1.
Which edition of Global Bio-India was organised
recently?
(a) 2nd
(b) 10th
(c) 5th
(d) 15th
Explanation: Union Minister Dr Harsh
Vardhan virtually inaugurated the Global Bio-
India event. The theme for 2021 was
'Transforming lives' and tag line was
'Biosciences to Bioeconomy'. The event was
held towards the direction of Government of
India‘s role in building a USD 150 billion bio-
economy by 2025. The sector is recognized as
one of the key drivers for India to achieve its
USD 5 trillion target.
2. Name the Cricket player that has recently
announced his retirement from all formats of
the Game.
(a) Sudeep Tyagi
(b) Yusuf Pathan
(c) Pragyan Ojha
(d) Rajat Bhatia
Explanation:Indian all rounder Cricket Player
Yusuf Pathan announced his retirement from all
formats of the cricket. He was part of 2007
T20 and 2011 50-over World Cup-winning
squads. He had played 57 ODIs and scored 810
runs at a strike-rate of 113.60 with two
hundreds and three fifties. Pathan has also won
the IPL title twice with Kolkata Knight Riders –
in 2012 & 2014.
3. What is the rank of India in Global Soft Power
Index 2021?
(a) 36
(b) 40
(c) 58
(d) 69
Explanation:The Global Soft Power Index
2021 was released by Brand Finance, an
independent brand valuation and strategy
consultancy agency. According to the release,
India has fallen nine places in the Global Soft
Power Index 2021 due to the COVID-19
impact. India is currently ranked at 36, down
from 27 in the 2020 report. Along with India,
1 March 2021
the virus outbreak also impacted the ranking of
the USA.
4. According to which Index Mukesh Ambani is
once again the Wealthiest Person in Asia?
(a) Forbes Billionaires Index
(b) Moody‘s Index
(c) None of these
(d) Bloomberg Billionaires Index
Explanation: Recently Mukesh Ambani
overtook China's Zhong Shanshan to become
the wealthiest person in Asia, according to
Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Shanshan's net
worth stands at $76.6 billion, while Ambani is
worth $80 billion.
5. On which date the Zero Discrimination Day is
observed?
(a) 10 February
(b) 1 March
(c) 23 June
(d) 5 May
Explanation: The Zero Discrimination Day is
held every year on 1 March. Purpose of the day
is to ensure right to equality, inclusion and
protection of all people without any
discrimination in their law and policies to live a
full life with dignity regardless of any barriers.
The Day was launched by UNAIDS in 2014.
Theme of Zero Discrimination Day 2021 is
―End Inequalities‖. Zero Discrimination Day
was launched by UNAIDS director Michel
Sidibé on World Aids Day in December 2013.
The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is a
butterfly. People use the symbol on social
media widely to share posts to end
discrimination.
6. Who has launched the Time Monitoring System
of Toll Plazas?
(a) Amit Shah
(b) Nitin Gadkari
(c) Rajnath Singh
(d) Piyush Goel
Explanation:Union Minister for Road
Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari
launched the Real-Time Monitoring System of
Toll Plazas at a function in New Delhi.
7. Who has recently launched 'Sugamya Bharat'
App and a handbook titled 'Access - The Photo
Digest'?
(a) Thaawar Chand Gehlot
(b) Amitabh Bachchan
(c) Sanchin Tendulkar
(d) Ramnath Kovind
Explanation:Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot
launched the 'Sugamya Bharat' App and a
handbook titled 'Access - The Photo Digest'
through a video conference in New Delhi. The
App and the handbook have been developed by
the Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities.
8. Name the country that has officially received
the first ever UAE ambassador.
(a) Brunei
(b) Israel
(c) Maldives
(d) Nepal
Explanation:Israel's president formally
received the first-ever ambassador from the
United Arab Emirates, following last year's
historic agreement between the countries to
normalise ties. UAE envoy Mohamed Al Khaja
delivered his credentials to Israeli President
Reuven Rivlin at a ceremony in Jerusalem. The
UAE was the first country to agree to establish
full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state
under the Abraham Accords, a pact brokered
by former US president Donald Trump.
9. Which country approved the new port
development with India and Japan?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Mauritius
(d) Maldives
Explanation:Sri Lanka's government has
announced to allow India and Japan to develop
a new container terminal at the country's main
port, several weeks after scrapping a deal with
the two countries to develop one of the key
terminals at the same port.
10. Who has been appointed as the Principal
Director General, Press Information Bureau?
(a) Amitabh Vishwas
2 March 2021
(b) Devendra Rathor
(c) Babjan Dahiya
(d) Jaideep Bhatnagar
Explanation:Mr. Jaideep Bhatnagar has taken
over as Principal Director General, Press
Information Bureau. Mr. Bhatnagar is an Officer
of the Indian Information Service belonging to
1986 Batch. He has earlier served in
Doordarshan as Head of the Commercial, Sales
and Marketing Division. He also served as
Prasar Bharati Special Correspondent in West
Asia.
11. Which team has won eight medals in 21st
National Sqay Championship?
(a) Ladakh Sqay
(b) Anantnag Sqay
(c) Pehalgam Sqay
(d) Qazigund Sqay
Explanation:Ladakh Sqay Team won eight
medals in the recently concluded 21st National
Sqay Championship held at Jaipur in Rajasthan.
It was also presented an Outstanding
Performance Award by the Sqay Federation of
India.
12. Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the Gold
in Ukraine wrestling event after defeating
whom?
(a) Zhan Beleniuk
(b) Vanesa Kaladzinskaya
(c) Vladimir Kozlov
(d) None of these
Explanation:Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has
won the gold medal in the women's 53-kg
category at XXIV Outstanding Ukrainian
Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial in Kyiv,
Ukraine. Vinesh Phogat defeated world number
seven Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus in the
finals to win the gold medal and make a winning
return to her first competitive outing since the
Covid-19 induced lockdown.
13. Who is the author of the book Titled
‗Advantage India: The Story of Indian Tennis‘?
(a) Ananya Doshi
(b) Anmol Kakkar
(c) Anita Bose
(d) Anindya Dutta
 Explanation:The banker-turned-author
Anindya Dutta has come out with his new book
titled ―Advantage India: The Story of Indian
Tennis‖, which is about the history of Indian
tennis. The book revolves around pre-
Independence tennis and early players like
Ramanathan Krishnan and Vijay Amritraj.
Westland Sport is the publisher of the book.
14. In which event the Union Information and
Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar
announced to establish the Centre of
Excellence in gaming?
(a) Khel Khel Mein
(b) Khelo India
(c) Khelo 2021
(d) Khel aur Yuva 2021
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting in collaboration with IIT Bombay
has decided to form a Centre of Excellence in
gaming and other related areas. This was
announced by Union Information and
Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar while
addressing the virtual exhibition and prize
announcement of "Khel Khel Mein", a Pan
Maharashtra toy/game project design
competition.
15. How many categories of Awards have been
announced recently under ―Swachhta Saarthi
Fellowship‖ initiative?
(a) 5
(b) 3
(c) 8
(d) 2
Explanation: The Office of the Principal
Scientific Adviser to the Government of India
under its Waste to Wealth Mission has launched
the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship to recognize
students, Self-Help Groups and municipal. The
Waste to Wealth Mission is one of the nine
national missions of the Prime Minister‘s
Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory
Council, PM-STIAC.
16. Which country‘s military has removed its
Ambassador to the United Nations?
(a) Somalia
(b) Myanmar
(c) Turkey
3 March 2021
(d) Tunisia
Explanation: Myanmar's military has removed
the nation's United Nations Ambassador Kyaw
Moe Tun after he appealed to the UN General
Assembly (UNGA) for international help to
overturn the coup. The Myanmar envoy had
said at the UNA that his nation requires the
strongest possible action from the international
community to immediately end the military
coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people,
to return the state power to the people and to
restore the democracy.
17. Recently Reserve Bank of India listed which
bank in the Second Schedule of the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934?
(a) Airtel Payment Bank
(b) Vijya Laxmi Payment Bank
(c) Fino Payments Bank
(d) Dhan Laxmi Payment Bank
Explanation: Reserve Bank of India notified
that it has included Fino Payments Bank in the
Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India
Act, 1934. All banks which are included in the
Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India
Act, 1934 are Scheduled Banks. These banks
comprise Scheduled Commercial Banks and
Scheduled Co-operative Banks.
18. Name the company that became Mumbai
Indians Principal and Official Logistics Partner.
(a) Blue Dart
(b) DHL Express
(c) FedEx
(d) Hermes Group
Explanation: Mumbai Indians announced that
it has signed a partnership with DHL Express.
The international express service provider has
come on board as a principal sponsor and
official logistics partner of the team. This
partnership marks DHL Express‘ first-ever
cricket sponsorship, globally. DHL Express is
the fourth international brand to join Mumbai
Indians‘ current partner list, which has
Samsung, Marriott International and Mondelez.
19. Who has been appointed as the India's High
Commissioner to Australia?
(a) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
(b) Vikas Swarup
 (c) Arundhati Ghose
(d) Manpreet Vohra
Explanation: Senior diplomat Manpreet Vohra
has been appointed as India‘s next High
Commissioner to Australia. Mr. Vohra, a 1988-
batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, is
presently Ambassador of India to Mexico.
Vohra‘s appointment comes at a time when the
India-Australia ties are at an upswing and the
two countries are stepping up cooperation
particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
20. The National Highway Authority of India set a
world record by constructing 25.54-km road in
18 hours between Solapur-Vijapur. The
Solapur-Vijapur lies on which National
Highway?
(a) NH 28
(b) NH 46
(c) NH 52
(d) NH 62
Explanation:The National Highway Authority
of India (NHAI) completed a single lane of the
four-lane stretch of 25.54 km being developed
between Solapur-Vijapur (NH 52) in 18 hours.
This record will be recorded in the 'Limca Book
of Records‘. Hyderabad-based construction
company IJM India carried out the construction
work, according to media reports. About 500
contractual workers worked hard for the
project.
21. Name the channel that has been created after
merging Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV.
(a) Parliamment TV
(b) Sansad TV
(c) Pradan Mantri TV
(d) Sadan TV
Explanation:The Parliament of India has
merged two of the TV channels namely, Lok
Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV into an integrated
channel ―Sansad TV‖. The proposal for the
merger of two entities was put forward in 2019
by an expert committee headed by Prasar
Bharati Chief Executive Officer, Surya Prakash.
This new platform will continue to live telecast
the house proceedings, pack news and the
current affairs programme in Hindi as well as in
English languages.
4 March 2021
22. Which state has launched 'Gharoki Pechan,
Chelik Naam' scheme?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Haryana
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttrakhand
Explanation:In Uttarakhand, the Chief
Minister, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat has
launched ―Gharoki Paachan, Chelik Naam‖
(daughter‘s name is a home‘s identity)
programme and development schemes. Initially,
the scheme has been launched in Nainital and
will be extended to entire Uttarakhand in the
coming weeks. The government has allocated
Rs 42 crore for this scheme. This scheme is in
line with the effort of the state government
towards promoting women empowerment.
23. Which bank has signed Corporate Agency
Agreement with SBI General Insurance?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) Yes Bank
(c) Indian Bank
(d) Indian Overseas Bank
Explanation:SBI General Insurance has tied-up
with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) for a bank
assurance partnership for selling its non-life
products. Through the alliance, SBI General will
offer a range of general insurance solutions and
innovative products to IOB customers.
Chennai-headquartered IOB has over 3,200
branches across the country and also has an
overseas presence.
24. Name the device that has been developed by
the scientists of ICAR for checking pests in
agricultural fields.
(a) Pest Control Light Trap
(b) Alternate Energy Light Trap
(c) Ultra Violet Rays Light Trap
(d) Sprinkle Energy Rays Trap
Explanation:An Alternate Energy Light Trap-
AELT device has been developed by the
scientists of ICAR- National Rice Research
Institute, Cuttack, for checking pests in
agricultural fields. They have also got a patent
for the invention. The Alternate Energy Light
Trap device invented by the scientists of ICAR
institute will help the farmers of India in
 identifying the insect types that usually lurk in
the fields and will also manage them.
25. In which country the Fossils of Dinosaurs from
140 million years ago have been discovered
recently?
(a) Mexico
(b) Argentina
(c) Brazil
(d) Peru
Explanation:Researchers announced the
discovery of fossils of Dinosaurs that lived 140
million years ago in Argentina. The incomplete
skeletal remains of the dinosaur were
discovered south of Neuquen city in Argentina.
The fossils belong to Argentina's Patagonian
wilderness, the oldest-known member of the
dinosaur group known as titanosaurs that
includes the largest land animals in Earth's
history.
26. Name the Badminton Player that has won
men‘s single title at Uganda International
Badminton tournament.
(a) Parupalli Kashyap
(b) B. Sai Praneeth
(c) Pullela Gopichand
(d) Varun Kapur
Explanation:India‘s Varun Kapur and Malvika
Bansod clinched the men‘s and women‘s singles
titles respectively at the 2021 Uganda
International Badminton tournament in
Kampala. Varun beat compatriot Sankar
Muthusamy 21-18, 16-21, 21-17 in the men‘s
singles final. Malvika beat compatriot Anupama
Upadhyaya in the women singles summit clash
17-21, 25-23, 21-10.
27. Name the Indian Cricket Player that has
recently hit 100 million followers on social
networking platform Instagram.
(a) Rishabh Pant
(b) Rohit Sharma
(c) Virat Kohli
(d) Jasprit Bumrah
Explanation:Adding another feather to his
illustrious cap, the Captain of the Indian Cricket
Team Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to
hit 100 million followers on social networking
platform Instagram. Virat Kohli has joined
5 March 2021
Argentine Forward Lionel Messi, Juventus
Striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Hollywood actor and
former pro-wrestler Dwayne ‗The Rock‘,
Neymar, American Singer-Songwriter Ariana
Grande, and Beyonce in 100 million clubs.
28. Which computer maker company has
developed first ever PC with plastic waste in
ocean?
(a) Hewlett-Packard
(b) Dell
(c) Lenovo
(d) Acer
Explanation:The Computer maker HP has
developed its first ever consumer PC using the
plastic waste in ocean. Company estimates that
using the plastics in such electronic devices will
result into moving around 92,000 plastic bottles
from the oceans and landfills. This move was
built on the basis of sustainability commitment
of the company. The company has
manufactured the Pavilion 13, Pavilion 14, and
Pavilion 15 Laptops using the ocean-bound
plastics.
29. Name the country that has launched 1st Arctic-
monitoring satellite to track climate changes.
(a) United Kingdom
(b) USA
(c) Russia
(d) China
Explanation:The Russian Space agency,
Roscosmos, has successfully launched its first
ever Arctic-monitoring satellite that will
monitor the Arctic‘s climate and environment.
The space agency blasted off the Soyuz-2.1b
carrier rocket which is also carrying the
Arktika-M satellite on board. The rocket was
blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.
30. Which edition of Golden Globe Awards were
held, recently?
(a) 52nd
(b) 16th
(c) 78th
(d) 116th
Explanation:The 78th Golden Globes Awards
ceremony was recently held. Emma Corin has
won the Best Performance by an Actress in a
 Television Series (Drama) category. John
Boyega won the award for Best Performance
by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television
Series. Netflix's The Queen's Gambit is the Best
Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or
Motion Picture Made for Television.
31. Name the state that will host Indian Women's
League in 2021.
(a) Odisha
(b) Bihar
(c) West Bengal
(d) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:The All-India Football Federation
has announced that, Odisha will host the Indian
Women‘s League (IWL). The Indian football has
been trying to restart the on-field sporting
action now amid the on-going Covid-19 cases.
The matches started with the I-League
qualifiers. This is followed by the Indian Super
League (ISL) and the I-League. Both of the
leagues, namely, ISL and I-League are presently
being played.
32. Who is the author of book titled ―Advantage
India: The Story of Indian Tennis‖?
(a) Krishna Aggarwal
(b) Anindya Dutta
(c) Ramesh Bhargava
(d) Vidya Chauhan
Explanation:The banker-turned-author
Anindya Dutta has come out with his new book
titled ―Advantage India: The Story of Indian
Tennis‖, which is about the history of Indian
tennis. The book revolves around pre-
Independence tennis and early players like
Ramanathan Krishnan and Vijay Amritraj.
Westland Sport is the publisher of the book.
33. Which state government has provided life
imprisonment to food adulterants?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Gujarat
(d) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh
government has recently announced life
imprisonment for the offence of food
adulteration under the ‗Milawat Pe Kasawat‘
campaign. According to passed amendment bill
6 March 2021
if someone found guilty will get upto
imprisonment from three years imprisonment.
34. Where has the International Yoga Festival
started?
(a) Rishikesh
(b) Varanasi
(c) Ayodhya
(d) Badrinath
Explanation:Recently Agriculture Minister
Subodh Uniyal, head of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada
Parishad (ABAP) Narendra Giri and Patanjali
Yogpeeth chairman Acharya Balakrishna has
inaugurated the seven-day International Yoga
Festival in Rishikesh. The festival is being jointly
organised by Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Board (UTDB) and Garhwal
Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
35. Who has been appointed as the head of 'Eastern
Naval Command'?
(a) Ajendra Bahadur Singh
(b) Harish Bisht
(c) Karambir Singh
(d) Atul Kumar Jain
Explanation:Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur
Singh has recently taken charges as the Flag
Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C),
Eastern Naval Command (ENC) from Vice
Admiral Atul Kumar Jain at the Naval Base.
Ajendra Bahadur Singh is an alumnus of the
prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA)
Khadakvasla. He had also commanded Indian
Naval Ships Veer (Missile Vessel), Vindhyagiri
(Frigate), Trishul (Guided Missile Frigate), and
Viraat (Aircraft Carrier).
36. On which date the World Wildlife Day is
observed?
(a) November 6
(b) January 5
(c) March 3
(d) December 4
Explanation:The World Wildlife Day is
observed every year on March 3 to celebrate
and raise awareness about the world‘s wild
fauna and flora. Theme for World Wildlife Day
2021 is ―Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining
People and Planet‖. The day was proposed by
 Thailand and recognised in 2013 by United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
37. On which date the National Safety Day is
observed?
(a) 6 December
(b) 7 August
(c) 1 June
(d) 4 March
Explanation:The National Safety Day (NSD) is
celebrated every year on March 4 by National
Safety Council (NSC) of India. In 2021, we are
observing the 50th NSD. The National Safety
Day Theme 2021 is ―Sadak Suraksha (Road
Safety)‖. Purpose of the day is to instil a sense
of safety awareness among people by providing
them with safety, health and environment
related support services. The first National
Safety Day was observed in 1972.
38. On which date the National Security Day is
observed?
(a) 13 January
(b) 26 October
(c) 4 March
(d) 20 September
Explanation:In India, March 4 is celebrated as
National Security Day (Rashtriya Suraksha
Diwas) every year, in the honour of the Indian
Security Forces. The day aims to show
gratitude to all the security forces, including
policemen, Para-military forces, commandos,
guards, army officers, and other persons
involved in security, who sacrifice their life in
maintaining the peace and security of the
people of the country.
39. Name the Badminton Player that has won
women‘s single title at Uganda International
Badminton tournament.
(a) Ashwini Ponnappa
(b) Malvika Bansod
(c) Akane Yamaguchi
(d) Aparna Popat
Explanation:India‘s Varun Kapur and Malvika
Bansod clinched the men‘s and women‘s singles
titles respectively at the 2021 Uganda
International Badminton tournament in
Kampala. Varun beat compatriot Sankar
Muthusamy 21-18, 16-21, 21-17 in the men‘s
7 March 2021
singles final. Malvika beat compatriot Anupama
Upadhyaya in the women singles summit clash
17-21, 25-23, 21-10.
40. The Combined Commanders Conference was
held in which State?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Kerala
Explanation:A three-day Combined
Commanders' Conference will begin at Kevadia
in Gujarat. Theaterisation of armed forces, self-
reliance in defence sector and evolving threats
in the region will be the focus areas during the
three-day annual event.
41. Which railway station became first railway
station to get Gold Certification as per Indian
Green Building Council rating?
(a) Old Delhi Junction
(b) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
(c) Charbagh Junction
(d) Pune Junction
Explanation:Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus Railway Station of Central Railway is
the first railway station in Maharashtra to be
awarded with Gold certification as per CII‘s
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) ratings.
Central Railway has implemented various green
initiatives across its zone, with plantation
creating green areas, installation of solar panels,
customer-friendly initiatives at many stations,
LED bulbs and lights etc.
42. Which State has launched its first air cargo
services?
(a) Manipur
(b) Tripura
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland
Explanation:Nagaland launched its first air
cargo services from Dimapur airport. Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio officially flagged off the
service, a joint initiative of Department of
Horticulture, Nagaland and Airport Authority of
India with Air India and Indigo as airline
partners.
43. Who has received the CERA Week Global
Energy and Environment Leadership Award?
 (a) Amitabh Bachchan
(b) Lata Mangeshkar
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Virat Kohli
Explanation:Prime Minister Narendra Modi
was awarded the CERAWeek Global Energy
and Environment Leadership Award. He had
also delivered the keynote address at the
Cambridge Energy Research Associates Week
2021 via video conferencing. He said: ―It is with
great humility that I accept the CERAWeek
Global Energy and Environment Leadership
Award. I dedicate this award to the people of
our great Motherland, India. I dedicate this
award to the glorious tradition of our land that
has shown the way when it comes to caring for
the environment.‖ CERAWeek was founded in
1983 by Dr. Daniel Yergin. The CERAWeek
Global Energy and Environment Leadership
Award was instituted in 2016.
44. Recently US imposed sanctions on which
country over Navalny issue?
(a) North Korea
(b) Iran
(c) Myanmar
(d) Russia
Explanation:The United States has slapped
sanctions on Russian individuals and entities
over the near-fatal poisoning of prominent
opposition figure Alexei Navalny with a nerve
agent. Speaking to reporters, the senior White
House officials said the sanctions were being
imposed in coordination with the European
Union, and urged the release of Navalny from
prison.
