Correct Answer :   Wanindu Hasaranga

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As of January, 2024, Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga is the fastest bowler to take seven wickets in an ODI.

* The 26-year-old all-rounder set the record by taking 35 deliveries to take seven wickets against Zimbabwe in the third ODI in Colombo.

* In November 2023, Mohammed Shami became the first Indian bowler to take seven wickets in an ODI.

* Shami achieved the best bowling figures for India in a knockout game against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Correct Answer :   IndusInd Bank

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IndusInd Bank announced (9th Jan 2024) the launch of the UPI-enabled ‘IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card’, in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This credit card is specially designed for government sector employees with an aim to provide them with a range of exclusive benefits and enhance their overall banking experience.

* The IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card is a testament to the Bank's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. It uniquely blends the benefits of a traditional credit card with the advanced features of UPI, creating a seamless financial tool.

* The card offers a plethora of advantages, including cashback on diverse expenditures, complimentary movie tickets, no charges on cash advances, and waivers on surcharges for transactions done through IRCTC and fuel purchases. These features are not only designed to provide financial incentives but also to simplify and enrich the day-to-day transactional experience of government employees.

* Elaborating on this significant launch, Mr. Soumitra Sen, Head – Consumer Banking and Marketing, IndusInd Bank, said, “We are delighted to launch IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card for all government sector employees with an aim to offer a superior value and convenience to them. We understand their requirements and have crafted this credit card to provide a seamless and rewarding experience, strengthening our presence within this segment and solidifying our position as their preferred banking partner."

* Speaking on the announcement, Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said, “We are pleased to partner with IndusInd Bank to introduce a novel solution on RuPay’s robust and expansive network, tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of government sector employees.

* This significant collaboration reflects our commitment to providing user-friendly and cutting-edge payment experiences to all consumer segments. Moreover, linking of RuPay Credit Cards with UPI opens a multitude of convenient payment options for cardholders.

* The benefits attached to this card are designed to enhance the payment experience through UPI on credit card while providing the users with a rewarding credit card experience..

Source : Indusind

Correct Answer :   air from the surface

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 10.30 am today (12th Jan 2024).

The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed.

This testing was done on high speed unmanned air targets at very low altitude. Akash is a new generation 'Surface-to-Air' missile defense system.

The system performance was also validated through the data captured by several Radars, Telemetry, and Electro-Optical Tracking System deployed by ITR, Chandipur.

The flight test was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats.

The successful flight test has paved the way for user trials. The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Bhupendra Yadav

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Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has unveiled (8th Jan 2024) an insightful book titled “Modi: Energising A Green Future”.

This book, a significant addition to environmental literature, is published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.


Understanding PM Narendra Modi’s Environmental Vision :

The central theme of the book revolves around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and actions for a sustainable and eco-friendly future. It delves deep into the strategies and policies under PM Modi’s leadership that have placed India at the forefront of the global environmental movement.


The Editorial Brilliance Behind the Book :

Edited by a team of eminent personalities, the book brings together diverse perspectives on India’s environmental policies. RK Pachnanda, the former chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Anirban Ganguly, and Uttam Kumar Sinha have collectively contributed to shaping this book into a comprehensive analysis of India’s green initiatives.

Contributors: Voices for a Greener Tomorrow :

The contributors to this book include a mix of political leaders and experts in the field. Notably, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav himself, Manohar Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana, and several other distinguished figures have shared their insights. Their contributions provide a multi-dimensional view of India’s efforts and commitments to environmental conservation and sustainability.


Significance of the Book in Today’s Context :

In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, “Modi: Energising A Green Future” offers a timely exploration of the steps taken by one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The book highlights India’s ambitious contributions to combating climate change and promoting renewable energy, aiming to inspire and inform global policy-making..

Source : ANI

Correct Answer :   $5 Trillion

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* India will become the third largest economy by 2027-28, with a GDP of over $5 trillion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday (10th Jan 2024).

* Even going by conservative estimates, the size of the Indian economy will be $30 trillion by 2047, she noted.

* “It is possible that we will be the third largest economy by 2027-28, and our GDP will cross $5 trillion by that time. By 2047, it is a conservative estimate that we will reach at least $30 trillion in terms of economy,” Sitharaman said at the Vibrant Gujarat summit.

* India, with a GDP of roughly $3.4 trillion, is currently the fifth largest economy in the world, after the US, China, Japan and Germany.

* Indian economy is projected to grow by 7.3% in the current fiscal, higher than 7.2% in 2022-23.

