1. Which team won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final?
- Mumbai Indians
- Chennai Super Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
The correct answer is Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In News
- Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, led by Smriti Mandhana, clinched their maiden WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals.
Key Points
- A strong spin attack comprising Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Molineux, Asha Sobhana, and Georgia Wareham played a pivotal role.
- Delhi Capitals, despite a strong start, crumbled under RCB’s spin attack, collapsing from 64-0 to 113 all out.
- RCB’s top-order batswomen, including Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, and Ellyse Perry, comfortably chased down the modest target of 114 runs.
- The victory marked RCB Women’s first-ever silverware in any competition, achieving what their male counterparts couldn’t in the Indian Premier League.
Additional Information
- Runner Up – Delhi Capitals
- Most Valuable Player – Deepti Sharma
- Orange Cap – Ellyse Perry
- Purple Cap – Shreyanka Patil
- Player of the Final – Sophie Molineux
2. What is Sheetal Devi, the newly elected Election Commission of India National Icon in the PwD category, famous for?
- Para-archery
- Para-swimming
- Para-cycling
- Para-shooting
The correct answer is Para-archery. In News
- Sheetal Devi was announced the ECI National Icon in the PwD category.
Key Points
- Sheetal Devi, the newly elected ECI National Icon in the PwD category, is renowned for her achievements in Para-archery.
- She has been honored as an Arjuna Awardee, highlighting her excellence in the field of para-archery.
- Sheetal Devi’s recognition as the ECI National Icon underscores her significant contributions and accomplishments in para-archery.
Additional Information
- The event, where she was announced as the National Icon, aimed to promote inclusivity and empower persons with disabilities to participate in the electoral process.
- Sheetal Devi’s role as the ECI National Icon will inspire fellow voters with disabilities to enroll and engage actively in the democratic process.
- Her dedication and success in para-archery exemplify resilience and determination, making her a role model for aspiring athletes with disabilities.
3. Where has a state of emergency been declared due to the recent volcanic eruption in March 2024?
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Norway
- Philippines
The correct answer is Iceland. In News
- A state of emergency has been declared in Southern Iceland following a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Key Points
- The eruption, the fourth since December, has led to powerful and fast lava flows in the region.
- Lava has reached the eastern defences near the mostly evacuated town of Grindavik.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on infrastructure, particularly the region’s water pipe and the Svartsengi power plant.
- There are fears of dangerous consequences if lava reaches the sea, including the production of chlorine fumes and minor explosions.
- Geophysicists monitoring the situation have noted that this eruption is the most powerful so far and could potentially lead to lava flowing into the sea, although this may depend on the volcanic activity.
4. Who will be conferred with the 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi award?
- TM Krishna
- Neena Prasad
- Srinivasa Iyer
- MS Subbulakshmi
The correct answer is TM Krishna. In News
- The 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi award will be conferred upon TM Krishna, a renowned Carnatic vocalist.
Key Points
- TM Krishna has been recognized for his excellence in music and his use of music as a tool for social reform.
- He will preside over the academic sessions of The Music Academy’s 98th Annual Conference and Concerts, where he will receive the award.
- TM Krishna has received several awards for his contributions to music and social activism, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2016.
Additional Information
- The decision to confer the award on Krishna was made by the executive committee of the Madras Music Academy.
- TM Krishna expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the illustrious recipients of the award in the past.
5. Which town in Nepal has been declared as the tourism capital of the country?
- Birgunj
- Bharatpur
- Biratnagar
- Pokhara
The correct answer is Pokhara. In News
- The town of Pokhara in Nepal has been declared as the tourism capital of the country.
Key Points
- This formal declaration was made during a special ceremony at the Barahi Ghat, situated on the shores of Phewa Lake.
- Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ presided over the ceremony, which included musical performances by veteran singers.
- Despite being recognized as a tourism hub for some time, Pokhara was designated as the tourism capital after meeting all necessary criteria.
- Pokhara Mayor Dhanaraj Acharya mentioned that this declaration will help establish Pokhara as a recognizable brand internationally.
- Additionally, it was announced that various business activities and entertainment venues in Pokhara will remain open round the clock, enhancing the city’s appeal to tourists.
6. Which of the following statements regarding the Military Exercise “LAMITIYE” is correct?
- It is conducted between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
- This year marks the 9th Edition of the exercise.
- Only 1
- Only 2
- All of the above
- None of the above
The correct answer is Only 1. In News
- An Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles to participate in the 10th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2024’.
Key Points
- The exercise will be conducted in the Seychelles from March 18–27.
