Daily Current Affairs 12 March 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

1.Andaman & Nicobar Command’s Historic All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission

• Coinciding with International Women’s Day and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, the Andaman & Nicobar Command achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first-ever all-women maritime surveillance mission.
• This landmark event underscores the commitment to gender equality and recognizes the indispensable role of women in national defense.
• The successful completion of the mission reaffirms the Andaman & Nicobar Command’s dedication to providing equal opportunities and fostering gender neutrality within the armed forces.

2.GOI Announces Implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

• The Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on 11, March 2024, bringing the law back into the spotlight.
• The CAA aims to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minority communities from neighbouring countries, but it has faced criticism and protests over the exclusion of Muslims.

3.Amit Shah Inaugurates Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan Projects

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages and various development projects in 178 villages under the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’.
• The initiative aims to uplift the infrastructure and living standards in rural areas of Delhi. The Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan has a fund of Rs 960 crore to develop necessary infrastructure in Delhi’s urbanized villages and new urban areas.

4.PM Modi Inaugurates 15 Airport Projects in Uttar Pradesh

• On March 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines by inaugurating 15 significant airport projects, marking an unprecedented infrastructural addition in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh.
• This extensive initiative, almost valued at ₹10,000 crore, encompasses a blend of new airports, expanded terminals, foundation stones for future airports, and other ancillary facilities.
• This massive project rollout includes 12 new terminal buildings at airports across diverse locations such as Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur.

International News

5.Asif Ali Zardari Sworn in as Pakistan’s 14th President

• Asif Ali Zardari took oath as Pakistan’s 14th President following his overwhelming victory in the presidential election.
• Zardari succeeded Dr. Arif Alvi, who remained in office for five additional months after completing his five-year term in September last year.
• Zardari secured 411 votes against his opponent’s 181, winning the presidency. He received votes from all electoral colleges, including parliament and provincial assemblies.

6.China’s New Territorial Sea Baseline in Gulf of Tonkin Raises Concerns

• China recently announced a new territorial sea baseline in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin, shared with Vietnam, sparking concerns about potential impacts on existing agreements and regional stability.
• China disclosed seven base points forming the baseline for its sovereignty claims in the Gulf of Tonkin, also known as Beibu Gulf.
• The Gulf of Tonkin has been a historically significant area for maritime demarcation between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea.

State News

7.Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Neengal Nalama’ Scheme to Review Implementation of Welfare Programs

• The Tamil Nadu government has launched the ‘Neengal Nalama’ (Are you fine?) scheme, a beneficiary outreach program aimed at reviewing the implementation of flagship schemes and addressing the grievances of the public.
• Under the ‘Neengal Nalama’ scheme, people will be directly contacted by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Department Heads, Department Secretaries, and District Collectors to inquire about their level of benefit and to identify any bottlenecks related to various government schemes.

8.Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Cabinet Resign Amid BJP-JJP Alliance Strain

• Manohar Lal Khattar has resigned from his position as the Chief Minister of Haryana, following emerging rifts within the coalition government formed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP).
• The discord between the BJP and the JJP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, primarily stemmed from their inability to agree on a seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
• This disagreement has endangered the coalition, which had previously seen the BJP winning all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in the 2019 elections.

9.Nayab Singh Saini to Succeed Manohar Lal Khattar as Haryana’s New Chief Minister

• Nayab Singh Saini, an influential leader from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Haryana.
• The decision was announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Manohar Lal Khattar, the outgoing Chief Minister and his entire cabinet stepped down.
• Saini, the sitting Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, has been associated with the BJP since 1996. He has held various organizational roles within the party and has steadily progressed through significant positions.

10.Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Announces Non-Implementation of CAA

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, announced that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), whose rules were notified by the Union Home Ministry on March 11, will not be implemented in the state.
• The CAA, passed by the Parliament in 2019, aims to expedite the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before 2014.

11.Geological Survey Of India Unveils Stratigraphic Column In Andhra Pradesh

• The Geological Survey of India, State Unit: Andhra Pradesh, unveiled a representative Stratigraphic Column of the Cuddapah Supergroup in Vajrakarur Diamond Processing Camp, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
• This coloumn represents the geological history and evolution of the Cuddapah Basin, the second-largest Proterozoic basin in India. It reinforces GSI’s commitment to making Vajrakarur Camp a significant educational and research hub.

12.Assam CM Inaugurates 50 MW Solar Project In Sonitpur

• The Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, performed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for a 50 MW Solar Project in Sonitpur district.
• The project, being developed by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), holds promise for bolstering Assam’s renewable energy sector and contributing to sustainable development.
• The 50 MW Solar Project, costing Rs. 291 crores, will generate 101 million units of green energy in its first year. Over 25 years, it’s expected to produce around 2,319 million units of energy.

Defence News

13.DRDO Successfully Tests Agni-5 Missile with MIRV Technology, Mission Divyastra

• Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the locally developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• This new capability allows the weapon system to deliver multiple nuclear warheads against different targets spread across hundreds of kilometers, further enhancing India’s strategic deterrence capability.

14.BBBS Secures Biggest Anti-Drone Tech Order Under IDEX

• Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), a homegrown IDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) startup, clinches a major order exceeding Rs 200 Crores for its state-of-the-art anti-drone technology.
• Signed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with BBBS, this contract marks the largest under the IDEX initiative, aimed at benefiting the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
• BBBS’s Vajra Sentinel System represents a cutting-edge solution designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones across remarkable ranges.