* Sitharaman said India has received $919 billion in foreign direct investment in 23 years till 2023. Of this, 65 per cent, or $595 billion, came in the last 8-9 years of the Narendra Modi government.

* Referring to financial inclusion, the minister said the number of people with bank accounts has increased from 15 crore in 2014 to 50 crore at present..


Source : Financial Express

Correct Answer :   Aman Sehrawat

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Reigning Asian champion Aman Sehrawat won the Gold medal in Men’s 57kg at the Zagreb Open 2024 Wrestling Tournament in Croatia. He defeated China’s Zou Wanhao via technical superiority in the 57kg final yesterday (10th Jan 2024), to win India’s first medal in this edition of the Ranking Series.

Deepak Punia, competing in the men’s 86kg category, lost by 6-2 against Kazakhstan's Azamat Dauletbekov in the qualification round. Meanwhile, another Indian wrestler Yash Tushir was defeated by USA’s Quincy Monday by 15-4 in the round of 16 of the men’s 74kg category.

Nonetheless, today's competition will feature Freestyle wrestlers Vicky and Sumit competing in the men's 97kg and 125kg weight classes, respectively..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   India

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Indian shooters secured a gold medal in men’s 10m air pistol team event to make a bright start to their campaign at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jakarta, Indonesia 8th Jan 2023.

* The Indian team of Varun Tomar, Arjun Singh Cheema and Ujjawal Malik produced a total of 1740 to finish at the top. While Iran claimed Silver, Korea claimed bronze medals.

* Varun and Arjun have also made it to the individual finals.

* A total of 16 quota places for the Paris Olympics are available at the continental showpiece.

* The 10m air pistol events for men and women have four quotas on offer with a maximum of three for the Indian shooters. Esha Singh, Rhythm Sangwan and Surbhi Rao then shoulder Indian hopes in the women’s 10m air pistol, where India have still to win a Paris quota.

* As many as 385 athletes from 26 countries will take aim at the Senayan Shooting Range in Jakarta for 256 medals (84 gold, 84 silver and 88 bronze medals), besides the Paris quotas.

* India have already won 13 Olympic quota places in shooting across rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines. While all quota places in rifle have been secured, a total of three quotas have been won in pistol..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Vijay Kumar Singh

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General V.K. Singh (Retd.), Union Ministers of State (MoS), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) released the book ‘Sanskriti ke Ayaam’ authored by Manorama Mishra. The book, authored in Hindi language, is published by the National Book Trust, India functioning under the Ministry of Education (MoE). The book speaks about Indian knowledge, tradition and culture.


The essence of the book :

This book is a triangular structure woven around culture, traditions, and folk prosperity, compiling three independent chapters. Although these three chapters are autonomous in themselves, they are intricately interconnected in their internal essence.

The establishment of folk prosperity involves the role of prescribed rituals, and it is equally important to recognize how folklore, folk literature, and traditional literature play a crucial role in preparing the foundation for folk prosperity. Therefore, the book provides a detailed analysis of sixteen rituals. Without these rituals, the clear expression of the sentiment of folk prosperity is impossible, and without folk prosperity, culture is incomplete.

Correct Answer :   Odisha Mining Corporate Limited

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced (4th Jan 2024) Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited has been awarded in the category of Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility.

Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru has been awarded for the identification and nurturing of budding and young talent. The awardees will receive their awards from  President Droupadi Murmu at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9th of this month.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is given to corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports bodies at the State and National level, who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   $1 Billion

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State Bank of India (SBI) on Wednesday (3rd Jan 2024) said it has raised USD 1 billion or (about Rs 8,300 crore) to cater to the domestic ESG financing market.

* The bank has concluded the issuance of USD 1 billion (USD 750 million and green shoe of USD 250 million) through Syndicated Social Loan, SBI said in a regulatory filing.

* The loan book was closed on January 2, 2024, it said.

* Last year too, the country's largest lender had raised USD 1 billion syndicated social loan.

* The fund raised would would cater to domestic ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) financing market.

* The funds were raised through two tenures: a three-year and a five-year loan. These funds were raised at 80 basis points and 100 basis points over the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR), respectively.

* SOFR is a benchmark rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans, which replaced the London Interbank Offered Rate or Libor.

* During the second quarter ended September 30, 2023, the bank reported an 8 per cent increase in the net profit to Rs 14,330 crore.

* The net interest income (NII) of the State Bank of India jumped 12.3 per cent to Rs 39,500 crore compared to the same period last year.

* From an asset quality perspective, its gross non-performing assets ratio was at 2.55 per cent as of September 30, improving from 3.52 per cent in the year-ago period and 2.76 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal..

Source : Business Standard