The tunnel has been made on the road connecting Assam’s Tezpur to Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang.

Prime Minister Modi unveiled the 125-feet tall ‘Statue of Valour’, of Ahom general Lachit
Borphukan.

o He was born in 1622, in Charaideo, Assam.

o He was chosen as one of the five Borphukans of the Ahom kingdom by king Chakradhwaj Singha,
and given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities.
o He is best known for his leadership during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 against the Mughal forces
led by Raja Ramsingh under Aurangzeb.
o The Ahom Kingdom
o It was established by Chaolung Sukapha in the 13th century.
o It endured for six centuries as the ruling power in Assam.
o The Ahoms governed the region until it was annexed to British India in 1826 through the
signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo.

Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram Redevelopment Project

On March 12, marking the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March that began from the Sabarmati Ashram,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ‘Ashram Bhoomi Vandana’, a symbolic laying of the
foundation stone, and unveiled the masterplan of the Rs 1,200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct
Development Project.

o The central government and Gujarat government are jointly implementing the Gandhi Ashram
Memorial and Precinct Development Project.
o Prepared by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd (HCPDPM) led by
Bimal Patel, the masterplan proposes to restore, conserve, and rebuild about half of the 63
structures that existed in the original ashram that was spread over 120 acres of land on the banks of
the Sabarmati River on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
o Setting up of Ashrams: Mahatma Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South
Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he lived from
1893 to 1914, and three in India, where he arrived in 1915.
o He set up the first ashram in Ahmedabad in Kocharab in 1915.
o Sabarmati Ashram: In 1917, Gandhiji founded the ashram at Sabarmati — his fourth ashram — on
the western bank of the Sabarmati River.

Explained: [Link]
ahmedabad-9209231/

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 19th
Foundation Day on 12th March, 2024.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR was established in 2007 under the Commission
for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.

o A child is defined as a person falling in the age group of 0 to 18 years.

o Constitutional Rights of Children in India
o The Constitution of India guarantees all children certain rights these include:
o Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6-14 year age
group (Article 21 A).
o Right to be protected from any hazardous employment till the age of 14 years (Article 24).
o Right to be protected from being abused and forced by economic necessity to enter
occupations unsuited to their age or strength (Article 39(e)).
o Right to equal opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions
of freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against
exploitation and against moral and material abandonment (Article 39 (f)).

The Union Government has inaugurated the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control
Center.

At the Command Centre, it will be possible to see all the digital innovations being made in the agriculture
sector by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on a big screen simultaneously at one place.

o Government Initiatives
o India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA): It is a framework designed to lay down the
architecture for a federated farmers’ database, facilitating innovative agri-focused solutions
using emerging technologies to enhance the agricultural ecosystem.
o National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A): Funds are allocated to states/UTs
for projects involving modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine
Learning (ML), Robotics, Drones, Data Analytics, and Blockchain in agriculture.
o National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): A pan-India electronic trading portal connecting
Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market
for agricultural commodities, providing digital services to traders, farmers, and mandis.
o PM KISAN Scheme: Direct transfer of funds to eligible farmers’ bank accounts under Direct
Benefit Transfer mode, with self-registration available through the Farmers Corner in the
portal and a dedicated mobile app for broader access.
o Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (AGMARKNET): Supports the creation of
agricultural marketing infrastructure by providing backend subsidy support and offers
services through the AGMARKNET portal for stakeholders including farmers, industry, and
policymakers.
o Mobile Apps by ICAR: More than 100 mobile apps developed by ICAR, State Agricultural
Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras offering valuable information to farmers on crops,
horticulture, veterinary, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and natural resources management.

The first phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was
inaugurated in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh.

o The ART is an open-field, focused observational and analytical research programme.

o Aim: To conduct ground-based observations of weather parameters like temperature, wind speeds,
etc. and in-situ (on-site) observations of the transient synoptic systems – like low-pressure areas and

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depressions that form in the Bay of Bengal – during the southwest monsoon season from June to
September.
o It is funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and will house 25 high-end meteorological
instruments.
o The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is in charge of the operations.
o It will study vital cloud processes associated with the monsoons over central India’s Monsoon Core
Zone (MCZ).

Explained: [Link]
bhopal-significance-9215690/

The NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative as part of the Aspirational Blocks
Programme.

o The initiative aims to bolster local economies and promote grassroots entrepreneurship.
o It is being implemented in partnership with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network
for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platforms.
o The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)
o It was launched in 2023.
o Objective: ABP focuses on improving governance to enhance the quality of life of citizens in
the most difficult and relatively underdeveloped blocks of India.
o 500 blocks from 329 districts across 27 states and 4 Union Territories of India are part of the
programme.
o The Programme strategy is based on convergence of existing schemes, defining outcomes,
and monitoring them on a constant basis.
o 40 key performance indicators (KPIs) were chosen to measure progress of the blocks which
have been grouped into 5 themes.
o Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
o GeM is the Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services for all Central
Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Units (PSUs) and
affiliated.
o GeM endeavours to make the public procurement process transparent, efficient and
inclusive.
o It is a 100 percent government owned company set up under the aegis of Department of
Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
o It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate
the government users
o Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
o ONDC is a network based on open protocol and will enable local commerce across
segments, such as mobility, grocery etc to be discovered and engaged by any network-
enabled application.
o It is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
o Objective: The platform aims to create new opportunities, curb digital monopolies and by
supporting micro, small and medium enterprises and small traders and help them get on
online platforms.

News Link: [Link]

entrepreneurship/?ref=[Link]

SC forms expert panel to balance Bustard conservation with sustainable energy goals

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o The Supreme Court on March 21 constituted an expert committee to balance the conservation and
protection of the endangered Great Indian Bustard bird population with the country’s international
commitments to promote renewable sources of energy.
o The large-winged birds are on the brink of extinction, with one of the causes being frequent
collision with high-powered power cables running adjacent to its core habitats in Gujarat and
Rajasthan.
o The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most
critically endangered bird.
o Desert National Park:
o It is situated on the western border of India within the Jaisalmer & Barmer Districts of
Rajasthan.
o Great Indian Bustards, Rajasthan State animal (Chinkara), State tree (khejri) and State flower
(Rohida) are found naturally at this park.
o It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and National Park in 1992.

India launched ‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate its nationals from Haiti.

o Against the backdrop of new attacks being launched by armed gangs in the suburbs of Port-au-
Prince, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the country has launched "Operation
Indravati" to evacuate Indian nationals from Haiti.
o They are being evacuated to the Dominican Republic.

Central Consumer Protection Authority issues advisory on Prohibition of Advertising,

Promotion, and Endorsement of Illegal Activities.

o The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently advised all endorsers and influencers on
social media to refrain from promoting or advertising offshore online betting and gambling
platforms.
o Betting and gambling are strictly prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and are
considered illegal in the majority of regions across the country.
o The advisory highlights that, the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and
Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, categorically prohibit advertisements of
products or services prohibited under any prevailing law.
o The Ministry has reiterated the advisory by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) dated
06.03.2024 which had expressed concerns regarding endorsements of betting/gambling platforms
by celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their betting activities.
o Penalty: The advisory cautions that failure to comply with it may lead to proceedings under the
provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 including removal or disabling of social media posts or
accounts and penal action under the applicable statutes.

Every Village to Have Primary Agricultural Credit Society by 2027: Union Home Minister

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre has decided to ensure formation of Primary
Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in every village by 2027.

o The Centre has introduced 20 new activities to be associated with PACS, enabling them to generate
profits.
o Shah launched the National Cooperative Database and released the ‘National Cooperative
Database 2023: A Report’. The database aims to identify and address the gaps through a
comprehensive analysis.
o The National Cooperative Database has been carried out in three phases.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o 1st Phase: The Mapping of approximately 2.64 lakh societies in three sectors, namely Primary
Agricultural Credit Societies, Dairy, and Fisheries, was completed.
o 2nd Phase: Data from various National Federation, State Federation, State Cooperative Banks,
District Central Cooperative Banks, Urban Cooperative Banks etc were collected.
o 3rd Phase: Data mapping of all remaining 8 lakh primary cooperative societies in other
sectors was carried out.
o What is Primary Agricultural Credit Society?
o Primary Agricultural Credit Society is a village-level cooperative credit society.
o They serve as the last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure headed by the State
Cooperative Banks at the state level.
o The Primary Agricultural Credit Societies has around 13 crore farmers who are primarily
engaged in short-term credit and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, etc.
o Functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Society:
o Credit from the SCBs is transferred to the District Central Cooperative Banks, or DCCBs, that
operate at the district level.
o The DCCBs work with PACS, which deals directly with farmers.
o Since these are cooperative bodies, individual farmers are members of the PACS, and office-
bearers are elected from within them.

Centre to Provide Cashless Treatment for o Developed by: Ministry of Road

Road Accidents Victims Transport and Highways.
o Implementing Agency: The National
o Recently, The Government of India has Health Authority (NHA) in coordination
launched a pilot program to provide with police, hospitals, State Health Agency
cashless treatment to the victims of road (SHA).
accidents caused by the use of motor o Broad contours of the pilot program
vehicles. are:
o Legal Mandate: The Central Government o Cashless Treatment Benefits to
shall constitute a Fund under Section the Victims:
164(B)(1) of the Motor Vehicles ▪ up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5
Amendment Act, 2019. lakhs per accident per
o Purpose: person.
o To treat any person injured in road ▪ for a maximum period of 7
accidents according to the golden days from the date of
hour scheme. accident.
o It is the one-hour period following o Beneficiary:
a traumatic injury during which o All road accidents caused by the
there is the highest likelihood of use of motor vehicles on any
preventing death by providing category of road.
prompt medical care.
o To compensate the dependents News Link:
and other representatives of [Link]
individuals who died in hit-and-run to-provide-cashless-treatment-for-road-crash-
accidents. victims/[Link]
o To provide compensation to any
Introducing PB-SHABD: Prasar Bharati’s
person grievously injured in a hit-
News Sharing Platform
and-run accident.
o Initiated in: Chandigarh

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Recently the Union Minister of Information and discarded as waste without the intent of
Broadcasting launched PB-SHABD, a news sharing re-use.
service from Prasar Bharati. o Developed by: Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB).
o PB-SHABD stands for Prasar Bharti –
o Regulation of the Platform:
Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and
o The CPCB will establish guidelines
Dissemination (PB-SHABD).
for operating the platform and set
o Objective: To provide daily news feeds in
a price range for EPR certificates.
video, audio, text, photo and other
o The Price Range will be between 30
formats to the subscribers from the media
% and 100% of the environmental
landscape.
compensation amount imposed for
Online Platform for Trading E-Waste failing to meet EPR obligations.
Responsibility Certificates Centre Forms Committee to look into
Recently, The Government of India mooted to Ayushman Bharat Scheme Implementation
launch a platform for trading e-waste o The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
responsibility certificates. has announced the formation of an expert
o E-waste: It Refers to all items of electrical committee to review the implementation
and electronic equipment (EEE) and its of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri
parts (computers, equipment, home Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
appliances, audio or video products & all o Composition: The 16-member committee,
of their peripherals) that its owner has chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health) at
NITI Aayog.

Science and Technology

DoT launches Digital Intelligence Portal, ‘Project ANAGRANINF’ for the
Chakshu’ facility to curb Cybercrimes and development of a novel class of antibiotics
financial Frauds against gram-negative bacterial-infections.
• The project is a joint effort between Indian
• As a component of the Sanchar Saathi and Spanish companies, with ABAC
portal, the Department of THERAPEUTICS SL serving as the Spanish
Telecommunications introduced Chakshu Project Lead.
and the Digital Intelligence Platform. • The project’s primary objective is to
• The Digital Intelligence Platform is an develop a novel lead compound,
inter-agency initiative that facilitates the particularly an antibiotic, adept at
exchange of cybercriminal data among inhibiting the FabI enzyme and
many parties, including banks, social combatting critical gram-negative
media sites, and wallet providers. pathogens.
• Reporting of Fraud: Citizens can report • Gram-negative bacteria are prokaryotic
suspected fraudulent communication by organisms that are resistant to multiple
using Chakshu, which allows users to drugs and can cause infections like
report messages, numbers, and phishing pneumonia and meningitis.
attempts. • Total project cost - ₹1.5 crores (a grant of
Project ANAGRANINF ₹75 Lakhs each).

