General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Kochi

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The 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) was held in Kochi, chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan at the Southern Naval Command.

This annual conference brought together senior commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defence formations to discuss joint training initiatives and evolving strategies.

Emphasizing the need for unified operations, the conference focused on enhancing jointmanship and inter-service synergy to address emerging security challenges and prepare the forces for future conflicts as a theaterised, integrated force.

Correct Answer :   Defence Space Agency

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The Defence Space Agency's "Antariksha Abhyas - 2024" exercise represents a significant milestone in India's defence preparedness, focusing on securing space assets and integrating cutting-edge technologies.

This comprehensive exercise brings together key stakeholders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Intelligence Agency, Strategic Forces Command, ISRO, and DRDO.

By hosting this tri-services exercise, the Defence Space Agency demonstrates its critical role in safeguarding India's national security interests in space, ensuring the country's strategic advantage and readiness in this vital domain.

Correct Answer :   1,000km range

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), demonstrating its capability with a range of 1,000 km.

Launched from a mobile platform off Odisha's coast, the missile showcased advanced avionics, waypoint navigation, and varying altitude and speed capabilities.

This new variant of the Nirbhay missile highlights India's growing self-reliance in missile development, with contributions from DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment and Indian industries like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.

Correct Answer :   GM Aravindh Chithambaram

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Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram secured a notable victory in the Chennai Grand Masters 2024, outperforming American Grandmaster Levon Aronian.

This prestigious tournament, organized by MGD1 and sponsored by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, featured two categories: Masters and Challengers.

Meanwhile, GM V Pranav delivered an impressive performance in the Challengers section, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition to claim the title.

Aravindh Chithambaram's win showcases his skill and reinforces his position among the world's top chess players.

Correct Answer :   Indonesia

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The 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garuda Shakti concluded on 12th November 2024 at Mokopassus in Cijantung, Indonesia, with the closing ceremony attended by senior military officials from both countries.

Sandeep Chakravorty, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy, and Colonel Inf J. S. Aling of the Indonesian Army were present at the event.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army said, “Exercise Garud Shakti has enabled both the contingents to enhance their capabilities to conduct joint military operations in Counter Terrorism environment in sub conventional domain. “Forging Bonds for a United Future.”

The Garuda Shakti exercise, which started on November 1, was designed to enhance bilateral military cooperation and strengthen the bonds between the two nations’ armed forces. An Indian Army Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of 25 personnel participated alongside 40 Indonesian personnel from the elite Kopassus Special Forces.

The exercise involved intensive tactical drills, including underwater training, close-range shooting, and operations in both urban and jungle terrain. These activities allowed both armies to share best practices, furthering their interoperability in complex combat scenarios.

In a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the joint exercise was described as an opportunity for both forces to rehearse various military techniques and discuss strategies to combat emerging threats, particularly in counter-terrorism operations.

The collaboration between India and Indonesia, both major regional powers, underscores the strong defence ties between the two nations. This exercise is particularly significant as 2024 marks the “Year of Tech Absorption” for the Indian Army, further deepening technological cooperation between the two countries.

India and Indonesia are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, alongside a decade of India’s Act East policy, which recognizes Indonesia as a key pillar. The culmination of Garuda Shakti comes shortly after the inauguration of Indonesia’s 8th President, Prabowo Subianto, and serves to further solidify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at the inauguration ceremony. MEA said in a statement that Margherita’s participation reaffirms India’s commitment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   Bhubaneswar

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The 5th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav - 2024 is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, hosted by the Odisha Model Tribal Educational Society.

This prestigious event will be held at Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities.

The festival's theme, "A Tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda & Tribal Freedom Fighters," commemorates Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary, highlighting his significant contributions to India's freedom struggle.

This event aims to promote tribal culture, literature, and arts, fostering unity and appreciation among participants and attendees.

Correct Answer :   Tayyab Ikram

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Tayyab Ikram was re-elected as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a 4-year term during the 49th FIH Statutory Congress held in Muscat, Oman.

Ikram initially assumed this role in 2022 after Narinder Batra’s resignation.

As the only candidate following the nomination process, he continues to lead the organization, which is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The FIH, founded in 1924 in Paris, oversees global hockey administration, promoting the sport and organizing international tournaments.

Correct Answer :   Uma Mahesh

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Uma Mahesh, a 20-year-old shooter, achieved remarkable success by clinching the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle men's team event at the FISU World University Championship held in New Delhi.

This victory adds to his impressive record, which includes two ISSF World Cup gold medals and an Asian Championship gold.

His achievement showcases his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, earning recognition and pride for his country.

Uma Mahesh's training under Neha Chavan and affiliation with Gagan Narang's Gun for Glory Academy undoubtedly contributed to his success.

Correct Answer :   Agra

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) took a significant step in enhancing its pilot training capabilities with the inauguration of the C-295 Full Motion Simulator at Air Force Station Agra.

This advanced simulator enables realistic mission training, including airlift, para-dropping, and medical evacuation, thereby improving operational readiness and flight safety.

The inauguration, led by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, marks a crucial milestone in India's efforts to strengthen its military aviation capabilities.

Additionally, this development supports the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative by promoting indigenous aircraft production through the private sector.

Correct Answer :   Kunal Dalal

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Kunal Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN Education, received the prestigious Education Leader of the Year award at the Education World India School Ranking Awards 2024-2025.

This recognition acknowledges his visionary leadership in the education sector.

Under his guidance, JBCN Education also secured the title of India’s Most Respected Education Brand for the second consecutive year, highlighting the institution's dedication to innovative and holistic education.

Dalal's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape, earning him this esteemed honour.