CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
PREFACE
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CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
NATIONAL ...... 9 Haryana’s Mewat is India’s most backward district ...... 9 India's 1st Insect Museum Opened In Tamil Nadu ...... 9 DoP launches Cool EMS Service between India and Japan...... 9 Central task force on AI recommends setting up of N-AIM ...... 10 ‘First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 Words’ Launched ...... 10 MEA launches 'Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar' initiative ...... 10 Term of the Commission on Sub-categorization of OBC extended ...... 11 India's NCAA becomes the World’s First Trusted Digital Repository ...... 11 UGC granted autonomy to sixty Higher Educational Institutions...... 11 Pune tops in improved quality governance: Survey...... 12 PM launches campaign to eradicate TB by 2025 ...... 12 12 out of 14 Indian states votes for death penalty ...... 12 Centre constitutes 3-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal ...... 13 NITI Aayog launches Women Entrepreneurship Platform ...... 13 Animal welfare board headquarters shifted to Ballabhgarh ...... 14 Nitin Gadkari to launch Sukhad Yatra App for Highway users ...... 14 All Women Stations on South Central Railway ...... 14 Union Cabinet clears proposal to enhance allowances of MPs ...... 15 National Institute of Fashion Technology to Conduct National Sizing Survey ...... 15 INTERNATIONAL ...... 16 India, Pakistan turn to code of 1992 to put a lid on envoys’ harassment ...... 16 World Theatre Day: March 27 ...... 16 Malaysia proposes 10 years jail for fake news ...... 16 World’s largest cruise ship sets sail ...... 17 First non-stop Australia-UK flight makes history ...... 17 Australia junks 457 visa programme used largely by Indians ...... 17 Opening of indian Missions in Africa to implement commitments of IAFS-III approved ...... 18 New Caledonia to vote on independence from France...... 18 World Sparrow Day: 20 March ...... 19 India hands over last diesel railway locomotive engine to Myanmar ...... 19 Four nations recommended for graduation from UN's least developed country ...... 19 World Consumer Rights Day: 15 March 2018 ...... 20 indian President Kovind inaugurates World Hindi Secretariat in Port Louis ...... 20 International Pi Day: 14 March ...... 20
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
World Ocean Summit 2018 concluded in Mexico ...... 20 First-ever Indo-French Knowledge Summit concludes ...... 21 China's Parliament abolished two-term limit for the President ...... 21 First Conference of International Solar Alliance begins in New Delhi ...... 21 Donald Trump signs sweeping tariff order ...... 22 WTO’s DSB sets up a panel on India-US solar Dispute ...... 22 Marshall Islands creates its virtual currency equaling USD ...... 23 India, Bangladesh, Russia sign pact for Rooppur atomic plant ...... 23 ECONOMY & BANKING ...... 24 Centre mops up over Rs 1 lakh crore from PSU disinvestment ...... 24 Centre to divest 76% stake in Air India ...... 24 Cabinet approves Export of all edible oils in bulk ...... 24 A new Integrated Scheme for School Education approved ...... 25 Rs 350 coin to mark birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ...... 25 BHEL wins 75MW Solar Photovoltaic plant in Gujarat ...... 26 Govt. approves guarantee of Rs 5000 crore for IRFC Bonds ...... 26 Exim Bank extends $500 million loan facility for 15 African nations ...... 26 MCX launches world’s first brass futures contracts ...... 27 North-East Industrial Development Scheme 2017 ...... 27 Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan to be continued till 2020 ...... 27 National Health Mission to be continued till 2020 ...... 28 President releases commemorative coins on Nabakalebar festival ...... 28 NITI Aayog releases SATH-E project ...... 28 NTPC commissions third unit of Kudgi Super Thermal Power Station ...... 29 RBI discontinues Letters of Undertaking ...... 29 Bengal tops in rural job scheme, T.N. is second ...... 30 passport mandatory for bank loan of Rs. 50 crore & above ...... 30 India ranks 52 in Mastercard women entrepreneurs index ...... 30 Centre constitutes Steering Committee on Fintech related issues ...... 31 Centre to constitute group for changes in SEZ policy ...... 31 India 12th largest overseas holder of US securities in 2017 ...... 31 RBI tightens PSL norms for banks by directing them to create sub-targets ...... 32 Cabinet approves setting up of National Financial Reporting Authority ...... 32 PM Employment Generation Programme to be continued beyond 12th Plan ...... 32 Second Advance Estimates of National Income, 2017-18 ...... 33
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...... 34 NASA to send first mission to study 'heart' of Mars ...... 34 China launches 2 satellites to boost its navigation system ...... 34 SC proposes roll out of BS VI fuel by next year in 13 metros ...... 35 GSAT-6A to SUCCESSFULLY launched ...... 35 106th Indian Science Congress to be held in Bhopal ...... 35 New low-cost material to reduce air, water pollution developed ...... 36 3D-printed stethoscopes called 'Glia Model’ developed ...... 36 NASA's HAMMER inadequate to deflect Asteroid Bennu marching towards Earth ...... 36 Sach-Gaurav: India’s first cloned Assamese buffalo ...... 37 China develops artificial heart with rocket technology ...... 37 Environment Ministry gives nod to Neutrino project ...... 38 105th Indian Science Congress held in Imphal ...... 38 CCRAS Developed a AYUSH Drug QOL-2C for Cancer Patients ...... 38 Cyber agencies detected new malware threat “Saposhi” ...... 38 Rs. 1000 crore sanctioned for IMPRINT India Phase-II program ...... 39 World Wildlife Day: 03 March ...... 39 Moon to get 4G network soon ...... 40 SPORTS ...... 41 India finishes second in ISSF Junior World Cup ...... 41 Sebastian Vettel wins Australian GP thriller ...... 41 India U-16 football team lifts Jockey Cup ...... 41 Punjab wins 8th Men's National Hockey Championships ...... 41 PV Sindhu: flag-bearer for opening ceremony of CWG 2018 ...... 42 Pankaj Advani retains his Asian billiards title ...... 42 India wins Nidahas trophy of cricket ...... 42 Irani Cup: Ranji Champions Vidarbha Clinch Maiden title ...... 42 Purva Barve wins Women’s Singles U-19 title at Israel Junior 2018 ...... 43 Indian Wells Tennis Competition ...... 43 FIFA lifts three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international matches ...... 43 Nepal cricket team get ODI status for first time ...... 43 India B wins Deodhar Trophy 2018 ...... 44 Navjot Kaur climbs to No 2 in United World Wrestling rankings ...... 44 ISSF World Cup: Akhil Sheoran clinches gold in 50m Rifle 3-Position ...... 44 Australia wins Sultan Azlan Shah cup in Malaysia ...... 45
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Slovakia's skier Henrieta Farkasova wins first gold of Winter Paralympics ...... 45 India finish with three gold, two bronze in Asian Archery ...... 45 Viswanathan Anand wins Tal Memorial rapid title ...... 46 Gavaskar named Commissioner of T20 Mumbai League ...... 46 India's Manu Bhaker wins Gold at ISSF World Cup ...... 46 India beat Pakistan to win Snooker World Cup ...... 47 Maharashtra women's team wins national tennis championship 2018 trophy ...... 47 ISSF World Cup: Debutant Shahzar wins gold and a world record ...... 47 Navjot Kaur wins gold in Asian Wrestling Championship ...... 47 Tokyo unveils mascots for 2020 Olympics and Paralympics ...... 48 STATES ...... 49 First mega Food Park in Rajasthan ...... 49 UP Assembly passes stringent crime control bill ...... 49 Four-day MADHAVPUR MELA of Gujarat begins ...... 50 Telugu made compulsory in Telangana...... 50 Krem Puri: World’s longest sandstone cave discovered in Meghalaya ...... 50 Inclusion of communities 'Parivara and Talawara' as synonym of "Nayaka' in Karnataka ST list approved ...... 50 Arunachal Pradesh passes 'AP Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2018' ...... 51 Haryana Assembly passes bill proposing death penalty in rape of girls below 12 years ...... 51 Part of DMRC’s Longest Corridor Pink Line inaugurated ...... 51 India’s first coastal policing academy set up in Gujarat ...... 52 PM Modi, French President inaugurates Solar Plant at Mirzapur ...... 52 Rajasthan passes bill for death penalty for rape of girls below 12 ...... 52 Maharashtra govt. to make sale of gutka a non-bailable offence ...... 53 India’s first Helitaxi service launched in Bengaluru ...... 53 Odisha govt. launches 'Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas' program ...... 53 J&K: Grievance redressal helpline 'Raabta' launched in Rajouri ...... 54 Maharashtra’s first Mega Food Park inaugurated at Satara ...... 54 PERSON IN NEWS ...... 55 Google Doodle celebrates birthday of India’s first female doctor, Anandi Gopal Joshi ...... 55 Vijay Raghavan appointed principal scientific advisor to government ...... 55 Indu Bhushan Appointed CEO of Ayushman Bharat Mission ...... 55 Shekhar Kapur appointed chairman of Central Panel of 65th NFA ...... 56 SC appoints Justice Jawad Rahim as acting chairperson of NGT ...... 56
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Prof J S Rajput nominated India’s Representative to UNESCO’s Executive Board ...... 56 Satya Pal Malik gets additional charge of Governor of Odisha ...... 57 Eminent Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh passes away ...... 57 Win Myint elected as Myanmar's next President ...... 57 Abdel Fattah al-Sisi re-elected as president of egypt ...... 57 Abiye Ahmed elected as Ethiopia's new PM ...... 58 Linda Brown, who fought to end US school segregation, passes away ...... 58 Martin Vizcarra sworn in as Peru's new President ...... 58 John R Bolton: National Security Adviser to the U.S. President ...... 58 Sony India appoints Sunil Nayyar as MD ...... 59 Vladimir Putin wins fourth term as president of Russia ...... 59 Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigns ...... 59 Tata Sons head Chandrasekaran elected IISc President ...... 59 Angela Merkel elected to fourth term as German chancellor ...... 60 Sitanshu Kar to be next head of PIB ...... 60 Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected President of Nepal ...... 60 Pioneering geneticist John Sulston is dead ...... 60 Renowned Sufi singer Pyarelal Wadali passes away ...... 61 Mukesh Ambani richest Indian; Jeff Bezos tops global rich list...... 61 Biplab Kumar Deb sworn-in as Chief Minister of Tripura ...... 61 Veteran Neiphiu Rio sworn-in as Chief Minister of Nagaland ...... 62 Neil Basu: First person of Asian heritage appointed as Scotland Yard’s Counterterrorism Chief ...... 62 Krishna Kumari Kohli: Pakistan elects first Hindu woman to Senate ...... 62 Conrad Sangma to be sworn-in as Chief Minister of Meghalaya ...... 63 Armen Sarkisian elected next Armenian President ...... 63 AWARDS ...... 64 J.C. Daniel Award for Sreekumaran Thampi ...... 64 London based organisation SACF wins Frederick Pincott Award for 2017 ...... 64 Canadian mathematician Robert P. Langlands wins Abel Prize 2018 ...... 64 Indian film 'Halkaa' bags award at Montreal fest ...... 64 ICMR wins 2017 Kochon Prize for TB ...... 65 Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation instituted ...... 65 India Won "Best Exhibitor Award" at ITB – Berlin ...... 65 Balkrishna Doshi wins Pritzker Prize of Architecture ...... 66 Harry Athwal selected for 'Pride of Birmingham's Outstanding Bravery Award' ...... 66
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Roger Federer wins Sportsman & Comeback of the Year awards at Laureus ...... 67 DEFENCE & SECURITY ...... 68 Indian Army Releases Book on Paramveer Chakra Awardees: Paramveer Parwane ...... 68 Indian Navy to host Bilateral Exercise 'Varuna' with French Navy ...... 68 INdia-uae Bilateral Exercise Gulfstar 1 begins ...... 68 IAF for first time landed C17 Globemaster at Tuting airfield in Arunachal Pradesh...... 69 Russia successfully launches a hypersonic missile ...... 69 ‘Ex Samvedna’: Multilateral Air Force exercise ...... 69 1st multi-nation naval exercise at sea called MILES-18 begins ...... 69 US, Israeli military launch joint military drill Juniper Cobra 2018 ...... 70 WINGS INDIA 2018’ Event Gets Underway ...... 70 India-US jointly test fired M777 Ultra- light howitzers at Pokhran ...... 70 Indian Navy concludes War Game 'ENCORE' ...... 71 ICG C-162, the interceptor boat, delivered to Coast Guard ...... 71 Anti-Tank Missile NAG successfully test-fired ...... 71 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS ...... 72 ONE LINERS EXPRESS ...... 85 NATIONAL ...... 85 BANKING ...... 89 INTERNATIONAL ...... 91 PERSON IN NEWS ...... 94 SPORTS ...... 96 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ...... 97
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
NATIONAL
HARYANA’S MEWAT IS INDIA’S MOST BACKWARD DISTRICT
• The NITI Aayog on March 28, 2018 released a baseline ranking for the 101 most backward districts of India that have signed up for the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme. • Haryana’s Mewat is the lowest-ranked among these backwards districts, while Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram is the best-performing district of the 101. • In terms of most backward districts in states; Jharkhand has 19 districts in the list, while Bihar has 13, Chhattisgarh has 10, UP and MP has 8 each.
Transformation of Aspirational Districts Programme
The Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme is loosely based on the erstwhile Planning Commission’s Integrated Action Plan (IAP), which looked at the physical and financial performance of 88 tribal and backward districts.
INDIA'S 1ST INSECT MUSEUM OPENED IN TAMIL NADU
• The museum set up with an outlay of Rs 5 crore was unveiled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). • The museum, established at a 6,691 sqft area, is fully dedicated to insects and claimed to be the first of it’s in the country. • The uniqueness of the museum is visible in the lobby, which depicts the theme, "BUGS ARE KINGS".
DOP LAUNCHES COOL EMS SERVICE BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN
• The service named as “cool box service” will ferry food from Japan to India.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• Commercial arrangement of “Cool EMS” service between the Japan Post and India Post through which fresh food can be sent from Japan to India in cool boxes to facilitate for the Japanese expatriates in India. • The service has been started between Japanese Post and Indian Post services.
CENTRAL TASK FORCE ON AI RECOMMENDS SETTING UP OF N- AIM
• A central task force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suggested creating a National Artificial Intelligence Mission (N-AIM) that will serve as a nodal agency for coordinating AI related activities in the country. • According to the report, Artificial Intelligence “is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programmes.” • The core activities would include funding establishment of a network among Academia, services industry, product industry, startups and Government ministries, besides helping studies to identify concrete projects in each domain of focus. • A Task Force under the chairmanship of V Kamakoti of IIT Madras was set up in Aug 2017 by the Union Commerce Ministry to report on Artificial Intelligence.
‘FIRST INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE DICTIONARY OF 3000 WORDS’ LAUNCHED
• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the first Indian sign language dictionary which comprises of 3000 words in New Delhi. • ISL Dictionary is to remove communications barriers between the deaf and hearing communities as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language. • The aim is to give the constitutional right to speech to deaf people and opportunity of freedom of expression, and also bringing them into the mainstream society. • ISLRTC has developed an ISL Dictionary for Deaf people and Hearing people, offering them the maximum words to learn and expressing their feelings, ideas etc.
MEA LAUNCHES 'VIDESH AAYA PRADESH KE DWAAR' INITIATIVE
• The External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry External Affairs (MEA) launched an initiative, 'Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar' in Hyderabad.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• The initiative is part of the enhanced public diplomacy outreach to take the objectives of the foreign policy to the common people. • The initiative involves MEA's engagement with the regional media based in different cities across India.
TERM OF THE COMMISSION ON SUB-CATEGORIZATION OF OBC EXTENDED
• The Union Cabinet has approved a 12 week extension of the term of the Commission set up to examine the issue of sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the central list up to June 20, 2018. • The Commission was constituted under Article 340 of the Indian Constitution with the approval of President on October 2, 2017. • It was set up under the chairmanship of Justice (retd) G Rohini.
INDIA'S NCAA BECOMES THE WORLD’S FIRST TRUSTED DIGITAL REPOSITORY
• National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) project of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, implemented by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has been certified as the world’s first Trusted Digital Repository as per ISO 16363:2012 standard. • Launched in 2014, the primary objective of the NCAA is to identify and preserve the cultural heritage of India available in audiovisual form through a process of digitization and making it accessible to the people. • The NCAA pilot digital repository was developed in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Digital Preservation by C-DAC, Pune. • This is being done as these materials of historic values are in imminent danger of being lost in the absence of systematic and modern preservation technologies.
UGC GRANTED AUTONOMY TO SIXTY HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
• University Grant Commission (UGC) in a historic decision has accorded autonomy to 60 higher education institutions, which have maintained high academic standards. • Out of 60 institutions, five are Central Universities, 21 State Universities, 24 deemed, two Private Universities and eight colleges, which have been granted autonomy under the Autonomous Colleges Regulation.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• Autonomy was given to these institutions, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards liberalised regulatory regime. • The five Central Universities are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi, Universty of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University and the English and Foreign Languages University in Telangana.
PUNE TOPS IN IMPROVED QUALITY GOVERNANCE: SURVEY
• As per the Annual Survey of India's City-Systems (ASICS), Pune has emerged as the top city to show improvement in quality of governance. • The other cities that came in the top five include Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar and Surat, while Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna and Chennai constituted the bottom five cities. • The report underlines the need for sharp focus on city-systems or institutional reforms to city governance in our cities.
PM LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO ERADICATE TB BY 2025
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025, five years ahead of a globally-set deadline. • After inaugurating the Delhi End-TB Summit, the prime minister launched the TB- free India Campaign to take the activities under the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination. • The ministry has formulated the guidance document on nutritional care and support for TB patients which includes guidance on nutritional assessment, counselling and appropriate dietary advice. • The programme is also facilitating the TB patients to avail various social support schemes of the state governments.
12 OUT OF 14 INDIAN STATES VOTES FOR DEATH PENALTY
• Fourteen states and union territories have replied so far to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ query on the death penalty, and only two of them Karnataka and Tripura want it abolished. • The Law Commission of India, then headed by Justice A P Shah, had proposed the abolition of capital punishment for non-terrorism cases, following which the ministry had sought comments from state governments.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• Among the states and UTs that vetoed the abolition of capital punishment were Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. • Most of the states think the practice should be retained since the death penalty acts as a good deterrent for crimes such as murder and rape.
CENTRE CONSTITUTES 3-MEMBER MAHANADI WATER DISPUTES TRIBUNAL
• The Union Water Resources Ministry issued a notification, constituting three- member 'Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal' to adjudicate the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over sharing the river's water. • Supreme Court judge A M Khanwilkar has been named as the chairman of the tribunal. The other members are Justice Ravi Ranjan and Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar, judges of Patna and Delhi High Courts respectively. • The tribunal has been formed as per the January 23 order of the apex court to the Centre in this connection. • The Tribunal will have its headquarters at Delhi and it would determine water sharing among basin states on the basis of the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin, contribution of each state, the present utilisation of water resource in each state and the potential for future development.
