This is the current affairs of 2 March 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. In which city is the world’s first Vedic clock located, which was inaugurated by PM Modi?
a. Mumbai
b. Patna
c. Gandhinagar
d. Ujjain
Answer: d. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
– The name of the Vedic clock – Vikramaditya Vedic Clock
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s first Vikramaditya Vedic Clock (located in Ujjain) through virtual means at a program held on February 29, 2024, at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal.
– The foundation stone of this Vedic clock was laid in November 2022.
– Its purpose is to familiarize people with the calculation of Vedic time.
– A Vedic clock is installed on an 85-foot tower inside the Jantar Mantar in Ujjain.
Construction of the Vedic clock took place in a 300-year-old observatory.
– The construction of the Vedic clock took place in the Jeevaji observatory in Ujjain, established 300 years ago.
– Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur had the Jeevaji observatory built in Ujjain in the year 1719.
– The state government allocated Rs 1.62 crore for this project in the year 2022.
Vikramaditya Vedic Clock
– The Vedic clock will be based on Vedic time calculation.
– The clock will calculate the time from one sunrise to the next.
– The period between two sunrises will be divided into 30 parts, each consisting of 48 minutes, meaning an hour will be 48 minutes long, and there will be not 24 but 30 hours in a day.
– Hours will be divided into Muhurats.
– Changes in sunrise and sunset times at different places in the country and the world will also be synchronized.
– A mobile application will be available for reading the Vedic clock.
– The application can be used on smartphones, computers, televisions, and other devices.
Madhya Pradesh
Capital: Bhopal
Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
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2. On which news channels has the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) ordered fine and removal of videos due to hate shows?
a. Aaj Tak, News18 India, and Times Now Navbharat
b. Bharat Samachar and News Nation
c. News24, News Nation, and NDTV
d. Both a and b
Answer: a. Aaj Tak, News18 India, and Times Now Navbharat
– The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has taken action against hate-filled shows aired on 3 television channels, directing them to pay fines and remove the videos. These include shows hosted by anchors Amish, Aman, and Sudhir Chaudhary.
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3. News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) took action against which news anchor’s hate show on 28 February 2024 and ordered to remove the video?
a. Shweta Singh, Chitra Tripathi
b. Sudhir Chaudhary, Himanshu Dixit
c. Aman Chopra, Amish Devgan
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c [Sudhir Chaudhary (Aaj Tak), Himanshu Dixit (Times Now Navbharat), Aman Chopra (News18 India), Amish Devgan (News18 India)]
– The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has issued directives to take action against hate-filled shows aired on 3 television channels, instructing them to pay fines and remove the videos. These include shows hosted by anchors Amish, Aman, and Sudhir Chaudhary.
– A fine of one lakh rupees has been imposed on Times Now Navbharat and New18 India for the shows aired on the Shraddha Walke murder case and the Ram Navami violence. A warning has been issued to Aaj Tak. The three channels have been instructed to remove contentious videos from online platforms within 7 days.
– NBDSA Chairman and former Supreme Court Justice A.K. Sikri stated that terming every interfaith marriage as “love jihad” is incorrect. Justice Sikri has ordered action against three TV channels airing programs spreading hatred and disrupting communal harmony.
– Justice Sikri instructed to use the term “love jihad” with extreme caution in the future, as its irresponsible use could jeopardize the country’s secular framework. Activist Indrajit Ghorpade had filed complaints against some channels with NBDSA.
– NBDSA stated that while the media can host shows on any issue, targeting entire communities due to the actions of a few individuals is wrong.
About NBDSA:
– The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) is an independent body that considers complaints about broadcasting and makes decisions.
– NBDSA was established on July 3, 2007, by the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA).
– Its work includes establishing and promoting high standards, ethics, and practices in news broadcasting, as well as considering and deciding on complaints against broadcasters.
– NBDSA is not a government or statutory body, but its decisions are significant in this sector.
– The current chairman of NBDSA is Justice (Retired) A.K. Sikri, former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
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4. Which IPS officer was made the head of Parliament Security (Joint Secretary, Security)?
a. Anurag Agrawal
b. Vishal Agrawal
c. Vignesh Paswan
d. Ranjan Meghwal
Answer: a. Anurag Agrawal
– IPS officer Anurag Agrawal has been appointed as the Chief of Parliament Security.
– He belongs to the 1998 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officers.
– The Secretary of United Security serves as the head of the Parliament House Security Service.
– This position had been vacant since October 20, 2023.
– In fact, on December 13, 2023, there was an incident of vandalism at the Parliament House.
– Upon initial investigation, it was found that the position of Joint Security Secretary had been vacant for a month.
– Due to this, extensive changes were made in the security of the Parliament House premises.
– The responsibility of security was handed over to the CISF.
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5. What was India’s GDP growth rate in the third quarter of the financial year 2023-24?
a. 8.4%
b. 7.8%
c. 7.6%
d. 6.8%
Answer: a. 8.4%
Who released the GDP growth rate figures?
