Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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March 09 & 10 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

1. When is No Smoking Day celebrated?
A) 13 March
B) 1 April
C) 20 May
D) 5 September
E) 25 December
Answer: A) 13 March

  • No Smoking Day is celebrated on 13 March every year.
  • This day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the destructive impacts of smoking and to inspire individuals to stop smoking.
  • The historical backdrop of No Smoking Day traces all the way back to 1984, when a charity called No Smoking Day was founded.
  • The day was first observed on Ash Wednesday in 1984.

2. How many years of establishment is being commemorated during this year’s CISF Raising Day celebration?
A) 50th
B) 55th
C) 60th
D) 65th
E) 70th
Answer: B) 55th

  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is an annual event held to commemorate the establishment of CISF.
  • This year, it is being celebrated on March 10th.
  • The CISF Raising Day honours the founding of the paramilitary force.
  • It was founded on March 10, 1969.
  • This year, the nation will celebrate the 55th CISF raising day.
  • CISF comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headquartered in New Delhi.
  • The CISF is organised into six fractions: Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern.
  • It is tasked with providing security to industrial centres, state-funded infrastructure projects, and public sector undertakings.
  • It also protects other critical infrastructure points such as airports, nuclear power plants, sea ports, oil refineries, mines, and more.

 

Obituary – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

3. Who was Ranjit Shahani, whose passing has been announced?
A) Former CEO of Novartis India
B) Former Chairman of JB Pharmaceuticals
C) Former Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Novartis India
D) Former President of the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce India
E) Former President of Hikal Ltd
Answer: C) Former Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Novartis India

  • Ranjit Shahani, Former Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Novartis India and Chairman of JB Pharmaceuticals has passed away.
  • He served as the Managing Director and Vice Chairman at Novartis India Ltd. from 2001 to 2018.
  • He held the position of CEO at Roche Products Limited before joining Novartis India Limited in 1997.
  • Shahani holds various roles including President Emeritus of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, President of the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce India, and serves on the Advisory Council of HSPH India Research Centre.
  • Additionally, he is the Chairman of JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals and holds directorships on the boards of Hikal Ltd and Ambuja Cements Ltd.

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

4. Who has taken over the additional charge of the post of Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited?
A) Rajendra Prasad Goyal
B) Narendra Modi
C) Arvind Kejriwal
D) Prakash Javadekar
E) Nitin Gadkari
Answer: A) Rajendra Prasad Goyal

  • Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Director (Finance), NHPC has taken over the additional charge of the post of Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company and a Schedule ‘A’ Enterprise of Government of India.
  • Goyal is also Chairman of Lanco Teesta Hydro Power Limited (LTHPL), Jal Power Corporation Limited (JPCL), Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited (BSUL) and NHPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL) and Nominee Director on the Board of NHDC Limited, Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited (LDHCL) which are Subsidiary Companies of NHPC.
  • Goyal is also a member of Executive Board of Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), New Delhi.
Titbits

NHPC:

HQ: Faridabad
Chairman and MD: Rajkumar Choudhary


Awards – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

5. In which edition of the Miss World pageant did Krystyna Pyszkova win the coveted title?
A) 68th edition
B) 69th edition
C) 70th edition
D) 71st edition
E) 72nd edition
Answer: D) 71st edition

  • Krystyna Pyszkova, hailing from the Czech Republic, clinched the coveted title of Miss World in the 71st edition of the esteemed pageant.
  • Krystyna Pyszkova received her crown from Miss World 2022, Karolina Bielawska of Poland, during a magnificent ceremony at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
  • Krystyna, currently pursuing a law degree at Charles University in Prague, dedicates her time to volunteer work at the Sonta Foundation in Tanzania, where she imparts English education to underprivileged children.

