This is the current affairs of 5 & 6 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 country did PM Modi announce the opening of Jan Aushadhi Center for the first time outside India?
a. Maldives
b. Mauritius
c. Sri Lanka
d. Bangladesh
Answer: b. Mauritius
– Mauritius will be the first country outside India to be connected with India’s Jan-Aushadhi program.
– This will provide the people of Mauritius access to better quality generic medicines made in India.
About Prime Minister’s Indian Jan Aushadhi Centers:
– Economically weaker sections are provided with affordable medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Centers.
– These are like small medical stores where generic medicines are available at lower prices. Through this, the government aims to make access to healthcare needs easier for economically weaker families.
What is the Neighborhood First Policy?
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Mauritius is a significant partner in our Neighbourhood First policy.
– This policy guides the management of relations with our neighboring countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, – Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
India has always respected the needs of Mauritius. Whether it is the COVID crisis or the oil spill, India has always been the first responder for its friend Mauritius.
– Mauritius is a specific partner under India’s vision “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Mauritius
President: Prithvirajsing Roopun
Prime Minister: Pravind Jugnauth
Capital: Port Louis
Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Country situated in which ocean: Indian Ocean
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2. In which island did the Prime Minister of India and Mauritius inaugurate the airstrip and jetty?
a. Rodrigues Island
b. Sriharikota Island
c. Pamban Island
d. Agalega Island
Answer: d. Agalega Island (in Mauritius)
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius jointly inaugurated several aviation facilities, a jetty, and numerous other development projects on February 29, 2024. PM Modi participated in the inauguration ceremony via video conference.
– The airstrip and jetty have been constructed by India.
Airstrip:
– Airstrip, also known as “Airstrip” or “Runway” in English, is a long, straight road that provides landing and takeoff facilities for aircraft.
Jetty:
– A jetty is a structure that extends from the land into the water. It functions as a wharf, breakwater, pedestrian path, or both, allowing boats and small ships to dock.
Strategic Importance of Airstrips and Jetties for India:
– Upgraded airstrips and jetties are major strategic projects aimed at expanding India’s reach in the Indian Ocean and enhancing coverage of waterways along the eastern coast of Africa. This is to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region, including the Maldives.
– With India-Mauritius collaboration, India can monitor Chinese military vessels and submarines in the western Indian Ocean.
Location of the Airstrip:
– The airstrip built by India is located north of Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis, approximately 1,100 kilometers, and southwest of Male, the capital of the Maldives, approximately 2,500 kilometers away.
When Was the India-Mauritius Project Agreement Made?
– After Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius in March 2015, India and Mauritius signed an agreement for “Improvement of Maritime and Air Transport Facilities.”
China in the Indian Ocean:
– China values its strong presence in the Indian Ocean region as nine out of its top 10 crude oil suppliers pass through the Indian Ocean.
– It serves as a primary transit route for China connecting Africa, the Middle East, island nations, and coastal regions of the vast ocean.
What is India’s Ocean Project (Started in Response to Chinese Dominance)?
– In response to China’s efforts to encircle India and enhance its dominance in the Indian Ocean, India initiated the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) project in 2015.
How Much Assistance Did India Provide in the Last 10 Years?
– In the last 10 years, India has provided Mauritius with a $1 billion line of credit and $400 million in assistance.
– India has contributed to the development of metro rail lines, community development projects, social housing, ENT hospitals, civil service colleges, and sports facilities in Mauritius.
Current Military Relations Between India and Mauritius:
– India and Mauritius have had close cooperation on maritime security and other fronts.
– Indian defense officers are seconded to the Mauritian defense forces.
– According to a document from the Ministry of External Affairs, an Indian Navy officer heads the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
– An Indian Air Force officer commands the Police Helicopter Squadron.
– An Indian Navy officer heads the hydrographic services in Mauritius.
– Approximately 20 Indian defense officers are seconded to Mauritius.
– India and Mauritius have long-standing relations at historical, cultural, and economic levels.
Note:
Question – Which countries implemented the Indian payment system UPI in February 2024?
Answer – Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka and Mauritius during a virtual event on February 12, 2024. RuPay cards were also launched in Mauritius.
Mauritius:
– President: Prithvirajsing Roopun
– Prime Minister: Pravind Jugnauth
– Capital: Port Louis
– Currency: Mauritian Rupee
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3. Which state’s traditional tribal dress ‘Risa’ got GI tag?
a. Karnataka
b. Odisha
c. Kerala
d. Tripura
Answer: d. Tripura
– The traditional attire of Tripura, ‘Risa,’ has been granted a GI tag in March 2024. It is handwoven cloth (‘Risa’).
