Current Affairs

Mukesh Ambani: Asia’s Wealthiest and Elon Musk: World’s Richest Person

The Hurun Global Rich List 2024, released on 26 March 2024 reported 167 new billionaires worldwide, totaling 3,279 individuals.

  1. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, retained his position as Asia’s richest person, with a net worth of USD 115 billion, despite slipping one place to 10th globally.
  2. Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group, experienced a remarkable surge in wealth, reaching USD 86 billion and securing the 15th spot globally, attributed to a rally in his companies’ shares.
  3. The United States added 109 billionaires, maintaining its lead with 800 billionaires, while China retained its position as the world leader with 814 billionaires, despite a decline in numbers.
  4. Elon Musk reclaimed his title as the world’s richest person with a net worth of USD 231 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault.
  5. India saw a significant rise in its billionaire population, ranking third globally with 271 billionaires, marking an addition of 84 individuals, and Mumbai surpassed Beijing as Asia’s billionaire capital for the first time.

Q: Who reclaimed the title of the world’s richest person according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2024?

a) Bernard Arnault
b) Jeff Bezos
c) Elon Musk
d) Mukesh Ambani

Ans : c) Elon Musk

Q: Who retained the title of Asia’s richest person according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2024?

a) Elon Musk
b) Jeff Bezos
c) Mukesh Ambani
d) Gautam Adani

Ans : c) Mukesh Ambani

Q: Which city surpassed Beijing to become Asia’s billionaire capital for the first time, according to the information provided?

a) Shanghai
b) Mumbai
c) Tokyo
d) Seou

Ans : b) Mumbai

Election Commission “cVIGIL App” to monitor the election process and address violations of the model code of conduct

The Election Commission utilizes the cVIGIL app to monitor the election process and address violations of the model code of conduct effectively.

  1. The cVIGIL app allows citizens to record, report, and resolve instances of model code of conduct violations by submitting online complaints, including photos and videos.
  2. It has emerged as a powerful tool for citizens to flag election code violations and report both model code of conduct and expenditure violations.
  3. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted the empowerment of citizens through the cVIGIL app, ensuring action within 100 minutes upon receiving complaints.
  4. The cVIGIL app is user-friendly, connecting vigilant citizens with relevant authorities such as the District Control Room, Returning Officer, and Flying Squads Teams.
  5. Citizens can report incidents of political misconduct promptly through the app, avoiding the need to visit the returning officer’s office.
  6. Upon submitting a complaint via the cVIGIL app, the complainant receives a unique ID for tracking the progress of the complaint on their mobile device.

Q: What is the name of the app of Election Commission of India used for reporting violations of the model code of conduct?

a) cTRACK
b) cVIGIL
c) cREPORT
d) cELECT

Ans : b) cVIGIL

UN Security Council passed a resolution for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza

The UN Security Council passed a resolution on March 25, 2024, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages.

  1. Fourteen countries supported the resolution, but notably, the United States, a key supporter of Israel, abstained from voting.
  2. US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, attributed the delay in passing the ceasefire resolution to disagreements, primarily blaming Hamas.
  3. Since the October 7 strikes, the UN Security Council has been divided over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with only two out of eight resolutions being passed, both focusing on providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Q: UN Security Council passed the resolution on March 25, 2024, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Which countries are involved in the conflict?

A) Israel and Egypt
B) Israel and Jordan
C) Israel and Palestine
D) Israel and Lebanon

Answer: C) Israel and Palestine

India Makes Guinness World Record In Kabaddi With Participation Of 128 Players

India achieved a Guinness World Record on World Kabaddi Day, March 24, 2024, with 128 players participating, held at Tau Devi Lal Indoor Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana.

  1. An MOU was recently signed between Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) and the Government of Haryana to promote Kabaddi globally, which influenced the choice of India, particularly Haryana, as the event’s venue.
  2. The Guinness World Record benchmark was originally set at 84 players, but the organizers aimed for 154 players. Despite the challenge, the record was successfully broken with 128 participants after three hours of continuous play.
  3. The Guinness adjudicator, Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar, declared the record officially broken at 2 pm in the presence of Guinness team adjudicators.
  4. The Governor of Haryana, Bandaru Dattatreya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, received the Guinness World Record certificate from the Guinness team. He then presented it to Smt Kanthi D Suresh, President of HIPSA, and Shree Ashok Das, President of World Kabaddi.

