1. What is the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2024?
- Fair and responsible AI for consumers
- Protect consumers in the transition to clean energy
- Fair digital finance
- Consumer-centric AI technologies promoting fairness and inclusivity.
The correct answer is Fair and responsible AI for consumers
In News
- The theme for the World Consumer Rights Day 2024 is “Fair and responsible AI for consumers”.
Key Points
- Consumers International has chosen “Fair and responsible AI for consumers” as the theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024, highlighting the significance of ensuring ethical and equitable use of AI technologies.
- The celebration of World Consumer Rights Day involves global collaboration, with over 200 consumer advocacy members from more than 100 countries coming together to raise awareness of consumer rights, protection, and empowerment.
- There’s a call for swift action to ensure fair and responsible AI implementation, safeguarding consumer rights and promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI technologies.
2. Who have been chosen for the two vacant posts on the top panel of the Election Commission of India?
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar
- Rajiv Kumar and Rajnish Seth
- Gyanesh Kumar and Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar
- Arun Goel and Anup Pandey
The correct answer is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar. In News
- Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been appointed as Election Commissioners of India.
Key Points
- They have been chosen for the two vacant posts in the top panel of the Election Commission of India.
- Both are retired IAS officers of the 1988 batch.
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu belongs to the Uttarakhand cadre of IAS and has held key government positions including Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand.
- Gyanesh Kumar is from the Kerala cadre of IAS and has served as secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Cooperation led by Amit Shah.
- Their selection comes amidst controversy and petitions challenging the selection process, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear the matter soon.
- The appointments were necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Arun Goel from the ECI.
Additional Information
- The Election Commission of India is an autonomous Constitutional Body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
- The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
- The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
- The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
- The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
- They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament.
3. Who is the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)?
- Abhay Patnaik
- K. Shanmugha Sundaram
- S.R. Patil
- B Sairam
The correct answer is B Sairam. In News
- B Sairam has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of NCL.
Key Points
- B Sairam has assumed charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL).
- He brings over 33 years of dedicated service in the coal sector, with expertise in various domains including mine operations, planning, logistics, and regulatory affairs.
- Sairam holds a distinguished graduate mining engineering degree from NIT Raipur and has undergone a rigorous PGDM in Energy Management at NTPC School of Business Delhi.
- He has demonstrated commitment to sustainable energy practices and community development projects.
- Prior to his appointment as CMD of NCL, Sairam served as Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited and played pivotal roles in the company’s growth and development initiatives.
- NCL, a flagship subsidiary of Coal India Limited, operates 10 highly mechanized mines in Singrauli and Sonebhadra Districts of MP and UP, with a target coal production and dispatch of over 135 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
4. Which team has won the 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024?
- Vidarbha
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Railways
The correct answer is Mumbai. In News
- Mumbai won the 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024.
Key Points
- Mumbai defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs on the final day of the season.
- Mumbai’s spinners played a crucial role in bowling out Vidarbha for 368 runs.
- This victory marks Mumbai’s first title win in eight years, since the 2015-16 season.
- Musheer Khan was the star performer for Mumbai with a second innings century, supported by Shreyas Iyer’s 95.
- Mumbai set a daunting target of 538 runs for Vidarbha, ultimately clinching the title.
Additional Information
| Season | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Mumbai | Vidarbha |
| 2022-23 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
| 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Mumbai |
| 2020-21 | Not held due to Covid-19 | – |
| 2019-20 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
| 2018-19 | Vidarbha | Saurashtra |
| 2017-18 | Vidarbha | Delhi |
| 2016-17 | Gujarat | Mumbai |
| 2015-16 | Mumbai | Saurashtra |
5. Recently, 100 jails across India have been certified as Eat Right Campus by FSSAI. What is the full form of the FSSAI?
- Food Supplements and Standards Authority of India
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Food Supplements and Safety Authority of India
- Food Safety and Supplements Authority of India
The correct answer is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.In News
- 100 Jails have been certified as Eat Right Campus by FSSAI across India.
Key Points
- According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the highest number of jails certified were from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Punjab, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
- By extending the Eat Right Campus certification to prisons and correctional facilities, FSSAI focuses on ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, including inmates and prison staff.
