1. DRDO has conducted the first successful flight test of Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV technology. What is the full form of MIRV?
- Multiple Integrated Tactical Re-entry Vehicle
- Multiple Indirect Targetable Re-entry Vehicle
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle
- Multi-Integrated Tactical Re-entry Vehicle
The correct answer is Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle. 
In News
- DRDO conducted the first successful flight test of an indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle ( MIRV) technology.
- The flight test named Mission Divyastra was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
Key Points
- MIRV is a technology enabling a single missile to deploy multiple nuclear warheads independently to different targets.
- This technology significantly enhances the effectiveness and flexibility of missile systems.
- MIRVs are possessed by a select group of nations including the US, UK, Russia, France, and China.
- India’s successful development of MIRV technology represents a significant advancement in its defense capabilities and strategic position.
- MIRVs allow for a single missile to hit multiple targets simultaneously, increasing the potency of a country’s nuclear arsenal.
- The technology is crucial for executing a punishing second strike with lethal capabilities, particularly in the context of India’s no-first-use policy.
2. Justice Satyendra Singh has been recently appointed as Lokayukta of Madhya Pradesh. Who appoints the Lokayukta?
- The Governor of the State
- The Chief Minister of the State
- The President of India
- The Chief Justice of India
The correct answer is The Governor of the State. In News
- Justice Satyendra Singh was appointed as Lokayukta under Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Adhiniyam 1981
- He is the successor of Justice Naresh Kumar Gupta whose tenure ended on October 17 last year.
Key Points
- The Governor of the State appoints the Lokayukta.
- The appointment is made after consulting with a committee comprising the Chief Minister, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and Leader of Opposition.
- The Chief Minister nominates the Lokayukta in consensus with the Chief Justice of the State High Court, Leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and Chairman of the Legislative Council.
- Once appointed, the Lokayukta cannot be dismissed or transferred by the Government and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the State Assembly.
- Eligibility for the position includes being a judge, retired Chief Justice, or retired judge of the High Court.
3. Which agency has tied up with ITBP to deploy rescue teams along China border?
- NIA (National Investigation Agency)
- NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)
- SFF (Special Frontier Force)
- 4 PARA (SF) – Northern Command
The correct answer is NDRF (National Disaster Response Force). In News
- The agency that has tied up with ITBP is the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Key Points
- This collaboration aims to deploy rescuers alongside the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in high-altitude regions along the China border.
- The initiative is driven by concerns about increasing disasters in the Himalayas due to climate change and human interventions.
- NDRF Director General Atul Karwal mentioned discussions with ITBP to station NDRF personnel in forward areas.
- Small teams of rescuers will be co-located at ITBP outposts in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
- The NDRF also plans to consult with other border guarding forces like BSF and Sashastra Seema Bal for similar deployments along other borders.
Additional Information
- The National Disaster Response Force is an Indian specialized force constituted “for the purpose of special response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The “Apex Body for Disaster Management” in India is the National Disaster Management Authority.
- The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
- The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is a border guarding force of India deployed along its borders with Tibet Autonomous Region.
- It is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces, established in 1962 in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
- In 1992, the ITBP was authorized under the new ITBP act, while it had previously been authorized under the CRPF Act. The rules of the ITBP act were framed in 1994.
- The primary role of the ITBP is to patrol the 3,488-km India-China border from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu La in Arunachal Pradesh,for which it has 32 battalions and 157 outposts.
- Rahul Rasgotra, IPS is the Director General of ITBP.
4. Who has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission in March 2024?
- Arvinda Kumar
- Praveen Sood
- AS Rajeev
- Praveen Kumar Srivastava
The correct answer is AS Rajeev.In News
- Shri A S Rajeev has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.
Key Points
- His appointment was made by the Hon’ble President of India under Section 4 (1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
- Shri Rajeev took the oath as Vigilance Commissioner before the Central Vigilance Commissioner on 11th March 2024.
- With over 38 years of experience in the banking sector, Shri Rajeev has served in various leadership roles in Syndicate Bank, Indian Bank, Vijaya Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra.
- During his tenure, Indian Bank and Bank of Maharashtra achieved significant milestones in terms of profitability and asset quality.
Additional Information
- The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was established in 1964 to address governmental corruption in India.
- In 2003, the Parliament passed a law granting statutory status to the CVC, making it an autonomous body free from executive control.
- The CVC monitors all vigilance activities under the Central Government and advises various government organizations on planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance work.
