1. Who are the Indian recipients of the Diana Legacy Awards in the UK?
- Mirnaj Ashrafi and Pooja Jha
- Shivani Saroj and Pooja Jha
- Manasi Gupta and Nitin Goel
- Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta
The correct answer is Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta. 
In News
- Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta received the Diana Legacy Award for their exceptional social action and humanitarian work.
Key Points
- The awards ceremony took place at London’s Science Museum, where they received their awards from Prince William.
- The Diana Legacy Award celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Diana Award charity, established in memory of Princess Diana.
- Uday Bhatia, founder of Uday Electric, developed the Outage Guard bulb to provide uninterrupted lighting during power cuts.
- Bhatia’s invention has benefited 950 families, improving their educational and employment opportunities.
- Bhatia expressed gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a means to inspire other social innovators.
- Manasi Gupta, founder of Huesofthemind Foundation, was recognized for her mental health advocacy work.
- Gupta has personally delivered over 100 sessions globally and impacted over 50,000 lives through her foundation.
- Her efforts during the pandemic were recognized at the IHW Digital Health Awards by the former Health Secretary of India.
2. In which state was India’s first indoor athletics centre inaugurated?
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Karnataka
- Delhi
The correct answer is Odisha. In News
- India’s first indoor athletics centre was inaugurated in Odisha.
Key Points
- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the facility at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
- The indoor athletics centre is accompanied by a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic hub.
- These facilities aim to provide year-round training and competition for athletes without weather disturbances.
- The indoor athletics centre is capable of hosting indoor continental and regional championships.
- It is part of Odisha’s efforts to strengthen its sports ecosystem and promote sporting excellence.
- The aquatic centre features a temperature-controlled Olympic-size swimming pool and accommodation facilities for athletes.
- The stadium was constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 120 crore.
3. With which country is India conducting the bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph – 24?
- United States
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
The correct answer is United States. In News
- India is conducting the bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph – 24, with the United States.
Key Points
- The exercise aims to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations between the forces of both countries.
- It involves Indian Navy Ships, aircraft, Army personnel and vehicles, and Air Force aircraft and helicopters.
- The US is represented by US Navy Ships with embarked troops of the US Marine Corps and US Army.
- The exercise includes a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase, focusing on Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and HADR operations.
- The exercise is scheduled from 18 to 31 March 2024 on the Eastern Seaboard.
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4. What is the name of the mobile application launched by the Election Commission of India to enable voters to check the criminal records of candidates standing for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?
- Candidate Check
- Voter’s Choice
- Know Your Candidate
- Election Transparency
The correct answer is Know Your Candidate. In News
- The mobile application launched by the Election Commission of India is called “Know Your Candidate” (KYC).
Key Points
- It allows voters to access information about the criminal records of candidates standing for elections in their constituency.
- The app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of voters knowing about the criminal background, assets, and liabilities of candidates.
- Candidates with criminal antecedents are mandated to disclose their information in newspapers and on television thrice, and parties nominating such candidates must explain their selection.
- The KYC app aims to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process, empowering voters with crucial information before casting their votes.
5. NASA astronaut ______________ and commander of the Apollo 10 lunar mission, died at 93 in March 2024.
- Thomas P. Stafford
- Gene Cernan
- John Young
- Bill Nelson
The correct answer is Thomas P. Stafford. In News
- Thomas P. Stafford, a renowned NASA astronaut, passed away at the age of 93.
Key Points
- He was the commander of the Apollo 10 lunar mission, a crucial dress rehearsal for the 1969 moon landing.
- Stafford, a native of Weatherford, Oklahoma, also flew on two Gemini flights before his Apollo mission.
- Despite not landing on the moon himself, Stafford piloted the first lunar module to orbit the moon in 1969.
Additional Information
- He was one of the 24 astronauts who journeyed to the moon, with only seven of them still alive.
- Stafford’s contributions extended beyond space missions, as he later became a key figure in providing advice to NASA.
- He chaired oversight groups and contributed to resolving issues such as the Hubble Space Telescope’s flaws.
- Stafford’s involvement in various projects, including overseeing Area 51, earned him the nickname “Father of Stealth.”
6. Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation in March 2024?
- Syed Akbaruddin
- Riva Ganguly Das
- Vinay Kumar
- Gaitri Kumar
the correct answer is Vinay Kumar
In News
- Vinay Kumar (IFS: 1992) was appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Russian Federation, succeeding his current role as Ambassador to Myanmar.
Key Points- His appointment reflects the importance of India-Russia relations, a longstanding and time-tested partnership for India.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as President of Russia, emphasizing the commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
- India-Russia ties have significantly evolved since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000, encompassing various sectors including political, security, trade and economy, defence, science and technology, and culture.
- In December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” during the visit of the Russian President to India.
7. Which country is planning to acquire two Dornier 228 aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), from India?
