Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 2nd March 2024

 

1.Nagaland Assembly Adopts Resolution On FMR; Asks Centre To Reconsider Decision 

• The Nagaland legislative assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution against the central government’s decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border and suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar. 
• This resolution reflects the concerns of the Naga people regarding the disruption of historical, social, tribal, and economic ties caused by these measures. 
• The resolution underscores the adverse impacts of suspending the FMR, which allows border residents to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without visas. 

2.Central Electricity Authority To Recognize Frontline Power Sector Heroes 

• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, is gearing up to host the fourth edition of ‘Lineman Diwas’ in New Delhi on March 4, 2024. 
• This annual celebration is dedicated to honoring the tireless dedication and service of linemen and ground maintenance staff who play a crucial role in electricity distribution across India. 
• In collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL), the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman’—a tribute to the selfless service of linemen nationwide. 

3.PM Dedicates HURL Sindri Fertiliser Plant To The Nation 

• PM Modi dedicated the Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant at Sindri, Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
• HURL, a collaborative effort between PSUs including NTPC, IOCL, CIL, and FCIL/HFCL, signifies a synergy aimed at driving economic growth and self-sufficiency. 
• The establishment of the state-of-the-art gas-based Sindri Plant, with an investment of Rs. 8939.25 Crore, reflects the strategic partnerships and investments crucial for realizing national objectives. 

4.Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Project ODISERV For Odisha’s Graduates 

• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated Project ODISERV in Sambalpur, Odisha, marking a significant step towards preparing young graduates for employment opportunities in the financial services sector.
• The collaboration between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Bajaj Finserv aims to revolutionize skill development in Odisha and across India. 
• The 100-hour training program under Project ODISERV aims to equip Odisha’s youth with essential skills for the banking, finance, and insurance industries. 

5.PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 7,200 Crore Projects In West Bengal 

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in Arambagh, Hooghly, West Bengal. 
• The developmental projects are associated with sectors like rail, ports, oil pipeline, LPG supply and wastewater treatment. 
• These initiatives prioritize infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and empowerment for enhanced economic growth and better quality of life. 

6.21-Ft Maharana Pratap Statue Unveiled In Hyderabad

• The unveiling of a 21-feet statue of Maharana Pratap at the Begum Bazar Maharana Pratap Chowk marked a significant moment for Hyderabad. 
• This statue, the largest of its kind in the city, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the revered Rajput warrior, encapsulating his spirit for generations to come. 
• Crafted with meticulous detail and weighing a remarkable two tonnes, the majestic statue was brought to life by the skilled hands of artist Sunder Singh over a span of three months. 

7.Exercise Samudra Laksamana: Strengthening Indo-Malaysian Maritime Cooperation 

• Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a significant bilateral maritime exercise between India and Malaysia, is currently underway from February 28 to March 2, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam. 
• This exercise marks the third edition of the collaboration, featuring the Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and the Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir. 
• The primary aim of Exercise Samudra Laksamana is to bolster the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two naval forces. 

8. Eastern Command 'Tri-Shakti Core' organized in West Bengal under 'One Missile One Tank' 

• The annual Eastern Command AntiTank Guided Missile (ATGM) field firing was held from 20 to 28 February 2024 at Teesta Field Firing Range in West Bengal. The firing was done under the aegis of the Tri-Shakti Core of the Eastern Command. 
• More than 260 missiles were fired with the aim of achieving the target of 'One Missile One Tank'. Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defense said that more than 1500 personnel from various units of the Indian Army's infantry and mechanized infantry army battalions participated in the command level training exercise. 
• According to the release issued by the Department of Defense, firing was carried out on the battlefield keeping in mind the strategic landscapes, in which the tanks have played a major role. ATGM troops fired in various ways, which they may have to adopt on the basis of strategic status. 
• These included firing from various vehicles, including recently included indigenous light strike vehicles and firing by troops on the ground. The release said that the goals were also practiced by the troops sent by the helicopters. 
• In addition, the release said, the firing was seen by GOC, Trishakti Core. He appreciated the professional excellence and operational readiness of the soldiers and encouraged them to excel in this important weapon. 