– The National Statistical Office (NSO) released these figures on February 29, 2024.
Third Quarter of 2023-24: October to December 2023
– GDP growth rate: 8.4% (compared to the third quarter of the previous fiscal year)
– Total GDP in rupees: ₹43.72 lakh crore (43,72,136 crore)
Second Quarter of 2023-24: July to September 2023
– GDP growth rate: 7.6% (compared to the second quarter of the previous fiscal year)
– Total GDP in rupees: ₹41.74 lakh crore (41,74,312 crore)
First Quarter of 2023-24: April to June 2023
GDP growth rate: 7.8%
What is GDP?
– Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the most commonly used indicators to track the health of the economy.
– GDP refers to the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year or a quarter.
– GDP is the largest measure of a country’s economic development.
– Higher GDP indicates economic growth, with the economy generating more employment.
– Lower GDP indicates economic lag, with the problem of unemployment increasing.
GDP is calculated as: GDP = C + I + G + (X-M)
C = Consumer expenditure
I = Industrial investment
G = Government expenditure
X = Exports
M = Imports
There are two types of GDP
– GDP comes in two types – Real GDP and Nominal GDP.
– Real GDP calculates the value of goods and services at base year values or stable prices. Currently, the base year for calculating GDP is 2011-12.
– Meanwhile, Nominal GDP is calculated at current prices.
Why is the growth rate higher than expected?
– The GDP growth for the third quarter is 1.9% higher than RBI’s estimate.
– RBI had estimated it to be 6.5% for the third quarter.
– The reason for higher than expected growth is strong urban consumption, manufacturing, and high government expenditure.
– Manufacturing growth was 11.6%, while construction growth was 9.5%.
Which sector saw how much growth?
– Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries: -0.8%
Mining: 7.5%
– Manufacturing: 11.6%
– Electricity, gas, water supply, and other utility services: 9.0%
– Construction: 9.5%
– Trade, hotels, transport, communication: 6.7%
– Financial, real estate, professional services: 7.0%
– Public administration, defense, and other services: 7.5%
GVA remained at 6.5%, estimated to be 6.9%
– Gross Value Added, or GVA, remained at 6.5% in the third quarter. It was estimated to be 6.9%.
– Meanwhile, in the second quarter, GVA was at 7.4%. It was estimated to be 6.8%.
What is GVA?
– In simple terms, GVA reveals the total output and income in an economy.
– It shows how much value of goods and services was produced in a certain period after deducting input costs and raw material prices. It excludes subsidies.
– It also indicates how much production occurred in specific sectors, industries, or sectors.
– From the perspective of national accounting, the figure obtained after deducting subsidies and taxes from GDP at the macro level is GVA.
– Chief Economic Advisor: V Anantha Nageswaran
– Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
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6. The Indian technical team arrived in which country to take the place of Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms?
a. China
b. Maldives
c. Ukraine
d. Afghanistan
Answer: b. Maldives
– On February 29, the Indian government announced that their first technical team arrived in the Maldives to replace Indian military personnel. They will take charge of one of the three aviation platforms there.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, the first group of Indian military personnel will be sent back to India by March 10.
– There are approximately 88 Indian soldiers in the Maldives. They operate two helicopters and one aircraft.
– Indian helicopters and aircraft have been providing humanitarian assistance and medical emergency support in the Maldives for several years.
– Technical staff has been sent to the Maldives to handle these operations.
When will the remaining military personnel return?
– After a high-level meeting in Delhi between India and the Maldives on February 2, the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that India would send back all remaining military personnel by May 10.
Indian Military Personnel Deployed on Three Aviation Platforms
– According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), there are three Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives (two helicopters and one aircraft).
– Indian soldiers are present on these platforms.
– India has been providing defense equipment to the Maldives for nearly 40 years.
Mohamed Moizzu’s Order to Remove Soldiers
– Some time ago, Maldives President and Chinese supporter Mohamed Moizzu had demanded that India recall its soldiers.
– He stated that they did not want the presence of soldiers from another country.
– Following this, there has been bitterness in the relationship between the two countries.
India-Maldives Relationship
– The relationship between India and the Maldives is historical and cultural.
– After gaining independence from British rule in 1965, the two countries established diplomatic relations.
– India was one of the first countries to accept the Maldives’ independence.
– India openly came forward to assist the Maldives on several occasions, including Operation Cactus in 1988.
– India was the first country to provide humanitarian assistance during the 2004 tsunami.
– The relationship between India and the Maldives is essential for the stability of the Indo-Pacific and its maritime security.
– As part of India’s “neighborhood first” policy, India is a dedicated development partner for a secure, prosperous, and peaceful Maldives.
– India provides the largest number of training to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), fulfilling about 70% of their defense training needs.
-However, since Mohamed Moizzu became president, there has been bitterness in the relationship between the Maldives and India.
-Moizzu has told India to remove its soldiers from the Maldives.
