1. Which state has recently inaugurated its 27th district, Bichom, carved out of West Kameng and East Kameng districts?
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Nagaland
- Mizoram
The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh. 
In News
- Bichom district, Arunachal Pradesh’s 27th district, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Key Points
- The inauguration ceremony included the laying of the foundation stone for the district headquarters at Napangphung.
- The Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Organisation of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 facilitated the creation of Bichom and Keyi Panyor districts.
- Bichom district incorporates 27 villages from West Kameng and 28 villages from East Kameng
Additional Information
- Deputy Commissioner Akriti Sagar and Superintendent of Police Sudhanshu Dhama were entrusted with responsibilities for the new district.
- The creation of Bichom district addressed a longstanding demand from diverse communities since 1984.
- MLAs Mama Natung, Goruk Pordung, and Dongru Siongju were recognized for their contributions to making Bichom district a reality.
- Infrastructure development plans for the district headquarters were announced, with old assets from East Kameng to be replaced.
2. NPCI and Fonepay have collaborated for cross-border UPI transactions between India and Nepal. Consider the following statements about National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organization for retail payments in India.
- It was established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
- It has been incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Company under the Companies Act 1956.
Which of the following options is/are INCORRECT?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
The incorrect statement is 2 only.In News
- UPI now enables cross-border transactions between India and Nepal, making payments convenient for Indian tourists.
Key Points
- The partnership allows QR-code-based UPI payments at various Nepalese merchants, enhancing economic ties.
- A joint effort by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Fonepay has marked a significant leap in digital connectivity between India and Nepal.
Additional Information
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organization for retail payments in India. Hence option 1 is correct.
- It was established in 2009 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment & Settlement Infrastructure in India. Hence option 2 is incorrect.
- It has been incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Company under Section 25 of Companies Act 1956 (now Section 8 of Companies Act 2013). Hence option 3 is correct.
- It provides the infrastructure to the entire Banking system in India for physical as well as electronic payment and settlement systems.
- NPCI has developed a number of payment systems, including:
- RuPay: A domestic brand of payment card.
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI): A real-time payment system that allows users to make instant payments to other bank accounts.
- National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT): A batch-based payment system that allows users to make inter-bank fund transfers.
- Immediate Payment Service (IMPS): A real-time payment system that allows users to make instant payments to other bank accounts.
3. Which Union Minister inaugurated the 5th ONGC Para Games in New Delhi?
- Piyush Goyal
- Dharmendra Pradhan
- Nitin Gadkari
- Hardeep Singh Puri
The correct answer is Hardeep Singh Puri. In News
- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurated the 5th ONGC Para Games.
Key Points
- The event took place at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, from March 8 to March 10, 2024.
- Shri Puri praised the determination and willpower of the para-athletes, highlighting their contribution to defining a more humane society.
- India’s success in Paralympic events, including the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 and the Asian Para Games 2023, was acknowledged by the Minister.
Additional Information
- The Oil and Gas PSUs under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas were appreciated for their initiatives supporting Persons with Disabilities through CSR schemes.
- Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary of MoPNG, also expressed admiration for the participating athletes, emphasizing the power of the mind over the body in the Games.
- The 5th ONGC Para Games featured 371 athletes, including 249 ONGCians, competing across various sporting disciplines such as athletics, badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair racing.
4. What is the name of the hub established by the Department of Science & Technology and Telangana government in collaboration with T-Hub to foster AI and Machine Learning innovation?
- DATA (Digital Analytics and Technology Accelerator)
- TECH (Technology Enhancement and Collaboration Hub)
- MATH (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub)
- CODE (Center for Optimization and Data Excellence)
The correct answer is MATH (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub). In News
- The Department of Science & Technology, in collaboration with the Telangana government, has established a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH) at T-Hub in Hyderabad.
Key Points
- MATH aims to foster AI innovation, create job opportunities, and provide support for AI startups.
- T-Hub has allocated an entire floor for MATH, equipped with cutting-edge facilities including a mini data center with GPU capabilities.
- The hub features a world-class learning management system (LMS) tailored for AI education.
- Robust data infrastructure is in place to support diverse AI applications.
- MATH’s primary goal is to nurture over 150 AI startups every year, providing them with essential resources and support.
- The hub also offers AI skilling programs and opportunities for patent conversion, empowering entrepreneurs, researchers, and AI-driven startups to drive impactful technological advancements in India.
5. Which country is President Droupadi Murmu visiting as the chief guest for the National Day celebrations?
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Madagascar
- Seychelles
The correct answer is Mauritius. In News
- President Droupadi Murmu is visiting Mauritius as the chief guest for the National Day celebrations.
Key Points
- She will attend the celebrations on March 12, 2024, at the invitation of the Government of Mauritius.
- During her visit, President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius.
- President Murmu and Prime Minister Jugnath will jointly inaugurate 14 India-assisted projects in Mauritius.
