1. ______________ becomes 97th member to ratify the International Solar Alliance in March 2024.
- Panama
- Nigeria
- Malta
- Poland
The Correct Answer is Panama.
In News
- Panama becomes 97th member to ratify the International Solar Alliance.
Key Points
- Panama has become the 97th member to ratify the International Solar Alliance.
- Panama handed over the Instrument of ISA Ratification, during the meeting of the Ambassador of Panama to India, Yasiel Burillo with Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), Abhishek Singh in New Delhi.
- Moreover, on March 5, Malta became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance.
- ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France.
- Currently, 116 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement.
- ISA Headquarters: Gurugram, India.
2. What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank Indonesia in March 2024?
- To facilitate the exchange of banking technologies
- To promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions
- To establish joint research projects in the field of economics
- To enhance cooperation in combating money laundering
The Correct Answer is To promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions.
In News
- RBI, Bank Indonesia sign MoU to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions.
Key Points
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank Indonesia (BI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies viz. the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for cross-border transactions.
- The MoU was signed by the Governor of Reserve Bank of India Mr. Shaktikanta Das and the Governor of Bank Indonesia Mr. Perry Warjiyo.
- MoU covers all current account transactions, permissible capital account transactions and any other economic and financial transactions as agreed upon by both countries.
- This framework would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies, which in turn would enable the development of an INR-IDR foreign exchange market.
- The use of local currencies would optimise costs and settlement time for transactions.
3. In which location is the joint exercise “Sea Defenders-2024” being conducted by the US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf and the Indian Coast Guard?
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Port Blair
- Kochi
The Correct Answer is Port Blair.
In News
- US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf visits Port Blair for joint exercise “Sea Defenders-2024” with Indian Coast Guard.
Key Points
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the USCG Ship Bertholf reached Port Blair on March 7, 2024, for joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- Codenamed “Sea Defenders-2024,” the joint exercise is scheduled to take place on March 9-10, 2024, off the coast of Port Blair.
- The Legend-class United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf is equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, including a helicopter landing pad, state-of-the-art sensors and communication equipment.
- The ship serves the operational function for complex law enforcement, defence, and national security missions, reflecting the USCG’s commitment to maritime safety and security.
- The exercise will simulate scenarios relevant to maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic, joint maritime search and rescue operations, major firefighting, marine pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction exercises.
4. Which city will host the world’s largest literary festival, Sahityotsav, from March 11-16?
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Jaipur
The Correct Answer is New Delhi.
In News
- World’s largest literary festival-‘Sahityotsav’ to be held from March 11-16.
Key Points
- World’s largest literary festival-‘Sahityotsav’ by Sahitya Akademi will be held from the 11th to 16th of March.
- The festival commemorating 70 years of Sahitya Akademi will witness the participation of more than a hundred renowned writers and scholars.
- The highlight of the festival will be the presentation ceremony of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023, which will be held on the 12th of March in New Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium.
- The Chief Guest of the Awards Presentation Ceremony will be Pratibha Rai, the distinguished Odia writer.
- The Samvatsar lecture will be delivered by renowned Urdu writer and lyricist Gulzar on the 13th of March at the Meghdoot open theatre.
5. Which Prime Minister advocates for the adoption of a common currency among Muslim nations?
- Iran
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
The Correct Answer is Bangladesh.
In News
- Bangladesh PM pitches for common currency for Muslim countries.
Key Points
- Bangladesh PM pitches for common currency for Muslim countries.
- The pitch was made during D-8 conference in Dhaka.
- The D-8 is an Organization for Economic Cooperation among the eight Muslim countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
- D-8 was formed with the eight mostly populated Muslim countries of the world aiming to enhance the trade and commerce among them side by side improving friendship to develop the socioeconomic status of the people of these countries.
- The main agenda of the meeting was to implement a preferential trade agreement (PTA) among the D-8 member countries and expand its areas of effectiveness.
6. _______________ was awarded ‘Best Destination of the Year’ at ITB Berlin in March 2024.
- Sikkim
- Goa
- Mumbai
- Kerala
The Correct Answer is Goa.
In News
- Goa awarded ‘Best Destination of the Year’ at ITB Berlin.
Key Points
- Goa has been awarded ‘The Best Destination of the Year’ by the Pacific Area Travel Writers’ Association at the ITB Berlin Convention.
- Sanjeev Ahuja, the Secretary of Goa Tourism, received the award.
- The ITB Berlin Convention took place between March 5 and 7 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds with the motto ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel and Tourism Together’.
- This year’s ITB Berlin, a tourism trade show, focuses on future topics of artificial intelligence (AI) and green transformation as the industry is set to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the project to design and develop India’s fifth-generation fighter jet Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Which of the following country have NOT developed such advanced jets as on March 2024?
- US
- Russia
- China
- North Korea
The Correct Answer is North Korea.
In News
- Fifth-gen fighter AMCA project gets CCS nod.
Key Points
- The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the project to design and develop India’s fifth-generation fighter jet Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- The AMCA will bring India among a select group of nations, which have developed a fifth-generation fighter.
- Only the US, Russia, and China have developed such advanced jets.
- The project is under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the DRDO, and it will be manufacturing the prototypes of the aircraft.