NITI AAYOG LAUNCHES WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PLATFORM
• Government think tank Niti Aayog launched an entrepreneurship platform for women on the occasion of International Women Day. • The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) would provide a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where women do not face any gender-based barriers. • The platform aspires to substantially increase the number of women entrepreneurs who will create and empower a dynamic new India. • It will aim to promote women entrepreneurship by collaborating with various partner organisations, provide industry linkages & partner support to women entrepreneurs.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD HEADQUARTERS SHIFTED TO BALLABHGARH
• In order to make the better coordination between Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the Environment Ministry, the Centre has shifted the headquarters of the AWBI from Chennai to Haryana's Ballabhgarh. • Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules, 1962 states 'the Headquarter of the Board hall be at New Delhi or at such other place as the central government, may, after consultation with the Board direct.
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
The AWBI was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. Well-known humanitarian Rukmini Devi Arundale was instrumental in setting up the board and was its first chair.
NITIN GADKARI TO LAUNCH SUKHAD YATRA APP FOR HIGHWAY USERS
• Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari on March 07, 2018 launched a mobile App and Toll-free Emergency number for Highway users in New Delhi. • The SUKHAD YATRA APP has been prepared by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to empower the Highway user. The key feature of the app includes provision for the user to enter road quality-related information or to report any accident or pothole on the highway. • The TOLL-FREE NUMBER, 1033, will enable users to report an emergency condition, or highway-related feedback, across the highway. The service has also integrated with various ambulance/tow away services along the road to ensure rapid response time in an emergency.
ALL WOMEN STATIONS ON SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY
• With an aim to empower the women to work force in Railways and to develop their morale and self-confidence, South Central Railway has taken initiative to make Chandragiri railway station in Guntakal Division, an ‘All Women Station’. • It will deploy women staff to handle all the day to day activities including train operations, ticketing, security and other relevant duties. • Two more railway stations in the region, Begumpet railway station on Secunderabad Division and Phirangipuram railway station on Guntur Division are
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
also set to become All Women Station’ from March 8 coinciding with ‘International Women’s Day’.
UNION CABINET CLEARS PROPOSAL TO ENHANCE ALLOWANCES OF MPS
• The Union Cabinet has approved increase in allowances for Member of Parliaments on February 28, 2018. • With regard to this, amendments were made to Telephone Facilities (Members of Parliament) Rules, 1956, Members of Parliament (Constituency Allowance) Rules, 1986, and Members of Parliament (Office Expense Allowance) Rules, 1988. • The move will increase their salaries by Rs 40000. The furniture allowance which is being paid to the parliamentarians once in five years is also increased to Rs one lakh from Rs 75000. • MPs will be withdrawing Rs 70000 per month as constituency allowance instead of Rs 45000 per month at present. Similarly, office expenses allowance has also been increased to Rs 60000 from Rs 45000. • The new move will have additional financial implication of more than Rs 39 crore and Rs 6.64 crore on account of recurring and non-recurring expenditures respectively.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY TO CONDUCT NATIONAL SIZING SURVEY
• INDIAsize, a National Sizing Survey will be conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology(NIFT), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Textiles. • The Survey will be conducted to develop a comprehensive size chart for ready-to-wear industry based on the body measurements of the Indian population. • It is a scientific exercise where anthropometric data will be collected from a sample population in the age group 15 to 65 years to create a database of measurements that will result in a standardized size chart and can be adopted by the apparel industry.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
INTERNATIONAL
INDIA, PAKISTAN TURN TO CODE OF 1992 TO PUT A LID ON ENVOYS’ HARASSMENT
• India and Pakistan are reiterating the Code of Conduct (CoC) of 1992 to ensure diplomatic staffs are not subject to rough treatment.
What is 1992 CoC?
The CoC signed in August 1992 lays down that dignity and personal inviolability of diplomatic/ consular personnel shall be guaranteed by the Receiving State.
It also states that intrusive and aggressive surveillance and actions such as verbal and physical harassment and unauthorised entry into residences shall not be resorted to.
WORLD THEATRE DAY: MARCH 27
• World Theatre Day celebrates the importance of theater arts as it continues to move, entertain, teach and change us. • The Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. The International Amateur Theatre Association embraces and urges celebration of World Theatre Day. • Various national and international theatre events are organized to mark the occasion, but many events are local with the purpose of drawing attention to theatre and international harmony.
MALAYSIA PROPOSES 10 YEARS JAIL FOR FAKE NEWS
• The Malaysian government has proposed a "fake news" law which would carry a maximum 10-year jail term, including for articles published abroad, sparking fears of a crackdown on dissent as elections loom. • The bill, which described fake news as a "global concern", includes a maximum 10 years in jail or fine of up to 500,000 ringgit ($130,000) for anyone guilty of creating or disseminating what authorities deem to be fake news. • It said anyone, including foreigners, who breaks the law outside the country by publishing fake news can face punishment in Malaysia, as long as what is published concerns Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIP SETS SAIL
• The world’s biggest cruise-liner, Symphony of the Seas, has left the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire in France to embark on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. • The ship, which weighs 228,000 tonnes, is 362 metres long just 20 metres shy of the length of the Empire State Building. • It is marginally bigger than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016. • The Symphony is the 13th ship that STX has built for Royal Caribbean and comes as the French manufacturer returns to good times, with orders for two ships a year until 2020 — a rate it has not enjoyed for 15 years
FIRST NON-STOP AUSTRALIA-UK FLIGHT MAKES HISTORY
• The first non-stop scheduled flight from Australia to Britain landed in London after a 17-hour, five-minute journey across 14,875 km from Perth. • The historic Qantas flight QF9, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with more than 230 passengers and crew on board, touched down at 5.03 a.m. at Heathrow. • The landing marked the first commercial passenger jet journey direct between Australia and Europe.
AUSTRALIA JUNKS 457 VISA PROGRAMME USED LARGELY BY INDIANS
• Australia has abolished its popular employer-sponsored 457 visa programme, widely used by Indians, replacing it with new stringent programme that requires higher English-language proficiency and job skills. • The 457 visa programme was replaced on March 18, 2018 by a new Temporary Skills Shortage visa programme, which comprises of two streams – Short Term and Medium Term. • Short term visas will be issued for two years, while medium term visas will be issued only for more critical skills shortages and for up to four years.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• The new programme is also underpinned by more focused occupation lists that are responsive to genuine skill needs and regional variations across Australia.
457 Visa Programme
The 457 visa programme allowed businesses to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there was a shortage of Australian workers. The visa programme is used by over 95,000 foreign workers, majority of them Indians.
OPENING OF INDIAN MISSIONS IN AFRICA TO IMPLEMENT COMMITMENTS OF IAFS-III APPROVED
• The Union Cabinet has approved the opening of 18 new Indian Missions in Africa over a four year period from 2018-2021. • The 18 new Indian Missions in Africa will be opened in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sao Tome& Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland and Togo over a four year period from 2018-2021 thereby increasing the number of Resident Indian Missions in Africa from 29 to 47. • The will help in enhancing India's diplomatic outreach in the African continent and allow India to engage with Indian diaspora in African countries.
NEW CALEDONIA TO VOTE ON INDEPENDENCE FROM FRANCE
• New Caledonia has set a date for a referendum that will decide whether the French overseas territory should become independent. • After decades of campaigning by separatists seeking to break away from France, the New Caledonia congress, the local legislative authority, has agreed to hold the vote on 4 November, 2018. • If a majority of New Caledonia’s 275,000 inhabitants, 45% of whom are indigenous Kanaks who support autonomy, vote for independence, it will be the first French territory to break away since Vanuatu did so in 1980. • The territory is home to a quarter of the world’s known nickel, a key component in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, coins and stainless steel.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
WORLD SPARROW DAY: 20 MARCH
• World Sparrow Day is an international initiative started by Nature Forever Society (NFS) in India to raise awareness about the house sparrow and other such birds. • The theme for world sparrow day 2018 is “I LOVE Sparrows” which is pictured as this I ♥ Sparrows.
INDIA HANDS OVER LAST DIESEL RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE TO MYANMAR
• Under the Neighbourhood First policy, India handed over the 18th diesel electric locomotive to Myanmar, thereby completing the first project under the current Indian line of credit (LoC) to the eastern neighbour. • Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain attended the formal handing over ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw of 18th AC-DC 1350 HP diesel electric locomotive to Myanmar Railways. • The locomotives have been supplied by RITES and manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi. • These 18 locomotives are fitted with microprocessor control-based system, attaining a maximum speed of 100 km per hour and are customised for Myanmar Railways.
FOUR NATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR GRADUATION FROM UN'S LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY
• Bhutan, Kiribati, Sao Tome and Principe and Solomon Islands are set to move up from the ranks of poorest nations due to their increasing national earning power as well as access to better health care and education. • The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) announced that the four countries will be recommended for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. • The Committee found that while Nepal and Timor-Leste also met the criteria for graduation, they were not recommended for graduation at this time due to economic and political challenges.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY: 15 MARCH 2018
• Every year 15 March is observed as the World Consumer Rights Day. The day is an opportunity to promote basic rights of all consumers. • The theme for the year 2018 is 'Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer'. • On this day in 1962, President John F Kennedy formally addressed the issue of consumer rights in US Congress. He was the first world leader to do so. • The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed in 1983 and has since become an important occasion for mobilising citizen action.
INDIAN PRESIDENT KOVIND INAUGURATES WORLD HINDI SECRETARIAT IN PORT LOUIS
• Indian President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the World Hindi Secretariat building in Mauritius. • He also launched the World Hindi Secretariat's logo, an Early Digital Learning Programme as well unveiled foundation stones of a social housing project and a large ENT hospital being built with Indian assistance.
INTERNATIONAL PI DAY: 14 MARCH
• 30th Pi Day was observed on 14 March (3/14 in the American month/day date
• Physicist Larry Shaw organized what is now recognized as the first “Pi Day” celebrationformat) since at 3,the 1, Sanand Francisco 4 are the firstExploratorium three significant science digits museum. of π. • — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximatelyPi: Pi (Greek letter 3.14159. “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant
WORLD OCEAN SUMMIT 2018 CONCLUDED IN MEXICO
• In 2018 the World Ocean Summit expanded into a wider, more ambitious World Ocean Initiative. The summit concluded in Mexico on March 9, 2018. • Its vision is an ocean in robust health and with a vital economy; its goal to accelerate the transition to sustainable use of the ocean.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
FIRST-EVER INDO-FRENCH KNOWLEDGE SUMMIT CONCLUDES
• The first ever Indo-French Knowledge Summit ended successfully with a landmark agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications between the two countries. • This agreement will go a long way in boosting the educational relationship between the two countries will encourage mobility of students from both the countries. • The two-day summit was held in New Delhi and coincided with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India. • The summit was organized by the French Embassy in India and co-hosted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
CHINA'S PARLIAMENT ABOLISHED TWO-TERM LIMIT FOR THE PRESIDENT
• China's Parliament abolished the decades-old two-term limit for the President, allowing Xi Jinping to remain as the country's leader for life. • The constitutional changes were passed in Beijing by the annual sitting of the National People's Congress - the country's legislature - with two-third majority. • Set for his second five-year term as President this month, 64-year-old Xi, the most powerful leader in recent decades heading the ruling Communist Party (CPC) and the military, will now be the first Chinese leader after the founder chairman Mao Zedong to remain in power lifelong.
FIRST CONFERENCE OF INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE BEGINS IN NEW DELHI
• Heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives participated in New Delhi for first conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) starting from March 10, 2018. • The summit was co-hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind and his French counterpart President Emmanuel Macron. • The aim of the summit is to deliberate on a finance mechanism for the promotion of solar energy in member countries, crowd-funding and technology transfer. • The summit is of particular significance to India as it strives to achieve the ambitious target of generating 175 GW of renewable energy, including 100 GW of solar energy, by 2022.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The International Solar Alliance is a treaty based international inter-governmental alliance of 121 solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The initiative was launched by PM Modi at the India Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, held in the months of October 2015 and November 2015, respectively.
ISA is working for deployment of over 1000 GW of solar energy and mobilising more than US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by the year 2030. 60 countries have signed the ISA declaration.
DONALD TRUMP SIGNS SWEEPING TARIFF ORDER
• US President Donald Trump signs two proclamations that impose 25 per cent tariff on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminium. • The contentious tariffs, which will come into effect in 15 days, primarily targets the massive steel and aluminium dumping by China. • Only two countries - Canada and Mexico - have been exempted from the new import tariff. • Other countries would have to negotiate with US Trade Representatives (USTR) if they want exemptions from the steel and aluminium import tariff.
WTO’S DSB SETS UP A PANEL ON INDIA-US SOLAR DISPUTE
• The WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) has agreed to set up a panel on the ongoing dispute between India and the US over solar cells and solar modules. • The panel will determine whether India has complied with WTO’s domestic content requirements for solar cells and modules under Phase-I and II of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched on January 11, 2010. • The dispute between India and the US dates back to 2014, when the US first filed the case in WTO against India. The US had argued that a clause relating to domestic content requirements for solar cells and modules under JNNSM is discriminatory to American solar power developers.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• India, however, has been maintaining that it has complied with the WTO’s ruling and it had requested the WTO to set up a panel to determine its compliance with the rulings of the dispute.
MARSHALL ISLANDS CREATES ITS VIRTUAL CURRENCY EQUALING USD
• The tiny Marshall Islands is creating its own digital currency in order to raise some hard cash to pay bills and boost the economy. • The Pacific island nation became the first country in the world to recognise a cryptocurrency as its legal tender when it passed a law this past week to create the digital. • The Marshall Islands is partnering with Israeli company Neema to launch the SOV. It plans to sell some of the currency to international investors and spend the proceeds. Venezuela last month became the first country to launch its own cryptocurrency when it launched the virtual 'Petro', backed by crude oil reserves. • The Marshall Islands is closely aligned with the U.S. under a Compact of Free Association and uses the dollar as its currency. Under the compact, the US provides the Marshall Islands with about USD 70 million each year in assistance.
INDIA, BANGLADESH, RUSSIA SIGN PACT FOR ROOPPUR ATOMIC PLANT
• Bangladesh, India and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on implementing the Rooppur nuclear power plant. • The deal was signed in Moscow between Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), science and technology ministry of Bangladesh and the Department of Atomic Energy of India. • Under the deal, Indian companies can be involved in construction and installation works, supply of materials and equipment of a non-critical category in the interests of the project. • This is the first instance India being involved in the construction of the Rooppur power plant in Bangladesh for which the first agreement was signed between Bangladesh and Russia in November 2011.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
ECONOMY & BANKING
CENTRE MOPS UP OVER RS 1 LAKH CRORE FROM PSU DISINVESTMENT
• The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has raised 1,00,056 crore rupees through disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the current fiscal 2017-18. • This figure is more than the Budget 2017-18 target and higher than 46,250 crore rupees collected in previous fiscal 2016-17. • In the Budget 2017-18, the Centre had set a revised target of one lakh crore rupees from PSU disinvestment, which was higher than the budget estimate of 72,500 crore rupees.
CENTRE TO DIVEST 76% STAKE IN AIR INDIA
• The Centre will retain 24 percent stake in Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express. • It also proposes divesting 50 per cent of its stake in Air India Sats Airport Services. • It has appointed Ernst & Young (E&Y) as advisor. • The divestment will be done through open, competitive bidding. • By the end of 2016-17, the airline had a debt of nearly 49,000 crore and by the end of 2017-18, its debt is expected to go up by another Rs. 3,500 crore.
CABINET APPROVES EXPORT OF ALL EDIBLE OILS IN BULK
• Indian government has lifted the restrictions on export of edible oils except mustard oil. • Mustard oil will continue to be exported only in consumer packs upto 5 Kgs and with a minimum export price of US $ 900 per tonne. • Removing of restrictions on export of all edible oils is likely to provide additional marketing avenues for edible oils and oilseeds and will benefit the farmers by way of better realisation for oilseeds.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
A NEW INTEGRATED SCHEME FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION APPROVED
• The central government has approved a new Integrated Scheme for School Education. • Department of School Education and Literacy will be the nodal agency to implement this scheme. • Under this scheme, three schemes will be merged: o Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for elementary school (Classes 1 to 8); o Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan for secondary school (Classes 9 and 10); and o Scheme for Restructuring and Reorganisation of Teachers’ Education. • The scheme will focus on mainly two Ts: Teacher and Technology.
Sarav Siksha Abhiyan (2000-01) it seeks to achieve the goal of “universalization of elementary education” envisioned in the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyaan (RMSA)
RMSA was launched in March, 2009-10 with the objective to enhance access to secondary education and to improve its quality. It is envisaged to achieve an enrolment rate of 75% from 52.26% in 2005-06 at secondary stage
RS 350 COIN TO MARK BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU GOBIND SINGH
• The coin with a standard weight of 35 grams will have 50 percent silver, 40 percent copper and 5 percent each of nickel and zinc. • The reverse side will bear the picture of Takht Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib. • The years ‘1666’ and ‘2016’ in international numerals will be on the left and right periphery • Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last Sikh Guru who established Khalsa Panth in 1699.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
BHEL WINS 75MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT IN GUJARAT
• State-run equipments major Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has won its largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power project for setting up a 75 MW power plant in Gujarat. This will be BHEL's largest solar PV project till date. • With this order, BHEL's solar portfolio has risen to 545 MW. The company is currently executing over 150 MW of ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV projects across the country. • BHEL has enhanced its state-of-the-art manufacturing lines of solar cells to 105 MW and solar modules to 226 MW per annum.
GOVT. APPROVES GUARANTEE OF RS 5000 CRORE FOR IRFC BONDS
• Bonds issued by the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) to the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will be backed by a government guarantee. • The finance ministry approved the government guarantee of Rs 5,000 crore in the fiscal 2017-18 for the IRFC bonds which are to be subscribed by LIC. • The move will further ease the flow of borrowed funds for the railways ministry to undertake projects. • On March 11, 2015, the railways ministry had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LIC as per which the state-owned life insurer has to provide a financial assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh crore for identified projects between 2015 to 2019.
