Explanation:
On 25th March 2018, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won the 2018 Formula One Grand Prix of Australia, in at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton started the race from the pole position. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen started in the second position and he was followed by Sebastian Vettel in the third position. Sebastian Vettel finished the race in the first position and won the 2018 Formula One Grand Prix of Australia. Lewis Hamilton finished in the second position. Kimi Raikkonen finished in the third position. This is Sebastian Vettel’s 48th career victory.

Explanation:
On 24th March 2018, Pankaj Advani retained his Asian Billiards Championships title by winning over B Bhaskar 6-1 in the finals, in Yangon, Myanmar. This victory makes Pankaj Advani the reigning Indian, Asian and world champion in billiards for 2017-18. This is his 11th gold medal at the Asian level. So far, he has won 7 continental billiards titles. India’s Amee Kamani bagged the Asian Women’s Snooker title by defeating Thailand’s Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.

Explanation:
On 18th March 2018, journalist Ghulam Muhammad Mustafa died at a hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana. Ghulam Muhammad Mustafa is a retired Indian Information Service officer of the 1969 batch. He started his career with the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Later he was elevated as Additional Information Director at PIB. He also worked as a News Editor at All India Radio and Doordarshan. He retired from service in 2005.

Explanation:
PV Sindhu has been chosen by IOA (Indian Olympic Association) as Indian contingent’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2018 at Gold Coast, Australia. This will be the first time in the last three editions of the Commonwealth Games that a badminton player has been selected as the flag-bearer. She won bronze medal in the women’s singles badminton event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that launch of India’s second lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’, which was to be launched in April 2018, has been postponed to October 2018. The mission has been postponed as experts have suggested some additional tests before the launch. Chandrayaan-2 is a totally indigenous mission, under which, ISRO will for the first time attempt to land a rover on the moon’s south pole. Estimated cost of ‘Chandrayaan-2’ mission is Rs. 800 crore. Objective of this mission is to collect scientific information on lunar topography, elemental abundance, mineralogy, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. India’s first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 was launched by ISRO in 2008.

Explanation:
Chandigarh has become North India’s 1st city to install Digital Automatic Speed Gun Cameras to check vehicles driving above the permissible speed limit. The cameras will record the speed of the oncoming vehicles in its vision area and issue chalan to anyone driving above the stipulated city speed limit. The chalan along with image of over speeding will be sent to vehicle owner’s residential address. The cameras are equipped with night vision technology and can even function during night. Currently, Digital Automatic Speed Gun Cameras have been installed only on Chandigarh’s Jan Marg on trial basis. Once the trial is successful, it would be installed across the city.

Explanation:
Odisha State Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the British Council for cooperation and collaboration in several areas including education, skills and culture. The MoU was signed in presence of Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik and British High Commissioner in India, Dominic Asquith. As per the terms of the MoU, British Council will support Odisha State governments “Mo School” (My School) initiative by contributing to the development of English language skills for learners and teachers. Besides, Odisha State Government and British Council will collaborate in a number of fields including investment promotion, cultural exchange and sports. In context of this news, it is important to note that British Council has completed 70 years of presence in India.

Explanation:
On 23rd March 2018, the 5th India Maize Summit was held in Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), New Delhi. The India Maize Summit 2018 was organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The India Maize Summit has been conducted since 2013. The India Maize Summit aims to provide a common platform to all stakeholders to highlight the opportunities in maize and discuss on actions that are required to improve the market. Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh presented the inaugural address at the event.

Explanation:
Three Minesweeper ships of Indian Navy, INS Konkan, INS Cannanore and INS Cuddalore, were decommissioned in a ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on March 23, 2018. INS Cannanore was commissioned on December 17, 1987, INS Cuddalore was commissioned on October 29, 1987 and INS Konkan was commissioned on October 8, 1988. Each of these minesweepers sailed nearly 30000 nautical miles during their operational life spanning over three decades. The decommissioning ceremony was attended by 38 Officers and nearly 500 crew members who served on board these ships. Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral M S Pawar was the Chief Guest on the occasion and three retired commissioning Commanding Officers of these minesweepers were the guests of honour.

