SLC ACADEMY MARCH CURRENT AFFAIRS
Zero Discrimination Day 2024
March 1 marks Zero Discrimination Day, a day
dedicated to advocating for the right of every
individual to live a life free from discrimination and
prejudice. This global observance, initiated by
UNAIDS, aims to raise awareness about the
detrimental effects of discrimination and the
importance of promoting equality, compassion, and
respect for all. “To protect everyone’s health, protect
everyone’s rights”, the theme for Zero Discrimination
Day 2024 emphasizes the critical link between health
and human rights. Ensuring access to healthcare
services without discrimination is paramount to
achieving optimal health outcomes and upholding the
rights and dignity of every individual.
PM Modi & PM Jugnauth inaugurate
airstrip, jetty in Agalega Island
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime
Minister Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated
significant infrastructure projects in Agalega Island,
marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation between
India and Mauritius. The inauguration ceremony,
conducted virtually, included the unveiling of an
airstrip and the St James Jetty, along with six other
projects financed by India. Prime Minister Modi
emphasized Mauritius’ pivotal role as a key partner in
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and highlighted
the special partnership under Vision SAGAR.
Former UN Assistant Secretary General
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri Launches Debut
Book “Swallowing the Sun”
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, former Assistant Secretary
General of the United Nations and wife of Union
Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, celebrated the launch of
her debut book “Swallowing the Sun” in Mumbai. The
novel, set during the time of independence, draws
inspiration from Puri’s parents and her roots in
Maharashtra, aiming to illuminate themes of women
empowerment and cultural heritage.
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.
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Advanced Electrolyser Specifications
 Boasts a robust power capacity of 1 MW, with
the potential for expansion up to 2 MW.
 Capable of producing 200 Nm3/Hr of
hydrogen, showcasing its efficiency and
productivity.
 Features two stacks and an Electrolyser
Processing Unit (EPU) ML-400, all
manufactured and assembled locally, adhering
to stringent international standards.
Exercise Samudra Laksamana:
Strengthening Indo-Malaysian Maritime
Cooperation
Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a significant bilateral
maritime exercise between India and Malaysia, was
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. It
is designed to foster stronger ties and enhance
interoperability between the Indian and Royal
Malaysian Navies
DefConnect 2024: Rajnath Singh Launches
ADITI Scheme to Boost Defence Innovation
During DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 4,
2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unveiled the Acing
Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX
(ADITI) scheme. The scheme aims to promote
innovations in critical and strategic defence
technologies, providing start-ups with significant
grants for research and development.
 Objective: Promote innovations in critical and
strategic defence technologies.
 Grant-in-Aid: Up to Rs 25 crore for research,
development, and innovation in defence
technology.
 Duration and Budget: Rs 750 crore allocated for
2023-24 to 2025-26.
 Targets: Develop approximately 30 deep-tech
critical and strategic technologies.
 Gaganyaan Mission and ISRO Projects
Inauguration by PM Modi
Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar muslin get
GI tag
In a significant nod to India’s rich heritage of
craftsmanship and artistry, the Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi,
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more widely known as Silver Filigree, has recently  Objective: Providing a comprehensive suite of
been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by tools for rigorous validation of space
the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. This technologies under simulated space conditions.
recognition, sought by the Odisha State Co-operative
Handicrafts Corporation Limited and supported by the Raksha Mantri Inaugurates ‘Chola’
Department of Textile and Handicrafts, Government of Building At Naval War College, Goa
Odisha, places Cuttack’s Silver Filigree on the map as Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new
a unique and protected form of art. Administrative & Training building at the Naval War
College (NWC), Goa on March 5, 2024. The modern
India’s First Underwater Metro Train edifice, named the ‘Chola’, pays homage to the mighty
Service Launched in Kolkata by PM Modi maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s The event marked a significant milestone in the history
pioneering underwater metro train service in Kolkata, of the NWC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence
ushering in a landmark achievement in the nation’s in military education and nurturing maritime thought.
infrastructure and urban development. The service,
which is a significant component of the Kolkata INS Jatayu Commissioned By Indian Navy
Metro’s East-West corridor, is designed to enhance
connectivity between Howrah and Salt Lake, the twin
At Lakshadweep
cities of West Bengal’s capital. The Indian Navy took a significant stride in fortifying
its operational prowess with the commissioning of its
new base, INS Jatayu, at Minicoy island of
Hungary Parliament Elects New President: Lakshadweep. This strategic move aims to enhance the
Tamas Sulyok Navy’s capabilities and reach in the vital Indian Ocean
Hungary’s parliament recently appointed a new region, reinforcing its efforts in anti-piracy and anti-
president following the resignation of the previous narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
head of state amidst a scandal involving a controversial The commissioning ceremony of INS Jatayu was
pardon granted in a child sexual abuse case. The graced by Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, along
appointment of Tamás Sulyok, a former head of with notable dignitaries including Lakshadweep
Hungary’s Constitutional Court, sparked debate among administrator Praful Patel, Southern Naval Command
opposition parties calling for direct presidential Chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas, and Western Naval
elections. Command Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh.

