This is the current affairs of 17 & 18 March 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) by the Central Government?
a. Vineet Joshi
b. Nidhi Chibber
c. Rahul Singh
d. Sahil Ahuja
Answer: c. Rahul Singh
– They were appointed on March 13, 2024.
– Prior to this, Nidhi Chhibber was the Chairperson of CBSE.
– Now Nidhi Chhibber has been appointed as an advisor to NITI Aayog.
– Rahul Singh is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1996 batch from the Bihar cadre.
CBSE
Headquarters – Delhi
Established – November 3, 1962
Chairperson – Rahul Singh
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2. Which sites were included by UNCESO in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites, taking its number to 57 in India?
a. Gwalior Fort and Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur
b. Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley and Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple
c. Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla and The historic ensemble of Dhamnar
d. All of the above
Answer: d. Gwalior Fort, Khooni Bhandara, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Gond monuments of Ramnagar Mandla and The historic ensemble of Dhamnar
– The information about these six world heritage sites being included in the temporary list of UNESCO was published in March 2024.
Tentative List of New World Heritage Sites
– Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh 08/02/2024
– Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur 08/02/2024
– Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley 08/02/2024
– Bhojeshwar Temple, Bhojpur 08/02/2024
– Ramnagar, Gond Memorial in Mandla 08/02/2024
– The Historic Ensemble of Dhamnar 08/02/2024
Gwalior Fort
– Gwalior Fort is situated on a hill (‘Gopachal’ mountain) in the city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
– The fort houses a defensive structure and two main palaces: 1. Man Mandir 2. Gujari Mahal
– Gwalior Fort was built by the Tomar Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar (reign: 1486-1516 CE).
Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur
– Khooni Bhandara is an underground water management system.
– It is located in the city of Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh.
– There are eight waterworks built in this city.
– The construction of these water systems was done in the year 1615 CE.
Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley
– The central region of India is home to a large number of rock art sites.
– Simply put, rock art is the art created on natural rock surfaces.
– The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna River in Madhya Pradesh.
– This river originates from the Janapav Mountain, near the Mahu Point.
– Its ancient name is “Charmavati”.
Bhojeshwar Temple
– The Bhojeshwar Temple is located in the village of Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh.
– It is a thousand-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
– It is believed that the temple was built in the 11th century by King Bhoj (Paramara King Bhoj).
Ramnagar, Gond Memorial in Mandla
– This region was formerly known as the Central Provinces of India.
– It covers parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra states.
– It was historically referred to as Gondwana.
– The Gond Kingdom is referred to as Garha Mandla or Garha Katanga.
– Mandla has been the capital of the Gond dynasty.
Historical Collection of Dhamnar
– Dhamnar village is located in the Mandsaur district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
– Here, there are 51 caves, stupas, chaityas, pathways, and dense residences, all made by cutting rocks.
– It was built in the 7th century CE.
UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Sites: 57
– Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh 08/02/2024
– Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur 08/02/2024
– Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley 08/02/2024
– The Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur 08/02/2024
– The Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla 08/02/2024
– The historic ensemble of Dhamnar 08/02/2024
– Serial nomination of Coastal Fortifications along the Konkan Coast, Maharashtra 03/01/2024
– Sun Temple, Modhera and its adjoining monuments 13/12/2022
– Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Unakoti District 13/12/2022
– Vadnagar – A multi-layered Historic town, Gujarat 13/12/2022
– Geoglyphs of Konkan Region of India 17/02/2022
– Jingkieng jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes 17/02/2022
– Sri Veerabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi), Lepakshi (The Vijayanagara Sculpture and Painting Art Tradition) 17/02/2022
– Iconic Riverfront of the Historic City of Varanasi 13/04/2021
– Temples of Kanchipuram 13/04/2021
– Hire Benkal, Megalithic Site 13/04/2021
– Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley 13/04/2021
– Satpura Tiger Reserve 13/04/2021
– Serial Nomination of Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra 13/04/2021
– The historic ensemble of Orchha 15/04/2019
– Garo Hills Conservation Area (GHCA) 26/07/2018
– Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area 11/03/2016
– Cold Desert Cultural Landscape of India 15/04/2015
– Sites along the Uttarapath, Badshahi Sadak, Sadak-e-Azam, Grand Trunk Road 15/04/2015
– Evolution of Temple Architecture – Aihole-Badami- Pattadakal 09/02/2015
– Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate 15/04/2014
– Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands 15/04/2014
– Iconic Saree Weaving Clusters of India 15/04/2014
– Apatani Cultural Landscape 15/04/2014
– Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam 15/04/2014
– Monuments of Srirangapatna Island Town 15/04/2014
– Chilika Lake 15/04/2014
– Padmanabhapuram Palace 15/04/2014
– Sites of Saytagrah, India’s non-violent freedom movement 15/04/2014
– Thembang Fortified Village 15/04/2014
– Narcondam Island 15/04/2014
– Moidams – the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom Dynasty 15/04/2014
– Ekamra Kshetra – The Temple City, Bhubaneswar 15/04/2014
– The Neolithic Settlement of Burzahom 15/04/2014
– Archaeological remains of a Harappa Port-Town, Lothal 15/04/2014
– Mountain Railways of India (Extension) 15/04/2014
– Chettinad, Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants 15/04/2014
– Bahá’í House of Worship at New Delhi 15/04/2014
– Delhi – A Heritage City 22/05/2012
– Mughal Gardens in Kashmir 13/12/2010
– The Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar 10/09/2010
– Silk Road Sites in India 20/01/2010
– Neora Valley National Park 26/05/2009
– Desert National Park 26/05/2009
– Namdapha National Park 15/03/2006
– Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch 15/03/2006
– River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam 02/03/2004
Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab 05/01/2004
– Temples at Bishnupur, West Bengal 03/07/1998
– Mattanchery Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala 03/07/1998
– Group of Monuments at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh 03/07/1998
– Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 03/07/1998
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 42
– Agra Fort
– Ajanta Caves
– Ellora Caves
– Taj Mahal
– Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
– Sun Temple, Konark
– Kaziranga National Park
– Keoladeo National Park
– Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
– Churches and Convents of Goa
– Fatehpur Sikri
– Group of Monuments at Hampi
– Khajuraho Group of Monuments
– Elephanta Caves
– Great Living Chola Temples
– Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
– Sundarbans National Park
– Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
– Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
– Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
– Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
– Mountain Railways of India
– Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
– Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
– Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
– Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
– Red Fort Complex
– Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
– Western Ghats
– Hill Forts of Rajasthan
– Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
– Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
– Nalanda, Bihar
– Khangchendzonga National Park
– Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *
– Historic City of Ahmedabad
– Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
– Jaipur City, Rajasthan
– Dholavira: A Harappan City
– Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
– Santiniketan, West Bengal
– Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala (Group of Monuments at Hampi)
UNESCO
Headquarters- Paris, France
Established- Year 1945
Director General- Audrey Azoulay
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3. Where is the 12th edition of the India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting held in March 2024?
a. Rajasthan
b. New Delhi
c. Bangalore
d. Gujarat
Answer: b. New Delhi
– The 12th edition of the India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was held on March 12-13, 2024, in New Delhi.
– Note: The 11th meeting of the India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) was held from May 31 to June 1, 2022, in Rome, Italy.
Discussion at the Meeting:
– During the two-day meeting, discussions were held on initiating new initiatives to enhance defense cooperation and military-level exchanges between the two countries.
– The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen strategic partnership between India and Italy, which has become increasingly significant in today’s global security scenario.
About Italy:
– It is a country in Southern Europe.
– It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
– Prime Minister: Giorgia Meloni
– President: Sergio Mattarella
– Capital: Rome
– Currency: Euro
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4. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha approved increasing the reservation for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities to how much?
a. 28%
b. 20%
c. 12%
d. 8%
Answer: b. 20%
– Prior to this, the reservation was 10%.
– With this approval, the total reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) has increased to 20%.
– This decision was made in the administrative council meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in March 2024.
– Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha approved the proposal of the Social Welfare Department for amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005.