Explanation :
On March 21, 2018, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Indian Air Force (IAF) plan to set up a forward fighter base close to Deesa in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. IAF’s proposal is to form a forward fighter base by converting the small Deesa airport with a 1000-metre runway, which was used for helicopter landings and VVIP movements. CCS has sanctioned Rs. 1000 crore for setting up this base, which would include extending the runway and building necessary administrative facilities. Once operational, this strategic base will plug the critical air defence gap between the Barmer (in Rajasthan) and Bhuj air bases and will thereby enhance IAF’s ability to respond swiftly in case of any hostilities in India’s western skies. This base at Deesa will be the ninth base under Gandhinagar-headquartered South Western Air Command (SWAC) which covers Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Explanation:
As per data compiled by Institute for Criminal Policy Research, India has a significantly lower imprisonment rate and Indians are thereby the least criminal among world’s major economies. With imprisonment rate of 33, India seems to be better off than all major economies of the world. Imprisonment rate refers to number of individuals behind the bars out of every one lakh individuals in the population. United States has the highest imprisonment rate (666) among major countries.
Total Prison Population: Even in terms of total number of prisoners, United States has topped the list with 2145100 prisoners. On this parameter, India came in at number five with 419623 prisoners. Interestingly, 67.2% prisoners in India are not convicted criminals; rather they are people awaiting completion of trial.
Prison Occupancy: As per data, prisons in Haiti are the most over crowded with occupancy rate of 454%. Overcrowding in this context refers to more inmates as compared to the sanctioned strength for a particular prison.

Explanation:
India is among 20 nations that have pledged additional contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). At the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference held in Rome, Italy on March 15, 2018, 20 nations together pledged nearly USD 100 million for the cause. Qatar Pledged the highest additional contribution of USD 50 million while India pledged USD 5 million. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed gratitude to the 20 nations who pledged USD 100 million for Palestinian refugees and thereby helped to cover the shortfall in donations from the United States. The shortfall was created as, Donald Trump Administration in US, announced to indefinitely withhold USD 65 million dollars contribution to UNRWA.

Explanation:
United States (US) challenged China at World Trade Organsiation (WTO) over intellectual property breaches. US has alleged that China is denying foreign patent holders (including US companies), basic patent rights that prevent Chinese entity from using the technology after a licensing contract ends. US has also accused China of violating WTO norms by imposing discriminatory contract terms against imported foreign technology. Based on these issues, US believes that China is giving unfair treatment to US companies and innovators trying to do business in China In context of this news, it is important to note that on March 22, 2018, Trump Administration in US slapped USD 60 billion imports tariff on China as a retaliatory action against the alleged theft of American intellectual property.

Explanation:
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro decided to remove three zeros of the Venezuelan currency Bolivar fuerte with effect from June 4, 2018. This decision is aimed at controlling the prevailing hyperinflationary situation across Venezuela which witnessed 6147 percent price rise in last 12 months. Situation has worsened to such an extent that common people in Venezuela are struggling to pay for food and find medicines. Currently, a dozen eggs can cost 250,000 bolívars in Venezuela. As per Mr. Maduro’s plan of eliminating three zeros, this price will come down to 250 bolivars. Some economist believe that this decision of eliminating zeros from the currency will not result in to desired outcomes as it does not change the underlying value of bolivar.

Explanation:
Telangana Industries Minister KT Rama Rao announced a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 1 per cent from 16 per cent. This decision is likely to boost air traffic at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport located near Hyderabad which has completed 10 years of operations. This airport, which is operated by GMR group already handles 50% more traffic than its designed capacity. Mr. KT Rama Rao also announced Telangana State Government plans to set up a logistics hub and a dry port near the airport and transform it into a multi modal transport hud.

Explanation:
Reliance Industries (RIL) announced the merger of its digital music service JioMusic with Saavn, a streaming service provider. The combined entity is valued at more than $1 billion. JioMusic’s valuation amounts to $670 million. RIL said that, it will invest up to the rupee equivalent of $100 million in the combined entity. Out of this, rupee equivalent of $20 million will be invested for growth and expansion of the platform. The company will continue as an over-the-top (OTT) media platform. It will be available for download in all app stores. RIL will also acquire a partial stake from the existing shareholders of Saavn for $104 million. The co-founders of Saavn: Rishi Malhotra, Paramdeep Singh and Vinodh Bhat will continue in their leadership roles.