EXIM BANK EXTENDS $500 MILLION LOAN FACILITY FOR 15 AFRICAN NATIONS
• The Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) will provide a USD 500 million credit facility to ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to fund various development projects in the western-south Africa. • The line of credit of USD 500 million to EBID will finance various development projects in the ECOWAS region. • The LoC of USD 500 million to EBID is an umbrella limit for financing developmental projects in 15-member countries of EBID in West African region -- Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote dIvoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
MCX LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST BRASS FUTURES CONTRACTS
• Multi Commodity Exchange of India on March 25 launched futures trading in brass for the first time globally, which will facilitate brass stakeholders to hedge their price risk. • The country’s largest commodity exchange will commence futures trading in brass on March 26 and will offer three contracts ending in April, May and June for trading, with a lot size of one tonne. • Brass is an alloy, which primarily contains around 55-60 per cent copper and the rest is zinc, with small amounts of lead and iron.
NORTH-EAST INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME 2017
• The Union Cabinet approved North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017 with financial outlay of Rs 3,000 crore up to March 2020. • In order to promote employment in the North East states, the Government is incentivising primarily the MSME Sector through this scheme. The Government is also providing specific incentive through the scheme to generate employment. • The overall cap for benefits under all components of incentives will be of Rs. 200 crores per unit. • The newly introduced scheme shall promote industrialization in the States of the North Eastern Region and will boost employment and income generation.
RASHTRIYA UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN TO BE CONTINUED TILL 2020
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020. • RUSA 2.0 extended till March 31, 2020, seeks to increase gross enrolment ratio by 30 percent during this period, creation of 70 new model degree colleges and 8 new professional colleges • RUSA 2.0 also seeks to increase the spending on higher education by the State Governments. Under RUSA 2.0, an on-line virtual platform of infrastructure and equipment (inventory) will be created so that institutions can share these resources.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
RUSA is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. The central funding is in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States and 90:10 for special category states.
NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION TO BE CONTINUED TILL 2020
• The government has cleared a proposal for continuation of the National Health Mission (NHM) till March 31, 2020 with a budgetary support of Rs 85,217 crore. • One of the key objectives of the mission would be to reduce Out Of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on health care. • Besides, the programme will strive to reduce incidence of communicable diseases, and improvement in coverage and utilisation of routine immunisation services. • During the extended period, National Health Mission will seek to improve key health indicators such as Neo-natal Mortality Rate (NMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Total Fertility Rate.
National Health Mission (NHM)
The National Health Mission (NHM) encompasses its two Sub-Missions, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the newly launched National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). It was launched in 2013.
PRESIDENT RELEASES COMMEMORATIVE COINS ON NABAKALEBAR FESTIVAL
• President Ram Nath Kovind released Rs 1,000 and Rs 10 commemorative coins on the occasion of Lord Jagannath’s Nabakalebar festival. • The government had announced the release of the coins marking the festival which is a symbolic recreation of sibling deities. • Puri was one of the four ‘dhams’ for Hindus and is also called the ‘Kashi’ of eastern region in India.
NITI AAYOG RELEASES SATH-E PROJECT
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• NITI Aayog released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH- E)’ project in New Delhi • These roadmaps, which operate between 2018 to 2020, lay out detailed interventions which will be taken by the three participating States- Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha – aiming to become ‘Role Model States’ in school education. • These roadmaps present the first-of-its-kind, customized, action-oriented programmes, outlining interventions at the individual, district and State level. • The SATH- E project mainly aims to introduce a system – wide governance transformation in school education.
NTPC COMMISSIONS THIRD UNIT OF KUDGI SUPER THERMAL POWER STATION
• NTPC Ltd commissioned the third 800 Megawatt (Mw) unit of the Kudgi super thermal power plant at Bijapur in Karnataka. • The total capacity of NTPC stands at 45,300 MW and the capacity of the NTPC group is 52,191 MW. • The state-owned company accounts for around 24 per cent of the country’s total power generation and plans to increase installed power capacity to 130,000 Mw by 2032.
RBI DISCONTINUES LETTERS OF UNDERTAKING
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has scrapped quasi bank guarantee instruments such as the Letter of Undertaking (LoUs) and Letter of Comfort (LoCs). • These instruments blew a Rs. 14,000 crore hole in the books of Punjab National Bank (PNB) as the regulator attempts to plug a loophole and improve banks’ due diligence in trade credit. • Banks can continue to issue guarantees and letter of credit for trade purposes which are the international norm, and also have features that makes the claim on the issuer strong. • Guarantees and LoCs involve receiving banks conduct their own credit appraisal on companies before accepting them which reduces the risk of defaults.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• A letter of credit is more secure because it has the details of the purchase by the importer, date of issue, expiry date, the material purchase and other transaction details.
BENGAL TOPS IN RURAL JOB SCHEME, T.N. IS SECOND
• West Bengal has become the best performing State both in terms of allotting jobs and utilising funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). • West Bengal generated more than 28.21 crore work days under the scheme so far in 2017- • Tamil Nadu occupied the second spot with 22.17 crore work days and spent 5,981.7518 and crore. spent Andhra more thanPradesh ₹7,335.31 was thi crorerd with for 18.16it. crore work days, and funds
• Goa₹ is ranked at the bottom of the list with 94,000 work days and spent funds worth worth2.47 crore₹5054.17. crore.
₹ PASSPORT MANDATORY FOR BANK LOAN OF RS. 50 CRORE & ABOVE
• Passport details will be made mandatory for availing loans more than Rs. 50 crore from state run banks as it looks to tighten procedures following the detection of the Rs12,636 crore scam at Punjab National Bank. • The bill has been introduced to keep a check on offenders evading Indian judiciary after committing mammoth financial frauds.
INDIA RANKS 52 IN MASTERCARD WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS INDEX
• India s ranked 52 among 57 countries studied for the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE). The latest ranking for India remains unchanged from the previous year. • The MIWE focusses on female entrepreneurs’ ability to capitalise on opportunities granted through various supporting conditions within their local environments. • India came significantly behind the United States (4) and China (29) in the latest MIWE. • The Mastercard report highlighted that the progress of women entrepreneurs was held back by one or more obstacles in nearly all of the 57 economies covered.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
CENTRE CONSTITUTES STEERING COMMITTEE ON FINTECH RELATED ISSUES
• The Centre has set up a steering committee to go into various issues relating to Fintech space in India. • The committee will be headed by Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs. • The move is a follow up to the announcement made by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech of 2018-19. • The committee has also been asked to consider how Fintech could be leveraged in critical sectors of economy. • According to the terms of reference, the committee will work with government agencies such as UIDAI to explore creation and use of unique enterprise identification number.
CENTRE TO CONSTITUTE GROUP FOR CHANGES IN SEZ POLICY
• Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu informed the Parliament that the Ministry will constitute a group to suggest the necessary changes in the policy for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). • SEZs are export hubs wherein developers and units enjoy certain fiscal and non- fiscal incentives. • Besides, he also informed that Ministry in February 2018 constituted a task force to address concerns of rubber sector, to find out short term solutions and formulating long term strategies to tackle the problems.
INDIA 12TH LARGEST OVERSEAS HOLDER OF US SECURITIES IN 2017
• India's exposure to US government securities rose sharply to a high of $144.7 billion at the end of 2017. • The country remained the 12th largest overseas holder of such securities, just behind oil rich Saudi Arabia, whose holding stood at $147.4 billion in December 2017. • Among the BRIC countries, India had the third largest exposure while that of Russia was lower at $102.2 billion. • In 2017, neighboring China was the largest holder of US government securities with holdings to the tune of $1.18 trillion, followed by Japan at $1.06 trillion.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
RBI TIGHTENS PSL NORMS FOR BANKS BY DIRECTING THEM TO CREATE SUB-TARGETS
• The Reserve bank of India (RBI) has tightened the priority sector lending (PSL) norms for foreign banks. • It directed them to mandatorily create sub-targets so that they lend a portion of their loans to small and marginal farmers as well as micro enterprises (MSMEs) from April 2018. • The PSL norms mandate foreign banks to eventually lend 40 per cent of their total loan book to the priority sector, such as agriculture, rural infra, and MSMEs among others from April 2020. • RBI has said a sub-target of 8 per cent of net bank credit, or credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet exposure, whichever is higher, shall become applicable for foreign banks with 20 branches and above, for lending to small and marginal farmers and micro enterprises (MSMEs) from FY19. • All bank loans to MSMEs will now qualify under PSL without any credit cap.
CABINET APPROVES SETTING UP OF NATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING AUTHORITY
• The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and creation of one post of Chairperson, three posts of full-time Members and one post of Secretary for NFRA. • The decision aims at establishment of NFRA as an independent regulator for the auditing profession which is one of the key changes brought in by the Companies Act, 2013. • The jurisdiction of NFRA for investigation of Chartered Accountants and their firms under section 132 of the Act would extend to listed companies and large unlisted public companies, the thresholds for which shall be prescribed in the Rules. • The decision is expected to result in improved foreign/domestic investments, enhancement of economic growth, supporting the globalisation of business by meeting international practices, and assist in further development of audit profession.
PM EMPLOYMENT GENERATION PROGRAMME TO BE CONTINUED BEYOND 12TH PLAN
• The Union Cabinet on February 28, 2018 approved the continuation of Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan (2012- 17).
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• The PMEGP will now be continued for another three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs 5,500 crore.
Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
PMEGP is a credit linked subsidy programme introduced by merging the two schemes, namely Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP).
It was introduced in the year 2008 for generation of employment opportunities through establishment of micro enterprises in rural as well as urban areas.
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal implementation agency at the national level.
SECOND ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF NATIONAL INCOME, 2017-18
• The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released the first Advance Estimates (AE) of national income at constant (2011-12) and current prices, for the financial year 2017-18. • The growth in GDP during 2017-18 is estimated at 6.6 percent as compared to the growth rate of 7.1 percent in 2016-17. • GDP at constant (2011-12) prices in Q3 of 2017-18 is estimated to grow at 7.2 percent. GDP growth rates for Q1 and Q2 of 2017-18 at constant prices are 5.7 percent and 6.5 percent respectively. • The sectors which registered growth rate of over 7.0 percent are, 'public administration, defence and other services’, ‘Trade, hotels, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting’, ‘electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services’ and 'financial, real estate and professional services'. • The growth in the ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’, ‘mining and quarrying’, ‘manufacturing’, and ‘construction’ is estimated to be 2.1 per cent, 2.9 percent, 4.6 percent and 3.6 percent respectively.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NASA TO SEND FIRST MISSION TO STUDY 'HEART' OF MARS
• NASA is planning to send the first ever mission dedicated to exploring the deep interiors of Mars on May 5, 2018. • NASA will send InSight which is a stationery lander. InSight stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. • It will be the first mission ever dedicated to Mars' deep interior, and the first NASA mission since the Apollo moon landings to place a seismometer on the soil of another planet.
CHINA LAUNCHES 2 SATELLITES TO BOOST ITS NAVIGATION SYSTEM
• China on March 30, 2018 launched two satellites with a single rocket to strengthen its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which will serve countries along the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by the end of 2018. • BRI is an ambitious Chinese project which seeks to build road, maritime and rail from Asia to Europe and Africa in a revival of the Chinese Silk Road.
BEIDOU NAVIGATION SYSTEM
BeiDou is seen as a rival of American Global Positioning System (GPS). China launched the first satellite for the BDS in 2000 and by around 2020, when the BDS goes global, it is expected to have more than 30 satellites.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
SC PROPOSES ROLL OUT OF BS VI FUEL BY NEXT YEAR IN 13 METROS
• The Supreme Court (SC) proposed a roll out of Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) fuel across 13 metros by April 1, 2019. • With pollution in Delhi reaching alarming levels, the Petroleum Ministry decided to prepone the introduction of BS-VI grade auto fuels in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi from April 1, 2018, instead of April 1, 2020.
Bharat Stage (BS) norms
BS norms, introduced in 2000, are emission control standards introduced by the government, based on European emission standards, to keep a check and control over release of air pollutants from equipment using internal combustion engines including vehicles.
BS-VI fuel will bring down sulphur by 5 times from the current BS-IV levels–a whopping 80 per cent reduction that makes this fuel extremely clean. This is because the amount of Sulphur in both petrol and diesel in BS-VI fuel is limited to a maximum of 10 parts per million (PPM).
GSAT-6A TO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED
• Indian space ISRO on March 29, 2018 successfully launched the GSAT-6A, a high- power S-band communication satellite. • The satellite, with a life span of around 10 years, was put into orbit by Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08). • The satellite would provide a platform for developing technologies like demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques.
106TH INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS TO BE HELD IN BHOPAL
• The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress will be held next year from 3rd to 7th January at the Barkatullah University in Bhopal. • Theme: The theme of the meet will be ‘Future India: Science & Technology’.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
NEW LOW-COST MATERIAL TO REDUCE AIR, WATER POLLUTION DEVELOPED
• Scientists have developed a new low-cost and sustainable material that may displace activated carbon as the preferred choice for reducing waste-water and air pollution. • It could cut down pollutants in air and waste-water with more success than activated carbon, the current gold standard adsorbent. • Researchers combined a naturally abundant raw material, sodium alginate (a polysaccharide that can be extracted from seaweed and algae) with a high-volume industrial by-product, silica fume to produce a "green" adsorbent that is better than activated carbon. • It can also be used for waste-water remediation. In particular, its ability to replace activated carbon is demonstrated.
3D-PRINTED STETHOSCOPES CALLED 'GLIA MODEL’ DEVELOPED
• Scientist have designed a device template that could save lives during wartime when medical supplies are scarce as physicians in remote parts of the world can now 3D print a clinically validated stethoscope with recycled plastic. • The clinically-validated 3D-printed stethoscope will aid in reducing a major cost for medical professionals around the world. • Known as the Glia Model, the stethoscope consists of just a few parts printed out of ABS plastic, along with inexpensive rubber tubing that is widely used in Coca Cola machines. • It can be printed in three hours, and costs just three dollars to make – of course, access to a 3D printer is required.
NASA'S HAMMER INADEQUATE TO DEFLECT ASTEROID BENNU MARCHING TOWARDS EARTH
• An enormous asteroid could crash into earth by 2135 and NASA’s spacecraft Hammer may not be able to deflect it,
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
according to the NASA scientists. • Asteroid Bennu is as wide as 5 football fields weighing approximately 79 billion Kg. • Hammer weighs a massive 8.8 tonnes and is 9 meters tall and usually deflects asteroids from earth by destroying them with nuclear blasts. • There are currently 60000 known asteroids in our solar system. Most asteroids are found orbiting in the Asteroid Belt, a series of rings located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
SACH-GAURAV: INDIA’S FIRST CLONED ASSAMESE BUFFALO
• A cloned Assamese buffalo male calf has been born for the first time, the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) claimed in Hisar. • The calf was born to a Murrah buffalo. It was also the first to be born in the field, 100 kms from the cloning laboratory at Hi Tech Sach Dairy Farm in Hisar. • CIRB cloning team head PS Yadav said that they used unique methods and produced this clone calf, Sach-Gaurav, on December 22, 2017 through a normal delivery.
CHINA DEVELOPS ARTIFICIAL HEART WITH ROCKET TECHNOLOGY
• Chinese scientists have developed an artificial heart using rocket technology and it is currently undergoing testing after thorough experiments on animals. • The heart was developed jointly by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) and the Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital in North China's Tianjin. • The artificial heart uses magnetic and fluid levitation from a rocket system, and the "aerospace heart" is expected to move to clinical trials during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). • This technology used can reduce damage to the blood and enable the blood pump to work longer.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY GIVES NOD TO NEUTRINO PROJECT
• The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project has got a fresh lease of life with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) taking it up as a special case and granting it environmental clearance to set up the lab in Bodi West hills. • The project aims at building a world class underground laboratory with a rock cover of approximately 1200 meter. The project also envisages construction of 50,000 tonne magnetized iron calorimeter detector.
105TH INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS HELD IN IMPHAL
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 105th Indian Science Congress. Manipur University is hosting the Indian Science Congress. • Theme: The focal theme for 2018 Science Congress is "Reaching the Unreached through Science and Technology". This year the focus will be on translational science for promoting affordable sustainable innovation. • The 104th Indian Science Congress was held in Tirupati and the theme was "Science & Technology for National Development".
CCRAS DEVELOPED A AYUSH DRUG QOL-2C FOR CANCER PATIENTS
• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken development of a coded DRUG AYUSH QOL-2C FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CANCER PATIENTS. • The clinical studies were conducted at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru and AIIMS, New Delhi in breast cancer patients and at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur in lung cancer patients.
CYBER AGENCIES DETECTED NEW MALWARE THREAT “SAPOSHI”
• After Mirai and Reaper, cybersecurity agencies have detected a new malware called Saposhi capable of destroying entire electronic devices industries.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• This new detected malware is capable of taking over electronic devices and turning them into ‘bots’, which can be then used for any purpose, including a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. • Saposhi is similar in its intensity to Reaper, which was taking over millions of devices at the rate of 10,000 devices per day. • Malwares like Saposhi, Reaper and Mirai are primarily aimed at DDoS attacks, in which the malware first creates a network of bots — called a botnet — and then uses the botnet to ping a single server at the same time.
RS. 1000 CRORE SANCTIONED FOR IMPRINT INDIA PHASE-II PROGRAM
• In a major boost for research and innovation in the country, the Central Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1000 crore for the Phase-II of the Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme. • For the IMPRINT-II, a fund is being created by the Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Human Resource Development together, in which participation will come from industry and other interested Ministries. • The project will be run as a separate vertical in coordination with the DST and Prof. Indranil Manna of IIT-Kharagpur will be the National Coordinator.
IMPRINT
IMPRINT is a first-of-its-kind Pan-IIT and IISc joint initiative to develop a (a) New Education Policy, and (b) Roadmap for Research to solve major engineering and technology challenges in selected domains needed by the country to enable, empower and embolden the nation for inclusive growth and self-reliance.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY: 03 MARCH
• World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. • The theme for the year 2018 is “Big cats: predators under threat". Big cats are among the most widely recognized and admired animals across the globe. • Overall, their populations are declining at a disturbing rate due to loss of habitat and prey, conflicts with people, poaching and illegal trade. • On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to proclaim 3 March, the day of the adoption of the Convention on
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International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as World Wildlife Day, which was proposed by Thailand.
MOON TO GET 4G NETWORK SOON
• The first 4G network on Moon is being planned by telecom company Vodafone to support a mission by PT Scientists in 2019 and it has appointed Nokia as its technology partner. • Vodafone’s network expertise will be used to set up the Moon’s first 4G network, connecting two Audi lunar quattro rovers to a base station in the Autonomous Landing and Navigation Module (ALINA). • Nokia will create a space-grade Ultra Compact Network that will be the lightest ever developed - weighing less than one kilo, the same as a bag of sugar. • The 4G network will enable the Audi lunar quattro rovers to communicate and transfer scientific data and HD video while they carefully approach and study NASA’s Apollo 17 lunar roving vehicle.
NASA’s Apollo 17
The lunar roving vehicle was used by the last astronauts to walk on the Moon (Commander Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt) to explore the Taurus-Littrow valley in December 1972.