India’s IN-SPACe Inaugurates Satellite &
Payload Technical Centre in Ahmedabad
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology
Jitendra Singh inaugurated a pioneering technical
center in Ahmedabad, representing a significant
advancement in India’s space sector. Established by the
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation
Centre (IN-SPACe), this center aims to revolutionize
private sector involvement in space technology
development and testing.
 Location: Situated at IN-SPACe headquarters in
Bopal, Ahmedabad.
 Focus: Primarily directed towards satellites and
payloads, with additional provisions for launch
vehicle simulation and mission planning.
 Facilities: Equipped with cutting-edge
resources including a Climate Simulation Test
Facility, Thermal and Vacuum Environment
Simulation Facility, and Space Systems Design
Lab.
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Piyush Goyal launches ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’
to ease farmers’ warehousing logistics
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public
Distribution, Commerce and Industry, and Textiles,
Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’
(Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development
and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) in New Delhi. This
initiative is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s
journey to becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit
Bharat’, by 2047, with agriculture as its foundational
pillar.
Sweden Joins NATO, Ends Decades Neutral
Stance
Sweden formally became the 32nd member of NATO
after completing its accession process in Washington.
This decision comes two years after Sweden’s
application, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of
Ukraine, highlighting concerns about regional security.
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Indian Armed Forces to Conduct Mega against different targets spread across hundreds of
‘Bharat-Shakti’ Exercise in Jaisalmer kilometers, further enhancing India’s strategic
The three forces of India – Army, Navy, and Air Force deterrence capability. The test, codenamed “Mission
– are going to conduct the biggest exercise called Divyastra” (divine weapon), propels India into an
‘Bharat-Shakti’ at Asia’s largest field firing range exclusive league of countries that possess the capability
located in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. PM Modi’s to deploy MIRV missile systems, including the United
Likely Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and
Pokhran on March 12, 2024, to witness this show of China.
strength by the Indian Armed Forces.
Bharat Shakti is a significant tri-Service exercise Andaman & Nicobar Command’s Historic
showcasing the firepower of the Army, Air Force, and All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission
Navy. The three Indian Services will showcase the Coinciding with International Women’s Day and the
capability of indigenously manufactured weapons and 40th anniversary of INAS 318, the Andaman &
platforms during the exercise. Only indigenous weapon Nicobar Command achieved a significant milestone by
systems developed in India will be included in this conducting its first-ever all-women maritime
exercise. surveillance mission. This landmark event underscores
the commitment to gender equality and recognizes the
NAMASTE Scheme: Ensuring Safety and indispensable role of women in national defense.
Dignity of Sanitation Workers Mission Crew
The NAMASTE Scheme, a joint initiative by the The mission, based at INS Utkrosh, was executed by a
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the proficient crew comprising three women officers:
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to • Lieutenant Commander Shubhangi Swaroop
eliminate manual engagement of sanitation workers in • Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma
hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning operations. • Lieutenant Vaishali Mishra
Implemented by the NSKFDC for three years, the Indian Navy at Exercise Cutlass Express
scheme prioritizes the safety and well-being of workers 2024
with a budget of 349.73 crores. The Indian Navy recently took part in a major maritime
exercise called Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE-24).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Virtually This exercise was held in Port Victoria, Seychelles
from 26 February to 08 March 2024.
Inaugurates Sela Tunnel
The Indian Navy was represented by the ship INS Tir,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Viksit
which is the lead ship of the First Training Squadron.
Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar,