45. Name the company that has recently approved
sale of its 61.65 % stake in Numaligarh
Refinery.
(a) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(b) Bharat Petroleum Corporation
(c) Hindustan Petroleum
(d) Indian Oil Corporation
Explanation:Bharat Petroleum Corporation
Board has approved sale of its 61.65 percent
stake in Numaligarh Refinery for 9,875 crore
rupees. Oil India Limited, Engineers India Ltd
8 March 2021
and Assam Government will be picking up the
stake.
46. Matam Venkata Rao took charge as the
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
of which Bank?
(a) ICICI Bank
(b) HDFC Bank
(c) Central Bank of India
(d) Corporation Bank
Explanation:Matam Venkata Rao has been
sworn in as the new Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer of state-run of Central
Bank of India. The appointment of Rao is
effective from March 01, 2021, for a period of
three years.
47. Who has been appointed by Government of
India, as the Director General (DG) of Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF)?
(a) Kulwant Singh
(b) Kuldiep Singh
(c) Karamjot Singh
(d) Kiranjeet Singh
Explanation:Centre has appointed IPS officer
Kuldiep Singh to hold additional charge as the
Director General (DG) of Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF), with effect from March
01, 2021. Singh is a 1986-batch officer from
West Bengal cadre, working as the special DG
of its central zone.
48. Mary Kom has been appointed as the
Chairperson of which of the following?
(a) World Boxing Association
(b) World Boxing Council
(c) International Boxing Association's
(d) World Boxing Organization
Explanation:Mary Kom has been appointed as
the Chairperson of the International Boxing
Association's (AIBA) champions and veterans
committee. Mary Kom thanked AIBA President
and said she will give her best at the position.
49. What app has been launched by Truecaller for
Women's Safety?
(a) TrueSafe
(b) Guardian
(c) VSecure
(d) DefendUs
 Explanation:Truecaller recently launched a
Guardians App. The new app from the caller ID
platform is designed to crowdsource personal
safety of its users by letting them share their
location and alert their guardians in case of an
emergency. According to the developers the
App took almost 15 months to build with team
members from Sweden and India. The app
would never share any personal information
with any third-party apps for commercial use.
50. Which State has launched Engineering Research
& Development Policy 2021?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Odisha
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Maharashtra
Explanation:Karnataka has launched the
‗Karnataka Engineering Research & bill, tabled by the Dushyant Chautala in 2020,
Development (Engineering R&D) Policy 2021‘
as a measure to leverage the sector‘s potential,
create jobs and improve the state‘s
contribution in the space through strategic
interventions and bridging the gap between
academia and industry. Bengaluru accounts for
34% of all the multinational corporations
(MNC) in the country and nearly 50% of the
fortune 500 companies have a presence in
India‘s IT capital.
51. Recently Piyush Goel announced that Rail
network in country will be fully electrified by
which year?
(a) 2025
(b) 2023
(c) 2026
(d) 2022
Explanation:Railway Minister Piyush Goyal
while Addressing the Maritime India Summit-
2021announced that Rail network in country
will be fully electrified by 2023 and all Rail
networks will run on Renewable Energy by
2030.
52. What is the integrated helpline number that
was announced by Ministry Of Railways
recently?
(a) 140
(b) 139
(c) 188
9 March 2021
(d) 152
Explanation:Ministry of Railways has
announced that Rail Madad integrated single
helpline number 139. This Rail Madad
integrated single Helpline 139 replaces all other
Helplines like 182 & 138.
53. Which State Government has approved bill to
reserve 75% jobs in private sector for locals?
(a) Haryana
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Punjab
Explanation:The Deputy Chief Minister of
Haryana Dushyant Chautala announced on that
the governor of the state Satyadev Narayan
Arya has approved the bill that will provide
75% reservation in the private sector jobs. The
makes it compulsory for the private sector
companies to reserve 75% of the jobs with a
salary up to 50,000 for the people of the state.
54. The Government of India has approved a MoU
with which nation for the cooperation in the
field of renewable energy?
(a) Israel
(b) South Africa
(c) France
(d) Indonesia
Explanation:The Union Cabinet gave ex post
facto approval to the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) between India and
France on renewable energy cooperation. The
objective of the MoU is to establish the basis
for promotion of bilateral cooperation in the
field of new and renewable energy on the basis
of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. It
covers technologies relating to solar, wind,
hydrogen and biomass energy.
55. The Government of India approved agreement
between India and which nation for co-
operation in agriculture sector.
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Fiji
(c) Namibia
(d) Russia
Explanation:The Union Cabinet has approved
a MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and
 Farmers' Welfare of the Republic of India and
the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of
Fiji for cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Under this, a Joint Working Group will be
constituted to set down procedures and plan
and recommend programs of cooperation. It
will remain in force for a period of 5 years.
56. Recently, Australian conservationist‘s unveiled
plan to build world‘s first platypus sanctuary in
New South Wales State. What is the status of
the mammal in IUCN Red List?
(a) Extinct
(b) Near Threatened
(c) Vulnerable
(d) Endangered
Explanation:
 The IUCN Red List founded in 1964. It is
the world‘s most comprehensive inventory
of the global conservation status of
biological species. The International Union
for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is
the world‘s main authority on the
conservation status of species.
 Australian conservationists unveiled plans
to build the world‘s first refuge for the
platypus, to promote breeding and
rehabilitation as the duck-billed mammal
faces extinction due to climate change.
The Taronga Conservation Society
Australia and the New South Wales State
government informed that, they would
build the specialist facility, mostly ponds
and burrows for the semi-aquatic
creatures, at a zoo 391 km from Sydney,
by 2022.
57. Recently, the Government of India amended
Insurance ombudsman rules for timely
complaint resolution. What is the office tenure
of an Ombudsman?
(a) 5 Years
(b) 3 Years
(c) 2 Years
(d) 6 Years
Explanation:The tenure of office of an
Ombudsman is three years and it is eligible for
reappointment provided that no person shall
10 March 2021
hold office as an Ombudsman after he has
attained the age of seventy years.
The government of India notified
comprehensive amendments to the Insurance
Ombudsman Rules, 2017. This was done with a
view to improve the working of the Insurance
Ombudsman mechanism to facilitate the
resolution of complaints. The Ombudsman
mechanism was administered by the Executive
Council of Insurers, which has been renamed as
the Council for Insurance Ombudsmen.
58. Which bank has launched first international fund
investing in US stocks?
(a) Standard Chartered
(b) Dena Bank
(c) ICICI Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation:The State Bank of India (SBI)
Mutual Funds has launched its first overseas
offering. The scheme will invest 95-100 per
cent of its net assets generally in Amundi Funds
US Pioneer Fund (including ETFs), which invest
predominantly in the US markets. The fund
titled SBI International Access US Equity FOF is
an open-ended fund of funds scheme investing
in mutual fund scheme/ETFs that invest in US
markets, which are domiciled overseas.
59. What is the position of India in Hurun Global
Rich List 2021 in terms of maximum numbers
of billionaires?
(a) First
(b) Third
(c) Tenth
(d) Seventh
Explanation:India retained the third spot on
the list of countries with a maximum number of
billionaires. China was the 1st followed by the
United States. Germany ranked 4th and the
United Kingdom 5th. The country‘s elite billion
dollar club saw the addition of 55 new
entrepreneurs in 2020. India is now home to
177 resident dollar billionaires while overall
Indians with net worth exceeding 1 billion
dollars is 209, according to Hurun Global Rich
List 2021.
60. Recently, NITI Aayog has released ranking of
Aspirational Districts. Which one among the
 following Districts topped the Aspirational
Districts ranking?
(a) Nawada District in Bihar
(b) Bhopal District in Madhya Pradesh
(c) Lucknow District in Uttar Pradesh
(d) Kiphire District in Nagaland
Explanation:According to the recent release
of aspirational districts by NITI Aayog, Nawada
in Bihar has topped the while Kiphire
(Nagaland) and Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh) are
at the second and third positions respectively.
The delta rankings took into account
incremental progress made by over 112
aspirational districts across six developmental
areas in December 2020.
61. Name the Newspaper that has won two gold
and two silvers at South Asian Digital Media
Awards.
(a) Indian Express
(b) Times of India
(c) The Hindu
(d) Dainik Jagran
Explanation:The Hindu Group won two gold
and two silvers at South Asian Digital Media
Awards given by WAN IFRA (World
Association of News Publishers), culminating in
being named ‗Champion Publisher of the Year‘,
owing to the highest tally on the points table.
The awards are presented in recognition of
outstanding work done by news publishers, in
digital media. The winners were honoured
virtually at the Digital Media India 2021
Conference held.
62. Which State/Ut has recently topped the medals
tally in the second edition of the Khelo India
Winter National Games?
(a) Jammu and Kashmir
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Dehradun
(d) Ladakh
Explanation:Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir has topped the medals tally in the
second edition of the Khelo India Winter
National Games. It won 11 gold, 18 silver, and
5 bronze medals. The five days mega sports
event concluded in north Kashmir's Baramulla
11 March 2021
district. In the event, more than 1,000 athletes
from 27 states and Union Territories took part.
63. Which State‘s/UT‘s Police recruited 13
Transgender people as constables?
(a) Maharashtra Police
(b) Delhi Police
(c) Haryana Police
(d) Odisha Police
Explanation:Chhattisgarh Police have
recruited 13 transgender persons as constables,
in an effort to boost the confidence of people
from the community and change the society's
perception towards them. This is the first time
that transgender persons have been inducted
into the state police force
64. Recently Indian Air Force (IAF) took part in
Exercise Desert Flag-VI. Which one among the
following countries hosted the exercise Desert
Flag-VI?
(a) UAE
(b) France
(c) USA
(d) India
Explanation:Recently Indian Air Force (IAF)
took part in Desert Flag-VI exercise. India
participated first time in the exercise and joined
the airforces of France, the US, the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain. The exercise
started on 3 March, the exercise will run until
27 March at Al-Dhafra airbase in the UAE.
65. Which state government has inaugurated
hostels for SC and ST students?
(a) West Bengal
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Odisha
(d) Bihar
Explanation:Recently Odisha CM Naveen
Patnaik virtually inaugurated hostels for
scheduled tribe (ST) and scheduled caste (SC)
students in the state. He inaugurated three
'Akankhya hostels' located at Berhampur,
Sambalpur and Rourkela worth Rs 150 crore.
The programme aims to provide education to
the SC and ST students at reputed schools.
66. According to the Women, Business and the Law
2021 report, how many countries have full
equal rights for women?
 (a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 25
(d) 10
Explanation:According to the report Women,
Business and the Law 2021, published by the
World Bank, there are only ten countries in the
world which offer full legal protections to
women. Belgium, France, Denmark, Latvia,
Luxembourg, Sweden, Canada, Iceland,
Portugal and Ireland were the only ones
offering full equal rights for men and women, at
least from a legal perspective. Ninety-four
countries out of the world‘s 194 ranked at 80%
or above, up from 87 in 2020. Saudi Arabia,
which came in last in 2019, has improved its
score majorly following new laws implemented
in the country and now ranks 91st at 80%. The
last place in the 2020 ranking went to Yemen
(26.9%), ahead of Kuwait (28.8%) and Sudan
(29.4%).
67. Which country became the largest applicant of
international patents in 2020?
(a) USA
(b) China
(c) Japan
(d) Germany
Explanation:China last year became the world
leader in international patent filings via WIPO‘s
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), after
surpassing the United States which had held the
top spot for more than four decades. A record
grew by 4% in 2020 to reach 275,900
applications – the highest number ever, despite
an estimated drop in global GDP of 3.5%.
China remained the largest user of WIPO‘s
PCT System, followed by the U.S., Japan, the
Republic of Korea and Germany.
68. What was the theme of Zero Discrimination
Day for 2021?
(a) End Inequalities
(b) Standup Against Discrimination
(c) End Discrimination by 2030
(d) We are, We together
Explanation:The Zero Discrimination Day is
held every year on 1 March. Purpose of the day
is to ensure right to equality, inclusion and
12 March 2021
protection of all people without any
discrimination in their law and policies to live a
full life with dignity regardless of any barriers.
The Day was launched by UNAIDS in 2014.
Theme of Zero Discrimination Day 2021 is
―End Inequalities‖. Zero Discrimination Day
was launched by UNAIDS director Michel
Sidibé on World Aids Day in December 2013.
The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is a
butterfly. People use the symbol on social
media widely to share posts to end
discrimination.
69. Who among the following inaugurated the New
Delhi World Book Fair 2021?
(a) Virat Kohli
(b) Salman Rushdee
(c) Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
(d) Arundhati Roy
Explanation:Explanation:Education Minister
Ramesh Pokhriyal ‗Nishank‘ inaugurated the
29th edition New Delhi World Book Fair 2021 –
Virtually due to COVID 19 pandemic. Speaking
on the occasion, the Minister appreciated that
‗National Education Policy-2020‘ is the theme
of the book fair. The Book Fair was organized
by The National Book Trust. National Book
Trust was established by the Government of
India in 1957 for the promotion of Books and
developing reading habit in the country.
Whereas, the theme of the Book Fair was
‗National Education Policy (NEP) 2020‘. The
first New Delhi World Book Fair was held in
1972.
70. What is the name of the national portal app
launched by Bangladesh?
(a) Amor App
(b) BDApps
(c) BNG App
(d) Nation App
Explanation:The Government of Bangladesh
has launched its national app portal
BDApps.com. The agreement between the ICT
division of the government of Bangladesh and
the telecom company Robi was signed in
Dhaka. BDApps will be established as the hub
of the ICT division for application developers.
Under the agreement, the ICT division will
 collaborate with BDApps to organise exclusive
boot camps and software development events
in the country.
71. Government of India set up National
Committee to commemorate 75 years of
India‘s Independence. Who will heade the
Committee?
(a) Defence Minister
(b) Presided officer of Lok Sabha
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Home Minister
Explanation:The government set up a 259-
member high-level national committee headed
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
commemorate 75 years of India‘s
independence. It will provide policy direction
and guidelines for the formulation of
programmes for the commemoration of the
75th anniversary of Indian Independence, at
national and international levels. The 75 years
of India‘s Independence falls on 15th August
next year and celebrations are proposed to be
launched 75 weeks prior to this date on 12th
March this year. 12th March is the 91st
anniversary of the historic Salt Satyagraha led by
Mahatma Gandhi.
72. What is the name of the 1st Community Radio
Station that was recently launched by Indian
Army?
(a) Radio Chinar 90.4
(b) Army ki Awaz 91.5
(c) Militriana 95.2
(d) Zameer 92.8
Explanation:The 1st of its kind in North
Kashmir, a community radio station with the
tagline ―Radio Chinar 90.4, Har Dil Ki
Dhadkan‖ was inaugurated by the Indian Army.
This radio station has been started with an aim
to revitalize the connection within different
segments of the community. The reach of the
radio station will be Sopore, Bandipora &
Baramulla Districts.
73. Which one of the following Union Ministers has
launched CSIR Floriculture Mission?
(a) Harsh Vardhan
(b) Rajnath Singh
(c) Narendra Modi
13 March 2021
(d) Amit Shah
Explanation:Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh
Vardhan launched 'CSIR Floriculture Mission'
through virtual mode. He encouraged scientists
of CSIR laboratories across the country to
develop the land available at each laboratory to
be set up as a model under the ―CSIR
Floriculture Mission‖. Under the mission, the
available knowledgebase in CSIR Institutes will
be utilized and leveraged to help Indian farmers
and industry re-position them to meet the
import requirements.
74. Which bank has launched Business Kisht
Suraksha cover?
(a) State Bank of India
(b) HDFC
(c) ICICI
(d) Punjab National Bank
Explanation:HDFC ERGO General Insurance
has launched a product called ―Business Kisht
Suraksha‖, to provide a unique cover to MFIs,
financial institutions and banks in the event of a
catastrophe or natural disaster. The Business
Kisht Suraksha aims to protect the balance
sheet of financial institutions due to non-
payment of EMIs by borrowers, following listed
calamities such as floods, earthquakes,
cyclones, etc.
75. Tech Mahindra partnered with which company
for AI driven analytics?
(a) Sisense
(b) Tableau Software
(c) Qlik
(d) ThoughtSpot
Explanation:As part of its focus on digital
growth, Tech Mahindra Ltd has partnered with
ThoughtSpot, a provider of search and artificial
intelligence (AI)-driven analytics. It will offer
real-time analytics for enterprises globally. Tech
Mahindra will integrate ThoughtSpot‘s search
and AI-driven analytics platform with its Virtual
Analyst platform to drive multi-level data
analysis.
76. Which one among the following organisations
has recently released the 'Food Waste Index
Report 2021'?
 (a) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change
(b) UNICEF
(c) United Nation Environment
Programme
(d) United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development
Explanation:The United Nation Environment
Programme (UNEP) published the ―Food
Waste Index Report, 2021‖. It presents the
most comprehensive food waste data
collection, analysis and modelling to date,
generating a new estimate of global food waste.
Key highlights of the Report:
 It has revealed that 17% of all food
available at consumer level (11% in
households, 5% in food service and 2% in
retail) was wasted in 2019 and around 690
million people had to go hungry.
 930 Million Tonnes of food is thrown away
in waste bins every year
 At household level, nearly 61% of food
goes into waste bins
 50KG of food is wasted per person each
year at household level in India.
77. Name the digital platform that was recently
launched by the Tripura government to help
people get benefits from various schemes of the
Centre and the state government.
(a) Jagrut Tripura
(b) Jagruk Tripura
(c) Jago Tripura
(d) Jigyasu Tripura
Explanation:The Tripura government has
come up with a digital platform ‗Jagrut Tripura‘
to help people get benefits from various
schemes of the Centre and the state
government. At least 102 schemes of various
departments of both the governments are
available on the platform. The digital platform is
one of the many proactive initiatives
undertaken by the state government to spur a
technology-led innovation ecosystem to make
―Atmanirbhar‖ Tripura.
78. Government of Delhi approved constitution of
Delhi Board of School Education. Who among
14 March 2021
the following will head the governing body of
the Delhi Board of School Education?
(a) Chief Minister
(b) Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
(c) State Education Minister
(d) Presiding officer of the State Cabinet
Explanation:The Chief Minister of Delhi,
Arvind Kejriwal, has announced that the Delhi
Cabinet has given approval to constitute the
Delhi Board of School Education. There are
some 1000 government schools and 1700
private schools functional in the Union territory
of Delhi. The Delhi Board of School Education
will comprise of a governing body which will be
headed by Education minister of Delhi
government. It will also comprise of an
executive body which will be headed by a chief
executive officer.
79. In which State, India‘s 1st World Skill Centre
was inaugurated recently?
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) Odisha
(c) West Bengal
(d) Jharkhand
Explanation:Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen
Patnaik inaugurated India‘s 1st World Skill
Centre (WSC) at Mancheswar Industrial Area
of Bhubaneswar. The World Skill Centre, an 18
storey building is aimed to make Odisha the
global capital of trained manpower and is
dedicated to different skills and trades. The
project has been developed in partnership with
ITEES Singapore and Asian Development Bank.
80. Which State government has launched online
registration portal for migrant workers
(a) Assam
(b) Sikkim
(c) Tripura
(d) Meghalaya
Explanation:Meghalaya government has
launched the online registration portal for
migrant workers under the Meghalaya
Identification Registration (Safety and Security)
of Migrant Workers Act 2020. It will improve
the ease of doing business. Only those migrant
workers/labourers who fulfil various criteria
 stated under the Act will be issued with a
labour license.
81. Indo-Tibetan Border Police has handed over
Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment
to which State Police?
(a) Delhi Police
(b) Haryana Police
(c) Himachal Pradesh Police
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(ITBP) has handed over more than 60 sets of
various categories of Special Clothing and
Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) to
Himachal Pradesh Police personnel deployed
on Atal Tunnel Security. These will be used by
Himachal Pradesh police personnel in extreme
cold conditions. Atal Tunnel is located at
altitudes of more than 10000 feet where winter
temperature remains sub-zero.
82. Which two banks signed strategic co-lending
service that will facilitate retail home loans at
competitive rates?
(a) PNB and Yes Bank
(b) SBI and PNB
(c) Yes Bank and SBI
(d) SBI and ICICI
Explanation:PNB Housing Finance has tied up
with Yes Bank for a strategic co-lending service
that will facilitate retail home loans at
competitive rates. PNB Housing and Yes Bank
will synergise capabilities to provide an efficient
and seamless experience to existing and new
retail home loan customers. Both will jointly do
due diligence and co originate the loan at an
agreed ratio.
83. Exim Bank signed $10.40 million soft loan pact
with which of the following countries?
(a) Lesotho
(b) Botswana
(c) Eswatini
(d) Namibia
Explanation:Export-Import Bank of India
(Exim Bank) has signed a $10.40 million (Rs
75.99 crore) loan deal with Eswatini
(Swaziland) on behalf of the Indian government.
It has been done for the construction of a
disaster recovery site. With the signing of this
15 March 2021
agreement, Exim Bank, till date has extended
three LoCs to Eswatini, taking the total value to
$68.30 million.
84. Which company formed a joint venture with
Jera Co. Inc for the development of 745 MW
project in Bangladesh?
(a) Tata Power
(b) Suzlon Energy
(c) Wipro
(d) Reliance Power
Explanation:Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power
has formed a joint venture with Japan-
headquartered Jera Co. Inc to develop a new
gas-fired power generation project in
Bangladesh. The project is to build, own, and
operate a 745-MW (net output: 718 MW)
natural gas combined-cycle power project in
Meghnaghat near Dhaka.
85. What is the rank of India in Freedom in the
World Index released by Freedom House?
(a) 71
(b) 52
(c) 69
(d) 89
Explanation:Washington-based noted think
tank Freedom House has demoted India‘s
freedom score from ―free‖ to ―partly free‖.
India‘s score decreased from 71 to 67, with 100
being the ranking for the freest country, and its
rank fell from 83 to 88 out of 211 countries.
The freest countries in the world, with a score
of 100, are Finland, Norway and Sweden, while
the least free are Tibet and Syria.