9. India has stopped the flow of water from the Ravi river into Pakistan by building a Shahpur Kandi dam 

• India has blocked the water by constructing Shahpur Kandi Dam on the Ravi River flowing towards Pakistan. India has exclusive rights over the waters of Ravi under the 'Indus Water Treaty' signed in 1960 under the supervision of the World Bank.
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• Shahpur Kandi Barrage is located on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage allows India to make maximum use of the Ravi River, ensuring that water that previously flowed to Pakistan from the old Lakhanpur Dam will now be used in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. 
• On September 8, 2018, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab signed an agreement to resume work on the Shahpur-Kandi Dam project, which was pending for the last 40 years. 
• The project was started in 1995 by former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao. According to reports, under the Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, India has exclusive rights over the waters of Ravi, Sutlej and Beas rivers, while Pakistan has control over the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers. 
• India has already constructed several storage works, including the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej, the Pong and Pandoh dams on the Beas and the Thein (Ranjitsagar) on the Ravi. Along with other projects such as the Beas-Sutlej Link and the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, these projects have allowed India to utilize almost the entire share (95%) of the waters of the eastern rivers. 

10. Archaeologists discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement at the ‘Morodharo’ site in Gujarat 

• A team of archaeologists Ajay Yadav and Damian Robinson of the Oxford School of Archeology have excavated a new Harappan site called Lodrani near Dholavira, Gujarat. The newly discovered site, named Morodharho, has architecture similar to that of Dholavira. 
• The settlement appears to be from the Late Harappan (2,600–1,900 BCE) to the Late Harappan (1,900– 1,300 BCE) period. The fortification measures 102 meters from east to west and 58 meters from north to south. The wall thickness is on average 3.3 meters. 
• There is a 10x10 meter platform on its south-west side and a well on the north-east side. Burial caves, which are piles of stones to determine a boundary, are also found here.
•  Harappan pottery along with perforated jar fragments, reserved slipware and terracotta cakes were unearthed. All these objects are very similar to the objects found in Dholavira.
•  Dholavira: This archaeological site is located on Khadir Bet Island in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagatpati Joshi. 

Harappan Civilization 

• The Indus Valley/Harappan Civilization was the first urban civilization in South Asia, which coexisted with Mesopotamia and Egypt. The period of Harappan culture is considered to be from 3200 BC to 1300 BC. 
• The Harappan civilization was spread in a triangular shape over an area of about 13 lakh square kilometers on Indian soil. It extended up to ‘Manda’ (Jammu and Kashmir) in the north, up to ‘Daimabad’ (Maharashtra) in the south, up to ‘Alamgirpur’ (Uttar Pradesh) in the east and up to ‘Sutkagendor’ (Pakistan) in the west.
• Major cities are Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan), Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan), Dholavira, Lothal, and Surkotada (Gujarat, India), Kalibangan and Banavali (Rajasthan, India), and Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India). 

11.RBI Appoints S. Ravindran As Part-Time Chairman Of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step by appointing S. Ravindran as the part-time chairman of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. (TMB), marking a new chapter in the bank’s leadership. 
• This appointment, effective from February 29, extends till August 2, 2026, and comes at a pivotal moment for TMB as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the financial sector. 
• Prior to his appointment at TMB, the RBI stipulated that Mr. Ravindran must resign from his directorship positions at Shriram Finance and Bandhan AMC to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. 

12. Bird flu knocked on the mainland of Antarctica for the first time 

• Scientists stated that for the first time a deadly type of bird flu has been confirmed on the mainland of Antarctica, which is a possible threat to the huge penguins colonies of the southern region. Argentina scientists were confirmed the presence of virus in the samples of the dead skua seabar birds on the Dysption Island near Antarctic Base Primvera. 
• The CSIC said in a statement, "The analysis has decisively revealed that the birds were infected with the H5 sub -failure of the avian influenza and at least one of the dead birds had highly pathogenic avian inuenza virus." 
• Spain's Higher Council for Scientific Investigation (CSIC) said, "This discovery first shows that highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has reached Antarctica despite distance and natural barriers that distinguish it from other continents." 
• The case confirmed on the Antarctic Peninsula after cases on the surrounding islands, including the Gentu Penguin, has exposed the danger of the H5N1 avian flu in the region that has destroyed the population of birds worldwide in recent months. 