INS Tir was led by Senior Officer, First Training
Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024, virtually
Squadron, Capt Anshul Kishore. The exercise was
dedicated the Sela Tunnel project to the nation.
inaugurated by the President of Seychelles, Wavel
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Ramkalawan, in the presence of dignitaries from India,
at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the tunnel is situated on
USA, and African countries.
the road from Tezpur, Assam, to Tawang in Arunachal
Exercise Cutlass Express is a multinational maritime
Pradesh’s West Kameng district. The project, valued at
exercise sponsored by the U.S. Africa Command
Rs 825 crore, aims to provide all-weather connectivity
(AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-
and bolster the Armed Forces’ readiness in the region.
Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.
Employing the Austrian Tunneling Method, the tunnel
The main goal of this exercise is to promote maritime
meets the highest safety standards.
security and cooperation in the strategic waters of the
East African coast and the Western Indian Ocean.
DRDO Successfully Tests Agni-5 Missile The exercise brings together navies from friendly
with MIRV Technology, Mission Divyastra countries in East Africa, the West Indian Ocean region,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Europe, North America, and several international
Defence Research and Development Organisation organizations. It aims to increase interoperability
(DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight (ability to work together) among participating nations.
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
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Prime Minister Modi Launches PM-SURAJ • It establishes the Navy’s first independent
Portal to Empower Marginalized headquarters in Delhi.
• Previously, the Navy operated from 13 different
Communities
locations, making it difficult to coordinate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the
Nausena Bhawan Building Design
‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit
• The architectural design of Nausena Bhawan was
Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal during an
selected through an all-India competition.
event organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and
• It ensures the building’s functionality and aesthetic
Empowerment. The portal signifies the government’s
appeal.
commitment to extending credit support and
• The building has three wings across four stories.
empowering one lakh entrepreneurs from
• It incorporates innovative construction technologies
disadvantaged communities.
for efficiency and sustainability.
India And Dominican Republic Sign
Protocol To Establish Joint Economic And Indian Army contingent departing for the
Trade Committee joint military exercise “Exercise Lamitiye –
On March 12, 2024, a significant milestone in the 2024”
diplomatic and economic relations between India and An Indian Army contingent has departed for Seychelles
the Dominican Republic was achieved as the Protocol today to participate in the Tenth edition of the Joint
for the establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” between the
Committee (JETCO) was signed at the Ministry of Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic in Santo The exercise will be conducted in Seychelles from 18-
Domingo. 27 March 2024.
What is Exercise Lamitiye?
‘LAMITIYE’ means ‘Friendship‘ in the Creole
China, Iran, and Russia Stage Joint Naval language.
Drills in Gulf of Oman It is a biennial (happening every two years) training
The naval forces of China, Iran, and Russia launched a event between the Indian Army and Seychelles
joint exercise near the Gulf of Oman, aimed at Defence Forces.
safeguarding regional maritime security. The “Security The exercise has been conducted in Seychelles since
Belt-2024” exercise marks the fourth time these 2001.
countries have conducted such a drill since 2019. Participants
 Duration: The exercise commenced on Monday 45 personnel each from the GORKHA RIFLES of the
and will continue until Friday. Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF)
 Theme: “Jointly Building Peace and Security” will participate in the exercise.
 Phases: The exercise is divided into three Aim of the Exercise
The main aim of the Exercise is to enhance
phases: harbor phase, sea phase, and summarize
interoperability (ability to work together) in Sub-
phase. conventional Operations (operations other than
 Training Courses: The main focus is on anti- traditional warfare) in Semi-Urban environment under
piracy and search and rescue operations. Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace
Keeping Operations.