86. Name the journal that has recently published
the discovery of a ‗space hurricane‘ over North
Pole.
(a) Daily Science
(b) Nature Communications
(c) Environment Today
(d) World Nature Outlook
Explanation:For the first time, scientists have
discovered a "space hurricane" that swirled
over the North Pole, in Earth's upper
atmosphere, for eight hours. A group of
scientists from China, UK, US & Norway has
developed an image of the space hurricane
these hurricanes, which "rained" electrons, are
 known to occur in Earth's lower atmosphere.
The findings were published in Nature
Communications in February this year.
87. Which bank has signed a MoU with the Indian
Army for maintaining salary AC?
(a) Kotak Mahindra Bank
(b) Yes Bank
(c) Punjab National Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation:Kotak Mahindra Bank has recently
announced that they will maintain the salary
Account of the Army personnel‘s. The MoU
signed between Kotak Mahindra Bank and
Indian Army enables Kotak to offer its salary
account proposition, combined with exclusive
benefits for the Indian Army, to all army
personnel - both active and retired. In addition
with that bank stated that ―Through the Kotak
salary account, all personnel of the Indian army
will get access to the full range of Kotak's
products and services including a zero-balance
salary account that earns up to 4 per cent
interest per annum with free unlimited ATM
transactions on all VISA ATMs and anywhere
banking across the bank's network of 1,603
branches and 2,573 ATMs across India‖
88. Name the Cricket player that has became the
first opener to score 1000 Runs in World Test
Championship.
(a) David Warner
(b) Dean Elgar
(c) Erin Finch
(d) Rohit Sharma
Explanation:India opener Rohit Sharma
became the first opener to score 1000 runs in
the ongoing cycle of the World Test
Championship (WTC) during the fourth and
final Test against England. Rohit also leads the
list of most runs by an opener in the WTC,
followed by David Warner (948) and Dean
Elgar (848). He also became the Fastest Asian
Opener to score 1000 Test Runs.
89. Who is the brand ambassador of Glenmark
Pharma?
(a) Virat Kohli
(b) Rohit Sharma
(c) Shikhar Dhawan
16 March 2021
(d) MS Dhoni
Explanation:Glenmark Pharma has signed Hit
Man Sharma or Rohit Sharma as its Brand
Ambassador. Sharma will be the official face of
the brand as part of its 360 degree
communication. Glenmark had a market share
of 64 per cent in the medicated powder
category. Glenmark's Candid Dusting Powder is
used to treat four key skin problems of
redness, irritation, sweat rash and fungal
infections.
90. Which state‘s Governor has inaugurated the
Udaipur Science Centre?
(a) Odisha
(b) Tripura
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Sikkim
Explanation:Udaipur Science Centre was
inaugurated by Tripura Governor Ramesh Bais.
The Centre has been developed at the cost of
₹6 crores, funded jointly by the Ministry of
Culture, Government of India, and Department
of Science, Technology and Environment,
Tripura Government. With this, the National
Council of Science Museums (NCSM) has now
set-up science centres in all the north-eastern
states.
91. Recently, which edition of the QS World
University Rankings was released?
(a) 15th
(b) 5th
(c) 9th
(d) 11th
Explanation:According to a recently released
11th Edition of the QS World University
Rankings by subject twelve Indian Universities
and Higher Education Institutions have been
placed in the top 100 positions in their
respective subjects. A total of 25 Indian
programmes have achieved the top 100
positions. MIT-USA retains top spot in QS
World University Rankings 2021.
IIT Bombay ranked 172nd, IIS Bangalore ranked
185th and IIT Delhi ranked 193rd in QS World
University Rankings 2021.
92. India inked pact with which one of the following
countries for the sale of Defence Equipment?
 (a) Mauritius
(b) Philippines
(c) Maldives
(d) Indonesia
Explanation:India has recently signed a key
pact with the Philippines for the sale of 'defence
material and equipment', which are likely to
include BrahMos cruise missiles. Philippine
Department of National Defence (DND)
confirmed the deal after posting Facebook post,
they said ―Defence Undersecretary Raymundo
Elefante and India's Ambassador to the
Philippines Shambu S. Kumaran signed an
'implementing arrangement' for 'procurement
of defence material and equipment‖.
93. On which date the Jan Aushadhi Divas is
observed across the nation?
(a) 25 February
(b) 8 June
(c) 16 May
(d) 7 March
Explanation:Jan Aushadhi Divas or Generic
Medicine Day is observed on March 7 across
the globe with an aim to create awareness
about the use of generic medicines among the
people. The day was first celebrated in the year
2019 making it the third-celebration this year.
PM Modi attended the ceremony via video
conferencing. During the ceremony he
dedicated 7,500th Jan Aushadhi Kendra at
North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute
of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong.
94. Which one among the following has been
appointed as the first Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York?
(a) Iqbal Khan
(b) Naureen Hassan
(c) Preeti Singh
(d) Ashutosh Negi
Explanation:Naureen Hassan has been
appointed as the first vice president and chief
operating officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York. She has been appointed by the
board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as the first vice president and
chief operating officer, effective from March 15.
17 March 2021
Hassan will be the New York Fed's second
ranking officer as well as an alternate voting
member of the Federal Open Market
Committee.
95. Who among the following became the first
Indian cricketer to pick 30 wickets in Test
series twice?
(a) Ravichandran Ashwin
(b) Jaspreet Bumrah
(c) Ishant Sharma
(d) Axar Patel
Explanation:Ravichandran Ashwin became the
first Indian cricketer to have picked 30 wickets
or more in a Test series on two separate
occasions. In the ongoing four-match series
against England, Ashwin's wicket-tally stands at
30 while in 2015, the spinner had registered 31
wickets in the four-match series against South
Africa. Bishan Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh, BS
Chandrasekhar, Kapil Dev are some of the
former India stars to have taken more than 30
wickets in a single Test series.
96. Which one of the following countries became
the first African Nation to use Pfizer Vaccine?
(a) Rwanda
(b) South Africa
(c) Somalia
(d) Algeria
Explanation:Rwanda recently began its
COVID-19 vaccine programme, leading it to
become the first Africa nation to use
pharmaceutical company Pfizer's doses that
require ultra-cold storage.
97. Which state has approved its first State Health
Policy?
(a) Nagaland
(b) Manipur
(c) Tripura
(d) Meghalaya
Explanation:Meghalaya Govt has approved the
State‘s first Health Policy named MOTHER
(Measurable Outcomes Transforming Health
sector through a holistic approach with a focus
on women‘s Empowerment). Although Health
being a state subject, the State did not have a
health policy of its own but with the approval of
this policy, the State will now have its own
 health policy in place. The State Health Policy
aligns with the draft National Health Bill, 2009,
National Health Policy 2017 (NHP, 2017) and
the National Public Health Act, 2018 (draft).
98. India‘s first ‗Transgender Community Desk‘
inaugurated in which one of the following State?
(a) Odisha
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Telangana
(d) Bihar
Explanation:The Cyberabad Police has
launched India‘s first-ever Transgender
Community Desk‘ at the Gachibowli Police
Station in Hyderabad, Telangana. The desk was
formally inaugurated recently by Cyberabad
Police chief VC Sajjanar in a ceremony that was
attended by over 200 transgender people.
Earlier in 2014, the Supreme Court recognised
the transgender community as a third gender
along with male and female and ruled that they
have equal privilege over the fundamental rights
enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
99. What is the name of the department that was
recently formed by the Government of Odisha
to strengthen self-help groups?
(a) Department of Mission Sahayata
(b) Department of Mission Shakti
(c) Department of Mission Samridhhi
(d) Department of Mission Samman
Explanation:Odisha government has set up a
new department, namely the Department of
Mission Shakti for self-help groups (SHGs) in
the state. A proposal to this effect has received
the nod in the state cabinet. The new
department will work towards strengthening
the 'SHG' initiatives already taken by
departments & agencies by bringing them all
under one platform to ensure greater focus &
synergy.
100. What is the name of the App that has been
recently launched by the Jammu and Kashmir
administration under national health mission?
(a) SWASTHYA
(b) PRABAL
(c) VRIDDHI
(d) ANMOL
18 March 2021
Explanation:The Jammu and Kashmir
administration distributed tablets among
auxiliary nursing midwives (ANMs) and
launched an application under the national
health mission for identification and tracking of
beneficiaries. The ANMOL application allows
ANMs to enter and update records of
beneficiaries on real-time basis. This will thus
ensure prompt entry and update of data as well
as improve the data quality and accountability.
101. The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and
Criminal Justice was held recently in which one
of the following cities?
(a) New Delhi, India
(b) Kyoto, Japan
(c) Shaghai, China
(d) New York, USA
Explanation:The UN Congress on Crime
Prevention and Criminal Justice started in
Kyoto, Japan. The forum‘s agenda this year
targets the responses needed to strengthen
crime prevention and criminal justice in the
current crisis.The conference adopted the
Kyoto Declaration, which emphasizes the need
to promote digitalization of criminal justice
systems and develop partnerships with
community volunteers.
102. Which country appointed its first transgender
news-presenter for private news channel?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) UAE
(d) Pakistan
Explanation:A private news channel has
appointed Bangladesh‘s first transgender news
presenter. 'Tashnuva Anan Shishir' will start
presenting news for Boishakhi TV from the
International Women‘s Day.The TV channel has
appointed another transgender 'Nusrat Mau' as
one of the main characters for the regular
drama section of the TV channel's
entertainment wing.
103. Name the company that has unveiled plan to
open World‘s first space hotel.
(a) Orbital Assembly Corporation
(b) SpaceEx
(c) The Boring Company
 (d) None of these
Explanation:Space construction company
Orbital Assembly Corporation has unveiled
new details about its ambitious project of
building a hotel above Earth‘s atmosphere. The
company is planning to start building the hotel,
Voyager Station, in the low Earth orbit in 2025,
to be operational as early as 2027. With over
11,600 square metres of habitable space, the
commercial station will have many features.
104. Who has won gold at Matteo Pellicone Rankings
Series Wrestling in Rome?
(a) Babita Kumari
(b) Vinesh Phogat
(c) Sakshi Malik
(d) Geeta Phogat
Explanation:India women's wrestler Vinesh
Phogat won the 53kg title and her second gold
medal in two weeks as she defeated Canada's
Diana Weicker 4-0 in the final of the Matteo
Pellicone Ranking Series event in Rome and
reclaimed the top rank in her category. Vinesh
had entered the event as world number three
but is back to world number one by jumping 14
points. The Canadian was ranked as low as 40
before the tournament but is now just behind
Vinesh at number two.
105. Which state has launched the country's first
engineering research and development policy?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Haryana
Explanation:The Deputy Chief Minister of
Karnataka Dr C.N. Ashwathnarayana has
launched country's first ever Engineering
Research & Development (E R&D) policy that
aims to enable the State to contribute about 45
per cent to India's engineering R&D during the
policy period and create an additional 50,000
new jobs.
106. Where is the state-of-the-art Center for Drone
Research inaugurated?
(a) IIT Delhi
(b) IIT Roorkee
(c) IIT Guwahati
(d) IIT Kanpur
19 March 2021
Explanation:IIT Roorkee has inaugurated a
state-of-art centre for drone research on the
campus. The initiative has secured a seed
funding of Rs 1.4 crore from alumni of the 1994
batch on the occasion of their Silver Jubilee
Reunion. This centre is envisaged to evolve as a
unique facility at the national level wherein
state-of-the-art and frontier research would be
conducted on several aspects of drone
technology, including drone development,
drone applications and anti-drone technology.
107. Which country has set a target of more than
6% economic growth?
(a) India
(b) USA
(c) China
(d) Brazil
Explanation:Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
announced at the National People's Congress
(NPC) event, in Beijing that the country has set
a GDP growth target of more than 6% for
2021. The world‘s second-biggest economy
posted a 2.3% growth in 2020, the only major
economy to post an expansion in a pandemic-
hit year. China‘s official target for 2021 is more
conservative compared with economists‘
consensus forecast of an 8.4% GDP growth,
based on data compiled by Spain-based
research firm FocusEconomics.
108. Which year has been declared by the United
Nations as the International Year of Millets?
(a) 2021
(b) 2025
(c) 2030
(d) 2023
Explanation:The UN General Assembly
adopted a resolution titled 'International Year of
Millets 2023' was initiated by India with
Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia and
Senegal and was co-sponsored by over 70
nations. It aimed at raising awareness about the
health benefits of the grain and their suitability
for cultivation under changing climatic
conditions. The 193-member General
Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution,
declaring 2023 as the International Year of
Millets.
109. On which date the International Women's Day
is observed?
(a) March 2
(b) March 8
(c) March 5
(d) March 3
Explanation:International Women's Day is
being observed on 8 March. The day is
celebrated every year to help forge a gender
equal world, celebrate women's achievements
and their increasing visibility in every sphere of
life. This day celebrates the cultural, political,
economic and social achievements of women. It
also highlights the extraordinary roles played by
women in almost every walk of life and
celebrates acts of courage and determination
by ordinary women. The theme this year is -
Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future
in a COVID-19 world.
110. Name the institution that has recently launched
the India‘s biggest Kidney Dialysis Hospital at
Balasahib Gurudwara in Delhi.
(a) Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management
Committee
(b) Staff Quarters Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
(c) Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of
Technology
(d) None of these
Explanation:India‘s biggest Kidney Dialysis
Hospital was inaugurated at Balasahib
Gurudwara in Delhi. The Guru Harikshan
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
Kidney Dialysis Hospital has been opened by
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.
The 100 bedded hospital is equipped with most
technically advanced medical facilities where
services will be provided free of cost to the
patients. There will also be no billing counter at
the hospital.
111. Which State Police has recently organized ‗All
Women Parade' on International Women's Day?
(a) Uttar Pradesh Police
(b) Himachal Pradesh Police
(c) Madhya Pradesh Police
(d) Andhra Pradesh Police
Explanation:The Himachal Pradesh Police has
recently organized ‗All Women Parade' on the
20 March 2021
occasion of International Women's Day, at the
historic Ridge Grounds in Shimla, aimed at
increasing the strength of women in the police
force.
112. PM Modi inaugurated ‗Maitri Setu‘ between
India and which country?
(a) Nepal
(b) Bangladesh
(c) Bhutan
(d) Srilanka
Explanation:Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurated Maitri Setu between India and
Bangladesh through video conferencing. Mr
Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation
stone of multiple infrastructure projects in
Tripura during the event. The bridge Maitri
Setu has been built over Feni River which flows
between Indian boundary in Tripura State and
Bangladesh. The name Maitri Setu symbolizes
growing bilateral relations and friendly ties
between India and Bangladesh.
113. BCCI has announced a schedule for _____
edition Indian Premier League 2021.
(a) 16th
(b) 14th
(c) 18th
(d) 12th
Explanation:The Board of Control for Cricket
in India, BCCI has announced the schedule for
the 14th edition Indian Premier League 2021 to
be held in India. It will be held from April 9,
with the first match between Mumbai Indians
and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The world‘s
largest cricket stadium - Narendra Modi
Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final on
30th May 2021.
114. Axis Securities launched online platform
____________ for hassle free investment in
bond, debenture.
(a) SURAKSHA
(b) YIELD
(c) SHEILD
(d) YAx
Explanation:Axis Securities has launched a
first-of-its-kind initiative called ‗YIELD‘, that will
allow retail investors direct access to the debt
instruments, YIELD is an online platform to buy
 and sell bonds as well as debentures in the
secondary market.
115. Which Bank launched 'SmartUp Unnati' for
women entrepreneurs?
(a) SBI
(b) ICICI
(c) HDFC
(d) Yes Bank
Explanation:The HDFC Bank has launched the
―SmartUp Unnati mentoring Programme‖. This
programme was launched to provide its
support to the women entrepreneurs. Under
this programme, the senior women leaders
from the HDFC Bank with the expertise will
mentor the women entrepreneurs so as to help
them in achieving their goals in next one year.
116. Who among the following has been awarded by
Delhi Medical Association for exemplary service
during COVID-19?
(a) Dr Harsh Vardhan
(b) Ramesh Pokhriyal
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Nirmala Sitharaman
Explanation:Delhi Medical Association (DMA)
honoured Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan,
for his contribution to the medical fraternity
and outstanding service during the COVID-19
Pandemic. He was honoured during DMA's
62nd Annual Delhi State Medical Conference.
He informed that the Indian vaccines have
shown some of the lowest Adverse Events
Following Immunization, AEFI anywhere in the
world.
117. Which one of the following schemes is not
Umbrella scheme under which Women and
Child Development Ministry will classify major
ongoing programmes for effective
implementation?
(a) Mission Poshan 2.0
(b) Mission Vatsalya
(c) Mission Shakti
(d) Mission Swasthya
Explanation:For effective implementation of
various schemes and programmes of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development, all
major schemes have been classified under 3
umbrella schemes viz. Mission Poshan 2.0,
21 March 2021
Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti. To
strengthen nutritional content, the government
is merging the Supplementary Nutrition
Programme and Poshan Abhiyan to launch
Mission POSHAN 2.0.
118. Indian Navy deployed women officers on
warships after the gap of how many years?
(a) 7 years
(b) 23 years
(c) 16 years
(d) 30 years
Explanation:In a major move, the Indian Navy
deployed four women officers onboard its
warships recently after a gap of almost 23
years. Two women officers have been posted
on aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, while two
others have been deployed on tanker ship INS
Shakti. Women officers started getting
deployed on warships for the first time in 1998
but the decision was changed later due to
logistical and other issues. The Indian Navy also
deployed a lady officer as the first women
defence attache posted abroad.
119. Which one of the following countries voted to
ban full face coverings in public places?
(a) USA
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Switzerland
(d) Finland
Explanation:Switzerland's government has
voted in favour of the proposal which bans full-
face coverings in almost all public places.
According to the proposal by the Swiss Federal
Government, there will be no additional
exceptions such as for tourists. The covering
will only be allowed in places of worship and
other sacred sites but apart from that, the face-
covering will be banned in all the public places
such as public transport, streets, public offices,
shops, restaurants.
120. What is the name of the web platform that has
been launched by Google India on the occasion
of ―International Women‘s Day‖?
(a) Women Will
(b) Women First
(c) Women Power
(d) Women Partnership
 Explanation:Google has launched a new web
platform ‗Women Will‘ on March 8, 2021, on
the occasion of ―International Women‘s Day‖.
This platform will provide its support to 1
million rural women in India in order for them
to become entrepreneurs with the help of
accelerator programmes, business tutorials and
mentorship. This web portal can be accessed in
English and Hindi languages. It will offer
guidance to the aspiring women in villages to
turn their interest or a hobby like beauty
services, tailoring, home tuition, food
processing, etc. into the business.
121. G R Chintala took over Chairmanship of
APRACA. He is also a Chairman of which of the
following organizations?
(a) SEBI
(b) NABARD
(c) State Bank of India
(d) None of these
Explanation:National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD) Chairman G R
Chintala took over the chairmanship of the Asia
Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association
(APRACA). He has taken over from DPK
Gunasekera, who is also the Chief Executive
Officer of Bank of Ceylon. APRACA,
established in 1977, is an association of
institutions involved in agricultural, rural and
microfinance policy and development,
representing 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific
region.
122. Which state government has launched 2nd
phase of Mission Shakti?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Haryana
Explanation:Uttar Pradesh government
launched the second phase of Mission Shakti on
the occasion of International women's day.
Launching the campaign Chief minister said that
it will become a milestone in women
empowerment. First commercial flight from
Bareily also started. The flight was operated by
all women crew members‘ carrying 60
passengers to Delhi.
22 March 2021
123. Who has released 11 Volumes of Manuscript of
Srimad Bhagavadgita?
(a) Amit Shah
(b) Narendra Modi
(c) Rajnath Singh
(d) Piyush Goel
Explanation:Prime Minister Narendra Modi
released 11 Volumes of Manuscript with
commentaries by 21 scholars on shlokas of
Srimad Bhagavadgita at Lok Kalyan Marg, New
Delhi. The Manuscript, published by Dharmarth
Trust, is written with extraordinary variety and
nuance of Indian calligraphy ranging from
Shankar Bhashya to Bhasanuvada.
124. Who has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of
the Year award (ISWOTY) for 2020?
(a) Pentala Harikrishna
(b) Baskaran Adhiban
(c) Viswanathan Anand
(d) Koneru Humpy
Explanation:Chess player Koneru Humpy
from Andhra Pradesh has won the BBC Indian
Sportswoman of the Year award (ISWOTY) for
2020, following a public vote. The 33-year-old
beat sprinter Dutee Chand, airgun shooter
Manu Bhaker, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and India
hockey captain Rani Rampal to the award.
Humpy is the World Rapid Chess champion
having won the title in December 2019 after a
two-year maternity break. In 2020, she won
the Cairns Cup, an elite-level tournament for
the top female players.
125. India's 1st forest healing centre has been
opened in which state?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Mizoram
(d) Sikkim
Explanation:First Forest Healing centre of the
country was inaugurated at Ranikhet in Kalika,
Uttarakhand. It involves many activities like
forest walking, tree-hugging, etc. The forest
healing centre has been developed by the
Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest
Department after research on the healing
properties of the forests and its revitalizing
impact on overall health and well-being.
126. Which state has announced to open special
women clinics?
(a) Delhi
(b) Goa
(c) Manipur
(d) Odisha
Explanation:The Delhi government
announced that special women mohalla clinics
will be opened across the city in the next
financial year to offer free gynecological and
other medical care services to them within
walking distance from their homes. Deputy
Chief Minister Manish Sisodia made the
announcement while presenting the
government's annual budget for year 2021-22.
127. Which country has approved world's most
expensive drug called ―Zolgensma‖?
(a) USA
(b) France
(c) Saudi Arabia
(d) United Kingdom
Explanation: Zolgensma which has a reported
list price of £1.79 mn (Rs 18 crore) per dose is
labelled the most expensive drug in the world.
It was approved by the National Health Service
England to treat babies with a rare fatal genetic
disorder. It is a gene therapy indicated for the
treatment of pediatric patients less than 2 years
of age with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
128. National Skill Development Corporation
collaborated with which digital platform for
digital financial literacy?