Explanation:
On 23rd March 2018, Martin Vizcarra was sworn in as the new President of Peru. Martin Vizcarra replaces Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned on 21st March 2018 due to a corruption scandal. Martin Vizcarra took oath as President of Peru on 23rd March 2018. He promised to eliminate economic corruption from Peru. Martin Vizcarra had served as vice president and Peru’s ambassador to Canada. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski submitted his resignation, after secret video recordings where showed to prove that he was involved in a corruption scandal.

Explanation:
BJP has won nine out of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha elections held on 23rd March 2018. The BJP won nine seats out of 10 in the Rajya Sabha elections and SP (Samajwadi Party) candidate Jaya Bachchan won the tenth seat. BJP candidates who won the election are: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Ashok Bajpai, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Sakal Deep Rajbhar, Kanta Kardam, Anil Jain, Harnath Singh Yadav and G V L Narasimha Rao and Anil Kumar Agarwal

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presented the G.K. Reddy Memorial National Award for 2017 to Karan Thapar for journalism, at an event held in Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi. Karan Thapar is a senior journalist and television presenter. He has been awarded the G.K. Reddy Memorial National Award for 2017 for his contribution to journalism. The function was organised by T Subbarami Reddy, the founder of G K Reddy Memorial Award and TSR Foundation. He is also a Rajya Sabha member from Congress.

Explanation:
On 21st March 2018, the Kempegowda International Airport was presented the Skytrax award for being voted as the best regional airport in India and Central Asia by air travelers, at the World Airport Awards at Stockholm in Sweden. Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) announced this information. Kempegowda International Airport is located at Devanahalli, Bengaluru. It is the third busiest airport in India. It has bagged this award for the second consecutive year and also in 2015 and 2011. The Skytrax awards is a passenger satisfaction assessment. It measures airport service excellence and quality. Airports were assessed based on survey conducted between August 2017 and February 2018.

Explanation:
The National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, Haryana, is to host the World Series of Boxing (WSB) clash between Indian Tigers and the Astana Arlans from Kazakhastan on 31st March 2018. The World Series of Boxing clash is held in India for the first time. The Indian team’s campaign is led by Sanjeet (+91 kg). He will fight with Abikhair Turlanbekov in a clash of titans. The Astana Arlans are the World Series of Boxing (WSB) reigning champions. In the opening two clashes, the Indian Tigers lost 1-4. They faced their first defeat against Astana Arlans and then against the Patriot Boxing Team in Russia.

Explanation:
The Punjab Government observed 23 March, the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev and Shaheed Rajguru as ‘Youth Empowerment Day’. On 23rd March 2018, to mark this occasion, a state level programme to administer oath to Drug Abuse Prevention Officers (DAPOs) was launched by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The DAPO (Drug Abuse Prevention Officer) initiative has been launched to involve government employees and people of Punjab in the battle against drugs. Amarinder Singh paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The state level function was held at Khatkar Kalan village.

Explanation:
On 24th March 2018, the World TB Day was observed all over the world.
When and Why: Every year the World TB Day is observed on 24th March. This day aims to create public awareness on the health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB). It works on increasing the efforts to end TB. On 24th March 1882, Dr. Robert Koch declared that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. Hence 24 March is observed as World TB Day.
Theme: The theme for World TB Day 2018 is: “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world”. At an event conducted in New Delhi on the World TB Day, Health Secretary Preeti Sudan released the TB INDIA 2018 Report and National Drug Resistance Survey Report. She also launched the NikshayAushadi Portal and shorter regimen for Drug Resistant TB.

Explanation:
On 23rd March 2018, World Meteorological Day was celebrated all over the world. The World Meteorological Day is observed every year on 23 March. This day is celebrated to commemorate the formation of World Meteorological Organisation, which was founded on 23 March 1950. The WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO). WMO acts as specialized agency of the United Nations for (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. The theme for World Meteorological Day 2018 is: “Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart.” This year focuses on the importance of countries being weather-ready.