• Recently, the Technology Development ISRO successfully conducts second

Board (TDB) of the Department of Science Pushpak RLV landing experiment
& Technology and others sanctioned the

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• The Indian Space Research Organisation nations by demonstrating expertise of and

(ISRO) said it successfully conducted the capability for such missions.
landing experiment of Pushpak Reusable
SAKHI App for Gaganyaan Mission
Launch Vehicle (RLV) at Aeronautical Test
Range in Chitradurga district in Karnataka. • Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the
• The Pushpak was lifted by an Indian Air Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Force Chinook helicopter and was released facility, has developed the multi-purpose
from 4.5 km altitude. app SAKHI to help astronauts on the
• After the release, it autonomously Gaganyaan mission.
approached the runway along with cross- • SAKHI will monitor the health of the
range corrections. astronauts, help them stay connected with
• Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Earth and alert them about their dietary
Demonstrator (RLV-TD) schedules.
• RLV-TD is one of the most technologically • It will keep the crew connected with the
challenging endeavours of ISRO towards onboard computer and ground-based
developing essential technologies for a stations, guaranteeing a seamless
fully reusable launch vehicle to enable communication link.
low-cost access to space.
• The Project lays the groundwork for future Criminal Case Management System and
missions, like establishing the Bhartiya Sankalan App
Antriksh Station by 2035. • In a significant move to enhance India's
Samudrayaan Mission capability in combating terrorism and
organized crime, the Ministry of Home
• The minister of Earth Sciences confirmed Affairs inaugurated a digital Criminal Case
that the Samudrayaan mission is Management System (CCMS) developed
scheduled to explore the bed of the ocean by the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
by 2025 end. in New Delhi.
• India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is • Home Minister Shri Amit Shah e-
implemented by the Ministry of Earth inaugurates NIA’s 2 new branch offices in
Sciences (MoES) and was approved in Jammu and Kochi and a residential
2021 at a cost of nearly Rs 4,077 crore complex in Raipur.
over a five-year period in a phased • Alongside the CCMS, a mobile app
manner. ‘Sankalan’, a compendium of New Criminal
• As a part of DOM, India’s flagship deep Laws by the National Crime Records
ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan’, was Bureau (NCRB) was also launched.
initiated in 2021 by the Ministry of Earth • Sankalan app has been designed for
Sciences. navigating through new criminal laws as a
• With ‘Samudrayaan’, India is embarking on bridge between old and new criminal laws.
a crewed expedition to reach a depth of This app will work as a comprehensive
6,000 m to the ocean bed in the central guide for all stakeholders. The app will
Indian Ocean. work in offline mode as well and its
• This journey will be accomplished by availability has been ensured in far-flung
Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible. areas so that all stakeholders can have
• So far, countries such as the U.S., Russia, access to desired information around the
China, France and Japan have carried out clock.
successful deep-ocean crewed missions.
India is poised to join the ranks of these News Link:
[Link]
014738

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Meet MethaneSAT, a satellite which will V-SAT Station in Tribal Villages of India
‘name and shame’ methane emitters
• Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track planned to collaborate with ISRO to
and measure methane emissions at a deploy V-SAT stations on a pilot basis for
global scale — was launched aboard a around 80 tribal villages in Jharkhand,
SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California on Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra
Monday (March 4). to bring Internet services.
• Methane is an invisible but strong • It aims to bring connectivity to
greenhouse gas, and the second largest geographically remote villages with
contributor to global warming after difficult terrain, and have the potential to
carbon dioxide, responsible for 30 per cent significantly address connectivity
of global heating since the Industrial challenges in remote areas.
Revolution. • It is a significant step towards achieving
• According to the United Nations digital inclusivity.
Environment Programme, over a period of
India to restart Penicillin G manufacture
20 years, methane is 80 times more potent
at warming than carbon dioxide. • India will start manufacturing the common
• The gas also contributes to the formation antibiotic Penicillin G later this year, three
of ground-level ozone — a colourless and decades after the country’s last plant shut
highly irritating gas that forms just above down, Union health minister Mansukh
the Earth’s surface. According to a 2022 Mandaviya announced.
report, exposure to ground-level ozone • Penicillin G, just like many other APIs that
could be contributing to one million India manufactured, was phased out of
premature deaths every year. production because of subsidy-driven
• What is MethaneSAT? cheaper Chinese products flooding the
o The entity behind MethaneSAT is market.
the Environmental Defense Fund • The last plant to stop production of the
(EDF) — a US-based nonprofit antibiotic was of Torrent Pharma in
environmental advocacy group. To Ahmedabad.
develop the satellite, EDF • There were at least five companies,
partnered with Harvard University, including Torrent, which manufactured
the Smithsonian Astrophysical Penicillin G in the country in the 90s. But
Observatory, and the New Zealand the prices of the Chinese products were so
Space Agency. low that the Indian manufacturers went
o Essentially, MethaneSAT will orbit out of business
the Earth 15 times a day, • After a 30-year break, India’s Production
monitoring the oil and gas sector. Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which was
It will create a large amount of launched to promote domestic
data, which will tell “how much manufacturing, gave incentives to
methane is coming from where, companies on incremental sales.
who’s responsible, and are those
Explained:
emissions going up or down over
[Link]
time”
ned-health/india-to-restart-penicillin-g-
Explained: manufacture-why-it-stopped-9199850/
[Link]
How subpar treatment options allow sickle
ned-climate/methanesat-satellite-methane-
emmissions-9197297/ cell disease to persist

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• Amidst the unavailability of essential drugs o National Sickle Cell Anaemia

to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at district Elimination Mission:
healthcare institutions, there is growing o Aimed at enhancing the care for all
concern about the challenges faced by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients
people from marginalised Indigenous and reducing the disease's
Tribal communities in managing the prevalence through an integrated
treatment of SCD. approach encompassing screening
• What is Sickle-Cell Disorder? and awareness campaigns.
• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited o Targeting complete elimination of
haemoglobin disorder characterised by a sickle cell disease as a public health
genetic mutation that causes red blood concern by 2047.
cells (RBCs) to assume a sickle or crescent o Under the Sickle Cell Anaemia
shape rather than their normal round Mission, the Council of Scientific
shape. and Industrial Research (CSIR) is
• This abnormality in RBCs results in developing gene-editing therapies
increased rigidity, impairing their ability to for SCD.
circulate effectively throughout the body. • National Health Mission (NHM) 2013:
Consequently, individuals with SCD often o It is, a flagship programme of the
experience complications such as anaemia, Indian government, that
organ damage, recurrent and severe pain encompasses provisions for
episodes, and a shortened lifespan. disease prevention and
• As per the Ministry of Health and Family management, with a specific focus
Welfare, marginalised tribal populations on hereditary anomalies such as
are most vulnerable to SCD. sickle cell anaemia.
• What is India's Current Status of Sickle o Dedicated programs within NHM
Cell Disease (SCD)? focus on raising awareness,
o India ranks third globally in terms facilitating early detection, and
of the number of SCD births, ensuring timely treatment of sickle
following Nigeria and the cell anaemia.
Democratic Republic of the Congo. o NHM facilitates drugs like
o Regional studies indicate that an hydroxyurea to treat SCD in its
estimated 15,000 to 25,000 babies “essential medicines List”.
with SCD are born in India
Explained: [Link]
annually.
tech/science/sickle-cell-disease-crispr-
o Most of these births occur in tribal
hydroxyurea-healthcare-
communities, highlighting the
amenities/[Link]
geographical and socioeconomic
disparities in healthcare access and The Indian Space Research Organisation
awareness. (ISRO) is conducting the Space science and
o According to the 2023 ‘Guidelines Technology Awareness Training (START)
for National Programme for
2024 programme.
Prevention and Management of
Sickle Cell Disease’, of the 1.13 • The Gujarat Council on Science and
crore persons screened in different Technology (GUJCOST) has been
states, about 8.75% (9.96 lakh) designated as the Nodal Centre for the
tested positive. START programme by the ISRO.
• What are the Government Initiatives • The START programme, a brainchild of
Regarding SCD? ISRO, offers an introductory-level online

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

training platform. Encompassing a vast Shiv Shakti Point: IAU Approves

spectrum of space science research areas, Chandrayaan-3 Vikram’s landing Site
including planetary exploration, Name
astronomy, heliophysics, atmospheric
science, and microgravity research. • The International Astronomical Union’s
• Eligibility Criteria for Students: (IAU) working group for Planetary System
o Post-graduate students and final Nomenclature recently approved the
year undergraduate students name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing
studying physical sciences (Physics site of Chandrayaan-3‘s Vikram lander.
and Chemistry) and technology • It is located at 69.373°S 32.319°E, between
(Electronics, Computer Science, the lunar craters Manzinus C and
Mechanical, Applied Physics, Simpelius N.
Radiophysics, Optics & Opto- • Significance of the Name: The term ‘Shiv
electronics, Instrumentation, and Shakti’ represents nature’s masculine-
other associated subjects) in feminine duality, embodying strength and
institutes within India are eligible resolution, and has a deep connection to
to apply. India’s diverse cultural environment.
• About International Astronomical
Agnibaan Rocket: India’s Second Privately Union (IAU)
Developed Rocket o Founding: The IAU was established
on July 28, 1919, at the
• It has been developed by Chennai’s space
Constitutive Assembly held in
start-up Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited.
Brussels, Belgium.
• AgniKul Cosmos, incubated at IIT Madras,
o Aim: To promote and protect
is noted for its innovative contributions to
astronomy in all of its forms
the sector.
through international cooperation.
• Vikram-S launched in 2022, was India’s
o Headquarters: Paris, France.
first privately-developed rocket which
o Members: IAU membership
lifted off from the ISRO launch pad in
includes 92 countries. Out of those
Sriharikota.
countries, 85 are National
• It was developed by Hyderabad-based
Members.
start-up Skyroot Aerospace Private
Limited, under the mission titled Indian Scientist Prof Jayant Murthy
Prarambh. Honoured with Asteroid Name
Xenotransplantation: World's First • The International Astronomical Union
Genetically-Edited Pig Kidney Transplant (IAU), a global organization responsible for
into a patient by US surgeons. naming celestial objects, has bestowed a
rare honour upon an Indian scientist.
• Surgeons in Boston have transplanted a
• Professor Jayant Murthy, an esteemed
kidney from a genetically engineered pig
astrophysicist, has been recognized for his
into an ailing 62-year-old man, the first
remarkable contributions to the field by
procedure of its kind.
having an asteroid named after him –
• Xenotransplantation is the process of
(215884) Jayantmurthy.
transplanting organs from one species to
another, particularly from animals to Union Minister Inaugurates “National
humans. Speed Breeding Crop Facility” At NABI

• Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of

Science & Technology, inaugurated the

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

“National Speed Breeding Crop Facility” at India’s evolving Digital Public

NABI (National Agri-Food Biotechnology Infrastructure and examined potential
Institute), Mohali. collaborative efforts in the field of
• It speeds up crop improvement programs Sovereign AI.
by developing advanced varieties resilient • Sovereign AI marks a departure from
to climate change. dependence on individual providers,
emphasizing the importance of autonomy
Google Partners with Shakti to Combat
and self-sustainability.
Online Misinformation and Deepfakes
CMFRI Launches ‘MARLIN@CMFRI’ App to
• Google has taken a significant step to
Help Citizen Science Initiative in Marine
bolster the fight against online
Fisheries Research
misinformation by announcing its support
for Shakti, a consortium of news • The Indian Council of Agricultural
publishers and fact-checkers. Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries
• The primary goal of Shakti is to provide a Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed
collaborative platform for independent an android mobile app, ‘MARLIN@CMFRI’,
fact-checkers and Indian language to encourage citizen science initiatives in
publishers. marine fisheries research.
• The app was developed under a project by
NVIDIA And Indian Govt Join Forces For
Eldho Varghese at the Fishery Resources
Sovereign AI
Assessment, Economics and Extension
• Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union IT Minister, division (FRAEED) of the CMFRI.
recently met with Shanker Trivedi, senior • MARLIN stands for MARine Fishery
vice president at NVIDIA, at the Ministry of Machine Learning Routines of INdian
Electronics and Information Technology Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
(MeitY). The discussion centred around
State - Wise Current Affairs
Mumbai Central to Be Renamed as Nana renaming of the eight railway stations in
Jagannath Shankarsheth Station Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The following is the new names for the
• The Maharashtra cabinet recently asked stations:
the Ministry of Railways to rename o Curry Road as Lalbaug, Sandhurst
Mumbai Central Station after Nana Road as Dongri, Marine Lines as
Jagannath Shankarseth. Mumbadevi, Cotton Green as
• Architect of Bombay: He was a social Kalachowki, Charni Road as
reformer, educationist and philanthropist Girgaon, Dockyard Road as
is often described as the “architect” of Mazgaon, and King Circle as
Mumbai (then Bombay). Tirthakar Parshivnath.
• Nominated to Legislative Council: He o The cabinet also sent a proposal to
became the first Indian to be nominated the Railways Ministry to rename
to the Legislative Council of Bombay. Mumbai Central Station as Nana
Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Renaming Jagannath Shankarsheth Station.
o It also decided to rename the
of Eight Railway Stations in Mumbai
‘Ahmednagar’ district as ‘Ahilya
• The Maharashtra Cabinet, headed by Chief nagar’ in honour of the late
Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