- This visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Mauritius.
- The National Day of Mauritius, celebrated on March 12, commemorates Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian freedom struggle.
- Diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius were established in 1948, with a significant historical connection between the two countries.
6. Which among the following emirates of the UAE launched the “India by the Creek” festival to celebrate deep ties with India?
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
The correct answer is Dubai. In News
- Dubai launched the “India by the Creek” festival to celebrate its deep ties with India.
Key Points
- The festival took place at Al Seef Park from March 8th to 10th.
- It showcased a variety of cultural programs, including musical performances, literary discussions, and poetry readings.
- Al Seef Park, located on the Dubai Creek, has historical significance as a center of trade between India and Dubai.
- The festival aims to strengthen the cultural connections between India and Dubai through artistic expression.
- The collaborative effort involved various organizations, including Dubai Duty Free, the Consulate General of India, and Dubai Economy and Tourism.
- Renowned Indian figures, including musicians and writers, participated in the event, highlighting the strong bond between India and Dubai.
7. The two-day Nazrul Utsav took place in Dhaka. Who was Kazi Nazrul Islam?
- Poet
- Painter
- Freedom fighter
- Actor
The correct answer is Poet. In News
- Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre joined the Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha and the Gulshan Society to co-organize the Nazrul Festival 2024 in Dhaka on March 8-9.
Key Points
- Kazi Nazrul Islam, also known as the Rebel Poet, was a popular Bengali poet, writer and lyrist.
- He criticized the British Raj and called for revolution through his famous poetic works, such as “Bidrohī” and “Bhangar Gan.”
- One of Bengali literature’s best poets, Nazrul, is highly recognized.
- Nazrul Islam wrote a number of Bhajan, Shyama sangeet and Kirtan.
- The moniker “Bidroh Kôbi” was given to Nazrul for his fight for political and social justice as well as for penning the poem “Bidroh,” which is Bengali for “the rebel” (Rebel Poet).
- His compositions are a part of Nazrul Gti’s avant-garde musical style (Music of Nazrul).
Additional Information
- Kazi Nazrul Islam entered the army in late 1917.
- In 1920, after the 49th Bengal Regiment was disbanded and relocated to Calcutta, Nazrul resigned from the British Indian Army.
- He became a member of Bangiya Mussalman Sahitya Samiti’s staff.
- In 1920, he released his debut book Bandhan-hara which he worked on for the following seven years.
- Bodhan, Shat-il-Arab, Kheya-parer Tarani, and Badal Prater Sharab were among the poetry in his debut book that won critical recognition.
8. India has recently received the ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ Global Award. Measles and Rubella are caused by ________.
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Protista
- Fungi
The correct answer is option 2, i.e., Virus.In News
- India won global ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ award for outstanding disease control efforts.
- The award has been received by Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan in Washington on March 6th.
Key Points
- The measles and rubella partnership comprises of the American Red Cross, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF and World Health Organisation.
Important Points
- Measles is also called rubeola and can be serious and even fatal for small children.
- Rubella, also called German measles or three-day measles, is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash.
- Rubella is not the same as measles (rubeola), though the two illnesses do share some symptoms, including the red rash.
- However, rubella is caused by a different virus than measles and is neither as infectious nor usually as severe as measles.
9. Which ministry is responsible for organizing Poshan Pakhwada?
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Ministry of Women and Child Development
- inistry of Food Processing Industries
The correct answer is Ministry of Women and Child Development. In News
- Poshan Pakhwada 2024 has been organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Key Points
- The Pakhwada aims to conduct mass sensitization and community activities focusing on themes such as Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi and dietary practices for the health of pregnant women.
- Union Minister Smriti Irani highlighted the themes, including Early Childhood Care and Education, traditional dietary practices, maternal and child health, sustainable food systems, hygiene, and anemia management.
- Over 90 crore sensitization activities have been conducted so far, with the goal of catalyzing nutrition-linked habit change for a SuPoshit Bharat.
Additional Information
- Previous Poshan Pakhwada activities, held in March to April 2023, reported over four crore sensitization activities, focusing on themes like Millets promotion, Swasth Balak Spardha celebration, and Saksham Anganwadis popularization.
- Jan Bhagidari is a key objective of Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0, aiming for nutrition-linked behavioral change through Jan Andolans and annual celebrations like Poshan Pakhwada and Poshan Maah.
10. Who recently became the first pacer to take 700 Test wickets?
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Nathan Lyon
- James Anderson
- Stuart Broad
The correct answer is James Anderson. In News
- James Anderson, the England veteran, recently achieved the milestone of becoming the first pacer to take 700 Test wickets.
Key Points
- He reached this feat during the fifth Test match against India in Dharamsala.
- Anderson accomplished this remarkable achievement in his 187th Test match.
- The milestone wicket was that of India’s Kuldeep Yadav, whom he dismissed caught behind.
- Anderson’s consistency and longevity in the game have solidified his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
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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