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SPORTS
INDIA FINISHES SECOND IN ISSF JUNIOR WORLD CUP
• ISSF junior World Cup concluded in Sydney, Australia with China topping the medal tally with 25 medals, including 8 Gold Medals. • India occupied the second place with 22 medals, including 9 Gold. The highlight of the event was rise of sixteen-year old girl Manu Bhaker from Haryana.
SEBASTIAN VETTEL WINS AUSTRALIAN GP THRILLER
• Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel won a thrilling duel with world champion Lewis Hamilton to steal the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. • It was Vettel’s 48th win in his 200th grand prix and follows his earlier wins in Melbourne in 2011 for Red Bull and last year for Ferrari.
INDIA U-16 FOOTBALL TEAM LIFTS JOCKEY CUP
• India Under-16 team has won the Jockey Cup International Youth Invitational Football Tournament title. In the final in Hong Kong, they defeated the hosts by 4-2. • This was India’s third consecutive victory in as many days. They had earlier defeated Chinese Taipei, 4-nil and Singapore by 3-1. • The tournament was an U-17 event where India fielded their U-16 national team. They have already qualified for the AFC U-16 Finals from where the top four teams will make it to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
PUNJAB WINS 8TH MEN'S NATIONAL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS
• Punjab lifted the 8th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2018 by defeating Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) in the final match.
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• The tournament was played at the Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium.
PV SINDHU: FLAG-BEARER FOR OPENING CEREMONY OF CWG 2018
• Ace Indian Shuttler PV Sindhu will be the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games (CWG). • The CWG 2018 opening ceremony will be held in Gold Coast, Australia on April 4, 2018.
PANKAJ ADVANI RETAINS HIS ASIAN BILLIARDS TITLE
• Pankaj Advani on March 24 defended his Asian Billiards Championships title by defeating his practice partner B Bhaskar 6-1 in the summit clash in Yangon. • This is Advani’s 11th gold medal at the Asian level of cue sports.
INDIA WINS NIDAHAS TROPHY OF CRICKET
• India beat Bangladesh by four wickets to win the Nidahas Cricket Trophy final in Colombo. • Needing five runs off the last ball, Karthik hit a flat-bat six over extra cover to keep India's T20I record against Bangladesh intact. • Washington Sundar was named the man-of-the-series.
IRANI CUP: RANJI CHAMPIONS VIDARBHA CLINCH MAIDEN TITLE
• Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha lifted their maiden Irani Trophy. • On the final day of the match in Nagpur Vidarbha took a huge first innings lead as their bowlers managed to dismiss Rest of India for 390 in their first innings.
Irani Cup
The Z. R. Irani Cup (earlier called Irani Trophy) tournament was conceived during the 1959-60 season to mark the completion of 25 years of the Ranji Trophy championship and was named after the late Z. R. Irani, who was associated with the Board of Control for
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Cricket in India (BCCI) from its inception in 1928, till his death in 1970. The fixture is played annually between the incumbent Ranji Trophy winners and the Rest of India Team.
PURVA BARVE WINS WOMEN’S SINGLES U-19 TITLE AT ISRAEL JUNIOR 2018
• India's Purva Barve has won the Women’s Singles (Under-19) title at the Israel Junior 2018 held in Rishon LeZion, Israel. • Seeded No. 4 in the event, the defending champion won the long drawn battle against third seeded and top-ranked Russian Anastasiia Pustinskaia in three sets 21- 19, 19-21, 21-13. • Earlier she won the Israel Junior 2017, Italian Junior International 2017 apart from a bronze at the Russian Junior White Nights 2017.
INDIAN WELLS TENNIS COMPETITION
• Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) to win the men’s singles of Indian Wells. • Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese player to win the women’s singles of Indian Wells final, routing Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-2 on 18 March 2018.
FIFA LIFTS THREE-DECADE BAN ON IRAQ HOSTING INTERNATIONAL MATCHES
• FIFA has lifted its three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international football and has allowed international matches to be staged in three cities; Arbil, Basra and Karbala. • Iraq has not played full internationals on home turf since its 1990 invasion of Kuwait. • The ban, covering all but domestic matches, stayed in place after the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.
NEPAL CRICKET TEAM GET ODI STATUS FOR FIRST TIME
• Nepal Cricket Team has been rewarded with One Day Internationals (ODI) Status for the first time after its victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the World Cup Qualifiers play-off.
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• Nepal, Hong Kong, and PNG were locked in a three-way battle for the last remaining ODI status and it was the Nepalese side which emerged triumphant.
INDIA B WINS DEODHAR TROPHY 2018
• India B lifted the Dodhar Trophy, as they comfortably beat Karnataka by six wickets in the summit clash. • Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (58, 47 balls) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (69 off 82 balls) provided the initial impetus with an 84-run opening stand. • In reply, India B romped home in 48.2 overs with as many as four batsmen hitting half-centuries.
Deodhar Trophy
The Deodhar Trophy is a List A cricket competition in Indian domestic cricket. It is named after Prof. D. B. Deodhar and is a 50-over knockout competition played on an annual basis among the 5 zonal teams - North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone and Central Zone. The competition was introduced in 1973-74.
NAVJOT KAUR CLIMBS TO NO 2 IN UNITED WORLD WRESTLING RANKINGS
• Asian champion Navjot Kaur was rewarded for her recent gold medal effort as she became world No 2 in the women’s 65 kg category during the latest rankings released by the United World Wrestling. • Navjot became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the recent Asian Championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. • Olympic champion Sakshi Malik is currently world No 4 with 18 points in the 62 kg category.
ISSF WORLD CUP: AKHIL SHEORAN CLINCHES GOLD IN 50M RIFLE 3-POSITION
• Young Akhil Sheoran clinched the gold medal in men’s 50m rifle. ISSF World Cup 2018 was held in Guadalajara, Mexico. • Sheoran, became the fourth young Indian shooter to win a medal on ISSF World Cup debut.
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• Shahzar Rizvi, Manu Bhaker, Mehuli Ghosh and Anjum Moudgil had also won the ISSF World Cup and it has put India on top of the medal standings.
AUSTRALIA WINS SULTAN AZLAN SHAH CUP IN MALAYSIA
• Australia beat England 2-1 in the final to win Azlan Shah Hockey Cup title. • Australia won the tournament for the record 10th time. • Argentina claimed the bronze medal with a 3-2 win over Malaysia.
Azlan Shah Hockey Cup
It is an annual international men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia. It has been named after 9th king of Malaysia and ‘Father of Malaysian Hockey’ Sultan Azlan Shah also avid fan of field hockey. It was established in 1983 as biennial sporting event. It was converted into annual event after 1998.
SLOVAKIA'S SKIER HENRIETA FARKASOVA WINS FIRST GOLD OF WINTER PARALYMPICS
• Slovakia's Henrieta Farkasova won the first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Saturday in women's vision impaired downhill skiing. • It was the Slovakian's sixth Paralympic gold in vision impaired skiing. • The Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics were officially opened on March 8, 2018 with a glittering ceremony.
INDIA FINISH WITH THREE GOLD, TWO BRONZE IN ASIAN ARCHERY
• Indian junior archers bagged three gold and two bronze medals in Asia Cup Archery Stage 1 campaign in Bangkok. • Promila Daimary won second individual gold medal for India as she defeated Natalia Erdynieva of Russia 7-3 in the women's recurve individual. • Indian trio of Akash, Gora Ho and Gaurav Lambe defeated Mongolian rivals 27-26 in the tie-breaker to clinch the third gold. • Muskan also ended up pocketing a second medal in the form of bronze when she along with Divya Dhayal and Mrinal Hiwrale defeated their Indonesian opponents 227-221 in the third-place playoff. •
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
VISWANATHAN ANAND WINS TAL MEMORIAL RAPID TITLE
• World rapid champion Viswanathan Anand won the Tal Memorial rapid chess title after an easy final round draw against Boris Gelfand of Israel. • Anand finished with six points out of a possible nine, scoring four wins and four draws. His solitary loss came at the hands of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan in the third round.
GAVASKAR NAMED COMMISSIONER OF T20 MUMBAI LEAGUE
• Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar was named as the commissioner of the inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai League, which will be held from March 11-21, 2018. • The announcement to appoint Gavaskar was made by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and Probability Sports India Private Limited (PSIPL) through a media release. • Gavaskar was the first Test batsman to score 10,000 runs and is known in the cricket world as ‘Little Master’.
INDIA'S MANU BHAKER WINS GOLD AT ISSF WORLD CUP
• World Cup debutant Manu Bhaker marked her international debut with the gold in the women's 10m Air Pistol final in ISSF World Cup Mexico. With her win India’s tally has reached to 5 medals. • The 16-year-old Bhaker pocketed India's second gold medal in two days as she prevailed over hometown favorite Alejandra Zavala Vazquez of Mexico in the women's 10m Air Pistol final. • In the Men's 10-metre Air Rifle event, Ravi Kumar won a Bronze, which was his first World Cup medal.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
INDIA BEAT PAKISTAN TO WIN SNOOKER WORLD CUP
• The Indian duo of Pankaj Advani and Manan Chandra staged a remarkable recovery to defeat Pakistan in the final of the inaugural IBSF Snooker Team World Cup. • In the fourth frame, even though Advani found himself in a spot of bother when trailing 1-20 against Babar Masih, he took charge of the proceedings and displayed his mastery once again by clearing the table with a 69 break.
MAHARASHTRA WOMEN'S TEAM WINS NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 TROPHY
• The Maharashtra women's team won the interstate national tennis championship 2018 held in Chhattisgarh. • The championship was organised under the auspices of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) by the Chhattisgarh State Tennis Association (CSTA) from February 26 to March 3. • Prizes were distributed by Chhattisgarh Minister Ramsheela Sahu in presence of senior AITA office-bearers. The CSTA gave Rs 25,000 each to both the finalists as motivational amount.
ISSF WORLD CUP: DEBUTANT SHAHZAR WINS GOLD AND A WORLD RECORD
• Shahzar Rizvi made his maiden ISSF World Cup appearance a memorable one by winning the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event at Guadalajara in Mexico. • Rizvi shot a world record score of 242.3 points in the final to beat Christian Reitz of Germany, 239.7 points, to win the top honour.
NAVJOT KAUR WINS GOLD IN ASIAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
• Navjot Kaur has scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Gold medal at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. • She clinched the coveted yellow metal in the 65 kg freestyle category at the tournament being held at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.
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• Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi Malik won a bronze in the 62kg freestyle category after getting the better of Kazakhstan’s Ayaulym Kassymova 10-7 in a tough fight.
TOKYO UNVEILS MASCOTS FOR 2020 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPICS
• Tokyo unveiled its long-awaited mascot for the 2020 Olympic Games: a futuristic blue- checked, doe-eyed character with pointy ears and “special powers” that was picked by schoolchildren across mascot-mad Japan. • The Olympic mascot "is a character that embodies both old tradition and new innovation. "While cherishing tradition, it is always up to date with the latest news and information. The Mascot has a strong sense of justice, and is very athletic. • The Tokyo 2020 mascot will hope to replicate the success of Soohorang, the cuddly stuffed tiger from the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang handed out to athletes on the podium. • The Paralympic mascot, a predominantly blue and green figure whose head was covered with leaves to represent Brazil’s rich vegetation, was named Tom after musician Tom Jobim.
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STATES
FIRST MEGA FOOD PARK IN RAJASTHAN
• Rajasthan’s first mega food park was inaugurated on March 29, 2018 by Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. • It is situated at Roopangarh village in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. • This is the 13th Mega Food Park operationalized in the country. The 12th Mega Food Park was inaugurated on March 1 in Satara district of Maharashtra. • Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS) was launched in 2008 whereby, the Government provides Financial Assistance up to Rs. 50 Crore to set up modern infrastructure facilities for food processing called Mega Food Parks (42 in No). • The key objectives of the MFPS are to reduce wastage of perishables; raise processing of food items from 6% to 20% and raise India’s share in Food Processing Industry from 1.5% to 3%.
UP ASSEMBLY PASSES STRINGENT CRIME CONTROL BILL
• The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on March 28, 2018 passed a stringent bill to curb organised crime and deal strictly with those trying to foment terror.
KEY FEATURES
o Proposed legislation designed on the lines of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). o It also seeks to act sternly against those using explosives or firearms or any other violent means, or damaging life and property, or for involvement in anti-national or any destructive activities. o It provides death sentence or life imprisonment with a penalty of up to Rs 2.5 million in cases, where the criminal act results in death. o In other cases of organised crime, the offence would be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than 7 years and may extend to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs 1.5 million. • The Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime (UPCOCA) Bill, 2017 had to be re- introduced in the assembly as it could not be passed in the Legislative Council.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
FOUR-DAY MADHAVPUR MELA OF GUJARAT BEGINS
• The four day mela is organised from March 25 to March 28 in Madhavpur Ghed at Porbandar district. • For the first time, 150 people from Northeast states will participate in this cultural event. • It is said that Madhavpur Mela shares it’s connect with the Mismi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. • Under the campaign of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat all the states except West Bengal participate in the nationwide cultural level.
TELUGU MADE COMPULSORY IN TELANGANA
• The Telangana Legislative Assembly on March 24, 2018 passed a bill making teaching and learning Telugu compulsory in the state. • Telugu shall be taught as a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10/Standard I to X in all schools, commencing from the academic year, 2018-19 "in a phased manner", according to the Act. • The schools affiliated to CBSE or ICSE or IB or Cambridge Boards in Telangana shall implement the Telugu language as provided in the Act.
KREM PURI: WORLD’S LONGEST SANDSTONE CAVE DISCOVERED IN MEGHALAYA
• The world’s longest sandstone cave at 24,583 metres in length has been discovered in Meghalaya • Called Krem Puri, the cave was discovered in 2016, but its actual length was found during an expedition by the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA) to measure and map it between February 5 and March 1 this year. • This underground cavern is more than 6,000 metres longer than the world record- holder, the Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela — a quartzite sandstone cave measuring 18,200 metres.
INCLUSION OF COMMUNITIES 'PARIVARA AND TALAWARA' AS SYNONYM OF "NAYAKA' IN KARNATAKA ST LIST APPROVED
• The Union Cabinet, approved the inclusion of the communities, namely, 'Parivara and Talawara' as synonym of "Nayaka' in the list of STs of Karnataka. • This will fulfil the long term demand of 'Parivara' and Talawara' communities for granting Scheduled Tribes status in the State of Karnataka.
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• The persons belonging to "Parivara' and Talawara' communities will be eligible to get the Scheduled Tribe certificate from the State of Karnataka and will also be eligible for all benefits meant for the Scheduled Tribes in the State.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH PASSES 'AP PANCHAYATI RAJ (AMENDMENT) BILL 2018'
• The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2018. Now the state will have two-tier Panchayati Raj System. • The 73rd amendment of the constitution allows states having population of less than 20 lakh to have a two-tier Panchayati Raj system, instead of a three. • In two tier panchayati raj system, planning and execution of schemes will be faster. It will even reduce the strength of elected members, thus helping to save money for conducting polls and functional costs on Anchal Samities.
HARYANA ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL PROPOSING DEATH PENALTY IN RAPE OF GIRLS BELOW 12 YEARS
• After Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Haryana Assembly passed a bill seeking to give capital punishment to those found guilty of raping girls aged 12 years or below. • The bill amends provisions under Section 376 (rape), Section 354 (assault or criminal force against woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and Section 354D (2) (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code. • The government had proposed death penalty or rigorous imprisonment for at least 14 years for a person convicted of raping a girl aged 12 or below.
PART OF DMRC’S LONGEST CORRIDOR PINK LINE INAUGURATED
• The newly-opened stretch of the Pink Line took both the Delhi Metro and its riders to dizzying heights. The 21.56-km-long corridor is the longest stretch opened as part of Delhi Metro’s Phase 3 so far. • It consists of 12 stations and will connect Delhi University’s South Campus for the first time by Metro. This is also the first Metro corridor to come up on the capital’s arterial Ring Road.
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• Out of the 12 stations on the stretch, eight are elevated and the rest underground. The stations falling on the operational stretch are -- Majlis Park, Azadpur, Shalimar Bagh, Netaji Subhash Place, Shakurpur, Punjabi Bagh West, ESI Hospital, Rajouri Garden, Mayapuri, Naraina Vihar, Delhi Cantt and Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus.
INDIA’S FIRST COASTAL POLICING ACADEMY SET UP IN GUJARAT
• The country's first national academy to train police forces in effectively safeguarding the Indian shoreline will start functioning from April 2018 along the Gujarat seafront. • The NACP is the first-of-its-kind institution, which has been created and will be managed by a multi-agency team of paramilitary and defence forces. It will train the marine forces of states, which have sea lines. • The navy and the Coast Guard, as per the home ministry order, will help design "the training curriculum, providing skilled trainers and ensuring access to jetties and boats" for the trainees of the academy.
PM MODI, FRENCH PRESIDENT INAUGURATES SOLAR PLANT AT MIRZAPUR
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Uttar Pradesh's biggest solar power plant in Mirzapur district's Chhanvey block. • The solar plant will generate 15.6 crore units of electricity annually, which is about 1.30 crore units per month.
RAJASTHAN PASSES BILL FOR DEATH PENALTY FOR RAPE OF GIRLS BELOW 12
• Rajasthan Assembly approved a bill providing for death penalty to those convicted of raping girls under 12 years of age. • The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018, seeks to add section 376-AA and 376-DD in the Indian Penal Code (IPC). • The amendment bill awards life sentence and life imprisonment to child rapists and ensures that the convict doesn't get out of the jail even after completing 14 years of sentence.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
MAHARASHTRA GOVT. TO MAKE SALE OF GUTKA A NON- BAILABLE OFFENCE
• The Maharashtra government announced that sale of gutka, banned in the state, would be made a non-bailable offence. • Further, the punishment for trying to sell the banned product will also be enhanced to three years in prison. • Currently the sale of gutka is a bailable offence with a punishment of a maximum of six months in prison. Maharashtra has the highest number of youth falling prey to cancer due to chewing of gutka.
INDIA’S FIRST HELITAXI SERVICE LAUNCHED IN BENGALURU
• In a first-of-its-kind service, India's much-awaited app-based Helitaxi service was launched in Bengaluru. The maiden trip of the helitaxi was between a Bengaluru airport and Electronic City. • The service is being priced at Rs 4,130 per seat including GST. The service includes pick up from airport terminal to the helipad and allowed to carry 15 kg luggage, but would be charged extra for more luggage. • The Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), located in Devanahalli, about 40 km from the city centre, had tied up with helicopter service provider Thumby Aviation to ferry air passengers to and from the city.