6 New Sites from MP Listed on UNESCO's o 42nd: The Sacred Ensembles of the
Tentative World Heritage Sites List Hoysalas in Karnataka, which
encompass a group of exquisite
• The sites included in the new list included Hoysala era temples.
Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of Dhamnar
Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art UP emerged as the First State to issue five
Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, crore Ayushman cards
Burhanpur, and Gond monuments of
• The Uttar Pradesh government has issued
Ramnagar, Mandla.
50,017,920 Ayushman cards and provided
• 3 sites from Madhya Pradesh are already
benefits to 74,382,304 individuals as per a
included in UNESCO's World Heritage
press release. 3,716 hospitals in the State
Sites. These include The Khajuraho Group
are covered under this scheme.
of Monuments (1986), Buddhist
• Ayushman Bharat
Monuments of Sanchi (1989), and The
o Ayushman Bharat is a government-
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003).
led healthcare scheme launched on
• What is the Tentative UNESCO list of
September 23, 2018, based on the
World Heritage Sites?
recommendations of the National
• World Heritage Sites: World Heritage
Health Policy 2017.
Sites are special places around the world
o The scheme aims to achieve
that are considered to be of outstanding
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
value to humanity.
and has two main components: the
o They are designated by the United
PM-JAY program and Health and
Nations Educational, Scientific and
Wellness Centers.
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
o The scheme is designed to provide
and are given special protection to
coverage for over 10 crore
ensure they are preserved for
impoverished and vulnerable
future generations.
families, which is approximately 50
o It is backed by the international
crore individuals.
agreement known as the
o It offers up to 5 lakh rupees per
Convention concerning the
family per year specifically for
Protection of the World Cultural
secondary and tertiary
and Natural Heritage, established
hospitalization care.
by UNESCO in 1972.
o Ayushman Bharat - National Health
• Tentative UNESCO list of World
Protection Mission will replace the
Heritage Sites: It is a list of sites identified
existing centrally sponsored
by individual countries (States Parties) that
schemes, namely the Rashtriya
they consider to have "outstanding
Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and
universal value" and may be suitable for
the Senior Citizen Health Insurance
inscription on the World Heritage List.
Scheme (SCHIS).
o As of 21st March 2024, India has 57
• Features:
sites in UNESCO’s Tentative list of
o The Ayushman Bharat - National
heritage sites.
Health Protection Mission is a
• India’s WHS: India currently has 42
scheme that will provide a benefit
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year to
• The most recent ones include:
every family. The benefit is
o 41st: Santiniketan, established by
portable throughout the country,
Nobel laureate Rabindranath
meaning that beneficiaries can
Tagore in West Bengal.
access cashless benefits from any

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

public or private hospitals that are Kashmir are known as

empanelled. Shikaras. These boats have
o This scheme is entitlement-based multiple uses including
and will consider the deprivation rides in the lake, aquatic
criteria found in the socio- harvesting, and fishing.
economic caste census (SECC) Once a year, during the
database. Shikara festival, the
o Beneficiaries can use the benefits Shikaras line up for a race
of the scheme in both public and in Dal Lake.
private facilities. Treatment ▪ Although the festival was
payments will be based on a introduced in 2016, it has
predefined package rate set by the become one of the most
government to control costs. important festivals in the
• National Health Authority (NHA) region. In addition to the
o The National Health Authority Shikara race, other boat
(NHA) is responsible for races in the area include
implementing India's primary Canoe Polo and the Dragon
health insurance program, known Boat Race.
as the "Ayushman Bharat Pradhan o Saffron Festival
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana." ▪ The Saffron Festival is a
o NHA has been tasked with unique celebration that
developing a plan, building takes place only in the
technical infrastructure, and Jammu Kashmir Valley. This
executing the "Ayushman Bharat is because Jammu and
Digital Mission," which aims to Kashmir is the sole state in
establish a national digital health India that produces the
system. best quality saffron.
o Gurez Festival
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Tawi Festival
▪ The valley of Gurez is
began on March 1, 2024, showcasing the located in the northern
Jammu region's art, culture, and heritage. region of Kashmir. The
• This year, the festival will focus on Department of Tourism
highlighting the diverse art forms and initiated the Gurez Festival
cultural treasures of the Jammu region. with the primary objective
• Main festivals of Jammu and Kashmir of promoting tourism in the
o Tulip Festival area.
▪ The Tulip Festival is a Celebration of Mizoram’s Chapchar Kut
popular celebration held
Festival Started
during the spring season in
Kashmir. The region is • Chapchar Kut is a significant spring festival
home to numerous tulip celebrated with great enthusiasm by the
gardens, including the people of Mizoram.
Indira Gandhi Memorial • Following the clearing of forests for jhum
Tulip Garden located in cultivation, local Mizo tribes don
Srinagar. traditional attire and perform the Cheraw
o Shikara Festival and Chai dances.
▪ Wooden boats found in the • What is Jhum Cultivation? Where it is
lakes of Jammu and followed in India?

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o Jhum cultivation is a traditional State (i.e., both the Central and

shifting cultivation technique. Jhum State Governments) to provide
cultivation in India is mainly reservation to the Economically
practiced by indigenous Weaker Sections (EWS) of the
communities in North East India. It society.
includes areas near Arunachal o Whether or not to provide
Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. reservation to the EWS or
o They cut down trees in January and appointment in States is to be
then burn them while the saplings, decided by the State Government.
bamboo, and wood are sun-dried • Constitutional Provisions
and then burned in March or April, o Article 16: It provides for equality
leaving the land clear and suitable of opportunity for all citizens but
for cultivation. as an exception the State can
o Potash, which is found in burned provide for reservation of
soil, boosts nutrient content. appointments or posts in favour of
o After harvesting, the area is left any backward class that is not
unattended for 10-20 years to adequately represented in the state
allow the plants to regrow. During services.
this fallow time, soil fertility is o Article 16 (4A): Provides that the
thought to be regenerated. State can make any provision for
o Shifting cultivation and slash and reservation in matters of
burn cultivation are other names promotion in favor of the
for jhum cultivation. Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes if they are not
The Maharashtra Assembly unanimously
adequately represented in the
passed a Bill granting 10% reservation in services under the State.
education and government jobs to the o Article 335: It recognises that
Maratha community. special measures need to be
adopted for considering the claims
• The law has been formulated based on a
of SCs and STs to services and
report of the Justice Sunil B Shukre-led
posts, in order to bring them at
Maharashtra State Backward Class
par.
Commission.
• It opined that “exceptional circumstances India’s First National Dolphin Research
and extraordinary situations” justify Centre
granting reservation to the community
beyond the Supreme Court-approved 50% • India’s first centre for research on
limit. conserving the endangered Gangetic River
• Reservation in India dolphin was inaugurated in Patna, Bihar.
o As per existing instructions, • Bihar is home to around half of the
reservation is provided to estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins in
Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled India.
Tribes (STs) and Other Backward • National Dolphin Day: October 5th has
Classes (OBCs) at the rate of been designated as National Dolphin Day
15%,7.5% and 27%, respectively, in to be celebrated every year to create
case of direct recruitment on all awareness for conservation of Dolphins.
India basis by open competition. • Dolphin Sanctuary: Vikramshila Gangetic
o The Constitution (103rd Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) (Bihar)
Amendment) Act 2019 enables the

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Majuli Mask Making and Manuscript Karnataka bans use of harmful dyes in
Painting from Assam Receive GI Tags Gobi Manchurian, cotton candy

• Majuli is the largest river island in the • Recently Karnataka banned harmful dyes
world and the seat of Assam’s neo- in Gobi Manchurian cotton candy,
Vaishnavite tradition. imposing imprisonment of up to seven
• These are handmade masks and are years and fines of up to Rs 10 lakh for
traditionally used to depict characters in violators.
bhaonas, or theatrical performances with • Chemicals banned: Tartrazine, Sunset
devotional messages under the neo- Yellow, Carmoisine and Rhodamine B
Vaishnavite tradition. • Consumption of snacks containing these
• What is a GI Tag? artificial colours may pose long-term
o A geographical indication (GI) is a health risks, including cancer. Therefore,
sign used on products that have a the health department has taken this
specific geographical origin and necessary action.
possess qualities or a reputation
Conservationists to propose Kazhuveli
that are due to that origin.
o In India, Geographical Indications watershed region in T.N. for nomination to
registration is administered by the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025
Geographical Indications of Goods • The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli
(Registration and Protection) Act of watershed region in Villupuram district
1999. that comprises of an incredible network of
o The registration of a geographical tanks created thousands of years ago is to
indication is valid for a period of 10 be proposed for nomination to the World
years, it can be renewed from time Monuments Fund Watch 2025
to time for a further period of 10 programme.
years each. • About the World Monuments Fund
Kerala Declared Man-Animal Conflict as (WMF):
o It is a New York-based non-profit
State Disaster
organisation dedicated to
• Amid repeated deaths from animal attacks preserving and protecting
and rising anger over them, Kerala on endangered ancient and historic
Wednesday (March 6) declared man- sites around the world.
animal conflict as a state-specific disaster, o It works with local partners around
becoming the first state in the country to the globe to provide financial and
do so. technical support.
o It is a nomination-based program,
Nayab Singh Saini took oath as the new
launched in 1996, that connects
chief minister of Haryana.
local heritage preservation to
• Haryana Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) chief global awareness and action.
and prominent OBC leader Nayab Singh
Keyi Panyor and Bichom Inaugurated as
Saini has sworn in as the new Haryana
26th & 27th District of Arunachal Pradesh
chief minister hours after Manohar Lal
Khattar resigned along with his Cabinet • On 8 February 2024, the state assembly
that included three ministers from passed the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-
Dushyant Chautala-led Jannayak Janta Organization of Districts) (Amendment)
Party. Bill, 2024.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

GoI approved ‘TG’ Prefix on Vehicle Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu
Registration Plates in Telangana Deo Sai launched 'Krishak Unnati Yojna'

• The Ministry of Road Transport and • The input assistance will be provided
Highways (MoRTH) also issued a gazette based on the paddy purchased from the
notification effective immediately. farmers.
• The change will be applied to new vehicles • Under this scheme, the paddy of all the
and the vehicles with TS number plates will farmers of Chhattisgarh will be purchased
continue. at the rate of Rs. 3100 per quintal.

Telangana CM Anumula Revanth Reddy Karnataka-WEF agree to set up Centre for

Launches Indiramma Indlu’ Housing Artificial Intelligence in State
Scheme
• The State Government of Karnataka has
• The government of Telangana will signed a Letter of Intent with World
construct 4.50 lakh Indiramma houses for Economic Forum (WEF) to establish India’s
Rs 22,500 crore under the scheme. A sole Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
provisional agreement was made to Karnataka.
allocate 3,500 houses to each • This center will be a part of the WEF
constituency. Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
• Under the scheme, a housing site and Rs 5 (C4IR) Network, aiming to govern inclusive
lakh financial assistance will be given to technology and foster digital
the poor who do not own land. transformation.

Defense Current Affairs

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches DPSUs, ADITI scheme has now been
ADITI scheme to promote Defence launched.
Innovation. • ADITI Scheme Overview
o Objective: Promote innovations in
• During DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on critical and strategic defence
March 4, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath technologies.
Singh unveiled the Acing Development of o Grant-in-Aid: Up to Rs 25 crore for
Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) research, development, and
scheme. The scheme aims to promote innovation in defence technology.
innovations in critical and strategic o Duration and Budget: Rs 750 crore
defence technologies, providing start-ups allocated for 2023-24 to 2025-26.
with significant grants for research and o Targets: Develop approximately 30
development. The ADITI scheme worth Rs deep-tech critical and strategic
750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025- technologies.
26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for
Defence Excellence) framework of Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Department of Defence Production (DDP), • It is a bilateral maritime exercise
Ministry of Defence. conducted between the navies of India
• iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with and Malaysia.
the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore • It was conducted at the coast of
to Rs 10 crore. Following the encouraging Visakhapatnam.
participation in providing solutions to the
challenges given by the Services and India Navy Gets First Independent HQ
‘Nausena Bhawan’

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• The defence minister inaugurated the - The Cabinet Committee on Security on

‘Nausena Bhawan’, the new state-of-the- March 7 cleared the project to design and
art headquarters of the Indian Navy at the develop the Advanced Medium Combat
Delhi Cantonment. Aircraft (AMCA), which will be a fifth-
• It establishes the Navy’s first independent generation, medium weight stealth fighter
headquarters in Delhi. Previously, the Navy jet.
operated from 13 different locations, - It is being developed by the Defence
making it difficult to coordinate. Research & Development Organisation
(DRDO), under a project worth around Rs
INS Jatayu: New Navy Base will
15,000 crore.
commission in Minicoy, Lakshadweep - About the AMCA
• The commissioning of INS Jatayu marks o It is a fifth-generation fighter jet
the Indian Navy's second Naval base in project, undertaken by the Defence
Lakshadweep, following INS Research and Development
Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. Organisation (DRDO), and will be
• This move will fortify the Indian Navy's manufactured by Hindustan
presence in the Lakshadweep islands and Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
enable them to extend operational o It is envisaged as a 25-tonne twin-
surveillance, reach, and sustenance. engine stealth aircraft with an
• Indian Naval Bases internal weapons bay and Diverter
o The Indian Navy has several major less Supersonic Intake which has
bases located throughout the been developed in India for the
country, including Mumbai, Goa, first time.
Karwar, Kochi, Chennai, o Currently, only a few countries like
Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Port the United States, Russia, and
Blair. China have developed fifth-
• Commands of Indian Navy generation fighters.
o The Indian Navy comprises two - Why AMCA is special
Operational Commands and a o Discussions for developing the
Training Command. These are as AMCA started in 2007. The initial
follows: plan was to jointly develop the
▪ The Western Naval aircraft with Russia under a Fifth
Command located in Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)
Mumbai programme. However, India
▪ The Eastern Naval withdrew from the FGFA project in
Command situated in 2018.
Visakhapatnam o The AMCA will be India’s
▪ The Southern Naval indigenous fifth-generation fighter
Command serves as the aircraft. The indigenous Light
Training Command, located Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a
in Kochi. Each Command is 4.5-generation single-engine
led by a Vice-Admiral who multirole aircraft.
holds the position of 'Flag Read More: [Link]
Officer Commander-in- [Link]/external-affairs-defence-
Chief' security/news/amca-india-scrambles-as-china-
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft builds-up-200-strong-stealth-jet-fleet-
124030800873_1.html
(AMCA)