- ‘LAMITIYE’ is a biennial training event conducted in Seychelles since 2001, meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language.
- 45 personnel each from the GORKHA RIFLES of the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defense Forces (SDF) will participate.
Additional Information
- The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations in a semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
- It aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between both sides during peacekeeping operations, fostering bilateral military relations.
- Tactical drills will be conducted for neutralizing likely threats in a semi-urban environment, showcasing new-generation equipment and technology.
- The joint exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations, culminating in two days of validation exercises.
- It will contribute to developing mutual understanding and jointness between the troops of both armies, fostering collaborative partnerships.
- The exercise will also facilitate the sharing of best practices between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces.
7. Which country’s dish has been ranked first in the list of ’10 Best Cheese Desserts’ in the world?
- Poland
- India
- United Kingdom
- Mexico
The correct answer is Poland. In News
- Sernik from Poland has been ranked first in the list of ’10 Best Cheese Desserts’ in the world.
Key Points
- Sernik is a cheesecake made with eggs, sugar, and twarog, a type of curd cheese, typically served on a layer of crumbly cake.
- One popular variety of Sernik features a sponge cake base covered with jelly and fruit on top.
- The “Ras Malai” ranks no. 2 In the list of ’10 Best Cheese Desserts’.
- Ras Malai is a popular Indian sweet of West Bengali origins. ‘Ras’ means juice and ‘malai’ means cream.
Additional Information
- Rank no 1. Sernik, Poland
- Rank no 2. Ras malai, India
- Rank no 3. Sfakianopita, Greece
- Rank no 4. New York-style cheesecake, USA
- Rank no 5. Japanese cheesecake, Japan
- Rank no 6. Basque cheesecake, Spain
- Rank no 7. Rakoczi turos, Hungary
- Rank no 8. Melopita, Greece
- Rank no 9. Kasekuchen, Germany
- Rank no 10. Misa rezy, Czech Republic
10. What is the theme for Ordnance Factory Day 2024?
- Ordnance Factories: Making India Proud
- Vinashaya Dushkritam
- Ordnance Factories: Empowering India’s Defence Forces!
- Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain
The Correct Answer is Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain.
In News
- March 18: Ordnance Factories Day.
Key Points
- On the 18th of March each year, India comes together to celebrate Ordnance Factory Day, remembering the establishment of the first Ordnance factory in Cossipore, Kolkata, way back in 1801 during British rule.
- The roots of Ordnance factories go back even further, to 1712 when the Dutch Ostend Company set up a Gunpowder Factory in Ichhapur, West Bengal.
- This early step paved the way for more gunpowder and rifle factories in the region before the formal creation of the Cossipore Gun Carriage Agency in 1801.
- “Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain” is the focal theme for India’s Ordnance Factory Day commemorated on March 18th, 2024.
9. Who won the Indian Wells title for the second straight year by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final?
- Rafael Nadal
- Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev
- Carlos Alcaraz
The correct answer is Carlos Alcaraz
In News
- Carlos Alcaraz secured his second consecutive Indian Wells title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Key Points
- Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his Indian Wells title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
- This victory marks his first title since Wimbledon in July.
- Despite doubts about his performance due to the injury, he managed to overcome them with hard work off the court.
- He recovered from a 3-0 deficit in the first set against Medvedev, ultimately winning it in a tie-break.
- Alcaraz dominated the second set, breaking Medvedev’s serve twice.
- This win is Alcaraz’s 13th career title and makes him the first repeat winner at Indian Wells since Novak Djokovic’s three consecutive titles from 2014 to 2016.
- Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous but managed to calm himself and control his emotions during the match.
10. Who has tendered their resignation as the Governor of Telangana and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry in March 2024?
- E.S.L. Narasimhan
- Tamilisai Soundararajan
- K. Rosaiah
- Banwarilal Purohit
The correct answer is Tamilisai Soundararajan
In News
- Tamilisai Soundararajan has resigned from her positions as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Key Points
- She is likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu.
- Soundararajan tendered her resignation in Delhi and sent a letter to President Droupadi Murmu.
- Soundararajan has criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu on various occasions, including their handling of floods and their stance on Sanatana Dharma.
11. Who has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)?
- Rahul Singh
- Ajeeth Singh
- Mahaveer Prasad
- Anjani Chaouhan
The correct answer is Rahul Singh
In News
- Rahul Singh, a senior bureaucrat and a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Key Points
- Singh is currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
- Nidhi Chhibber, the outgoing CBSE chairperson, has been appointed as Advisor to the Niti Aayog.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved Singh’s appointment, as per an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.
