Current Affairs - March 21, 2024 Current Affairs

The 3rd edition of the North East Games 2024 began in Nagaland. The opening ceremony took place at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima, with athletes from eight North Eastern states competing in various disciplines across multiple venues.

India's ranking as the world's third most polluted country, as per the World Air Quality Report 2023, signifies a concerning level of air pollution in the country. The average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter indicates high levels of particulate matter, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. This ranking highlights the urgent need for measures to address air pollution and improve air quality in India.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) retained its position as the 5th-ranked company in The Business World Real 500 List of 2024. BPCL is a major Indian public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. It was incorporated on November 3, 1952, and has also been ranked in other notable lists such as the Fortune list of the world's biggest PSUs and Forbes's "Global 2000".

World Forestry Day is celebrated annually on March 21st to raise awareness about the importance of forests and promote their conservation. The United Nations established this day to emphasize the crucial role of forests in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.

DBS Bank India pledged USD 250 million to support new-age start-ups and 'new economy' companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India's start-up ecosystem amid challenges related to capital accessibility.

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), the National Internet Exchange of India, partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to introduce the BhashaNet portal, aimed at enhancing digital inclusivity and linguistic diversity in the country, showcasing their joint commitment to digital inclusion efforts.

Axis Mutual Fund collaborated with Enparadigm, a leader in AI-driven experiential learning solutions, to provide tailored learning journeys focused on skills like sales effectiveness and digital transformation, aiming to improve employee performance and productivity.

GRID-INDIA, also known as Grid Controller of India Limited, has attained Miniratna Category-I status as a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), recognized by the Ministry of Power, showcasing its crucial role in managing India's power system effectively and efficiently.

Nvidia introduced the B200 ‘Blackwell’ AI chip, offering enhanced computational power and optimized performance, which is expected to be adopted by major tech giants for cloud-computing services and AI products.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21 every year to raise awareness about the negative impact of racial discrimination and promote human rights for all individuals, especially those of African descent.

New Zealand has decided to ban disposable e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, and impose stricter penalties for retailers who sell these products to minors. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the use of vaping devices, especially among young people. The government's move reflects a broader effort to address public health issues related to vaping and tobacco use, aligning with global trends aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm.

World Oral Health Day is observed annually on March 20th. It is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about oral health, promote the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, and address the increasing burden of oral health issues worldwide.

The Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch allows users to make transactions ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 25,000 per day. This feature, along with Airtel Payments Bank's collaboration with Noise and Mastercard, highlights the bank's commitment to digital payment solutions, providing users with a convenient and innovative way to make contactless payments.

World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on March 21st, chosen to symbolize the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome. This day raises awareness about the condition and supports individuals with Down Syndrome through various treatments and educational initiatives.