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Explained: o Agni-I to Agni-IV missiles have

[Link] ranges between 700 to 3,500 km
indigenous-fifth-gen-fighter-jet-amca-9204814/ and can carry single payloads
weighing between 12 and 40
Agni-V Missile Equipped with MIRV
kilotons.
Technology o Agni-V, the version that has been
• India recently successfully tested a new equipped with MIRV technology,
Agni-V missile with MIRV (Multiple can travel more than 5,000 km, and
Independently Targetable Re-entry can potentially enter the
Vehicle) technology, capable of carrying intercontinental range as well,
multiple warheads and striking multiple considered to be 5,500 km and
targets. above.
• MIRV technology o Meanwhile, DRDO has also been
o MIRV (Multiple Independently developing Agni-P missiles,
Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) which are modernised versions
technology is the capability that of the short-range Agni-1 and
allows multiple warheads to be Agni-2 variety.
loaded on a single missile delivery
The Ministry of Defence has signed a
system and programmed to hit
contract with Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt
different targets, thus greatly
Ltd (BBBS) to supply ‘Vajra Sentinel’ anti-
enhancing the missile’s destructive
potential. drone system for IAF.
o They can all be made to hit the • It is a state-of-the-art solution designed to
same location too, one after the detect, track and neutralise drones at
other, thus ensuring complete extraordinary ranges.
annihilation of the target. • It utilises passive RF sensor technology to
o The technology was developed in eliminate false alarms, and its sensor and
the 1960s and first deployed in the jammer combination meets stringent
1970s by the United States and the military standard specifications for
then Soviet Union. durability and reliability.
o Over the years, France, the United
Kingdom, and eventually China Exercise Cutlass Express 2024
have developed this technology. • INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training
Pakistan too has claimed to have Squadron (1TS) participated in Exercise
tested an MIRV-equipped missile Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24) held at Port
called Ababeel, first in 2017 and Victoria, Seychelles.
then in 2023. • International Collaboration: As part of
• Agni Missiles: Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively
o Agni missiles are the main land- engaged with participants from 16 friendly
based delivery systems for India’s foreign countries.
nuclear weapons. • The exercise is an annual maritime exercise
o Developed in the 1990s, the first- conducted to promote national and
generation Agni missiles were regional maritime security in East Africa
deployed in the armed forces in and the Western Indian Ocean
the mid-2000s.

International Current Affairs

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Sri Lanka and India signed the contract for address emerging
building Hybrid Renewable Energy environmental challenges.
Systems in Delft (Neduntheevu) Nainativu o Head-Quarter: Nairobi, Kenya
Island. Shehbaz Sharif Elected as Pakistan’s Prime
• It is located in the Palk Strait, the stretch of Minister
sea that separates Sri Lanka from southern • Sharif’s election follows contentious
India. parliamentary elections that took place on
• It’s close to the famous island of Delft February 8th.
(also known as Neduntheevu). • Shehbaz Sharif was born on September 23,
• Nagapooshani Amman, one of the 1951 in a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family
prominent 64 Shakti Peethas is located in Lahore. He is the younger brother of
here. former three-time prime minister Nawaz
• Some historians suggest the island is Sharif. Shahbaz’s father hailed from
mentioned in the ancient Tamil Sangam Kashmir's Anantnag (in India) while his
literature where it was mentioned as mother hailed from Pulwama. His parents
Manipallavam. migrated to Pakistan after the 1947
Resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles by partition.
UNEP Sweden has officially become the 32nd
• During its Sixth Session in Nairobi, Kenya, member of NATO after completing the
the United Nations Environment Assembly accession process in Washington.
(UNEA) adopted a resolution on
• Members: It comprises 32 member states
sustainable lifestyles submitted by India.
– two North American countries (USA and
• This resolution is co-sponsored by Sri
Canada) and 29 European countries and
Lanka and Bolivia.
one Eurasian country (Turkey)
• The resolution has requested the United
• NATO, also called the North Atlantic
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Alliance, is an intergovernmental
to support Member States in developing
military alliance.
and implementing national or regional
o Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
action plans for sustainable lifestyles.
o According to Article 5, NATO works
• This resolution promotes education and
on the principle of collective
skill because education and skill accelerate
defense, where an attack on any
collective efforts towards sustainable
NATO member is considered an
consumption and production.
attack on all NATO members.
• United Nations Environment Assembly
o So far, Article 5 has been invoked
(UNEA)
once – in response to the 9/11
o It is the world’s highest-level
terrorist attacks in the United
decision-making body for matters
States in 2001.
related to the environment
o Membership: It has a Universal Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent
membership comprising all 193 UN (SIMA)
Member States.
• Google DeepMind revealed its latest AI
o Functions:
gaming agent called SIMA or Scalable
▪ It sets the global
Instructable Multiworld Agent.
environmental agenda and
• SIMA is an AI Agent, which is different
defines policy responses to
from AI models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT
or Google Gemini.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• AI models are trained on a vast data set nations-for-opposing-reforms-to-security-

and are limited when it comes to working council/
on their own. On the other hand, an AI
International Telecommunication Union
Agent can process data and take action
themselves. elects India as co-chair of its Digital
Innovation Board
Uniting for Consensus Model
• Dr Neeraj Mittal was unanimously elected
• Recently, India criticised the Uniting for as co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board
Consensus (UfC) Model at the United of ITU formed under the aegis of
Nations for opposing reforms to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance
Security Council. for Digital Development.
• About the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) • International Telecommunication Union
Model: (ITU) has started Innovation and
o It is a significant initiative at the Entrepreneurship Alliance for
United Nations (UN) which was • About the Digital Innovation Board
initiated by Italy in the 1990s. o It is a part of the Innovation and
o It is also known as the ‘Coffee Club’ Entrepreneurship Alliance for
that comprises 12 member Digital Development, an initiative
countries (Argentina, Canada, by the International
Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Malta, Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Mexico, Pakistan, the Republic of o It comprises Ministers and Vice-
Korea, San Marino, Spain, and Ministers of Telecom/ICT from 23
Türkiye) and 2 observers (China member countries of ITU spanning
and Indonesia). Asia, Europe, Africa, North and
o It primarily aims to counter bids for South America.
permanent seats in the United o It primarily focuses on fostering
Nations Security Council by G4 innovation and entrepreneurship in
nations – India, Brazil, Germany, digital development for a more
and Japan. inclusive digital future.
• The UfC Model and Its Criticism • About ITU:
o UfC proposes a Security Council o ITU, headquartered in Geneva,
with 26 seats, with an increase only Switzerland is an international
in the non-permanent, elected organization within the United
members. Nations System where
o It does not support the governments and the private
representation of Africa and the sector coordinate global telecom
Global South in the permanent networks and services.
category as a ‘non-negotiable’
goal. The fourth edition of the Shanghai
o It stands against the idea Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup
advocated by a majority of the UN Forum was organized in New Delhi.
member states, which is an
• The initiative focused on broadening
expansion in both the permanent
startup interactions among the SCO
and non-permanent categories of
Member States.
an expanded security council.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
News Link: [Link] o Shanghai Cooperation
criticises-uniting-for-consensus-model-at-united- Organisation (SCO) is a permanent
intergovernmental international

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

organization, comprising 9 • Around 60% of the world’s seas are open

Member States namely the ocean and though believed to be rich in a
Republic of India, the Islamic variety of mineral wealth, the costs and
Republic of Iran, the Republic of challenges of extraction are prohibitive.
Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic • For any actual extraction to happen in
of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the open oceans, countries must apply first for
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the an exploration licence to the ISBA.
Russian Federation, the Republic of • Currently no country has commercially
Tajikistan, and the Republic of extracted resources from open oceans.
Uzbekistan. • About International Seabed Authority
o The SCO focuses on strengthening (ISA)
mutual trust and neighbourliness o It is an autonomous international
among the Member States, organization established under the
promoting their effective 1982 United Nations Convention
cooperation in politics, trade, on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
economy, research, technology, and the United Nations Convention
and culture. on the Law of the Sea (1994
Agreement).
India applied to the International Seabed
o The organisation came into force in
Authority (ISBA), Jamaica, for rights to 1994 and is headquartered in
explore two vast tracts in the Indian Ocean Kingston, Jamaica.
seabed that aren’t part of its jurisdiction. o ISA has 169 Members, including
168 Member States and the
• The application to explore one of these
European Union.
regions, a cobalt-rich crust long known as
o It was set up to regulate the
the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN
exploration and exploitation of
Seamount), is a gambit by India.
marine non-living resources of
• The AN Seamount is a structural feature
oceans in international waters.
(400 km-long and 150 km-wide) in the
o High Seas: If a region isn’t formally
Central Indian Basin, located about 3,000
classified as being part of a
km away from India’s coast. From an
country’s continental shelf, then it
oceanic depth of about 4,800 km it rises to
is considered ‘high sea’ and open
about 1,200 metre and — as surveys from
to any country to approach the
about two decades establish — rich in
ISBA and ask permission for
deposits of cobalt, nickel, manganese and
exploration.
copper.
• India’s Maritime Zone:
• For any actual extraction to happen,
o India’s maritime zone refers to the
interested explorers — in this case,
maritime boundaries and areas
countries — must apply first for an
under its jurisdiction in the
exploration licence to the ISBA, an
surrounding seas and oceans.
autonomous international organisation
o India has a coastline of 7,517 Km
established under the United Nations
including island territories.
Convention on the Law of the Sea
o Territorial Waters (12 Nautical
(UNCLOS).
Miles): The territorial waters of
• Extraction from Open Seas
India extend up to 12 nautical
• Open ocean, meaning ocean — whose air,
miles from the baseline.
surface and sea-bed — where no countries
▪ Within this zone, India
can claim sovereignty.
exercises full sovereignty,

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

and it includes the • The India-led Group of Friends (GOF)

country’s coastal areas and convened for its second meeting on 26
ports. March 2024.
o Contiguous Zone (24 Nautical • Comprising 40 member states, the GOF
Miles): Beyond the territorial deliberated on strategies to strengthen
waters, there is a contiguous zone legal frameworks against perpetrators of
that extends an additional 12 malicious acts targeting Peacekeepers,
nautical miles. focusing on supporting measures for
▪ In this zone, India can take ensuring accountability.
action to prevent or punish • About the India-led Group of Friends
infringements on customs, (GOF):
fiscal, immigration, or o It is a significant initiative launched
sanitary laws within its in 2022 by India during its
territory or territorial sea. presidency of the UN Security
o Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Council (UNSC).
The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical o It represents the ‘political will’ of
miles from the baseline. member states, particularly of the
▪ Within this zone, India has troop and police contributing
the exclusive rights for countries, to champion the
exploring, exploiting, implementation of the provisions
conserving, and managing of UNSC Resolution 2589.
natural resources, such as o It comprises 40 member states,
fisheries and hydrocarbons. and India, Bangladesh, Egypt,
France, Morocco, and Nepal serve
News Link: [Link]
as co-chairs of the GOF.
tech/science/sensing-china-threat-india-joins-
o It aims to promote accountability
race-to-mine-new-sea-patch/[Link]
for all acts of violence against
World Health Organisation (WHO) United Nations (UN) peacekeepers
launched the ‘CoViNet’ — a global and provide capacity building and
laboratory to monitor emerging technical assistance to the host
state authorities.
coronaviruses.
o At present, India is currently the
• CoViNet is a network of global second-largest troop contributor
laboratories with expertise in human, with 5,506 personnel deployed in
animal, and environmental coronavirus nine UN peacekeeping missions.
surveillance.
• The network currently includes 36 France Becomes First Country to Make
laboratories from 21 countries in all 6 Abortion a Constitutional Right.
WHO regions. • By amending the Article 34 of the French
• It aims to facilitate and coordinate global Constitution. It specifies the law
expertise and capacities for early and determining the conditions by which the
accurate detection, monitoring, and freedom of women to have recourse to an
assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, abortion is guaranteed.
and novel coronaviruses of public health • India’s Medical Termination of
importance. Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 allows
High-Level Meeting of Group of Friends to abortion until 20 weeks of pregnancy.
o The MTP Act was introduced and
Promote Accountability for Crimes Against
passed by Parliament in August
Peacekeepers

