Go Back

Current Affairs on 03 March, 2024

Commissioning of MH 60R 'Seahawks' into the Indian Navy as INAS 334 Squadron

The Indian Navy will commission newly inducted MH 60R Seahawks helicopter as INAS 334 Squadron on 06 Mar 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi.
Seahawks are part of a 24-aircraft FMS contract signed with the US government in Feb 2020, enhancing India's Defence modernization journey.
The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment.
Seahawks will bolster India's maritime capabilities, extending operational reach, and supporting sustained naval operations in the Indian Ocean region.
The deployment of Seahawks in the IOR will enhance maritime presence, deter potential threats, and ensure a secure environment in the region.
The commissioning of Seahawks emphasizes the Indian Navy's commitment to fortifying maritime security and aligns with the government's vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region.

Department of Military Affairs Brainstorming on Aatmnirbhar Bharat & Make in India

The Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence is organizing a two-day brainstorming session on Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India initiative.
The brainstorming aims to enhance indigenisation efforts and increase private sector participation in defence R&D and manufacturing.
The event will involve high-level discussions with stakeholders from Defence Production, Defence Industry, and other relevant partners.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will chair the sessions, and Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane will deliver the keynote address.
The focus areas include addressing challenges, boosting private sector involvement in defence ecosystem, and creating Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facilities for Armed Forces.
The event will be coordinated by HQ IDS and SIDM to strengthen indigenisation efforts and formulate a time-bound action plan for the defence sector.

Enhancing Ease of Living for Pensioners - Workshop by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is conducting a Bankers’ Awareness Workshop for Bank of Baroda on 5th & 6th March, 2024.
The initiative aims to enhance the "Ease of Living" of pensioners and reduce pensioners' grievances.
The integration of Bank of Baroda's portal with the DOPPW's Integrated Pensioners Portal is helping pensioners access banking services seamlessly.
The workshop will create awareness about Government of India initiatives for the "Ease of Living" of pensioners.
More than 70 officers from CPPC and pension dealing branches of Bank of Baroda will participate in the workshop.

Launch of Haj Suvidha App and Haj Guide for Haj-2024 by Ministry of Minority Affairs

Ministry of Minority Affairs launched Haj Suvidha App and released Haj Guide for Haj-2024 with the aim of improving the pilgrimage experience.
Haj Suvidha App leverages digital and mobile technologies to provide necessary information and direct access to important services for pilgrims.
Haj Guide-2024 is prepared in 10 languages to make pilgrims aware of various aspects of the pilgrimage.
Number of Trainers per pilgrim increased from 1:300 to 1:150 to enhance training quality for a better pilgrimage experience.

Ministry of Defence: DefConnect 2024 Summary

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will inaugurate DefConnect 2024 to promote indigenous defence innovation.
The event organized by iDEX-DIO aims to foster partnerships and address security challenges.
Participants include Armed Forces, defence industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and policymakers.
iDEX framework enables collaboration between military personnel and innovators for technology development.
iDEX has launched challenges receiving over 9,000 applications from innovators and start-ups.
An All-Women Panel Discussion on ‘Women as Drivers of Change’ will take place.
The event will showcase cutting-edge technologies developed by iDEX winners.
iDEX, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018, serves as a unified platform in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Summary

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the first-ever Made-in-India ASTDS Tug named 'Ocean Grace' at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The tug was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, promoting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
There are 53 Sagarmala Projects worth Rs. 54,500 Crores in Odisha, showcasing significant infrastructural development.
The Green Tug Transition Programme aims to convert 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030.
Paradip Port, under PM Modi's leadership, exemplifies progress and growth in the maritime sector.

Ministry of Power: Prime Minister's NTPC Power Projects Dedication

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dedicate and lay foundation for NTPC power projects worth over Rs. 30,000 crores
830 MW Unit #2 of Telangana Super Thermal Power Project to be dedicated, utilising Ultra-Supercritical Technology
660 MW Unit #2 of North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project to be dedicated, with Air Cooled Condenser technology
Fly Ash Based Light Weight Aggregate Plant at Sipat Super Thermal Power Station to be dedicated
Sewage Treatment Plant Water to Green Hydrogen Plant at NTPC NETRA Campus to be dedicated
Foundation stone for 2X800 MW Singrauli Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-III to be laid
Foundation stone for Flue Gas CO2 to 4G Ethanol Plant at Lara Super Thermal Power Station to be laid
Foundation stone for Sea Water to Green Hydrogen Plant at NTPC Simhadri to be laid
Foundation stone for Fly Ash Based FALG Aggregate Plant at Korba Super Thermal Power Station to be laid
These projects will contribute to job creation, community development, and environmental conservation

Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal on his birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal's efforts in building a compassionate and harmonious society.
He highlighted the Swamikal's vision of empowering the poorest of the poor and expressed commitment to fulfilling it.