ODISHA GOVT. LAUNCHES 'AMA GAON, AMA VIKAS' PROGRAM
• To involve the common people in the in development activities of the state, Odisha govt. has launched a program, ‘AMA GAON AMA VIKAS’ which will be catering to the needs of rural people of the state. • Chief Minister of the state Naveen Patnaik flagged off mobile video vans for ‘Ama Gaon Ama Vikas’ program that will move across the State to highlight various welfare schemes at villages in the state. • This initiative will help the public in resolving their grievances quickly. With the Wi- Fi enabled latest technology video wall vans, people can directly send their grievances to the Chief Minister’s Office at the Secretariat in Bhubaneswar. • In the initial stage of this initiative these vans will reach Koratpur, Jaipur, Ganjam and Sambalpur districts of the state.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
J&K: GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL HELPLINE 'RAABTA' LAUNCHED IN RAJOURI
• In Jammu and Kashmir, an online portal, Raabta, to facilitate citizens residing in Rajouri district or other parts of the state register complaints or grievances was launched on 2 March 2018. • Citizens could access the site using the web portal: http://raabta.nic.net.nic.in. Complaint number will be generated which, in turn, will be used for effective tracking of the complaint. • For this, the complainants will have to get their mobile numbers registered as well, adding that the Raabta app could also be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android phones for complaint registration and tracking.
MAHARASHTRA’S FIRST MEGA FOOD PARK INAUGURATED AT SATARA
• The first mega food park in Western India under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries was launched at Shirwal in Satara, about 55 km from Pune, on March 1, 2018. • This is the 12th Mega Food Park of the country which has become operational so far. • The first mega food park of the country Srini MFP was inaugurated at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.
Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS)
Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS) was launched in 2008 whereby, the Government provides Financial Assistance up to Rs. 50 Crore to set up modern infrastructure facilities for food processing called Mega Food Parks.
The key objectives of the scheme are to reduce wastage of perishables; raise processing of food items from 6% to 20% and raise India’s share in Food Processing Industry from 1.5% to 3%.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
PERSON IN NEWS
GOOGLE DOODLE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY OF INDIA’S FIRST FEMALE DOCTOR, ANANDI GOPAL JOSHI
• Google is celebrating the 153rd birth anniversary of Anandi Gopal Joshi, who was born on March 31, 1865 in Maharashtra • The Google Doodle has been designed by Bengaluru-based artist Kashmira Sarode. • She completed her doctor’s degree in 1886 from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (now known as Drexel University College of Medicine). There is also a crater on Venus named after her.
VIJAY RAGHAVAN APPOINTED PRINCIPAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR TO GOVERNMENT
• K Vijay Raghavan is one of the most distinguished biologists of the country. • He will succeed 81-year-old nuclear physicist R Chidambaram, who was appointed to the post in 2001. • The Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) is a post created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999. • PSA is the topmost advisor to the government on all matters related to scientific policy.
INDU BHUSHAN APPOINTED CEO OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT MISSION
• Indu Bhushan has been appointed to the post for a period of two years. • Currently, he is the DG of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB). • Ayushman Bharat is an ambitious National Health Protection Mission (ABNHPM) that seeks to provide a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
SHEKHAR KAPUR APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL PANEL OF 65TH NFA
• Veteran director Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as chairman of the central panel of the 65th National Film Awards. • He is Padma Shri awardee and has made many award winning films such as Masoom (1983) and Bandit Queen (1994). • The central panel comprises a chairperson and 10 other members, including five regional chairpersons who head the respective regional panels.
SC APPOINTS JUSTICE JAWAD RAHIM AS ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF NGT
• Former Karnataka High Court judge, Justice Jawad Rahim has been appointed as acting Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT). • He has been appointed by three judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Mishra, Justice AM Khanwilkar & Justice DY Chandrachud.
National Green Tribunal The National Green Tribunal has been established on October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection.
PROF J S RAJPUT NOMINATED INDIA’S REPRESENTATIVE TO UNESCO’S EXECUTIVE BOARD
• The Ministry of Human Resource Development has nominated former NCERT director J S Rajput as India's representative to the Executive Board (EXB) of UNESCO. • Prof J S Rajput was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014. He has been also awarded the Maharishi Ved Vyas award by the Madhya Pradesh government for his contributions in the education sector. • The EXB has a four-year term and 58 seats. It is one of the constitutional organs of UNESCO and is elected by the General Conference.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
SATYA PAL MALIK GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF GOVERNOR OF ODISHA
• Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik was given additional responsibility of Odisha after S C Jamir completed his five-year tenure. • Satya Pal Malik has served as Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs and tourism and other important positions in Central and state governments.
EMINENT HINDI POET KEDARNATH SINGH PASSES AWAY
• Eminent Hindi poet and Jnanpith awardee Kedarnath Singh passed away recently at the age of 84. • A Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi awardee, Singh was known for his simple style of writing, often inspired by objects of everyday life. • Some of his best known works include the award-winning poetry collection Akaal Mein Saras, Bagh, Abhi Bilkul Abhi, Zameen pak Rahi Hai, Yahan se Dekho, Tolstoy aur cycle among many others.
WIN MYINT ELECTED AS MYANMAR'S NEXT PRESIDENT
• Myanmar's parliament has elected Win Myint as the country's next president, a week after the resignation of his predecessor. • Win Myint, a close aide of Aung San Suu Kyi, has been a speaker in the lower house since 2012. • Htin Kyaw resigned as president last week amid growing health concerns.
ABDEL FATTAH AL-SISI RE-ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF EGYPT
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been re-elected for a second term with a sweeping majority, garnering nearly 92 percent of the total votes. • His sole challenger, the little-known centrist politician and al Ghad party chief Moussa Mostafa Moussa, is estimated to have obtained 3 per cent of the vote. •
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
ABIYE AHMED ELECTED AS ETHIOPIA'S NEW PM
• Ethiopia’s ruling coalition elected Abiye Ahmed on March 26, 2018 as new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn in February 2018. • The announcement follows months of the most severe anti-government protests. • Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa and its capital is Addis Ababa. Its currency is Ethiopian Birr.
LINDA BROWN, WHO FOUGHT TO END US SCHOOL SEGREGATION, PASSES AWAY
• One of the famous civil rights activists of the US, Linda Brown died at the age of 75. • She as a Kansas girl was at the center of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1954 that struck down racial segregation in schools. • It all began in September 1950 when Linda was denied admission into a white elementary school, Linda's father, Oliver Brown, challenged Kansas's school segregation laws in the Supreme Court.
MARTIN VIZCARRA SWORN IN AS PERU'S NEW PRESIDENT
• A low-profile former regional governor Martin Vizcarra was sworn in as Peru’s president after his predecessor became the latest of the country’s leaders to resign amid corruption scandals and public repudiation. • Less than two years into a five-year term, Kuczynski is the first sitting president in Latin America to be forced out. • Kuczynski was ousted over ties to the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, which has been at the centre of the continent’s biggest corruption scandal.
JOHN R BOLTON: NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER TO THE U.S. PRESIDENT
• Former US Ambassador to United Nations (UN) John R Bolton would be the new National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Donald Trump, effective April 9, replacing Lt Gen H R McMaster. • The announcement of McMaster's ouster is the latest in a string of high-profile White House departures since President Trump took office in January 2017.
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• Trump and McMaster mutually agreed that the latter will resign as the National Security Adviser. He will retire from the US Army after 34 years of distinguished service.
SONY INDIA APPOINTS SUNIL NAYYAR AS MD
• Sony India announced the appointment of Sunil Nayyar as its new Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2018. Nayyar will be the first Indian Managing Director of Sony India. • Nayyar will replace Kenichiro Hibi, who held the position of MD of Sony India from 2012-2018. Hibi has now been appointed as President for Sony Brazil effective April 1, 2018.
VLADIMIR PUTIN WINS FOURTH TERM AS PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA
• Russian President Vladimir Putin stormed to victory in presidential election, giving him another six years in power. Putin, who has ruled Russia for almost two decades, won more than 75 per cent of the vote this time. • He is well ahead of his nearest rival Communist Party candidate Pavel Grudinin at 13.2 per cent. But opposition cried foul alleging ballot stuffing and other cases of fraud.
MAURITIUS PRESIDENT AMEENAH GURIB-FAKIM RESIGNS
• Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim announced her resignation on March 17 amid an ongoing financial scandal. • She is accused of purchasing personal luxury items with a credit card from a nongovernmental organization.
TATA SONS HEAD CHANDRASEKARAN ELECTED IISC PRESIDENT
• Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekran has been elected as 8th President of the court of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for 2018-21. • The court is the apex body of the autonomous and deemed university, comprising its senior academics, officials of the central and Karnataka governments, industry and civil society.
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Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
IISc was set up in 1909 by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata and then Maharaja of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar. IISc is a primary institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education in the country.
ANGELA MERKEL ELECTED TO FOURTH TERM AS GERMAN CHANCELLOR
• Merkel was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany after receiving 364 out of 709 votes in the first round of voting in parliament – nine more than required to gain an absolute majority. • Merkel received supporting votes from 91% of delegates in her three-party coalition, compared with 92% in 2013 and 89% at the start of her first term in 2005.
SITANSHU KAR TO BE NEXT HEAD OF PIB
• Sitanshu Kar will be the next head of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) after superannuation of Frank Noronha on April 30. • Doordarshan News DG Ira Joshi will hold additional charge of DG of AIRs NSD with immediate effect. • Sitanshu Kar is All India Radios News Services Division (NSD) Director General. He is an officer of 1983 batch of IIS, had joined the Defence Ministry as its spokesperson in 2005.
BIDYA DEVI BHANDARI RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT OF NEPAL
• Nepal's first woman President Bidya Devi Bhandari has been re-elected for a second term in office with an overwhelming majority. • She became Nepal’s First Woman President in 2015. Ms. Bhandari was elected twice in parliamentary elections in 1994 and 1999.
PIONEERING GENETICIST JOHN SULSTON IS DEAD
• Sulston’s work on decoding the genome of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, which revealed how genes control cell division, won him the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or
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Medicine. • The findings underpin the modern understanding of developmental growth and of how cancers emerge. • John Sulston, a Nobel Prize-winning British scientist who helped decode the human genome, has died. He was 75.
RENOWNED SUFI SINGER PYARELAL WADALI PASSES AWAY
• The younger of the Wadali Brothers duo, Ustad Pyarelal Wadali, passed away, at the age of 75 years. He died due to heart attack. • The singer along with his brother Puranchand Wadali, was known for his famous compositions--including the song Rangrez for Tanu Weds Manu.
MUKESH AMBANI RICHEST INDIAN; JEFF BEZOS TOPS GLOBAL RICH LIST
• The latest reports by Forbes reported that Mukesh Ambani's net worth has soared to $40.1 billion, making him the richest Indian for the 11th year in a row. • According to Forbes' 2018 'World's Billionaires' list, Ambani was ranked 19th globally, up from 33rd position in 2017. • Bezos, referred to as the "Centi-billionaire", topped the list with a net worth of $112 billion, becoming the only person to appear in the Forbes list with a 12-figure fortune. • This year's list consists of 2,043 of the richest people in the world. The combined net worth of this elite group is a whopping $9.1 trillion, up 18 percent since last year. Their average net worth is a record $4.1 billion. • Azim Premji is the second richest Indian and was ranked 58th on the overall list with a net worth of $18.8 billion, followed by Lakshmi Mittal (62nd position, net worth of $18.5 billion), Shiv Nadar (98th, $14.6 billion) and Dilip Shanghvi (115th, $12.8 billion).
BIPLAB KUMAR DEB SWORN-IN AS CHIEF MINISTER OF TRIPURA
• Tripura gets a new government with BJP's Biplab Kumar Deb being sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of the state.
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• BJP received a historic mandate in the polls held in February 2018, winning 35 out of 59 seats and its ally, Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), bagging 8 seats. • Manik Sarkar, who has ruled the state for 20 years, was also present at the swearing-in ceremony.
VETERAN NEIPHIU RIO SWORN-IN AS CHIEF MINISTER OF NAGALAND
• Senior NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio was appointed as the new chief minister of Nagaland by Governor P B Acharya and would be sworn in on March 8, 2018. • The NDPP-BJP alliance government is being formed under the banner of People's Democratic Alliance. • For the first time in Nagaland, the swearing-in ceremony is being held outside the Raj Bhavan.
NEIL BASU: FIRST PERSON OF ASIAN HERITAGE APPOINTED AS SCOTLAND YARD’S COUNTERTERRORISM CHIEF
• Senior Indian-origin Scotland Yard officer Neil Basu has been appointed as the counter-terrorism chief. • He will take charge as the force's National Lead for Counter Terrorism (CT) and the Head of the Met Police's Specialist Operations following the resignation of incumbent Mark Rowley on March 21, 2018. • Basu, currently the Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, will be promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations.
KRISHNA KUMARI KOHLI: PAKISTAN ELECTS FIRST HINDU WOMAN TO SENATE
• Krishna Kumari Kohli in Pakistan is first Dalit Hindu woman who has been selected as the Senator, member of upper house of Pakistan. • She won the election for the reserved seat for women from Sindh Province. Her election represents a major milestone for women and minority rights in Pakistan.
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CONRAD SANGMA TO BE SWORN-IN AS CHIEF MINISTER OF MEGHALAYA
• National People's Party (NPP) leader Conrad Sangma staked a claim to form Meghalaya's new government, after his party won 19 seats in an election that produced a hung assembly. • Sangma sworn in as chief minister of Meghalaya on 6 March 2018. There will be no deputy chief minister. • The NPP's triumph completes an NDA hat-trick in Meghalaya. The BJP won the Tripura assembly election handsomely, making Kerala the Left's final Indian bastion.
ARMEN SARKISIAN ELECTED NEXT ARMENIAN PRESIDENT
• Armenian lawmakers elected a largely figurehead president to succeed Serzh Sarkisian as he seeks to extend his grip on power under a new parliamentary system of government. • The ambassador to the United Kingdom, Armen Sarkisian – who is no relation to the current leader – garnered 90 votes in the 105-seat legislature, and will assume presidential duties after his predecessor steps down in April 2018. • The political shift comes after President Sarkisian in 2015 initiated controversial constitutional amendments to turn the impoverished Moscow-allied country into a parliamentary republic with a powerful Prime Minister.
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AWARDS
J.C. DANIEL AWARD FOR SREEKUMARAN THAMPI
• J C Daniel Award 2017 was given to Malayalam cinema’s most prolific scriptwriter Sreekumaran Thampi . • J C Daniel is Kerala’s highest film honour for lifetime achievement. • He has also won the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi award in 2015 for lifetime contribution to light music and drama songs.
LONDON BASED ORGANISATION SACF WINS FREDERICK PINCOTT AWARD FOR 2017
• South Asian Cinema Foundation (SACF), has received the Frederick Pincott Award for 2017. • The award was given by the Indian High Commissioner, for promoting Hindi cinema in Britain for the last 18 years. • The institution has been active in boosting original research and books on Indian films.
CANADIAN MATHEMATICIAN ROBERT P. LANGLANDS WINS ABEL PRIZE 2018
• Canadian mathematician Robert Langlands has been announced as the winner of Abel Prize 2018. • He has been awarded due to his visionary programme connecting representation theory to number theory," • The prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and is worth 6 million Norwegian krone (about £550,000).
INDIAN FILM 'HALKAA' BAGS AWARD AT MONTREAL FEST
• Indian filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda's "Halkaa", which had its world premiere at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Montreal Film (FIFEM), has bagged the Grand Prix de Montreal at the gala.
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• "Halkaa" was selected among seven international children's films from different countries in the official competition of the festival. • The movie features Ranvir Shorey and Paoli Dam in key roles. The film is a take on a slum child's heroism, aspirations, and dreams. The child protagonist, Pichku (Tathastu) fights to overcome the basic problems that he faces every day like defecating in the open, among others.
ICMR WINS 2017 KOCHON PRIZE FOR TB
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has won the International Kochon Prize 2017 in New Delhi for encouraging research and development (R&D) efforts towards tuberculosis treatment. • ICMR received the $65,000 award from the Kochon Foundation. The 2017 Kochon Prize is specifically about contributions to TB research. • The Prize sends a strong message that investing in research is critically important to end TB epidemic. The recognition comes at a crucial time when the Indian government is increasing its commitment to end TB.
UNION HOME MINISTER’S MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLICE INVESTIGATION INSTITUTED
• The Government has approved a proposal to institute the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation”. • The Award has been instituted to promote high professional standards of Investigation of Crime in the State/UT Police and Central Investigating Agencies in the country. • This award will be given to the officers from the rank of Sub-Inspector to Superintendent of Police. • The names of awardees will be declared on 15th August every year. A certificate signed by Union Home Minister along with a medal will be awarded to each winner and their names shall be published in the Gazette of India.
INDIA WON "BEST EXHIBITOR AWARD" AT ITB – BERLIN
• India has won the "Best Exhibitor Award" at ITB – Berlin. ‘ITB- Berlin World Tourist Meet’ was convened at Berlin, Germany from 7th March to 10th March, 2018. • Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism K. J. Alphons along with couple of Tourism Ministry officials, represented India. • More than 100 countries participated in the ITB- Berlin meet with their respective Tourism Ministers.
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• India's Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) presented a short film named "Yogi of the Racetrack" in the meet. The said short film has got 3.2 million hits in 60 hours.
BALKRISHNA DOSHI WINS PRITZKER PRIZE OF ARCHITECTURE
• Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi, has won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, the prize is considered architecture's Nobel equivalent. • He is the 45th Pritzker laureate and the first from India to win the so-called Noble Prize in Architecture. • The 90-year-old Doshi is one of the last living architects to have apprenticed with the Franco-Swiss trailblazer Le Corbusier. • He has distinguished his work by committing to sustainable architecture and inexpensive housing, bringing modernist design to an India still rooted in traditionalism.
Pritzker Architecture Prize
The Pritzker Architecture Prize is awarded annually "to honor a living architect or architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture."
Founded in 1979 by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife Cindy, the award is funded by the Pritzker family and sponsored by the Hyatt Foundation. The recipients receive US$100,000, a citation certificate, and since 1987, a bronze medallion.
HARRY ATHWAL SELECTED FOR 'PRIDE OF BIRMINGHAM'S OUTSTANDING BRAVERY AWARD'
• Indian-origin Birmingham man Harry Athwal was selected for this year’s ‘Pride of Birmingham’s Outstanding Bravery Award. • He was awarded for risking his life in order to help a fatally injured young boy in the 2017 Barcelona terror attack. • Athwal is among 11 winners who will be presented with their awards at a ceremony at the University of Birmingham on March 8, 2018.
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• Harry Athwal, a project manager from Great Barr area of north-west Birmingham, was in Spain on holiday with a group of friends and family, when a terrorist drove a van into pedestrians on Barcelonas famous Las Ramblas tourist spot, killing 13 people and injuring hundreds.