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

1971, based on the o The ISA was established in Paris,

recommendations of the Shantilal France in 2015 as a joint effort by
Shah Committee. India and France to mobilize efforts
o An amendment in 2021 raised the against climate change through
ceiling for abortions to 24 weeks the deployment of solar energy
for special categories of pregnant solutions. It was conceptualized on
women such as rape with the the sidelines of the 21st
approval of two registered doctors. Conference of Parties (COP21) to
o Change in Provision of Doctors’ the United Nations Framework
Opinion: Convention on Climate Change
▪ Up to 20 Weeks: The (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
opinion of one doctor is o ISA’s ‘Towards 1000’ strategy
required. targets mobilizing USD 1 trillion
▪ Between 20 and 24 Weeks: investments in solar energy by
The opinion of two doctors 2030, providing clean energy
is required. access to 1 billion people, and
installing 1 terawatt (TW)/1000
WB, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and
Giga Watt (GW) of solar energy
UNICEF pledge approx. USD 600mn to capacity.
Combat Cervical Cancer.
United Nations adopts 1st Global
• On March 5, 2024, the World Bank (WB),
Resolution on Artificial Intelligence
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and
the United Nations Children’s Fund • On 21st March 2024, The United Nations
(UNICEF) pledged nearly USD 600 million General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously
towards eliminating cervical cancer. adopted the 1st global
• This funding includes USD 400 million over • resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
three years by WB, USD 180 million from which encourages nations to safeguard
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and human rights, protect personal data, and
USD 10 million from UNICEF. monitor AI for risks.
• This commitment was made during the • This is the first time the UNGA has
first-ever ‘Global Cervical Cancer adopted a resolution on regulating an
Elimination Forum: Advancing the Call to emerging field.
Action’ held in Cartagena, Colombia from • It aims to remove the digital divide
March 5-7, 2024. between rich developed countries and
o Notably, cervical cancer ranks as poor developing countries.
the fourth most prevalent cancer • The resolution ensures that developing
among women worldwide. countries will have access to technology
and capabilities to take benefits from AI
Panama becomes 97th member to ratify such as: detecting diseases, predicting
the International Solar Alliance floods and provide training to the next
• Panama joined the International Solar generation of workers.
Alliance (ISA) as its 97th member, showing China Launches ‘Queqiao- 2’ Relay Satellite
its commitment to advancing solar energy
for Earth-Moon Communications
in the energy sector.
• Notably, on March 5th, Malta became the • On 20th March 2024, the China National
119th Signatory country to join the ISA. Space Administration (CNSA) launched a
• About International Solar Alliance (ISA): Long March-8 rocket carrying Queqiao-2,
a relay satellite designed to provide Earth-

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

Moon communication services, from the send high-resolution images of surface

Wenchang Space Launch Site in South locations from its orbit.
Chian’s Hainan province.
UK Successfully Tested its 1st Laser
• This will enable a communication link
between Earth and the moon for more Weapon “DragonFire"
than 8 hours. • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the
United Kingdom (UK) has successfully
Russia Launches Iran’s ‘Pars 1’ Research
tested its 1st-ever Laser-Directed Energy
Satellite into Space
Weapon (LDEW), named “DragonFire”, at
• Russia launched Pars 1, an Iranian the Hebrides Range, located off the
research-sensing and imaging satellite by northwest coast of Scotland, UK.
its Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Vostochny • The DragonFire LDEW system achieved the
Cosmodrome launch base of Russia (some UK’s 1st high-power firing of a laser
8,000 kilometers (km) east of Moscow) weapon against aerial targets.
into an orbit 500 km above Earth. • DragonFire significantly reduces reliance
• Pars 1 will scan Iran’s topography and on expensive ammunition. Firing the laser
carry a 15-meter camera, enabling it to for 10 seconds costs less than 10 Pound
sterling per shot (~ Rs 1000).

Ranking and Reports in News

United Nations Environment Programme ▪ Predictions suggest a rise in
(UNEP) has released the report titled global waste generation
Beyond an age of waste: Global Waste from 2.3 billion tonnes in
Management Outlook 2024 (GWMO 2024). 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes
by 2050.
• Jointly published with the International ▪ The associated costs of
Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the report waste management are also
provides an update on global waste expected to escalate.
generation and the cost of waste and its o Financial Implications
management since 2018. ▪ The direct cost of waste
• The report also evaluates three potential management in 2020 was
scenarios of municipal waste generation approximately $252 billion,
and management, examining their impacts which rises to $361 billion
on society, the environment, and the when hidden costs like
global economy. pollution and health
• Key Findings: impacts are considered.
o Over 2.7 billion people, primarily in ▪ Without immediate action,
the Global South and developing annual costs could soar to
regions, lack access to waste $640.3 billion by 2050.
collection services. • Recommendations:
o Of these, 2 billion reside in rural o UNEP has redefined the waste as a
areas, while 700,000 are in urban resource.
settings. o By adopting circular economy
o Projected Increase in Waste models, which decouple waste
Generation generation from economic growth,

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

there’s potential for a net gain of • It is the 10th in a series of annual studies
over USD 108 billion annually by measuring the laws that affect women’s
2050 economic opportunity in 190 economies.
• Indicators: It has 10 indicators- Safety,
US Chamber of Commerce released its
Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Child Care,
12th edition of its International Intellectual Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship,
Property Index. Assets, and Pension.
• India ranked at 42 out of the 55 countries • The data offer objective and measurable
in the index with an overall score of 38.64 benchmarks for global progress toward
per cent. gender equality.
• The United States emerged at the top of • What are the Key Highlights of the
the list followed by the United Kingdom Report?
and France. o Legal Rights to Women: Women
• The index evaluates the IP framework of enjoy less than two-thirds or 64
the world’s top 55 economies and found percent of the of the legal rights
20 economies significantly improving. available to men.
• About the International Intellectual o Pay: Women earn just 77 cents for
Property Index: every dollar paid to men.
o It is a comprehensive assessment ▪ In all, 92 economies lack
of the world’s intellectual property provisions mandating equal
frameworks, published annually by pay for work of equal value;
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 20 prohibit a woman from
Global Innovation Policy Centre. working at night; and 45
o It evaluates the IP framework of prohibit a woman from
the world’s top 55 economies working in jobs deemed
using 50 unique criteria. dangerous.
o Entrepreneurship: Globally, only
India’s leopard population rises to 13,874 44 percent of the legal provisions
that support the entrepreneurship
• The fifth cycle of leopard population
of women are in place.
estimation was carried out by the
▪ Across the world, women
National Tiger Conservation Authority
hold just one out of every
and Wildlife Institute of India.
five corporate board
• India’s leopard numbers rose by 8% from
positions.
12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.
o Nationality Rights: In 28
• Madhya Pradesh houses the largest
economies, a woman cannot pass
population of leopards in the country –
her nationality to children in the
3907, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka
same way as a man.
and Tamil Nadu.
▪ In 50 economies, a woman
• Tiger Reserves or sites with highest
does not enjoy an equal
leopard population are,
right to confer citizenship
Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (Andhra
on her foreign spouse.
Pradesh), followed by Panna (MP), and
• How did India Perform?
Satpura (MP).
o Ranking: India’s rank has
Women, Business and the Law 2024 report marginally improved to 113, with a
was released by the World Bank. score of 74.4 percent.
o Legal Rights: Indian women have
just 60 percent of the legal rights

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

compared to men, slightly below o It also proposes creating a green

the global average of 64.2 percent. channel clearance for e-commerce
exports.
Trends in International Arms Transfers,
• Distinction Between Exporter on Record
2023: SIPRI (EOR) and Seller on Record (SOR):
• India ranked as the world’s largest arms o To boost e-commerce exports, the
importer during the period 2019-23, report suggests distinguishing
witnessing a 4.7% increase compared to between EOR and SOR and
2014-18. allowing a reduction in invoice
• Russia remained India’s primary arms value without a percentage ceiling
supplier, the share of deliveries from for all e-commerce exports.
Russia decreased, marking the first time ▪ EOR refers to the party or
since 1960-64 that it accounted for less entity that is officially
than half of India’s arms imports. recognised as the exporter
• Global Trend: of goods in an international
o The five largest arms exporters transaction. The EOR is
are the USA, France, Russia, China responsible for complying
and Germany, accounting for 75 with all export regulations,
per cent of all arms exports. documentation, and
o The top five arms importers are customs requirements of
India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine the exporting country.
and Pakistan, receiving 35% of all ▪ SOR refers to the party or
arms imports in the period. entity that is legally
recognised as the seller in a
NITI Ayog has released a report named commercial transaction.
‘Boosting Exports from MSMEs’ which The SOR is responsible for
includes measures for boosting e- selling the goods to the
commerce exports. buyer and may handle tasks
such as negotiating the
• Niti Aayog has made a case for a single
terms of sale, preparing
information portal for exporters to
invoices, arranging for
promote e-commerce exports and
shipping and delivery, and
improve access to finance, especially for
ensuring that the goods
micro, small & medium enterprises
meet the agreed-upon
(MSMEs).
specifications.
• What are the Key Recommendations of
• Promotion of Export Credit Guarantee:
the Report?
o Access to finance is highlighted as
o It recommended establishing a
a significant bottleneck for MSMEs.
comprehensive National Trade
The report recommends promoting
Portal (NTN) to streamline the
the Export Credit Guarantee to
export process for MSMEs,
improve working capital
facilitating seamless operations
availability, suggesting that the
and competitive advantage.
government create an incentive
o The Aayog said India has several
package to increase uptake from
portals that help exporters access
the current 10% to 50% or more.
information, most of which offer
• MSME Contribution to the Economy:
incomplete or outdated
o The report highlights the
information.
significant contribution of MSMEs

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

to India's economy, accounting for News Link: [Link]

over 11 crore jobs and around 27% [Link]/india-news/lancet-projects-further-
of GDP (Gross Domestic Product). fall-in-india-s-fertility-rate-raises-concern-
124032500413_1.html
Report:
[Link] India Employment Report for 2024
03/Boosting%20Exports%20from%20MSMEs_Mar
• Recently, the Institute for Human
ch%202024_compressed.pdf
Development (IHD) and International
Lancet has released the forecast of fertility Labour Organisation (ILO) have released a
rate in India. report titled- ‘India Employment Report
2024’, which highlights that India’s youth
• By 2050, one in five Indians will be a senior
continue to grapple with soaring
citizen while there will be fewer younger
Unemployment rates.
people to take care of them.
• The India Employment Report 2024 is the
• This predictive scenario has been
third in the series of regular publications
highlighted by a Lancet study, which says
by the IHD on labour and employment
that India’s total fertility rate (TFR) — the
issues.
average number of children born per
• The report is primarily based on analysis of
woman — is dipping irreversibly to 1.29,
data from the National Sample Surveys
far lower than the replacement rate of 2.1.
and the Periodic Labour Force Surveys
This means a rapidly depleting working
between 2000 and 2022, with a postscript
age population.
for 2023.
o In India, the TFR was 6.18 in 1950
• Key Findings of the India Employment
which reduced to 4.60 in 1980 and
Report (2024):
further declined to 1.91 in 2021.
• Youth Unemployment: India’s youth
China is already dealing with the
account for almost 83% of the
demographic disadvantage of an
unemployed workforce.
ageing population. India, too, is
o The share of youngsters with
heading in that direction. These
secondary or higher education in
two nations together account for
the total unemployed has almost
more than a third of the world’s
doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to
population.
65.7% in 2022.
• What are long-term consequences?
• Labour Market Indicators: The key
o The consequences of fertility
labour market indicators such as the
decline will be that the share of the
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR),
elderly in the population will
Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the
increase sharply. “By 2050 the
Unemployment Rate (UR) showed a long-
share of senior citizens in India will
term deterioration between 2000 and
be more than 20 per cent, that is
2018.
one five people,”
o However, these indicators
• Declining trend worldwide
witnessed an improvement after
o Researchers estimate that by 2050,
2019.
155 of 204 countries (76 percent of
• Migration is Likely to Increase in Future:
the world) will be below the
o The rates of urbanization and
replacement level of fertility.
migration are expected to
o The number of countries and
considerably increase in the future.
territories below replacement level
o India is expected to have a
is predicted to further increase to
migration rate of around 40% in
198 (97 per cent) by 2100.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