Additional Information
- A P Das Joshi, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, will replace Singh as the new Additional Secretary in DoPT.
- Rajeev Kumar Mital has been appointed as the Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- Gyanesh Bharti will take over as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, while Deepak Narain has been named as the Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
12. What is the name of the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer introduced by the US-based applied AI lab, Cognition?
- Ada AI
- Devin AI
- Alan AI
- Simon AI
The correct answer is Devin AI
In News
- Cognition, a US-based applied AI lab, has introduced Devin AI, touted as the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer.
Key Points
- Devin AI has demonstrated its capabilities by passing practical engineering interviews at top AI companies and completing real jobs on platforms like Upwork.
- It boasts advanced skills in software development, including coding, debugging, problem-solving, and more, powered by machine learning algorithms.
- Devin AI can continually learn and improve its performance, adapt to new challenges, build and deploy apps end-to-end, and train its own AI models.
- Its advancements in long-term reasoning and planning enable it to execute complex engineering tasks involving thousands of decisions efficiently.
- Devin AI collaborates proactively with users, reporting progress in real-time, accepting feedback, and working alongside them through design choices.
- It outperformed its predecessors on the SWE-Bench benchmark, correctly resolving 13.86% of real-world software issues without assistance.
13. Vladimir Putin secured a historic triumph in Russia’s Presidential election on 17th March. Consider the following statement.
1. Putin is set to embark on a new six-year term and become Russia’s longest-serving leader.
2. Putin’s victory marks the highest-ever recorded percentage in Russia’s modern electoral history with 87.8% of the vote.
Which of the following statement is correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The correct answer is Both 1 and 2
In News
- Vladimir Putin claims landslide victory in Russian Presidential polls.
Key Points
- Vladimir Putin secured a historic victory in Russia’s Presidential election with a staggering 87.8% of the vote. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- This marks the highest-ever recorded percentage in Russia’s modern electoral history.
- Putin’s victory ensures he will embark on a new six-year term, potentially becoming Russia’s longest-serving leader, overtaking Josef Stalin. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Notably, the second Presidential candidate Nikolai Kharitonov secured just 4% of the vote.
- He vowed to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities and face geopolitical challenges with resolve, sending a message to Western leaders to reckon with an emboldened Russia.
Additional Information
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vladimir Putin | Independent | 75,932,111 | 88.50 | |
| Nikolay Kharitonov | Communist Party | 3,737,123 | 4.36 | |
| Vladislav Davankov | New People | 3,340,921 | 3.89 | |
| Leonid Slutsky | Liberal Democratic Party | 2,791,507 | 3.25 | |
MARCH Days & Events
1. Which of India’s neighboring countries celebrates its National Day on March 26?
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
The Correct Answer is Bangladesh.
- March 26 is the Independence Day of Bangladesh and celebrated as the National Day.
Key Points
- Bangladesh marks March 26 as the official Independence Day as it was on the day in 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced the birth of Bangladesh in a dramatic speech.
Additional Information
- Pakistan celebrates August 14 as the National day.
- Srilanka celebrates National day on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948.
2. World water day is celebrated on which day of the March?
- 20 March
- 21 March
- 22 March
- 23 March
The correct answer is 22 March.
Key Points
- World water day is celebrated on 22nd March.
Additional Information
- World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater.
- The theme of 2021 World water day is Valuing Water.
- International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems.
- Source:- https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
March 2021 Important Days | |
Date | Name of Important Days |
1 March | Zero Discrimination Day |
1 March | World Civil Defence Day |
3 March | World Wildlife Day |
3 March | World Hearing Day |
4 March | National Safety Day |
8 March | International Women’s Day |
10 March | CISF Raising Day |
10 March | No Smoking Day (Second Wednesday of March) |
12 March | Mauritius Day |
14 March | Pi Day |
14 March | International Day of Action for Rivers |
15 March | World Consumer Rights Day |
15 March | Ramakrishna Jayanti |
16 March | National Vaccination Day |
18 March | Ordnance Factories Day (India) |
20 March | International Day of Happiness |
20 March | World Sparrow Day |
21 March | World Forestry Day |
21 March | World Down Syndrome Day |
21 March | World Poetry Day |
22 March | World Water Day |
23 March | World Meteorological Day |
24 March | World Tuberculosis (TB) Day |
27 March | World Theatre Day |
3. March 20 is observed as the International Day of Happiness. Since which year, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness?
- 2011
- 2013
- 2015
- 2017
The correct answer is 2013.