Explanation:
On March 22, 2018, Parliament passed Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 which authorises Central Government to fix tax-free gratuity amount and period of maternity leave with an executive order. Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced by Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar in the Lok Sabha during the winter session and was passed on March 15, 2018. Under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, formal sector workers with five or more years of service are eligible for maximum Rs. 10 lakh tax-free gratuity after leaving job or at time of superannuation. After implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations, ceiling of tax-free gratuity amount for central government employees was increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Need to bring in the amendment bill was felt as unions had been demanding for inclusion of this change into the Act. Now since the Rajya Sabha has passed the bill, Centre may notify tax-free gratuity of Rs 20 lakh for the organised sector.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the M-Kerala app, at #Future, Kerala’s first-ever global digital summit held in Kochi. The M-Kerala app will help citizens to avail nearly 100 government services using their mobile phones. The M-Kerala app also has mobile payment options. The #Future summit was held on 22nd and 23rd March 2018. Theme of the Summit was “Towards a Digital Future”.

Explanation:
On March 21, 2018, Union Defence Ministry released a notification stating that Indian government will now; fully fund the education of martyrs’ children. Earlier, Government did provide educational concession to martyrs’ children. However it was limited only up to Rs 10000 a month. This cap has now been lifted and hence, education of children of army officers, ‘persons below officer rank’ missing in action, and those disabled or killed in action will be fully funded by Government. Around 3400 such children will be covered under this initiative and every year, Rs. 5 crore will be spent by the Government for this cause.

Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh (AP) State Government launched, NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels, a multi-utility vehicle aimed at taking technology to the remote corners of the state. NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels was launched from State Secretariat in Amaravati. AP Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu has announced that 12 more Naipunya Rathams will be rolled out by May 2018. NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels, which is a part of AP State Government’s ‘Smart village Smart Ward Programme’ will not only facilitate in furthering digital literacy but will also create an awareness about various government schemes.

Explanation:
INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned in Mumbai on March 22, 2018. Commissioned on December 30, 1985, INS Ganga is a Godavari-class guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy. It was Built in Mumbai by Mazagon Dock Limited. Decommissioning ceremony of INS Ganga was attended by several officers who had earlier served on board the ship. Vice Admiral A K Bhal, who served on INS Ganga as crew member from 1989 to 1991 was the Chief Guest for the ceremony, while Vice Admiral (Retd.) K K Kohli, the first Commanding Officer of INS Ganga was the special Guest of Honour.

Explanation :
On March 22, 2018, Air India flight (AI 139) became the first flight to land at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) after passing through Saudi Arabia air space. This is the first time, Saudi Arabia has allowed a commercial flight to Israel to use its airspace. In a bid to further people-to-people contact and diplomatic ties between India and Israel, Air India introduced the direct thrice-a-week flight from New Delhi to Israel’s Capital Tel Aviv. Saudi Arabia’s decision to permit Air India to use its airspace enabled it to take a shorter route, saving 2.10 hours of travel time. Israel’s national carrier El Al, which operates flights to India, does not fly through Saudi Air space. Rather, it takes a longer route over the Red Sea.

Explanation:
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot launched “First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words” in New Delhi. The Indian Sign Language (ISL) Dictionary has been developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC) under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) of Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. With a focus on providing more information in Indian Sign Language, the dictionary will be instrumental in removing communications barriers between the deaf and hearing communities. As per the census 2011 data, there are 5071007 Deaf people and 1998535 with speech disability in India. Words in the ISL dictionary have been placed under five broad categories viz. everyday terms, legal terms, academic terms, medical terms and technology terms.

Explanation:
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir inaugurated the first National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement in New Delhi on March 23, 2018. This conference has been organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Union Ministry of Home Affairs. More than 110 delegates from nearly 50 State and Central law enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking viz. State Police forces, State Excise departments, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Border Guarding Forces, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) will be participating in this two-day conference. Deliberations at the conference will be aimed at forming a roadmap for drug law enforcement and coming up with related recommendations. The conference will conclude on March 24, 2018 and Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh will be the Chief Guest at the closing session.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, the 46th All India Police Science Congress began in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. All India Police Science Congress was organised by the Himachal Pradesh Police Department and The Bureau of Police Research and Development. It was held for 2 days. It was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. Director General Bureau of Police Research and Development A P Maheshwari said that, forums have been created for collaboration of scholars of IIT, IIM and the police to tackle threats posed by criminals in the virtual world. The Police Science Congress created an opportunity to exchange, learn and understand the best practices followed in other states and union territories.

Explanation:
International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated that Global energy-related carbon emissions rose to a historic high of 32.5 gigatons in 2017. 32.5 gigatons carbon emissions in 2017 marks a 1.4% increment over previous year. The rise in carbon emissions during 2017 has been largely attributed to higher energy demand and the slowing of energy efficiency improvements. Global energy demand rose by 2.1 percent in 2017 to 14050 million tonnes of oil equivalent. 70 percent of this incremental demand was met by oil, natural gas and coal. In context of this news, it is important to note that Carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global average temperature rise.