2030 and will have an urban o In India, merchandise exports grew

population of around 607 million. by 5 per cent in the last quarter of
• Skills Gap: The report noted that India’s 2023 as compared to the same
large young workforce doesn’t appear to period a year ago. However, on an
have the skills to deliver — with 75% of annual basis, the export growth
youth unable to send emails with saw a 6 per cent contraction.
attachments, 60% unable to copy and o In the case of services, exports
paste files, and 90% unable to put a remained flat in the last quarter of
mathematical formula into a spreadsheet. 2023 as compared to the same
• Employment Conditions: Despite the period a year ago. On an annual
improvements in labour market indicators, basis, services exports from India
the employment conditions in India grew by 14 per cent in 2023.
remain poor. • UNCTAD
o Almost 90% of workers remain o Established in 1964 to promote
engaged in informal work, while trade, investment, and
the share of regular work, which development in developing
steadily increased after 2000, countries.
declined after 2018. o It is a permanent organ of the
United Nations (UN) General
News Link:
Assembly. UNCTAD has
[Link]
approximately 190 members.
ployment-scenario-in-india-grim-says-ilo-
o It is headquartered in Geneva,
report/[Link]
Switzerland.
Global Trade Update report released by the
A recent study by the IIT Bombay reveals a
United Nations Conference on Trade and
staggering 94% increase in soil erosion in
Development (UNCTAD).
the Western Ghats Region from 1990 to
• The international trade is expected to 2020.
rebound in 2024, reversing the last year’s
• The study used remote sensing inputs,
downturn, amid lingering geopolitical
such as LANDSAT-8, Digital Elevation
uncertainties, the United Nations
Model (DEM), and rainfall records to
Conference on Trade and Development
estimate soil loss rates using the Universal
(UNCTAD) said.
Soil Loss Equation (USLE) method.
• In its Global Trade Update report, the UN’s
• The results indicated that the average soil
trade and development body warned that
loss for the Western Ghats Region was
the logistical challenges such as shipping
32.3, 46.2, 50.2, and 62.7 tons per hectare
disruptions in the Red Sea, Black Sea and
per year for the years 1990, 2000, 2010,
Panama Canal cast shadows over the
and 2020, respectively.
optimistic outlook, and can raise costs and
• It shows a concerning 94% increase, and a
disrupt supply chains.
consistently increasing trend.
• In 2023, global trade saw a 3 per cent
• The state-wise increase is highest in Tamil
contraction, equalling roughly $1 trillion,
Nadu (121%), followed by Gujarat (119%),
compared to the record high of $32 trillion
Maharashtra (97%), Kerala (90%), Goa
a year ago.
(80%), and Karnataka (56%).
o Trade in goods dipped by 5 per
• The Western Ghats (aka the Sahyadri
cent compared to 2022.
Mountain Range):
• Indian Scenario:
o It is a UNESCO’s World Heritage
o The services sector grew by 8 per
Site and one of the Earth’s 36
cent year on year (Y-o-Y) in 2023.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

biodiversity hotspots, and is United Nations released the report, titled

recognized as one of the world’s ‘Think Eat Save: Tracking Progress to Halve
eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of Global Food Waste’.
biological diversity.
o It includes national parks, wildlife • In 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion
sanctuaries, and reserve forests etc. tonnes of food, amounting to one-fifth
o It is spread across six Indian states (19%) of food available to consumers
including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, being wasted at the retail, food service,
Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and and household level.
Gujarat. o Households were responsible for
631 million tonnes of food waste,
The India Gaming Report 2024 has been equivalent to 60% of the total food
released jointly by the Interactive wasted in 2022.
Entertainment and Innovation Council and o Food Insecurity: Food waste
online gaming firm Winzo. occurs while 783 million people are
hungry and a third of humanity
• Annual Revenue: India is the fastest
faces food insecurity.
growing mobile gaming market and the
o Global Problem: Food waste is not
annual revenue of the overall Indian
just a ‘rich country’ problem.
gaming industry is expected to almost
▪ High-income, upper-middle
double to USD 6 billion by 2028 from USD
income, and lower-middle
3.1 billion in 2023.
income countries differ in
• Mobile gaming contributes to 90 percent
observed average levels of
of the gaming market in India as
household food waste by
compared to around 37 percent and about
just 7 kg/capita/year.
62 percent in the US and China.
o Urban-Rural Disparities: Middle-
• Among the gaming community, nearly 50
income countries display variations
percent fall within the age bracket of 18 to
between urban and rural
30 years.
populations, with rural areas
• India’s Gaming Sector
generally wasting less.
o India is the world’s largest mobile
o Environmental Impact: Food loss
gaming market in terms of App
and waste generate 8-10% of
downloads.
global greenhouse gas (GHG)
o The sector is expected to grow by
emissions, almost five times the
20% by FY25 to reach INR 231 Bn.
total emissions from the aviation
o Indian gaming raised $2.8 Bn from
sector.
domestic/global investors in the
• Food Wastage in India
last 5 years.
o As per the United Nations Food
o India has produced 3 gaming
Waste Index Report, 78.2 million
unicorns: Game 24X7, Dream11
tonnes of food every year despite
and Mobile Premier League.
India housing the world’s largest
o It is widely estimated that AI and
hunger-population.
online gaming can add up to $300
o It points out India’s per capita food
billion to India’s GDP by 2026-27.
waste at 55 kg per year.
News Link: [Link] • In South Asia, Bhutan (19 kg per year)
[Link]/industry/news/indian-gaming- has the lowest per capita food waste in the
market-revenue-may-double-to-6-billion-by- country while Pakistan has the highest
2028-report-124032701094_1.html (130 kg per year).

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• As per Global Hunger Index Report addition of 20.8 GW. Additionally, the solar
(2023), food wastage became a serious cell capacity increased to 5.8 GW, with a
issue in India as India housed 233.9 million 3.2 GW addition.
out of the world’s 783 million populations. • India’s solar module manufacturing
capacity is projected to surpass 150 GW,
India adds 24 GW of solar PV
and cell capacity is expected to reach over
manufacturing capacity in 2023 75 GW by 2026.
• According to a report published by • Telangana had the highest annual solar
Mercom India titled ‘State of Solar PV cell production capacity at 39%
Manufacturing in India 2024‘, in Calendar nationwide.
Year (CY) 2023, India has added 24 Giga • Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh (HP) ranked
Watt (GW) of solar module and cell second and third in solar cell production,
capacity in 2023. contributing 34.7% and 13.9% of total
• In December 2023, India’s total solar capacities in the country, respectively.
module capacity reached 64.5 GW, with an

Appointments & Obituaries in News

Kishor Makwana assumed the charge of recommendation of a high-powered panel
Chairman of the National Commission for chaired by the Prime Minister.
Scheduled Castes (NCSC). o This is the first time Election
Commissioners have been
• NCSC is a constitutional body established appointed under the new Chief
with a view to provide safeguards against Election Commissioner and other
the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Election Commissioners
Anglo-Indian communities as well as to (Appointment, Conditions of
promote and protect their social, Service and Term of Office) Act,
educational, economic and cultural 2023 Passed in December 2023.
interests. • The two Election Commissioners were
o Article 338 of the Indian appointed following vacancies in the EC
constitution deals with the owing to the sudden resignation of Arun
National Commission for Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra
Scheduled Castes. Pandey.
o It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice- • Selection Committee for Appointments:
Chairperson, and three other o The President will appoint the chief
members. election commissioner and other
o While investigating any matter or election commissioners based on
inquiring into any complaint, it has the recommendation of a Selection
all the powers of a Civil Court. Committee comprising the Prime
Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister,
Appointment of Election Commissioners
and the Leader of the Opposition
• Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu or the leader of the largest
were appointed Election Commissioners opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
by the President of India on the • Search Committee:

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o A search committee headed by the • AS Rajeev was appointed as Vigilance

Cabinet Secretary will suggest five Commissioner in the Central Vigilance
names each for the post of two Commission by the Honourable President
Election Commissioners on the of India on 9th February 2024.
basis of laid down rules. o The Central Vigilance Commission
• Term and Reappointment: Act, 2003, provides for the
o Members of the Election appointment of a Central Vigilance
Commission will hold office for six Commissioner and two Vigilance
years or until they attain the age of Commissioners. The tenure of the
65 years, whichever is earlier. They Vigilance Commissioner is four
cannot be re-appointed. years or until the incumbent attains
the age of 65 years.
FSIB Selects New CMDs for New India
Assurance and United India M V Rao Elected as New Chairman of
Indian Banks Association
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau
(FSIB), the head-hunting agency for public • The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has
sector banks and insurance firms, has elected M V Rao, Managing Director and
selected the next Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Bank
Managing Directors (CMDs) for New India of India, as its new Chairman.
Assurance and United India Insurance. • The committee also elected the following
• Girija Subramanian, the current three individuals as Vice-Chairmen of the
Chairperson and MD of Agriculture banking lobby group:
Insurance Company (AIC), has been o Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman of
selected as the next CMD of New India State Bank of India (SBI)
Assurance. Bhupesh Sushil Rahul, a o S L Jain, Managing Director and
General Manager at AIC, has been chosen Chief Executive of Indian Bank
as the new CMD of United India Insurance. o N Kamakodi, Managing Director
and Chief Executive of City Union
Nidhu Saxena Appointed as MD & CEO of
Bank
Bank of Maharashtra
Senior Bureaucrat Rahul Singh Appointed
• In a significant development, the central
New CBSE Chief
government has approved the
appointment of Nidhu Saxena as the • Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh has been
Managing Director & Chief Executive appointed as the chairperson of the
Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank of Central Board of Secondary Education
Maharashtra. (CBSE)
• This appointment will be effective for a • Rahul Singh will succeed Nidhi Chhibber,
period of three years starting from 27 who has been named Advisor in the Niti
March 2024. Aayog.
• Nidhu Saxena will take over the top
Navneet Sehgal Appointed as Prasar
leadership role at the Bank of Maharashtra
from A.S. Rajeev, who has been selected as Bharati Board Chairman
the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central • Retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal
Vigilance Commission has been appointed as the new
chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board.
AS Rajeev Appointed as Vigilance
• The position had been vacant for four
Commissioner in the Central Vigilance
years after A Surya Prakash retired in
Commission

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

February 2020 after turning 70, the upper been appointed as the chairperson of the
age limit for the post. Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman of
India.
Indian Expert Kamal Kishore to Lead UN’s
• About the New Members
Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts o Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi served as
• The United Nations Secretary-General the Chairperson of the 22nd Law
António Guterres has appointed Kamal Commission of India before joining
Kishore of India as the new Assistant the Lokpal. He was previously the
Secretary-General and Special Chief Justice of the Karnataka High
Representative of the Secretary-General Court.
for Disaster Risk Reduction. o Pankaj Kumar is a 1986 batch IAS
• He will lead the United Nations Office officer from Gujarat cadre. Before
for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). joining the Lokpal, he was the
• Currently, Mr. Kishore is the Head of the Chief Secretary of Gujarat.
National Disaster Management Authority o Ajay Tirkey is a 1987 batch IAS
(NDMA) in India, a position he has held officer from Madhya Pradesh
since 2015. cadre. He was the Secretary of the
• During India’s presidency of the Group of Department of Land Resources,
20 (G20), he led the G20 Working Group Government of India, before
on Disaster Risk Reduction. He also joining the Lokpal.
contributed to the development of the • History of Ombudsman and Lokpal
Coalition for Disaster Resilient o The institution of the Ombudsman
Infrastructure, launched by the Indian was first established in Sweden in
Prime Minister in 2019. 1809.
o The concept gained popularity
New Chiefs Appointed to Lead NIA, NDRF, globally after being adopted by
and BPR&D New Zealand and Norway in 1962.
o In India, the idea of a constitutional
• Sadanand Vasant Date, a distinguished
ombudsman was first proposed in
1990-batch IPS officer from Maharashtra
Parliament in the early 1960s by
cadre, has been appointed as the new
Law Minister Ashok Kumar Sen.
Director General of the NIA.
o The terms Lokpal and Lokayukta
• Piyush Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer
were introduced by jurist LM
from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been
Singhvi.
entrusted with the responsibility of
o After several failed attempts, the
heading the NDRF.
Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013
• Rajeev Kumar, an accomplished IPS officer
was passed due to pressure from
from the Rajasthan cadre, has been
the India Against Corruption
appointed as the Director General of the
Movement led by Anna Hazare.
BPR&D.
o The Act provided for the institution
New Members Sworn in at Lokpal of India of the Lokpal at the Centre and
Lokayuktas in the States to
• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has taken oath as
investigate allegations of
the new judicial member of the Lokpal
corruption against public officials.
(ombudsman) on 27 March 2024.
• About Lokpal:
• Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey have been
o Lokpal is a multi-member body,
sworn in as new members of the Lokpal.
that consists of one chairperson
• Previously Former Supreme Court judge
and a maximum of 8 members.
Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

o Out of the maximum eight perseverance, skill, and breaking

members, half will be judicial traditional barriers.
members and minimum 50% of the
Hansha Mishra Appointed as Director in
Members will be from SC/ ST/
OBC/ Minorities and women. UPSC
o Chairperson of the Lokpal should • Hansha Mishra, an officer of the Indian
be either the former Chief Justice Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) from
of India or the former Judge of the 2010 batch, has been appointed as
Supreme Court or an eminent Director in the Union Public Service
person with impeccable integrity Commission (UPSC), Delhi.
and outstanding ability, having
special knowledge and expertise of Neeraj Chopra Named Eveready’s New
minimum 25 years in the matters Brand Ambassador
relating to anti-corruption policy,
• Eveready Industries India (EIIL), a leading
public administration, vigilance,
battery brand, has announced a
finance including insurance and
partnership with Neeraj Chopra, the
banking, law and management.
reigning Olympic gold medallist and
o The judicial member of the Lokpal
World no. 1 in men’s javelin throw, as its
either a former Judge of the
new brand ambassador.
Supreme Court or a former Chief
Justice of a High Court. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora: Pakistan’s
o The term of office for Lokpal First Sikh Minister in Punjab
Chairman and Members is 5 years
• Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, a three-time
or till the age of 70 years.
member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA)
o The members are appointed by the
in Pakistan, has become the first Sikh
president on the recommendation
minister in the Punjab province.
of a Selection Committee.
• The cabinet in Punjab was formed by the
Devendra Jhajharia Becomes New newly elected Pakistan Muslim League
President of Paralympic Committee of (PML-N) government led by Chief Minister
India Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

• Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic Reserve Bank of India has approved the
gold medallist, has been elected as the reappointment of Ajay Kanwal as the
new President of the Paralympic Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Committee of India (PCI). He succeeds of Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB) for three
another renowned para-athlete, Deepa years.
Malik. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a
• Devendra Jhajharia, a javelin thrower, won significant step by appointing S. Ravindran as
gold medals in the 2004 Athens and 2016 the part-time chairman of Tamilnad Mercantile
Rio Paralympics in the F46 disability Bank Ltd. (TMB)
category.
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan
Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari Makes Resigns.
History as BSF’s First Female Sniper
• Soundararajan has also resigned from her
• Suman Kumari’s journey from a small town role as the Lieutenant Governor of the
in Himachal Pradesh to becoming the Union Territory of Puducherry.
BSF’s first woman sniper is a story of • Tamilisai Soundararajan served as the
second governor of the state of Telangana.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

She assumed the office on September 8, • The World Gold Council representing
2019. In addition to her role as the global gold miners, has named Sachin Jain
governor of Telangana, she also served as as its new CEO for India, effective from
the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry March.
since February 18, 2021.
ECI named Sheetal Devi as National Icon in
• Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan
has been given the additional PwD category
responsibility as the in-charge governor of • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has
Telangana. chosen Sheetal Devi, an Indian para-archer
and 2023 Arjuna Awardee, as the National
Govind Dholakia Appointed New Chairman
Icon in Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
of Surat Diamond Bourse.
category.
• The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) has
Louis Cameron: First Black man to win Oscar
appointed Govind Dholakia, a Rajya Sabha
for Best Supporting Actor Passed Away
MP from Gujarat, as its new chairman.
• On March 29 2024, Louis Cameron Gossett
PayU names Renu Sud Karnad as chairperson
Jr, the first Black man to win Oscars for
and independent director
Best Actor in a Supporting Role passed
• Renu Sud Karnad served as the managing away at the age of 87 in California, United
director of India’s largest mortgage lender, States.
HDFC, until its merger with HDFC Bank in
Oscar-winning British screenwriter David
July 2023.
Seidler passed away at the age of 86 in New
World Gold Council appoints De Beers’ Sachin Zealand.
Jain as chief executive officer.
• He was born on 4 August 1937 in London,
England, the United Kingdom (UK)

Awards and Honours in News

ONDC gets Startup of the Year Award at addressed the 18th India Digital
14th India Digital Awards Summit in Mumbai.
o Established in 2010, the India
• ONDC has been given this award for Digital Awards recognizes
developing a unique open network of its excellence in digital initiatives
kind for digital commerce in India. undertaken by the government,
• ONDC falls under the purview of the businesses and individuals in the
Department for Promotion of Industry and country.
Internal Trade (DPIIT), which operates
within the Ministry of Commerce, Pritzker Architecture Prize
Government of India.
• Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto was
• It aims to democratize e-commerce by
declared winner of the 2024 Pritzker
enabling sellers to reach buyers through
Architecture Prize.
an open network.
• The Pritzker Architecture Prize is the
• India Digital Summit 2024:
highest international honour for architects.
o India Digital Summit was organized
o The only Indian laureate is the
in Mumbai on 28 February 2024.
late Balkrishna Doshi (2018).
On this occasion, Information and
Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju Measles and Rubella Champion Award

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• India received the Measles and Rubella • This marks the second time that a Bengali
Champion Award for its exemplary efforts translation has been honoured with this
in combating these Diseases. prestigious award.
• Awarded by: Measles and Rubella • “Le Divan de Staline” delves into a
Partnership at the American Red Cross pivotal episode in the life of Joseph Stalin,
Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA. the Soviet leader.

96th Academy Awards (Oscar) Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary

Knighthood
• The 96th Academy Awards ceremony,
which was presented by the Academy of • Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and founder
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred
took place on March 10, 2024, at the with an honorary Knighthood by Britain’s
Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. King Charles III.
o During the gala, the AMPAS • He becomes the first Indian citizen to
presented Academy Awards in 23 receive this prestigious honour by the New
categories honouring films King, recognized for his contributions to
released in 2023 UK-India business relations.
o Host: Jimmy Kimmel o Other notable Indian recipients of
• Oppenheimer: Best Picture; Best Actor the Honorary KBE include Ratan
(Cillian Murphy, in a leading role; Robert Tata, Ravi Shankar, and Jamshed
Downey Jr, in a supporting role); Best Irani, bestowed by the late Queen
Directing (Christopher Nolan); Best Elizabeth II.
Cinematography; Best Film Editing; and
the Best Original Score. Ministry Of I&B Honoured For
• Poor Things: Best Actress (Emma Stone, in Outstanding Accounting Performance
a leading role); Best costume design; Best • On the occasion of the 48th Foundation
makeup and hairstyling; and the best Day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service,
production design. the Ministry of Information &
o Best Documentary Feature Film: 20 Broadcasting has been honoured with the
Days in Mariupol Award for Best Performance in Accounts
o Best International Feature Film: The during the Financial Year 2023-24.
Zone of Interest • The Ministry oversees the administration
o Best Original Song: What Was I of Prasar Bharati, the broadcasting arm of
Made For? (Barbie) the Indian Government, and the Central
Bengali Translation Wins Prestigious Board of Film Certification, which regulates
motion pictures broadcast in India.
Romain Rolland Book Prize 2024

• The recipient of this year’s Romain Rolland Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic
Book Prize is Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee for crowned Miss World 2024 in Mumbai
his remarkable translation of Jean-Daniel • Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova on
Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into March 9 won the coveted Miss World 2024
Bengali, titled “Staliner Divan.” title at a grand event in Mumbai.
• Published by New Bharat Sahitya Kutir, • Miss Lebanon Yasmina Zaytoun was
Kolkata, Chatterjee’s translation stood out named the first runner-up.
for its linguistic prowess and fidelity to the • Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska
original text. from Poland crowned her successor at the
star-studded finale here.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• Pyszkova is the second Miss World from platform for using creativity to drive
Czech Republic after 2006 pageant winner positive change.
Tatana Kucharova. o Most Creative Creator - Female
• India, which hosted the event after 28 award was given to Shraddha Jain
years, was represented by 22-year-old Sini aka AiyyoShraddha, while the Most
Shetty. Creative Creator - Male award was
• Mumbai-born Shetty, who was crowned given to RJ Raunac (Bauaa).
Femina Miss India World in 2022, was
Smt. Droupadi Murmu Conferred
unable to make it to the top 4 of the
contests. Honorary Doctorate by University of
• India has won the prestigious title six Mauritius
times - Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai • On March 12, 2024, President Droupadi
Bachchan (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Murmu was conferred with the honorary
Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the
Jonas (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017). University of Mauritius.
• The 71st Miss World pageant, which • President Murmu is on a three-day state
witnessed participation of contestants visit to Mauritius, during which she will be
from 112 countries of the world, was held the chief guest at the country’s National
at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC. Day celebrations on March 14th.
IGI Airport gets the title of best airport in Ratan Tata Awarded PV Narasimha Rao
Asia Pacific region Memorial Award for Philanthropy Work
• Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport • Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons,
has received the title of 'Best Airport' in has been bestowed with the prestigious
the Asia-Pacific region for the sixth PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award. He
consecutive year for its excellence. received the award for his outstanding
• This survey of ACI was based on the philanthropic contributions.
information given to the international • The PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award is
agency about its opinion during travel named after the former Prime Minister of
from other airports including IGI Airport. India.
o About Airports Council • It is an award of recognition for individuals
International (ACI): Based in who have demonstrated exceptional
Montreal, Canada, ACI is a non- dedication to social welfare and
profit organization. humanitarian causes.
PM presents first-ever National Creators Prabha Varma Bags 33rd Saraswati
Award Samman for ‘Roudra Sathwikam’
• In the voting round, about one million • Noted Malayalam poet and author Prabha
votes were cast for digital creators in Varma has been selected for the
various award categories. Following this, prestigious 33rd Saraswati Samman for the
23 winners, including three international year 2023. He won the award for his novel
creators, were decided. in verse ‘Roudra Sathwikam’ published in
• These awards were envisioned to 2022.
recognise excellence and impact across • The Saraswati Samman, instituted by the
domains, including storytelling, social K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991, is one of the
change advocacy, environmental highest literary honours in India. It
sustainability, education, gaming, among recognizes outstanding literary works in
others, and to use it as a launching

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

any of the Indian languages published in • The 2024 GiRA Prize is jointly awarded to
the last 10 years. Bina Argawal and James K. Boyce for their
• The Saraswati Samman awardee was groundbreaking work in the field of social
chosen by a selection committee headed and environmental inequalities.
by former Supreme Court judge Justice • The World Inequality Lab (WIL) and
Arjan Kumar Sikri. Sciences Po’s Center for Research on
• The first Saraswati Samman in 1991 was Social Inequalities (CRIS) have joined
awarded to the legendary writer Harivansh forces for the first edition of the Global
Rai Bachchan for his four-volume Inequality Research Award (or GiRA), which
autobiography. aims to recognize every two years
• With a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, citation researchers from all disciplines who have
and plaque, the Saraswati Samman is a made a significant contribution to the
significant recognition of Prabha Varma’s understanding of global inequalities.
immense contribution to Indian literature.
Michel Talagrand has won the 2024 Abel
ISRO gets Aviation Week Laureates Award prize for his work researching probability
for historic Chandrayaan-3 mission theory and the extremes of randomness.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation • The Norwegian Academy of Science and
(ISRO) has been honoured with the Letters has awarded the 2024 Abel Prize to
prestigious Aviation Week Laureates Michel Talagrand of the French National
Award for its achievements with the Center for Scientific Research (CNRS),
historic Chandrayaan-3 mission. Paris, France. Talagrand received the
• The award was received on behalf of ISRO prestigious prize “for his groundbreaking
by Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy contributions to probability theory and
Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in the functional analysis, with outstanding
US. applications in mathematical physics and
• The Aviation Week Laureates Award is statistics.”
renowned for recognising extraordinary o The Abel Prize is awarded
accomplishments within the aerospace annually by the King of Norway
industry, and this year, it celebrated ISRO’s to one or more outstanding
groundbreaking mission, Chandrayaan-3. mathematicians.

Bina Agarwal and James Boyce awarded

the first “Global Inequality Research
Award”

Indian Writer Amitav Ghosh Awarded the Netherlands’ Erasmus Prize 2024

• Eminent Indian Writer and Padma Shri Awardee Amitav Ghosh was awarded the Erasmus Prize 2024
by the Netherlands’ Praemium Erasmianum Foundation for his writings on the planetary crisis and
climate change.
• He was honoured for his contribution to the theme of the Erasmus Prize 2024 “imagining the
unthinkable”.
• He was the first English-language writer to be honoured with the Jnanpith Award, India’s highest
literary award, in 2018.