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

6. What is the total investment approved by the Indian government for the IndiaAI mission?
A) $500 million
B) $750 million
C) $1 billion
D) $1.24 billion
E) $1.5 billion
Answer: D) $1.24 billion

  • The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a new $1.24 billion investment for the IndiaAI mission, a “national-level” plan designed to create an all-Indian AI ecosystem from scratch.
  • Most of the proposed funds will likely be allocated to build a new, powerful high-performance computing (HPC) system, which will serve as India’s central AI infrastructure for both the public and private sectors.
  • IndiaAI’s supercomputer is expected to feature 10,000 “or more” GPUs as AI accelerators.
  • Another integral component of the IndiaAI mission is the IndiaAI Innovation Centre, tasked with the development and deployment of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models.

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 09 & 10

7. What was the total worth of the projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Madhya Pradesh?
A) 100 crore 25 lakh rupees
B) 50 crore rupees
C) 200 crore 50 lakh rupees
D) 118 crore 72 lakh rupees
E) 75 crore rupees
Answer: D) 118 crore 72 lakh rupees

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan and inaugurated projects worth 118 crore 72 lakh rupees in Madhya Pradesh through video conferencing.
  • These include various projects in Gwalior and Chitrakoot under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme and development work of Amarkantak and Pitambara Peeth Temple Datia under Prasad scheme.
  • Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” project in Chitrakoot.
  • The Prime Minister performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the upgradation and development works of Ganga Ghats at a cost of about 26 crore 55 lakh rupees.
  • The Prime Minister also inaugurated various development works worth 50 crore rupees under the Prasad Scheme in Amarkantak, which includes development around Narmada Temple, and expansion of tourist and public facilities in Amarkantak.

8. How many districts in India have not reported rubella cases over the past 12 months?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 226
E) 250
Answer: D) 226

  • In recognition of country’s tireless efforts to combat Measles and Rubella, India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA.
  • Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C. received the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • The Measles and Rubella Partnership comprises a multi-agency planning committee, including the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, all dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.
  • Measles and Rubella are vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) and MR Vaccine is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017.
  • These efforts have resulted in 50 districts consistently not witnessing any measles case while 226 districts have not reported rubella cases over past 12 months.

9. Where was the Sela Tunnel project virtually dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A) Guwahati, Assam
B) Imphal, Manipur
C) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
D) Gangtok, Sikkim
E) Shillong, Meghalaya
Answer: C) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel project during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the road connecting Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Built at a total cost of Rs 825 crore, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang Road, boosting the preparedness of the Armed Forces and augmenting the socio-economic development of the border region.
  • The Sela Tunnel has been constructed using the new Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporates safety features of the highest standards.
  • In the last three years, the BRO has completed a record 330 infrastructure projects constructed at the cost of Rs 8,737 crore.
Titbits

Arunachal Pradesh:

Capital: Itanagar
Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
Governor: Kaiwalya Tirivikram Parnaik


10. What was the name of the maritime security exercise conducted between the Indian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard?
A) Sea Guardians-2024
B) Sea Defenders-2024
C) Sea Protectors-2024
D) Sea Sentinels-2024
E) Sea Watchers-2024
Answer: B) Sea Defenders-2024

  • The comprehensive maritime security exercise ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) & United States Coast Guard (USCG) culminated at Port Blair.
  • The exercise was aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.
  • The Exercise included a variety of scenarios including a Pollution Response Demonstration, in which Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft showcased their expertise in responding to oil spills and other environmental hazards at sea.
  • It also simulated Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Operations for inspecting vessels suspected of illegal activity.
  • After the Exercise, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf departed from Port Blair.

11. Which states and union territory are covered under the Buddhist Development Plan?
A) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim
B) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh
C) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh
D) Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh
E) Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh
Answer: B) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh

  • Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Women & Child Development, Smt. Smriti Irani, laid the foundation stone via virtual platform for 38 projects with the total estimated cost of Rs. 225 crore approved under Buddhist Development Plan under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs announced financial assistance of Rs. 30 Crores for strengthening ‘Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies of the University of Delhi for academic collaboration, promoting research, preservation of language, translation of transcripts and skill upgradation of Buddhist population.
  • Institutes like Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies of the University of Delhi and other prominent institutes should collaborate for integrated development in a circuit so as to conserve the Buddhist cultural heritage and knowledge along with providing them modern education.