Where did the Guinness World Record In Kabaddi With Participation Of 128 Players event take place?

a) Mumbai, Maharashtra
b) Bengaluru, Karnataka
c) Panchkula, Haryana
d) Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ans : c) Panchkula, Haryana

Bharat Biotech Starts Clinical Trials Of Tuberculosis Vaccine MTBVAC

Bharat Biotech International Ltd has initiated clinical trials for the Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC on adults in India.

  1. MTBVAC is the first tuberculosis vaccine derived from a human source, developed by the Spanish bio-pharmaceutical company, Biofabri.
  2. Bharat Biotech is conducting these trials in close collaboration with Biofabri.
  3. The clinical trials involve a dose escalation trial in HIV-uninfected adults, followed by a Phase 2 study in HIV-infected adults to assess the safety of MTBVAC in this population.
  4. The development of MTBVAC is seen as a significant milestone in global vaccinology, highlighting the importance of public-private, national, and international collaboration.

Q: Which company has initiated clinical trials for the Tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC on adults in India?

a) Biofabri
b) Bharat Biotech International Ltd
c) Spanish bio-pharmaceutical company
d) Global Vaccinology Collaboration

Ans : b) Bharat Biotech International Ltd

India’s Sreeja Akula won the women’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 table tennis tournament

Sreeja Akula, ranked 47th globally in Table Tennis, secured victory in the women’s singles category at the WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 tournament held in Lebanon on March 24, 2024.

  1. This win marks Akula’s second WTT singles career title, with her previous victory occurring at the Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 tournament in Texas earlier in January.
  2. Akula defeated Luxembourg’s Sarah De Nutte to clinch the women’s singles title.
  3. Despite her success in singles, Akula, along with her partner Diya Chitale, couldn’t secure victory in the women’s doubles final, losing to Hong Kong China’s Doo Hoi Kem and Zhu Chengzhu.
  4. In other categories, India’s Poymantee Baisya and Akash Pal emerged victorious in the mixed doubles, defeating Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra.
  5. Additionally, in the men’s doubles final, the team of Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar claimed victory at the WTT Feeder Beirut II tournament in Lebanon.

Q: Who won the women’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 table tennis tournament?

a) Sarah De Nutte
b) Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
c) Sreeja Akula
d) Diya Chitale

Ans : c) Sreeja Akula

Shaheed Diwas – March 23 : Martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev

March 23 is observed as the martyrdom day of three valiant freedom fighters: Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

  1. They faced the gallows with unwavering resolve in Lahore Central Jail in 1931, shouting slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad” (long live the revolution) as the noose tightened around their necks.
  2. Bhagat Singh, known for his fiery revolutionary spirit, became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule, inspiring many with his courage and intellect.
  3. Rajguru and Sukhdev, alongside Bhagat Singh, were steadfast patriots committed to the cause of freedom.
  4. Their sacrifice ignited a fire in the hearts of millions and propelled the struggle for independence forward.

Q: Which date is solemnly observed as the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev?

a) March 22
b) March 23
c) April 23
d) April 22

Ans : b) March 23

IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Opening Match

The Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 kicked off on Friday, March 22, 2024. Traditionally, the BCCI starts the IPL season every year on the last Friday of March, and this time, the grand cricketing spectacle commenced on Good Friday.

Opening Match: Chennai Super Kings 176 for 4 (Ravindra 37, Dube 34*, Green 2-27) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 173 for 6 (Rawat 48, Karthik 38*, du Plessis 35, Mustafizur 4-29) by six wickets

Venue and Final: The IPL matches will be held in various cities, and the final showdown is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Q: What is the traditional starting date for the IPL season ?

a) Last Friday of April
b) Last Friday of March
c) First Friday of April
d) Second Friday of March

Ans : b) Last Friday of March

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honored with Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Award Order Of The Druk Gyalpo

King of Bhutan conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 March 2024 in Thimpu.

  1. Modi is the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious award.
  2. The citation of the Order recognizes Modi’s personal accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to strengthening the friendship between India and Bhutan.
  3. Modi and the King of Bhutan held talks, renewing commitment to the special India-Bhutan friendship and discussing ways to elevate bilateral ties.
  4. They reviewed bilateral cooperation, discussed initiatives in energy, development, youth, education, entrepreneurship, and connectivity.
  5. Investment proposals, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, were also discussed.
  6. Modi also met with the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, discussing friendship, cooperation, and regional issues.

