The 66th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting in New Delhi, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, assessed three projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and two from the Ministry of Railways.
The Integrated Multimodal NPG oversees unified planning and integration for connectivity infrastructure ministries, facilitating stakeholder interactions.
It guides departments in creating economic zones and connectivity infrastructure, aligning with the National Master Plan objectives to minimize disruptions and enhance efficiency in national infrastructure projects.
2. Union Minister Dr. Where did Mansukh Mandaviya launch the AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre?- New Delhi
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Center for Integrated Health Research at AIIMS in New Delhi.
It aims to provide holistic health care to patients by using both traditional Indian knowledge and modern medicine together.
These centers will be set up at various AIIMS locations such as AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Nagpur and AIIMS Rishikesh.
3. Who recently inaugurated the ASTDS tug named ‘Ocean Grace’? – Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently inaugurated a 60T Bollard Pull Tug and Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) named ‘Ocean Grace’.
Ocean Grace is a made-in-India ASTDS tug built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
It has been developed under the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
Government Schemes
4.‘Aditi Scheme’ is related to which areas? – Defense sector
Defense MinisterRajnath Singh launched ‘ADITI scheme’ to promote innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
Under the scheme, start-ups will be eligible to receive grant assistance of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development and innovation efforts in defense technology.
Rs 750 crore has been allocated under this scheme for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.
International Affairs
5. World Wildlife Day was observed on 3 March, what is the theme of World Wildlife Day 2024? – Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation +
The Global Resources Outlook 2024 report was launched during the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is the flagship report of the International Resources Panel of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). UNEP is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues within the United Nations.
Exercises & Operations
11. Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ was conducted between India and which country? – Malaysia
Uttar Pradesh has marked a milestone by issuing 5 crore Ayushman cards, making it the first state to do so under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
The state boasts 50,017,920 issued cards, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals across 3,716 hospitals.
With 3,481,252 health claims filed, an impressive 92.48% were settled, reflecting the scheme’s success. Sangeeta Singh, CEO of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health, credits the achievement to continuous support from the National Health Authority and the dedication of various healthcare workers.
15.Amrabad Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state? – Telangana
The leopard population in Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, has significantly increased, as per the recent ‘Status of Leopards in India’ report.
Spanning 2611.4 sq km, it is one of India’s largest tiger reserves and the second-largest in core area.
Originally part of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Amrabad Tiger Reserve emerged post-state bifurcation. Situated in Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts, it encompasses Nallamala Forest and vital water sources like Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam, fed by Krishna River.
16. The country’s first semiconductor fab will be set up in which RAZ state? – Gujarat
The Union Cabinet has approved three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.26 lakh crore The country’s first semiconductor fab will be set up in Dholera, Gujarat.
Along with this, semiconductor units will be set up in Morigaon in Assam and Sanand in Gujarat.
17.Sindri Fertiliser Plant, recently seen in the news, is located in which state? – Jharkhand
PM Modi dedicated the HURL Sindri Fertilizer Plant in Jharkhand on March 1, 2024, addressing India’s urea demand.
The nation requires 360 lakh metric tons yearly, but in 2014, produced only 225 lakh metric tons.
Thanks to government efforts, production increased to 310 lakh metric tons in the last decade. Modi revealed plans to revive more plants by 2025, ensuring affordable fertilizers for farmers and generating employment opportunities for local youth, including the Talcher Fertilizer Plant.
18. Which state’s former Governor Aziz Qureshi passed away recently? – Uttarakhand
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched Project ODISERV of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in Sambalpur, Odisha.
Project ODISERV has been launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the National Skill Development Corporation by Bajaj Finserv Limited.
Objective – To provide employment to youth in the financial services sector.