31 March 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES
Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 31 March 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
So, here is the Top News of the Day for 31 March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 31 March 2023
A book titled “Phoolange” penned by Darjeeling-based writer Lekhnath Chhetri
A book titled “Phoolange” penned by Darjeeling-based writer Lekhnath Chhetri: The English translation of Nepali novel “Phoolange” will be released on April 17th by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). The book is written by Lekhnath Chhetri, a writer based in Darjeeling, and focuses on the failed Gorkha movement for a separate state. The original Nepali version of the novel was shortlisted for the Madan Puraskar, which is Nepal’s most prestigious literary award, in 2021.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
About the “Phoolange”
The novel “Phoolange” tells the story of the Gorkhaland movement in India’s Darjeeling hills through the eyes of its central character, Pritam. The novel explores the social, political, and economic conditions that led to the formation of the movement and the subsequent violence that ensued. The title “Phoolange” translates to “Those Who Scatter Flowers” in English and refers to the Gorkhaland movement’s peaceful nature. The novel highlights the struggles faced by the Nepali-speaking community in the Darjeeling hills and their demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
India’s Fixed Broadband Market to Drive Communication Services Revenue Growth
India’s Fixed Communication Services Predicted to Grow at 6.4% CAGR: According to a recent GlobalData report, India’s fixed communication services revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, rising from $10.2 billion in 2022 to $13.9 billion in 2027. The growth will be mainly driven by the fixed broadband segment, which is predicted to see solid growth in broadband subscriptions, especially fibre broadband. The study also predicts a drop in fixed voice services revenue, which is expected to fall at a 1% CAGR between 2022 and 2027. This is due to the decrease in circuit-switched subscriptions and a decline in fixed voice ARPU levels.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Fibre Broadband to Lead India’s Fixed Broadband Segment Growth
The report suggests that the demand for high-speed internet services and competitively priced fibre broadband plans will drive fibre broadband service adoption in India during the forecast period. According to GlobalData, fibre optic lines will account for more than 85% of total broadband lines by 2027, thanks to government investments in fibre network infrastructure and operator fiber-to-the-home service expansions. The report projects that there will be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% in fibre optic service revenue between the years 2022 and 2027.
Fixed Voice Services Revenue Expected to Decline in India
The report suggests that Reliance Jio is expected to remain at the forefront of the fixed broadband services market in India during the forecast period. The operator’s promotional offers on broadband plans are expected to help it maintain its lead in terms of subscription share. The report also indicates that operators include free voice minutes with their fixed bundled plans.
Reliance Jio to Dominate India’s Fixed Broadband Market
In conclusion, GlobalData’s India Fixed Communications Forecast (Q1 2023) predicts that the fixed communication services revenue in India will grow at a CAGR of 6.4 per cent from $10.2 billion in 2022 to $13.9 billion in 2027. The fixed broadband segment, which is expected to see solid growth in broadband subscriptions, particularly fibre broadband, will drive the growth. However, fixed voice services revenue is predicted to decline over the same period. The report also predicts that fibre optic lines will hold over 85 per cent of total broadband lines in 2027, with Reliance Jio leading the country’s fixed broadband services market.
World Bank Grants $363m Loan to Karnataka for Clean Drinking Water Supply
World Bank supports clean drinking water supply to rural Karnataka: The World Bank has approved a USD 363 million loan to the Indian state of Karnataka, which will help provide clean drinking water to two million rural households. The initiative aims to install piped water connections in homes across the state, as well as build a drinking water distribution network and install water metres. The project is set to benefit around 10 million people across all 31 districts in the state. The loan is part of the Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply Program, which seeks to introduce policies and initiatives that will improve the operational efficiency of rural water supply services.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Bank promotes gender parity in access to clean water
The state of Karnataka is vulnerable to climate change-related variable rainfall, leading to groundwater depletion and deteriorating water quality. Because nearly 77% of the state is arid or semi-arid, the need for a reliable water supply is even more pressing. The World Bank’s loan is part of its efforts to address the issue, with a particular focus on promoting gender parity. Women, who typically bear the greatest burden of fetching water, will benefit significantly from the program. They will have better health and more time to pursue education and formal employment opportunities.
Program to revive 500 rural water reservoirs, provide skills training
The loan, which comes from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), uses the Program-for-Results (PforR) financing instrument. This means that funds will be distributed only when specific programme outcomes are met. The loan has a maturity of 13.5 years, with a two-year grace period. The Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply Program aims to revive 500 rural water reservoirs in seven water-stressed districts, which will help to increase water storage capacity and groundwater recharge. Approximately 3,000 rural women will receive on-the-job training to become plumbers. Additionally, the program will seek to demonstrate 24/7 water supply service in at least 500 Gram Panchayats, and enhance the capacity of rural local governments to manage water supply services efficiently.