– Note: In 2023, 13 fruits and vegetables grown in Tripura, including pineapples, were granted GI tags.
What is Risa?
– The traditional Tripuri women’s attire consists of three parts – Risa, Rignai, and Rikutu.
– Risa is a handwoven cloth used as an upper garment for women and also worn as headgear, stole, or as a gift to express respect.
Who Grants the GI Tag?
– The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce grants the GI tag.
– To obtain a GI tag for a product, one must apply in the GI database located in Chennai.
– This falls under intellectual property rights, which is only available in Chennai nationwide.
What is a GI Tag?
– GI stands for Geographical Indication.
– The GI tag is a symbol primarily given to connect a product with its place of origin.
Tripura:
Capital: Agartala
Chief Minister: Manik Sarkar
Governor: Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
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4. Russia released the audio recording of a meeting of German military officers, which bridge was planned to be targeted in the recording?
a. Moskovsky Cable Bridge
b. Crimean Bridge
c. Irpin Bridge
d. Nook Bridge
Answer: b. Crimean Bridge
– The Crimean Bridge connects Russia to Crimea.
– Crimea is a peninsula located in Eastern Europe.
– According to BBC News, the audio of a video conference meeting was posted on social media by the head of – Russia’s state-owned RT channel (Margarita Simonyan).
– She claimed that it was evidence that Germany was planning an attack on Crimea.
– This information was received on March 1, 2024.
What’s in the recording?
– Russian media published a 38-minute recording of a call on March 1, 2024.
– The audio recording features discussions between German Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gehre and other senior German military officials. The conversation reportedly took place on February 19, according to The Hindu newspaper.
– The discussion revolved around targeting the Crimean Bridge and whether the Taurus cruise missile could destroy it.
Crimean Bridge:
– The Crimean Bridge connects Russia to Crimea.
– Crimea is a peninsula located in Eastern Europe.
– It was part of Ukraine until Russia annexed it in 2014.
– It is the longest bridge built in Europe and by Russia.
– Also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge or Kerch Bridge.
Why is this bridge important for Russia?
– During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the bridge was vital for the movement of Russian troops and essential supplies such as fuel and food.
Taurus Missile:
– The Taurus KEPD 350 is a German-Swedish air-launched cruise missile produced by Taurus Systems.
– It has a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles).
– It is used by Germany, Spain, and South Korea.
– Ukraine wants Germany to provide them with Taurus missiles to use against Russia.
Germany’s response to the recording:
– On March 2, 2024, Germany stated that this was clearly an act of eavesdropping. They are investigating the matter.
– Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on March 3, 2024, that this incident goes beyond simply intercepting and publishing conversations… it is part of an ‘information war’ that Russia is waging.
– Germany considers it a very serious matter.
What Russia inferred from the recording:
– According to The Indian Express, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on March 3, 2024, that the recording indicates that Germany (Berlin) was preparing to fight Russia (Moscow).
Which country provides the most military assistance to Ukraine?
– The United States provides the most military assistance to Ukraine.
– Germany stands second in providing military assistance to Ukraine and is increasing its support this year.
– Ukraine wants Germany to provide them with Taurus missiles.
– However, Germany has been hesitant to fulfill Ukraine’s request for Taurus missiles for a long time.
Recent India-Germany High-Level Defense Committee Meeting:
– Discussions were held to strengthen strategic cooperation and military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
– This meeting took place on February 27, 2024, in Berlin.
– Both countries will conduct joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Germany:
– Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country located in Central Europe.
– Capital: Berlin
– Chancellor: Olaf Scholz
– Currency: Euro
Russia:
– Russia is a country stretching from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia, covering the largest land area in the world.
– Capital: Moscow
– President: Vladimir Putin
– Currency: Russian Ruble
Ukraine:
– Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe.
– Capital: Kyiv
– President: Volodymyr Zelensky
– Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia
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5. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi witness the commencement of ‘core loading’ of India’s first indigenous fast breeder reactor (500 MW)?
a. Chennai
b. Kalpakkam
c. Bangalore
d. Kota
Answer: b. Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu)
PFBR – Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor
– On March 4, 2024, Prime Minister Modi observed the beginning of ‘core loading’ in India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 megawatts) in Kalpakkam.