(a) SahiPay
(b) SahiRupay
(c) SahiWallet
(d) SahiMoney
Explanation:National Skill Development
Corporation announced its collaboration with
SahiPay an Android based integrated platform
developed by Manipal Business solutions (MBS)
to promote digital enablement and financial
inclusion in the country. The partnership aims
to facilitate skilling of youth in digital financial
services and provide them with an opportunity
to explore self-employment for sustainable
livelihood.
129. Who is appointed as Chairman of the Panel of
External Auditors of United Nations?
(a) R. K. Mathur
(b) Girish Chandra Murmu
(c) Manoj Sinha
(d) Rajiv Mehrishi
Explanation:Comptroller and Auditor General
of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, have been
appointed chairman of the Panel of External
Auditors of the United Nations for the second
time in a row for 2021. The panel consists of
countries including India, Germany, Chile,
China, the United Kingdom, France, Philippines,
Switzerland, Italy, Ghana, Indonesia, Canada
and Russia.
130. Which space agency with ISRO has developed
radar for joint earth observation satellite
mission?
(a) National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
(b) European Space Agency
(c) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
(d) Roscosmos
Explanation: ISRO has completed
development of a Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR) capable of producing extremely high-
resolution images for a joint earth observation
satellite mission with the US space agency
NASA. NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a joint
collaboration for a dual-frequency L and S-band
SAR for earth observation. NASA and ISRO
signed a partnership in 2014 to collaborate on
and launch NISAR. The mission is targeted to
launch in early 2022 from ISRO Sriharikota
spaceport.
131. Which Player was named as the ICC Men's
Player of the Month for February?
(a) Rohit Sharma
(b) Virat Kohli
(c) Rishabh Pant
(d) R Ashwin
Explanation:Indian spinner Ravichandran
Ashwin was named as the Men's Player of the
Month (February) by the International Cricket
Council (ICC). England's Tammy Beaumont
was named as Women's Player of the Month
for February. The ICC Player of the Month

23 March 2021
 Awards aims to recognise and celebrate the Explanation:France launched its first military
best performances from both male and female exercise in space this week to evaluate its
cricketers across all forms of international ability to defend its satellites and other defence
cricket each month. equipment from an attack. Michel Friedling, the
132. Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Odisha head of France's newly created Space
Industrial Infrastructure Development Command said the exercises are a "stress-test
Corporation signed a MoU to develop Paradip of their systems. He said that they were a first
Plastic Park in which state? for the French army and even a first in Europe.
(a) Odisha The exercise, codenamed "AsterX" in memory
(b) Chhattisgarh of the first French satellite from 1965, will be
(c) Jharkhand based on 18 simulated events in an operations
(d) Bihar room.
Explanation: Indian Oil Corporation Limited 135. Which Bank has launched contactless payment
and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure wearable devices starting at Rs750?
Development Corporation will jointly set up a (a) SBI
state-of-the-art plastic park in Paradeep in (b) Yes Bank
Odisha. A shareholder agreement, signed (c) Axis Bank
recently in the virtual presence of the Chief (d) ICICI
Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik and Union Explanation:Axis Bank has launched a range of
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister wearable contactless payment devices under
Dharmendra Pradhan, seeks to develop the the brand Wear ‗N‘ Pay. These devices come in
project as the first fully operational plastic park different forms of wearables like band, key
in the country. chain and watch loop and are available starting
133. Which state government has launched campaign at Rs750. A customer needs to wave the
to make golden cards of Ayushman Bharat wearable at a point of sale (PoS) machine at
scheme? merchant outlets for transactions up to Rs
(a) Madhya Pradesh 5,000. Beyond this, a PIN is required to
(b) Uttar Pradesh complete the transaction
(c) Odisha 136. Which company appointed Pierre Bruno as
(d) Haryana CEO for Europe business?
Explanation:The Uttar Pradesh government (a) Genpact
launched a campaign to make golden cards of (b) Wipro
Ayushman Bharat scheme across the state. Our (c) Infosys
Correspondent reports that the campaign aims (d) IBM
to drive awareness about Ayushman Bharat Explanation:Information Technology services
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) major Wipro has appointed Pierre Bruno as
across state and enable beneficiaries, especially Chief Executive Officer for Europe. Bruno will
those residing in the rural and remote areas, to lead Wipro‘s business in six distinct regions
avail cashless healthcare worth Rs. 5 lakh per across Europe. In Europe, Wipro operates in
family per year. six regions, comprising UK & Ireland, Germany,
134. Which country has launched first military Switzerland, Nordics, Benelux and Southern
exercise in space? Europe
(a) USA 137. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising
(b) China Day observed on which date?
(c) France (a) 7th March
(d) Japan (b) 10th March
(c) 1st March

24 March 2021
 (d) 8th March
Explanation:Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF) Raising Day is observed every year on
10th March. The day was created for better
protection and security of industrial
undertakings in the country. It was set up under
an act of the Parliament of India on March 1969
with strength of around 2,200 personnel. It is
governed by the Union Ministry of Home
Affairs and its headquarters is in New Delhi.
138. In which Union Territory the First 'Milk ATM'
has been installed?
(a) Chandigarh
(b) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) NCT Delhi
(d) Andaman and Nicobar
Explanation: The first milk vending machine
called as 'Milk ATM' has been installed in
Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. The machine
has been installed near Shaheed Park in the
Chatpora area of Pulwama by a professional
milk supplier, Shabir Ahmad Wagay. The milk
ATM has been set up in collaboration with the
Department of Animal and Sheep Husbandry
under the Integrated Dairy Development
Scheme.
139. National Health Authority signed a MoU with
which company to issue new PVC Ayushman
Bharat cards for free?
(a) United India Insurance
(b) New India Assurance
(c) Religare
(d) UTI Infrastructure Technology and
Services Limited
Explanation: The National Health Authority
(NHA) has entered into an agreement with UTI
Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited
(UTIITSL) to issue free PVC Ayushman cards to
beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in 11 states and
Union Territories. UTIITSL is the second
agency after Common Service Centre (CSC
SPV) which has been empanelled by the NHA
to provide free PVC Ayushman cards to the
beneficiaries.
140. Which country launched virus passport
recently?
25 March 2021
(a) China
(b) USA
(c) India
(d) France
Explanation: China has launched a health
certificate programme for Chinese international
travellers, leading the world in plans for so-
called virus passports. The certificate is being
rolled out ―to help promote world economic
recovery and facilitate cross-border travel‖.
The digital certificate, which shows a user‘s
vaccination status and virus test results, is
available for Chinese citizens via a programme
on Chinese social media platform WeChat that
was launched.
141. Which organization has recently raised India's
economic growth forecast to 12.6% for 2021-
22?
(a) OECD
(b) IMF
(c) World bank
(d) ASEAN
Explanation:The Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) has
raised the projection for India‘s economic
growth rate by 4.7% points at 12.6 per cent for
2021-22. That would enable India to retain its
earlier tag of the fastest-growing large economy
in the world. It, however, pegged the economic
growth rate to come down to 5.4 per cent in
2022-23.
142. Who has been appointed as the new Chief
Statistician of India?
(a) G P Samanta
(b) Ganesh Bhargava
(c) Vinayak Chaturvedi
(d) Mahesh Divyakirti
Explanation: The government has appointed
G P Samanta as the new Chief Statistician of
India, under the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme, for a period of two years. Samanta
was till now an adviser in the RBI‘s Department
of Statistics and Information Management. He
will also serve as the secretary in the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation has
been given tenure of two years. Samanta will
replace 1986-batch IAS officer Dr Kshatrapati
 Shivaji who was holding additional charge of the
post since September 2020.
143. Which nutrition brand has appointed actor
Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador?
(a) Herballife
(b) Amway
(c) OZiva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Plant-based nutrition brand
OZiva has announced the appointment of actor
Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador.
OZiva provides everyday fitness, skin and hair
nutrition products. OZiva became the first
nutrition brand in India to be certified clean and
received the Purity Award and Pesticide Free
certificate from the US-based Clean Label
Project.
144. Who has been conferred with 2021 Film
Archive Award?
(a) Amitabh Bachchan
(b) Shahrukh Khan
(c) Nawazuddin Siddiique
(d) Manoj Vajpayee
Explanation:Indian Megastar Amitabh
Bachchan will be conferred with the 2021 Film
Archive Award by the International Federation
of Film Archives (FIAF) at a virtual ceremony.
The International Federation of Film Archives is
an organisation of film archives and museums
from across the world. Legendary filmmakers
Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese will
present the prestigious award to Amitabh
Bachchan. The iconic filmmakers have
themselves been previous recipients of the
award.
145. Who has been received a Baton of Honor
decorated with the emblem of the Indian
Republic and a letter of appreciation from
President Ram Nath?
(a) Tamilisai Soundararajan
(b) Pavan Choudary
(c) Mary Kom
(d) Kiran Bedi
Explanation: President Ram Nath Kovind
presented a Baton of Honour and a letter of
appreciation to former Puducherry Lieutenant
Governor Kiran Bedi at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
26 March 2021
Kiran Bedi was removed as the Lieutenant
Governor of Puducherry by the President of
India and Tamilisai Soundararajan took
additional charge as the Lieutenant Governor.
146. Who has been re-elected as International
Olympic Committee President until 2025?
(a) Yoshiro Mori
(b) Rolf Andresen
(c) Thomas Bach
(d) None of these
Explanation:Thomas Bach re-elected as
President of the International Olympic
Committee for a final four-year term with his
immediate focus on this year's delayed Tokyo
Games. The German lawyer was unopposed
and won the vote 93-1, with four members
abstaining, following an opening eight-year
mandate dominated by the Russian doping
scandal and the first Olympics to be postponed
in peacetime.
147. What is the name of the portal that has been
launched by Government of India to for
handholding and facilitation of domestic
investors?
(a) Atmasamman Investor
(b) Atmavishwas Niveshak
(c) E-Niveshak
(d) Atmanirbhar Niveshak Mitra
Explanation: Government will soon launch
'Atmanirbhar Niveshak Mitra' portal for
handholding and facilitation of domestic
investors. In order to further strengthen efforts
to promote domestic investments, the
Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) is in the process of
finalising the 'Atmanirbhar Niveshak Mitra'
digital portal. The portal is in testing phase and
the final version will be ready for launch by 15th
May this year. The webpage will also be
available in regional languages and mobile App
in due course.
148. What is the name of the App that has been
launched by Government of India for the
benefit of those ration card holders who move
to new places in search of livelihood?
(a) Mera Ration
(b) Ration Grahan Sahayta
 (c) Ration Mera Haq
(d) Akhil Bhartiya Ration
Explanation:Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
Food and Public Distribution launched Mera
Ration Mobile App for the benefit of those
ration card holders who move to new places in
search of livelihood. At present 32 States and
Union Territories are covered under One
Nation One Ration Card- ONORC and
integration of remaining four States and UTs is
expected to be completed in next few months.
149. Rajya Sabha has recently passed the Arbitration
and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The
bill seeks to amend the:
(a) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1970
(b) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
(c) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 2005
(d) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1958
Explanation:The Parliament gave its nod to
the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment)
Bill, 2021. The legislation seeks to amend the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The Act
contains provisions to deal with domestic and
international arbitration and defines the law for
conducting conciliation proceedings. The Bill
replaces an Ordinance with the same provisions
promulgated on 4th November, 2020. It
contains provisions to deal with domestic and
international arbitration.
150. Name the bilateral military exercise that has
been commenced between India - Uzbekistan
in Uttarakhand.
(a) Austra Hind
(b) Ekuverin
(c) DUSTLIK II
(d) IMBEX
Explanation:The India - Uzbekistan joint
military exercise DUSTLIK II commenced
recently in Foreign Training Node Chaubatia,
Ranikhet in Uttarakhand. This is the Second
Edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both
armies. It will continue till 19th of this month.
The first edition of the exercise was held at
Uzbekistan in November 2019. 45 Soldiers
each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are
participating in the exercise.
27 March 2021
151. The First Meeting of BRICS Contact Group on
Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) was held
under India‘s Chairship. What was the theme of
the Meeting?
(a) BRICS Uniting Asia-Pacific Region
(b) BRICS Cooperation in Trade, Education
and Culture
(c) BRICS at 15: Intra BRICS Cooperation
for Continuity, Consolidation, and
Consensus
(d) BRICS for Future
Explanation:The first Meeting of the BRICS
Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues
(CGETI) was held under India‘s Chairship from
9th till 11th of this month. The theme of BRICS
this year is -"BRICS at 15: Intra BRICS
Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and
Consensus‖. India presented the calendar of
events for BRICS CGETI 2021, which included
the priority areas for deliverables, schedule and
scope of the MSME roundtable conference
workshop on Services Statistics, and the BRICS
Trade Fair.
152. Which bank has been removed by the RBI from
its Prompt Corrective Action?
(a) Dena Bank
(b) Axis Bank
(c) Standard Chartered
(d) IDBI
Explanation:The Reserve Bank of India has
taken the IDBI Bank, out of the Prompt
Corrective Action (PCA) framework, amid the
improving finances of the bank, however it is
subjected to certain conditions and continuous
monitoring. IDBI Bank was placed under PCA
in May, 2017.
153. Who has been appointed as Executive Director
of Indian Bank?
(a) Imran Amin Siddiqui
(b) Amir Mushtaq
(c) Jahanvi Dutta
(d) K.N Aiyyer
Explanation:Imran Amin Siddiqui, the General
Manager of state-owned Indian Bank, has been
appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of
Indian Bank. Apart from him, Shri Shenoy
 Vishwanath V and Shri K.Ramachandran are the
other two ED on the board of Indian Bank.
154. Deepika Padukone has recently joined list of
the Young Global Leader. The Young Global
Leader list is released by which organization?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) World Bank
Explanation:Actor Deepika Padukone and
several Indian citizens and India-origin persons
joined the list of the Young Global Leaders
(YGLs) compiled by the World Economic
Forum. Announcing its 2021 class of YGLs, the
WEF stated that these are the world's most
promising 112 tomorrow's leaders under the
age of 40 and are involved in activities ranging
from advocating for public healthcare to
campaigning for inclusivity in medical research.
155. Which State Government has passed the
ordered for the removal of all roadside religious
structures?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Haryana
Explanation:The Uttar Pradesh government
ordered the removal of all religious structures
on public roads. These instructions have been
issued by the state government in compliance
with the order of the high court. The home
department has directed the district
magistrates (DMs) and Mandalayukta of all the
districts to remove all the religious places that
encroach the roads.
156. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated two
Technology Centres at which place?
(a) Visakhapatnam
(b) Bhopal
(c) Haridwar
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Explanation:Union Minister of Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari
inaugurated the two Technology Centres and
three Extension Centres of MSME. These
Technology Centres will train more than 16
thousand students annually and have
28 March 2021
infrastructure for training and production. The
Technology Centres which were inaugurated
have been set up at Visakhapatnam and Bhopal
and the Extension Centres at Srinagar, Jaipur
and Nagaur.
157. Which one among the following has declared as
the ‗LGBT Freedom Zone‘?
(a) Russia
(b) North America
(c) European Union
(d) East Asia
Explanation:The European Parliament has
declared whole of the European Union as
―LGBTIQ Freedom Zone‖. Poland had also
planned to close the loophole that allowed
same-sex couples to adopt. This symbolic
resolution was passed in the answer to local
authorities in Poland who were labelling
themselves as ―LGBT ideology-free zones‖ in
recent times.
158. Which company has partnered with Razorpay
and HDFC Bank to create a secure online
solution for rent payments through credit
cards?
(a) MakeMyTrip
(b) Nestaway
(c) Magicbricks
(d) 99acres
Explanation:Magicbricks has partnered with
Razorpay and HDFC Bank to create a secure
online solution for rent payments through
credit cards with an eye on the 10-million
rental residential household market. The
deferment of a large spend which has a credit
period of around 45 days also translates into a
month‘s interest of approximately 1%. The
feature also enables tenants to earn rewards
points and offers available on credit card
payments.
159. Which organization has formed expert group to
examine feasibility of Special Purpose
Acquisition Companies?
(a) Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority
(b) Central Depository Services
(c) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development
 (d) Securities and Exchange Board of
India
Explanation:Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI) has formed a group of experts to
examine the feasibility of introducing Special
Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) like
structures in India. The group, formed under
SEBI's Primary Market Advisory Committee
(PMAC), has been asked to submit its report at
the earliest. SPACs are formed to raise capital
in an initial public offering (IPO).
160. Which State Government has signed a MoU
with IBM to introduce STEM for Girls?
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Haryana
(c) Punjab
(d) Uttarakhand
Explanation:IBM announced collaboration
with Samagra Sikhsha Uttarakhand, the
Government of Uttarakhand‘s education
mission, to introduce the ‗IBM STEM for Girls‘
program in 130 secondary and higher
secondary schools across five districts in the
state. The collaboration is part of a three-year
program between IBM and Uttarakhand State
Government with the American India
Foundation as the implementation partner to
increase the participation of girls and women in
STEM careers.
161. ONGC has acquired what percent of stakes in
Indian Gas Exchange?
(a) 5%
(b) 15%
(c) 25%
(d) 35%
Explanation:Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Limited (ONGC) signed a Share Purchase and
Shareholders Agreement (SPSHA) with the
Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and the Indian
Energy Exchange (IEX). As per the agreement
ONGC has acquired 5 per cent equity in IGX.
ONGC is aligned to the government‘s vision of
increasing the share of gas in the energy mix to
15% by 2030.
162. Name the Russian media regulator that has
announced that it was slowing down online
access to the social media giant Twitter.
29 March 2021
(a) Conatel
(b) Roskomnadzor
(c) BAI
(d) AICSA
Explanation:In Russia, the media regulator,
Roskomnadzor, announced that it was slowing
down online access to the social media giant
Twitter, accusing the social media company of
failing to remove around three thousands posts
relating to objectionable content. The
communications watchdog stated that, if
Twitter does not comply with Russian law,
there will be further actions against the service,
including a complete ban.
163. Which country will host the World Test
Championship final?
(a) South Africa
(b) India
(c) Australia
(d) England
Explanation:The final of the ICC World Test
Championship between India and New Zealand
will be played in a bio-secure bubble at the
Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The decision,
taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions
with the England and Wales Cricket Board
(ECB). India qualified for the final after beating
England 3-1 in the recently-concluded Test
series.
164. Name the cricket player who became the 1st
Indian woman cricketer to score 10,000
international runs.
(a) Smriti Mandana
(b) Harmanpreet Kaur
(c) Mithali Raj
(d) Jhulan Goswami
Explanation:The veteran batter of the Indian
women‘s cricket team Mithali Raj became the
first Indian woman cricketer to complete
10,000 international runs across all cricket
formats. Mithali Raj who leads the ODI
team of India has joined Charlotte Edwards of
England in the elite club. She achieved success
with a boundary off Anne Bosch in the 28th
over of India‘s innings in the on-going third ODI
match against South Africa.
165. Who launched 1st virtual trade fair to boost
export of agricultural, processed food products?
(a) Food Corporation of India
(b) Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development
Authority
(c) Spices Board of India
(d) Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India
Explanation:The Agricultural and Processed
Food Products Export Development Authority
launched its first virtual trade fair to boost
export of agricultural and processed food
products. This trade fair was organised in order
to boost the export of agricultural and
processed food products. This fair will focus on
showcasing exports potential of several
agricultural commodities. The fair is being
organised under the theme ―India Rice and
Agro Commodity‖.
166. What is the name of the scheme that has been
launched by Government of Delhi to
empowering women?
(a) Humari Saheli
(b) Saheli Sahyog
(c) Saheli Samanvay Kendra
(d) Vishwas Hai
Explanation:Delhi government has announced
to launch a new scheme "Saheli Samanvay
Kendra" to empower women. Under the new
scheme, 500 anganwadi hubs will be set up for
incubating individual start-ups and to promote
self-help groups. The Delhi government has set
aside ₹4,750 crore for the Department of
Social Welfare, Women and Child
Development and welfare of SC/ST/OBC.
167. What is the name of the portal that has been
launched by Confederation of All India Traders?
(a) E-Bharat Transaction
(b) India e-Business
(c) E-Bharat Trading
(d) Bharat e-Market
Explanation:Confederation of All India
Traders (CAIT) launched a vendor onboarding
mobile app for its upcoming e-commerce
portal ‗Bharat e-Market‘. The traders' body
aims to onboard 7 lakh traders on the portal by
30 March 2021
December this year and 1 crore traders by
December 2023. The app will enable
businesses and service providers to register on
the portal and create their own ―e-dukaan‖. It
is ‗purely Indian‘ Bharat e-Market portal and
will comply with all the rules & regulations of
the country.
168. Which company has received RBI approval to
reduce stake in SsangYong Motor?
(a) Renault
(b) Mahindra
(c) TATA
(d) Hyundai
Explanation:Mahindra and Mahindra have
received clearance from the Reserve Bank of
India to reduce its ownership in Korean
automaker SsangYong Motor. The UV maker
has got approval to reduce its stake of 75 per
cent in SsangYong Motor to 25 per cent
through capital reduction. Mahindra had paid Rs
2,100 crore, or $463 million, for the purchase
of SsangYong a decade ago.
169. Which country has recently developed the
World‘s most powerful supercomputer named
Fugaku?
(a) China
(b) USA
(c) United Kingdom
(d) Japan
Explanation:The Japanese scientific research
institute called RIKEN and Fujitsu started
developing the ―Fugaku‖ six years ago. Now
this supercomputer is fully ready and developed
in Japan and is now available for the research
use. This supercomputer has been developed
with the aim of making the device core of the
computing infrastructure of Japan. Then the
supercomputer was tested for the particular
projects in order to combat COVID-19
pandemic in April 2020.
170. Who has inaugurated his first major vaccination
clinic to save people from Corona?
(a) Australia
(b) United Kingdom
(c) South Korea
(d) New Zealand
 Explanation:New Zealand has opened its first
large vaccination to save people from COVID
19. The clinic in south Auckland will initially
target household members of border workers.