Four new communities added to ST:
– Pahadiya Janjati (Hill Tribes)
– Paddari Janjati
– Gadda Brahmin
– Koli Community
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5. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha approved increasing the reservation for Other Backward Class (OBC) communities to how much?
a. 8%
b. 6%
c. 5%
d. 3%
Answer: a. 8%
– Before this, the reservation was 4%.
– With this approval, the total reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) has increased to 8%.
– Additionally, 15 new communities have been added to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
Current reservation percentages for various categories:
– 8% for Scheduled Castes (SC)
– 20% for Scheduled Tribes (ST)
– 8% for Other Backward Classes (OBC)
– 4% for Residents of Actual Control/International Border
– 10% for Residents of Backward Areas (RBA)
– 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs)
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir – Manoj Sinha
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6. At which place did Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurate the first headquarters of the Indian Navy ‘Nausena Bhawan’ in March 2024?
a. Delhi
b. Mumbai
c. Patna
d. Chennai
Answer: a. Delhi
– The inauguration of the headquarters located in Delhi was done by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on March 15, 2024.
– Its foundation stone was laid by the then Defense Minister Arun Jaitley on August 20, 2014.
– Prior to this, the Navy operated from 13 different locations.
Naval Building:
– This building is equipped with modern facilities and advanced technology.
– It is the Navy’s first independent headquarters.
– It is located in Delhi Cantonment.
– This building has a comprehensive three-tier security system.
– It includes modern technologies such as automatic underbelly scanning of vehicles, power fence, facial recognition cameras, bollards, vehicle stoppers, access control, and security cameras.
– This building has received a Green Rating IV under the integrated housing evaluation.
Note: Bollard means – a small post placed to remove traffic.
Delhi:
Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor: Vinay Kumar Saxena
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7. The Election Commission of India has released the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections. According to this, when will the voting take place?
a. 14 April to 1 June 2024
b. 19 April to 1 June 2024
c. 25 April to 1 June 2024
d. 28 April to 1 June 2024
Answer: b. 19 April to 1 June 2024
– Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar made this announcement on March 16, 2024.
– The elections for the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases across the country from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024.
– There are a total of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies in the country, but due to the ethnic violence in Manipur, the number of constituencies has been increased to 544. (Details below)
– The counting of votes will take place on June 4, 2024.
– Note: The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is ending on June 16, 2024.
Number of constituencies in each phase:
– First Phase: 102 constituencies (April 19, 2024)
– Second Phase: 89 constituencies (April 26, 2024)
– Third Phase: 94 constituencies (May 7, 2024)
– Fourth Phase: 96 constituencies (May 13, 2024)
– Fifth Phase: 49 constituencies (May 20, 2024)
– Sixth Phase: 57 constituencies (May 25, 2024)
– Seventh Phase: 57 constituencies (June 1, 2024)
– Results: To be announced on June 4, 2024.
Number of voters
– Total 96.8 crore registered voters
– Women voters: 47.1 crore
– Male voters: 49.7 crore
– First time: 1.89 crore voters
– Youth voters: 19.74 crore (20 to 29 years old)
Apart from this, names of those who had not turned 18 years of age on January 01, 2024 have also been added.
– There are 13.4 lakh such applications, who will turn 18 by April 1, 2024 and will be able to vote.
– Disabled: 88.4 lakh
– Transgender: 48 thousand
– Above 85 years of age: 82 lakh
– Facility to vote from home has been provided for people above 85 years of age.
Last Lok Sabha Election
– The announcement of the last Lok Sabha election was made on March 10, 2019, and polling took place in seven phases from April 11, 2019. The counting of votes was done on May 23, 2019. In this election, the BJP formed the government.
What is the Code of Conduct?
– It is a set of rules made for political parties and candidates.
– Its compliance is necessary during elections.
– It comes into effect from the announcement of the election date.
– And ends when the results of the polling are declared.
What restrictions are imposed in the Code of Conduct?
– Prohibition on enticing announcements by the government.
– Not misusing government machinery during elections.
– Political parties and candidates are prohibited from raising issues related to caste, religion, and region.
– Not using money power and muscle power during elections.