- Praveen Kumar Srivastava, a 1988 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, currently serves as the Central Vigilance Commissioner after being sworn in by the President.
5. Who has assumed the charge of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in March 2024?
- Kishor Makwana
- Luv Kush Kumar
- Nittoor Srinivasa Rau
- A. N. De
The correct answer is Kishor Makwana. In News
- Shri Kishor Makwana assumed the charge of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi.
Key Points
- He expressed his commitment to safeguarding the interests and rights of the Scheduled Castes community.
- Shri Makwana highlighted the Commission’s proactive role in preventing injustices and atrocities against the Scheduled Castes.
- His previous roles include serving as a joint spokesperson of the Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and being a journalist and columnist.
- Shri Makwana is also an author of numerous books, particularly focusing on social revolutionaries like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda.
Additional Information
- The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
- It was established to safeguard against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo Indian communities and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic, and cultural interests.
- Special provisions for the Commission were made in the Indian Constitution under Article 338.
- The Commission was initially known as the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, established in August 1978.
- Its first chairman was Bhola Paswan Shastri, along with four other members, including a vice chairman.
- The Commission serves as a national-level advisory body, advising the government on policy matters and the development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The appointment of the chairman is made by the President of India, and the service conditions and tenure are determined by the President as well.
- Commission executive – Vijay Sampla.
6. What is the name of the scheme launched by the Archaeological Survey of India to preserve and promote India’s cultural heritage.?
- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive
- Cultural Legacy Enhancement Scheme
- Adopt a Heritage
- Monument Preservation Initiative
The correct answer is Adopt a Heritage. In News
- The Archaeological Survey of India has envisioned the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ program.
Key Points
- The monuments include Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Elephanta Caves, Agra Fort, Bhimbetka, Group of Temples Khajuraho, Safdarjung Tomb, Mamallapuram, Area between Jamali Kamali and Balban’s Tomb Sun temple, Konark.
- Under this scheme, ASI will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various agencies for the adoption of monuments.
- Selected agencies will commit to maintaining specific monuments and enhancing visitors’ experiences.
- The scheme underscores the importance of collaboration in safeguarding India’s diverse heritage.
- Minister of State, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, and other dignitaries will oversee the signing of MoUs at the launch event.
7. What is the purpose of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019?
- To remove illegal immigrants residing inside India
- To identify genuine Indian citizens
- To check border infiltration by foreigners
- To grant citizenship to persecuted minority groups of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan
The correct answer is option 4. In News
- Citizenship Act “CAA” implemented ahead of Lok Sabha polls of 2024.
- Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
Key Points
Provisions of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019-
- Provided that any person belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, who entered into India on or before the 31st day of December 2014 and who has been exempted by the Central Government by or under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or from the application of the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made thereunder, shall not be treated as an illegal migrant for the purposes of this Act.
- On and from the date of commencement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, any proceeding pending against a person under this section in respect of illegal migration or citizenship shall stand abated on conferment of citizenship to him.
- Provided that such person shall not be disqualified for making an application for citizenship under this section on the ground that the proceeding is pending against him and the Central Government or authority specified by it in this behalf shall not reject his application on that ground if he is otherwise found qualified for a grant of citizenship under this section
- Provided further that the person who makes the application for citizenship under this section shall not be deprived of his rights and privileges to which he was entitled on the date of receipt of his application on the ground of making such application
- Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under “The Inner Line” notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873
8. Which state government will observe the Hindu Year 2081 as ‘Gauvansh Raksha Varsh’?
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Gujarat
The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh. In News
- Madhya Pradesh will observe the Hindu calendar year 2081 as Gauvansh Raksha Varsh.
Key Points
- Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the initiative to strengthen cow protection laws and promote cow rearing.
- The state government aims to link cow protection with modern agrarian economics and incentivize households to rear cows.
- Efforts include establishing cow shelters, providing financial subsidies for fodder cutting equipment, and supporting village gaushalas.
- The government plans to create facilities for treating stray cows injured in road accidents and reduce their presence on roads and highways.
- This initiative aligns with the state’s historical ban on cow slaughter and reflects efforts to blend economic revival with Hindu nationalist sentiments.