New Zealand has stamped out community
spread of the virus and considers border
workers and their families the most vulnerable
to catching the disease from infectious
travellers.
171. Which state government has increased the fares
of all commercial vehicles by 19%?
(a) Delhi
(b) Punjab
(c) Jammu Kashmir
(d) Haryana
Explanation:Lieutenant Governor Manoj
Sinha-led Administrative Council has approved
a fare hike of 19 percent for all categories of
commercial passenger vehicles. The decision
has been taken on the basis of cost analysis
based on fuel rates, toll tax, operational and
maintenance cost, and losses incurred due to
COVID-19 lockdown; undertaken by the
Transport Commissioner for the consideration
of the Fare Revision Committee, it said.
172. Which state has topped the land record
digitization?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Tripura
(d) Nagaland
Explanation:According to the National
Council of Applied Economic Research
(NCAER) Land Records and Services Index,
Madhya Pradesh, is the best performing state in
terms of digitising land records, followed by
Odisha. Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil
Nadu are the other states in the top five. From
sixth to tenth position, are West Bengal,
Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh, respectively.
The index is based on data collected over 2019-
20 on two aspects of the supply of land
records-the extent of digitisation of land
records and the quality of these land records
31 March 2021
173. The Election Commission has ordered the
removal of the Director General of Police of
which state?
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Bihar
(c) West Bengal
(d) Assam
Explanation:Election Commission ordered the
removal of West Bengal Director-General of
Police, Virendra. It has appointed P Nirajnayan
as DG and IGP in his place with immediate
effect. EC said the decision has been taken after
reviewing the poll preparedness in the state.
The Election Commission of India has
transferred the Director General of Police Sh
Virendra in poll bound West Bengal. The ECI
has ordered the Chief Secretary of the state to
transfer Virendra, 1985 batch IPS OFFICER and
appoint Nirajnayan Pandey , 1987 Batch IPS
OFFICER as the DGP of the state. The ECI also
ordered not to give any posting to Virendra
which is directly or indirectly related to
conduct of elections.
174. Where is the India's largest floating solar plant
being built?
(a) Telangana
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Kerala
(d) Maharashtra
Explanation:The country‘s biggest floating
solar power plant being developed by NTPC in
the reservoir of its thermal plant at
Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana
is set to be commissioned by May-June next. It
would be one of the renewable (solar) energy
plants being developed by NTPC with an
installed capacity of 447MW in the Southern
Region and the entire capacity would be
commissioned by March 2023.
175. Which Ministry has recently launched the new
scheme for tourists under whom any tourist
vehicle operator will be able to apply for an ‗All
India Tourist Authorisation/ Permit‘?
(a) Ministry of Culture
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Ministry of Tourism
 (d) Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways
Explanation:The Ministry of Road Transport
and Highways has announced a new scheme
under which any tourist vehicle operator will be
able to apply for an ‗All India Tourist
Authorisation/ Permit‘ via online mode. The
step has been taken to promote tourism as well
as to grow state revenues. The Ministry has
also informed that a new set of rules will be
known as ‗All India Tourist Vehicles
Authorization and Permit Rules, 2021‘.
176. Which city will be the Electric Vehicle Capital of
India?
(a) Bangalore
(b) Delhi
(c) Hyderabad
(d) Mumbai
Explanation:Delhi's Transport Minister Kailash
Gahlot has claimed that Delhi will become the
electric vehicle (EV) capital of the nation citing
the decision to install a charging point at every
3 km. The government has already floated a
tender to build 100 public charging stations
with 500 charging points at prominent
locations. These will be operational by
December 2021.
177. Government of India approved amendments in
Insurance Act 1938. The Act will allow what
percent of FDI in the sector?
(a) 74%
(b) 51%
(c) 49%
(d) 60%
Explanation:The Union Cabinet has given its
nod for amendments in the Insurance Act,
paving way for 74% foreign direct investment
in the sector. Currently, the permissible FDI
limit in life and general insurance stands at 49%
with ownership and management control with
Indian. The Cabinet in its meeting has approval
for amendments in the Insurance Act, 1938. It
was in 2015 when the government hiked the
FDI cap in the insurance sector from 26 per
cent to 49%.
178. Government of India has reconstituted advisory
committee for which River?
32 March 2021
(a) Ganga
(b) Sarasvati
(c) Yamuna
(d) Brahmaputra
Explanation:The Centre has reconstituted an
advisory committee to chalk out a plan for
studying the mythical Sarasvati River for the
next two years, after the earlier panel‘s term
ended in 2019. The Archaeological Survey of
India issued a notification for ―reconstitution of
the Advisory Committee for the
Multidisciplinary Study of the River Sarasvati‖.
The committee would continue to be chaired
by Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel.
179. Name the vaccine that has been approved by
WHO for emergency use.
(a) Johnson & Johnson's
(b) Covaxin
(c) Moderna
(d) Sputnik V
Explanation:The World Health Organization
(WHO) has approved Johnson & Johnson's
Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use. It is a
one-shot dose to be used as part of the United
Nation's international vaccine distribution
effort. It is the third coronavirus vaccine after
the two shot regimens of Pfizer-BioNTech and
AstraZeneca were approved by WHO.
180. Which company partnered with InterMiles to
introduce Free Cancellation Travel Insurance?
(a) HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company
(b) Bharti AXA General Insurance Company
Limited
(c) Edelweiss General Insurance
(d) Reliance General Insurance
Explanation:India‘s first cloud-native Edelweiss
General Insurance (EGI) has launched Edelweiss
Group Domestic Travel Insurance in
partnership with InterMiles, a leading travel and
lifestyle rewards programme. This product is a
free cancellation air travel policy that takes care
of all cancellation concerns customers may
have, thus allowing them to be stress-free in a
volatile environment, where travel plans may
keep shifting.
181. Which company agreed to acquire BigBasket
for more than $1 billion?
 (a) Air India
(b) Cromā
(c) Indigo
(d) Tata Sons
Explanation:Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd has agreed to
acquire control of online grocer BigBasket in a
deal valued at more than $1 billion. Tata Sons‘
digital services subsidiary Tata Digital Ltd has
proposed to acquire up to 64.3% stake in
Supermarket Grocery Supplies Pvt. Ltd (SGS).
SGS and Innovative Retail sell food, grocery,
household items, and personal and beauty care
products through the BigBasket app.
182. Who will be the next Director of PepsiCo India
after the resignation Dilen Gandhi?
(a) Ashul Khanna
(b) Amir Hussain
(c) Siddharta Laxmi
(d) Manoj Khurana
Explanation:Dilen Gandhi, Senior Director
and Category Head for Foods at PepsiCo India
have stepped down from the role. Ashul
Khanna, who has been with PepsiCo for close
to two decades, is set to take over Gandhi's
role. Gandhi has worked across large fast-
moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies
including Procter & Gamble. He moved to
PepsiCo India in 2016.
183. Which player becomes the first Indian fencer to
qualify for Olympics?
(a) Kabita Devi
(b) Bhavani Devi
(c) Gisho Nidhi Kumaresen Padma
(d) None of these
Explanation:India‘s international sabre fencer
Bhavani Devi has qualified for the Tokyo
Olympics starting July 23 by virtue of improving
her world ranking to 42, confirmed the Fencing
Association of India. The 27-year-old from
Chennai is the first Indian fencer ever to make
the cut for the Olympics. She qualified for the
Games at the Budapest World Cup, an Olympic
qualifying competition.
184. Which cricket player became 1st cricketer to
score 3,000 runs in T-20 International matches?
(a) Rohit Sharma
(b) Steve Smith
33 March 2021
(c) Virat Kohli
(d) Joe Root
Explanation:India skipper Virat Kohli has
become the first-ever batsman to score 3,000
runs in T-20 International cricket. Kohli
achieved the milestone in his 87th T20I match
against England at Narendra Modi Stadium in
Ahmedabad. New Zealand‘s Martin Guptill is
second on the list of leading run-getters in T20I
cricket, having scored 2,839 runs in 99
matches.
185. What was the theme of the World Consumer
Rights Day that was observed on March 15?
(a) Stand Up Against Violation of Consumer
Rights
(b) Tackling Plastic Pollution
(c) Maintain Balance with Consumer Rights
and Law
(d) Consumer Protection 2021
Explanation:World Consumer Rights Day is
celebrated on March 15 every year to raise
global awareness about consumer rights and
needs, and protect consumers across the globe
against market abuses. The theme for World
Consumer Rights Day 2021 is ―Tackling Plastic
Pollution‖.
186. On which date the National Vaccination Day is
observed?
(a) March 1
(b) March 3
(c) March 11
(d) March 16
Explanation:The National Vaccination Day,
(also called the National Immunization Day), is
celebrated every year on March 16 in India, to
convey the importance of vaccination to the
entire nation. The day was first observed in the
year 1995. It was in 1995 that India started
Pulse Polio Programme and the first dose of
Oral Polio Vaccine was given.
187. Which State Government has approved
interest-free loan worth two lakh rupees for
beneficiaries of PMAY-U?
(a) Delhi
(b) Haryana
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Uttarakhand
 Explanation:Jammu and Kashmir government
has approved a proposal to provide interest-
free loan up to 2 lakh rupees to the urban
homeless economically weaker section
beneficiaries under Beneficiary Led
Construction (BLC) component of the Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U).
188. In which State/Ut the "Nasha Mukt Bharat
Abhiyan" programme was held?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Goa
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:In the Union Territory of Jammu
and Kashmir, a day-long "Nasha Mukt Bharat
Abhiyan" programme was held at Budgam. The
event was inaugurated by District Development
Commissioner Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza and was
jointly organized by Social Welfare Department
and District Administration in collaboration
with the Department of Health and many
NGOs.
189. For which two State the CCEA approved
₹9,129 cr. for the development of intra-state
electricity network?
(a) Arunachal and Sikkim
(b) Sikkim and Assam
(c) Arunachal and Manipur
(d) Manipur and Assam
Explanation:The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a revised
cost estimate of ₹9,129.32 crore for
strengthening intra state electricity transmission
and distribution network of Arunachal Pradesh
and Sikkim.
190. Name the Bank that has executed world‘s first
green hedge with Continuum Energy Levanter
Pte Ltd.
(a) La Caixa Bank
(b) Consorsbank
(c) Comdirect Bank
(d) Deutsche Bank
Explanation:Deutsche Bank and Continuum
Energy Levanter Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of
Continuum Green Energy (Continuum), said
they have executed the world‘s first green
hedging transaction, with a second party
34 March 2021
opinion based on a specially designed green
hedge framework.
191. No requisition for printing currency notes of
_________ has been placed in last 2-years.
(a) Rs 500
(b) Rs 10
(c) Rs 2000
(d) Rs 100
Explanation:Government informed that no
requisition for printing currency notes of 2000
rupees has been placed in the last two years.
This was stated by Minister of State for Finance
Anurag Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Mr. Thakur added that 3 thousand 362 million
currency notes of rupees 2 thousand
denomination were in circulation on 30th
March, 2018. He said that it constituted nearly
3.27 per cent of the currency in terms of
volume. However, as on 26th February this
year, the volume of the 2000 currency notes
has come down at 2.01 per cent of the total
currency.
192. What is the name of the App that has been
launched by NPCI on BHIM app for Grievance
Redressal?
(a) UPI-Help
(b) UPI-Hello
(c) UPI 2.0
(d) UPI Hai Na
Explanation:The National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella
entity for digital payments in India, has launched
a new application named ―UPI-Help‖ on BHIM
UPI, which will act as a grievance redressal
mechanism for the users of the BHIM
application. Initially, UPI-Help has been made
live on the BHIM app for the customers of State
Bank of India, AXIS Bank, HDFC Bank, and
ICICI Bank.
193. The Bill to amend Juvenile Justice Act
introduced in Lok Sabha. This Bill will amend:
(a) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2011
(b) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2017
(c) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2012
 (d) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
of Children) Act, 2015
Explanation:A Bill to amend the Juvenile
Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
2015, which seeks to increase the role of
district magistrates and additional district
magistrates, was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
According to The Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill,
2021, in every district, the district magistrate
and the additional district magistrate will get
the power to monitor functions of agencies
responsible for the implementation of the Act.
194. Government of India introduced bill to define
role, powers of Delhi LG in Lok Sabha. The bill
seeks to amend:
(a) Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1999
(b) Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991
(c) Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1995
(d) Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1993
Explanation:Recently, the central government
introduced the Government of National Capital
Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in
the Lok Sabha to amend the Government of
National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
The bill seeks to define certain role and powers
of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Union
Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy
introduced the Government of National Capital
Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Bill
was introduced to give effect to the
interpretation made by the Supreme Court
which had ruled that the city government need
not obtain the Lieutenant Governor‘s
―concurrence‖ of every issue of day-to-day
governance.
195. Which city has recently launched the 'Covid
Tracker' helpline?
(a) Hyderabad
(b) Delhi
(c) Mumbai
(d) Chennai
Explanation:‗Covid Tracker‘ helpline has been
launched for the citizens of Mumbai. The
coronavirus cases in Maharashtra including
Mumbai have been witnessing a sharp spike
since last few days. Through this helpline,
35 March 2021
citizens are being provided guidance on Covid -
19 and various tests are being made available at
home. Citizens are getting advice from expert
doctors by contacting the helpline.
196. What is the position of India in the World as per
Forex Reserves?
(a) Third
(b) Fourth
(c) Second
(d) Fifth
Explanation:India‘s foreign-exchange reserves
surpassed Russia‘s to become the world‘s
fourth-largest reserve. The foreign currency
holdings of India stood at $580.3 billion as of
March 5, as per the data by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI). The reserve of Russia was $580.1
billion. Overall, China has the largest reserves,
followed by Japan and Switzerland, as on the
International Monetary Fund table.
197. Which company has partnered with Allianz
Group for India's private credit market?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) Muthoot
(c) Kotak Investment Advisors Ltd.
(d) Reliance Capital
Explanation:Kotak Investment Advisors (KIAL)
and Allianz Investment Management SE (Allianz)
the investment management arm of Germany‘s
Allianz Group announced that they are
partnering to invest in Indian private credit
market. Allianz the investment management
arm of Allianz Group has invested around USD
650 million in the country‘s private credit
market and plans to increase it to USD one
billion in 2021.
198. Name the country that became the second
biggest oil supplier of India.
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) United States
(c) Russia
(d) Iran
Explanation:The United States has overtaken
Saudi Arabia as the second-biggest oil supplier
of India in February 2021, as the refiners
boosted the cheap U.S. crude purchases to
record levels to offset supply cuts by OPEC-
Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
 Countries. The oil imports by India from the
US- the global top producer- rose to 48% to a
record 5, 45,300 barrels per day (bpd) in
February 2021 from the prior month. It
accounted for 14% of India‘s overall imports
last month.
199. Name the company that has discovered gas in
Tapti-Daman sector of Mumbai.
(a) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(b) Reliance Group
(c) GAIL
(d) Adani Welspun Exploration Ltd
Explanation:Adani Welspun Exploration Ltd
(AWEL), a joint venture between the Adani
Group and Welspun Enterprises, has
announced its first ever gas discovery in NELP-
VII block MBOSN-2005/2 in the Tapti-Daman
sector of Mumbai Offshore block. AWEL holds
100% interest in the block and is the operator
of the block. AWEL was awarded the block
under the New Exploration Licensing Policy
(NELP) VII bid round.
200. Name the place where the 63rd annual
Grammy Awards was held.
(a) New York
(b) San Francisco
(c) Washington DC
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation:Rapper Megan Thee Stallion won
the Best New Artist award at the 63rd annual
Grammy Awards, which were handed out in
Los Angeles. Beyonce became the most
awarded female artist in Grammy history with
her 28th win. Other winners Album of the
Year: Taylor Swift, ‗folklore‘; Record of the
Year, recognizing overall performance on a
song: Billie Eilish, ‗Everything I Wanted‘; Song of
the Year, for songwriting: H.E.R., Dernst Emile
II and Tiara Thomas, ‗I Can‘t Breathe‘; Best
Music Video: Beyonce, ‗Brown Skin Girl‘; Best
Rock Album: The Strokes, ‗The New
Abnormal‘.
201. Which Cricket player has created record for
bowling most overs in a Test in 21st century?
(a) Jaspreet Bumrah
(b) R. Ashwin
(c) Mujeeb Ur Rahman
36 March 2021
(d) Rashid Khan
Explanation:Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan
broke Australian spin legend Shane Warne‘s
mega record as he bowled the most number of
overs in a single Test in the 21st century.
Warne had bowled 98 overs in a Test match
against South Africa in Cape Town in 2002. The
22 years old Afghan spinner achieved this feat in
ongoing 2nd Test against Zimbabwe at Abu
Dhabi‘s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
202. Which State High Court allowed transgender
woman to join National Cadet Corps (NCC)?
(a) Delhi
(b) Odisha
(c) Kerala
(d) Jharkhand
Explanation:Kerala High Court allowed a
transgender woman to seek admission into the
National Cadet Corps (NCC). The court also
directed the NCC to amend its enrolment
criteria and allow the entry of transgender
people in the cadet corps. This comes days
after Hina Haneefa had moved a petition
challenging a section of the NCC act that only
allowed males and females to enrol with the
cadet corps.
203. Parliament passed the Medical Termination of
Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The bill
seeks to raise upper limit for abortions to
__________ in special cases.
(a) 21 weeks
(b) 24 weeks
(c) 23 weeks
(d) 22 weeks
Explanation:Parliament passed The Medical
Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill,
2020, which increases the upper limit for
abortions from 20 to 24 weeks for certain;
categories of women and removes limits in the
case of substantial foetal abnormalities after the
Rajya Sabha approved the measure. The Lok
Sabha had passed the bill in March 2020. It also
provides for setting up the state-level Medical
Boards to decide if a pregnancy to be
terminated beyond 24 weeks in cases of foetal
abnormalities.
204. Which State has passed the Yog Aayog Bill
2021?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Punjab
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) Haryana
Explanation:Haryana Yog Aayog Bill 2021 was
passed along by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha
during the ongoing budget session. The
Haryana Yog Aayog Bill, 2021 was passed to
establish Haryana Yog Aayog for the
promotion, management, regulation, and
training of Yoga. The bill seeks to
develop a system of Naturopathy system of
medicine. It seeks to regulate the practice
thereof and deal with certain other matters
such as training, promotion and Yogasana as a
Sport in the state.
205. Name the State that was paired with Delhi
under 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'
programme.
(a) West Bengal
(b) Odisha
(c) Sikkim
(d) Rajasthan
Explanation:The Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat
programme, launched by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in 2015, celebrates the diverse
culture, traditions and languages of our country.
Sikkim has been paired with national capital
New Delhi, under which various programmes
and activities have been undertaken.
206. He was Former Cabinet Secretary and Principal
Advisor to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He recently resigned from the PMO. Who is
he?
(a) B. K. Chaturvedi
(b) P K Sinha
(c) K. M. Chandrasekhar
(d) Ajit Seth
Explanation:Former Cabinet Secretary P.K.
Sinha, the Principal Advisor to the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, has resigned from the
PMO, citing ―personal reasons‖. Sinha, a 1977-
batch retired IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh
cadre, was appointed Principal Adviser to the
PM in September 2019.
207. India has signed a MoU with which country on
cooperation in sports and youth affairs?
(a) Indonesia
(b) Maldives
(c) Laos
(d) Vietnam
Explanation:The Union Cabinet has approved
a MoU signed between the Union Ministry of
Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of
Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
of the Maldives for cooperation in Sports and
Youth Affairs. The MoU was signed in
November 2020. Bilateral exchange
programmes in the field of sports between
India and Maldives will help in expanding
knowledge in the area of sports.
208. Which country has recently announced plans
for burqa ban?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) France
(c) New Zealand
(d) Sweden
Explanation:Sri Lanka has announced plans to
ban the wearing of burqas. It would close more
than 1,000 Islamic schools known as madrassas,
citing national security. Public Security Minister
Sarath Weerasekara informed that authorities
would henceforth use the controversial
Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) law to deal with
religious extremism.
209. On which bank RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 2
crore for contravention of norms?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) Yes Bank
(c) State Bank of India
(d) HDFC Bank
Explanation:Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
imposed a penalty of Rs 2 crore on State Bank
of India (SBI) for contravention of norms,
including specific directions to the lender on
remuneration to its employees in the form of
commission. The penalty has been imposed
for contravention of certain sections of Banking
Regulation Act and its specific directions of RBI
issued to the bank on payment of remuneration
to employees in the form of commission.

37 March 2021
210. Which Media Company has signed multi-year
media rights deal with Ultimate Kho Kho?
(a) Zee Entertainment Enterprises
(b) Star India
(c) Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Limited
(d) Sony Pictures Networks India
Explanation:Sony Pictures Networks India
(SPNI) has signed a multi-year television and
digital broadcast deal with Ultimate Kho Kho.
The league is expected to be telecast in the
prime time slot (7-9 pm) in English and Hindi
and will also be streamed on SonyLIV. Ultimate
Kho Kho was founded by Dabur's Amit Burman
who had acquired long-term commercial rights
from the Kho Kho Federation of India in 2019.
211. Who among the following has been appointed
as a Director General of National Security
Guard?
(a) Arvind Ranjan
(b) J. N. Choudhary
(c) M. A. Ganapathy
(d) R.C. Tayal
Explanation:Senior IPS officer M. A.
Ganapathy was appointed Director General of
National Security Guard. He has been
appointed AS NSG DG from the date of joining
the post and up to February 29, 2024.
Ganapathy, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service
(IPS) officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, is
currently Director General, Bureau of Civil
Aviation Security (BCAS).
212. Who among the following has been appointed
as a new Director General of Central Reserve
Police Force?
(a) Kuldeep Singh
(b) K. Durga Prasad
(c) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
(d) Dr. A. P. Maheshwari
Explanation:Senior IPS officer Kuldeep Singh
was appointed Director General of the Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Singh will replace
A P Maheshwari, who is due to superannuate.