Sports Current Affairs

Sharfuddoula Becomes Bangladesh’s First • Sharfuddoula has created history by
ICC Elite Umpire becoming the first Bangladeshi umpire to

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

be appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score
Umpires. 12,000 T20 Runs
• He was the first Bangladesh umpire to
stand in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, • Virat Kohli has etched his name in history
officiating five matches in last year’s by becoming the first Indian cricketer to
Cricket World Cup in India. score 12,000 runs in the T20 format.
• Kohli accomplished this remarkable feat
PR Sreejesh and Camila Caram Appointed during the opening match of the 2024
Co-Chairs of FIH Athletes Committee Indian Premier League (IPL) between
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal
• The International Hockey Federation (FIH)
Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA
has appointed former Indian men’s hockey
Chidambaram Stadium.
team captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh
• Virat Kohli also holds the record for the
and Chile’s Camila Caram as co-chairs of
highest runs in IPL of all time.
the FIH Athletes Committee.
• Rohit Sharma is the second-highest Indian
• Sreejesh, aged 35, was first elected as a
run-scorer in T20 cricket with a total of
member of the FIH Athletes Committee in
11,156 runs.
2017 and has now been appointed as co-
• The leading position in the list of highest
chair for the first time.
T20 run-scorers is held by former West
• FIH Athletes Committee: Bridging
Indies opener Chris Gayle, who has scored
Players and Governing Body
a massive 14,562 runs. Following him is
o The FIH Athletes Committee
former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik with
comprises former and current
13,360 runs, and third is West Indian
hockey players.
player Kieron Pollard with 12,900 runs.
o It acts as a link between the players
and the international governing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz clinched victory at
body for hockey. the Australian Grand Prix
o The committee makes
recommendations to various FIH • Australian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of
bodies, including the Executive Ferrari emerged victorious, marking a
Board, Committees, Advisory remarkable comeback just two weeks after
Panels, and others, for the undergoing appendicitis surgery.
development and betterment of • The race was filled with drama, including
hockey worldwide. the first retirement in two years for Red
• PR Sreejesh: Hockey Star from Kerala Bull’s reigning world champion Max
o PR Sreejesh was born into a family Verstappen.
of farmers in Kizhakkambalam Sharath Kamal to be Indian Flagbearer at
village, Ernakulam district of Kerala.
Paris Olympics 2024
o He made his Indian debut at the
2006 South Asian Games in Sri • Ace table tennis player Sharath Kamal will
Lanka. be the Indian team’s flagbearer for the
o Sreejesh has represented India in upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The
three Summer Olympics. announcement was made by the Indian
o He was part of the Indian team Olympic Association (IOA).
that won gold at the 2014 Asian • Joining Kamal in the spotlight is MC
Games and bronze at the 2015 FIH Mary Kom, who has been named as the
Hockey World League Final. chef de mission for the Paris 2024 Summer
Games. Mary Kom is the first female boxer
in history to have captured six world titles.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• Gagan Narang, a bronze medallist in talented athletes between the ages of 9

the 10m air rifle event at the 2012 and 18 years, currently enrolled in schools
London Olympics, has been appointed to across the country.
head the shooting village operations for • Nationwide Talent Identification:
the Paris Olympics. o KIRTI will conduct 20 lakh
• The Olympic Games will take place from assessments across the country
July 26 to August 11 in Paris, France. throughout the year to identify
talent through notified Talent
Mumbai Wins Ranji Trophy 2024 After
Assessment Centres.
Beating Vidarbha
England’s James Anderson Joins Elite 700
• Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy 2024 after
Test Wickets Club
beating Vidarbha by 169 runs at the
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This was • England’s James Anderson claimed his
their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, showcasing 700th Test wicket by dismissing India’s
their dominance in Indian domestic Kuldeep Yadav in Dharamsala on the
cricket. morning of Day 3 of the final Test against
• Vidarbha, who had won their previous two India.
Ranji Trophy finals, could not replicate • This historic milestone makes Anderson
their success this time around. the third bowler to reach the 700-wicket
• The win marked a special achievement for mark in Test cricket.
Ajinkya Rahane, who became the 26th • Anderson is now closing in on surpassing
Mumbai captain to lift the Ranji Trophy. Shane Warne (708 wickets) to become the
• Tanush Kotian was named the Player of the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Tournament, while Musheer Khan received • 1st - Muthiah Muralidaran - 800
the Player of the Match award for his • 4th - Anil Kumble - 619
outstanding performance in the final.
Spain Wins First UEFA Women’s Nations
Khelo India Rising Talent Identification League
(KIRTI) Programme Launched
• Spain’s women’s team secured a historic
• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and victory over France, winning the first-ever
Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has UEFA Women’s Nations League with a
inaugurated a unique talent hunt event convincing 2-0 triumph in Seville.
called KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent • The win represents a significant
Identification) in Chandigarh. achievement for Spain in the realm of
• This nationwide programme, under the women’s football, further solidifying their
Khelo India mission, aims to identify position as a dominant force in the sport.

Important Days and Theme

‘World Seagrass Day’ is celebrated every flowering plants that grow in marine
year on 1 March. environments. There are more than 60
species of seagrass in the world. They act
• The theme of World Seagrass Day for the as the best carbon sinks and provide food
year 2024 has been set as “Healthy for marine life.
Seagrass, Healthy Planet”. • Fish, turtles, manatees, plankton, and even
• There are plants like seagrass that live sharks feed on seagrass, among other
close to the sea. Seagrass are the only things. Seagrass also serves as nursery

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habitat for commercially harvested fish. It officially designating September 17 of

helps in improving the quality of water in every year as Hyderabad Liberation Day.
the environment in which it lives. • The Day marks the integration of the
erstwhile princely State of Hyderabad into
‘Zero Discrimination Day’ is celebrated
the Indian Union in 1948.
every year on 1 March. • Hyderabad was liberated from Nizam’s
• The theme of Zero Discrimination Day this Rule on 17th September 1948, after a
year 2024 has been set as "To protect police action namely ‘Operation Polo.’
everyone's health, protect everyone's
World Tuberculosis Day- March 24th
rights".
• Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated • The theme for World Tuberculosis Day
across the world to promote equality, (March 24) in 2024 was the same as 2023
inclusion and tolerance. “Yes, we can end TB”, which reflects the
United Nations Sustainable Development
World Wildlife Day - 3rd March Goals (SDGs) to eliminate TB by 2030.
• Every year on 3rd of March, the entire • India accounts for around 27% of TB cases
world celebrates World Wildlife Day to worldwide – which is the world’s highest
spread awareness regarding sustainable country-wise TB burden.
practices for conserving biodiversity. • India’s aim to eliminate TB by 2025.
• The Convention on International Trade in • Steps Taken by Government of India to
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Eliminate TB
Flora (CITES), was signed on this day in o Revised National Tuberculosis
1973. Control Program (RNTCP): The
• CITES is a global agreement to ensure that RNTCP, launched in 1997, was the
international trade in specimens of wild flagship program to control TB in
animals and plants does not threaten their India.
survival. ▪ The program has been
– Theme: “Connecting People and continuously revised and
Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation strengthened over the
in Wildlife Conservation”. years.
• The WWF Environmental Information and o National Tuberculosis
Assessment Center Program (EIACP PC- Elimination Program (NTEP): The
RP), operating under the Ministry of Government of India has
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, developed a National Strategic
marked the day at the Okhla Bird Plan (2017-25) for Ending TB in the
Sanctuary. country by 2025.
• Okhla Bird Sanctuary o Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat
– The bird Sanctuary is at the Okhla Abhiyan (PMTBMBA): Launched
barrage over Yamuna River. in 2022 for community support to
– It is situated in Noida, Gautam TB patients with the objective to
Buddh Nagar district, on Delhi- provide nutritional, diagnostic and
Uttar Pradesh state border. vocational support.
o Universal Drug Susceptibility
GoI Designates September 17 as Testing (DST): The government
‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ has scaled up efforts to provide
universal access to drug
• On 12th March 2024, the Ministry of
susceptibility testing, helping to
Home Affairs (MoHA), Government of
identify drug-resistant strains of TB
India (GoI), issued a gazette notification,

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

early and tailor treatment • 4 March also marks the commencement of

accordingly. the National Safety Week Campaign,
▪ Earlier, the patients were which is annually observed across India
started on first line from 4-10 March
treatment and were tested • The theme of NSD/National Safety Week
for drug resistance only if Campaign 2024 is “Focus on Safety
the therapy did not work. Leadership for Environmental, Social, and
o Ni-kshay portal: An online Ni- Governance (ESG) Excellence”.
kshay portal has been set up to
World Day of Fight Against Sexual
track the notified TB cases.
o New Drugs: Newer drugs such as Exploitation 2024 – March 4
Bedaquiline and Delamanid for the • The World Day of Fight Against Sexual
treatment of drug-resistant TB Exploitation is annually observed across
have been included in the the globe on 4 March to raise awareness
government’s basket of drugs and promote action against sexual
provided free TB patients. exploitation.
o R&D for Treatment: Researchers • The day aims to protect vulnerable
have been studying shorter three- individuals from sexual exploitation and
and four-month courses of anti- provide support to victims of sexual abuse.
tubercular drugs, instead of the
existing six-month therapy. International Women’s Day 2024- March 8
o Vaccine Development: Trials are • The United Nations (UN) International
underway to test the effectiveness Women’s Day (IWD) is annually observed
of a vaccine called Immuvac, which across the globe on 8 March to celebrate
was initially developed to prevent the social, economic, cultural, and political
leprosy, in preventing TB. achievements of women. The day aims to
o Researchers are also testing renew collective commitment to accelerate
VPM1002, which is a recombinant women’s equality.
form of the BCG vaccine modified • IWD aims to recognise the achievements
to express the TB antigens better. of women regardless of their national,
World Obesity Day 2024 – March 4 ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or
political distinctions.
• World Obesity Day (WOD) is annually
observed across the globe on 4th March International Day to Combat Islamophobia
to create awareness about the risks of 2024 – March 15
obesity and to promote practical solutions
• The United Nations (UN) International Day
to end the global obesity crisis.
to Combat Islamophobia is annually
• The campaign theme of WOD 2024 is
observed across the globe on 15 March to
‘Let’s Talk About Obesity And…’
raise awareness and combat hate crimes,
National Safety Day 2024 – March 4 and and other forms of intolerance against
National Safety Week 2024 – 4 to 10 March Muslims.
• 15 March 2024 marks the observance of
• National Safety Day (NSD) is annually the 2nd International Day to Combat
observed across India on 4 March to Islamophobia.
highlight the significance of safety
measures in preventing workplace World Sleep Day 2024 – March 15
accidents. • World Sleep Day (WSD) is annually
observed across the globe on the Friday

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

before Spring Vernal Equinox to raise World Sparrow Day 2024 – March 20
awareness about the significance of sleep
• World Sparrow Day (WSD) is annually
and promote the management and
observed across the globe on 20 March to
prevention of sleep disorders.
raise awareness about the importance of
• The theme and slogan for the 2024 World
sparrows or house sparrows (Passer
Sleep Day is, “Sleep Equity for Global
domesticus) for biodiversity and the
Health“.
ecosystem, and to promote actions to
World Consumers Rights Day 2024 – March protect and conserve them.
15
International Day of Happiness 2024 –
• World Consumers Rights Day (WCRD) is March 20
annually observed across the globe on 15
• The United Nations (UN) International Day
March to raise global awareness of
of Happiness is annually observed across
consumer rights, needs, protection, and
the globe on 20 March to recognise the
empowerment.
significance of well-being and happiness
• The 2024 theme of WCRD is, ‘Fair and
in people’s lives globally and advocate for
responsible AI for consumers.
inclusive, equitable, and balanced
World Day of Theatre for Children and economic growth.
Young People 2024 – March 20 • The theme of International Day of
Happiness 2024 is ‘Happier Together.’
• The Day is promoted and celebrated
through the message ‘Take a Child to the
Theatre, today’.

Static Updates in News

The Supreme Court banned tiger safari in the core areas of the Jim Corbett National Park.

• India is currently home to 75 percent of the world’s wild tigers, according to the Status of Tigers
2022 report, and has 54 tiger reserves.
• Among Tiger Reserves, Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park has the highest number of tigers at
260 within the reserve, while 319 tigers utilize the tiger reserve.
• Corbett National Park
o The Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
o It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Later it was renamed Corbett National
Park after the hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett.
o It is also being honoured as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973.

Kaziranga National Park

• Prime Minister Modi visited Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
• Location: Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam.
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and notified as Kaziranga National Park in 1974 under
the Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972. It was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1985.
• The Park is the abode of more than 70% of One Horned Rhinoceros in the world.

The Supreme Court froze the Assam government’s move to de-notify Pobitora wildlife
sanctuary.

• Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is located in the capital city of Guwahati.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

• It is referred as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ owing to the similarity of landscape, floral, and faunal distribution.
• It has a dense population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

What is El Nino?

• El Niño means Little Boy in Spanish. South American fishermen first noticed periods of unusually
warm water in the Pacific Ocean in the 1600s.
• It is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in
the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
• During El Niño, trade winds weaken. Warm water is pushed back east, toward the west coast of the
Americas and as a result cold water is pushed towards Asia.
• Impact of El Nino
o Low Rainfall: El Niño often correlates with below-average monsoon rainfall in India, leading
to droughts in many parts of the country.
o Increased Temperature: El Niño can also lead to an increase in temperatures across various
parts of India.
o Forest Fires: The drier conditions associated with El Niño can increase the risk of forest fires,
particularly in regions with dense vegetation.

What is La Niña?

• It means Little Girl in Spanish. La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply “a
cold event.” La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño.

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 General Current Affairs Magazine – March 2024 ~BRAJESH MOHAN

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Current Affairs. They ask around 60-70% Questions from following Topics these days:

- RBI/SEBI Circulars and RBI in News

- Govt Programs and Policies
- Reports and Indices
- Banking and Economy Affairs

Sources and Approach:

- Read PIB and ESI Current Affairs Magazine which covers RBI/SEBI Circulars + Programs from PIB
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Summary by me
- General Current Affairs - I have launched a New Magazine specially for this which you can refer.

Buy Yearly Subscription: It covers complete General Awareness of Phase I & II of RBI Grade B
2024.

Link: [Link]

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