9. In which city was the seminar on ‘India-Bangladesh Tourism Fair’ organized?
- Delhi
- Dhaka
- Kolkata
- Pabna
The correct answer is Dhaka.In News
- The ‘India-Bangladesh Tourism Fair’ was organised in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Key Points
- The High Commission of India in Bangladesh collaborated with India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI) and Bangladesh outbound Tour Operators Association (BOTOA). for the event.
- High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, highlighted the progress in connectivity between the two countries.
- Handicraft items from various Indian states were displayed at the event, including Bidri Art, Blue Pottery, and Dokra ornaments.
- The president of BOTOA, Iqbal Mahmud, and the Vice president of IBCCI, M. Shoeb Chowdhury, participated in the seminar and appreciated the displayed handicraft items.
- The event aimed to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between India and Bangladesh, fostering closer ties between the two nations.
10. Which of the following statements about Golden Langoor is/are correct?
1. 7,396 golden langurs were estimated to be present in India according to the latest survey conducted by multiple organisations.
2. They’re classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List.
- One only
- Two only
- Both of the above
- None of the above
The statement no. 1 is correct.
In News
- The latest survey conducted by multiple organizations estimated the population of golden langurs in India to be approximately 7,396 individuals.
- Organizations involved in the survey include the Primate Research Centre NE India, Assam Forest Department, Bodoland Territorial Council, SACON, and Conservation Himalayas.
Key Points
- The survey covered the Manas Biosphere Reserve and fragmented forests in western Assam, encompassing the entire distribution range of the golden langur.
- Utilizing the block count method, researchers divided the golden langur habitat into grids or blocks and counted the langurs present in each block.
- The block count method proved to be a simple and cost-effective approach for estimating population numbers.
- The survey revealed an unstable situation in fragmented habitats, particularly due to the absence of non-breeding all-male bands.
- Researchers recommended the establishment of corridor linkages among fragmented habitats through plantations and canopy bridges to mitigate potential threats faced by golden langurs from human activities.
Additional Information
- Golden langurs inhabit a small region in western Assam, in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Bhutan border.
- Adult males exhibit a beautiful golden coat, while females and juveniles tend to have a lighter golden or buff coloration.
- The fur of golden langurs changes color depending on the season, lightening to a creamy tone in summer and darkening to a golden chestnut hue in winter, likely providing better camouflage against predators.
- Classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, golden langurs primarily consume plant matter such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and buds, with figs being a significant component of their diet in certain seasons.
11. Where did Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurate Kochrab Ashram?
- Red Fort, Delhi
- India Gate, Delhi
- Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
- Raj Ghat, Delhi
The correct answer is Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
In News
- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Sabarmati Ashram and inaugurated Kochrab Ashram and launched the Master plan of Gandhi Ashram Memorial.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kochrab Ashram and launched the Master Plan of Gandhi Ashram Memorial in Sabarmati, Gujarat.
- PM Modi highlighted the importance of the Amrit Mahotsav initiative in commemorating India’s freedom struggle and fostering national unity.
- The Prime Minister mentioned various initiatives related to India’s freedom struggle, including the redevelopment of Rajpath and the establishment of statues honoring leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
- PM Modi underscored the importance of restoring Sabarmati Ashram as a crucial step in preserving India’s heritage for future generations.
12. In _____, the Indian Parliament passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
- January 2019
- January 2018
- December 2019
- December 2018
The correct answer is December 2019.Key Points
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) was passed by the Indian Parliament on December 11, 2019.
- The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAA Bill) was first introduced in 2016 in Lok Sabha for amending the Citizenship Act of 1955.
- A Joint Parliamentary Committee was tasked with reviewing this bill; the committee eventually turned in its findings on January 7, 2019.
- On January 8, 2019, the Lok Sabha enacted the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which expired on the same day as the 16th Lok Sabha was dissolved.
- Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, reintroduced this bill in the 17th Lok Sabha on December 9, 2019, and it was subsequently passed in that house on December 10.
- On December 11, the Rajya Sabha also approved the measure.
Additional Information
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019:
- It amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to grant citizenship to six non-Muslim populations (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) who entered India illegally on or before December 31, 2014, on the basis of their faith.
- These communities should be from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
- Members of the six communities are released from prosecution under the Passport Act of 1920 and the Foreigners Act of 1946.
- If a person has lived in India for 11 of the preceding 14 years and for the last 12 months, they are eligible under this statute.
- The period of residency has been shortened from 11 to 5 years for the designated class of undocumented migrants.
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”
Download Our App for Quiz .
Quiz available at Current Affairs_ Mar 2024- Level 9