ROGER FEDERER WINS SPORTSMAN & COMEBACK OF THE YEAR AWARDS AT LAUREUS
• Twenty-time tennis grand slam champion Roger Federer has won the 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and Comeback of the Year awards. • With this, he became the most decorated winner in the history of Laureus World Sports Awards, with six statuettes. • The 36-year-old Swiss won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in 2017 after nearly five years without a major. • Laureus Awards in categories: o Sportswoman of the year: Serena Williams (American tennis player) o Sportsperson of the Year with disability: Marcel Hug (Swiss paralympian) o Team of the year: Mercedes (Formula One) o Laureus World Sports Lifetime Achievement: Edwin Moses (American athlete) o Breakthrough of the Year: Sergio Garcia (Spanish Golfer) o Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award: Francesco Totti (Italian footballer)
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DEFENCE & SECURITY
INDIAN ARMY RELEASES BOOK ON PARAMVEER CHAKRA AWARDEES: PARAMVEER PARWANE
• General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff released a book on Paramveer Chakra Awardees - ‘Paramveer Parwane’ on 20 March 2018. • The book illustrates the bravery of Paramveer Chakra Awardees from 1947 to 1965 and is written by Dr Prabhakiran Jain published by Medha Books.
INDIAN NAVY TO HOST BILATERAL EXERCISE 'VARUNA' WITH FRENCH NAVY
• VARUNA-18 would be conducted in three sea areas, namely, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean. • The first phase, being conducted in the Arabian Sea, will see the participation of a French submarine and frigate Jean de Vienne from the French side. • The Varuna Series provides an opportunity to both Navies to increase interoperability and learn from each other’s best practices.
Varuna Exercise
The Indian Navy and the French Navy have conducted bilateral maritime exercises since May 1993. Since 2001, the exercises have been named VARUNA and there have been fifteen editions of the same till date. The last edition of VARUNA was conducted off the French Coast in Apr 2017.
INDIA-UAE BILATERAL EXERCISE GULFSTAR 1 BEGINS
• The maiden UAE-India bilateral exercise named ‘Gulf Star 1’ is taking place off the coast of Abu Dhabi from 17 March 2018, to 22 March 2018 (Saturday to Thursday). • INS Gomati (Guided Missile Frigate) and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyer) are participating in the exercise. • The exercise is part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and will further strengthen defence cooperation between India and the UAE. • India and the UAE also have an agreement on defence cooperation renewed in 2014, which provides a general framework for strengthening bilateral defence ties.
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
IAF FOR FIRST TIME LANDED C17 GLOBEMASTER AT TUTING AIRFIELD IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH
• The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest transport aircraft – C-17 Globemaster -made a historic landing at Arunachal Pradesh’s Tuting Advanced Landing Ground. • The landing of the aircraft is seen as part of the IAF’s move to strengthen its overall operations in the strategically important border state.
C-17 Globemaster
The C-17 is US Manufactured transport aircraft which is generally used to perform strategic airlift missions. It is 174 feet long and has wingspan of about 170 feet.
RUSSIA SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES A HYPERSONIC MISSILE
• Russia successfully launched its new hypersonic Kinzhal missile, one of a range of nuclear-capable weapons. • The defence ministry said the missile was launched from a MiG-31 jet that took off from an airfield in south-west Russia. • It can fly 10 times the speed of sound and has a range of 2000 Km. The First air unit equipped with Kinzhal system was deployed in Russia’s Southern Military District.
‘EX SAMVEDNA’: MULTILATERAL AIR FORCE EXERCISE
• ‘Ex Samvedna’ is the first Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise of Indian Air Force in association with South Asian nations. It was held from March 12-17. • Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and UAE are participating in this joint exercise. • ‘Samvedna’ means ‘Empathy’ and will ensure better understanding and sharing of response procedures between a number of friendly neighbouring nations.
1ST MULTI-NATION NAVAL EXERCISE AT SEA CALLED MILES-18 BEGINS
• The Andaman Nicobar command is organising the biennial get-together of foreign navies, called 'Milan-2018' at Port Blair.
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• Altogether sixteen countries are participating in the biennial exercise which will conclude on March 13, 2018. For the first time, Oman is also participating in this exercise.
US, ISRAELI MILITARY LAUNCH JOINT MILITARY DRILL JUNIPER COBRA 2018
• The US and Israeli military have launched a month-long joint military drill that simulates a missile attack on Israel. It is the ninth Cobra exercise that has taken place. • The "Juniper Cobra 2018" is the largest dill of its kind. It was jointly held by the Israeli military and the US European Command (USEUCOM). • As part of the exercise, some 2,500 US troops routinely based in Europe were deployed in Israel as well as about 2,000 Israeli Aerial Defence troops, logistics units, medical forces and other Israel Defence Forces (IDF) units.
WINGS INDIA 2018’ EVENT GETS UNDERWAY
• The four-day biennial event ‘WINGS INDIA 2018 ‘, jointly organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Authority of India and FICCI got underway in Hyderabad. • The theme of the four-day biennial event this year is ‘INDIA-GLOBAL AVIATION HUB. • WINGS INDIA 2018 is a platform for interactions, forging alliances, investments and air connectivity between the States and the global aviation players & stakeholders.
INDIA-US JOINTLY TEST FIRED M777 ULTRA- LIGHT HOWITZERS AT POKHRAN
• A group of officials from India and the United States (US) have test fired M777 Ultra-light howitzers (ULH) at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. • In May 2017, the Army took delivery of 2 M777 ULH manufactured by the BAE Systems of USA under a contract signed in 2016. • The M777 howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece. It weighs 4100 kg and can be easily transported by helicopters.
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INDIAN NAVY CONCLUDES WAR GAME 'ENCORE'
• The Indian Navy concluded a gruelling two-month long War Game on February 28, 2018. The extensive War Games saw the participation of all the operational ships, submarines and aircraft of the Navy along with men and equipment of the Army. • The War Game on the Eastern seaboard was codenamed ENCORE (Eastern Naval Command Operational Readiness Exercise) and on the Western seaboard the codename was Exercise Paschim Lehar. • The War Games were the first of the kind to be conducted on both seaboards indicative of the Navy’s threat perceptions of a two-front war. • The War Games saw the Operational Commanders of the Navy and other services being put through crisis situations from benign Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief to full-fledged conflict situations.
ICG C-162, THE INTERCEPTOR BOAT, DELIVERED TO COAST GUARD
• Bharati Defence and Infrastructure Ltd (BDIL) delivered an interceptor boat – C-162 – to Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at BDIL jetty in Mangaluru. • ICG C -162: It is the fifth interceptor boat delivered by BDIL’s Mangaluru. The vessel will be based at Kochi and Deputy Commandant Pawan Koyar will be the commanding officer of ICG C-162. • The vessel can accommodate 11 crew members and will be used for patrolling purposes. Launched on January 31, the vessel successfully completed the harbour and sea trials in 28 days.
ANTI-TANK MISSILE NAG SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED
• India successfully test-fired third generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) Nag in desert conditions on February 28, 2018. • The Nag ATGM has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a fire-and-forget ATGM with an estimated range of 4 kilometers. • The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) version of the missile is a 'lock-on before launch' system, where the target is identified and designated before the missile is launched.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
1. Which country is developing b) Pakistan BeiDou Navigation Satellite System c) India similar to American Global d) Bangladesh Positioning System? 6. 9th Indo-Japan strategic dialogue a) China was held in which city? b) Russia a) Tokyo c) Japan b) Mumbai d) European Union c) Kyoto 2. Which among the following has d) Delhi been ranked as most backward 7. What percentage of government district of India under the study stake in Air India will be divested? conducted by NITI Aayog? a) 26% a) Vizianagaram b) 60% b) Mewat c) 76% c) Araria d) 100% d) Chamaparan 8. What is the disinvestment target 3. Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric set by the government for the year Project is being built over Tons 2017-18? river in Uttrakhand. Tons river is a a) Rs. 1 Trillion tributary of which river? b) Rs. 5 trillion a) Yamuna b) Ganga c) Rs.12 billion c) Mahanadi d) Rs. 100 Million d) Chenab 9. Which edible oil among the 4. NASA is planning to send a following has not been included in stationery lander on the Mars to the list of restriction free export? study the deep interiors of Mars. a) Mustard What is the name of the stationery lander? b) Sunflower a) InSight c) Peas b) Juno d) Coconut c) Scorpion 10. To address which form pollution, d) Sticker India has signed an MoU with 5. According to a study, antibiotics South Asian Cooperative usage has surged in Low and Environment Programme Middle Income countries. Which country has witnessed the highest (SACEP)? usage of antibiotics in the period a) Air Pollution 2000-15? b) Plastic Waste a) China c) Oil and Chemical Pollution
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d) E-waste b) Malaysia 11. The Angalwaltha movement, c) Morocco recently mentioned in the news, d) Armenia most closely resembles the: 16. In which country the world’s a) African American Civil Rights biggest cruise-liner, Symphony of Movement the Seas has begun its sail? b) Kisan Morcha in Maharashtra a) France c) Chipko Movement b) Germany d) LGBT Rights Movement c) Denmark 12. Which state has recently proposed d) The Netherlands a bill similar to Maharashtra 17. Which team has won the 8th Men's Control of Organised Crime Act National Hockey Championships? (MCOCA) to curb the organised a) Railway Sports Promotion crime? Board a) Karnataka b) Punjab b) Bihar c) Odhisa c) Uttar Pradesh d) Petroleum Sports Promotion d) Rajasthan Board 13. Which goods will be delivered 18. Which of the following initiatives under the Cool EMS Service started were launched by Union Health between Japanese Post and Indian Ministry on World TB Day on Post? March 24, 2018? a) Japanese Food I. TB India Report 2018 b) Indian Food II. National Drug Resistance c) Japanese Cars Survey Report d) Indian Silk III. Nikshay Aushadi Portal 14. Name the Kansas girl who was at IV. Shorter regimen for Drug the center of the landmark U.S. Resistant TB Supreme Court ruling that struck a) I, II and III down racial segregation in schools, b) II, III and IV has died aged 75. c) I, III and IV a) Linda Brown d) All of the above b) Oliver Brown 19. World’s longest cave was recently c) Kristen discovered in which country? d) None of the above a) Venezuela 15. Which country has proposed 10 b) Brazil years' jail for 'fake news? c) Mexico a) France d) India
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20. Who has won the prestigious Abel 25. Which among the following ships, Prize 2018 given in mathematics? has been decommissioned recently a) Manzul Bhargava after over three decades of b) Robert Langlands service? c) Alexander Grothendieck a) INS Viraat d) John Horton Conway b) INS Ganga 21. Which country has launched c) INS Kolkata world’s first brass futures d) INS Satpura contracts? 26. The government has decided to a) China declare 2018 as National ______b) India Choose the correct option c) United States of America (USA) a) Year of fruits d) United Kingdom (UK) b) Year of Millets 22. Which country has abolished its c) Year of Pulses popular employer-sponsored 457 d) Year of Fiber visa programme, widely used by 27. Which state govt. has launched Indians? NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on a) Australia Wheels? b) China a) Punjab c) USA b) Goa d) France c) Madhya Pradesh 23. Which of the following official d) Andhra Pradesh partners of 2018 FIFA World Cup 28. Which seaport has been notified as has announced the opening of an authorized Immigration Check Football for Friendship (F4F) Post? International Children's Social a) Krishnapatnam Port Project? b) Mundra Port a) KIA Motors c) Haldia Port b) Gazprom d) Navi Mumbai Port c) VISA 29. By what percent Rashtriya d) Adidas Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan 24. What is the theme of World (RUSA) seeks to increase the Gross Meteorological Day 2018? Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the a) Understand clouds country by 2020? b) Hotter, Drier, wetter, Face the a) 15% future b) 23% c) Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart c) 42% d) None of the above d) 30%
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30. Which among the following has IV. South Western Indian become the World’s First Trusted Ocean Digital Repository? a) I,II and III a) Indira Gandhi National Centre b) II, III and IV for the Arts c) I, II and IV b) National Cultural Audiovisual d) All of the above Archives 35. To which country India handed c) The National Film and Sound over last diesel railway locomotive Archive of Australia engine? d) None of the above a) Myanmar 31. Name the book released by Indian b) Thailand army on Paramveer Chakra c) Vietnam Awardees. d) Cambodia a) Paramveer k kisse 36. Which of the following cricket b) Paramveer Parindey team has lifted their maiden Irani c) Paramveer Parwane Trophy, on the final day of the d) None of the above match in Nagpur? 32. In which city 106th Indian Science a) Vidarbha Congress will be held from 3rd to b) Saurashtra 7th January, 2019? c) Punjab a) Bhopal d) Delhi b) Pune 37. Who among the following has won c) Chandigarh the Women’s Singles (Under-19) d) Amritsar title at the Israel Junior 2018 held 33. In which state Nitin Gadkari in Rishon LeZion, Israel? inaugurated the Inland Ferry a) Prashi Joshi Services? b) Mansi Singh a) Maharashtra c) Dipti Kuity b) Assam d) Purva Barve c) Punjab 38. What is the name of the new 3D- d) Goa printed stethoscopes developed by 34. In which of the following Sea Scientist to save lives during areas, bilateral maritime exercises wartime when medical supplies Varuna-18 would be conducted are scarce? I. Pacific ocean a) Glia Model II. Bay of Bengal b) Glowi Model III. Arabian Sea c) Neuron Model d) None of the above
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39. Which Indian Ocean country’s IV. Solomon Islands president resigned on March 17, V. Lebanon 2018 over a financial scandal? a) I, II and III a) Mauritius b) II, III, IV and V b) Maldives c) I, II, III and IV c) Madagascar d) All of the above d) Papua New Guinea 44. In which state did India’s first 40. FIFA recently lifted previously cloned Assamese buffalo male calf imposed ban on hosting ‘Sach-Gaurav’ took birth? international football matches a) Assam from which Gulf country? b) Maharashtra a) Oman c) Haryana b) Bahrain d) Punjab c) Kuwait 45. Which country has developed an d) Iraq artificial heart using rocket 41. Who has been appointed as the technology? new president of Indian Institute a) Japan of Science (IISc), Bengaluru? b) China a) Ratan Tata c) Russia b) N Chandrasekran d) The US c) K Kasturirangan 46. What is the rank of India on the d) Nandan Nilekani WEF Energy Transition Index? 42. According to NASA, which asteroid a) 78 will probably touch the Earth in b) 80 the year 2135? c) 52 a) Asteroid Bennu d) 61 b) Asteroid Hammer 47. In which state PM has Laid c) Asteroid 2018 AJ Foundation Stone of the National d) Asteroid Eugene Shoemaker Sports University? 43. Which among the following a) Assam nations are set to move up from b) Gujarat the ranks of poorest nations due to c) Maharashtra their increasing national earning d) Manipur power as well as access to better 48. What is the theme of the 105th health care and education. Indian Science Congress? I. Bhutan a) Reaching the Unreached II. Kiribati through Science and III. Sao Tome and Principe Technology
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b) Science & Technology for c) National Health Research National Development Institutes c) Energy strategies for India d) The Indian Council of Medical d) Science and technology in India Research during the coming decades
49. After Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which state has passed the bill proposing death penalty in
rape of girls below 12 years? a) Maharashtra b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Punjab d) Haryana 50. Which among the following Indian movies has bagged award at Montreal fest? a) Halkaa b) Masaan
c) Lunchbox d) Udta Punjab 51. Which of the following
organization has won the International Kochon Prize 2017? a) National Science Foundation b) Pharmaceutical Product Development
EXPLANATIONS
1. (a) Explanation: The NITI Aayog on March 28, 2018 released a baseline Explanation: China on March 30, ranking for the 101 most backward 2018 launched two satellites with a districts of India that have signed up single rocket to strengthen its BeiDou for the ‘Transformation of Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Aspirational Districts’ programme. which will serve countries along the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative 3. (a) (BRI) by the end of 2018. Explanation: 60 MW Naitwar Mori 2. (b) Hydro Electric Project (NMHEP) was
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inaugurated at Uttarkashi in stake in Air India Sats Airport Uttrakhand by Power and New & Services. Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh. NMHEP is located on the Tons River, 8. (a) which is a tributary of Yamuna River. Explanation: The Department of 4. (a) Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has raised Explanation: NASA is planning to 1,00,056 crore rupees through send the first-ever mission dedicated disinvestment of Public Sector to exploring the deep interiors of Mars Undertakings (PSUs) in the current on May 5, 2018. NASA will send fiscal 2017-18. InSight which is a stationery lander. InSight stands for Interior Exploration 9. (a) using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy Explanation: Indian government has and Heat Transport. lifted the restrictions on export of 5. (c) edible oils except mustard oil. Mustard oil will continue to be Explanation: According to a study exported only in consumer packs upto conducted by Proceedings of the 5 Kgs and with a minimum export National Academy of Sciences (PNAS); price of US $ 900 per tonne. India saw the highest increase of 103 percent in antibiotic consumption 10. (c) followed by China and Pakistan. Explanation: The MoU with South 6. (a) Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) is for Explanation: The Dialogue was co- cooperation on the response to oil and chaired by External Affairs Minister of chemical pollution in the South Asian India Sushma Swaraj and Japanese region. It aims to foster closer ties Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Both with South Asian countries; countries agreed to step up Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri cooperation in their “Special Strategic Lanka to protect the marine and Global Partnership” and environment. exchanged yen loan agreements for $1.4 billion. 11. (c)
7. (c) Explanation: The original Chipko movement dates back to the 18th Explanation: The Centre will retain century, when a group of 363 people 24 percent stake in Air India and its from 84 different villages, led by subsidiary Air India Express. It also Amrita Devi, laid down their lives to proposes divesting 50 per cent of its protect a group of khejri trees that
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were to be cut down at the order of landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling the maharaja, or king, of Jodhpur. that struck down racial segregation in After this event, the maharaja decreed schools, has died aged 75. that the trees were to be left standing. The original movement was called 15. (b) “angalwaltha”, the Garhwali word for Explanation: The Malaysian “embrace,” as the protesters protected government on Monday proposed a the trees by surrounding them and "fake news" law which would carry a linking hands, physically preventing maximum 10-year jail term, including the loggers from touching the plants. for articles published abroad, sparking The movement was later named for fears of a crackdown on dissent as the Hindi word “chipko,” which means elections loom. “to stick.” 16. (a) 12. (c) Explanation: The world’s biggest The Uttar Pradesh Explanation: cruise-liner, Symphony of the Seas, Assembly on March 28, 2018 passed has left the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire the UPCOCA Bill, 2018. The proposed in France to embark on its maiden legislation on the lines of Maharashtra voyage in the Mediterranean. Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) seeks to curb organsied 17. (b) crime and deal strictly with those trying to foment terror or dislodge the Explanation: Punjab was crowned government forcibly or through champions of the 8th Hockey India violent means. Senior Men National Championship 2018 (A Division), after they beat 13. (a) Petroleum Sports Promotion Board in the final match, at the Padma Shri The service named as Explanation: Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey “cool box service” will ferry food from Stadium. Japan to India. The “Cool EMS” service is a Commercial arrangement between 18. (d) the Japan Post and India Post through which fresh food can be sent from Explanation: At the function in New Japan to India in cool boxes to Delhi, the Health Secretary Smt. Preeti facilitate for the Japanese expatriates Sudan, released the TB INDIA 2018 in India. Report and National Drug Resistance Survey Report. 'NikshayAushadi 14. (a) Portal' and shorter regimen for Drug Resistant TB were also launched. She Linda Brown, who as a Explanation: further stated that the global target to Kansas girl was at the center of the
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end TB is 2030 but India will end it by visa programme, widely used by 2025. Indians, replacing it with new stringent programme that requires 19. (d) higher English-language proficiency and job skills. The 457 visa Explanation: The world’s longest programme was replaced on March 18 sandstone cave at 24,583 metres in by a new Temporary Skills Shortage length has been discovered in visa programme. Meghalaya. Called Krem Puri, the cave was discovered in 2016, but its actual 23. (b) length was found during an expedition by the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Explanation: Aiming to promote Association (MAA) to measure and peace, equality and respect for all, one map it between February 5 and March of official partners of 2018 FIFA World 1, 2018. Cup, Gazprom has announced the opening of Football for Friendship 20. (b) (F4F) International Children's Social Project, which involves Dutch legend Explanation: Canadian Marco van Basten, among others. mathematician Robert Langlands has been announced as the winner of Abel 24. (c) Prize 2018. The prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science Explanation: World Meteorological and Letters and is worth 6 million Day is celebrated every year on 23 Norwegian kroner (about £550,000). March to commemorate the entry into force in 1950 of the convention that 21. (b) created the World Meteorological Organization. This year, the theme of Explanation: Multi Commodity the daylong observance is "Weather- Exchange of India on March 25 Ready, Climate-Smart”. launched futures trading in brass for the first time globally, which will 25. (b) facilitate brass stakeholders to hedge their price risk. The country’s largest Explanation: INS Ganga, an commodity exchange will commence indigenously built frigate of the Indian futures trading in brass on March 26 Navy, was decommissioned, after over and will offer three contracts ending three decades of service. in April, May and June for trading, Commissioned on December 30, 1985, with a lot size of one tonne. the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship 22. (a) building capability.