– No political party, individual/company/unit can make cash payments exceeding ₹10,000 in a day.
– Voters should not be taken to polling stations on the day of elections.
– Voters should not be served/distributed alcohol.
Election Commission of India
– Established: January 25, 1950
– Chief Election Commissioner: Rajiv Kumar
– Election Commissioners: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Jnanesh Kumar
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8. Election Commission of India announced to hold assembly elections of which states along with the elections of 18th Lok Sabha?
a. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh
b. Sikkim, Odisha
c. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh
d. both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha)
– Along with the Lok Sabha elections, there will be assembly elections for four states and by-polls for 26 assembly constituencies.
Dates for the assembly elections in four states:
– Arunachal Pradesh Assembly: April 19, 2024
– Sikkim Assembly: April 19, 2024
– Andhra Pradesh Assembly: May 13, 2024
– Odisha Assembly: May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, 2024 (in four phases)
Number of assembly seats in these four states:
– Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly: 60
– Sikkim Legislative Assembly: 32
– Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly: 175
– Odisha Legislative Assembly: 147
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9. By defeating whom did Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 title?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Hyderabad
c. Vidarbha
d. Rajasthan
Answer: c. Vidarbha
– Vidarbha is a domestic cricket team in the Ranji Trophy.
– Vidarbha is a region in Maharashtra.
Ranji Trophy 2023-24:
– Final match held from March 10 to March 14, 2024.
– Between: Mumbai and Vidarbha teams.
– Mumbai defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs.
– Mumbai has won the title of the 42nd Ranji Trophy.
– The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
– Captain of the Mumbai team: Ajinkya Rahane
– Captain of the Vidarbha team: Akshay Wadkar
What is the Ranji Trophy?
– The Ranji Trophy is a premier domestic first-class cricket championship played in India.
– Matches in the Ranji Trophy are played for 4 or 5 days.
– It is annually organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
– The Ranji Trophy began in the 1934-35 season.
– Latest season: Took place in 2023-24.
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10. Who was appointed as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati by the Central Government?
a. Navneet Sehgal
b. Gaurav Dwivedi
c. Mayank Agarwal
d. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi
Answer: a. Navneet Sehgal
– Since the completion of A. Surya Prakash’s tenure in February 2020, the position of Chairman of Prasar Bharati was vacant.
– On March 16, 2024, the Central Government appointed former IAS officer Navnit Sahgal as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati. He is a member of the 1988 batch of IAS officers.
– The term of office for the Chairman of Prasar Bharati is three years or until the person reaches the age of 70.
How is the appointment of the Chairman of Prasar Bharati made?
– A committee led by the Vice President selects the Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
– The selected name is sent to the President.
– After the recommendations of the selection committee, the President appoints the Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
– Similarly, the CEO is also appointed.
Prasar Bharati
– Prasar Bharati is also known as the Broadcasting Corporation of India.
– It is India’s public broadcasting institution.
– Chairman: Navnit Sahgal
– Establishment: November 23, 1997
– Headquarters: New Delhi
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11. Who became the new Prime Minister of Palestine?
a. Mohammad Sohail
b. Mahmoud Abbas
c. Mohammad Mustafa
d. Mohammad Rizwan
Answer: c. Mohammad Mustafa
– This appointment came shortly after the resignation of the entire government, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Sattayeh.
– Here, the President appoints the Prime Minister, who is responsible for forming the government.
Mohammad Mustafa
– He was born in the year 1954 and is currently 69 years old.
– After the Israeli attacks on Gaza City in 2014, Mustafa played a crucial role in the reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
– He has served as an advisor on economic matters to the Palestinian Authority.
– He has held senior positions at the World Bank.
– He has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.
– Currently, he is the Chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.
About Palestine:
– Palestine is an official state located in the southern Levant region of Western Asia.
– Prime Minister: Mohammad Mustafa
– President: Mahmoud Abbas
– Currency: Egyptian Pound
– Capital: Jerusalem. Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital. Israel has declared it as its official capital.
Note: During the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Indian government sent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian city of Gaza on October 22, 2023.
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