Explanation:
Singapore Changi Airport has been rated as world’s best airport for the sixth consecutive year by UK-based consultancy firm Skytrax. Changi Airport, owned by Government of Singapore, is one of the world’s busiest airports by international passenger and cargo traffic. In 2017, Changi Airport served 60 million passengers from almost 100 countries across the world. Major attractions at Changi airport include a rooftop swimming pool, two 24-hour movie theatres screening the latest blockbusters for free and a sunflower garden that features several varieties of sunflowers grown in the airport’s on site nursery. The awards were announced at Skytrax World Airport Awards function held in Stockholm, Sweden. Changi Airport is followed by Incheon International Airport in South Korea at No.2 and Haneda Airport in Japan at No.3. Among Indian Airports, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai ranked 63rd, while Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru and Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi ranked 64th and 66th respectively.

Explanation:
Australia has abolished its employer-sponsored 457 visa programme which was mainly used by Indians. The 457 visa programme has been replaced with a new programme that requires higher English-language proficiency and job skills. The 457 visa programme was launched in the 1990s. It was used by more than 95,000 foreign workers, of which majority were Indians. On 18th March 2018, it was replaced by a new Temporary Skills Shortage visa programme. The 457 visa programme permitted companies to employ foreign workers up to 4 years in skilled jobs where there was a shortage of Australian workers. People with that visa were allowed to live in Australia with their immediate family.

Explanation:
On March 22, 2018, Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) rolled out ‘Yellow Army Savings Account’ to commemorate its association with the Indian Premium League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK). ’Yellow Army Savings Account’ will fetch interest rate of 6 per cent per annum for balance below Rs. 10 lakh and 6.5 per cent per annum for balance above Rs. 10 lakh. Visa debit card of ’Yellow Army Savings Account’ carries personal accident cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh, air accident cover of Rs. 30 lakh and lost card liability of up to Rs. 25000. Besides, ’Yellow Army Savings Account’ holders can avail a range of exclusive offers on movie ticket-booking, entertainment and lifestyle purchases, food etc. As per an agreement between Equitas and CSK, Equitas will be the principal sponsor of CSK and the banking partner of CSK for three years.

Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) for production of space grade Lithium-Ion cells. Lithium-Ion cells have high energy density, reliability and long cycle life and are thereby used by ISRO as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications. Technology to produce space grade Li-ion cell has been developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Under the TTA signed with ISRO, BHEL will produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet India’s space programme requirements.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, President Trump named John R. Bolton as his third national security adviser. John R Bolton replaces Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster. John R Bolton will take charge as national security adviser on 9th April 2018. He is a former American ambassador to the United Nations. He was undersecretary of state for arms control during the administration of George W. Bush.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, Sherry Rehman became the first woman Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, in Pakistan. Sherry Rehman is 57 years old. She belongs to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). She was Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US between 2011 and 2013. In 2015, she was elected to the Senate.

Explanation:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has bagged the “Most Informative Pavilion” award in the Pride of India Expo, in Manipur. The Pride of India Expo was a part of the 105th Indian Science Congress (ISC) held in Manipur. It was conducted from 16th March to 20thMarch 2018. DRDO displayed cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies with more than 150 exhibits and models from 18 of its laboratories and received a good response.

Explanation:
‘We Are Sikhs’ campaign that was launched in April 2017 in America, has received the 2018 PRWeek US award, nicknamed the “Oscars of the Public Relations Industry”, in the category of Public Cause. “We are Sikhs” ad campaign was launched by National Sikh Campaign (NSC), a non-profit organization. The campaign was conducted by Sikhs to inform Americans about their religion. The campaign was executed by FP1 Strategies. The campaign has bagged the award for projecting Sikhs as neighbours and everyday Americans who suffer from discrimination due to ignorance of their faith. The award was presented in New York recently. USD 1.3 million was raised by Sikhs and also some Hindus for the campaign. The ad campaign was shortlisted among five finalists for the ‘Best for a Cause’ award.