Q: What is the highest civilian award of Bhutan conferred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently?

a) Order of Bhutan
b) Order of the Dragon
c) Order of the Druk Gyalpo
d) Order of the Himalayas

Ans : c) Order of the Druk Gyalpo

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran Clinches Men’s Singles Title At World Table Tennis Feeder Beirut Tournament In Lebanon

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, representing India, won the Men’s Singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut tournament in Lebanon on March 21, 2024.

  1. Sathiyan, ranked 103 in the world, defeated fellow Indian player Manav Vikas Thakkar, who is ranked 74, with a score of 3-1 (6-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4) in the final match.
  2. Earlier in the semi-finals, Sathiyan defeated Chuang Chih-yuan from Chinese Taipei, who is ranked 39 in the world.
  3. Despite reaching three finals, Manav Vikas Thakkar had a disappointing day as he missed out on any gold medal. He lost in the men’s doubles final partnering with Manush Utpal Shah and in the mixed doubles final with Diya Chitale as his partner.
  4. Indian paddlers overall performed well in the tournament, reaching three finals, including two all-Indian finals in the Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles categories. They secured two titles and three runner-up finishes in total.

Q: Who won the Men’s Singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut tournament in Lebanon on March 21, 2024?

a) Manav Vikas Thakkar
b) Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
c) Chuang Chih-yuan
d) Manush Utpal Shah

Ans : b) Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

Election Commission uploads Electoral Bonds data with Unique Numbers on its website

On March 21, 2024, the Election Commission released a dataset of electoral bonds, including their numbers, to help match purchasers with the political parties receiving the funds. The State Bank of India (SBI) was the only bank authorized to sell and redeem electoral bonds, which were issued starting from March 2018 until the scheme was declared null and void by the Supreme Court in February 2024.

  1. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures made the largest donation of approximately ₹600 crore to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through electoral bonds, followed by other significant donors like Quik Supply Chain Management Ltd, the Vedanta Group, and the Bharti Group.
  2. The Vedanta Group was the largest donor to the Congress, contributing ₹125 crore, followed by other contributors like the Western UP Power Transmission Co, MKJ Enterprises, and the Yashoda Hospital Group.
  3. The BJP emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the electoral bond scheme, receiving ₹6,061 crore since April 2019, followed by the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.
  4. Future Gaming Group was the largest purchaser of electoral bonds, followed by Megha Engineering, and various political parties benefited from these bonds.
  5. Notable donors included Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Rahul Bhatia, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Rajesh Agarwal.

Q: Which bank was authorized to sell and redeem electoral bonds?

a) HDFC Bank
b) ICICI Bank
c) State Bank of India (SBI)
d) Axis Bank

Ans : c) State Bank of India (SBI)

ISRO successfully carries out landing experiment of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) ‘Pushpak’ at the Aeronautical Test Range

On March 22, 2024, ISRO achieved a milestone with the successful landing of the RLV ‘Pushpak’ at the Aeronautical Test Range in Challakere near Chitradurga in Karnataka.

  • The mission aimed to demonstrate the autonomous landing capabilities of the reusable vehicle.
  • Costing over Rs 100 crore, the RLV was carried by an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter to 4.5 km altitude before being released mid-air.
  • Utilizing advanced navigation systems and radar altimeter, the RLV autonomously approached and landed on the ATR air strip, simulating space re-entry conditions.
  • This historic feat marked the first time a vehicle was carried to altitude by a helicopter and autonomously landed on a runway, showcasing significant advancements in space technology.

Q: What is the name of the first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) successfully tested by ISRO?

A) RLV Viman
B) RLV-TD
C) RLV-Mk3
D) RLV ‘Pushpak’

Ans : D) RLV ‘Pushpak’

Q: Where is the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) located, where the RLV test was conducted?

A) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
B) Bengaluru, Karnataka
C) Hyderabad, Telangana
D) Challakere, Karnataka

Ans : D) Challakere, Karnataka

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged liquor scam case on 21 March 2024.

  1. The arrest took place from his residence and he was taken to the ED office in New Delhi.
  2. The ED conducted searches at Kejriwal’s residence prior to his arrest.
  3. The Delhi High Court denied Kejriwal protection from coercive action by the agency, leading to his arrest.
  4. This marks the first time a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested.
  5. Kejriwal was named in the Delhi liquor policy linked money laundering case by the ED and had received nine summons, which he skipped, considering them illegal and politically motivated.
  6. The Aam Admi Party (AAP) has appealed to the Supreme Court to quash Kejriwal’s arrest and requested an urgent hearing.

