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General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Welcome to the General Knowledge Section of Free Time Learning. As we are aware General Knowledge (GK) is a very important area in all the competitive exams held in the country. Nowadays, a good knowledge of general awareness is very important in clearing any competitive and government recruitment examinations.

These General Knowledge Question are very important and usefull to UPSC, IAS/PCS, UPPSC, IBPS, SBI, RBI, SSC, CGL, Railway, APPSC, TSPSC, KPSC, TNPSC, TPSC, UPPSC, MPSC, RPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, UKPSC, MPSC, and other competitive exams.

A)
David Warner
B)
Steve Smith
C)
Glenn Maxwell
D)
Mitchell Starc

Correct Answer : Option (A) - David Warner


Ahead of his farewell Test match in Sydney, Australia opener David Warner announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday (01 Jan 2024).

* “I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well. That was something that I had said through the World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that’s a massive achievement,” Warner said in an emotional press conference at the SCG on Monday (01 Jan 2024).

* “So I’ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit,” he added.

* However, Warner also suggested that if he is “playing decent cricket in two years’ time and they need someone”, he’d consider a returns for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

* Having featured across 161 games and scored around 7000 runs, Warner was part of Australia’s World Cup winning squad in 2015 as well as recently in 2023, where he finished as Australia’s leading run getter.

* The southpaw also teased that it might just not be him from Australia’s World Cup-winning side to hang his boots on the 50-overs format.

* “It might not just be me (retiring), but no-one (else has) said anything, so I think it just is me,” he said. “But it was a decision that I was very comfortable with.”

* With a T20 World Cup less later this summer, Warner also expressed his interests in participating for the next season of the Big Bash League. “I definitely am keen to pursue playing Big Bash next year. There’s going to be conversations behind the scenes to allow me to do that,” he said..


Source : Indian Express

Published On : January 2, 2024
A)
Ritu Verma
B)
Arun Desai
C)
Madhav Godbole
D)
Sanjay Patel

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Madhav Godbole


The Babri Masjid Ram Mandir dispute has been a longstanding and contentious issue in India, intricately woven into the fabric of its history and politics. A recent publication, titled “The Babri Masjid Ram Mandir Dilemma: An Acid Test for India’s Constitution,” authored by Madhav Godbole delves into the complexities of the issue, emphasizing the missed opportunities for resolution and the imperative for a modern and equitable solution.


Historical Perspectives :

The book underscores the possibility of preventing the Babri Masjid’s demolition, citing instances where timely intervention by leaders such as Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh, and P.V. Narasimha Rao could have averted the hardening of political positions. It reflects on the historical wrongs and advocates for a rational approach to addressing the grievances, emphasizing that past atrocities should not justify present-day actions.


Constitutional Failures :

A critical aspect explored in the book is the failure of major constitutional bodies to discharge their responsibilities during the Babri Masjid episode. The author, a former Union Home Secretary and Secretary of Justice intimately involved in the events, provides insights into how institutions fell short, shedding light on the systemic challenges that need urgent attention.


Interplay of Religion and Politics :

The intermixing of religion and politics is identified as a significant contributor to the intensification of the conflict. The article emphasizes the need to disentangle these elements to pave the way for a more peaceful coexistence. It highlights the adverse effects of such interplay on the secular fabric of India and calls for a separation of religious sentiments from political maneuvering.


Baggage of the Past :

Neither Hindus nor Muslims are ready to relinquish the baggage of historical grievances. The article addresses the challenge of overcoming entrenched mindsets and advocates for an approach that acknowledges and respects the sentiments of both communities. It stresses the importance of finding common ground that fosters understanding and reconciliation.


Secularism in Contemporary India :

Post the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, concerns have arisen about India being perceived as a Hindu country. The book contends that strengthening secularism is the foremost challenge for the nation. It calls upon leaders of public opinion, parliamentarians, jurists, media figures, professionals, administrators, and the younger generation to actively engage in shaping a future that upholds the principles of equality and religious harmony.

Published On : December 30, 2023
A)
December 31, 2024
B)
January 1, 2024
C)
January 2, 2024
D)
January 3, 2024

Correct Answer : Option (B) - January 1, 2024


The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to kick off the year 2024 with the launch of XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) on Monday (January 1, 2024). It is India's first XPoSat which aims to investigate the polarization of intense X-Ray sources and study the enigmatic world of black holes.

“XPoSat is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions," the space agency said. The satellite will be launched on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).


XPoSat Mission: Date, time and venue

The ISRO will launch PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT Mission at 09:10 hrs IST on Monday, January 1, 2024. The launch is planned from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.


