Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 17 March 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The United Kingdom has successfully tested its DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), demonstrating precision targeting and cost-effectiveness in intercepting enemy threats. This advancement in air defence technology showcases the UK's innovative approach to defence capabilities.

Tamil Nadu has been identified as the state dominating the illegal trade in shark body parts, comprising approximately 65% of seizures between 2010 and 2022. This alarming trend highlights concerns over overfishing and species misdeclaration, posing a significant threat to marine biodiversity.

The FSSAI has certified nearly 100 jails across India as 'Eat Right Campus,' ensuring safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices for inmates through rigorous evaluation, comprehensive audits, and training in food safety standards.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, a retired 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Uttarakhand cadre, was appointed as the Election Commissioner of India on March 14, 2024. He previously served as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and as Secretary to the Lokpal from February 2023 to March 2024, alongside Gyanesh Kumar.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be conducted in 7 phases from April 19 to June 1, 2024, as announced by the Election Commission of India, covering various states and Union Territories across the country in a staggered manner.

India ranked 104th among 179 countries in the V-Dem report, highlighting its position as a top ten autocratiser and its shift from democracy to "electoral autocracy" since 2018, as per the report's findings.

B Sairam has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), bringing 33 years of dedicated service and expertise in the coal sector, along with academic achievements in energy management and global energy dynamics understanding.

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, was honoured with the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his outstanding philanthropic contributions. This award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes, highlighting Tata's remarkable efforts in this field.

Saudi Arabia unveiled the world's first 3D-printed mosque in Jeddah, representing a blend of traditional and innovative design, with technology from the Chinese company Guanli, showcasing a progressive step in sustainable architecture.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has renamed Ahmednagar district as 'Ahilya Nagar' in honour of the 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, following a proposal announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in May 2023.