Q: What is significant about Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate?

a) First time a politician arrested in India
b) First time a sitting Chief Minister arrested in India
c) First person arrested for a liquor scam
d) Arrest by the Enforcement Directorate after obtaining court order

Ans : b) First time a sitting Chief Minister arrested in India

Enhanced Security Measures at Parliament: CISF Deploys Additional Personnel

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are set to deploy an additional 250 personnel to enhance security measures at the Parliament House complex by the 31 March 2024. CISF Director General Nina Singh has given her approval for the integration of these personnel into the existing security wing of the force stationed at the Parliament.

The CISF’s role in Parliament security gained prominence earlier this year when 140 CISF personnel were initially deployed in January to manage security at select entrance gates. Since then, these personnel have been instrumental in conducting thorough frisking procedures and baggage screenings at designated entry points.

The decision to augment CISF’s presence at Parliament comes in the wake of a security breach during the Winter Session last year, where intruders breached security protocols by entering the Lok Sabha chamber and releasing yellow smoke canisters. Subsequently, eight security personnel were suspended, prompting a reevaluation of Parliament’s security apparatus.

The CISF, established in 1969 with a modest three battalions, has evolved into a premier security organization with a workforce of over 1,77,000 personnel. Apart from its core responsibilities of protecting critical infrastructure and providing VIP security, the CISF is renowned for its expertise in access control and security consultancy services.

Q: What incident prompted the reevaluation of Parliament’s security and deployment of CISF?

a) Theft of documents
b) Breach of security protocols during Winter Session
c) Vandalism of property
d) Shift to new building

Answer: b) Breach of security protocols during Winter Session

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Given the additional charge of Ministry Of Food Processing Industries

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been given an additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Appointment follows, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party Chief Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned from the Union Cabinet on 19 March 2024.

Mr Rijiju is currently holding the charge of Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Q: Who has been given an additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries?

a) Dr S Jaishankar
b) Pashupati Kumar Paras
c) Kiren Rijiju
d) Amit Saha

Ans : c) Kiren Rijiju

Deepak Kumar, a senior IAS officer, appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh

Deepak Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on March 19, 2024.

  1. The appointment of Deepak Kumar was approved by the Election Commission.
  2. Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, Randeep Rinwa, confirmed Deepak Kumar’s appointment.
  3. Deepak Kumar is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of Finance and Basic Education.
  4. Senior IAS officer Sanjay Prasad, who was previously handling the Home Department, is associated with the Chief Minister and also oversees the Information Department.
  5. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum Lok Sabha members (80) is gearing up for the general elections in all seven phases.

Q: Who has been appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh ?

a) Deepak Kumar
b) Sanjay Prasad
c) Randeep Rinwa
d) Alok Kumar

Answer: a) Deepak Kumar

UPSC Civil Service Preliminary Examination 2024 to held on 16th June 2024.

The Union Public Service Commission has decided to postpone the Civil Service Preliminary Examination 2024.

The exam was scheduled to be held on 26th May 20224. The Commission has decided to postpone the schedule due to the ensuing General Elections.

The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024 which also serves as screening test for Indian Forest Service Examination, 2024 will now be held on 16th June 2024.

Q: Why has the Union Public Service Commission decided to postpone the Civil Service Preliminary Examination 2024?

a) Due to administrative issues
b) Due to the pandemic
c) Due to the General Elections
d) Due to lack of applicants

Ans : c) Due to the General Elections

Startup Mahakumbh, from 18 to 20 March 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The Startup Mahakumbh, held from 18 to 20 March 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, has attracted significant participation from leading investors, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

With over two thousand startups and more than one thousand investors involved, the event has facilitated vibrant discussions, networking, and addresses by industry leaders and policymakers. The event aims to promote collaborations and partnerships among stakeholders.

The event features 10 thematic pavilions focusing on various sectors, providing a platform for fostering connections and showcasing innovative products and services developed by startups.