- Guyana
- Armenia
- Indonesia
- Singapore
The correct answer is Guyana
In News
- Guyana Defence Force is planning to acquire Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-manufactured two Dornier 228 aircraft from India.
Key Points
- An agreement was signed between the Guyanese Finance Minister and Deputy General Manager of EXIM Bank for a $23.27 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of India to facilitate the purchase.
- The aircraft will be utilized by the Guyana Defence Force for maritime patrols and troop movement, enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.
- India has previously provided Dornier 228 aircraft to neighboring countries such as Maldives and Sri Lanka.
- Apart from defense, India and Guyana have bilateral engagements in the energy sector.
- India had expressed interest in sourcing a majority of Guyana’s oil share from its oilfields through long-term agreements at preferential rates.
8. What is the purpose of the multi-purpose app “SAKHI” developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for the Gaganyaan space flight mission?
- To provide entertainment content for astronauts
- To help astronauts carry out a range of tasks, including health monitoring and communication
- To solely monitor the spacecraft’s trajectory and fuel consumption
- To assist in spacecraft repair techniques
The correct answer is To help astronauts carry out a range of tasks, including health monitoring and communication
In News
- The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a multi-purpose app called “SAKHI”
Key Points
- The app will help astronauts on the Gaganyaan space flight mission carry out a range of tasks such as looking up vital technical information or communicating with one another.
- The Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) will, among other things, monitor the health of the astronauts, help them stay connected with Earth and even alert them about their dietary schedules.
Additional Information
- Purpose: Assist astronauts on the Gaganyaan space flight mission with various tasks.
- Functionality:
- Provides access to vital technical information.
- Facilitates communication between crew members.
- Monitors astronauts’ health.
- Maintains connectivity with Earth.
- Alerts astronauts about their dietary schedules.
9. Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cuba in March 2024?
- Sujatha Singh
- Navtej Sarna
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- T. Armstrong Changsan
The correct answer is T. Armstrong Changsan
In News
- T. Armstrong Changsan has been named as India’s next Ambassador to Cuba by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Points
- Changsan is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1997 batch and currently holds the position of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- The MEA released an official press release stating, “Shri T. Armstrong Changsan (IFS: 1997), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cuba.”
Additional Information
- Name: Cuba (officially the Republic of Cuba)
- Geography: An island country consisting of the main island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, archipelagos, and 4,195 islands and cays surrounding the main island. Situated at the meeting point of the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean.
- Capital: Havana
- Currency: Cuban Peso
- Population: Approximately 11.3 million people (as of 2021, according to the World Bank)
- Continent: North America
- Official Language: Spanish
- Prime Minister: Manuel Marrero Cruz
10. Which country’s scientists have made the discovery of a ‘gigantic’ volcano on Mars, named the ‘Noctis Volcano’?
- The United States
- Russia
- China
- India
The correct answer is The United States
In News
- NASA Scientists have identified a massive volcano on Mars called the ‘Noctis Volcano,’ towering at 29,600 feet in elevation and spanning approximately 450 kilometers in width.
Key Points
- It is Situated just south of Mars’s equator, in the Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, west of the Valles Marineris, the planet’s vast canyon system.
- The discovery utilized data from various missions including NASA’s Mariner 9, Viking Orbiter 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, along with ESA’s Mars Express mission.
- Beyond its size, the Noctis Volcano’s active history, complexity, and proximity to potential glacier ice suggest it could offer insights into Mars’ geological and potentially biological past.
- Positioned at the boundary between Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris, the volcano presents a promising area for future exploration to understand Mars’ geological history better.
11. Who was the Congress President at the time of transfer to power in 1947 to India by the British?
- Jawahar Lal Nehru
- Rajendra Prasad
- Abul Kalam Azad
- J B Kriplani
The Correct answer is J B Kriplani
Key Points
- J B Kripalani was the Congress President at the time when India become free.
- Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani (11 November 1888 – 19 March 1982), popularly known as Acharya Kripalani, was an Indian politician, noted particularly for holding the presidency of the Indian National Congress during the transfer of power in 1947 and the husband of Sucheta Kripalani.
- In the election of the congress President in 1950, Kriplani was defeated by Purushottam Das Tandon.
Additional Information
- The Indian National Congress was founded at Bombay in December 1885.
- A retired British official, A.O. Hume, also played a part in bringing Indians from the various regions together.
- Dadabhai Naoroji (thrice president), Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, P.Anandacharlu, Surendranath Banerjea, Romesh Chandra Dutt, Ananda Mohan Bose, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were some of the great Congress presidents during this early period.
- Mahadev Govind Ranade, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sisir Kumar Ghosh, Motilal Ghosh, Madan Mohan Malaviya, G. Subramania Aiyar, C. Vijayaraghavachariar, and Dinshaw E. Wacha were among the other prominent leaders.
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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