- National:
- On March 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first tanker ‘Swarna Sindhu’, carrying crude oil from ONGC’s Krishna Godavari deepwater block. This project will significantly boost India’s oil and gas production.
- The National Horticulture Fair 2024 was held from 5th to 7th March 2024 at ICAR-IIHR, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru. This mega event was organized in collaboration with the Society for Promotion of Horticulture (SPH); BESST- HORT, a Technology Business Incubator ICAR-IIHR; ICAR-ATARI Bengaluru and leading development departments serving for the cause and promotion of horticulture and allied sectors.
- Keyi Panyor was inaugurated as the 26th district of Arunachal Pradesh on March 1, 2024. It was carved out of Lower Subansiri with its headquarters at Ter Gapin-Sam Sarth. The establishment of this district was a demand by the Nyishi community and it’s expected to bring development and progress to the region.
- On March 5, 2024, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated India’s first Small Scale LNG Unit of GAIL at its Vijaipur LPG plant. This is a significant step towards building a Natural Gas-based economy. Additionally, 201 CNG stations were also dedicated to the nation. These initiatives are part of the government’s vision to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy basket to 15% by 2030.
- On March 6, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first underwater metro service in Kolkata. This significant development is part of the East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro, which passes beneath the Hooghly River. It promises to provide a faster and more efficient commuting option for the residents of one of India’s most densely populated cities.
- Google has temporarily reinstated all Indian apps on its Play Store following the intervention of the Indian government. The apps were initially removed due to non-compliance with Google’s in-app payment guidelines. However, they have been reinstated while their appeals are pending in the Supreme Court. Google will continue to invoice developers for its applicable services fees during the reinstatement period.
- International:
- The 2023-24 El Niño event is indeed one of the strongest on record. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared the onset of this event on 4 July 2023. It’s estimated that the most significant meteorological effects will occur between November 2023 and April 2024. These effects include droughts, heavy rains, wildfires, heat waves, tropical cyclones, flooding, and changes in wind patterns.
- Banking:
- Infibeam Avenues, an AI-powered fintech company in India, received the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator on March 4. This authorisation allows Infibeam Avenues to acquire merchants and deliver digital payment acceptance solutions under its payment gateway brand, CCAvenue.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently instructed India’s major state-owned refiners to urge Persian Gulf oil suppliers to accept at least 10% of oil payments in rupees in the upcoming financial year. This move is aimed at promoting the Indian currency in international trade and reducing the country’s dependence on the US dollar.
- Mous:
- On March 04, 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEML Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) in New Delhi. This collaboration aims to develop an indigenous Advanced Fuelling and Control System for Engines for heavy-duty applications. This system is expected to enhance efficiency, performance, and reliability, and contribute to self-reliance in the field of Combat vehicles. This initiative aligns with the Government’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
- Sports:
- Spain won the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League. They defeated France 2-0 in the final. The goals were scored by Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey. This victory came shortly after Spain’s triumph in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The final was held at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
- Defence:
- China and the Maldives signed a defence cooperation agreement on March 4, 2024. The pact provides for non-lethal military equipment and training from China to the Maldives, aiming to bolster the Maldives’ independence and autonomy. This agreement is a significant development in their bilateral relations.
- Important Days:
- World Obesity Day is observed annually on March 4 to raise awareness about obesity and its effects. The theme for World Obesity Day 2024 is ‘Obesity & Youth: Young people catalyzing change’. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with obesity and support people living with obesity.
- Appointments:
- Rajendra Prasad Goyal has taken additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited from March 1, 2024. He has been with NHPC since 1988 and has extensive experience in finance and hydropower project construction and operation.
- The popular mango-flavored drink, Slice, has indeed appointed the critically acclaimed actress Nayanthara as its latest brand ambassador. The appointment of Nayanthara is aimed at strengthening the company’s connection with its audience and re-affirming its position as the leading beverage for mango enthusiasts.
- Awards & Honours:
- Tiger Woods was announced as the recipient of the 2024 USGA Bob Jones Award on March 2, 2024. The award recognizes his sportsmanship and respect for golf’s traditions. He will be honored on June 12, 2024, during the U.S. Open week.
- Books:
- “The Gems of Indian Art” is a recently launched book that showcases the late Harish Khullar’s collection of 20th century Indian modern and contemporary art. The book, edited by Vinod Bhardwaj, contains beautiful photographs of the artists’ works and documents the Khullar family’s internationally renowned collection.
Questions:
Q.1 In which city is the underwater metro service located?a. Delhi
b. Mumbai
c. Chennai
d. Kolkata
Q.2 Where is the headquarters of Keyi Panyor district located?
a. Ter Gapin-Sam Sarth
b. Itanagar
c. Ziro
d. Pasighat