All about XPoSat mission :

* ISRO's PSLV-C58 Mission will launch the XPOSAT Satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit. "After injection of XPOSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice to reduce the orbit into 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments," the space agency said.

* "The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment will be executed meeting the objective of 10 identified payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe," the ISRO said.

* The spacecraft of the XPoSat will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.

* "The primary payload POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin. The XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV," ISRO said.


According to the ISRO, the objective of the mission are :

1. To measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload.

2. To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV by XSPECT payload.

3. To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energy band.

4. To study the distribution of magnetic field, geometric anisotropies, alignment with respect to line of sight, nature of accelerator in galactic cosmic X-Ray sources by measuring degree of polarization and its angle.

5. Structure and geometry of magnetic field of neutron stars, mechanism of X-Ray beaming and its relation with luminosity and mass of accretion rate of powered pulsars.

6. Understanding of galactic black hole binary sources.

7. To study and confirm about production of X-Rays is either from polar cap of neutron star or outer cap of pulsar magnetosphere.

8. To distinguish the synchrotron mechanism as dominant over thermal emission in Supernova remnants..


Source : Mint

Published On : December 30, 2023
A)
Iran
B)
China
C)
Pakistan
D)
Saudi Arabia

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Pakistan


* Pakistan on Wednesday (27th Dec 2023) conducted a successful flight test of indigenously developed guided multi-launch rocket system 'Fatah-II', which is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres, the army said.

* The 'Fatah-II' is "equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, sophisticated navigation system and unique flight trajectory," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement.

* The weapon system is "capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres," it said. The launch was witnessed by senior officers from tri-services and dedicated scientists and engineers, it added.

* In October end, Pakistan successfully conducted a training launch of the Ghauri Weapon System, a week after holding the flight test of the ballistic missile Ababeel Weapon System. In August 2021, Pakistan had conducted a successful test of indigenously developed Fatah-1 guided multi-launch rocket system (MLRS)..

Source : CNBC

Published On : December 28, 2023
A)
Indian Bank
B)
Bank of Baroda
C)
Bank of India
D)
Punjab National Bank

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Bank of Baroda


* Shares of public sector bank (PSB) Bank of Baroda (BoB) were locked in at over three per cent upper circuit to hit its fresh 52-week high mark of ₹233.75 apiece on the BSE after the bank invited buyers to sell stake in its New Zealand arm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

* The country's second-largest PSB said in a newspaper advertisement, "Request for proposal for selection of investment banker for sale/disinvestment of Bank of Baroda's entire 100 percent stake in Bank of Baroda (New Zealand )." The bank has set the deadline for submission of the proposal at 2:00 pm on January 24.

* "All liabilities of Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Ltd are guaranteed by its parent bank," said the bank. "Any private/ public limited company/ LLP/ Firm across the globe can participate in the tender process," said the statement.


* According to the lender, Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda. Bank of Baroda has 93 overseas branches or offices across 17 countries 8,200 domestic branches, of which 4,942 rural and semi-urban.

* According to stock market experts, Bank of Baroda board has declared to generate fund to the tune of ₹2500 crore via Basel III bonds. BoB shares hit a nine-year high mark earlier this month and the bond was the major reason behind the rally. They said that a bank issues such long-term maturity bonds when they see credit growth.

* The PSB has hit back-to-back 52 week highs this month continuing the rally that picked up in early 2023. Experts added that BoB is a 'portfolio stock' and one should keep this stock for at least one to two years..

Source : Mint

Published On : December 28, 2023
A)
Russian Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
B)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
D)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)


Recently (25 Dec 2023), Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft entered into orbit around the moon after a months-long journey.

* It is a spacecraft built and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport.

* It weighed only 590 kg.

* It was launched together with XRISM, a next-generation X-ray space telescope, onboard an H-2A rocket.

* It entered into an elliptical orbit around the moon over three minutes or so.

* Its apogee (farthest point) in this orbit is 4,000 km and perigee (closest point) is 600 km above the lunar surface.



What will SLIM do on the moon?

Just before it lands, SLIM will deploy two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2. LEV-1, LEV-2, and SLIM will together study the lunar surface near the landing point, collect temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to study the moon’s mantle.

Published On : December 28, 2023
A)
Vinesh Phogat
B)
Sakshi Malik
C)
Geeta Phogat
D)
Pooja Dhanda

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Pooja Dhanda


Indian wrestler Pooja Dhanda, a decorated athlete with international accolades, has been suspended for one year by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) due to three whereabouts failures. This article examines the details of the case and its implications.