- The manufacturing agency will be Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
- The about Rs 15,000 crore approval is for the design and prototype development of the aircraft that will eventually be powered by Make in India jet engines having a capacity of 110 kN.
8. Who followed Sunil Gavaskar as the second player to achieve over 700 runs in a Test series?
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
The Correct Answer is Yashasvi Jaiswal.
In News
- Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes second Indian after Sunil Gavaskar in 45 years to amass 700 runs in a series.
Key Points
- Jaiswal became only the second Indian batter after Sunil Gavaskar to score over 700 runs in a single series.
- In the series against England, Jaiswal unleashed his prowess at hitting sixes, accumulating a total of 26 sixes in just 9 innings.
- This achievement made him the Indian batter with the most Test sixes against a single team, surpassing the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma.
- At the young age of 22 years and 70 days, Jaiswal also joined the elite list of the youngest Indian batters to amass 1,000 Test runs, a list that includes the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his exceptional talent and determination, became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in just 16 innings.
- This feat placed him ahead of cricketing legends such as Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, and even the iconic Sunil Gavaskar.
9. Which country became the 32nd official member of NATO on March 7, 2024?
- Sweden
- Ukraine
- Belarus
- Finland
The Correct Answer is Sweden.
In News
- Sweden officially joins NATO, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality.
Key Points
- Sweden formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality, as concerns about Russian aggression in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department.
- Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
- Article 5 of NATO’s treaty obliges all members to come to the aid of an ally whose territory or security is under threat.
- It has only been activated once – by the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – and is the collective security guarantee that Sweden has sought since Russia invaded Ukraine.
10. What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2024?
- Invest in women: Accelerate Progress
- DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality
- Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow
- Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world
The Correct Answer is Invest in women: Accelerate Progress.
In News
- International Women’s Day 2024: 8th March.
Key Points
- Celebrated annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event focused on recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
- The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 will focus on ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ targeting economic disempowerment.
- However, the campaign theme for the same year is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’
- In 1975, the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th for the first time.
- Since then, the UN has become the primary sponsor of the annual event and has encouraged countries around the world to embrace its goal of celebrating ‘acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.’
11. Who is the youngest player to participate in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) at just 16 years old?
- Gopi Mahato
- Anjali Verma
- Aarti Sharma
- Shabnam Shakil
The correct answer is Shabnam Shakil
In News
- Shabnam Shakil, a 16-year-old cricketer from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has created history by becoming the youngest player to participate in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Key Points
- Playing for the Gujarat Giants, Shabnam had a memorable debut, contributing to her team’s victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- She played a crucial role in her team’s imposing total of 199/5, displaying composure and confidence despite her young age.
- Shabnam expressed gratitude for the support she received from her teammates and captain, Beth Mooney. She highlighted the significance of her first delivery, which set a positive tone for her bowling spell.
- Shabnam joined the Gujarat Giants at the age of 15, and her talent, energy, and positive attitude have made her a valuable asset to the team.
12. Which organization has the Union Government partnered with the aim of to connect tribal villages with Internet services?
- Google
- ISRO
- Microsoft
- IIT Bombay
The correct answer is ISRO
In News
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has proposed to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide Internet services to approximately 80 tribal villages across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Key Points
- The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized communities through connectivity, spanning essential services like Internet access, medical connectivity, and educational resources.
- The project will include setting up V-SAT (very small aperture terminal) stations in geographically remote villages with challenging terrain, which have lacked connectivity.
- Alongside the collaboration with ISRO, the Ministry discussed partnerships with institutions like AIIMS Delhi, IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta, and IISc Bengaluru for various projects related to tribal development.
13. At the National Creators Award 2024 ____________ was awarded the Disruptor of the Year.
- Ranveer Allahbadia
- Naman Deshmukh
- Aridaman
- Ankit Baiyanpuria
The correct answer is Ranveer Allahbadia
In News
- Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) was presented the Disruptor of the Year Award.
Key Points
- Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, received this award.
- The title celebrates his innovative and impactful approach in the digital space.
- His content goes beyond entertainment, aiming to inspire and educate.
- The award acknowledges his efforts to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas.
- It highlights his role in motivating others to think differently and be change-makers.
14. Who was presented with the Best International Creator Award at the National Creators Award 2024?
- Taylor Bell
- Brett Conti
- Drew Hicks
- Kohei
The correct answer is Drew Hicks
In News
- Drew Hicks was presented with the Best International Creator Award
Key Points
- Drew Hicks is an American YouTuber recognized at the ceremony.
- His content has a global appeal, contributing to his international creator accolade.
- The award signifies the cross-border influence and appeal of digital content.
- Recognition of an international creator emphasizes the global scope of the awards.
- It highlights the inclusivity and diversity of the award, embracing creators from around the world.
15. Headquarters of NATO is situated at ____________.
- New York
- London
- Brussels
- Paris
NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
- This organization is an alliance of 31 independent member countries.
- It was established at the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949.
Key Points
- The fundamental goal of this organization is to safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.
- It enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
- Article 5 states that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all. This article was invoked when Bin Laden attacked the World Trade Centre in September 2001.
- Chairman of the NATO Military Committee: Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, Royal Air Force.
- Secretary-General: Jens Stoltenberg
February Days & Events
March
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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