Current Affairs March 2024
Coal India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Join Forces to Build Ammonium Nitrate Plant
Coal India Limited (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to establish an ammonium nitrate production facility. This partnership aims to boost domestic production, decreasing reliance on imports, which is essential for industries such as mining and explosives manufacturing.
Ministry of Jal Shakti Collaborates with 12 Institutes for River Basin Management
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has teamed up with 12 technical education institutions to improve the management of six river basins. The focus of this initiative is on sustainable water management practices, including flood control, water quality enhancement, and conservation efforts.
NTPC Partners with MAHAGENCO to Develop Renewable Energy Parks
NTPC Limited and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) have collaborated to develop renewable energy parks. These parks will contribute to India’s renewable energy goals by increasing the capacity of solar and wind energy, while also reducing carbon emissions.
Reliance Joins Hands with Sri Lanka’s Elephant House to Take on Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Reliance Industries has partnered with Sri Lankan beverage company Elephant House to expand its soft drink market and challenge global players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. This collaboration is aimed at improving product distribution and market penetration in Sri Lanka.
India Sees 8% Rise in Leopard Population Between 2018 and 2022
India’s leopard population has increased by 8% from 2018 to 2022, showcasing successful conservation efforts. This growth can be attributed to enhanced habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and effective wildlife management.
150 Railway Stations Receive ‘Eat Right Station’ Certification from FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has awarded the ‘Eat Right Station’ certification to 150 railway stations for providing hygienic, safe, and nutritious food options. This certification is part of efforts to improve food safety standards across India’s railway network.
Mizoram Assembly Adopts Resolution Against India-Myanmar Border Fencing
In February 2024, the Mizoram Assembly passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement. The FMR allows residents on both sides of the border to travel up to 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa.
Vikramaditya Vedic Clock Inaugurated by PM at Jantar Mantar, Ujjain
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world’s first Vedic Clock, called the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, at Jantar Mantar, Ujjain. The clock displays time using the traditional Indian Panchang and provides planetary positions, Muhurat timings, astrological calculations, and IST. The clock, positioned on an 85-foot tower, connects to the internet via a mobile app.
Kerala Launches CSpace, Its First Government-Backed OTT Platform
Kerala has introduced its first government-backed OTT platform, CSpace, at Kairali Theatre. The platform offers a blend of educational and entertaining content and operates on a pay-per-view model. Viewers can access purchased content for up to three months if unwatched, or for 72 hours after viewing begins.
India Achieves Major Milestone in Reducing Extreme Poverty
India has successfully reduced extreme poverty, with less than 3% of its population now living below the poverty line. This progress is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.
Bengaluru Receives First Driverless Train Coaches for CBTC System
Bengaluru has received the first set of driverless train coaches for its 18.8 km Yellow Line, which is currently under construction. The coaches are part of the Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system, which ensures timely and accurate train control through radio-based communication.
DRI Launches Operation ‘Rising Sun’ to Bust Gold Smuggling Syndicate
In March 2024, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched Operation ‘Rising Sun’ to dismantle a large gold smuggling syndicate. The operation spanned four states and led to the seizure of over 61 kg of gold worth approximately Rs 40 crore, along with vehicles, cash, and electronic devices.
Delhi Named the World’s Most Polluted Capital in 2023 Report
Delhi has been named the most polluted capital city globally in the 2023 World Air Quality Report by Swiss organization IQAir. India ranked third overall, with 96% of its population exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO guidelines. Ten out of the 11 most polluted cities worldwide are in India.
Government Warns Social Media Influencers Against Promoting Offshore Betting Platforms
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory warning social media influencers and endorsers to stop promoting offshore online betting and gambling platforms. The advisory stresses the negative impact on consumers, particularly youth, and warns of legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
US, UK, and Australia Announce AUKUS Pact for Submarine Construction
The US, UK, and Australia have formed a pact under AUKUS to construct SSN-AUKUS submarines for Australia. This collaboration strengthens defense ties and boosts economic growth in the defense sectors of all three nations, marking a significant milestone in international defense cooperation.
