Current Affairs March 2024

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

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

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

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, 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

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 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

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