H5N1- Avian Influenza 

•  It is a disease caused by naturally found avian influenza type a virus found in wild birds worldwide.
•  Sometimes the virus can infect mammals from birds called spillover, although its chances of spreading among mammals may be rare. 
• H5N1 is the sub -avaibility of avian influenza, which has the ability to infect other mammals such as minks, ferrets, seals, domestic cats and others through exposure to infected birds, their stool or infected bird bodies. 

13.C-DOT And Qualcomm Sign MoU To Boost Make In India Vision 

• At the Mobile World Congress 2024, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Qualcomm Technologies have forged a collaboration to advance Atmanirbhar Bharat and drive innovation within India’s telecom sector. 
• This initiative aims to expedite the development of indigenous telecom products, aligning with the Make in India vision. The collaboration seeks to facilitate access to foundational chip technologies for startups, OEMs, and academia. 

14.Google Partners With Shakti To Combat Online Misinformation And Deepfakes 

• Google has taken a significant step to bolster the fight against online misinformation by announcing its support for Shakti, a consortium of news publishers and fact-checkers. 
• This initiative is aimed at the early detection of online misinformation, including deepfakes, and establishing a common repository for news publishers to effectively tackle such challenges. 
• The primary goal of Shakti is to provide a collaborative platform for independent fact-checkers and Indian language publishers. 

15.Anurag Agarwal Appointed As Head Of Parliament Security 

•  In a significant move to bolster the security of India’s parliamentary complex, IPS officer Anurag Agarwal has been appointed as the new head of Parliament security. 
• Anurag Agarwal, a seasoned officer from the 1998 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been serving as an inspector general in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). 
• With his extensive experience in law enforcement and internal security, Agarwal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role as the joint secretary (security) of the Parliament House complex. 

16. Russian Space Agency Roscosmos launched Iran's imaging satellite 'Pars-1' in space .

•  The Russian space agency Rososmos sent Iran's imaging satellite 'Pars-1' successfully from the Soyuz carrier rocket from Moscow's Vostochan space port to space. Along with this, a season satellite and 17 small satellites of Russia were also sent. 
• Meanwhile, Russia's meteor-M number 2-4 satellite (also known as Meteor-M2-4) is also launched, the sixth spacecraft of the meteor-M series launched in 2009, it was also launched, it was also launched, it was also launched, it was also launched. The Earth's natural resources are designed to detect, monitor the global weather. 
• This ozone layer, measuring sea surface temperature and ice conditions, monitoring the heliophysical status in close-Earth space and obtaining information from automatic data collection measurement platforms. 
• Iran's state media IRNA reported immediately after the Russian rocket launch that the indigenous Iranian satellite, called Pars 1, was installed in a orbit of 700 km above the Earth's surface. 
• According to IRNA, this is the 12th satellite launch during the administration of President Ibrahim Raisi. Pars 1 has a 15-meter camera, which enables it to send high-resolution images of surface locations from its orbit 500 km above Earth. 
•  IRNA said, "Applied imaging, expansion of domestic market for measurement data, and the development of basic technologies of measurement satellites and related terrestrial parts are the goals for which indigenous satellites have been developed for which indigenous satellites have been developed." 
•  In January this, Iran launched its Soraya satellite. In August 2022, Russia launched Iran's remotesensing Khayyam satellite in class from Kazakhstan. 

17.Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Releases Book Titled ‘FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023’ 

• In a significant celebration of sports and culture, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released the coffee table book titled ‘FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023’. 
• The book, a publication by Sportstar, the esteemed sports magazine of The Hindu Group, encapsulates the essence and excitement of the 15th FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup held in 2023. 
• The FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 was a monumental event for Odisha, hosting the prestigious tournament at two prime locations: Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. 

