1. Which IIT will host the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament?
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Madras
The correct answer is IIT Madras. 
In News
- IIT Madras will host the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament on March 30 and 31, 2024.
Key Points
- The tournament will witness the participation of six Grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three Women Grandmasters, and a Women International Master.
- More than 35 players from IIT Madras will take part in the event.
- The tournament is part of the institute’s commitment to holistic student development, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
- The total prize fund for the tournament is ₹5,00,000, with the first prize being ₹65,000.
- Prof Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean (Students) at IIT Madras, extended his wishes to all players for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
2. The name of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft built by HAL is _____________
- GARUDA
- SURYA
- AKASH
- TEJAS
The correct answer is TEJAS.
In News
- LCA Tejas MK-1A has completed maiden flight test in Bengaluru.
Key Points
- The HAL TEJAS is an Indian single engine, delta wing, light multirole fighter designed by Aeronautical Development Agency(ADA) in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Center(ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL).
- It came from Light Combat Aircraft(LCA) program which began in 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters.
- It later became general fleet modernization program.
- In 2003 LCA was officially named as TEJAS.
- It is the smallest and lightest in the class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.
- TEJAS achieved initial operational clearance in 2011 and final operational clearance in 2019.
- The first TEJAS squadron became operational in 2016.
- Tejas currently has three models Tejas Mark-1,Mark-1A and training variant.
- As of 2022 indigenous content Tejas Mark-1 is 59.7% by value and 75.55 by number of line replaceable units.
3. Who is the author of the book “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond”?
- S Raman
- HC Gupta
- D Subba Rao
- AN Ray
The correct answer is S Raman. In News
- The author of “From A Car Shed To The Corner Room & Beyond” is S Raman.
Key Points
- Raman retired as the Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank and as a wholetime Member of the board of SEBI.
- The book explores the intricate dance between personal integrity, professional challenges, and systemic issues in the financial world.
- Raman’s career trajectory, starting from a clerk with SBI to the top positions in various banks, is detailed in the book.
- The autobiography provides insights into the challenges faced by public sector bankers, particularly in decision-making regarding high-value credit.
- Raman’s narrative is philosophical, covering unique vignettes from his 46-year-long illustrious career.
4. Where is the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant owned by Adani located?
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Rourkela, Odisha
- Mundra, Gujarat
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The correct answer is Mundra, Gujarat. In News
- Adani Group has started the 1st phase of the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant at Mundra in Gujarat.
Key Points
- The plant, operated by Kutch Copper, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has started its first phase of operations.
- The facility will produce 0.5 million tonnes a year of refined copper initially, with a full-scale capacity of 1 million tonnes expected by FY29.
- The plant aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported copper and support the country’s energy transition.
- It will create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, with 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs expected.
- The plant’s location aligns with Adani Group’s commitment to sustainable practices, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and using green technology.
- India’s per capita copper consumption is around 0.6 kg and the global average is 3.2 kg.
5. Who received the Times Power Icon 2024 Award?
- Ada Sharma
- Vijay Jain
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Akshay Kumar
The correct answer is Vijay Jain. In News
- Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director of Star Estate, was adjudged the prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 Award.
Key Points
- The award ceremony, held recently in Noida, was organized by The Times Group.
- Vijay Jain was acknowledged for his visionary leadership and outstanding achievements in the real estate sector.
- Ada Sharma, a cine icon, presented the award to Vijay Jain during the event.
- Mr. Jain expressed gratitude for the recognition and attributed the success to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Star Estate.
- Under Mr. Jain’s leadership, Star Estate has become one of the most reliable and trusted real estate consultation firms in India, expanding its operations across multiple cities.
- About Star Estate: It was Founded in 2012 as the fastest-growing Real Estate enterprise.
6. What is the name of India’s first AI-based film?
- NOAH
- TechnoSaga
- Iridescent
- IRAH
The correct answer is IRAH. In News
- India’s first AI-based film is titled “IRAH.”
Key Points
- The trailer and song launch of the film took place in Mumbai.
- “IRAH” features actors Rohit Bose Roy, Karishma Kotak, Rajesh Sharma, and Rakshith Bhandarry in prominent roles.
- Produced by Big Films Media and directed by Sam Bhattacharjee, the film is set to release nationwide in theaters on April 4th.
- The movie sheds light on the misuse of AI technology, showcasing its negative aspects.
- Director Sam Bhattacharjee mentioned that work on the sequel, “IRAH 2,” has already begun during the trailer launch event.
7. What was the title of the best-selling book written by Daniel Kahneman who recently passed away?
- Thinking, Quick and Fast
- Fast and Slow Thinking
- Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Slow and Reflective Thinking
The correct answer is Thinking, Fast and Slow.In News
- Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize Winner, died at 90.
Key Points
- The title of the best-selling book written by Daniel Kahneman is “Thinking, Fast and Slow.”
- The book explores the psychology of decision-making, outlining two systems that drive human thinking and choices.
- It argues that most decisions are influenced by the fast, intuitive mind rather than the slower, more deliberative mind.
- Kahneman’s work revolutionized the understanding of human behavior and decision-making in economics and social sciences.
- He won the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 2002, along with his colleague Amos Tversky, for their groundbreaking research.
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” has had a profound impact on fields ranging from economics to psychology.
- Harvard University professor Steven Pinker described Kahneman as “the world’s most influential living psychologist” and his work as “monumental in the history of thought.”
