7th March, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
The First Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 in Guwahati
Inauguration of the Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 in Guwahati, Assam. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Event: Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 (first edition)
• Location: Guwahati, Assam, India
• Significance: A milestone in India's industrial development
• Objective: Enhance the growth and efficiency of industries using steam boilers

The expo serves as a platform for various stakeholders in the steam boiler industry:

• Participants: Domestic and international manufacturers, equipment suppliers, service providers, and representatives from various industries
• Industries Represented: Power plants, textiles, food processing, and chemicals
• Purpose: Showcase products, innovations, and celebrate the crucial role of steam boilers in driving industrial progress

INTERNATIONAL
Hungary Parliament Elects New President
This is a concise and informative summary of the recent events surrounding the Hungarian presidency.
It outlines the key points:

• Parliament appoints new president: Following the resignation of the previous president due to a pardon controversy, Hungary's parliament appointed Tamás Sulyok.
• Sulyok's background: A 67-year-old lawyer and former head of the Constitutional Court.
• Appointment process and outcome: Secured the presidency through a secret parliamentary vote with 134 votes in favor.
• Reason for previous president's resignation: Public backlash against a pardon granted in a child sexual abuse case.
• Controversy surrounding appointment: Opposition parties advocating for direct presidential elections.

India and South Korea to Deepen Collaboration in New Technologies
India and South Korea are set to strengthen their strategic partnership by venturing into new areas of cooperation, as highlighted during the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting held in Seoul.
Here are the key takeaways:

• Focus on Critical Technologies: Both nations expressed interest in collaborating on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors and green hydrogen. This collaboration aims to modernize and contemporize their bilateral ties.
• Broadened Discussions: The meeting held productive discussions on various aspects of the India-South Korea relationship, encompassing defense, science and technology, trade, and cultural exchanges.
• Cultural Connect: The historical connection between Ayodhya and Korea, as woven through the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, adds depth to the cultural ties between the two nations.

Science and Technology
New Catalyst Paves the Way for Efficient Hydrogen Production from Urea
Researchers have discovered a promising catalyst that could significantly improve the efficiency of hydrogen production using urea, a potential game-changer in the clean energy field.
Why Hydrogen Matters: Hydrogen is considered a crucial player in combating climate change due to its clean-burning properties. However, current methods for generating hydrogen often require high energy input.
Challenges of Water Splitting: Electrolysis, a technology that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, is hampered by the energy-intensive process occurring at the anode (positive electrode).
Urea as an Alternative: Researchers are exploring replacing the high-energy process at the anode with the urea electro-oxidation reaction (UOR), which requires less energy overall. Adding urea to water has been shown to decrease the energy needed for hydrogen production by about 30%.
Benefits of Using Urea:

• Reduced energy consumption: Lowering the energy requirement translates to cheaper hydrogen production.
• Wastewater treatment: This process holds potential for treating wastewater while simultaneously generating clean energy.
• Urea conversion: The reaction helps convert urea into less harmful products like nitrogen, carbonate, and water.

ENVIRONMENT
Notification Regarding Wild Life (Protection) Act Regulations
This notification pertains to the rules established under Section 49M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.
Key Points:

• Act's Purpose: The Wild Life (Protection) Act safeguards various wild animal species, manages their habitats, and regulates trade in wildlife products.
• Recent Amendment: The Act was amended in 2022 and came into effect on April 1st, 2023.
• Section 49M: This section focuses on the registration, transfer, birth reporting, and death reporting of living scheduled animal species listed in:
  • The appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
  • Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

SPORTS
Spain Wins First UEFA Women’s Nations League
Spain’s women’s team secured a historic victory over France, winning the first-ever UEFA Women’s Nations League with a convincing 2-0 triumph in Seville. The win represents a significant achievement for Spain in the realm of women’s football, further solidifying their position as a dominant force in the sport.
Aitana Bonmati’s exceptional display throughout the tournament earned her the title of MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Finals tournament, further solidifying her impact on the pitch. Bonmati’s contributions were instrumental in Spain’s success, showcasing her talent, skill, and leadership on the field.