Buddhist Development Plan:

  • Specific focus on the Buddhist Communities primarily in the far flung border areas in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the Union Territory of Ladakh and with the prime objective to secularize the traditional theological education with an additional provision of modern education and the professional/Vocational and skill development courses for the young Buddhist population in these areas.

12. How much financial assistance per month will be provided to eligible married women under the Mahatari Vandana Yojana?
A) Rs 500
B) Rs 750
C) Rs 1000
D) Rs 1500
E) Rs 2000
Answer: C) Rs 1000

  • The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Mahatari Vandana Yojana and disbursed the first instalment under The Scheme.
  • The scheme has been launched in Chhattisgarh to provide financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month to eligible married women of the state as monthly DBT.
  • The scheme will provide benefits to all eligible married women of the state who are above 21 years of age as of January 1, 2024.
  • Widows, divorced, and deserted women will also be eligible for this scheme.
  • Around 70 lakh women will benefit from the scheme.
  • The Prime Minister announced several key measures, including free vaccinations for pregnant women and financial assistance of Rs 5,000 during pregnancy to support expectant mothers.
  • He also emphasized the provision of free healthcare services, up to Rs 5 lakhs, for frontline workers such as Asha and Anganwadi workers.
Titbits

Chhattisgarh:

Capital: Raipur
Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
Governor: Biswabhushan Harichandan


13. Which district in Rajasthan is designated for the establishment of the 125 MW Lignite Pit-head Thermal Power Plant?
A) Jaipur
B) Udaipur
C) Bikaner
D) Jodhpur
E) Ajmer
Answer: C) Bikaner

  • NLC India Limited signed MOU with the Government of Rajasthan for Formation of Joint Venture to set up 125 MW Lignite Based Power Plant and 1000 MW Solar Power Plant.
  • The MoU was ceremoniously exchanged between NLC India Limited and RVUNL in the presence of Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India Ltd, and Shri Devender Singhvi, RVUNL.
  • The MoU between NLC India Limited and RVUNL entails a staggering investment of more than Rs 7000 Crores.
  • Among the notable projects, the MoU outlines the establishment of a 125 MW Lignite Pit-head Thermal Power Plant in Bikaner district and a massive 1000 MW Solar Power Plant, further reinforcing NLCIL’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives.
  • Additionally, a LoI for the setup of an 810 MW solar power plant has already been issued.
  • This is in line with corporate plan of NLC India to become a power major of 17 GW capacity with more than 6 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
Titbits

NLC India Limited:

HQ: Neyveli
CMD: Prasanna Kumar Motupalli


14. Who inaugurated the 5th Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) Para Games at New Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium?
A) Hardeep Singh Puri
B) Pankaj Jain
C) Narendra Modi
D) Amit Shah
E) Rajnath Singh
Answer: A) Hardeep Singh Puri

  • Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the 5th Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) Para Games at New Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium.
  • The 5th ONGC Para Games, featuring a total of 371 athletes will witness active participation across a range of sporting disciplines.
  • Athletes from various oil and gas public enterprises will compete across disciplines such as athletics, badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair racing.
  • The ONGC Para Games, conceptualized to mainstream and foster inclusivity for its specially- abled employees in 2017 stands out as a unique corporate commitment underscoring ONGC’s visionary approach to energizing the human spirit through sportsmanship.