International Day of Drug Checking 2023 observed on 31st March
International Day of Drug Checking 2023: The International Day of Drug Checking is an annual event held on March 31st since 2017. The purpose of the day is to educate people about drugs and their effects and to promote harm reduction initiatives to reduce the risks associated with drug use. The primary goal is to raise public awareness about the availability of drug testing services and organisations around the world. The day emphasizes the importance of harm reduction actions related to drugs and aims to decrease drug-related risks.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Drug abuse was linked to approximately 11.8 million deaths in 2017, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Recently, more and more adolescents are becoming victims of substance abuse. The International Day of Drug Checking is an effort to collectively reduce drug abuse and create a drug-free world.
Drug supply is often associated with organized crime and syndicate networks. For example, the Taliban in Afghanistan has used opium trafficking to finance its operations. On the International Day of Drug Checking in 2023, we should recognise and appreciate the work of anti-drug organisations, but we should also pledge to work towards a drug-free society.
Defence Ministry inks deal worth over Rs 1,700 crore to boost critical weapon system production
Defence Ministry inks deal worth over Rs 1,700 crore to boost critical weapon system production: Under the Buy (Indian) Category, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth over Rs 1,700 crore with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) (NGMMCB-LR) and BrahMos Missiles. Delivery of NGMMCBs equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles is expected to start in 2027, and they will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s ability to carry out multi-directional maritime strikes.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
What is BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL):
According to the Ministry of Defence, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) is an India-Russia joint venture that is crucial in developing the next generation surface-to-surface missile with increased range. The partnership between the two countries has been instrumental in enhancing India’s defence capabilities and strengthening its strategic position.
Significance of This Contract:
With active participation from indigenous industries, this contract will provide a significant impetus to domestic production of critical weapons systems and ammunition. The Ministry of Defence also mentioned that this project is expected to create more than 90,000 man-days of employment over a four-year period.
With the majority of the equipment and sub-systems being sourced from domestic manufacturers, these systems will serve as a symbol of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or a self-reliant India.
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy awards declared
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi:
The fellowships, awards, and Gurupuja Puraskaram for the year 2022 have been announced by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. Theatre person Gopinath Kozhikode, music director P.S. Vidyadharan, and Chenda/Edakka artist Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan have been selected for the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi fellowships for their contribution to the respective fields.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
There are 17 winners from various fields for the Akademi awards. They are:
- Valsan Nisari (Drama);
- Babu Annur (Drama);
- Suresh Babu Sreestha (Drama);
- Lenin Edakochi (Drama);
- Rajitha Madhu (Drama);
- Kottakkal Murali (Drama);
- Kalamandalam Sheeba Krishnakumar ( Dance);
- Bijula Balakrishnan (Dance);
- Palakkad Sreeram (Classical Music);
- Thiruvizha Viju S. Anand (Violin);
- Alappuzha S. Vijayakumar (Tavil);
- Prakash Ulleri (Harmonium/Keyboard);
- Vijayan Kovur (Light Music);
- N. Lathika (Light Music);
- Kalamandalam Radhamani (Thullal);
- Kalamandalam Rajeev (Mizhavu);
- S. Noval Raj (Kathaprasangam).
Winners of the 22 Gurupuja Puraskaram are:
- Meppayur Balan (Music);
- K.D. Anandan (Music);
- Thrikkakkara Y.N. Santharam (Music);
- K. Vijayakumar (Music);
- Vaikkam R. Gopalakrishnan (Music);
- Sivadas Chemenchery (Music);
- Ustad Asharaf Hydros (Music);
- Matangi Sathyamoorthy (Music);
- Poochakkal Shahul (Drama);
- Venkulam Jayakumar (Drama);
- Thrissur Viswam (Drama);
- Babu Kilirur (Drama);
- T.P. Bhaskara Pothuval (Drama);
- Kulathoor Lal (Drama);
- Kunjikannan Cheruvathur (Drama);
- Kalamandalam Kalluvazhi Vasu (Kathakali);
- Kalanilayam Kunjunni (Kathakali);
- Ponkunnam Saidh (Drama);
- Arival John (Drama);
- Artist Ramdas Vadakara (Drama);
- Kavadiyar Suresh (Dance drama);
- Thanneermukkam Sadasivan (Kathaprasangam)
BCCI Announces Herbalife as its Official Partner for TATA IPL 2023
BCCI Announces Herbalife as its Official Partner for TATA IPL 2023: Herbalife, a global nutrition company, has announced a partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to become an official partner of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2023 season. This partnership brings together two strong brands that share a passion for sports. The IPL is a beloved cricket tournament for fans in India and around the world, while Herbalife is known for providing high-quality, science-based nutrition products that help athletes perform at their best. The TATA IPL 2023 is set to take place in India from March 31 to May 28, 2023.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Herbalife is a proud sponsor of more than 150 world-class athletes, teams, and events worldwide. This includes some of the most well-known names in sports such as Virat Kohli, Mary Kom, Manika Batra, and Lakshya Sen, as well as recent additions to their roster, Smriti Mandhana and Palak Kohli.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