Banking News

15.IndusInd Bank launches Indus PayWear, an all-in-one tokenisable wearable

• IndusInd Bank, in collaboration with Mastercard, introduces ‘Indus PayWear,’ offering tokenised wearables for debit and credit cards. This innovative solution aims to enhance payment flexibility, convenience, and security for users.
• It facilitates tap-and-pay transactions globally at contactless Point-of-Sale terminals, eliminating the need for physical cards or payment apps and also insures secure purchases with ease for users.
• It also offers three options: a ring, watch clasp, and stickers, catering to diverse customer preferences. Affordable pricing ranging from Rs. 499 to Rs. 2,999.

Business News

16.Aditya Birla Capital, Aditya Birla Finance announce a Scheme of Amalgamation for creation of a large NBFC

• Aditya Birla Capital’s decision to merge with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aditya Birla Finance, is poised to reshape the NBFC landscape in India. The board of Aditya Birla Capital approved the merger on March 11, subject to regulatory approvals.
• This strategic move not only consolidates their financial services arm but also aligns with RBI’s regulations, avoiding the need for Aditya Birla Finance to go public.
• Upon completion, Aditya Birla Capital will transition from a holding company to an NBFC, enhancing financial strength and flexibility.

Important Days News

17.World Plumbing Day 2024

• World Plumbing Day, held annually on 11 March, is an international event initiated by the World Plumbing Council to recognize the crucial role plumbing plays in societal health and amenity.
• The WPC works year-round, in partnership with organizations like the World Health Organization, to promote the benefits of safe plumbing.
• World Plumbing Day is an opportunity to introduce and reinforce healthy bathroom habits, such as proper handwashing techniques and maintaining a clean bathroom environment.

Schemes News

18.Dept. Of Pharmaceuticals Unveils Revamped Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme

• The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, introduces the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme to enhance industry capabilities and align with global standards.
• By broadening the criteria to encompass pharmaceutical manufacturing units with a turnover of less than 500 crores, we’re extending opportunities for technological and quality advancements.
• Additionally, prioritizing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) aims to bolster smaller players, ensuring they reach and maintain exemplary manufacturing standards.

Summits & Conferences News

19.Yaounde Declaration: African Health Ministers Commit to Ending Malaria Deaths

• In a landmark gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, health ministers from 11 African nations, along with global malaria partners and stakeholders, convened to address the escalating malaria crisis in Africa.
• Despite available tools and systems, malaria cases surged globally, with Africa bearing the brunt, accounting for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths in 2022.
• Global malaria cases rose from 233 million to 249 million between 2019 and 2022. Africa witnessed a significant increase from 218 million to 233 million cases during the same period, marking it as the epicenter of the malaria crisis.

Appointments News

20.AS Rajeev Appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission

• AS Rajeev was appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission by the Honourable President of India on 9th February 2024.
• He took the oath as Vigilance Commissioner on 11th March 2024 before the Central Vigilance Commissioner, who was authorized by the President of India under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
• Shri AS Rajeev is a career banker with over 38 years of experience across four banks – Syndicate Bank, Indian Bank, Vijaya Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra.

21.Kishor Makwana Assumes Charge as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• Kishor Makwana has assumed the charge of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi. Shri Luv Kush Kumar has also taken charge as a Member of the NCSC.
• After assuming his new role, Shri Kishor Makwana addressed the media, expressing his commitment to working tirelessly to safeguard the interests and rights of the Scheduled Castes community.
• Shri Makwana emphasized that the Commission will not only ensure justice for the Scheduled Castes but will also remain proactive in preventing any form of injustice against the community.

Awards News

22.Riken Yamamoto Wins 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize

• Riken Yamamoto, a Japanese architect from Yokohama, has been named the winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, widely regarded as the highest honour in the field of architecture.
• The Pritzker Architecture Prize is an annual award founded in 1979 by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife, Cindy. It honors a living architect whose built work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment, contributing significantly to humanity and the built environment.

23.Delhi Airport Clinches ACI-ASQ’s Best Airport in Asia-Pacific Title for 6th Straight Year

• Delhi Airport has once again asserted its dominance in the aviation sector by securing the prestigious title of ‘Best Airport’ in the Asia-Pacific region for the sixth consecutive year.
• This accolade, bestowed by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, reaffirms Delhi Airport’s commitment to excellence and leadership in providing top-notch services to passengers.
• The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Best Airport award for 2023 was conferred upon Delhi Airport in the category of over 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) by the Airports Council International (ACI).

Agreements News

24.NGEL Signs MoU With RVUNL To Develop Renewable Energy & Green Hydrogen Projects

• On March 10th, 2024, both NTPC and its renewable energy arm NGEL signed non-binding MoUs with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) in Jaipur.
• These agreements represent a significant stride towards improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.
• NTPC and its affiliates will undertake a 15-year to 20-year annuity-based R&M project for older thermal units of RVUNL. The goal is to revamp existing units to meet contemporary efficiency and sustainability standards.

Sports News

25.Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sutherland Named ICC Players of the Month for February 2024

• Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2024.
• The 22-year-old Jaiswal has made an incredible start to his international career, emerging as one of the best Test openers in the world.
• His performances in February were nothing short of extraordinary, as he slammed two scintillating double centuries in back-to-back Test matches against England.

Science & Technology News

26.India Launches Fastest Indigenous IP/MPLS Router

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled India’s fastest and indigenously developed IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) router in Bengaluru. The router, boasting a capacity of 2.4 tdps, marks a significant milestone in India’s technological advancement
• Developed through collaboration between the Department of Telecom, CDOT, and Nivetti, the router represents a testament to India’s prowess in technological innovation.

12 MARCH CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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