Current Affairs - March 16, 2024 Current Affairs

Ethanol 100 fuel is currently accessible in five states, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. This availability reflects a strategic move towards promoting cleaner emissions and sustainability in automotive fuels. By expanding the reach of Ethanol 100, these states contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Antara Assisted Care Services Limited, a subsidiary of Max India Ltd, has partnered with IIT Delhi to develop tailored solutions for India's elderly, focusing on mobility-related disabilities, cognitive health, and overall quality of life improvement for seniors.

The newly constructed headquarters building for the Indian Navy, known as 'Nausena Bhawan,' is situated in Delhi Cantonment. This location is strategically chosen to centralize the Navy's operations and enhance coordination, marking a significant step as the Navy's first independent headquarters in Delhi.

National Vaccination Day is celebrated annually on March 16th to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and encourage people to get vaccinated for their health and safety.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has renamed Ahmednagar district as 'Ahilya Nagar' in honour of the 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, following a proposal announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in May 2023.

Saudi Arabia unveiled the world's first 3D-printed mosque in Jeddah, representing a blend of traditional and innovative design, with technology from the Chinese company Guanli, showcasing a progressive step in sustainable architecture.

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, was honoured with the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his outstanding philanthropic contributions. This award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes, highlighting Tata's remarkable efforts in this field.

B Sairam has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), bringing 33 years of dedicated service and expertise in the coal sector, along with academic achievements in energy management and global energy dynamics understanding.

India ranked 104th among 179 countries in the V-Dem report, highlighting its position as a top ten autocratiser and its shift from democracy to "electoral autocracy" since 2018, as per the report's findings.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be conducted in 7 phases from April 19 to June 1, 2024, as announced by the Election Commission of India, covering various states and Union Territories across the country in a staggered manner.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, a retired 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Uttarakhand cadre, was appointed as the Election Commissioner of India on March 14, 2024. He previously served as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and as Secretary to the Lokpal from February 2023 to March 2024, alongside Gyanesh Kumar.

The FSSAI has certified nearly 100 jails across India as 'Eat Right Campus,' ensuring safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices for inmates through rigorous evaluation, comprehensive audits, and training in food safety standards.

Tamil Nadu has been identified as the state dominating the illegal trade in shark body parts, comprising approximately 65% of seizures between 2010 and 2022. This alarming trend highlights concerns over overfishing and species misdeclaration, posing a significant threat to marine biodiversity.

The United Kingdom has successfully tested its DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), demonstrating precision targeting and cost-effectiveness in intercepting enemy threats. This advancement in air defence technology showcases the UK's innovative approach to defence capabilities.