Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC -7th March 2024

 

1.PM Modi Virtually Launches Agra Metro 

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on March 6 took the priority corridor of the Agra Metro, for an inaugural ride after Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the project earlier in the day. 
• The 6 km long priority corridor connects the iconic Taj Mahal’s eastern gate to the Mankameshwar Temple station, providing a vital transportation link for tourists and commuters alike. 

2.Piyush Goyal Launches ‘E-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ To Ease Farmers’ Warehousing Logistics 

• Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) in New Delhi. 
• This initiative is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat’, by 2047, with agriculture as its foundational pillar. 
• By providing a no collateral, extra security deposit policy, ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ aims to prevent distress sales, where farmers are compelled to sell their harvest at lower prices due to inadequate post-harvest storage facilities. 

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 'Comprehensive Agriculture Development Program' in Srinagar today 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Vikas Bharat Vikas Jammu and Kashmir event at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on March 7, 2024. During this period, 'HamagraAgriculture Development Program' (HADP) worth Rs 5000 crore will be started. 
• The 'Samagra Krishi Vikas Karyakram' will equip around 2.5 lakh farmers in Jammu and Kashmir with skill development through a dedicated Daksh Kisan portal, around 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars will also be established under the programme. 
• HADP is an integrated program covering the full spectrum of activities in three major domains of agri-economy in Jammu and Kashmir i.e. horticulture, agriculture and livestock rearing. 
• Under this, strong value chains will be established for the welfare of the farming community. This program will generate employment which will benefit lakhs of marginal families of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Other plan 

• He will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate projects worth more than Rs 1400 crore under Swadesh Darshan and Prashad Yojana. The Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the project of 'Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine'. 
• Among the projects to be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister were tourism facilities developed in the North Eastern Circuit in Meghalaya; Spiritual Circuits in Bihar and Rajasthan; Rural and Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar; Development of Jogulamba Devi Temple, Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana; and development of Amarkantak Temple, Annupur District, Madhya Pradesh. 

4.India And South Korea To Boost Cooperation In New Tech And Semiconductors 

• India aims to enhance its partnership with South Korea by expanding cooperation into critical areas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul. 
• Co-chairing the meeting with Cho Taeyul, Jaishankar highlighted the comprehensive and productive discussions held on various aspects, including defence, science and technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. 
• Both sides discussed advancing trilateral cooperation. Views exchanged on Indo-Pacific developments, challenges, and regional/global issues of mutual interest. 

5. Tiger Woods will be honored with 'Bob Jones Award' 

• The famous golfer Tiger Woods has been selected for the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor of the US Golf Association (USGA). The award is the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to Tiger Woods. 
• Tiger Woods will be honored on June 12, 2024 during the US Open in Pineharst No. 2, Northern Carolina. Woods was recognized for his exemplary commitment to sports traditions and integrity as well as on-collection achievements. 
• Tiger Woods is a 15 -time prominent champion and nine - time USGA champion. Woods redefined the golf game in the modern era by overcoming physical and personal challenges. 
• The Bob Jones Award is given to the person who has demonstrated sportsmanship, personal character and respect to the USGA Championship winner Bob Jones. The award is presented per year since 1955. 
• The previous winners include Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicoss, Mickey Wright and Ben Hogan and former President George H W Bush. 

Tiger Woods 

• A total of 82 wins have been registered in his career on PGA Tour. Woods was included in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2022. 
• Tiger Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump in 2019. With 15 major wins of the career, Woods Nickoss (18) owns the second highest male golf title. 
• They effectively captured the 'Tiger Slam' by winning all four major titles together in 2000-01. Woods won the US Open in 2000, 2002 and 2008. Woods has also spent most of the weeks of his career as world number one in the official world golf rankings. 
• Out of the golf course, Woods now called the TGR Foundation and has also launched a golf course design firm in Kbo San Lucas, Mexico. 

6.Uttar Pradesh Government Announces Electricity Bill Waiver For Farmers 

• Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a complete waiver of electricity bills for private tube wells owned by farmers, effective from April 1, 2023. 
• This decision, announced, aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state’s farmers, enhancing their agricultural productivity and overall well-being. To facilitate the implementation of this significant policy, the Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked a substantial sum of ₹1,800 crore in the 2024-2025 budget. 