Keyperson:

  • Petroleum and Natural Gas, Secretary, Pankaj Jain

15. What is the approximate value of the 22 National Highway Projects inaugurated and initiated by Nitin Gadkari in Mysuru, Karnataka?
A) Rs 2,000 Crore
B) Rs 3,000 Crore
C) Rs 4,000 Crore
D) Rs 5,000 Crore
E) Rs 6,000 Crore
Answer: C) Rs 4,000 Crore

  • Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkariinaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 22 National Highway Projects, spanning 268 Km and valued at over Rs 4,000 Crore in Mysuru, Karnataka.
  • Notably, initiatives like the Huliyar-KB cross-Chunchanahalli-Nelligere road aim to enhance connectivity between Mysuru and North Karnataka.
  • The Mysuru Ring Road, complete with service roads and RUBS, promises to alleviate city congestion, ensuring seamless traffic flow.
  • The 4-lane expansion of Belur-Hassan and Yedegowdanahalli-Bilikere road, coupled with the installation of ROBs at Hangarahalli and Holenarasipur Bypass, anticipates a notable 2-hour reduction in travel time.
  • The construction of a major bridge over Lakshmanathirtha River seeks to decongest Hunsur Town, echoing the commitment to streamlined urban planning.
  • Additionally, the development of Srinivasapura and Chintamani bypasses targets congestion reduction in both cities.

16. What is the theme of the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign?
A) Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti
B) Jal Shakti se Nari Shakti
C) Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023
D) Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting
E) Journey for Sustainable Water Future
Answer: A) Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti

  • The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the fifth edition of “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi.
  • The campaign, themed “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti,” emphasises the integral role of women in water conservation and management.
  • The campaign comes under the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in collaboration with Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation.
  • The Union Minister also virtually launched two books namely “Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023- The Journey for Sustainable Water Future” and “101 glimpse of Women Power: Through the prism of Jal Jeevan Mission”.
  • Two short films “Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023 – A public led movement marching towards Water Security” and (ii) “Short films of Jal Jeevan Mission” and documentary of Ladakh were also screened during this event.
  • Focused interventions of the campaign includes:
    (1) water conservation and rainwater harvesting,
    (2) enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation,
    (3) Setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts,
    (4) intensive afforestation and
    (5) awareness generation.
  • Apart from the these interventions, JSA: CTR 2024 will have a distinctive emphasis on following key aspects this year:
    (i) de-silting and cleaning of water bodies,
    (ii) Revitalizing Abandoned/Defunct Borewells for groundwater recharge,
    (iii) Geo-tagging of water bodies, coupled with meticulous mapping and regular updates in the State’s revenue records,
    (iv) Intensified afforestation efforts in the catchment areas of water bodies,
    (v) Snow harvesting in hilly areas like stupas in Ladakh for conserving water and
    (vi) Rejuvenation of Small Rivers.
  • “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024” is the fifth addition in the JSA:CTR series which will be implemented from 9th March, 2024 to 30th November, 2024.


Over All Review

Important Days

  • No smoking day is observed on March 13.
  • CISF Raising day is observed on March 10.

Obituary

  • Former Vice Chairman of Novartis India Ranjit Shahani passes away.

Appointments

  • Rajendra Prasad Goyal assumes additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director, NHPC.

Awards 

  • Miss World 2024: Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic wins the crown.

Science and Technology

  • India to build a 10,000 GPU supercomputer for self-sufficient AI development.

National Affairs

  • PM Modi lays foundation stone of “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” project in Chitrakoot under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme
  • India receives ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ Award for Exemplary Efforts in Measles and Rubella Disease Prevention
  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually dedicates to the nation Sela Tunnel from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
  • India – U.S. Maritime Security Exercise ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ culminates at Port Blair
  • Minority Affairs Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani lays foundation stone for projects approved under Buddhist Development Plan under aegis of PMJVK in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim & Ladakh
  • PM Modi launches Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh
  • NLC India Limited signs MOU with Rajasthan Govt. for Formation of Joint Venture to set up 125 MW Lignite Based Power Plant and 1000 MW Solar Power Plant
  • Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri inaugurates 5th ONGC Para Games
  • Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurates and lays foundation stone for 22 National Highway Projects spanning 268 Km worth Rs 4,000 Crore in Mysuru, Karnataka
  • Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launches Jal Shakti Abhiyan : Catch the Rain 2024 Campaign

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