1. What is the theme of National Vaccination Day 2024?
- “Building Immunity for a Healthier Tomorrow”
- “Vaccines Work For All”
- “Protecting Lives, Safeguarding Communities”
- “Strengthening Public Health Resilience”
The correct answer is “Vaccines Work For All”
In News
- The theme for National Vaccination Day 2024 is “Vaccines Work For All”
Key Points
- The administration of the first oral polio vaccine in 1995 was a landmark event in India’s history, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to combat infectious diseases through vaccination.
- National Vaccination Day is observed annually on March 16 to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. It commemorates the historic administration of the first oral polio vaccine in India in 1995.
- Vaccination is recognized as a powerful tool to prevent serious diseases and is supported by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. In which country is the world’s first 3D-printed mosque, spanning an area of 5,600 sqm and located within the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, found?
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Turkey
The correct answer is Saudi Arabia
In News
- Saudi Arabia is now home to the world’s first 3D-printed mosque, spanning 5,600 sqm.
Key Points - Located in the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, the mosque is a tribute to the late equestrian Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly.
- The project utilized cutting-edge 3D printing technology from Guanli and was spearheaded by Wajnat Abdulwahed, the spouse of Sharbatly.
- The mosque features distinctive minarets, creating a landmark within the neighborhood.
- Saudi Arabia’s achievement positions it as a technological hub, surpassing the UAE’s projected timeline for a similar endeavor.
- The successful completion of the mosque showcases the potential of 3D printing technology in construction and design.
3. In which Indian state was Pandavula Gutta officially recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site?
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Telangana
The correct answer is Telangana
In News
- Pandavula Gutta, a geological marvel older than the Himalayan hills, has been officially recognised as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana.
Key Points
- Pandavula Gutta is recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana.
- The recognition was officially made by Shri. Bhavesh Mishra, IAS, District Collector & Magistrate of Jayashankar-Bhupalpally District.
- The Geo-heritage walk at Pandavula Gutta was organized by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Telangana State Unit, Southern Region.
- The event aimed to raise awareness about the region’s rich geological heritage, blending education, culture, and nature conservation.
- Directors from the Geological Survey of India underscored the geological significance of Pandavula Gutta and the need for its preservation.
4. Who appointed as the next Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in March 2024?
- Mahmoud Abbas
- Azim Rabbani
- Mohammad Mustafa
- Mohammad Razzak
The correct answer is Mohammad Mustafa
In News
- Mohammad Mustafa appointed as the next Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in March 2024.
Key Points
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Mohammad Mustafa, his longtime economic adviser, as the next prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA).
- Mustafa is a US-educated economist and politically independent.
- He is expected to lead a technocratic government in the West Bank region.
- The appointment comes amidst US pressure for reforms in the Palestinian Authority, aligning with Washington’s postwar vision for Gaza. However, it remains unclear if this appointment meets US demands, as President Abbas, at 88 years old, would retain overall control.
- President Abbas has tasked Mustafa with several objectives, including reunifying administration in the West Bank and Gaza, leading reforms in government, security services, economy, and combating corruption.
5. Laxminarayan Ramdas former ___________ passed away at the age of 91.
- Indian Army chief
- Indian Airforce chief
- Indian Coast Guard chief
- Indian Navy chief
The correct answer is Indian Navy chief
In News
- Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas served as the Chief of Naval Staff for the Indian Navy for three years from December 1, 1990, to September 30, 1993
Key Points
- He played a significant role during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, showcasing bravery and leadership.
- Post-retirement, he emerged as a leading peace activist, advocating for nuclear disarmament and working towards demilitarization and denuclearization in South Asia.
- In recognition of his efforts for peace, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2004.
- Admiral Ramdas and his wife Lalita, who affectionately referred to as Ramu and Lolly, were known for their involvement in various social causes. They resided in Alibaug in the Raigad district.
- Lalita Ramdas is the daughter of Admiral Ram Dass Katari, who served as the third Chief of Naval Staff.
6. What is India’s rank in the V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) report’s Liberal Democracy Index (LDI), which captures both liberal and electoral aspects of democracy?
- 119
- 98
- 110
- 104
The correct answer is 104.
In News
- India is at rank 104 in Liberal Democratic Index (LDI).
Key Points
- The report notes a significant decline in the level of liberal democracy in South Asia, with India’s population-weighted index reaching levels last seen in 1975.
- Component Indices:
- V-Dem Liberal Democracy Index (LDI): India ranks 104th with a score of 0.28, indicating a worsening trend. For context, Pakistan ranks 119th with a score of 0.21.
- V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index (EDI): India ranks 110th, with a significantly worsened score. The Clean Elections Index, which evaluates the fairness of elections, has deteriorated in India along with other aspects of electoral democracy globally.
- India is placed in the bottom 40-50% among 179 countries reviewed by the V-Dem report.
