General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   7%

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India has taken the lead in the G20 with an impressive 7% GDP growth rate projected for 2024, surpassing other major economies.

This growth rate is significantly higher than Indonesia's 5% and China's 4.8%.

The G20 represents a substantial portion of the global economy, accounting for 88% of global GDP, 78% of international trade, and nearly three-quarters of the world's population.

India's strong growth prospects are driven by domestic consumption demand and steadily improving investment demand.

Correct Answer :   State Bank of India

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The State Bank of India successfully raised Rs 10,000 crore through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance, attracting strong demand from investors, including provident funds, pension funds, and insurance companies.

The bonds were oversubscribed two times, reflecting market confidence in the bank.

Proceeds from the issuance will support long-term financing for infrastructure development and affordable housing initiatives.

This move aligns with the government's focus on boosting infrastructure growth and demonstrates SBI's commitment to supporting key sectors of the Indian economy.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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Odisha made history by winning its first-ever gold medal in the 14th Senior National Hockey Championship, defeating two-time champion Haryana 5-1 in the final.

Shilanand Lakra's hat-trick sealed the victory for Odisha. The team's exceptional display of skill, speed, and fitness, coupled with strategic play and relentless energy, outclassed Haryana.

Odisha's head coach, Bijay Kumar Lakra, credited the win to the team's fitness and strategic execution.

This triumph marks a significant milestone for Odisha in Indian hockey, showcasing its emerging talent and potential.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha on Sunday (17 November 2024).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted its significance in a post on X and said, “India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha. This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies.”

According to an official press release, the missile can carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 km for the Armed Forces. It has been indigenously developed by laboratories of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, along with various other DRDO labs and industry partners.

Here is what to know about hypersonic missiles and how they play a role in enhancing defence capabilities.

What is a hypersonic missile?

The term “Hypersonic” refers to a speed at least five times the speed of sound (also called Mach-5). This comes down to around a mile per second. Another key feature of such missiles is manoeuvrability, setting them apart from a ballistic missile that follows a set course or trajectory.

The two types of hypersonic weapons systems are Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. The HGVs are launched from a rocket before gliding to the intended target while HCMs are powered by air-breathing high-speed engines or ‘scramjets’ after acquiring their target.

Correct Answer :   NASA

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is partnering with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite.

Scheduled to launch in 2025, NISAR will utilize dual-frequency radar to monitor the Earth's surface, providing valuable insights into ecosystems, ice masses, and natural hazards.

NASA's contributions include the L-band radar and payload data subsystem, while ISRO is providing the S-band radar and GSLV launch system.

Correct Answer :   Axis Bank

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) due to their significant size, complexity, and systemic importance to the Indian economy.

Axis Bank, on the other hand, indicates it does not meet the RBI's criteria for systemic importance. D-SIBs are subject to stricter regulations and are considered "too big to fail," requiring government support during economic downturns to prevent systemic disruption.

Correct Answer :   World Bank

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The World Bank has enhanced its lending capacity to support global development, prioritizing climate action and Sustainable Development Goals.

With a strong focus on green projects, the organization aims to provide USD 150 billion over the next decade.

As one of the World Bank's largest clients, India will receive a significant share of this funding for initiatives in climate resilience, rural development, energy, healthcare, and digital education.

The World Bank's mission is to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity through financial products, technical assistance, and policy advice.

Correct Answer :   25.1%

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Following the merger of Air India and Vistara, Singapore Airlines' stake in the new entity will decrease from its original 49% share in Vistara.

The reduced stake reflects the combined ownership structure of the unified airline.

As a result, Singapore Airlines will now hold a 25.1% stake in the new Air India group, marking a significant development in the aviation industry.

This merger aims to strengthen Air India's position in the market and enhance its operational efficiency. The unified carrier will operate under the Air India brand and airline code 'AI'.

Correct Answer :   SpaceX

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The successful launch of Koreasat 6A communications satellite was made possible by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

This launch demonstrates SpaceX's capabilities in providing reliable and efficient launch services for satellite deployment.

As a leading player in private space exploration, SpaceX continues to play a crucial role in advancing global satellite communications.

The Falcon 9 rocket's geostationary orbit insertion capabilities ensured Koreasat 6A reached its designated position at 116° East, enabling South Korea's satellite communications operator to provide enhanced fixed and broadcast services.

Correct Answer :   21

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The Indian Navy's 'Sea Vigil-24' exercise is a comprehensive nationwide coastal defence exercise, involving 21 organizations alongside six government ministries.

This significant participation demonstrates an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders.

The exercise aims to enhance India's coastal security capabilities, protect vital infrastructure, and prevent maritime threats.

The involvement of multiple organizations ensures a unified approach to national security, showcasing India's commitment to defence preparedness.

The exercise's scope covers India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, underscoring its strategic importance.