Explanation :Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has developed “Fluorimeter”, an instrument that measures traces of uranium in water. Fluorimeter has been developed by the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT). RRCAT is a unit of DAE based in Indore. Cost of the fluorimeter is Rs 1 lakh. It will detect traces of uranium in water. It will be highly useful in regions like Punjab where uranium traces have been detected in water at dangerous levels. DAE has transferred its technology to another one of its unit, Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), for mass production of Fluorimeter,. Fluorimeter can examine traces of uranium in a sample of water from 0.1 PPB (Parts-per-billion) unit to 100 PPB. The permissible radiological limit of uranium concentration for drinking water has been fixed at 60 PPB by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. High levels of uranium traces present in drinking water will increase radiological and chemical risks to human health.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, celebrations for the 106th foundation day of Bihar began at three locations: Gandhi Maidan, S K Memorial Hall and Rabindra Bhawan in Patna, Bihar. Theme of 106th foundation day of Bihar is: “Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage”.The celebrations will be held till 24th March 2018. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the main function at Gandhi Maidan. He released the following books: ‘Ek Tha Mohan’, ‘Bapu Ki Chiththi’, ‘Champaran Ki Kahani’ and ‘Neel Ke Dhabbe’. The first Bihar Diwas was celebrated in 2012. Bihar separated from undivided Bengal in 1912 as an independent state. Floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait. A laser show is conducted at Gandhi Maidan as a part of the celebrations. Local artists performed street plays, folk songs and dances at various locations of Patna.

Explanation:
On 22nd March 2018, celebrations for the 106th foundation day of Bihar began at three locations: Gandhi Maidan, S K Memorial Hall and Rabindra Bhawan in Patna, Bihar. Theme of 106th foundation day of Bihar is: “Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage”.The celebrations will be held till 24th March 2018. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the main function at Gandhi Maidan. He released the following books: ‘Ek Tha Mohan’, ‘Bapu Ki Chiththi’, ‘Champaran Ki Kahani’ and ‘Neel Ke Dhabbe’. The first Bihar Diwas was celebrated in 2012. Bihar separated from undivided Bengal in 1912 as an independent state. Floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait. A laser show is conducted at Gandhi Maidan as a part of the celebrations. Local artists performed street plays, folk songs and dances at various locations of Patna.

Explanation:
Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a new Centrally Sponsored Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), which was announced in Union Budget 2018. AB-NHPM will provide a benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. The benefit cover will include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Besides, there will be no cap on family size and age. More than 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population (based on Socio-Economic Caste Census database) will be the target beneficiaries of this scheme. It will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes –Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).

Explanation:
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Guyana on cooperation in Renewable Energy. This memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on January 30, 2018 in New Delhi. The MoU contains a framework for a cooperative institutional relationship between India and Guyana to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy. As per the terms of the MoU, a Joint Working Committee comprising representatives from both the sides will be set up to review, monitor and discuss matters related to areas of cooperation.

Explanation:
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has stated that it has constituted a task force to review the Income Tax Act, 1961 and to draft a new Direct Tax Law which takes into consideration the prevailing economic scenario and economic needs of contemporary India. CBDT believes that to prepare the draft of new Direct Tax Law, it is necessary to engage with stakeholders and general public. Thus it has invited suggestions and feedback from stakeholders and general public in the format provided on http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in. Suggestions/feedback in this regard may be sent through e-mail at [email protected] by April 2, 2018.

Explanation :
Union Minister of Mines Narendra Singh Tomar launched a “sand mining framework” in order to help states to take action against illegal mining.Developed by: The Sand Mining Framework was prepared by the Ministry of Mines. It was developed after conducting study in several states and consultations with institutions like National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Cement Manufacture Association etc. The suggestions in this framework will offer a roadmap to the states that will help them to develop their policies and will act as a check on illegal mining of sand.

Explanation:
On 21st March 2018, the jackfruit was declared as official fruit of Kerala. An official announcement on this regard was made by Kerala Agriculture minister V S Sunil Kumar in the Kerala state assembly. This decision was taken based on a proposal made by the Kerala Agriculture Department. This has been done in a move to promote the ‘Kerala jackfruit’ as a brand in markets all over India and abroad. The agricultural office in Ambalavayil in Wayanad is to be used for jackfruit research. The state animal of Kerala is ‘Elephant’. The state bird of Kerala is ‘great hornbill’. The state flower of Kerala is ‘kanikkonna’.