18.L&T Commissions First Indigenously Manufactured Hydrogen Electrolyser At Hazira 

• Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved a major milestone in clean energy by commissioning its first domestically manufactured electrolyser at the Green Hydrogen Plant in Hazira, Gujarat. 
• This marks the entry of L&T Electrolysers Limited into domestic electrolyser manufacturing, showcasing the company’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions. 
•  It boasts a robust power capacity of 1 MW, with the potential for expansion up to 2 MW and features two stacks and an Electrolyser Processing Unit (EPU) ML-400, all manufactured and assembled locally. 

19.Indian Scientists Create Eco Wound Dressings With Banana Fibers 

•  Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) researchers transform banana pseudo stems into eco-friendly wound dressing material. 
• Prof. Devasish Chowdhury and Prof. (Retd) Rajlakshmi Devi lead the team, blending banana fibers with chitosan and guar gum for a robust, antioxidant-rich patch. 
• This innovative approach repurposes agricultural waste, demonstrating potential benefits for sustainable wound care solutions. 

20.Veteran Congress Leader And Former UP Governor Aziz Qureshi Passes Away 

• The Indian political landscape mourns the loss of Aziz Qureshi, a seasoned Congress leader and former Governor of Uttar Pradesh, who passed away at the age of 83 
• Born on April 24, 1941, in Bhopal, Aziz Qureshi embarked on his political journey with a strong foundation rooted in his dedication to public service. 
• His early foray into politics saw him being elected as an MLA from the Sehore seat in Madhya Pradesh in 1972, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career. Qureshi’s extensive career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to Indian politics and governance. 

21. Romain Rolland Book Award 2024 Granted Bengali Translation of 'Stalins Cowch' 

• The 7th edition of the Romain Rolland Book Award was awarded to Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee's Bengali translation 'Staliner Diwan'. The thoughtful novel Joseph Stalin and a young artist in the Soviet Union investigate the encounter. The Bengali translation of the book was published by the New India Sahitya Kutir. 
• The Bengali translation was titled 'Le Divan de Stalin' by Jean-Daniel Baltasat, and was titled 'Staliner Diwan' (literally meaning 'Stalin Couch' in English). The novel was first published in 2013. 
•  This is the second time a Bengali translator has won the award, Trinjan Chakraborty has won the award in 2022 for Marsault, Contreen-Nquette of Kamel Dawood. 
• 'Le Divan de Stalin' is a thoughtful novel by Jean-Daniel Baltasat, who discovers an interesting encounter between Joseph Stalin and a young artist Denilov. Established in the Soviet Union during the 1950s, story power, art and manipulation examines subjects. 
• The award established in 2017 by the French Institute in India, it is presented to both Indian and French writers every year, which highlights the importance of literary exchange between the two countries. The famous French writer and Nobel Prize winner is named after Romain Rolland. 

22. India's Environmental Status Report launched in Anil Aggarwal Dialogue of CSE, 2024 

•  The annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue of the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), Anil Aggarwal, started with the launch of India's 11th Environment Status Report at Anil Aggarwal Environmental Training Institute in Nimli, Rajasthan on February 28, 2024. 
• The report was released by economist Nitin Desai, Senior Journalist TN Ninan and CSE Director General Sunita Narayan. It is compiled and published every year by the Down to Earth magazine. 
• The report presents data that says that in 2023 extreme weather events caused damage to about 109 countries, with a large part of the countries of Africa, Europe and West Asia. Indonesia had the highest number of affected people (about 19 million), while Libya had the highest number of deaths. 

India

•  In August 2023 was the hottest in August and September 122 years in India. During the whole year, almost every day of extreme weather occurred in the country - between January 1 and December 31, such incidents took place in 318 days. 
• All 36 states and union territories were affected. Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest extreme weather incidents with 149 days, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 141 days. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were in the next place with 119 days. 
• Bihar was the biggest victim in the case of deaths - 642 people lost their lives in extreme weather incidents. The biggest expansion of the affected crop area was in Haryana. Gujarat had the highest number of damaged houses and Punjab had the highest number of animals death.