Explanation: Australia has abolished 26. (b) its popular employer-sponsored 457
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Explanation: The government has by providing adequate opportunities decided to declare 2018 as National of higher education deprived Year of Millets to boost the cultivation communities; promote inclusion of of millets like ragi and jowar on a women, minorities, SC/ST/OBCs and mission mode to achieve nutritional differently abled persons. security. Millet cultivation has declined due to change in dietary 30. (b) habits and unavailability of millets. As Explanation: National Cultural a result of this, level of nutrients like Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) project proteins, Vitamin-A, iron and iodine of the Ministry of Culture, Government fell in women and children. of India, implemented by Indira 27. (d) Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has been certified as the Explanation: The Andhra Pradesh world’s first Trusted Digital Government launched, NAIPUNYA Repository as per ISO 16363:2012 RATHAM or World on Wheels, a multi- standard. utility vehicle which aims to bring technology to the remote corners. It 31. (c) was launched at the Secretariat in Explanation: General Bipin Rawat, Amaravathi. Government will roll out Chief of the Army Staff released a book 12 more Naipunya Rathams by May on Paramveer Chakra Awardees - 2018. ‘Paramveer Parwane’ on 20 March 28. (a) 2018. The book illustrates the bravery of Paramveer Chakra Awardees from Explanation: The Government of 1947 to 1965 and is written by Dr India has notified Krishnapatnam Prabhakiran Jain published by Medha Seaport in Andhra Pradesh as an Books. authorized Immigration Check Post with effect from 08 February, 2018 for 32. (a) entry into/ exit from India with valid Explanation: The 106th edition of the travel documents for all classes of Indian Science Congress will be held passengers. next year from 3rd to 7th January at 29. (d) the Barkatullah University in Bhopal. The theme of the meet will be ‘Future Explanation: RUSA seeks to increase India: Science & Technology. the Gross Enrolment Ratio of the country to 30% by 2020. It also seeks 33. (d) to increase the spending on higher Explanation: Union Minister of Road education by the State Governments. Transport and Highways, Nitin To improve equity in higher education Gadkari inaugurated the Inland ferry
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services in the port city of Vasco in won the long drawn battle against Goa. India has about seven thousand third seeded and top-ranked Russian five hundred kilometres of seashore Anastasiia Pustinskaia in three sets which can help the development of the 21-19, 19-21, 21-13. country while giving tourism the much-required boost. Goa owes its 38. (a) emergence as a tourism state due to Explanation: Known as the Glia its coastal belt. Model- The stethoscope consists of 34. (b) just a few parts printed out of ABS plastic, along with inexpensive rubber Explanation: VARUNA-18 would be tubing that is widely used in Coca Cola conducted in three sea areas, namely, machines. the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean. The first 39. (a) phase, being conducted in the Arabian Explanation: Mauritius President Sea, will see the participation of a Ameenah Gurib-Fakim announced her French submarine and frigate Jean de resignation on March 17 amid an Vienne from the French side. ongoing financial scandal. She is 35. (a) accused of purchasing personal luxury items with a credit card from a Explanation: Under the New Delhi's nongovernmental organization. Neighbourhood First policy, India handed over the 18th diesel electric 40. (d) locomotive to Myanmar, thereby Explanation: FIFA has lifted its three- completing the first project under the decade ban on Iraq hosting current Indian line of credit (LoC) to international football. FIFA has the eastern neighbour. allowed international matches to be 36. (a) staged in three cities; Arbil, Basra and Karbala. Iraq has not played full Explanation: Ranji Trophy internationals on home turf since its champions Vidarbha lifted their 1990 invasion of Kuwait. maiden Irani Trophy by defeating Rest of India team. 41. (b)
37. (d) Explanation: Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekran has been elected as Explanation: India's Purva Barve has 8th President of the court of Indian won the Women’s Singles (Under-19) Institute of Science (IISc) for 2018-21. title at the Israel Junior 2018 held in The court is the apex body of the Rishon LeZion, Israel. Seeded No. 4 in autonomous and deemed university, the event, the defending champion comprising its senior academics,
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officials of the central and Karnataka was developed jointly by the China governments, industry and civil Academy of Launch Vehicle society. Technology (CALT) and the Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital 42. (a) in North China's Tianjin.
Explanation: An enormous asteroid 46. (a) could crash into earth by 2135 and NASA’s spacecraft Hammer may not Explanation: India has been ranked be able to deflect it, according to the at 78th, lower than its emerging NASA scientists. Asteroid Bennu is as market peers like Brazil and China, wide as 5 football fields weighing among 114 countries on the World approximately 79 billion Kg. Economic Forum’s (WEF) energy transition index that was topped by 43. (c) Sweden.
Explanation: Bhutan, Kiribati, Sao 47. (d) Tome and Principe and Solomon Islands are set to move up from the Explanation: At the Luwangpokpa, in ranks of least developed country Manipur Multi Sports Complex in (LDC) category due to their increasing Luwangsangbam, the Prime Minister national earning power as well as will lay the foundation stone of the access to better health care and National Sports University, 1000 education. Anganwadi Centres, 19 residential complexes for teachers, doctors and 44. (c) nurses, and other development projects. Explanation: A cloned Assamese buffalo male calf has been born for the 48. (a) first time, the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) claimed Explanation: Prime Minister in Hisar. The calf was born to a Narendra Modi inaugurated the 105th Murrah buffalo. It was also the first to Indian Science Congress in Manipur. be born in the field, 100 kms from the The focal theme for 2018 Science cloning laboratory at Hi Tech Sach Congress is "Reaching the Unreached Dairy Farm in Hisar. through Science and Technology". This year the focus will be on 45. (b) translational science for promoting affordable sustainable innovation. Explanation: Chinese scientists have developed an artificial heart using 49. (d) rocket technology and it is currently undergoing testing after thorough Explanation: After Rajasthan and experiments on animals. The heart Madhya Pradesh, the Haryana
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Assembly passed a bill seeking to give its world premiere at the 21st Festival capital punishment to those found International du Film Pour Enfants de guilty of raping girls aged 12 years or Montreal Film (FIFEM), has bagged below. The bill amends provisions the Grand Prix de Montreal at the gala. under Section 376 (rape), Section 354 (assault or criminal force against 51. (d) woman with intent to outrage her Explanation: The 2017 Kochon Prize modesty), and Section 354D (2) was awarded to the Indian Council of (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code. Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi 50. (a) for building a tradition of excellence in TB research and development. Explanation: Indian filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda's "Halkaa", which had
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ONE LINERS EXPRESS
NATIONAL
• The foundation stone of 60 MW • This private consultancy and Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric analytics firm has been Project (NMHEP) was laid in appointed advisor for the this state – Uttarkashi divestment of Air India – Ernst • This district of Haryana is the & Young (E&Y) lowest-ranked district in the • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 101 most backward districts will release Rs 350 coin to under NITI Aayog’s mark birth anniversary of the ‘Transformation of 10th Sikh Guru – Guru Gobind Aspirational Districts’ Singh programme – Mewat • This state’s high court has • This district of Andhra Pradesh directed to set up Fast Track is the best-ranked district in Courts in the state to try cases the 101 most backward related to women and child – districts under ‘Transformation Assam of Aspirational Districts’ • According to National Annual programme – Vizianagaram Rural Sanitation Survey • The Payment of Gratuity (NARSS), the percent of people (Amendment) Act, 2018 came having access to toilets are – into force on – March 29, 2018 93% • This research centre is leading • Union Cabinet approved the process to make Indian schemes worth Rs 4500 crore Brain Template – National for development projects in Brain Research Centre this region – North-East (NBRC), Manesar region • This much amount was • This agency will be the mopped up by the Centre Competent National Authority through disinvestment of for implementation of Public Sector Undertakings "Regional Oil Spill Contingency (PSUs) in the FY 2017-18 – Rs Plan" under the MoU signed 100,056 crore between India and South Asian • This agricultural university Cooperative Environment saw the opening of India’s first Programme (SACEP) – Indian insect museum – Tamil Nadu Coast Guard Agricultural University • This fertilizer related scheme • This much stake will be will be continued beyond 12th divested by the Centre in Air Plan, that is, till March 2020 – India – 76%
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Nutrient Based Subsidy • This organization has won the Scheme bid for constructing 75MW • Union Cabinet approved the Solar Photovoltaic plant in export of all edible oils except – Gujarat – BHEL Mustard Oil • India has signed Host Country • This agency will be the nodal Agreement with this agency for implementing the international alliance – new Integrated Scheme for International Solar Alliance School Education – • The government organised a Department of School national conference on Down Education & Literacy syndrome in –New Delhi • The first Mega Food Park of • Election Commission Rajasthan was inaugurated in announced elections date for this village of Ajmer district – this State Assembly elections to Roopangarh be held on May 12 – • Department of Post has Karnataka launched Cool EMS Service for • This city is organizing First- the import of food from this ever International Print country – Japan Biennale – New Delhi • India agreed on a roadmap to • The 11th India and China Joint address the concern of trade Economic Group meeting was imbalance with this country – held in this city – New Delhi China • The World’s longest sandstone • Initially, the Cool EMS Service has been discovered in this of Department of Post will be state – Meghalaya available in this city only – • This State has launched Delhi Mission Sambhav to construct • The name of the M-commerce 1 lakh toilets across state app launched by the Union under Swachh Bharat Mission – Tribal Affairs Minister – Tribes Assam India • This Indian state saw the • This state has passed a bill to beginning of famous four-day rein in organized crimes in the Madhavpur Mela – Gujarat state – Uttar Pradesh • The name of the online • The task force on artificial monitoring tool launched by intelligence has recommended the Union Health Ministry with setting up this organization as an aim to make India a TB-free nodal agency – National nation by 2025 – NIKSHAY Artificial Intelligence Mission • Khadi Soot Mala is entry ticket (N-AIM) to this Museum – National • First district to have 100% Charkha Museum solar powered health centres is • This language has been made – Surat compulsory in all schools up to
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Class X by Telangana • It has become the World’s First government – Telugu Trusted Digital Repository - • The name of the World’s National Cultural Audio longest sandstone cave Visual Archives discovered Meghalaya - Krem • The book released by Indian Puri army on Paramveer Chakra • This bourse launched world’s Awardees – Paramveer first brass futures contracts – Parwane Multi Commodity Exchange • The 106th edition of the Indian (MCX) Science Congress will be held • State govt. will collaborate with next year from 3rd to 7th Regional Integrated Multi January in – Bhopal Hazard Early Warning System • The Sand Mining Framework for Disaster Management – was launched by Union Odisha Minister of Mines Narendra • The first Indian state to Singh Tomar at the third conduct a household survey to National Conclave on Mines & estimate the multidimensional Minerals in - New Delhi poverty Index at state and • Nitin Gadkari inaugurated District level – Andhra Inland Ferry Services in - Goa Pradesh • The ship has been • The Indian Short Film has won decommissioned recently after the best Film Award at Best of over three decades of service – India Short Film Festival in Los INS Ganga Angeles – Shunyata • The government has decided to • Informal World Trade declare 2018 as - National Organisation Ministerial Year of Millet Meeting has begun in – New • India successfully test fired the Delhi Brahmos supersonic cruise • The online marketplace missile at Pokhran test range in hospitality service provider has – Rajasthan signed 4 MoUs under DoNeR to • The state govt. has launched boost north east tourism – NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World Airbnb on Wheels – Andhra Pradesh • President Ram Nath Kovind • The Seaport has been notified released Rs 1,000 and Rs 10 as an authorized Immigration commemorative coins on the Check Post- Krishnapatnam occasion of - Nabakalebar Port festival • The pavilion has been adjudged • Centre has approved setting up as most informative at 105th of a Plastic Park at a cost of Rs Indian Science Congress - 120 crore in – Deoghar DRDO Pavilion District, Jharkhand • 5th India Maize Summit 2018 was held in – New Delhi
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• Union Minister for Social • India has signed 4 MoUs in the Justice and Empowerment has fields of education, health, launched the first Indian sign culture and civil services with – language dictionary which • Mauritius comprises of 3000 words in - • The Prime Minister Narendra New Delhi Modi inaugurated the Delhi • ISRO has tied up for the End TB Summit at - New Delhi Production of Space Grade • India’s first coastal policing Lithium-Ion Cells with – BHEL academy is set up in - Gujarat • Ministry of External Affairs has • Chhattisgarh: CM inspects launched a new initiative - development programs under - Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Lok Suraj Abhiyan Dwaar • These two states out of 14 • The party’s govt. has presented want the Death Penalty to be Rs 53,000 cr budget for 2018- abolished – Karnataka and 19 – AAP Tripura • New App released by National • CCRAS has Developed a AYUSH Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Drug QOL-2C for – Cancer for Complaint Registration, Patients Status Check, View FIR Detail - • NTPC Ltd commissioned the Citizen Services third 800 Megawatt (Mw) unit • The First-ever Indo-French of the Kudgi super thermal Knowledge Summit was held in power plant at - Bijapur in – New Delhi Karnataka • Prime Minister Narendra Modi • PM launched a campaign to and French President eradicate TB by – 2025 Emmanuel Macron inaugurated • The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Uttar Pradesh's biggest solar largest transport aircraft – C- power plant in – Mirzapur 17 Globemaster made a • This state has become the best historic landing in – Arunachal performing State both in terms Pradesh of allotting jobs and utilising • The government has funds under the Mahatma constituted a committee to Gandhi National Rural investigate into illegal Employment Guarantee Act cultivation of HT cotton in 4 (MGNREGA) – West Bengalr states, Andhra Pradesh, • PM Narendra Modi will Telangana, Gujarat and – inaugurate Mary Kom’s Maharashtra academy in – Imphal • TTV Dhinakaran has launched • The Prime Minister, Narendra a party - Amma Makkal Modi, flagged off a train Munnetra Kazhagam between Varanasi and - Patna • As per the Annual Survey of India's City-Systems (ASICS), this city has topped in
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improved quality governance – several demands - The Central Pune University of Orissa • Prime Minister Narendra Modi • NITI Aayog released inaugurated the 105th Indian comprehensive roadmaps and Science Congress in – Manipur detailed timelines for its • The theme of the 105th Indian initiative ‘Sustainable Action Science Congress is - Reaching for Transforming Human the Unreached through Capital in Education (SATH-E)’ Science and Technology project in - New Delhi • The three Annual Krishi Unnati • The state has passed the 'AP Mela has begun in – New Delhi Panchayati Raj (Amendment) • After Rajasthan and Madhya Bill 2018' – Arunachal Pradesh, this state has passed Pradesh the bill proposing death • India is to host International penalty in rape of girls below Competition Network Annual 12 years – Haryana Conference for the first time in • Indian movies has bagged – New Delhi award at Montreal fest – • PM Laid Foundation Stone of Halkaa the National Sports University • The party withdrew support in Luwangsangbam in - from the NDA government over Manipur the Centre’s refusal to grant • President inaugurated Festival special category status to of Innovation and Andhra Pradesh - Telugu Entrepreneurship at - Desam Party Rashtrapati Bhavan • This university at Koraput was • The Two day Global Digital closed sine die following Summit from March 22 will students’ unrest over their held at - Kochi
BANKING
• This Payments Bank will securities sale norms – ICICI deploy mPoS devices across Bank 10,000 banking points – Fino • In 2017, it is the third largest Payments Bank bank in India in terms of assets • Rivigo, a homegrown logistics and fourth in term of market start-up, has tied up with IDFC capitalization – ICICI Bank and this private sector bank for • India signed a US $80 million truck loans – YES Bank loan agreement with this • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) multilateral financial imposed a fine of Rs 58.9 crore institution for youth on this bank for violation of employability in Himachal
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Pradesh – Asian Development home loan – State bank of Bank (ADB) India • The headquarters of Asian • The Department of Development Bank (ADB) is Telecommunications has situated at – Manila, directed telecom operators and Philippines their associations not to accept • This bank has extended US any bank guarantee from this $500 million loan facility to 15- bank - Axis Bank Nation Group in Africa – Exim • Cheque books of the SBI Bank associate banks are valid till – • This international bank will 31 March 2018 replace CEO John Cryan amid • The bank has partnered with boardroom row – Deutsche Fisdom to enable investments Bank in National Pension System • This public sector bank will (NPS) in a completely digital soon set up blockchain-based and paperless manner – Laxmi exchange for bad debts – State Vilas Bank Bank of India (SBI) • Online Food ordering and • Union Government has delivery platform Swiggy has approved guarantee of Rs 5000 partnered with the country's crore for - IRFC Bonds largest private sector lender - • This Bank has extended $500 ICICI Bank million loan facility for 15 • The bank has got Nod for All African nations – Exim Bank Bank Finance Ltd. ABFL Merger • This private sector bank has – Allahabad Bank tied up with Government E- • To launch instant credit Marketplace (GeM) – HDFC disbursal product soon – Bank Mobikwik • He is the Managing Director of • The international financial HDFC Bank – Aditya Puri institutions inked with ISA to • China appointed US-trained promote solar energy economist head of central bank deployment in Asia & Pacific – - Zhou Xiaochuan Asian Development Bank • The State government has • MCLR was introduced by RBI in inked a pact with Federal Bank the Indian financial system by to receive payments to the Reserve Bank of India in government departments the year - 2016 through Federal Bank’s • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy payment gateway – Kerala Board of India (IBBI) signed a Govt. memorandum of • The bank has signed MoU with understanding (MoU) to ensure India Mortgage Guarantee better implementation of the Corporation (IMGC) to offer Insolvency and Bankruptcy mortgage guarantee backed