Q: What is the primary purpose of the Startup Mahakumbh held from 18 to 20 March 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi?

a) To provide a platform for startups to sell their products
b) To facilitate networking between investors and entrepreneurs
c) To organize workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs
d) To conduct research on startup ecosystems

Ans : b) To facilitate networking between investors and entrepreneurs

Vinay Kumar, IFS appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Russia

Vinay Kumar, an IFS officer of the 1992 batch, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Russia. He was serving as India’s ambassador to Myanmar. His appointment fills the vacancy left by the earlier ambassador, Pavan Kapoor, who was appointed as secretary (west) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India-Russia relations have been a longstanding and time-tested partnership, making this role crucial in steering diplomatic ties between the two nations. Moscow, along with other major capitals like Washington, London, Tokyo, and Canberra, is among the top postings for Indian diplomats.

Q: Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Russia?

A) Sanjay Kumar
B) Pavan Kapoor
C) Renee Singh
D) Vinay Kumar

Ans : D) Vinay Kumar

Hockey India announced the 27-member Indian Men’s Team for the Australia Tour

Hockey India announced the 27-member Indian Men’s Team for the Australia Tour starting on April 6, 2024 in Perth.

  1. Harmanpreet Singh will lead the team, with Hardik Singh serving as the Vice Captain.
  2. The tour consists of a five-match series against the hosts, all to be played in Perth.
  3. The tour holds significance as part of India’s preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024.
  4. Matches will commence on April 6, with subsequent games scheduled for April 7, 10, 12, and 13.

Q: Who will lead the Indian Men’s Team for the Australia Tour starting on April 6?

a) Harmanpreet Singh
b) Hardik Singh
c) Manpreet Singh
d) Rupinder Pal Singh

Ans : a) Harmanpreet Singh

Begusarai in Bihar is world’s most polluted metropolitan area.

According to Air Quality Report 2023 conducted by Swiss organisation IQAir, Begusarai in Bihar has been identified as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area. New Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth consecutive year since 2018.

  • The Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organization IQAir reveals that Delhi’s PM2.5 levels increased from 89.1 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023.
  • India ranks third in terms of air quality, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, following Bangladesh and Pakistan.
  • Over one billion people in India are exposed to PM2.5 levels surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Q: Which city has been ranked as the world’s most polluted capital city for four consecutive years since 2018?

a) Mumbai
b) New Delhi
c) Beijing
d) Tokyo

Ans : b) New Delhi

Q: Which Indian city has emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area?

a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) Chennai
d) Begusarai

Ans : d) Begusarai

Prabha Varma Selected For Saraswati Samman For The Year 2023 for his Malayalam language poetry work, Roudra Sathwikam

Prabha Varma, the celebrated poet and litterateur, has been honored with the prestigious Saraswati Samman for 2023 for his Malayalam language poetry work, Roudra Sathwikam and also for his contribution to the literature during the period 2013 to 2022.

About Prabha Varma

Born in Thiruvalla, Kerala, in 1959, Prabha Varma has made significant contributions as a bilingual writer, excelling in both Malayalam and English literature. His work beautifully weaves together tradition and modernity, making him one of the most influential voices in contemporary Malayalam literature.

Prabha Varma has authored more than 30 books, including collections of poems, novels in verse, sociopolitical commentaries, and essays. His literary prowess has garnered him over 70 awards, including the National Sahitya Akademi Award and the National Film Award.

About Roudra Sathwikam

His novel “Roudra Sathwikam”, published in 2022, delves into the intricate conflict between power, politics, and individual morality. Written in poetic verse, it transcends time and space, addressing the eternal struggle of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (wrongdoing) in a creatively philosophical manner.

About Saraswati Samman

The Saraswati Samman, instituted in 1991, recognizes outstanding literary works written in any Indian language by Indian citizens and published within the last 10 years. Prabha Varma’s achievement is marked by a citation, a plaque, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh. The selection committee, currently led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, carefully chooses the recipient each year.

Q: What prestigious award was Prabha Varma honored ?

A) Jnanpith Award
B) Saraswati Samman
C) Sahitya Akademi Award
D) Padma Bhushan

Answer: B) Saraswati Samman

Q: Which novel by Prabha Varma received the Saraswati Samman?

A) “Roudra Sathwikam”
B) “Malayalam Musings”
C) “Verse Chronicles”
D) “Eternal Echoes”

Answer: A) “Roudra Sathwikam”

Vladimir Putin Wins Russian Presidential Elections

Vladimir Putin has secured a record fifth term as President of Russia. The election took place from 15 to 17 March 2024.

The official results indicate that he received an impressive 87.97% of the votes.

Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov finished second and newcomer Vladislav Davankov third.