Additional Information
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
- The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- FSSAI is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
- The FSSAI has its headquarters in New Delhi.
- This act also sets up the formulation and enforcement of food safety standards in India.
6. Consider the following statements about the Human Development Index (HDI) released in March, 2024:
- The United Nations Development Program releases the HDI.
- The 2023/24 Human Development Report is titled ‘Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world.’
- India ranked 120th this time.
Which of the following statements is\are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- Both 1 and 2
The incorrect statement is 3 only. In News
- India has ranked 134th on the global Human Development Index (HDI) according to the 2023/24 Human Development Report by the UNDP.
Key Points
- The 2023/24 Human Development Report is titled ‘Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world.’
- The report has highlighted unprecedented growth in affluent countries contrasted with stagnation or regression in half of the world’s poorest nations.
- Global inequalities have been exacerbated by economic concentration, with nearly 40% of global trade in goods controlled by three or fewer countries.
- The market capitalization of the three largest tech companies has surpassed the GDP of over 90% of countries, indicating significant economic disparity.
- India’s rank is lower than countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh despite being categorized under ‘Medium Human Development.’
- The report has highlighted a ‘democracy paradox,‘ where support for democracy coexists with support for leaders who undermine democratic principles.
Additional Information
- Political polarization has led to protectionist policies, hindering global cooperation necessary to address urgent issues like climate change and digital regulation.
- China and Sri Lanka, ranked at 75 and 78, respectively.
- Achim Steiner, head of the UNDP, has emphasized the reversal of the trend in reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations.
- The failure of collective action on issues like climate change and poverty has exacerbated polarization and eroded trust in institutions.
7. What is the newly approved name for Ahmednagar city by the Maharashtra cabinet?
- Ahilya Nagar
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Dharashiv
- Tanhaji Nagar
The Correct Answer is Ahilya Nagar.
In News
- Ahmednagar renamed as Ahilya Nagar: Maharashtra Cabinet approves name change.
Key Points
- Maharashtra Cabinet approved renaming of Ahmednagar as Ahilya Nagar.
- In 2023, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had announced the renaming of Ahmednagar city to ‘Ahilyanagar’ in honor of the esteemed 18th-century Maratha queen, Ahilyabai Holkar.
- This announcement was made on Ahilyabai Holkar’s 298th birth anniversary.
- The renaming of Ahmednagar follows previous initiatives by the Shinde-Fadnavis government, including renaming Aurangabad to ‘Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’ and Osmanabad to ‘Dharashiv’.
- Ahmednagar, founded by Ahmad Nizam Shah in 1494, later became the capital of the independent Sultanate of Ahmednagar.
- Aurangabad, established by Aurangzeb in the 1650s, and Osmanabad, named after Mir Osman Ali Khan.
8. What’s the designated theme for the International Day of Action for Rivers in 2024?
- Water for All
- Women, Water, and Climate Change
- Rights of Rivers
- The Importance of Rivers for Biodiversity
The Correct Answer is Water for All.
In News
- International Day of Action for Rivers: 14th March.
Key Points
- The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life was approved at the first International Meeting of People Impacted by Dams in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil.
- On March 14, river experts from 20 different nations announced the “Day of Action for Rivers”.
- The aim of the participants was to form a coalition against the degradation of ecologically sensitive water bodies, rivers and watersheds.
- This year’s theme is “Water for All”.
9. Wing Commander Satish Bhatia died. Which sports did he belong to?
- Badminton
- Running
- Archery
- Shooting
The correct answer is Badminton
In News
- Wing Commander Satish Bhatia (retd), former Indian badminton player credited with devising the banned “spin service”.
Key Points
- Satish Bhatia, a former badminton coach with the UT Sports Department, was a renowned left-handed singles player known for his deadly ‘spin service’.
- He represented India in multiple prestigious tournaments, including the Thomas Cup, Junior World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
- Bhatia’s unique forehand spin service, particularly effective against top players like Rudy Hartono, garnered him acclaim and admiration in badminton circles.
- Bhatia battled cancer for an extended period before passing away, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and contribution to the badminton fraternity.
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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