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Code with – Reserve Bank of with effect from April 1, 2018 – India State Bank of India • The bank has launched online • The Bank has opened its first overdraft facility for MSME all-woman branch at Bull customers – ICICI Bank Temple Road in - Bengaluru • The two bank guarantee • The bank soon will be able to instruments has been process payments over the discontinued by the Reserve popular chatting application bank of India -Letter of WhatsApp - Axis Bank Undertaking and Letter of • India has signed a $120 million Comfort loan agreement for completion • The Bank has Reduced Charges of works for double-tracking On Non-Maintenance Of and electrification of railways Minimum Balance – State tracks with – Asian Bank of India Development Bank • The Bank will reduces charges • The bank has announced its for non-maintenance of the new representative office in average monthly balance Sharjah – Axis Bank (AMB) by up to 75 per cent INTERNATIONAL
• India and Pakistan are dedicated to exploring the deep increasingly resorting to this interiors of Mars – InSight code of 1992 to put a lid on • China on March 30, 2018 envoys’ harassment – Code of launched two satellites with a Conduct (CoC) single rocket to strengthen its – • This private space agency BeiDou Navigation Satellite launched 10 satellites into System (BDS) earth's orbit on a reusable • He has been re-elected Falcon 9 rocket – SpaceX President of Egypt for second • This country has witnessed term - Abdel Fattah al-Sisi maximum rise in antibiotics • 9th India-Japan Strategic usage among Low and Middle Dialogue was held in this city – Income Countries (LMICs) Tokyo between 2000 and 2015 – • The name of the satellite to be India launched by NASA in hunt for • This country has witnessed new planet – Transiting maximum rise in antibiotics Exoplanet Survey Satellite usage among High Income (TESS) Countries (HIC) – United • Scientists of this University States (US) have identified a new human • NASA will send a stationery 'organ' consisting of a network lander in the first ever mission
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of fluid-filled compartments – after a 17-hour, five-minute New York University journey landed in - London • Union Cabinet approved the • The theme of the World TB Day signing of MoU on cooperation 2018 is – Wanted: Leaders for in Intellectual Property Rights a TB Free World (IPRs) with this country – • The country Paid Tribute to J Canada Dalmiya With Book 'A Tribute • Union Cabinet approved the to Jagu' – Sri Lanka signing of MoU for cooperation • The First US State to Use in organized crime with these Nitrogen Gas for Executions – countries – Ireland and UK Oklahoma • Scientists using Kepler 2 • the new 3D-printed telescope have discovered hot, stethoscopes developed by metallic, Earth-sized planet Scientist, which will help to named – K2-229b save lives during wartime • Primary schools of this nation when medical supplies are have deployed robots to teach scarce – Glia Model languages – Finland • India handed over the 18th • The country has proposed 10 diesel electric locomotive to – years' jail for 'fake news – Myanmar Malaysia • India has sign an agreement on • The Country has become 3rd sharing earth observation data- Largest Electricity Producer in European Commission the World – India • The country has announced • Country has become 4th that women need not dress in Largest Auto Market in the black – Saudi Arabia World – India • India has signed a double • The diplomats of this country taxation avoidance agreement have been expelled by several (DTAA) with – Hong Kong European countries – Russia • According to The Economist • The organization has received Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide the Frederick Pincott Award Cost of Living report 2018, the for 2017 - South Asian most expensive city in the Cinema Foundation world is - Singapore • The world’s biggest cruise- • The Union Cabinet has liner, Symphony of the Seas, approved the opening of 18 has left the shipyard of Saint- new Indian Missions over a Nazaire in – France four year period from 2018- • ISRO is gearing up to launch, a 2021 in – Africa high-power S-band • The union cabinet of India has communication satellite on approved the revision of March 29 – GSAT 6A Double Taxation Avoidance • The first non-stop scheduled Agreement (DTAA) with – flight from Australia to Britain Qatar
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• Formation of 100% owned C • Theme for the World Corporation of TCIL is Consumer Rights Day for the approved in - USA year 2018 is - Making Digital • First direct Air India flight AI Marketplaces Fairer 139 landed in Israel at - Tel • President Kovind inaugurated Aviv's Ben Gurion airport World Hindi Secretariat • The city has topped the Mercer building in – Mauritius Quality of Living Survey 2018 – • India has signed 4 MoUs in the Vienna field of agriculture, allied • Earth Day is observed on – 24 sectors, health and Medicine March with – Iran • The country has abolished its • The country has expels 23 popular employer-sponsored Russian diplomats over ex- 457 visa programme, widely spy's poisoning - Britain used by Indians – Australia • This Middle East country has • 7th India-Egypt Joint announces 50 million Dollars Commission Meeting is held in donation to the United Nations - New Delhi Relief and Works Agency for • This country has won the "Best Palestine Refugees – Qatar Exhibitor Award" at ITB – • The Country has topped 2018 Berlin – India Global Happiness Index - • This Asian country has Finland abolished two-term limit for • The country has developed the President – China artificial heart with rocket • The country has successfully technology – China launched a hypersonic missile - • The International Air Russia Transport Association has • US-Bangla Airline flight with 71 recently partnered with civil people crashed, 49 people are aviation ministry in India, the killed in – Nepal IATA headquarter is at - • World Ocean Summit 2018 Canada concluded in – Mexico • The Clean-up drive initiated at • The country’s Cabinet has Mount Everest in – Nepal approved the national policy of • In the United States, a 3.0- its atomic energy programme magnitude earthquake has recently - Saudi Arabia shaken parts of- Central • University Council of Scientific Oklahoma & Industrial Research has collaborated for a joint research in R&D areas with - Vietnam National University
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PERSON IN NEWS
• Google Doodle on March 31, • This person has been elected as 2018 celebrated the birthday the new Prime Minister of of India’s first female doctor Ethiopia – Abiye Ahmed named - Anandi Gopal Joshi • The chairperson of the task • R K Dorendra Singh, who force on Artificial Intelligence passed away recently at the age constituted by Union of 83, was the former Chief Commerce Ministry is –Prof V Minister of this state – Kamakoti Manipur • The Kansas girl who was at the • J C Daniel Award 2017 was center of the landmark U.S. given to this Malayalam Supreme Court ruling that cinema’s most prolific struck down racial segregation scriptwriter –Sreekumaran in schools, has died aged 75 – Thampi Linda Brown • This distinguished biologist has • The person is nominated been appointed principal India’s Representative to the scientific advisor to the Centre Executive Board of UNESCO – J –K Vijay Raghavan S Rajput • This economist has been • His name was introduced, in appointed as the Chief Maan Ki Baat by Narendra Executive Officer (CEO) of Modi for national recognition Ayushman Bharat National for his exceptional service to Health Protection Mission the society for setting up nine (ABNHPM) – Indu Bhushan schools being a rickshaw puller • This person has been – Ahmed Ali appointed as the chairman of • This Canadian mathematician central panel of 65th National won the Abel Prize 2018 - Film Awards – Shekhar Kapur Robert P. Langlands • He has been elected as the new • He has sworn in as Peru's new president of Myanmar – Win President - Martin Vizcarra Myint • A fervid and fearless Pulitzer • This armed force personnel prize Winning reporter has was awarded Kirti Chakra passed away in Manhattan – posthumously by President Les Payne Ram Nath Kovind – Maj David • He has been appointed as the Manlun new National Security Adviser • This person has been to President Trump - John R appointed as acting Bolton chairperson of National Green • He has been re-elected as the Tribunal (NGT) – Justice Vice-President of Nepal for the Jawad Rahim
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second term unopposed – • He will be the next head of the Nanda Bahadur Pun Press Information Bureau • The president of Myanmar (PIB) – Sitanshu Kar resigned - Htin Kyaw • She has been re-elected as the • Governor of Bihar was given President of Nepal for second additional charge of Governor term - Bidya Devi Bhandari of Odisha – Satya Pal Malik • one of the most brilliant • Senior journalist, working as theoretical physicists passed the bureau chief of Hindi daily away on 14 march 2018 at the passed away recently – Sunil age of 76 – Stephen Hawkins Sharma • Slovenian Prime Minister has • He is Appointed Next resigned - Miro Cerar Ambassador of India to • Nepal Chief Justice has been Republic of Korea - Atul M. sacked for faking birth dates - Gotsurve Gopal Parajuli • The Eminent Hindi poet passed • She has been elected to fourth away recently at the age of 84 term as German chancellor – years – Kedarnath Singh Angela Merkel • He is appointed as the new • Bollywood actor known for his Managing Director of Sony work in films like Raees, Haider India – Sunil Nayyar and Kaabil among others • He has won fourth term as passed away recently. He was president of Russia - Vladimir 55 – Narendra Jha Putin • She is Appointed as CIA's First • She was crowned "Miss Female Director - Gina Haspel International Queen" in • The well-known Malayalam Thailand at one of the world's writer passed away recently at top beauty pageants for the age of 76 – M Sukurmaran transgender women - Nguyen • She has been appointed as the Huong Giang next Ambassador of India to • He was given additional charge the Republic of Belarus – of the Civil Aviation Ministry - Sangeeta Bahadur Suresh Prabhu • Mauritius President resigned • He will head the 3-member over a financial scandal - Mahanadi Water Disputes Ameenah Gurib-Fakim Tribunal - A M Khanwilkar • Tata Sons Chairman elected as • The Legendary comedian died the President of the court of recently at the age of 90 - Ken the Indian Institute of Science Dodd (IISc) for three years - N • The Bollywood personality has Chandrasekaran been honoured with the • Vietnam’s reformist ex-PM died Godavari Gaurav Award – at the age of 85 - Phan Van Amol Palekar Khai
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SPORTS
• She became the first Japanese Indian Premier League (IPL) – player to win the Indian Wells Ajinkya Rahane final - Naomi Osaka • These two cricketers have been • Visually impaired athletes from banned for 12 months from this state won four medals in playing cricket for Australia National Sports Climbing over ball-tampering issue – Championship - Karnataka Steven Smith, David Warner • National Sports Climbing • He has won Australian GP Championship was organised thriller in Melbourne - recently by the Indian Sebastian Vettel Mountaineering Foundation in • This Country’s U-16 football – Jammu team has lifted Jockey Cup – • This cricketer from New India Zealand replaced David • This team has won the 8th Warner as SunRisers captain in Men's National Hockey Indian Premier League (IPL) – Championships – Punjab Kane Williamson • This Indian sportsperson has • He announced resignation as been named the flag bearer of head coach of Cricket Australia the Indian contingent for the – Darren Lehmann opening ceremony of the 2018 • 17th Sub-junior National common Wealth in Gold Coast Wushu Championship began in – PV Sindhu – Jammu • This sportsperson retained the • She won India's fourth Asian Billiards title – Pankaj individual gold in the Women’s Advani 25m Pistol event at the ISSF • This shooter from India won Junior World Cup – Muskan gold medal in the ISSF Junior Bhanwala World Cup – Manu Bhaker • This place hosted the 2018 • The country has won the ISSF Junior World Cup – Nidahas trophy of cricket – Sydney India • This country topped the medal • He is named as the man-of-the- tally of ISSF Junior World Cup – series, in Nidahas Cricket China Trophy – Washington Sundar • This person resigned as the • The cricket team has lifted captain of Deccan Charger team their maiden Irani Trophy, on of Indian Premier League (IPL) the final day of the match in – David Warner Nagpur - Vidarbha • This cricketer will lead the • She has won the Women’s Rajasthan Royals team of Singles (Under-19) title at the Israel Junior 2018 held in
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
Rishon LeZion, Israel – Purva women’s 65 kg category – Barve Navjyot Kaur • He has won his first Indian • The cricket team has won the Wells title and second 45th edition of the Deodhar consecutive ATP crown Trophy 2018 – Cricket B recently – Del Potro • The country’s team has lifted • The player has climbed 12 the coveted Sultan Azlan Shah spots, to number two in ICICI Hockey title - Australia T20 rankings - Yuzvendra • As per the latest Test Player Chahal rankings, the player has • The player has officially regained his top spot among announced his retirement from bowlers crossing the coveted the International cricket - 900-point mark in ratings - Kevin Pietersen Kagiso Rabada • The country has beaten • He is appointed as the Scotland by 5 runs via Australia's new high- Duckworth-Lewis-Method to performance coach - Chris qualify for 2019 World Cup – Rogers West Indies • He is the 'Cricketer of the Year' • The player has regains world in the sixth edition of Wisden no 12 in latest badminton India Almanack – KL Rahul rankings - HS Prannoy • He has clinched the title in the • The player has won bronze 33rd Reykjavik Open - medal in ISSF Junior World Cup Baskaran Adhiban – Vivan Kapoor • In Women's Cricket, the • This official partners of 2018 country clinched the three- FIFA World Cup has announced match ODI series against India the opening of Football for - Australia Friendship (F4F) International • FIFA lifted three-decade ban on Children's Social Project – this country, hosting Gazprom international matches – Iraq • The reigning Asian champion • The country’s cricket team get who was rewarded for her One Day International status recent gold medal effort as she for first time - Nepal became world No 2 in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
• The founder of private space Navigation Satellite System agency SpaceX is – Elon Musk (BDS) in this year – 2000 • This planet of the Solar System • Tons River is a tributary of - is known as Red Planet – Mars Yamuna River • China launched the first • This award is Kerala’s highest satellite for the BeiDou film honour given for lifetime
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
achievement – J C Daniel school was started in this year Award – 2009 • This organization is running • This constitutional amendment the ‘Transformation of act of 2002 enshrined right to Aspirational Districts’ education as a fundamental programme – NITI Aayog right - 86th Constitution • Air India was founded as Tata Amendment Act Airlines by JRD Tata in the year • Mega Food Park Scheme – 1932 (October 15) (MFPS) of 2008 aims to • In this year, the Department of increase India’s share in world Investment and Public Asset food processing industries Management (DIPAM) was from present 1.5% to – 3 formed – 2016 percent • He was the first person to • The current trade deficit of suggest the term ‘divestment’ India with China stands at – US for the sale of public assets in $51 billion 1990 – Deepak Nayyar • The full form of EMS, one of a • The Principal Scientific Advisor service of Department of Post, (PSA) is a post created by the is – Express Mail Service Atal Bihari Vajpayee • This article of the Indian government in the year – 1999 Constitution provides that • The Khalsa Panth was President is the Supreme established by the 10th Sikh Commander of Indian Armed Guru Guru Gobind Singh in the Forces – Article 53 year – 1699 • The Oromo ethnic tribe • India concluded a ‘Special belongs to this country – Strategic and Global Ethiopia Partnership’ in the year 2014 • The first Indian state to pass an with this country - Japan act to control organized crime • In this year, South Asian is – Maharashtra Cooperative Environment • The International Solar Programme (SACEP) was Alliance is an initiative jointly established among the SAARC launched by the Prime Minister nations – 1982 of India and President of • The subsidy on P&K fertilizers France at Paris in- 2015 is being governed by Nutrient • Every year World Theatre Day Based Subsidy with effect from is observed on – 27 March – April 1, 2010 • South Asian Cinema • Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan (SSA) Foundation was set up in for universalisation of London in – 2000 elementary education was • The Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat started in this year – 2000-01 shares its connect to this tribe • Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha of Arunachal Pradesh - Mishmi Abhiyan (RMSA) for secondary Tribe
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• The World TB Day is • The World Wide Fund for celebrated every year on – Nature (WWF) an international March 24 non-governmental • 2018 Commonwealth Games organization working in the will be held at – Gold Coast field of the wilderness (Australia) preservation, was founded in - • National Museum of Charkha 1961 was inaugurated in this year as • National Crime Records Bureau a window to the great heritage (NCRB) n Indian government of Indian Charkha – 2017 agency responsible for (May) collecting and analysing crime • Currently the world's longest data is headquartered in - New serving president, with 38 Delhi years under his belt since he • The country has a large and toppled his uncle in 1979 is - visible transgender population Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro and is one of the world's top Obiang Nguema destinations for sex- • Every year International reassignment surgery - Happiness day is observed on- Thailand 20 March • The bankruptcy law of India • Every year 20th March is which seeks to consolidate the observed as the – World existing 2015framework by Sparrow Day creating a single law for • This place is a major source for insolvency and bankruptcy was nickel and contains roughly introduced in - 10% of the world’s known • An apex body in India for the nickel supply – New Caledonia formulation, coordination, • Every year International Day of development and promotion of Forests is observed on - 21 research on scientific lines in March Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa • The country with world's third- system of medicine, The largest natural-gas reserves Central Council for Research in and oil reserves and has the Ayurvedic Sciences was highest per capita income in founded in – 1978 the world - Qatar • The apex body in India for the • An autonomous not-for-profit formulation, coordination and Trust, to facilitate Overseas promotion of biomedical Indian philanthropy into social research, is one of the oldest and development projects in and largest medical research India IDF-OI was set up in - bodies in the world - Indian 2008 Council of Medical Research • Every year World • Every year World Consumer Meteorological Day is observed Rights Day is observed on – 15 on – 23 March March
CURRENT AFFAIRS MARCH 2018
• The first World Consumer • It is the world's smallest island Rights Day was observed in – nation, the smallest 1983 independent republic, and the • Scheme Introduced in Feb only republic in the world 2018, to make farmers without an official capital – independent of grid supply and Nauru also enable them to sell surplus • Mount Everest - Earth's highest solar power to Discoms and get mountain above sea level, in an extra income - KUSUM Tibetan is known as - Chomolungma