1. According to the March 2024 FIH world rankings, what is the ranking of India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams?
- Men’s team: 2nd, Women’s team: 4th
- Men’s team: 3rd, Women’s team: 5th
- Men’s team: 4th, Women’s team: 9th
- Men’s team: 5th, Women’s team: 10th
The correct answer is Men’s team: 4th, Women’s team: 9th. 
In News
- India’s men’s hockey team is ranked 4th in the latest FIH world rankings.
- India’s women’s hockey team is ranked 9th in the latest FIH world rankings.
Key Points
- The top-ranked team in the men’s category is Netherlands, while in the women’s category, it is the Netherlands as well.
- Belgium holds the second position in the men’s rankings, whereas Argentina holds the second position in the women’s rankings.
- The rankings are determined based on the teams’ performances in recent tournaments and competitions.
2. Which airport was recognized as the best airport at arrivals globally by the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality Awards 2023?
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
The correct answer is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. In News
- Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru was recognized as the best airport at arrivals globally.
Key Points
- The recognition was awarded by the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality Awards 2023.
- KIA shared the honour with two other airports: Zayed International Airport – Terminal A in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala.
- ACI recognized a total of 31 airports, including six Indian airports, for their outstanding services in various categories.
- KIA’s recognition highlights its commitment to providing passengers with a memorable and seamless experience, contributing to the overall positive perception of the airport industry.
Additional Information
- Authorities identified six Indian airports, including Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
- These airports were recognised as the best airports with over 40 million (4 crore) passengers in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Meanwhile, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad got recognition in the category of catering 15 to 25 million passengers (1.5 – 2 crore) in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Chandigarh airport appeared as the best airport in the 2 to 5 million passengers (20 – 50 lakh) category in the Asia-Pacific region.
3. Where did the ‘Bharat Shakti’ Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise take place in March 2024?
- New Delhi
- Bengaluru
- Pokhran
- Deolali
The correct answer is Pokhran. In News
- The Bharat Shakti exercise, demonstrating indigenous defence equipment, took place in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Pokhran to witness the exercise, highlighting the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment across the three services.
- Various indigenous weapon systems were featured in the exercise, including T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, ALH, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
- The Indian Navy displayed Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.
- The Indian Air Force showcased indigenous aircraft such as Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.
Additional Information
- The exercise aimed to showcase India’s capabilities in multi-domain operations and align with the Aatmanirbharata initiative.
- PM Modi emphasized reducing dependence on others to develop a self-reliant India and praised the growth of defence startups in the country.
- The exercise aimed to instill confidence in the armed forces and demonstrate the capability of a ‘new India’ in defence technology and operations.
4. Which two organizations are jointly conducting the 6th National Para Badminton Championship in Jamshedpur?
- All India Badminton Federation and Indian Olympic Association
- Badminton Association of India and Tata Steel
- Sports Authority of India and Indian Paralympic Committee
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Jamshedpur Sports Authority
The correct answer is Badminton Association of India and Tata Steel. In News
- The 6th National Para Badminton Championship in Jamshedpur is being jointly conducted by the Badminton Association of India and Tata Steel.
Key Points
- The championship aims to bring together athletes from across the nation to showcase their athleticism and determination in para badminton.
- The event signifies progress and resilience in the para-badminton community, with a special mascot named ‘Arohan’ designed to embody the spirit of overcoming obstacles.
Additional Information
- The event will see participation from elite paralympians, including Paralympians, World Champions, and Asian Para Games medalists.
- Renowned names like Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Pramod Bhagat from Odisha and Krishna Nagar from Rajasthan are expected to participate.
- Over 370 elite para badminton players from over 20 states will participate in the championship.
- The championship will feature competitions across men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
- The newly renovated Mohan Ahuja Stadium will host the event, inaugurated by Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel.
- The joint efforts of the Badminton Association of India and Tata Steel aim to promote para badminton and provide a platform for para athletes to showcase their talent.
5. What is the name of the newly discovered scorpion species that has eight eyes and eight legs, found in Thailand?
- Euscorpiops Thailandicus
- Euscorpiops Krachan
- Euscorpiops Mountainensis
- Euscorpiops Timbaktu
The correct answer is Euscorpiops Krachan. In News
- The newly discovered scorpion species is named Euscorpiops Krachan.
Key Points
- It belongs to the subgenus Euscopiops and was found during a wildlife expedition in the Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand.
- The species was discovered by a team of researchers camping near the Tenasserim Mountain Range.
- Euscorpiops Krachan has distinctive features, including eight eyes and eight legs, and is brownish in color.
- It is believed to employ ambush or sit-and-wait type of foraging strategies while hunting.
- The discovery highlights the need for further exploration in unexplored areas of Thailand to uncover more species.
6. In which state did the government announce an extra 10 days of casual leave per year for women government employees?
- West Bengal
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Odisha
The correct answer is Odisha. In News
- The government of Odisha announced an extra 10 days of casual leave per year for women government employees.
Key Points
- This decision was made to address the domestic responsibilities and other challenges faced by women employees.
- The announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Odisha.