Question: Who has been elected as the President in the recent Russian presidential elections?

A) Vladimir Putin
B) Alexei Navalny
C) Dmitry Medvedev
D) Mikhail Gorbachev

Ans : A) Vladimir Putin

What are Electoral Bonds and its recent Development

Electoral Bonds are financial instruments that allow individuals and companies to make anonymous donations to political parties in India.

Key points about electoral bonds and recent developments:

  1. What Are Electoral Bonds?
    • Electoral bonds were introduced in 2018 by the Indian government as a means to promote transparency in political funding.
    • These bonds are like promissory notes that can be purchased from authorized banks in specific denominations.
    • The donor can then donate these bonds to a political party of their choice.
    • The identity of the donor remains confidential, ensuring privacy.
  2. Recent Developments:
    • Supreme Court Ruling: On February 15, 2024, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional. The court found that the scheme lacked transparency and violated democratic principles.
    • Election Commission Data: The Election Commission (EC) has been releasing data related to electoral bonds. On March 15, 2024, the EC published the first detailed data on electoral bonds, sourced from the State Bank of India (SBI). 
    • Second List: On March 17, 2024, the EC uploaded a second list of electoral bond data. Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received the highest donation of ₹6,986.5 crore, followed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) with ₹1,397 crore.

Q: What are electoral bonds?

A. Bonds issued by political parties to raise funds
B. Financial instruments for anonymous political donations
C. Bonds used for government infrastructure projects
D. Bonds that allow citizens to vote in elections

Ans : B. Financial instruments for anonymous political donations

Q: What recent development led to the Supreme Court declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional?

A. Release of detailed data by the Election Commission
B. A Constitution Bench ruling on February 15, 2024
C. Introduction of a new electoral bond denomination
D. State Bank of India’s involvement in the scheme

Ans : B. A Constitution Bench ruling on February 15, 2024

Sheetal Devi, a Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee, announced National PwD Icon by the Election Commission

Sheetal Devi, a Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee, has been announced as the National PwD Icon by the Election Commission.

  1. The announcement was made during an Exhibition Cricket Match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association Team and the Delhi and District Cricket Association team held in Delhi on March 17, 2024.
  2. The match was organized by the Election Commission in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote voter education and inclusivity.
  3. The event was attended by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
  4. Alongside the announcement, the Election Commission launched a dedicated Voter’s Guide for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and Senior Citizen Electors.
  5. The Voter’s Guide provides essential information regarding provisions available to PwDs and senior citizens, including details about infrastructure, information, and procedures at polling stations.

Q: Who has been announced as the National PwD Icon by the Election Commission?

a) Sheetal Devi
b) Avani Lekhara
c) Gyanesh Kumar
d) Pramod Bhagat

Ans : a) Sheetal Devi

Navneet Kumar Sehgal takes charge as new Prasar Bharati Chairman

Navneet Kumar Sehgal appointed as new Prasar Bharati Chairman on March 16, 2024.

  1. Sehgal is a retired IAS officer from the 1988 batch of the UP cadre.
  2. He succeeds A Surya Prakash, whose term as Chairman ended in 2020.
  3. His appointment came after the Selection Committee for Chairman of Prasar Bharati, led by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, approved his name. He is appointmented by President Droupadi Murmu.

Q: Who recently took charge as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati?

a) A Surya Prakash
b) Navneet Kumar Sehgal
c) Jagdeep Dhankhar
d) Piyush Goyal

Ans : b) Navneet Kumar Sehgal

Lok Sabha Polls in 7 Phases from April 19, counting on June 4th, 2024

Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases starting from April 19th, with counting on June 4th. On 16 March 2024, Election Commission announced the poll schedule for General Election 2024 and assembly polls in four states.

  1. Assembly polls for Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha were also scheduled.
  2. Model Code of Conduct came into force with the announcement of the poll schedule.
  3. Measures to ensure smooth conduct of elections, including facilitating voting for elderly and disabled persons, dealing with criminal cases against candidates, and availability of EVMs and VVPATs.
  4. Detail Notification : Download ECI full Notification PDF

Q: Who is the present Chief Election Commissioner of India ?

a) Rajiv Kumar
b) Sunil Arora
c) Om Prakash Rawat
d) Nasim Zaidi

Ans : a) Rajiv Kumar

Home Minister Shah Launched Digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) designed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.