7. Tripura's traditional tribal dress 'Risa' gets GI tag 

• Tripura's traditional tribal dress 'Risa' has got GI tag. Risa is common in almost all the 19 indigenous tribal communities of Tripura. However, each community has its own design. 
• Killa Women Cluster of Gomati district promoted by Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) received the tag. This will help in giving international recognition to the signature apparel. 
• Tripura's BJP-IPFT government has been promoting the traditional risa, a hand-woven cloth used by indigenous communities, as a signature identity of the state since the party came to power in 2018. 
• Earlier in May 2022, the then Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb was the first to recognize Risa with the GI tag, which will increase its international popularity and marketability. 
• These textiles were traditionally hand woven. Even after the advent of power loom manufactured garments, handloom remains an integral part of the Tripuri household. Traditional Tripuri women's costume consists of three parts – Risa, Rignai and Rikutu. Risa is a hand-woven fabric used as women's upper garment. 
• As an upper garment it is wrapped twice around the torso. Rignai is mainly worn as a lower garment. It can be understood as an indigenous variety of saree of mainland India. Ritku is mainly used as a covering, or like the 'chunri' or 'pallu' of the Indian saree. 

8.INS Jatayu Commissioned By Indian Navy At Lakshadweep 

•  The Indian Navy took a significant stride in fortifying its operational prowess with the commissioning of its new base, INS Jatayu, at Minicoy island of Lakshadweep. 
• This strategic move aims to enhance the Navy’s capabilities and reach in the vital Indian Ocean region, reinforcing its efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea. 
• Inspired by the valorous character from the epic Ramayana, Jatayu, the base was named to honor the spirit of selfless service and unwavering dedication. 

9.India’s Unemployment Rate Drops To 3.1% In 2023 

• In 2023, India witnessed a significant decline in its unemployment rate, reaching 3.1%, marking the lowest figure in the past three years. 
• This notable drop is attributed to several factors, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased economic activity following the relaxation of lockdown measures. 
• Unemployment rate among females declined to 3%, while for males it dropped to 3.2%. Urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.2%, rural rate dropped to 2.4%. 

10.Khelo India Medal Winners Now Eligible For Government Jobs 

• Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in collaboration with the Department of Sports, has introduced significant reforms in the recruitment, promotion, and incentive mechanisms for athletes. 
• This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and turning sports into a lucrative career option. 
• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has announced that medal winners at the Khelo India Games—spanning Youth, University, Para, and Winter categories—are now eligible for government jobs. 

11.SpaceX Sends MethaneSAT Satellite Into Orbit To Track Methane Gas 

• MethaneSAT, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), heralds a new era in environmental monitoring. 
• Designed to address the elusive yet critical issue of methane emissions, MethaneSAT promises to revolutionize how policymakers and industries tackle greenhouse gas pollution. 
• With its advanced technology and global reach, MethaneSAT aims to independently verify industry reports and pinpoint methane hotspots, thereby empowering stakeholders to take decisive action. 

12. Fly91 gets DGCA approval to start flights 

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted air operator’s certificate to Goa-based Just Udo Aviation Pvt Ltd to operate its airline Fly91. 
• The grant of the air operator certificate marks the completion of all regulatory and compliance requirements for the airline to begin its commercial operations. 
• The airline has been allocated its first set of routes under the government’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik. 
• This includes routes to Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded and Agatti from Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad and Pune under the UDAN 5.0 of the civil aviation ministry. 

13. IOC to make fuel for Formula 1 – first by an Indian firm 

• India’s largest oil company, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) will start manufacturing fuel used in adrenaline-pumping Formula One or F1, motor racing as it looks to expand its basket of niche fuels. 
• F1 fuel is essentially high-octane petrol and the standards are heavily regulated by global motor sport governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) on various counts, including permissible additives and blending agents. 
• IOC will supply fuel for all the motorcyclists from 15 countries that will participate in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. 

About Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) 

• Founded – 30 June 1959 
• Headquarters – New Delhi 
• Chairman – Shrikant Madhav Vaidya 
• Owner – Government of India (52.1%) 

14. Jharkhand govt launched State Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme 

• The Jharkhand State Government has launched the Jharkhand Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme 2024. 
• Under the Jharkhand Widow Remarriage Promotion Yojana 2024, the Jharkhand state government will provide INR to all the widowed who will get remarriage. 
• Rs 2 lakh would be allocated as a promotional amount. 
• This scheme will apply to the social status of all the widowed women in the Jharkhand state. 
• All the applicants who clear the eligibility criteria must fill out the application form on the official website to avail of the benefits of the Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme 2024. 

About Jharkhand 

• Capital – Ranchi 
• Chief Minister – Champai Soren (replace Hemant Soren) 
• Governor – P. Radhakrishnan 

Recent Schemes launched by state governments 

• MYUVA Scheme (Uttar Pradesh) – To support young entrepreneurs 
• Indiramma Housing Scheme (Telangana) – To provide Rs 5 lakh financial assistance to construct houses 
• CM’s Health Insurance Scheme (Nagaland) – To ensures financial security and protection 
• Savera programme (Haryana) – For early detection and prevention of breast cancer. 
• Van Mitra (Haryana) – To encourage community participation in tree planting activities in non-forest areas. 

15.Government To Divest 7% Stake In NLC India: Key Details 

• The government of India has announced plans to sell up to 7% of its stake in NLC India, formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corp, through an Offer for Sale (OFS). 
• This move aims to raise between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 2,100 crore, contributing to the government’s disinvestment goals. 
• The offering involves a base offer of over 6.9 crore shares, representing 5% of NLC India’s equity, at a floor price of Rs 212 per share. An additional 2% stake, equivalent to 2.77 crore shares, may be divested through a greenshoe option. 

16.Airbus Collaborates With IIM Mumbai To Elevate Aviation Training Standards 

• Airbus, a prominent name in the aviation industry, has announced a significant partnership with the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) to deliver high-quality aviation training to professionals. 
• The initiative, known as Airbus Beyond, is dedicated to preparing professionals to tackle the evolving challenges of the aerospace industry. 
• It aims to equip participants with comprehensive skills essential for success in various domains within the aviation sector. 

17.International Women’s Day 2024 

• International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global event celebrated on March 8th each year. It serves as a focal point for recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. 
• International Women’s Day 2024 falls on March 8th, marking a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. 
• The United Nations has chosen the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ for International Women’s Day 2024. 

18.The First Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 In Guwahati 

• The inaugural Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 has officially commenced in Guwahati, Assam, marking a significant milestone in India’s industrial journey. 
• Launched with the objective of enhancing the growth and efficiency of sectors reliant on steam boilers, this three-day event has been inaugurated by Sanjay Kishan, the state’s Labour and Employment Minister. 
• This pioneering expo is the result of a collaborative effort among industry stalwarts including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL), Assam Petro Chemicals Ltd, and NTPC Ltd. 

19.CSIR-IIP Partners With UCOST To Implement Pine Needle Fuel Tech In Champawat 

• Under the directions and guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, 5th March. 
• This pivotal agreement took place between CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, and UCOST under the aegis of the “Adarsh Champawat” mission. 
• The MoU signifies a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in the region. 

20.Yatin Bhaskar Duggal Wins First Prize In National Youth Parliament Festival 2024 

• Yatin Bhaskar Duggal, a promising talent from Haryana, has emerged triumphant as the winner of the esteemed National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024. 
• Following closely behind, Vaishna Pitchai from Tamil Nadu secured the second prize. Kanishka Sharma, representing Rajasthan, was honored with the third prize, underscoring the widespread presence of talent and hard work throughout the nation. 

21.Atal Innovation Mission, NITI And Meta Collaborate To Establish Frontier Technology Labs In Schools 

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog and Meta have joined forces to establish Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) in strategically important schools. This collaboration aims to democratize access to future technologies and foster innovation among students. 
• FTLs, advanced versions of Atal Tinkering Labs, will be equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including components for Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things. 

22.NPCI And IISc Partner For Deep Tech Research 

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has forged a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, to conduct joint research on Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. 
• This collaboration aims to establish the “NPCI–IISc Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Deep Tech Research & Development” to drive innovation in the fintech sector.