8. What was the theme of ‘Meghayan-24’, the meteorological and Oceanographic Seminar?
- Understanding Tsunamis
- Fighting Global Warming
- Ocean Conservation Strategies
- At the Frontline of Climate Action
The correct answer is At the Frontline of Climate Action
In News
- The METOC seminar “Meghayan-24” was conducted by the School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology (SNOM) and Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre (INMAC) at Southern Naval Command on 28th March 2024.
Key Points
- The seminar was held under the theme “At the Frontline of Climate Action” as promoted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for 2024.
- Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the need for immediate focus on climate change challenges and the Indian Navy’s commitment to sustainable policies.
- Guest speakers Dr. TVS Uday Bhaskar and Dr. Ragavendra Ashit discussed the latest techniques and climate data analysis aiding decision-making at the national level.
- The panel discussions highlighted the effects of weather and climate change on naval operations and showcased techniques adopted by the Indian Navy and scientific organizations.
- An indigenous mobile application named INDRA (Indian Naval Dynamic Resource for Weather Analysis) was launched to disseminate weather-related information and forecasts, aiding quick decision-making.
- The seminar provided a platform for sharing knowledge and insights on weather and climate services and discussed strategies to address climate change challenges.
9. What is the new average MGNREGA wage set at for FY 2024-25?
- ₹200/day
- ₹261/day
- ₹289/day
- ₹300/day
The correct answer is ₹289/day
In News
- The Centre has notified a 3-10% increase in the wage rates for MGNREGA workers for the financial year 2024-25, effective from April 1, 2024.
Key Points
- Goa and Karnataka have seen the highest percentage increase at 10.56% and 10.4%, respectively, while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will see the lowest increase at 3%.
- The average MGNREGA wage across India will be ₹289 per day for FY 2024-25, up from ₹261 per day in FY 2023-24.
- Wage rates are decided based on changes in the CPI-AL (Consumer Price Index- Agriculture Labor), reflecting rural inflation.
- Haryana will have the highest wage rate at ₹374 per day, while Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland will have the lowest at ₹234 per day.
- Last year’s wage increase ranged from 2-10%, and this year’s increase comes amidst concerns about inadequate wages and delays in payments highlighted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development.
- The Centre has allocated ₹86,000 crore for MGNREGA in the Union Budget 2024-25, consistent with the revised estimate for the ongoing financial year 2023-24.
10. What is the name of the satellite launched by China for environmental monitoring?
- Yaogan-33
- Chang’e 5
- Yunhai-3 (02)
- Beidou-3
The correct answer is Yunhai-3 (02)
In News
- China launched the satellite Yunhai-3 02 for environmental monitoring from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province.
Key Points
- The launch was conducted using a Long March-6 rocket on March 27, 2024, at 6:51 a.m. Beijing Time.
- The satellite’s main tasks include atmospheric and marine environment detection, space environment monitoring, disaster prevention and reduction, and scientific experiments.
- This launch signifies the 514th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
11. Which Indian startup successfully test-fired the second stage of its rocket Vikram-1, marking a significant step towards India’s first private orbital rocket launch in mid-2024?
- Skyroot Aerospace
- Antrix Corporation
- Agnikul Cosmos
- Dhruv Aerospace
The correct answer is Skyroot Aerospace
In News
- Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space technology company, successfully test-fired Stage-2 of its Vikram-1 orbital rocket, known as Kalam-250.
Key Points
- The test took place at ISRO’s propulsion testbed in Sriharikota.
- This achievement is a significant milestone towards India’s first private orbital rocket launch, following Skyroot’s suborbital space launch of the Vikram-S in November 2022.
- The 85-second test recorded a peak sea-level thrust of 186 kilonewtons (kN), expected to be around 235kN during flight.
- The Kalam-250 rocket features a high-strength carbon composite rocket motor using solid fuel and an Ethylene-Propylene-Diene terpolymers (EPDM) thermal protection system (TPS).
- It includes a carbon ablative flex nozzle and electro-mechanical actuators for thrust vector control, crucial for achieving the desired trajectory during ascent.
12. Who is the Ukrainian Foreign Minister who visited India first time for a two-day official visit in march 2024?
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Dmytro Kuleba
- Petro Poroshenko
- Oleksiy Honcharuk
The correct answer is Dmytro Kuleba
In News
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who is on an official visit to India, expressing anticipation for discussions.
Key Points
- Minister Kuleba aims to enhance bilateral ties between Ukraine and India, building on dialogues between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Discussions during Kuleba’s visit include bilateral ties, cooperation on regional and global issues, and interactions with the business community in India.
- The visit follows a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy, focusing on strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership in various spheres.
13. According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024, how much food is wasted globally every day?
- 500 million meals
- 750 million meals
- 1 billion meals
- 2 billion meals
The correct answer is 1 billion meals
In News
- Over one billion meals were wasted daily globally in 2022, According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024
Key Points
- Despite this waste, 783 million people struggled with hunger, and a third of humanity faced food insecurity.
- The Food Waste Index Report 2024 was jointly authored by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).
- It was released ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste (March 30), the report highlighted that 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated in 2022, including inedible parts.
- This amounted to 132 kilograms per capita and nearly one-fifth of all food available to consumers.
- The report pointed out that 60% of food waste occurred at the household level, with food services responsible for 28% and retail for 12%.
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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