Indian Navy Gets Its Own Headquarters NASA To Carry ‘Message In Bottle’ To
Named ‘Nausena Bhawan’ Europa, One Of Jupiter’s Moon In October
The Indian Navy has finally got its own dedicated In October of this year, NASA will embark on its
headquarters building. The newly constructed Europa Clipper mission, aiming to explore Jupiter’s
Nausena Bhawan located at Delhi Cantonment was moon Europa in search of signs of life. Scientists are
formally inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath particularly interested in a potential salty lake hidden
Singh on March 15th, 2024. beneath its icy crust. As part of this mission, NASA
Nausena Bhawan Significance plans to send a unique message to Europa, symbolizing
• This marks a significant milestone for the Indian human curiosity and creativity.
Navy.

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Indian Army’s New Tech Unit STEAG Interaction, offers indispensable support across various
The Indian Army has set up a specialized technology critical aspects of the mission.
unit called Signals Technology Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Adaptation Group (STEAG) to research and evaluate Instant Access to Vital Information: SAKHI provides
next-generation communication technologies. astronauts with digital access to technical documents
Purpose of STEAG and training manuals, eliminating the need for
STEAG will focus on studying and adapting cumbersome manual documentation.
technologies like: Health Monitoring
• Artificial Intelligence Real-time Health Tracking: The app monitors
• 5G and 6G networks astronauts’ physical condition by tracking key
• Machine Learning parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and
• Quantum Technologies oxygen saturation. It also alerts them about dietary
The aim is to develop advanced communication schedules, hydration levels, and sleep patterns,
capabilities for defence applications and future warfare. ensuring their well-being throughout the mission.
Mission Management
India-US Joint Military Exercise “EX Comprehensive Log Keeping: Astronauts can use
SAKHI to maintain a detailed log of the mission,
TIGER TRIUMPH – 24” utilizing multiple formats including voice recordings,
A joint military exercise called Tiger Triumph-24 texts, and images for efficient documentation.
between India and the United States started on March Communication
18 and will continue until March 31. This exercise is Seamless Connection with Earth: SAKHI facilitates
taking place on the Eastern Seaboard (East Coast) of continuous communication between the crew, the
India. onboard computer, and ground-based stations, ensuring
The main purpose of this exercise is to improve uninterrupted connectivity with Earth.
cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces
for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
India Joins Hands with Mozambique and
operations.
EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24 Participants Tanzania for TRILAT-2024 Maritime
From the Indian side: Exercise
• Indian Navy ships, helicopters, and landing crafts The Indian Navy is all set to participate in the second
• Indian Army personnel and vehicles edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral
• Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters Exercise (IMT TRILAT-2024), a joint maritime
• Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) exercise scheduled from 21-29 March 2024. The Indian
From the US side: Naval Ships INS Tir and INS Sujata will represent
• US Navy ships India in this trilateral exercise.
• US Marine Corps troops Previous Edition
• US Army troops The first edition of the IMT TRILAT exercise was
conducted in October 2022, where the Indian Naval
Nepal Declares Pokhara as Its Tourism Ship INS Tarkash participated alongside the Navies of
Tanzania and Mozambique.
Capital
In a move to boost its tourism industry, the government
of Nepal has officially declared Pokhara, a city in the ‘Operation Indravati’ to Evacuate Indian
Gandaki province, as the tourism capital of the Nationals from Haiti
Himalayan nation. The declaration was made during a Haiti was facing a severe crisis due to escalating gang
special ceremony held at the Barahi Ghat on the shores violence. Armed gangs have launched attacks in the
of the Phewa Lake. suburbs of Port-au-Prince, prompting India to launch
Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals to the
SAKHI: The Lifeline for Gaganyaan Crew Dominican Republic. Similarly, the US has airlifted
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has developed more than 15 Americans to Santo Doming.
SAKHI, a revolutionary app aimed at aiding astronauts The situation has deteriorated since the 2010
during the Gaganyaan space flight mission. SAKHI, or earthquake, with gangs staging attacks, burning police
Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew stations, shutting down the airport, and freeing
prisoners. Haiti declared an emergency and imposed a

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curfew. Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier demanded the
resignation of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who
later announced his intention to step down but remains
in power.

PM Modi Honoured with Bhutan’s ‘Order

of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created
history by becoming the first non-Bhutanese to receive
the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest
civilian award. He received this prestigious honour
from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck during his two-day state visit to Thimphu.
The ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ is a lifetime
achievement award and is considered the pinnacle of
Bhutan’s honour system. Only four eminent
personalities have received this award since its
institution.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed
early on March 26 after a container ship collided with a
pylon, resulting in the presumed death of six
individuals who fell into the cold waters below. The
incident has halted operations at one of the busiest
ports on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

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