Singh, a 1986 batch IPS officer of the West
Bengal cadre, is presently the Special DG,
CRPF. He has been appointed DG, CRPF up to
September 30, 2022 i.e. date of his
superannuation.
38 March 2021
213. Which city ranked as the most polluted city in
the World as per World Air Quality Report
2020?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Xinjiang
(c) Tokyo
(d) New York
Explanation:‗World Air Quality Report, 2020‘
has released globally by Swiss organisation
IQAir. As per the report, India continues to
feature prominently at the top of the most
polluted cities ranking, with 22 of the top 30
most polluted cities globally. The top most
polluted city in Xinjiang in China followed by
nine Indian cities. Delhi ranked as the 10th
most polluted city and the top polluted capital
city in the world.
214. Name the Company that has announced to
develop new 5G Radio Solutions.
(a) Samsung
(b) Nokia
(c) Oppo
(d) Apple
Explanation:The Nokia announced that it has
partnered with the Microsoft, Amazon web
services and Google so as to develop a new
cloud-based 5G radio solution. This solution
will be developed with its radio access network
(RNA) technology. RAN is the part of a mobile
telecommunication system. This system
implements a radio access technology. RAN
resides between a device like computer, mobile
phone or any remotely controlled machine.
215. Who has been honoured with International
Woman of Courage 2021?
(a) Malala Yousafzai
(b) Gloria Steinem
(c) Greta thunberg
(d) Gowsalya Shankar
Explanation:The U.S. Consulate honoured
Tamil Nadu-based anti-caste activist and human
rights defender Gowsalya Shankar with a
nomination for the International Woman of
Courage (IWOC) Award. The IWOC Award
Certificate of Nomination was handed over to
her by U.S. Consul General in Chennai Judith
 Ravin at an event ‗Courageous Women Inspire
a Better World‘ held in the city.
216. Who has been inducted as one of the board
members of the Professional Golf Tour of India
(PGTI)?
(a) Rahul Dravid
(b) Ashish Nehra
(c) Virendra Sehwag
(d) Kapil Dev
Explanation:Kapil Dev has been inducted as
one of the board members of the Professional
Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The tournament
carries a prize purse of Rs 30 lakh. The
Delhi-NCR Open Golf Championship 2021, to
be jointly organized by the TATA Steel PGTI
and Prometheus School, Noida, will begin at
the scenic Golden Greens Golf Club in
Gurugram.
217. On which date the Global Recycling Day is
observed?
(a) 18th March
(b) 1st March
(c) 12th March
(d) 10th March
Explanation:Global Recycling Day is observed
globally on 18th March every year by the
Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and
celebrated globally every year to raise
awareness of the importance of recycling. The
main aim of the day is to turn ‗waste‘ into a
valuable resource. The theme for this year‘s
Global Recycling Day is ―celebrating our
Recycling Heroes‖.
218. Which country chaired the 6th India-Brazil-
South Africa (IBSA) Women‘s Forum meeting?
(a) Brazil
(b) India
(c) South Africa
(d) Jointly by Brazil and South Africa
Explanation:The Sixth India-Brazil-South
Africa (IBSA) Women‘s Forum meeting was
held virtually. India is the current chair of IBSA
Dialogue Forum. The virtual meeting was
participated by the Ministers and officials who
are responsible for Women Affairs of IBSA
Countries. The forum discussed the issues
39 March 2021
which have contributed in transforming the
lives of women.
219. According to the recent announcement of the
Railway Ministry the Eastern and Western
Dedicated Freight Corridors will be operational
from which year?
(a) 2023
(b) 2025
(c) 2022
(d) 2024
Explanation:Railways Minister Piyush informed
in Lok Sabha that the Eastern and Western
Dedicated Freight Corridors will become
operational in 2022. Mr. Goyal stated that two
lakh 15 thousand crore rupees have been
allocated for Railways in 2021-22 Budget.
Railways planning to start 44 Vande Bharat
trains across the country. The Minister said that
Railways is focusing on the safety of the
passengers and asserted that no passenger was
killed due to rail accidents in the last two years.
220. Who among the following has joined as a
member of the coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure?
(a) China
(b) Russia
(c) European Union
(d) Japan
Explanation:Accepting India‘s invitation, the
European Union (EU) has officially on-boarded
as a member of the Coalition for Disaster
Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), following its
endorsement of the charter of the CDRI
earlier. It aims to promote the resilience of
new and existing infrastructure systems to
climate and disaster risks in support of
sustainable development.
221. Name the latest signatory of the International
Solar Alliance amended Framework
Agreement.
(a) Brazil
(b) Italy
(c) New Zealand
(d) Peru
Explanation:Italy signed the International Solar
Alliance under the amended International Solar
Alliance Framework Agreement. The
 Framework Agreement was signed by Italy's
Ambassador, Vincenzo De Luca. The
amendments to the Framework Agreement of
the International Solar Alliance entered into
force, opening its membership to all Member
States of the United Nation.
222. What is the name of the campaign that has been
launched by the United Nations Development
Program?
(a) Drishti
(b) Sahi Disha
(c) Aatmavishwas
(d) Nari
Explanation:The United Nations
Development Program has launched the ‗Sahi
Disha‘ Campaign for celebrating the livelihoods
and entrepreneurship of women living in rural
parts of India. The campaign highlights the
problems impacting the opportunities for
women to access jobs and livelihoods. The
Disha initiative is five years collaboration
between the IKEA Foundation and the United
Nations Development Program.
223. The United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the US International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is
offering a $41 million loan portfolio guarantee
to which country?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Somalia
(c) Pakistan
(d) India
Explanation:The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and the US
International Development Finance
Corporation (DFC) is offering a $41 million
loan portfolio guarantee to India. It will help in
investments by Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) in renewable energy. These include
rooftop solar installations and the loans will
enable SMEs to access reliable power and cut
costs.
224. Which company has signed a deal with RDIF for
252 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine?
(a) Aurobindo Pharma
(b) Lupin Limited
(c) Gland Pharma Ltd
40 March 2021
(d) Cipla
Explanation:Gland Pharma Ltd has entered
into an agreement with the Russian Direct
Investment Fund (RDIF) for the supply of 252
million doses of Sputnik V (Russian-made)
vaccine against COVID-19. The agreement will
see Gland Pharma utilizing its Drug Substance
and Drug Product facilities at its sites in
Hyderabad. The production is expected to
commence from the third quarter of 2021.
225. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of
‗Stop TB Partnership Board‘?
(a) Harsh Vardhan
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Rajnath SIngh
Explanation:Union Minister for Health and
Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan has been
appointed as the Chairman of the international
body Stop TB Partnership Board. He was
appointed in recognition of his outstanding
contribution to the movement to eradicate
Tuberculosis from India by 2025. Dr Harsh
Vardhan will serve a three-year term,
commencing from July 2021.
226. Who has been appointed by Antonio Guterres
as his Personal Envoy on Afghanistan?
(a) Noor Ahmed Noor
(b) Khodaidad Basharmal
(c) Ravan A.G. Farhadi
(d) Jean Arnault
Explanation:French diplomat Jean Arnault has
been appointed by UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres as his Personal Envoy on
Afghanistan and Regional Issues. Arnault has
over 30 years of experience in international
diplomacy focusing on peace settlements and
mediation. The appointment comes as
representatives of US, Russia, China and
Pakistan, as well as members of the Afghan
government and Taliban are expected to meet
in Moscow, Russia later in the day to restart the
stalled peace process.
227. Which agency has launched a project to map
genetic diversity of organisms in Indian Ocean?
(a) India Meteorological Department
(b) Indian Institute Of Tropical Meteorology
 (c) CSIR- National Institute of
Oceanography
(d) National Institute of Ocean Technology
(c). The CSIR- National Institute of
Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) in Goa has
launched a project to map the genetic
diversity of the organisms as well as the
effect of trace metal and micronutrients on
them in the Indian Ocean. The project by
CSIR-NIO intends to do an elaborative
sampling of sediments, planktons, water,
and different organisms in the various parts
of the Indian Ocean.
228. Who is the Author of a book titled ‗Battle
Ready for 21st Century‘?
(a) AK Singh
(b) JS Nain
(c) Alok Kler
(d) Raj Shukla
Explanation:A book titled ―Battle Ready for
21st Century‖ co-edited by Lt Gen AK Singh,
Distinguished Fellow CLAWS and Brig
Narender Kumar, Visiting Fellow CLAWS was
released by Gen Bipin Rawat. The book lays
down the conceptual framework for the
strategic management of future conflicts. The
book ―Battle Ready for the 21st Century‖ has
endeavored to postulate and define emerging
areas of conflict, desired capabilities and
doctrinal issues that need careful examination.
229. Which initiative has been celebrated by the
Ministry of Women and Child Development to
address nutritional challenges?
(a) Fight Against Malnutrition
(b) Poshan Pakhwad
(c) Mission Poshan
(d) All of these
Explanation:Ministry of Women and Child
Development is celebrating Poshan Pakhwada
from March 16 to 31, 2021. Addressing
nutritional challenges through Food Forestry
and organizing Poshan Panchayats are the key
focus areas for Poshan Pakhwada 2021. To
address nutritional challenges, distribution of 4
saplings of nutrition rich plants per Anganwadi
Centre (AWC) in the Aspirational Districts will
be done under the supervision of local
41 March 2021
panchayat and DM/DC by National Medicinal
Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH.
230. For which state, the National Green Tribunal
(NGT) has set up a 12-member Oversight
Committee to prevent mining?
(a) Nagaland
(b) Mizoram
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Assam
Explanation:The National Green Tribunal
(NGT) has set up a 12-member Oversight
Committee. The NGT bench is headed by its
chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. The
order came while observing that illegal mining is
still continuing. It will oversee the prevention
of unscientific and unregulated mining, restoring
the environment, rehabilitating the victims, and
handling illegally mined coal in Meghalaya.
231. Which Vaccine has been allowed for the testing
COVID-19 vaccine on infants and children
between the ages of 6 months and 12 years?
(a) Moderna
(b) Johnson & Johnson
(c) Pfizer
(d) Sputnik V
Explanation:Moderna has started testing its
Coronavirus vaccine on infants and children
between the ages of 6 months and 12 years in a
study. The testing has been started by the
pharmaceutical company as it seeks to expand
approval for its vaccine on children. The
company informed that the first participants
have been dosed in the Phase 2/3 study, called
the KidCOVE study, on pediatric Coronavirus
vaccinations. Moderna has become the first of
the companies with vaccines authorized in the
United States to launch testing among infants.
232. The State Bank of India (SBI) and which
company will sign the first Secured Overnight
Financing Rate (SOFR) linked external
commercial borrowing (ECB) deal?
(a) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(b) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
(c) Hindustan Petroleum
(d) GAIL
Explanation:The State Bank of India (SBI) and
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will be
 sign the first Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(SOFR) linked external commercial borrowing
(ECB) deal. The deal will be signed because the
de facto international benchmark reference
rate called the London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR) will no longer work as the benchmark
after December 2021.
233. The Union Cabinet approved closure of
Handicrafts and Handlooms Export
Corporation. The Corporation was comes
under the ambit of which Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(b) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public
Enterprises
(c) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(d) Ministry of Textiles
Explanation:The Union Cabinet approved the
closure of Handicrafts and Handlooms Export
Corporation of India Limited (HHEC). The
Corporation is a Government of India
undertaking under the administrative control of
the Ministry of Textiles. The Corporation is
being closed as it has been continuously
incurring losses since the Fiscal Year 2015-16
and not earning sufficient income to meet its
running expenses. It has little scope for revival.
234. Who has been taken over the command of
strategic Kashmir-based 15 Corps from Lt Gen
BS Raju?
(a) Lt General DP Pandey
(b) Lt General YK Joshi
(c) Lt General NV Yadav
(d) Lt General AK Awasthi
Explanation:Lt General DP Pandey has taken
over the command of strategic Kashmir-based
15 Corps from Lt Gen BS Raju, who has been
appointed as the new Director-General of
Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian
Army. An alumnus of the National Defence
Academy, General Pandey was commissioned
into the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in
December 1985 from Indian Military Academy,
Dehradun.
235. Which city has topped the chart as per the
Hurun India Wealth Report 2020?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
42 March 2021
(c) Kolkata
(d) Chandigarh
Explanation:The Hurun India Wealth Report,
2020 was released. The report has identified
that India is home to 4.12-lakh dollar-millionaire
households and Mumbai tops the chart
followed by New Delhi, while real estate and
stock markets continue to be their preferred
choice of investments... The report identifies a
novel household category in India called the
‗New Middle Class‘ which accounts for an
average savings of Rs 20-lakh per annum.
The report highlights that these
households have a major allocation towards
physical assets like primary residential property
and automobiles. The total number of such
cumulative households in India stands at
633,000.
236. Name the actor that has became the first
transgender man to star on ‗Time‘ magazine
cover.
(a) Josie Totah
(b) None of these
(c) Elliot Page
(d) Ian Alexander
Explanation:Oscar-nominated actor Elliot
Page will become the first transgender man to
star on the front cover of TIME magazine.
American actress Laverne Cox had become the
first transgender woman to appear on the
cover of TIME in 2014. Elliot Page was
nominated for various awards for Oscar-
winning 2007 independent film Juno and plays a
leading role in the Netflix hit The Umbrella
Academy.
237. Which country will host the Asian Boxing
Championships 2021?
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Japan
(d) Australia
Explanation:International Boxing Association
(AIBA) has announced that the Asian Boxing
Championships 2021 will be hosted by New
Delhi. It will be the first boxing tournament in
Asia to be held in 2021. The Championships,
 earlier scheduled to take place in 2020, were
postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic.
238. Which organization collaborated with United
Nations to strengthen fight against match-fixing?
(a) Asian Football Confederation
(b) International Cricket Council
(c) Union of European Football Associations
(d) FIFA
Explanation:FIFA has announced its
collaboration with the United Nations on Office
on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch the
Global Integrity Programme. It is a
comprehensive international programme aimed
at providing all 211 member associations with
enhanced knowledge and tools to fight and
prevent match manipulation.
239. What was the theme of the International Day of
Happiness 2021?
(a) Happiness is the key for Healthy Life
(b) Happiness for All, Forever
(c) Spread Happiness
(d) Happier Together
Explanation:March 20 is observed as the
International Day of Happiness. Since 2013, the
United Nations has celebrated the International
Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the
importance of happiness in the lives of people
around the world. The theme of International
Day of Happiness for this year is ―Happiness for
All, Forever‖ which implies the significance of
happiness for people all over the world.
240. What is the name of the Param Vir Chakra
awardee on which the Army Chief dedicated
the memorial in Sitapur?
(a) Manoj Pandey
(b) Dhan Singh Thapa
(c) Joginder Singh Subedar
(d) Shaitan Singh
Explanation:Chief of Army Staff General MM
Naravane has dedicated to the people the
memorial of Param Vir Chakra awardee
Captain Manoj Pandey at his native village Rura
in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Captain
Pandey had laid down his life in the 1999 Kargil
war. The memorial was constructed under the
aegis of Surya Command.
43 March 2021
241. Which Radio program launched by the J&K
Lieutenant Governor that allow the people of
Jammu and Kashmir to interact with the
government and give their feedback on issues
of governance?
(a) Aam Janta ki Aawaz
(b) Abhivyakti Mera Adhikar
(c) Bol India
(d) Awaam Ki Baat
Explanation:In the Union Territory of Jammu
and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj
Sinha, initiated the project ―Awaam Ki Baat‖ a
Radio program by launching its website at Raj
Bhavan, Jammu. The radio show will
allow the citizens to interact with the
government and give their feedback on issues
of governance. The initiative has been taken to
make governance interactive, participatory and
people-centric.
242. Which organization has raised $307 million
from its first panda bond issue in more than a
decade?
(a) New Development Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation:The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) has raised 307 million dollars from its
first panda bond issue in more than a decade,
representing its largest-ever borrowing in an
Asian local currency. The bond pays a 3.2 per
cent annual coupon and features a five-year
bullet maturity redeeming in March 2026. It
represents the first borrowing from a
programme approved by regulator National
Association of Financial Market Institutional
Investors in June 2020.
243. What is the estimated projection of Indian
economy as per UNCTAD projection?
(a) 7%
(b) 6%
(c) 5%
(d) 8%
Explanation:The United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
expects India's GDP to have contracted 6.9% in
2020 and grow 5% in 2021. The prediction was
 given in its Trade and Development 2020
update. It also said that the relief measures
adopted by India were not only much smaller in
scale, but also centred on easing supply-side
constraints and providing liquidity support.
244. Who has been nominated as the Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA)?
(a) Andrew Gillum
(b) Charles Bolden
(c) Robert J. Cenker
(d) Bill Nelson
Explanation:US President Joe Biden
announced that he intends to nominate Bill
Nelson to serve as the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA). In May 2019, Bill Nelson was
appointed to serve on NASA's advisory council.
Bill Nelson is a former astronaut who served as
a US Senator from Florida from 2001 to 2019.
He became the second sitting member of
Congress to fly to space after Jake Garn in
January 1986. He had served as a payload
specialist on the Columbia Space Shuttle.
245. What is the rank of India in World Happiness
Report 2021?
(a) 142
(b) 139
(c) 132
(d) 140
Explanation:The United Nation Sustainable
Development Solutions Network has released
its annual report called ―World Happiness
Report, 2021‖. The report was collected and
prepared slightly differently amid the COVID-
19 Pandemic. India ranked 139th out of the 149
countries in the list — a slight improvement
since last year, when it was ranked 140th.
Finland was on top followed by Denmark,
Switzerland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway,
Sweden, Luxembourg, New Zealand and
Austria.
246. Name the Sci-Fi thriller movie that has bagged
four awards at Miami International Science
Fiction Film Festival.
(a) Manny
(b) Inception
44 March 2021
(c) Event Horizon
(d) Gravity
Explanation:Sonal Sehgal‘s Indo-Latvian
science fiction thriller ―Manny‖ has bagged 4
awards at the Miami International Science
Fiction Film festival. It has been directed by
Latvian filmmaker Dace Puce. It won the award
for the Best Sci-Fi Picture Runner Up as well as
the Best Cinematography. The Best
Background Score was won by Naresh Kamath
and the Best Supporting Actor was won by
Tony Hawkins.
247. Who has been awarded the prestigious SERB
Women Excellence Award?
(a) Swati Malhotra
(b) Dr Sonu Gandhi
(c) Laxmi K. Narayan
(d) Madhu Gupta
Explanation:Dr Sonu Gandhi has been
awarded the prestigious SERB Women
Excellence Award. The award was instituted by
the Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB), Department of Science and
Technology. He is a scientist at the National
Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB),
Hyderabad and has recently developed a smart
Nano device for the detection of Rheumatoid
arthritis, cardiovascular disease, etc.
248. On which date the World Sleep Day was
observed?
(a) 19th March
(b) 11th March
(c) 8th March
(d) 13th March
Explanation:The World Sleep Day was
celebrated across the globe on 19th March.
The annual event is a celebration of one of the
most important parts of our daily routines.
World Sleep Day is organised by the
World Sleep Day Committee of the World
Sleep Society and the aim of the day is also to
create awareness around sleep-related issues
and the prevention and management of sleep
disorders.
249. Which State Government has passed bill to
recover damages from protesters?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
 (b) Haryana
(c) Bihar
(d) West Bengal
Explanation:The Haryana Recovery of
Damages to Property during Disturbance to
Public Order Bill, 2021 was passed in the state
Legislative Assembly. Chief Minister of Haryana
Manohar Lal Khattar stated that this bill will
determine the responsibility of those who
damage property as well as ensure
compensation to the victim.
250. India and which country announced to establish
a joint commission to boost ties in energy?
(a) Iran
(b) Kuwait
(c) UAE
(d) Israel
Explanation:India and Kuwait have decided to
establish a Joint Commission to enhance and
deepen the ties of fraternity and friendship and
support ways of cooperation in all fields.
It will be co-chaired by External Affairs
Minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Kuwait
counterpart. It will work to strengthen the
relations between the two countries, in the
fields of energy, trade, economy, and
investment.
251. Which State has been declared as model state
for Van Dhan Vikas Yojana?
(a) Assam
(b) Sikkim
(c) Nagaland
(d) Manipur
Explanation:Manipur has been declared as a
winner state where the government‘s Van
Dhan Vikas Yojana has appeared as a major
source of employment for the local tribal
residing in the state. 100 Van Dhan Vikas
Kendras has been established ever since the
program was launched in October 2019. The
Kendras constitute 1500 SHGs and have been
benefitting 30,000 tribal entrepreneurs in the
state
252. Name the organization that has joined the USO
India for Water Conservation Programme.
(a) UNESCO
(b) IUCN
45 March 2021
(c) UNCTAD
(d) UNFCCC
Explanation:The United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
have joined the USO India and Toonz Media
Group over the water conservation awareness
programme for students. For the water
conservation programme, the students have
created the animation videos which will be
unveiled on the occasion of World Water Day.
It will be unveiled as a part of ―H2Ooooh! –
Waterwise Program‖ for the school students.
253. Which company has recently announced to set
up global headquarters in London?
(a) Hero Motors
(b) Bajaj Auto
(c) Suzuki
(d) Tata Motors
Explanation:Hero Motors Company (HMC)
has announced the setting up of its international
headquarters Hero International (HIT) in
London to strengthen its global presence. HIT
is aimed at bringing HMC‘s European
businesses under one umbrella and giving its
electric bike business a major boost globally.
The company aims to take up its European
revenue up to €300 million by 2021.
254. Which company collaborated with the Israeli
firm Phinergy for the manufacturing of
Aluminum Air systems in India?
(a) Hindustan Petroleum
(b) GAIL
(c) Indian Oil Corporation
(d) ONGC
Explanation:Indian Oil Corporation has
entered into collaboration with Phinergy, an
Israeli company specialising in hybrid lithium ion
and aluminium-air/zinc-air battery systems, to
form IOC Phinergy Private Limited. The joint
venture will manufacture Aluminum Air systems
in India to boost India's flagship programme -
"Make in India" and recycle used Aluminum to
strengthen India's energy security.