Whereabouts Failures and NADA Regulations :

* NADA, established in 2005, is India’s central anti-doping agency responsible for testing athletes to ensure fair competition and adherence to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.
* Elite athletes like Pooja, included in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP), must provide a 60-minute window for potential testing during the year.
* Failing to comply with these obligations constitutes a whereabouts failure, with three such failures within 12 months leading to a suspension.


Pooja’s Case :

* NADA recorded two filing failures and one missed test against Pooja in 2022.
* Filing failures involved discrepancies in submitting location updates.
* The missed test occurred in December 2022 while travelling to the national wrestling championships.
* Pooja argued she offered alternate testing times and locations, though NADA deemed it insufficient.


Disciplinary Action and Impact :

* NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel charged Pooja with three whereabouts failures and imposed a one-year ban on December 5, 2023.
* The suspension retroactively began on June 15, 2023.
* This means Pooja will be ineligible to compete in various tournaments and training camps until June 14, 2024.


Implications and Pooja’s Achievements :

* This suspension significantly impacts Pooja’s career trajectory, potentially affecting her training and preparation for future events.
* Despite the penalty, it’s crucial to acknowledge Pooja’s impressive accomplishments as a world championship bronze medalist (2018), Commonwealth Games silver medalist (2018), and Youth Olympic Games silver medalist (2010).

Published On : December 28, 2023
A)
K L Rahul
B)
Ajikya Rahane
C)
Rohit Sharma
D)
Virat Kohli

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Virat Kohli


Veteran Indian batsman and former captain of the Indian team, Virat Kohli has become the Indian batsman who has scored the most runs in the World Test Championship (WTC).

This new record was achieved in the first match of the ongoing Test series against the South African cricket team.

He left Indian captain Rohit Sharma behind.

Rohit has so far scored 2,097 runs in 42 innings of 26 Tests in the WTC.

Virat has so far scored 2101 runs in 57 innings of 35 test matches.

Published On : December 27, 2023
A)
INS Imphal
B)
INS Chakra
C)
INS Dhwaj
D)
INS Kavaratti

Correct Answer : Option (A) - INS Imphal


INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 26, 2023. The event marks the formal induction of the third of four indigenous ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

* Speaking on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri described INS Imphal as a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and a reflection of the commitment of Indian Navy, MDL & all other stakeholders towards national security. “INS Imphal is a symbol of India's growing maritime power and it will strengthen it further. It will bolster our principle of ‘Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya’ (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

* The ship measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.


* The Raksha Mantri defined INS IMPHAL as a conglomeration of different strengths of the nation. “Brahmos Aerospace installed Brahmos missile on the ship. Torpedo tube launchers are of Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Rapid Gun Mount has been installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Medium Range missiles by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). In addition, many start-ups and MSMEs are involved in its construction. Just like many elements have given a concrete form to INS IMPHAL, people from all walks of life should work together for us to become ‘Viksit Bharat’. Every citizen is a carrier of India's security and progress. Whenever one works, the betterment of the nation must be kept in mind,” he said.

* Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s resolve to lay equal emphasis on the modernisation of all the three Services to safeguard national interests, stating that earlier governments focussed only on protecting the country from land-based threats. He pointed out that with the Himalayas in the north and the hostile behavior of Pakistan in the west, most of India’s goods trade comes through sea, which makes it an island country from ‘trade’ perspective. He stressed on the need to continuously develop the Navy’s capabilities as global trade is of great importance to India to secure its national interests.

* The Raksha Mantri also referred to the recent suspected drone attack on Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea and the attack on 'MV Sai Baba' in the Red Sea. He stated that India's growing economic and strategic power has filled some forces with jealousy and hatred. He added that the Government of India has taken the attacks very seriously and the Navy has increased its surveillance. He assured that the perpetrators of these attacks will soon be brought to justice and strict action will be taken against them.

* “India plays the role of a Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region touches greater heights. For this, together with our friendly countries, we will keep the sea lanes secure. We have full confidence in the ability and strength of our Navy,” said Shri Rajnath Singh..


Source : PIB

Published On : December 27, 2023
A)
Steve Smith
B)
David Warner
C)
Pat Cummins
D)
Mitchell Starc

Correct Answer : Option (B) - David Warner


Australia cricket team's opening batsman David Warner has become the second highest run-scorer Australian batsman in international cricket. Warner achieved this feat in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan on 26 December 2023.

He has left Steve Waugh behind in this matter. Veteran former cricketer Ricky Ponting is on top in the list of Australian batsmen who have scored the most runs in international cricket, who has scored a total of 27,368 runs.

Published On : December 27, 2023