Key Points
- March 20 is observed as the International Day of Happiness.
- Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.
- The resolution to adopt it was initiated by Bhutan, a country that recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s.
4. World Sleep Day is observed on the Friday before the March equinox every year. It was first observed in _____?
- 2006
- 2008
- 2010
- 2012
The correct answer is 2008.
Key Points
- World Sleep Day is observed on the Friday before the March equinox every year.
- It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society
- It was first observed in 2008.
- It aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
Additional Information
- World Sleep Day is observed annually with an aim to raise awareness and call to action on important issues related to sleep — including medicine, education, social aspects and driving.
- This year, the theme and slogan of the day is ‘Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World’.
- Human sleep architecture is defined by polysomnography (PSG) and divided into different stages: Four stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and one stage of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep.
5. Which of the following Days is observed every year on 23 March?
- World Health Day
- World Meteorological Day
- World Malaria Day
- World AIDS Day
The correct answer is World Meteorological Day.
- World Meteorological Day takes place every year on 23 March.
- World Meteorological Day in 2021 is devoted to the theme “the ocean, our climate and weather.”
- It commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization.
- It showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world.
- World Health Day – 7 April.
- World Malaria Day – 25 April.
- World AIDS Day – 1 December.
- World Hepatitis Day – 28 July.
6. International Day of happiness is observed every year around the world on March 20. In which year did the UN start celebrating this day?
- 2009
- 2011
- 2013
- 2015
The correct answer is 2013.
Key Points
- International Day of happiness is observed every year around the world on March 20.
- The UN started celebrating this day in 2013.
- The resolution was initiated by Bhutan.
- Bhutan initially prioritized the value of National Happiness over National Income in the 1970s.
- Bhutan is known for adopting the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product at the 66th General Assembly.
Important Points
- This year’s International Happiness Day theme is set as ‘Keep Calm, Stay Wise and Be Kind.’
- The main aim of the day is to create awareness among people that happiness is one most important things in an individual’s life.
7. World Consumer Rights day is observed on which date?
- 8th March
- 15th March
- 21st March
- 20th March
The correct answer is 15 March.
Key Points
- World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on 15th March.
- The idea of celebrating a consumer rights day was given by former US President John F Kennedy in 1962.
- The theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions”
- Its main objective is consumer rights are to be protected and respected.
- National Consumer Day is observed every year on 24 December.
Additional Information
- April 14th:AmbedkarJayanti
- August 15th:Indian Independence Day
- March 8th:International Women’s Day
8. Every year, the 1st Friday of March is celebrated as Employee Appreciation Day. Who was the founder of this day?
- Dr Bob Nelson
- Dr Ben Crump
- Dr Aurora James
- Dr Tom Brady
The correct answer is Dr. Bob Nelson.
Key Points
- Every year, the 1st Friday of March is celebrated as Employee Appreciation Day, as a recognition of the good work of employees.
- The day was introduced to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of employees and bestow them with the recognition that they deserve.
- Dr. Bob Nelson, the founder of the organization Recognition Professionals International, was the founder of the day.
Additional Information
- This day is considered an opportunity to create a positive bond between employers and employees and to ensure a healthy mental and physical workspace for individuals.
- Dr. Bob Nelson introduced Employee Appreciation Day in 1995 to thank employees and boost their morale.
9. World Civil Defence Day is observed on 1 March. This day was declared as a global holiday by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) in which year?
- 1990
- 1992
- 1994
- 1996
The correct answer is 1990.
Key Points
- World Civil Defence Day is observed on 1 March.
- This day was declared as a global holiday by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) in 1990.
- It honours the significance of civil defence and the personnel who have sacrificed their lives for it.
- The ICDO is an intergovernmental organisation that helps citizens develop and stay secure while also protecting infrastructure and the environment.
Important Points
- ICDO stands for civil protection, civil defence, and civil safety.
- The International Civil Defence Organisation has 58 member states and 17 observer states and conducts as many training programmes as possible to improve the human resources of its member states’ civil defence cadres.
- ICDO, was created in 1931 by Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul who founded the Association of Geneva Zones, which later became the ICDO.
- Saint-Paul intended to build safe zones where residents may take refuge in times of war after witnessing the consequences of war on the populace.
10. When is World Wildlife Day observed?
- 1 March
- 2 March
- 3 March
- 4 March
The correct answer is 3 March.
Key Points
- World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3 to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s flora and fauna.
- On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as the UN World Wildlife Day.
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2021 is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.
Additional Information
- The theme of 2022: “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”
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