255. Who has been appointed as new Spokesperson
of Ministry of External Affairs?
(a) Prakash Narayan
(b) Arindam Bagchi
 (c) Amitabh Sharma
(d) Virendra Gulati
Explanation:Arindam Bagchi has been
appointed as new Spokesperson of the Ministry
of External Affairs (MEA). The outgoing
spokesperson Anurag Srivastava will now be
Joint Secretary (North). Bagchi is a 1995-batch
Indian Foreign Service officer who had earlier
served as Ambassador to Croatia and Deputy
High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, besides having
served as Director in the Prime Minister‘s
Office.
256. Samia Suluhu Hassan sworn in as 1st woman
President of which country?
(a) Laos
(b) Tanzania
(c) Cambodia
(d) Philippines
Explanation:Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn
in as Tanzania's first female President after the
sudden death of John Magufuli. Hassan will
serve the remainder of Magufuli's second five-
year term, which does not expire until 2025.
She is the only other current serving
female head of state in Africa alongside
Ethiopia's President Sahle-Work Zewde, whose
role is mainly ceremonial.
257. India and which country launched Artificial
Intelligence Initiative?
(a) Israel
(b) Japan
(c) France
(d) USA
Explanation:The Indo-US Science and
Technology Forum‘s US India Artificial
Intelligence (USIAI) initiative was launched. The
initiative focuses on AI cooperation in critical
areas that are priorities for both countries. It
will provide an opportunity for key stakeholder
groups to share experiences, identify new R&D
areas and opportunities that would benefit from
synergistic activities.
258. Where the Three Space Technology Incubation
Centres (S-TIC) were inaugurated by ISRO?
(a) Bhopal
(b) Rourkela
(c) Both (a) and (b)
46 March 2021
(d) Patna
Explanation:Three Space Technology
Incubation Centres (S-TIC) were inaugurated at
National Institute of Technology (NIT) at
Nagpur, Bhopal and Rourkela by the Chairman
of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K
Sivan. The S-TIC will nurture the young
academia with innovative research aptitude for
carrying out research and product development
in the field of space technology and
applications.
259. Who has been awarded as Best pundit at British
Sports Journalism Award 2020?
(a) Leslie Hylton
(b) Dickie Fuller
(c) George Mudie
(d) Michael Holding
Explanation:Former West Indies cricketer
Michael Holding, who came out in support of
the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, has been
named the 'Best Pundit' at the SJA British Sports
Journalism Award 2020. Holding had delivered
a powerful message against racism during last
year's England West Indies series, saying that
blacks have been dehumanised. The awards
were hosted online due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
260. Who became first Muslim nominated for lead
actor Oscar Award?
(a) Riz Ahmed
(b) Aziz Hussain
(c) Kamran Ahmed
(d) Asad Khan
Explanation:British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed
made history as he is the first Muslim to be
nominated for an Academy Award in the lead
actor category. The actor has been nominated
for his performance in Sound of Metal. The
nomination also makes Ahmed the first actor of
Pakistani descent to grab a nomination in a
category for actors at the Oscars.
261. Which State became the first state to have own
ethanol policy for biofuel?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Bihar
(d) Kerala
 Explanation:Bihar Cabinet has approved the
Ethanol Production Promotion Policy, 2021,
becoming the 1st Indian State to have an
ethanol promotion policy. The policy allows the
extraction of ethanol, which was restricted to
sugarcane, from surplus quantities of maize as
well. The new policy would permit ethanol
production in Bihar from all feedstocks
permitted by National Policy on Biofuels, 2018,
and subsequently by the National Biofuel
Coordination Committee.
262. Which State/UT government has launched the
'Education Mentoring Programme' for girls of
class 9-12?
(a) Jammu and Kashmir
(b) Haryana
(c) Kerala
(d) New Delhi
Explanation:Over 200 students from Indira
Gandhi Delhi Technological University for
Women will mentor 1,000 girl students of Delhi
government schools in grades 9 to 12 under the
AAP dispensation‘s ―Education Mentoring
Programme‖ launched. The Delhi Government
launched the programme through its ―Youth for
Education‖ initiative to clearing their doubts
related to careers in STEM, share strategies for
clearing entrance exams, support in accessing
learning resources and motivate them as they
transition from school to colleges and careers.
263. When was the World Water Day observed?
(a) 15th March
(b) 22nd March
(c) 2nd March
(d) 10th March
Explanation:World Water Day is observed on
22nd March around the world. The idea for a
World Water Day was put forward in 1992, at
the Rio de Janeiro United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development. The
objective of the day is to raise awareness of the
global water crisis and to support the
achievement of the Sustainable Development
Goal. The day is being observed under the
United Nations theme- ―Valuing Water‖ which
focuses on ―How we can better protect this
vital resource‖.
47 March 2021
264. What is the name of the campaign that has been
launched by Chief Minister of Arunachal
Pradesh in order to encourage people of the
state to visit tourist places?
(a) Dekho Apna Pradesh
(b) Arunachal ko Jaano
(c) Arunachal Dekho
(d) Dekho Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:The Government of Arunachal
Pradesh launched the ‗Dekho Apna Pradesh‘
campaign in order to encourage people of the
state to visit tourist places within it. The boost
in tourism will help in healing the damage
caused to the sector due to pandemic. Around
1,00,000 tourists, mostly from outside
Arunachal Pradesh, visited various places of the
picturesque North-eastern state in 2019-20,
while the number of visitors is negligible in
2020-21 due to the pandemic
265. What was the theme of the World
Meteorological Day observed on 23rd March?
(a) Save Oceans
(b) Climate Change is a Challenge
(c) Changing Weather
(d) The Ocean, our climate and weather
Explanation:World Meteorological Day takes
place every year on 23rd March. It
commemorates the coming into force on 23
March 1950 of the Convention establishing the
World Meteorological Organization. In 1961,
the World Meteorological Organization
designated March 23rd as the UN World
Meteorological Day. This year‘s theme is ―The
Ocean, our climate and weather‖ which
celebrates WMO‘s focus in connecting the
ocean, climate and weather within the Earth
System.
266. Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day observed on
23rd March. The day was celebrated across
India for giving tribute to which freedom
fighter?
(a) Subash Chandra Bose
(b) Lal Lajpat Rai
(c) Bhagat Singh
(d) Indra Gandhi
Explanation:The nation paid tributes to
freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and
 Sukhdev - on their martyrdom day on 23rd
March. On this day in 1931, British rulers had
executed them in Lahore for their revolutionary
activities against the empire. They were hanged
a day before the scheduled date of execution. A
number of programmes have been organized
across the country to mark the day.
267. Which State Government has decided to launch
India's 1st ambulance network for animals?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:The state government of the
Andhra Pradesh has decided to set up ―India‘s
first government-run ambulance network‖ for
animals. This decision was taken in order to
further boost the animal husbandry and
veterinary sector in the state. The Chief
Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has made this
ambulance network as one of its main missions
in order to help in reaching out to the
distressed animals to provide them proper
animal healthcare.
268. UNHRC adopted resolution against which
country‘s human rights record?
(a) Myanmar
(b) Kenya
(c) Egypt
(d) Sri Lanka
Explanation:The United Nations Human
Rights Council in Geneva adopted a resolution
against Sri Lanka‘s human rights record. India
abstained from voting on a resolution against Sri
Lanka adopted by the UNHRC in Geneva. The
resolution titled ‗Promotion of Reconciliation
Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka‘
was adopted by the UNHRC after 22 members
out of 47 voted in favour of it. Eleven members
voted against the resolution.
269. Glenmark joined hands with Bausch to
commercialise which product?
(a) Disposal Injections
(b) Stent
(c) Nasal Spray
(d) Stethoscope
48 March 2021
Explanation:Drug firm Glenmark
Pharmaceuticals has entered into a pact with
Bausch to commercialise its nasal spray Ryaltris
in Canada. Glenmark will be responsible for
regulatory approvals and the supply of Ryaltris
for the Canadian market. The company's
subsidiary, Glenmark Specialty SA in
Switzerland and an affiliate of Bausch Health
Companies Inc have entered into an exclusive
licensing agreement.
270. Which organization has demonstrated India‘s
first free space quantum communication?
(a) DRDO
(b) HAL
(c) IIT Delhi
(d) ISRO
Explanation:The Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) recently demonstrated
free-space quantum communication over a
distance of 300 m for the first time. The
demonstration included live video conferencing
using quantum-key-encrypted signals. This is a
major achievement for unconditionally secured
satellite data communication using quantum
technologies.
271. Nozomi Okuhara has won the All England
Badminton Championships women‘s title. She
won the title after defeating which Player?
(a) Yuki Fukushima
(b) Pornpawee Chochuwong
(c) Misaki Matsutomo
(d) Ratchanok Intanon
Explanation:Japan‘s Nozomi Okuhara has won
the All England Badminton Championships
women‘s title as she defeated Pornpawee
Chochuwong 21-12, 21-16 in the finals. In the
men‘s category, Malaysia‘s Lee Zii Jia has won
the All England Badminton Championships title
as he defeated Denmark‘s Viktor Axelsen in the
summit clash.
272. Which company became the first company to
be certified by UN-backed Sustainable Rice
Platform?
(a) KRBL Limited
(b) Britannia Industries
(c) LT Foods
(d) Heritage Foods
 Explanation:LT Foods Limited has become
the first Company globally to be certified with
highest level of verification – L3, by UN-backed
Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) ecolabel. This
will enable the Company to use Sustainable
Rice Platform (SRP) verified logo on the packs
of Rice produced by verified 1,000+ farmers
growing sustainable rice.
273. Which company has announced agreement with
Knauf to help accelerate company‘s IT
transformation?
(a) Mindtree
(b) Mphasis
(c) Wipro
(d) Hexaware Technologies
Explanation:Mindtree Ltd has signed a multi-
year agreement with Knauf, a global
manufacturer of building materials and
construction systems. Mindtree will help
accelerate the company‘s IT transformation
initiatives. Mindtree will provide
application development services, help to
digitize their infrastructure, transforming their
supply chain systems, and further develop
digital platforms.
274. Name the organization that has sponsored a
bond that will offer dedicated insurance against
volcanic eruptions.
(a) Danish Red Cross
(b) Red Panda
(c) DanChurchAid
(d) BNHS
Explanation:A bond sponsored by the Danish
Red Cross is the first to offer dedicated
insurance against volcanic eruptions. The bond
will cover 10 volcanoes, including Mexico‘s
Popocatepetl and Nevado Del Ruiz in
Colombia. Initial investors include Schroder
Investment Management and Plenum
Investments, a firm specializing in insurance-
linked security.
275. According to Military Direct what is the
position of India in terms of strongest military
force?
(a) 3rd
(b) 5th
(c) 2nd
(d) 4th
Explanation:China has the strongest military
force in the world while India stands at number
four, according to a study released by defence
website Military Direct. China has the strongest
military in the world, scoring 82 out of 100
points in the index. The USA, despite their
enormous military budgets, comes in 2nd place
with 74 points, followed by Russia with 69,
India at 61 and then France with 58.
276. Which country recently launched 38 foreign
satellites for the 18 countries?
(a) USA
(b) China
(c) Russia
(d) India
Explanation:Russia has successfully launched
38 foreign satellites for the 18 countries into
orbit after the successful launch from Baikonur
cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Though, the
launch was delayed due to the technical issues.
All the 38 satellites have been successfully
launched into target orbits. Earlier, the launch
was twice postponed after a surge in voltage
was detected.
277. Who has been conferred with the Gandhi Peace
Prizes for 2019, 2020?
(a) Sachin Tendulkar and Mujibur Rahman
(b) Sultan Qaboos and Sachin Tendulkar
(c) Lata Magenshkar and Sultan Qaboos
(d) Sultan Qaboos and Mujibur Rahman
Explanation:Government of India announced
that the Gandhi Peace Prize for the past two
years will be conferred on late Omani Sultan
Qaboos bin Said Al Said and Bangladeshi leader
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for their contributions
to social and political transformation through
non-violent methods. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
was the first President and also became Prime
Minister of Bangladesh, later. He is called as
―Father of the Nation‖ or ―Mujib‖. Winner of
the Gandhi Peace Prize 2019, Sultan Qaboos,
was the longest-reigning leader of the modern
Arab world.
278. Winners of 67th National Film Awards were
announced in New Delhi. Which movie

49 March 2021
 awarded with the Best Feature Film Award
during the ceremony?
(a) Marakkar Arabikkadilinte Simham
(b) Oppam
(c) Anjaam Pathiraa
(d) Varane Avashyamund
Explanation:The 67th National Film Awards
were announced in New Delhi. The ceremony
bestowed honours on films and artistes for the
year 2019. Malayalam movie Marakkar
Arabikkadilinte Simham will be awarded the
Best Feature Film Award. Kangana Ranaut will
get the Best Actress award for her movies
Manikarnika -The Queen of Jhansi and Panga.
Manoj Bajpayee and Dhanush will be awarded
the Best Actor award for the movie Bhonsle
and Asuran respectively.
279. In which event does India took participation at
SCO in Beijing?
(a) Hıdırellez
(b) Nowruz
(c) Shab-e Yalda
(d) Songkran
Explanation:India participated in the Nowruz
festivities at the SCO Secretariat in Beijing.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is
celebrating 2021 as ‗Year of Culture‘.
Nowruz is the Persian New Year and
symbol of onset of spring in northern
hemisphere. March 21 was officially recognized
in 2010 as International Nowruz Day by the
United Nations.
280. Blades of Glory considered world‘s largest
Cricket Museum. In which city The Blades of
Glory is situated?
(a) Pune
(b) Nasik
(c) Indore
(d) Mumbai
Explanation:Blades of Glory, considered as a
one-of-a-kind museum in India dedicated to
cricket, has been awarded a ‗World Record‘ by
the World Record Academy in Miami, U.S.
The museum in Pune is the brainchild
of Rohan Pate, a former U-19 Maharashtra
cricket player. It features over 51,000 items of
50 March 2021
cricket memorabilia and has been visited by
nearly 500 cricketers across the globe.
281. Who launched ‗Tribal TB Initiative‘ in pursuit of
TB Mukt Bharat?
(a) Harsh Vardhan
(b) Smriti Irani
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Amit Shah
Explanation:Health Minister Dr Harsh
Vardhan launched ‗Tribal TB Initiative‘ in
pursuit of TB Mukt Bharat. Speaking on the
occasion, he stated that government accords
top priority to ensuring Universal Access to
free treatment and care for TB across the
country. The government has already increased
the Budget allocation for TB in India a four-fold
in the last five years.
282. Which country has passed bereavement leave
law for miscarriages, stillbirths?
(a) New Zealand
(b) Papua New Guinea
(c) Malaysia
(d) Singapore
Explanation:The Parliament of New Zealand
unanimously approved the legislation that will
give couples- who have suffered a miscarriage
or stillbirth- three days of paid leave. According
to Labour Party MP Ginny Anderson, one in
four women in New Zealand has suffered a
miscarriage. New Zealand has become the
second country in the world to provide such
benefits, as India is the only other country with
such legislation. India is the only other country
that has similar legislation.
283. Niyo partnered with bank to launch NiyoX?
(a) RBL Bank
(b) HDFC Bank
(c) Yes Bank
(d) Equitas Small Finance Bank
Explanation:Niyo, in partnership with Equitas
Small Finance Bank, has announced the launch
of NiyoX. It aims to on-board 2 million users by
the end of 2021. It will help millennials to
manage their savings and wealth by offering a 2-
in-1 account in the form of a digital savings
account and a wealth management suite. Niyo
is India's leading digital banking fintech start-up.
284. When was the International Day of
Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery
observed?
(a) 27th January
(b) 24th February
(c) 25th March
(d) 26th December
Explanation:International Day of
Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the
Transatlantic Slave Trade is marked on 25th
March every year since 2008 to remember
those who suffered and died at the hands of the
brutal slavery system. The day was designated
for international observance by United Nations
in 2007 and aims at raising awareness about the
dangers of racism and prejudice. Theme of
2021 is ―Ending Slavery‘s Legacy of Racism: A
Global Imperative for Justice‖.
285. Which agency decided to develop world class
‗Wayside Amenities‘ at more than 600
locations?
(a) Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation
(b) National Highways Authority of India
(c) Airports Authority of India
(d) Power Grid Corporation of India
Explanation:The National Highways Authority
of India (NHAI) has decided to develop world
class ‗Wayside Amenities‘ at more than 600
locations across 22 states in the next 5 years.
The move aims to improve commuters‘
experience on National Highways for both
passengers and truckers. Around 130 of these
600 locations are expected to be developed in
2021-2022 period.
286. Asia‘s Largest Tulip Garden opened for visitors.
It is situated in which State/UT?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Punjab
Explanation:The largest Tulip garden of Asia in
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, will be opened for
the general public and tourists. The Tulip
Garden will see over 15 lakh flowers of more
than 64 varieties of tulips in their full bloom.
The Tulip Garden is a spectrum of colors which
51 March 2021
features lakhs of tulips that have blossomed in
Zabarwan Hills along the banks of Dal Lake in
Srinagar. The garden which is known as Indira
Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is situated in
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
287. World‘s first Ship Tunnel to be built in which
country?
(a) Denmark
(b) Sweden
(c) Ireland
(d) Norway
Explanation:The Norwegian Coastal
Administration has received the green signal to
start working on the construction of world‘s
first tunnel, being built exclusively for ships. The
tunnel is dubbed as ―Stad Ship Tunnel‖ and
would be built under the mountainous
Stadhavet peninsula in northwestern Norway.
The 1.7 km tunnel will be able to handle ships
of up to 16,000 tonnes and give ships a safer
passage through the treacherous Stadhavet Sea.
288. Which company has partnered with Alliance
Insurance Brokers for insurance programme for
1.5 lakh shrimp farmers across India?
(a) Aquaconnect
(b) IBM
(c) Accenture
(d) Capegemini
Explanation:Aquaconnect has partnered with
Alliance Insurance Brokers, for an insurance
program for 1.5 lakh shrimp farmers across
India. The partnership intends to make
comprehensive insurance available for shrimp
farmers to mitigate weather and disease-related
challenges. Aquaconnect will provide risk
management services to the insurance partners
who include farm data collection, ground
validation by Aquaculture officers and
AquaCRED dashboard support.
289. Which company has announced to set up
‗World‘s 1st Mobile Water from Air Kiosk‘?
(a) Altran
(b) Maithri Aquatech
(c) Cognizant
(d) Atos
Explanation:Maithri Aquatech has set up the
world‘s first mobile water from air kiosk and
 water knowledge centre‘ in the smart city of
Visakhapatnam. This initiative is supported by
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation
and project SEWAH (Sustainable Enterprises
for Water and Health). The kiosk will provide
clean, mineral-enriched potable water
harvested from the air.
290. Who has been appointed by Infosys as
Independent Director?
(a) Ananya Sharma
(b) Amir Syyed
(c) Chitra Nayak
(d) Roshni Chadhha
Explanation:IT services major Infosys 2021
announced the appointment of former
Salesforce Executive Chitra Nayak as an
Independent Director. The appointment is for a
period of three years. Previously she was the
Chief Operating Officer at Funding Circle, an
online SMB lending marketplace.
291. What is the rank of India in International
Intellectual Property Index?
(a) 25
(b) 40
(c) 37
(d) 51
Explanation:India ranked 40 among 53 global
economies on the latest annual edition of the
International Intellectual Property (IP) Index
released. This is the ninth IP index released by
the GIPC. Released annually by the US
Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation
Policy Centre (GIPC), the Index evaluates
Intellectual Property rights in 53 global
economies.
292. Who has been conferred with Vyas Samman
2020?
(a) Mamta Kalia
(b) Surinder Verma
(c) Sunita Jain
(d) Sharad Pagare
Explanation:PicsWell known Hindi writer
Prof. Sharad Pagare will be conferred with the
prestigious Vyas Samman 2020 for his novel
‗Patliputru Ki Samragi.‘ The Vyas Samman,
started in 1991, is given by K K Birla Foundation
for an outstanding literary work in Hindi
52 March 2021
authored by an Indian citizen published during
the last 10 years. It carries an award of four
lakh rupees along with a citation and plaque.
293. Which organization recognised as a National
Sports Federation?
(a) Volleyball Federation of India
(b) Indian Style Wrestling Association of
India
(c) Sports Authority of India
(d) Athletics Federation of India
Explanation:The Indian Style Wrestling
Association of India (ISWAI) has officially been
recognised as a National Sports Federation
(NSF) by the Sports Ministry. It is now eligible
to receive fund and support from the
government. The ISWAI was formed in 1958
and has been in existence for about 60 years.
Indian Style Wrestling is a traditional indigenous
sport that is played on mud.
294. Which Chinese company has recently
announced to make electric vehicles (EVs)?
(a) Xiaomi Corp
(b) Huawei
(c) Oppo
(d) Alibaba
Explanation:China's Xiaomi Corp plans to
make electric vehicles (EVs) using Great Wall
Motor Co. Ltd's factory. Xiaomi will aim its EVs
at the mass market, in line with the broader
positioning of its electronics products. Xiaomi,
one of the world's biggest smartphone makers,
is in talks to use one of the Great Wall's plants
in China to make EVs under its own brand.
295. Which company has announced its partnership
with SUN Mobility to set up a network of
'Battery Swap Points' across north and north-
west Delhi?
(a) BSES
(b) Reliance Infrastructure
(c) NTPC Ltd
(d) Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited
Explanation:Tata Power joint venture firm
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited
(TPDDL) has announced its partnership with
SUN Mobility to set up a network of 'Battery
Swap Points' across north and north-west
Delhi. SUN Mobility is a leading provider of an
 energy infrastructure platform. In collaboration
with TPDDL, SUN Mobility has launched the
first Swap Point with two Quick Interchange
Stations.
296. Who among the following has been appointed
as the Chairman & Managing Director of Food
Corporation of India?
