Current Affairs One - Liner : 1st March 2024

• National:
• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry and the website and logo of Startup Mahakumbh. The event was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in New Delhi.

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of India has introduced the Green Credit Program (GCP) as part of its ‘LiFE’ - ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ initiative. The GCP is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 100 years of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF). The unveiling of the postal stamp showcased the enduring legacy and invaluable contributions of the AIRF to India’s railway system.
• On 28th February 2024, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) signed a Joint Venture Agreement to develop Renewable Energy Parks in Maharashtra. The joint venture aims to develop GW-scale renewable energy parks in a phased manner. This aligns with NTPC’s goal of attaining 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 and supports India’s decarbonisation goals.
• Coal India Limited (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed a joint venture to establish an ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha. The plant will produce 2000 tons of ammonium nitrate per day initially. The land possession for the plant is expected to be completed by September 2024.
• The “Coal Logistics Plan and Policy” launched by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi aims to modernize coal transportation, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainability. The policy proposes a shift towards a railway-based system for First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, aiming for a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs and an annual cost saving of Rs 21,000 Crore.
• International:
• On February 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated the new Airstrip, St. James Jetty, and six community development projects at Agalega Island in Mauritius. These projects, funded by India, aim to improve connectivity, strengthen maritime security, and foster socio-economic development.
• Banking:
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently priced a USD 3.5 billion 5-year global bond on 28th February 2024. The proceeds from this bond will become part of ADB’s ordinary capital resources. This significant financial move is aimed at bolstering its ordinary capital resources and advancing its mission across the Asia-Pacific region. The bond is set to mature on 6th March 2029.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in India made amendments to the Retirement Adviser Regulations. The changes focus on enhancing compliance, refining advisory services, strengthening regulatory oversight, and providing certain professional exemptions.
• Economy:
• In January 2024, the growth rate of India’s eight core industries fell to a 15-month low of 3.6%. These industries include Cement, Coal, Crude Oil, Electricity, Fertilizers, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, and Steel. The performance varied across industries with some like Cement, Coal, and Natural Gas seeing an increase in production, while others like Fertilizers and Refinery Products saw a decline.
• Science & Technology:
• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of head-shield sea slug and named it Melanochlamys droupadi after President Droupadi Murmu. The species is unique with a ruby red spot on the left posterior side. The discovery was announced on February 29, 2024.
• Govt. Schemes:
• The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to install rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households across India. The scheme has a budget of Rs.75,021 crore and provides subsidies for solar panel installation. This initiative aligns with India’s renewable energy goal of 500 GW by 2030, and is expected to add 30 GW of solar capacity, generate 1000 BUs of electricity, reduce 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, and create around 17 lakh jobs.
• Sports:
• Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years after testing positive for a banned substance. The allegations stem from an incident following Juventus’ 3-0 victory over Udinese in the Italian Serie A opener, where Pogba tested positive.
• Important Days:
• World Civil Defence Day is celebrated annually on March 1 to raise awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and preventive measures. The theme for World Civil Defence Day 2024 is “Honouring Heroes and Promoting Safety Skills”. This day also celebrates and recognises the efforts of those who protect our nation and society during disasters.
• World Compliment Day, observed annually on March 1st, is a global celebration dedicated to spreading positivity and appreciation through sincere compliments. The day encourages people to express admiration and positivity towards one another. It aims to create a happier and more positive world by promoting kindness and appreciation.
• Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is observed annually on March 1st. The day aims to raise awareness about self-injury, often referred to as self-harm, and provide support for individuals who self-harm. The main objectives of SIAD are raising awareness about self-harm, encouraging individuals to seek professional help, and combating the stigma associated with self-harm.
• Appointments:
• Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a 1990 batch IPS officer, was appointed as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) on February 28, 2024. He is currently also the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The NSG is India’s federal counter-terrorism force.
• Awards & Honours:
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was conferred an Honorary Knighthood by King Charles III of the United Kingdom on February 28, 2024. This honor is a recognition of his contributions to strengthening business relations between India and the UK.
• Books:
• “Swallowing the Sun” is a debut novel by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. The book, launched on 21st February, 2024, is set during the Indian struggle for Independence and follows the life of a young girl named Malati who challenges patriarchal norms. The novel has been praised for its compelling storytelling and vivid depiction of historical events.
• Obituaries:
• Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada, has passed away at the age of 84. He served as the Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993 and was known for his significant contributions to Canadian politics and international affairs.

Questions:

Q.1 Who is the author of the novel “Swallowing the Sun”?
a. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
b. Malati
c. Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations
d. None of the above
Q.2 Who discovered the new species of head-shield sea slug?
a. The Botanical Survey of India
b. The Zoological Survey of India
c. The Geological Survey of India
d. The Anthropological Survey of India