– Kalpakkam is approximately 70 kilometers away from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
– He also visited the reactor vault and the reactor’s control room. He gathered information about its main features.
When was approval granted for the construction of PFBR?
– According to The Hindu newspaper, approval for the construction and operation of India’s most advanced nuclear reactor- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) was granted to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in the year 2003.
– BHAVINI, with contributions from over 200 Indian industries including MSMEs, has designed and constructed it indigenously.
– PFBR is an advanced third-generation reactor.
What fuel will FBFR use?
– According to PIIB, Fast Breeder Reactor (FBFR) will initially use Uranium-Plutonium mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
– The fuel surrounding the core will undergo nuclear transformation from Uranium-238 to produce more fuel, hence termed as ‘breeder’.
Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin
Capital: Chennai
Governor: R.N. Ravi
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6. Which state’s forest department created a Guinness World Record by planting 65,724 saplings and writing the word ‘Bharat Mata’ during the Tadoba festival?
a. Bihar
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Maharashtra
d. Gujarat
Answer: c. Maharashtra
– How many species of plants were used?
– State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated that during the ‘Tadoba Festival’ (March 1st to 3rd), the term ‘Bharat Mata’ was coined.
– For this, 65,724 plants of 26 species were used.
Tadoba Festival 2024
– When: March 1st to 3rd, 2024 (Three days)
– Organized by: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
– Where: Chandrapur, Maharashtra
– The objective of this event is to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and preservation of Maharashtra’s heritage.
Assam also made a similar record
– According to The Indian Express, prior to this, the Assam Forest Department had set a world record for the longest line of planted saplings in a garden.
– For this, the forest department used 3,22,444 plants to encircle outward from a central point with a length of 22.22 km.
Maharashtra
Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
Capital: Mumbai
Governor: Ramesh Bais
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7. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the country’s first green hydrogen plant in the stainless steel sector located in which company?
a. Jindal Stainless Limited
b. Tata Steel
c. JWS Steel
d. None of these
Answer: a. Jindal Stainless Limited
– They inaugurated this plant via virtual means on March 4, 2024.
– It is located in the stainless steel sector of Jindal Stainless Limited, in Hisar.
– This will pave the way for continuous steel production.
First Off-Grid Green Hydrogen Plant
– This is the world’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the world’s first green hydrogen plant with rooftop and floating solar.
– This project also features an advanced green hydrogen facility aimed at reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 metric tons per year and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next two decades.
Target year for net zero emissions
– Embracing green hydrogen as marine fuel puts India at the forefront in commitments towards a sustainable future, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions (pure zero emissions) by 2070.
Jindal Stainless Limited
– The Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited is Abhyuday Jindal.
– Jindal Stainless has a global network spread across 15 countries and also has a service center in Spain.
– In India, the company has 10 sales offices and six service centers.
– Its headquarters are in New Delhi. It was established in 1970.
– It is a part of the OP Jindal Group.
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8. When is International Women’s Day celebrated?
a. 7 March
b. 8 March
c. 9 March
d. 10 March
Answer: b. 8 March
Theme for 2024:
– Invest in women: Accelerate progress (Empower women through education, health, support their advancement, and accelerate progress)
– International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated on March 8th is a global day.
– It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls.
– It’s also a time to raise awareness about progress towards gender equality and the remaining work to be done.
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9. Where was India’s first Dolphin Research Center opened?
a. Lucknow
b. Patna
c. Bhagalpur
d. Chennai
Answer: b. Patna
– Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated India’s first National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) in Patna.
– The construction of this center has cost 30 crore rupees.
– This center is situated on the banks of the Ganges in the Patna University campus.
– The foundation stone for this institution was also laid by Nitish Kumar in the year 2020.
– According to Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, hunting of the Ganges Dolphin is prohibited.
– According to the census conducted by the Bihar government, there were 1,048 dolphins in the Ganges in 2018.
– A notable characteristic of dolphins is that they emit a clicking sound that rebounds off any object and returns to the dolphin, indicating the size and proximity of the prey.
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10. Where was the Asian River Rafting Championship held in March 2024?
a. Shimla
b. Patna
c. Dehradun
d. Gangtok
Answer: a. Shimla
– Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Asian River Rafting Championship on March 4, 2024.
– This championship was held on the Satluj River from March 4th to 9th.
Himachal Pradesh
Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
Chief Minister: Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
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