- It is positioned between Niger (better) and Ivory Coast (worse).
7. Who received the prestigious PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for their philanthropy work in Mumbai?
- Ratan Tata
- Mukesh Ambani
- Azim Premji
- Nandan Nilekani
The correct answer is Ratan Tata
In News
- Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, was honored with the prestigious PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his exceptional philanthropic contributions.
Key Points - The PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award, named after the former Prime Minister of India, acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes.
- Ratan Tata has donated more than half of his income to charity and has made generous contributions at both individual and organizational levels, including through Tata Trusts.
- His philanthropic initiatives have encompassed various sectors such as healthcare, education, rural development, and environmental sustainability.
- Ratan Tata’s philanthropic endeavors have earned him widespread admiration and respect, nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to nation-building.
Additional Information
- In addition to the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award, Ratan Tata has received two of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000, for his immense contributions to the country.
- The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, was posthumously conferred upon former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on February 9, recognizing his significant contributions to India’s growth and development.
8. Who won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024?
- Lewis Hamilton
- Max Verstappen
- Sergio Perez
- Charles Leclerc
The correct answer is Max Verstappen
In News
- Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, securing his second win of the Formula One season for Red Bull Racing.
Key Points - This victory marked the first time Verstappen has won the first two races of a season.
- Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, finished as the runner-up, 13.643 seconds behind Verstappen, continuing Red Bull’s dominant start to the season with a second one-two finish in as many races.
- Charles Leclerc secured third place for Ferrari, earning his first podium of the season and also claiming the bonus point for the fastest lap.
- This win marked Verstappen’s ninth consecutive victory, dating back to Japan in September the previous year, and the 56th win of his career. Additionally, it was his 100th career podium.
- The race saw Oliver Bearman, making his F1 debut as Ferrari’s youngest-ever rookie at 18 years and 305 days old, finishing seventh and earning the title of Driver of the Day.
- Oscar Piastri finished fourth for McLaren, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, George Russell of Mercedes, and Bearman.
- Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton secured eighth and ninth place respectively for McLaren and Mercedes, with Nico Hulkenberg taking the final point for Haas.
9. Who launched the Digital Crime Management System to aid India’s fight against terrorism and organized crime?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Home Minister Amit Shah
The correct answer is Home Minister Amit Shah
In News
- Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Digital Crime Management System to aid India’s fight against terrorism and organized crime.
Key Points
- Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurated a digital CCMS developed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- This system is designed to enhance coordination among NIA personnel in terrorism and organized crime cases, ultimately improving the delivery of justice.
- He also launched a mobile app called ‘Sankalan‘, developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
- This app serves as a compendium of new criminal laws, helping users navigate through the changes and updates in criminal legislation.
10. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of Prasar Bharati in March 2024?
- A Surya Prakash
- Randheer Ahloowalia
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Navneet Kumar Sehgal
The correct answer is Navneet Kumar Sehgal
In News
- Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed as the new chairman of Prasar Bharati in March 2024.
Key Points
- Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board.
- Sehgal’s appointment was made by the President based on the recommendation of the selection committee.
- The selection panel for the Prasar Bharati chairman comprises the Vice President, the Chairperson of the Press Council of India, and a presidential nominee.
- He previously served as the additional chief secretary of sports and youth in the UP government.
- Sehgal has also held positions such as information secretary in the Mayawati-led government and principal secretary during the Akhilesh Yadav-led government.
Additional Information
- Prasar Bharati is India’s largest public broadcasting agency, encompassing Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio.
- Prasar Bharati recently launched PB-SHABD, a news-sharing service for registered entities to access news feeds from its network of reporters.
11. Which country topped the Human Development Index (HDI) in the 2023–24 Human Development Report?
- Norway
- Sweden
- Finland
- Switzerland
The correct answer is Switzerland.In News
- India ranked 134 out of 193 countries on the global Human Development Index (HDI), according to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) latest report.
Key Points
- The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.
- The HDI is part of the Human Development Report published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- Generally, countries like Switzerland have historically performed very well on the HDI, often securing top positions.
- The HDI rankings take into account various factors, including life expectancy at birth, expected and mean years of schooling, as well as Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
- Switzerland has consistently been among the top countries in the HDI rankings due to its high scores across all indicators, including a long life expectancy, a high level of education, and a high GNI per capita, which reflects the well-being and standard of living of its citizens.
Additional Information
| Name of the Countries: | HDI Value: | Rank: |
| Switzerland | 0.967 | 1 |
| Norway | 0.966 | 2 |
| Iceland | 0.959 | 3 |
| Hong Kong, China (SAR) | 0.956 | 4 |
| Denmark | 0.952 | 5 |
| Sweden | 0.952 | 5 |
| Germany | 0.950 | 7 |
| Ireland | 0.950 | 7 |
| Singapore | 0.949 | 9 |
| Australia | 0.946 | 10 |
| Netherlands | 0.946 | 10 |
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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