(a) Avinash Jha
(b) Atish Chandra
(c) Gautam Puri
(d) Ahil Khan
Explanation:Atish Chandra has been
appointed as Chairman and Managing Director,
Food Corporation of India in the rank and pay
of Additional Secretary. Mr Chandra, a 1994
batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, is currently
Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture,
Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
297. Saurbah Garg appointed as the CEO of which
Organization?
(a) Unique Identification Authority of
India
(b) India Post
(c) Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
(d) National Securities Depository Limited
Explanation:Senior bureaucrat Saurabh Garg
has been named as the new Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI). This development is
made as part of the bureaucratic reshuffle
announced by the Centre. At present, Garg is
serving in his cadre state Odisha. He is a 1991
batch IAS officer. Prior to Garg, Ajay Bhushan
Pandey was the Chief Executive Officer of
UIDAI.
298. Which Bank named as the India‘s best SME
Bank by Asiamoney?
(a) State Bank of India
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) Axis Bank
(d) HDFC Bank
Explanation:HDFC Bank was adjudged the
‗India‘s Best Bank for SMEs‘ at the Asiamoney
Best Bank Awards 2021. It was recognised for
this award for the transformation of its micro,
small and medium-sized enterprise business
over the past few years. The Annual Best Banks
53 March 2021
survey of the financial magazine aims to identify
which banks in each market have excelled
across a range of banking activities.
299. Which sport has been included in Khelo India
Youth Games 2021?
(a) Yogasana
(b) Kho Kho
(c) Baseball
(d) Ice Hockey
Explanation:Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has
included Yogasana in Khelo India Youth Games
2021 in a bid to develop it as a competitive
sport. Yogasana sport for both male and female
categories have been included in Khelo India
Youth Games, 2021. An International Yogasana
Sports Federation was formed under the
president ship of yoga guru Baba Ramdev with
HR Nagendra as secretary-general in
November 2019.
300. When was the World Theatre Day observed?
(a) 28th January
(b) 27th March
(c) 25th February
(d) 29th July
Explanation:World Theatre Day is celebrated
annually on 27th March. World Theatre Day
was initiated in 1961 by the International
Theatre Institute (ITI), France. One of the most
important events organised on this day is the
circulation of the World Theatre Day Message
through which at the invitation of ITI, a figure of
world stature shares his or her reflections on
the theme of Theatre and a Culture of Peace.
There is no specific theme every year.
301. India has signed five MoUs in trade, IT, sports
fields with which country?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Myanmar
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal
Explanation:India and Bangladesh signed 5
MoUs in the fields of trade, IT and setting up of
sports facilities on the concluding day of the 2-
day long official visit of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. Several important
announcements were made after the summit
meeting between Modi and Prime Minister
 Sheikh Hasina. ‗Mitali Express‘, a new
passenger train connecting Dhaka and New
Jalpaiguri on the Indian side, was inaugurated.
302. With which country India has started joint
patrolling exercise?
(a) USA
(b) Japan
(c) Australia
(d) Madagascar
Explanation:In a first, the navies of India and
Madagascar undertook joint patrolling of
Madagascar‘s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
and also conducted a Passage Exercise
(PASSEX). The first-ever joint patrol between
the navies reflects the growing defence ties
between the two Indian Ocean neighbours
aimed at the common objective of ensuring
maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region
(IOR).
303. Name the first Sub-Inspector female officer to
be part of an encounter.
(a) Priyanka
(b) Jyoti
(c) Srishti
(d) Sumegha
Explanation:Sub-Inspector Priyanka became
the first woman personnel of Delhi Police to be
a part of an encounter in central Delhi. She was
the part of the encounter which took place at
Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and led to the
arrest of an alleged gangster and his associate.
304. Union Civil Aviation Minister announced what
percent privatisation of Air India?
(a) 100%
(b) 90%
(c) 80%
(d) 70%
Explanation:Union minister Hardeep Singh
Puri on 27 March 2021 announced the
complete disinvestment of Air India. Air India is
a first-rate asset but has an accumulated debt of
Rs 60,000 Crore. The government has started
the process to sell its entire 100 per cent stake
in Air India that has been in losses since it
merged with Indian Airlines in 2007.
54 March 2021
305. Which State Government has made Negative
RT-PCR test report mandatory to enter in the
state?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Punjab
(c) Gujarat
(d) Karnataka
Explanation:Gujarat government has made a
negative RT-PCR report must for those arriving
from other states. The order will come into
force from 1st April. The test report should not
be older than 72 hours. Earlier, the government
had made a negative test report must only for
those coming from neighbouring Maharashtra
which has been worst hit by the pandemic.
306. Chhatrasal Convention Centre inaugurated at
which place?
(a) Pune
(b) Khajuraho
(c) Nasik
(d) Ambala
Explanation:Union Minister of State for
Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge)
Prahlad Singh Patel and Chief Minister of
Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan
inaugurated the ‗Chhatrasal Convention Centre
at Khajuraho. The Chhatrasal convention
center has been developed under Swadesh
Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism and
will help in establishing Khajuraho as an iconic
destination.
307. Which company has partnered with HP to
transform 3D printing waste into auto
components?
(a) Hyundai
(b) Tata Motors
(c) Honda
(d) Ford Motor
Explanation:Ford Motor has teamed up with
tech company HP to innovatively reuse spent
3D printing waste by turning them into
injection molded automotive parts. Auto
parts such as injection molded fuel-line clips
made from 3D printing waste have already
been installed first on Ford's Super Duty F-250
trucks. These injection molded parts are
 environment friendly, durable and of high
quality standard.
308. Which company awarded the ‗Smart Cities
India Awards 2021‘?
(a) Capital Region Urban Transport
(b) Make My Trip
(c) Red Bus
(d) Yatra
Explanation:The Capital Region Urban
Transport (CRUT) that runs ‗MoBus‘ service,
won the 6th Smart Cities India Awards 2021 in
the ‗Smart SPV/Municipal Corporation‘
category. The award was presented to CRUT
at an event organized by the India Trade
Promotion Organization under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry and Exhibitions India
Group in Delhi.
309. Gokulam Kerala wins the I-League title after
defeating which team?
(a) Real Kashmir
(b) Churchill Brothers
(c) Punjab FC
(d) TRAU 4-1
Explanation:Gokulam Kerala wins the I-
League title as it defeated TRAU 4-1 in the final
match of the season in Kolkata. They also
became the first club from Kerala side to win
the I-League title. Gokulam as an I-
League champion has qualified for the group
stage of the AFC Cup next season, Asia's
second-tier club competition.
310. Which two Countries has recently signed 25-
year ―strategic cooperation pact‖?
(a) China and Iran
(b) India and Bangladesh
(c) Japan and Sri Lanka
(d) Norway and United Kingdom
Explanation:China and Iran signed what was
described as a 25-year ―strategic cooperation
pact‖, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang
Yi‘s on-going six-nation tour to West Asia. The
deal was signed between Wang and his Iranian
counterpart Javad Zarif in Tehran. Negotiations
for the deal, launched five years ago, sparked
controversy in Iran last year and virtually no
details of its contents have been released.
55 March 2021
311. What is the total amount of the agreement that
has been signed between Tata Cleantech &
JICA for climate change projects?
(a) 9-billionyen
(b) 7-billionyen
(c) 10-billionyen
(d) 6-billionyen
Explanation:Tata Cleantech Capital, a non-
banking financial company, has secured a 10-
billionyen loan agreement from Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It has
been signed for offering loans to Indian firms
focussing on clean energy projects. The loan
would be provided through a private sector
investment finance scheme of JICA and co-
financed with the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Corporation.
312. Which IPL team was joined by Cornitos as
official Snack partner for IPL 2021?
(a) Chennai Super Kings
(b) Delhi Capitals
(c) Mumbai Indians
(d) Kolkata Knight Riders
Explanation:Delhi Capitals, an Indian Premier
League (IPL) team franchise, has announced
that nachos brand Cornitos has come onboard
as one of its official partners for the upcoming
edition of IPL. The Cornitos logo will be
displayed on the team official playing and
training jerseys. Manufactured by Greendot
Health Foods Private Limited, Cornitos brand
portfolio includes nacho crisps, roasted nuts,
etc.
313. Which company has appointed Anish Shah as
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer?
(a) Mahindra and Mahindra
(b) Tata Motors
(c) Suzuki
(d) Ashok Leyland
Explanation:Mahindra and Mahindra Limited
have announced the appointment of Anish
Shah, as the Managing Director and Chief
Executive, effective from 2nd April. Shah will
oversee operations of all Mahindra Group
companies and will take over from Pawan
Goenka. He is currently serving as the Deputy
 Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
of Mahindra.
314. Who has been appointed as Chairman of
Airports Authority of India (AAI)?
(a) Sanjeev Kumar
(b) Vikas Negi
(c) Kumar Pal Singh
(d) Amit Singh
Explanation:The government appointed
senior IAS officer Sanjeev Kumar as the
chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Kumar is a 1993 batch, Maharashtra cadre IAS
officer. Prior to current assignment, he has
worked in Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty
Alleviation as Joint Secretary & Mission director
for Housing for All projects. Mr. Sanjeev will
replace Arvind Singh, who was recently
appointed Tourism Secretary.
315. Which team won CoreNet Global Academic
Challenge 6.0?
(a) IIT Kharagpur
(b) IIT Madras
(c) IIT Delhi
(d) IIT Roorkee
Explanation:A team of four undergraduate
students from the Indian Institute of
Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-K) emerged as
winners at the CoreNet Global Academic
Challenge 6.0, sponsored by Cushman and
Wakefield, KI and IA: Interior Architects. This is
the first time a squad from India has emerged as
winners in the CoreNet Global Academic
Challenge since the inception of the
competition in 2015.
316. Who won the Rathbones Folio Prize 2021?
(a) Helen Oyeyemi
(b) Carmen Maria Machado
(c) Kelly Link
(d) Val Howlett
Explanation:In The Dream House: A Memoir‘
by Carmen Maria Machado Wins The
Rathbones Folio Prize 2021. The prize is open
to all genres – fiction, non-fiction, and poetry-
from writers from around the world. In the
2019 book, the author outlines her experiences
in a same-sex relationship with her former
partner, and the abuse she was subjected to. It
56 March 2021
is at once an inventive and radical work, a true
testimony to her narrative gift.
317. How many green zone sites have been
approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for
NPNT drone operations?
(a) 34
(b) 56
(c) 30
(d) 43
Explanation:The Ministry of Civil Aviation has
granted permits to "No-Permission-No-
Takeoff' (NPNT) compliant drone operations at
34 additional green zones to facilitate,
smoothen, and promote drone operations in
the country. NPNT is a software program that
enables every Remotely Piloted Aircraft (except
Nano) to obtain a valid permission through
DigitalSky platform before operating in India.
318. Which mobile app has been launched by
Nagaland Health Minister for Community
Health Officers?
(a) i-Learn
(b) Learn-together
(c) we-Learn
(d) u-Learn
Explanation:Nagaland Health and Family
Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom has
launched i-Learn a capacity building and
performance tracking application for
Community Health Officers, CHOs in the state
at his office chamber in Kohima. The state
government launched the i-Learn application in
partnership with USAID-NISHTHA which will
cater across the 189 Health & wellness centres
in the state.
319. Who has addressed the 7th annual summit of
NATHEALTH?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Harsha Vardhan
(c) Rajnath Singh
(d) Nirmala Sitharaman
Explanation:Union Minister for Health and
Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, addressed
the 7th annual summit of NATHEALTH. The
summit focused on ‗Indian Health system
expansion in post-COVID era‘. While
addressing the summit the minister reiterated
 the commitments of the government for
fulfilling the goal of Health for all. The primary
vision of the policy-framework is to attain the
highest possible level of health and well-being
for all irrespective of all age groups.
320. Which Bank has approved $1 billion loan to
support COVID-19 healthcare workers in
Russia?
(a) Asian Development Bank
(b) World Bank
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) New Development Bank
Explanation:The New Development Bank
(NDB) has approved a loan of up to $1 billion
to support healthcare workers treating patients
for COVID-19 in Russia. The NDB was
established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa, a group of emerging economies
known as the BRICS. It set up an Emergency
Assistance Facility in April 2020 to provide up
to $10 billion in crisis-related assistance to its
member countries.
321. Which country has imposed anti-dumping duty
on bottle grade Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PET)?
(a) India
(b) Denmark
(c) Norway
(d) Italy
Explanation:India has imposed anti-dumping
duty on the import of bottle grade Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) resin originating in or
exported from China for 5 years. Imports of
bottle grade PET from China increased over
67% from FY18 to FY19. Reliance Industries
and IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries, two
largest producers of the product in India had
applied for the anti-dumping investigation.
322. Which crypto currency exchange platform has
decided to set up branch in India?
(a) Binance
(b) eToro
(c) Robinhood
(d) Coinbase
Explanation:The U.S. based crypto currency
exchange Coinbase is planning to establish its
business presence in India and intends to open
57 March 2021
an office in Hyderabad. This move comes
despite great uncertainty over the future of
crypto currency in India, as government
planning to introduce a bill that could see it
banned outright.
323. Agnes Callamard appointed as a Chief of which
organization?
(a) Greenpeace
(b) World Wide Fund
(c) Amnesty International
(d) Doctors Without Borders
Explanation:Agnes Callamard, a French
human rights expert who led a United Nations‘
investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist
Jamal Khashoggi, has been appointed the new
leader of Amnesty International. Founded in
London in 1961, Amnesty has offices in more
than 70 countries and calls itself the world‘s
largest non-governmental human rights
organisation.
324. Which company has planned with Google to
develop undersea cables to connect Southeast
Asia and America?
(a) Twitter
(b) Amazon
(c) Microsoft
(d) Facebook
Explanation:Facebook announced that it
planned two new undersea cables to connect
Singapore, Indonesia and North America in a
project with Google and regional
telecommunication companies to boost
internet connection capacity between the
regions. Named Echo and Bifrost, those will be
the first two cables to go through a new diverse
route crossing the Java Sea and they will
increase overall subsea capacity in the trans-
pacific by about 70%.
325. Who is the Author of the book 'Exam
Warriors‘?
(a) Harsha Vardhan
(b) Narendra Modi
(c) Sachin Tendulkar
(d) Ramchandra Guha
Explanation:New Edition of Exam Warriors
written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was
released with many new mantras for students
 as well as for parents. It is available at retail
stores as well as online. The Exam Warriors
module is also available on the NaMo App. The
new edition of the book has been enriched with
valuable inputs from students, parents and
teachers. Substantive new parts have been
added that would especially interest the parents
and teachers.
326. Government of India proposed up to how much
tax concession on purchase of new vehicles.
(a) 35%
(b) 30%
(c) 25%
(d) 45%
Explanation:Centre has proposed up to 25%
tax concession on the purchase of new vehicles
on submission of scrappage certificate. Road,
Transport and Highways Ministry published the
draft rules regarding concession in motor
vehicle tax against scrapped vehicles. Under the
draft rules, people will get 25% concession on
the purchase of personal vehicles with vehicle
scrappage certificate while on the purchase of
commercial vehicles; the tax relief will be 15%.
327. Which Ministry has set up interdisciplinary team
to explore potential of Yoga?
(a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(b) Ministry of Tourism
(c) Ministry of Women and Child
Development
(d) Ministry of AYUSH
Explanation:The Ministry of AYUSH has set
up an interdisciplinary team of experts to
explore the potential of Yoga as a productivity
enhancing tool for the population. The
committee is chaired by H. R Nagendra,
Chancellor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga
Anusandhana Samsthana and its members
include representatives from AIIMS New Delhi,
IIM Bangalore, IIT Bombay, various leading
Yoga institutions, the corporate sector and the
AYUSH Ministry.
328. Which country announced to suspend all
diplomatic trade engagement with Myanmar?
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) France
58 March 2021
(d) Bangladesh
Explanation:U.S. Trade Representative
Katherine Tai informed that the suspension of
government-to-government engagement under
the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework
Agreement (TIFA) will remain in effect until the
return of a democratically elected government.
Under that agreement the US cooperated with
Myanmar on trade and investment to support
the country's integration into the global
economy.
329. Which Company has launched 'Distributor to
Retailer Finance' to empower SMEs?
(a) BharatPe
(b) PhonePe
(c) Paytm
(d) Mobikwik
Explanation:BharatPe has rolled-out its
innovative lending product- Distributor to
Retailer (D2R) Finance which will focus
specifically on empowering Small and Medium
Enterprises. The product is designed to provide
instant liquidity to distributors, wholesalers,
traders and dealers across industry verticals.
With this new lending product, the company
will offer collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 50
lakhs for a period of 7 days to 30 days.
330. Karnataka Bank has partnered with which
company to launch ‗KBLSmart Trade‘?
(a) Sharekhan
(b) Zerodha
(c) Moneycontrol
(d) IIFL
Explanation:Karnataka Bank and IIFL
Securities Limited have partnered to introduce
KBL Smart Trade, a facility under which all
Karnataka Bank customers will get the facility to
access IIFL Securities Demat and Trading
account solution to serve their capital market
needs. With the help of this service, the bank‘s
customers will now be able to open a
paperless, online trading account instantly in
minutes with IIFL Securities under KBL Smart
Trade from any location.
331. Puma has signed multi-year deal with which IPL
Team?
(a) Royal Challengers Bangalore
 (b) Mumbai Indians
(c) Rajasthan Royals
(d) Chennai Super Kings
Explanation:Global sports brand Puma has
signed a three years partnership with the Indian
Premier League (IPL) team franchise Royal
Challengers Bangalore. Puma will be the
official kit partner of the team from the
upcoming 14th edition of the tournament. It
also makes Puma the only global sports brand
to be associated with IPL 2021.
332. ISRO partnered with which institution to
Advance Space Research similar to NASA-JPL-
Caltech Model?
(a) Indian Institute of Science Education and
Research
(b) Indian Institute of Space Science and
Technology
(c) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
(d) Central Institute of Mining and Fuel
Research
Explanation:ISRO is embarking on another
type of mission by putting the Indian Space
Research Organization (IIST) into a much
higher futuristic research trajectory. The
Bangalore-based space agency has established a
partnership with IIST. This is similar to the US
JPL-Caltech model. JPL (Jet Propulsion
Laboratory) is federally funded by the US space
agency NASA and managed by the California
Institute of Technology (Caltech).
333. Which book won the National Book Critics
Circle prize for fiction?
(a) The Beekeeper of Aleppo
(b) The Midnight Library
(c) Hamnet
(d) Shuggie Bain
Explanation:Maggie O‘Farrell‘s Hamnet, an
imagined take on the death of Shakespeare‘s
son from the bubonic plague, has won the
National Book Critics Circle prize for fiction.
Hamnet, an unfortunately well-timed story for
the current pandemic, explores the impact of
the boy‘s illness and death on his family. He was
Shakespeare‘s only son, and scholars have long
speculated about his influence — if any — on
59 March 2021
―Hamlet,‖ which Shakespeare worked on in the
years following Hamnet‘s death.
334. Which Country topped the medals tally in ISSF
Shooting World Cup?
(a) Australia
(b) Russia
(c) Ukraine
(d) India
Explanation:India finished at the top of the
medals table at the 2021 ISSF World Cup New
Delhi. India has been dominating the World
Cups since 2019 and this was the country‘s
sixth successive No. 1 finish at the ISSF
championships in the rifle/pistol events. India
secured 30 medals which included 15 gold, 9
silver and 6 bronze. USA came second with
eight medals including four gold, three silver
and one bronze.
335. Who is the Author the book titled ―Names of
the Women‖?
(a) Darshit Chauhan
(b) Aarush Sharma
(c) Bhavin Amble
(d) Jeet Thayil
Explanation:A book titled ―Names of the
Women‖ authored by Jeet Thayil. The book
talks about the women whose roles were
suppressed, reduced, or erased in the Gospels.
Jeet Thayil is a renowned author, best known
for his book ‗Narcopolis‘ which was shortlisted
for the Man Booker Prize 2012 and won the
DSC Prize for South Asian Literature. His most
recent book ‗Low‘ was released in 2020.
336. Where was the "Anandam: The Center for
Happiness‖ inaugurated recently?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) New Delhi
(d) Chandigarh
Explanation:In the Union Territory of Jammu
and Kashmir, Union Education Minister Ramesh
Pokhriyal ‗Nishank‘ inaugurated "Anandam: The
Center for Happiness‖ in Indian Institute of
Management (IIM), Jammu.
337. India and which country agrees to further
enhance economic partnership during talks on
bilateral cooperation in Dushanbe?
 (a) Tajikistan
(b) Turkmenistan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Kyrgyzstan
Explanation:External Affairs Minister Dr S
Jaishankar held talks with his Tajik counterpart
Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Dushanbe on all aspects
of the bilateral agenda, including development
cooperation. They also exchanged views on
regional and international issues of interest.
Both leaders agreed to focus on further
enhancing the economic partnership.
338. Japan has signed a deal with which country to
enable exports of Japanese made defence
equipment to Southeast Asian country?
(a) Indonesia
(b) Singapore
(c) Malaysia
(d) Cambodia
Explanation: Japan and Indonesia have signed
a deal enabling exports of Japanese made
defence equipment to the Southeast Asian
country. The agreement on the transfer of
defence equipment and technology was signed
in Tokyo recently to boost cooperation
between the two countries. It came after the
foreign and defence ministers of Japan and
Indonesia met in Tokyo.
60 March 2021
339. Which film won the Filmfare Awards for 2021?
(a) Lajja
(b) Dor
(c) Mulk
(d) Thappad
Explanation:The 66th Filmfare Awards for the
year 2021 were given to honour artistic and
technical excellence in Hindi cinema for the
year 2020.
340. Name the France-led naval drill in which the
India will participate first time.
(a) PASSEX
(b) CORPAT
(c) Dostik
(d) La Perouse
Explanation: India will participate in France-
led naval drill La Perouse for the first time in
the Bay of Bengal next month. Australia, Japan
and the US will also participate in La Perouse,
but India‘s first-ever participation is seen as a
significant step. The exercise is scheduled
between April 5 and 7. After La Perouse,
another important naval exercise, the India-
French Varuna exercise, will also take place.
This time, it will also include the United Arab
Emirates.