BCCI President: Roger Binny;
BCCI Headquarters: Mumbai;
BCCI Founded: December 1928
Shakib Al Hasan surpasses Southee to become the top T20I wicket-taker
Shakib Al Hasan surpasses Southee to become the top T20I wicket-taker: During the second T20I match against Ireland in Chattogram, Shakib Al Hasan surpassed Tim Southee to become the leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket. With 136 wickets in T20I at an average of 20.67 and an economy rate of 6.8, Shakib is considered as one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket. In T20I, he has also scored 2339 runs at a strike rate of 122.33. Shakib made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2006 and has since played 114 matches, including all seven editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Most wickets in men’s T20Is
| Player Name | Career T20I wickets |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 136 |
| Tim Southee | 134 |
| Rashid Khan | 129 |
| Ish Sodhi | 114 |
| Lasith Malinga | 107 |
IIT Madras Researchers develop a device to detect milk adulteration
IIT Madras Researchers develop a device to detect milk adulteration: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device.
This device can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds. The test could be even performed at home. It can detect multiple substances commonly used as adulterating agents including Urea, detergents, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodium-hydrogen-carbonate, and salt, among others.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
IIT Madras: Pocket-friendly device to detect adulteration in milk:
- Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, along with Research Scholars Mr. Subhashis Patari and Dr. Priyankan Datta, led this research.
- The 3D paper-based microfluidic device comprises a middle layer with a sandwich structure, a top cover, and a bottom cover.
- This 3D design facilitates the consistent transportation of denser liquids at a steady pace.
- To prepare the device, the paper is treated with reagents and allowed to dry.
- Once dry, both paper layers are attached to both sides of the support, and the covers are then affixed using double-sided tape.
- The design employs Whatman filter paper grade 4, which enables the flow of liquid and can store more reagents.
SEBI approves ASBA-like facility for investors to trade in secondary market
SEBI approves ASBA-like facility for investors to trade in secondary market: SEBI has approved a framework for an Application Supported by a Blocked Amount (ASBA) like facility for secondary market trading. It is based on the blocking of funds for trading in the secondary market through UPI.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Sebi said the facility is based on blocking of funds for trading in the secondary market through UPI (unified payments interface) and will be optional for investors as well as stock brokers.
ASBA:
It is an IPO application process under which the application money by an investor is blocked in that investor’s bank account. And once the IPO application is approved, the application money is debited from the investor’s account.
Centre to borrow Rs 8.88 Lakh Cr in first half FY24
Centre to borrow Rs 8.88 Lakh Cr in first half FY24: The Finance Ministry informed that the government has decided to make a gross market borrowing of ₹8.88 trillion in the first half of FY24.
Out of gross market borrowing of Rs 15.43 lakh crore estimated for FY2023-24, Rs 8.88 lakh crore or 57.5 per cent is planned to be borrowed in the first half (H1), an official statement said. The borrowing is scheduled to be completed in 26 weekly tranches of Rs 31,000-39,000 crore. The Centre has budgeted a gross market borrowing of ₹15.43 trillion in FY 2024. The borrowing program is finalized in consultation with the RBI.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had in the Budget for FY24 reduced the fiscal deficit or the gap between expenditure and revenue to 5.9 per cent of the GDP for FY24 against 6.4 per cent in the current financial year. To finance the fiscal deficit in 2023-24, net market borrowing from dated securities is estimated at Rs 11.8 lakh crore.
“The share of borrowing under different maturities will be 3 years (6.31 per cent), 5 years (11.71 per cent), 7 years (10.25 per cent), 10 years (20.50 per cent), 14 years (17.57 per cent), 30 years (16.10 per cent) and 40 years (17.57 per cent),” the statement said.
Prof. Renu Cheema Vig appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University
Prof. Renu Cheema Vig appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the Chancellor of Panjab University, appointed Prof (Dr) Renu Cheema Vig, presently the Dean of University Instruction (DUI), as the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Exercising the powers conferred by Section 10 of the Panjab University Act 1947, Dhankhar made the appointment of Prof Vig for a term of three years.
She is also the first woman to hold the position in the varsity’s 141-year history. She was working as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Panjab University since January 16, 2023, after the resignation of Prof. Raj Kumar amid allegations of corruption. A three-member selection committee was formed for recommending names for the position.