Sharath Kamal to Lead Indian Contingent at Paris 2024 Olympics
Table tennis champion Sharath Kamal will be India’s flag bearer at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Mary Kom will serve as the Chef De Mission, while Shiva Keshavan will be the deputy Chef De Mission for the Indian contingent at the Games.
TPEM and HPCL Partner to Establish EV Charging Stations Nationwide
TPEM and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up 5,000 EV charging stations across HPCL outlets by December 2024. This initiative supports India’s push towards electric mobility and aims to provide a robust EV charging infrastructure nationwide.
PM Modi Presents National Creators Award at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Prime Minister Modi presented the first-ever National Creators Award, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact through creativity and innovation. The award celebrates creators from diverse fields and highlights the power of creativity in shaping society.
Oscars 2024: “Oppenheimer” Dominates Awards
At the Oscars 2024 ceremony, the film “Oppenheimer” emerged as a major winner, securing awards in categories like Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture. Cillian Murphy, in the title role, took home the Best Actor award. However, India’s official entry, “Everyone is a Hero,” was eliminated from the race for the Best International Feature Film category.
Global Happiness Index Reports Decline in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Jordan
The latest Global Happiness Index revealed a sharp decline in happiness levels in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Jordan, while Eastern European countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, and Latvia saw the greatest improvements. Happiness inequality has increased globally, with Europe being the only region where it has remained stable.
Conclusion: Current Affairs March 2024
Staying updated with Current Affairs for March 2024 is essential for anyone preparing for competitive exams or simply wanting to stay informed about significant developments in various sectors. From the landmark Joint Venture Agreement between Coal India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited for setting up an ammonium nitrate plant to NTPC’s partnership with MAHAGENCO to develop renewable energy parks, March 2024 has been filled with impactful events. Additionally, with updates on India’s progress in reducing extreme poverty and Delhi’s position as the most polluted capital globally, the Current Affairs of March 2024 offer a rich array of news across various domains like environmental, technological, and governmental initiatives. For students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, keeping up with the March 2024 current affairs ensures you remain well-informed and prepared for any discussion or examination. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover important topics in current affairs every month.
MCQs for Current Affairs March 2024
1. Coal India Limited (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to set up a plant for producing which of the following compounds?
a) Ammonium Nitrate
b) Urea
c) Sodium Nitrate
d) Potassium Chloride
Answer: a) Ammonium Nitrate
2. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has signed an agreement with how many technical education institutions for river basin management of six rivers?
a) 5
b) 10
c) 12
d) 15
Answer: c) 12
3. NTPC has collaborated with MAHAGENCO to develop which of the following energy parks?
a) Hydroelectric Power Parks
b) Thermal Energy Parks
c) Renewable Energy Parks
d) Nuclear Energy Parks
Answer: c) Renewable Energy Parks
4. Which Sri Lankan beverage company has Reliance Industries partnered with to compete against Coca-Cola and Pepsi?
a) Elephant House
b) Lion Brewery
c) Ceylon Beverages
d) Bairaha Beverages
Answer: a) Elephant House
5. By how much did the leopard population in India increase between 2018 and 2022?
a) 5%
b) 6%
c) 8%
d) 10%
Answer: c) 8%
6. The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s initiative for river basin management aims to address which of the following issues?
a) Industrial growth
b) Water quality and flood control
c) Rural employment
d) Food security
Answer: b) Water quality and flood control
7. In which Indian city did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the world’s first ‘Vedic Clock’ in March 2024?
a) Varanasi
b) Ujjain
c) Haridwar
d) Prayagraj
Answer: b) Ujjain
8. The first set of driverless train coaches delivered to Bengaluru in March 2024 is part of which train system?
a) Monorail
b) Metro
c) Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system
d) Rapid Rail
Answer: c) Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system
9. Operation ‘Rising Sun’ launched by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) targeted which of the following illegal activities?
a) Drug smuggling
b) Human trafficking
c) Gold smuggling
d) Arms smuggling
Answer: c) Gold smuggling
10. According to the 2023 World Air Quality Report, which city was named the most polluted capital in the world?
a) Beijing
b) Delhi
c) Lahore
d) Dhaka
Answer: b) Delhi