Prime Minister's Multi-State Visit Overview

PM Narendra Modi to visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar from March 4-6, 2024.
Projects worth Rs 56,000 crore to be inaugurated, dedicated, and have foundation stones laid in Adilabad, Telangana.
Power sector projects in Adilabad to receive a boost.
Projects worth Rs 6,800 crores in Sangareddy, Telangana, focusing on road, rail, petroleum, and natural gas.
Inauguration of Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) in Hyderabad.
Initiation of core loading for India’s indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
Development projects worth over Rs 19,600 crores in Chandikhole, Odisha.
Connectivity projects worth Rs 15,400 crores in Kolkata.
Inauguration of infrastructure projects worth around Rs 12,800 crores in Bettiah, Bihar, including LPG pipeline and bottling plant

Prime Minister's Office: PM greets wildlife enthusiasts on World Wildlife Day

PM Narendra Modi greeted wildlife enthusiasts on World Wildlife Day.
He highlighted the importance of celebrating the diversity of life on Earth and reaffirmed the commitment to protect it.
PM Modi appreciated those involved in sustainable practices and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

REC Limited Partners with UNISED for Education Support in Uttar Pradesh

REC Limited partners with UNISED to support education of 75,500 children in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
REC Foundation, the CSR arm of REC Limited, commits Rs. 9.91 crores towards this initiative.
Memorandum of Agreement signed between REC Foundation and UNISED to provide financial assistance for educational support.
UNISED to implement solar energy-operated smart classes and joyful learning resource labs in government schools in Siddharthnagar district.
REC Foundation has also supported education of 12,500 children of ex-servicemen with a contribution of Rs. 15 crores to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
REC Limited is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, financing power and non-power infrastructure projects across the country.
REC plays a key role in flagship schemes like SAUBHAGAYA, DDUGJY, and NEF, focusing on electrification and distribution system strengthening.
REC's loan book stands at Rs. 4.97 lakh crores and net worth at Rs. 64,787 crores as of December 31, 2023.

Success of Modi Government in Combating Drug Menace

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs released three videos highlighting the Modi government's success in tackling the drug menace.
Under PM Modi's leadership, the government is actively working on detecting drugs, destroying drug networks, detaining culprits, and rehabilitating addicts.
Significant increase in arrests and seizures under the Modi government's strict approach towards narco-trade.
Number of drug-related cases registered increased from 1257 during 2006-2013 to 3755 during 2014-2023.
Arrests rose from 1363 to 5745 during the same periods, and seized drug quantity doubled to 3.95 lakh kgs.
Value of seized drugs increased by 30 times, reaching Rs. 22,000 crore, and 12 lakh kgs of drugs worth Rs. 12,000 crores were destroyed.
Efforts extended to financial investigations and freezing properties related to drug activities.
A four-tier NCORD mechanism was reinforced in 2019 for better coordination between Central and State drug law enforcement agencies.

Summary of Ayush Announcement

Union Ministers announce setting up of Ayush - ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) at select AIIMS across the nation
Multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia to be launched
Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush healthcare facilities to be inaugurated
27th Convocation of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth to be held
AIIMS to have advanced centres for research in various health areas like gastrointestinal disorders, women and child health, geriatric health, and cancer care

Summary of Ministry of Finance Announcement

Ministry of Finance organizing National Conference of Enforcement Chiefs of State and Central GST formations in New Delhi.
Focus on strengthening enforcement mechanism in Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to inaugurate the conference and deliver keynote address.
Conference agenda includes discussions on combating GST evasion, fake invoicing, sharing best practices, fostering synergy, leveraging technology and data, and balancing ease of doing business.
Aims to encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strengthen GST administration.
Embraces cooperative federalism through sharing of successful strategies between State and Central enforcement authorities.

Summary of World Wildlife Day Celebration at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrated World Wildlife Day 2024 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
The event focused on Mission LiFE, recognizing the importance of wildlife conservation.
World Wildlife Day is celebrated on 3rd March annually to highlight the significance of wild animals and plants.
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2024 was "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation."
The event included activities like eco trails, poster making, and face painting, engaging youth and the public in wildlife conservation.
Technological innovations in digital wildlife conservation were discussed, emphasizing the role of digital connectivity in sustainable development.
Prominent figures like Shri Pramod Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, and Dr. G. Areendran from WWF took part in the event.
The event aimed at promoting intergenerational exchange, empowering youth, and fostering a shared sustainable future in wildlife conservation.