- Prior to this announcement, government employees in Odisha were entitled to 15 casual leaves per year.
- With the addition of 10 extra leaves, women government employees in Odisha will now have a total of 25 days of casual leave annually.
- Odisha was also the first state to announce 33 percent reservation for women in government jobs during the 90’s, showcasing its commitment to women’s empowerment in the workforce.
7. Where is the largest mass burial of plague victims ever found in Europe discovered?
- Lund, Sweden
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Haugesund, Norway
- Jyväskylä, Finland
The correct answer is Nuremberg, Germany. In News
- The largest mass burial of plague victims ever found in Europe was discovered in Nuremberg, Germany.
Key Points
- Archaeologists found over 1,500 skeletons of plague victims in mass graves during excavations preceding the construction of a retirement home.
- This discovery is significant and is likely to be the largest mass burial of plague victims in Europe.
- The burial pits were identified to be established around the first half of the 17th century, although precise dating is pending.
- The site was used for disposing of waste from a nearby copper mill, and many bodies were buried without following regular cemetery practices due to the urgency of the situation.
- Radiocarbon dating indicates that the older group of remains dates back to the 1632-1633 epidemic, possibly involving nearly 2,000 people buried near St. Sebastian Spital in Nuremberg.
8. According to Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011, the office of Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson and maximum number of:
- 7 members
- 8 members
- 9 members
- 10 members
The correct answer is 8 members.In News
- Chairperson, Lokpal of India, Shri Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar administered the oath of office to the following as Judicial Member and Member of Lokpal of India, in a ceremony.
- Judicial Member
- Shri Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy
- Shri Justice Sanjay Yadav
- Member
- Shri Sushil Chandra
Key Points
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for establishment of Lokpal at Centre and Lokayukta at States.
- These institutions are statutory bodies, performing function of Ombudsman.
- It is a multi-member body consists of one Chairperson and a maximum of 8 members.
- Of these 50% members would be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Woman.
Thus, according to Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011, the office of Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson and maximum number of 8 Members.
Additional Information
- The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, commonly known as The Lokpal Act, is an anti-corruption Act of Indian Parliament in India which “seeks to provide for the establishment of the institution of Lokpal to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain important public functionaries including the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, Group A officials of the Central Government and for matters connecting them”.
9. Which IIT has partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development to apply geospatial technology and artificial intelligence in rural development, specifically for the ‘BhuPRAHARI’ project?
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Madras
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Delhi
The correct answer is IIT Delhi
In News
- IIT Delhi has partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development to apply geospatial technology and artificial intelligence in rural development, specifically for the ‘BhuPRAHARI’ project.
Key Points
- This agreement formalizes the collaboration between the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) for applying geospatial technology and artificial intelligence in rural development.
- The MoU was signed by Amit Kataria, Joint Secretary, MoRD, and Prof. Manabendra Saharia from IIT Delhi.
- The signing event was attended by significant officials including Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi.
- The initiative aims at utilizing ground and space-based geospatial technologies along with Artificial Intelligence to monitor and manage assets under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
- The ‘BhuPRAHARI‘ project will be carried out by the HydroSense lab at IIT Delhi, led by Prof. Manabendra Saharia.
10. Which animated documentary film’s Director and Producer were honoured at the Assam edition of the Filmfare Awards for their exceptional achievement?
- The Legend of Bhagat Singh
- Lachit – The Warrior
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- The Forgotten Army
The correct answer is Lachit – The Warrior
In News
- Lachit – The Warrior film was honoured at the Assam edition of the Filmfare Awards for their exceptional achievement.
Key Points
- Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Mina Mahanta, and Indrani Baruah were honored at the Assam edition of the Filmfare Awards in Guwahati.
- They were felicitated for their work on the animated documentary film ‘Lachit – The Warrior’, which has received 21 awards for best documentary in various International Film festivals.
- ‘Lachit – The Warrior’ portrays the story of the legendary Ahom Military General, Lachit Barphukan, who led the defense against Mughal invasions in Assam during the medieval period.
- Directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the film was produced by Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah.
- The film was selected in the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India 2023 in Goa.
- This recognition by Filmfare is exceptional, as it is the first time the awards have honored a non-feature film with a special AV presentation and felicitation.
11. Who has been appointed as Pakistan’s new Foreign Minister in March 2024?
- Shah Mahmood Qureshi
- Hina Rabbani Khar
- Ishaq Dar
- Asad Umar
The correct answer is Ishaq Dar
In News
- Ishaq Dar has been appointed as Pakistan’s new Foreign Minister in March 2024.
Key Points
- Ishaq Dar appointed as Pakistan’s foreign minister under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
- Dar, a senior leader of the PML-N, has limited experience in foreign affairs but is a trusted confidant of Nawaz Sharif.
- Trade ties between Pakistan and India severed in August 2019 after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Dar advocates for maintaining economic relations with India but acknowledges difficulties due to the Kashmir issue.
- India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, emphasizing the need for an environment free from terrorism.
- Other appointments include Khawaja Muhammad Asif as minister for defense, defense production, and aviation, and Ahsan Iqbal as minister for planning, development.
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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