  1. The CCMS aims to enhance coordination among NIA personnel in terrorism and organised crime cases, improving justice delivery.
  2. Home Minister Shah urged State Director Generals of Police to utilize the CCMS software for effective and expedited investigations and operations.
  3. CCMS will aid in organizing, integrating, and digitizing data generated during investigations, including case documents, extracted data, collected evidence, and charge sheets.
  4. The CCMS is expected to enhance cooperation between central and state agencies, including State Police Anti-Terror Squads.
  5. A mobile app called ‘Sankalan’ – A compendium of New Criminal Laws by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was also launched.

Q: What type of data does the Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) aim to organize, integrate, and digitize?

a) Weather data
b) Traffic data
c) Data generated during investigations, such as case documents and evidence
d) Sports statistics

Ans : c) Data generated during investigations, such as case documents and evidence

Q: What is the purpose of the ‘Sankalan’ mobile app launched by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)?

a) To report criminal activities anonymously
b) To provide information about criminal records
c) To navigate through new criminal laws
d) To track missing persons

Ans : c) To navigate through new criminal laws

Mumbai win Ranji Trophy title of the 2023-24 season

Mumbai clinched their 42nd Ranji Trophy title on March 14, 2024, defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final match of the 2023-24 season.

  1. Vidarbha, chasing a daunting target of 538 runs, showcased resilience with skipper Akshay Wadkar scoring a century. However, Mumbai’s spinners eventually bundled them out for 368.
  2. Despite a solid fightback from Vidarbha’s batsmen, including a fifty from Dubey and a century from Wadkar, Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian turned the game in his team’s favor by breaking crucial partnerships.
  3. Kotian’s impressive bowling performance, including 4 wickets for 95 runs, guided Mumbai to victory in the second innings.
  4. In the first innings, Shardul Thakur (75) and Prithvi Shaw (46) played pivotal roles in propelling Mumbai to a score of 224, while Vidarbha struggled, being bowled out for 105.
  5. Mumbai’s Musheer Khan (136) and Shreyas Iyer (95) showcased exceptional batting performances in the second innings, setting up a formidable target for Vidarbha.
  6. Harsh Dubey led Vidarbha’s bowling attack with five wickets, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Mumbai’s victory.
  7. This victory marks Mumbai’s first Ranji Trophy win since the 2015-16 season, breaking a streak where other teams like Gujarat, Vidarbha (twice), Saurashtra (twice), and Madhya Pradesh claimed the title.

Q: Which team won the Ranji Trophy of the 2023-24 season?

a) Vidarbha
b) Mumbai
c) Saurashtra
d) Gujarat

Ans : b) Mumbai

Paytm Payments Bank Ceased Services from March 15, 2024

Paytm Payments Bank halted services such as accepting deposits and processing credit transactions from March 15 as per the directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

  1. The RBI issued a directive on January 31 for Paytm Payments Bank to cease accepting deposits or top-ups in various instruments, citing concerns about non-compliance with regulations and supervisory issues.
  2. The RBI’s decision to shut down Paytm Payments Bank stemmed from concerns over non-compliance issues, including improper identification during account openings, potential involvement in illicit activities like money laundering, and an unusual number of dormant accounts.

Changes After Shutdown:

  • Deposits into Paytm Payments Bank accounts are no longer possible, but customers can still withdraw or transfer funds.
  • Salary credits, direct benefit transfers, and subsidies are no longer available in Paytm Payments Bank accounts, but refunds, cashbacks, and sweep-ins from partner banks are still permitted.
  • The top-up facility and wallet transfers are disabled, although payments can still be made if there is a balance in accounts.
  • Recharge or top-up of funds in NCMC cards issued by Paytm bank are no longer supported.
  • Transfer of funds into Paytm Payments Bank accounts via UPI or IMPS ceased after March 15.

Q: What directive did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issue to Paytm Payments Bank on January 31?

a) To enhance their customer service offerings
b) To halt accepting deposits or top-ups in various instruments
c) To expand their branch network
d) To increase their interest rates on savings accounts

Ans : b) To halt accepting deposits or top-ups in various instruments

Q: Why did the RBI order the shutdown of Paytm Payments Bank?

a) Due to concerns about their stock trading operations
b) Due to concerns over non-compliance issues and supervisory concerns
c) Due to their outstanding customer service
d) Due to their high-interest rates on loans

Ans : b) Due to concerns over non-compliance issues and supervisory concerns

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