– After this, there has been increased bitterness and tension over tourism.
Various Operations in the Maldives:
– Operation Cactus 1988: Under Operation Cactus, Indian armed forces helped thwart an attempted coup in the Maldives.
– Operation Neer 2014: Under Operation Neer, India supplied water to the Maldives to deal with the drinking water crisis.
– Operation Sanjeevani: India supplied 6.2 tons of essential medicines to the Maldives to deal with COVID-19 under Operation Sanjeevani.
Maldives:
– Capital: Malé
– President: Mohamed Muizzu (considered a Chinese supporter)
– Population: 515,000
– Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
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7. The Supreme Court imposed a temporary ban on the advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved Limited and issued a contempt notice for violating which law?
a. Indian Penal Code
b. Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DOMA), 1954
c. Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019
d. b and c both
Answer: d. b and c both [Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DOMA), 1954 and Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019)]
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954:
– This law imposes a ban on advertisements claiming magical properties of medicines and treatments.
– Specifically, the law prohibits the advertisement of targeted drugs for treatment and cure of 54 specified medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and hypertension.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA):
– This law is for the protection of consumers’ interests and to prevent fraud against them.
– The Supreme Court banned advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved Limited products on February 27, 2024, for publishing misleading advertisements.
– In fact, the court had directed the company last year not to publish false and misleading advertisements, which the company ignored.
Patanjali:
– Founder: Baba Ramdev
– Managing Director (MD): Acharya Balkrishna
– Establishment: January 2006
– Patanjali Ayurved Limited is entirely an Indian company.
– Patanjali’s products are primarily made from herbs and natural ingredients.
– Patanjali’s headquarters is in Haridwar.
What are the allegations against Patanjali?
– The Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a petition in the Supreme Court in August 2022 when Patanjali published an advertisement titled “Misconceptions spread by allopathy: Save yourself and the country from misconceptions spread by the pharma and medical industry.”
– The petition describes other instances where Ramdev referred to allopathy as “stupid and lunatic science.”
– And claimed that allopathic medicine is responsible for COVID-19 deaths. All these allegations are against Patanjali.
Which law do such advertisements violate?
– According to The Indian Express, the IMA claimed that advertising violates both the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Publishing false and misleading advertisements is an offense under both laws.
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8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry manufactured by which company in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu)?
a. Hindustan Shipyard
b. Cochin Shipyard
c. Goa Shipyard
d. None of these
Answer: b. Cochin Shipyard
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry in virtual mode on February 28, 2024. The inauguration took place from Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) in virtual mode.
– This vessel or ferry will be deployed for service in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Special features of the hydrogen fuel cell ferry:
– The construction of this vessel was done at the Cochin Shipyard.
– The pilot vessel is a 24-meter catamaran (a type of watercraft).
– It is fully air-conditioned.
– It can accommodate up to 50 passengers at once.
– It has five hydrogen cylinders that can carry 40 kilograms of hydrogen.
– These cylinders can support eight hours of operation.
– The vessel also has a 3-kilowatt solar panel installed.
– It will make urban mobility convenient and easy.
– Ships powered by fuel cells produce zero emissions and zero noise.
– They are energy efficient, reducing the impact of global warming.
Target year for achieving net zero emissions:
– Embracing green hydrogen as marine fuel puts India at the forefront of commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve net zero emissions (pure zero emissions) by 2070.
Important points for exams:
– The inauguration of India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry took place in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu).
– The country’s first green hydrogen fuel cell bus was operational in Delhi in September 2023.
– Asia’s first hydrogen train was launched in China.
– The world’s first hydrogen train was launched in Germany.
Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin
Capital: Chennai
Governor: R.N. Ravi
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9. Which country’s former Prime Minister Martin Brian Mulroney passed away on 29 February 2024?
a. Bangladesh
b. Japan
c. Canada
d. Russia
Answer: c. Canada
Brian Mulroney
– He was born on March 20, 1939.
– He passed away on February 29, 2024.
– He was 84 years old, and he was from Canada.
– Martin Brian Mulroney was a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician.
– He served as the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993.
Canada
– The population here is 40 million (approximately 4 crores).
– Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean.
– Its border with the United States is the world’s longest international land border.
– PM: Justin Trudeau
– Capital: Ottawa
– Currency: Canadian Dollar
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10. When is World Hearing Day celebrated by WHO?
a. 2 March
b. 3 March
c. 4 March
d. 6 March
Answer: b. 3 March
Theme of 2024:
– Changing Attitudes: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for everyone.
– Awareness about deafness is celebrated on this day worldwide.
– WHO celebrated the International Ear Care Day for the first time in 2007.
– In 2016, the name of Ear Care Day was changed to World Hearing Day.
– According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, partial or complete hearing loss affects 5% of the world’s population.
– According to the report, most of the cases of this disease are in South Asia, the Asia Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa regions.
WHO
Established: April 7, 1948
Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
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