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.

1 .

Which Bank has launched an Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) in partnership with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL)?

Indian Bank

Canara Bank

Bank of Baroda

Union Bank of India

Correct Answer : Canara Bank

On its 117th Founder’s day, Canara Bank launched an Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) in partnership with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL).

With this Canara Bank now offers an API based digital workflow of Bank guarantees which will eliminate physical issuance, stamping, verification and paper-based record maintenance of Bank Guarantees paving the way to augment integration of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) framework into Business.

This platform offers several advantages such as greater transparency, better monitoring triggers, secured transmission of Bank Guarantee to beneficiary which shall lead to a higher degree of compliance.

"To achieve the milestone of being the first public sector bank to roll out electronic bank guarantee on our 117th founder’s day is a proud moment for the entire Canara Bank family.

The issuance of e-BG shall reduce turnaround time for our customers and contribute towards the ease of doing business for business houses associated with us," said Mahesh M Pai, Canara Bank's General Manager..

Source : Economic Times

Published On : November 25, 2022

2 .

Who has released the new book title, 'India: The Mother of Democracy'?

Piyush Goyal

Ashwini Vaishnaw

Dharmendra Pradhan

Mansukh Mandaviya

Correct Answer : Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education & Skill Development Minister "Shri Dharmendra Pradhan" released the book ‘India: The Mother of Democracy’ prepared and published by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) in New Delhi 24th Nov 2022.

* Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairperson, ICHR, and Prof. Umesh Ashok Kadam, Member Secretary, ICHR were also present on the occasion. The book is an attempt to showcase the democratic ethos ingrained in India since the dawn of civilisation.

* Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that the roots of democracy can be traced in India from as early as the 4th century.

* The stone inscriptions of Thanjavur are a living testimonial of the same. Evidences of societal systems that were at place during the Kalinga and Lichchhavi period also speak volumes about the democratic DNA of India.

* He highlighted that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly, said that India is not just the oldest democracy but also the mother of democracy..

Source : PIB

Published On : November 25, 2022

3 .

Which bank has launched India's first sticker-based debit card?

HDFC Bank

ICICI Bank

State Bank of India

IDFC First Bank

Correct Answer : IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank has issued FIRSTAP, a sticker-based debit card 24th nov 2022. The launch is in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to facilitate transactions by simply tapping the sticker on a point-of-sale terminal that supports Near Field Communication (NFC).

* Sumit Madan, head, retail liabilities and branch banking, IDFC First Bank, on the occasion of the launch said, The launch of sticker-based debit card is in line with the bank’s customer-centric philosophy.

* The number of transactions being carried out via contactless cards are growing fast. As a customer-first bank, we are committed to using contactless technology for frictionless digital transactions.

* With sticker as the form factor in the wearable category, the debit card is convenient to carry around and enables fast check-out.

* According to the business, the sticker-based debit card is one-third the size of a traditional debit card, making it usable to a wide range of devices and objects and considerably improving client convenience. Madan went on to say that this form factor has a wide range of applications..

Source : BFSI

Published On : November 25, 2022

4 .

Which footballer has become the first player to score in 5 World Cups?

Samuel Eto'o

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo

Abedi Pele

Correct Answer : Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo has now become the first player to score in five different editions of the world cup.

* Following his goal against Ghana on Thursday(24th Nov 2022), Ronaldo has surpassed Lionel Messi to become the highest goal-scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cups.

* Ronaldo reached the milestone when he scored in the 65th minute of the match leading Portugal's by a 3-2 margin. Ronaldo is now the second oldest player to score at the World Cup (37 years, 292 days). Roger Milla remains the oldest man in 1994 for Cameroon (42 years, 39 days).

* Ronaldo's penalty was what helped Portugal move ahead for the first time in the match. He was pushed by Mohammed Salisu and the decision went in Portugal's favour.

* With the goal, Ronaldo has extended his own world record tally of 118 international goals.

* It was first in 2006, when Ronaldo, then 21, scored during his world cup debut. Ronaldo scored his first FIFA World Cup goal in the second game (Portugal vs Iran) of the tournament.

* The Portuguese player then scored at FIFA World Cups, in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo also became the oldest player to ever score a hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup in FIFA 2018 by defeating Spain..

Source : Business Today

Published On : November 25, 2022

5 .

Who conducting the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise 'Samanvay 2022' from 28 November 2022 to 30 November 2022?

Indian Army

Indian Air Force

Indian Navy

Both (A) and (C)

Correct Answer : Indian Air Force

Indian Air Force is conducting the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise 'Samanvay 2022' from 28 November 2022 to 30 November 2022 at Air Force Station Agra.

* With an aim to assess the efficacy of institutional Disaster Management structures and contingency measures, the exercise will comprise a seminar on Disaster Management, a 'Multi Agency Exercise' involving static and flying displays of various HADR assets and a 'Table Top Exercise'.

* Along with involvement of various stakeholders from the country, the exercise will see participation by representatives from the ASEAN countries as well. Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh will be Chief Guest for the Capability Demonstration events planned during the exercise on 29 November 2022.

* Samanvay 2022 will promote a synergistic approach towards HADR by various national and regional stakeholders involved in Disaster Management including the Civil Administration, the Armed Forces, NDMA, NIDM, NDRF, DRDO, BRO, IMD, NRS and INCOIS.

* This multi agency engagement is expected to contribute in the evolution of institutional frameworks for effective communication, interoperability, cooperation and their application for successful conduct of HADR.

* The exercise also aims to provide a unique platform for exchange of domain knowledge, experience and best practices with the participating ASEAN member countries..

Source : PIB

Published On : November 25, 2022

6 .

Which Space Agency has named the first ever "parastronaut" in a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space?

European Space Agency

Indian Space Agency

China Space Agency

Russian Space Agency

Correct Answer : European Space Agency

European Space Agency(ESA) on Wednesday(23rd Nov 2023) named the first ever "parastronaut" in a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space.

* The 22-nation agency said it had appointed British Paralympic sprinter "John McFall" to take part in a feasibility study during astronaut training to assess the conditions needed for people with disabilities to take part in future missions.

* The announcement came as ESA appointed a new set of astronauts for the first time since 2009 after whittling down 22,500 valid applications.

* ESA posted openings last year for people fully capable of passing its usual stringent psychological, cognitive and other tests who are only prevented from becoming astronauts due to the constraints of existing hardware in light of their disability.

* It received 257 applications for the role of astronaut with a disability.

* McFall will work with ESA engineers to understand what changes in hardware are needed to open professional spaceflight to a wider group of qualified candidates..

Source : NDTV

Published On : November 25, 2022

7 .

India has successfully launched an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile _________ from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on 23rd nov 2022.

Agni-3

Agni-6

BrahMos-II

BrahMos-A

Correct Answer : Agni-3

India on Wednesday(23rd Nov 2022) carried out a successful training launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-3 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

The successful test was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launch was carried out for a predetermined range and validated all operational parameters of the system.

The Agni series of missiles now includes the Agni-1 (700km), Agni-2 (2,000km), Agni-3 (3,000 km), Agni-4 (4,000 km) and with the longest striking range of 5,000 km is the Agni -5.

Sources in the DRDO said that the Agni-1 with 700 km range can be used to shoot targets at minimum 220 km which would help it to cover the ranges covered by the Prithvi series missiles which could strike targets between 150km to 350km.

With Agni and the tactical cruise missile BrahMos, India can easily take care of targets between 30 to 5,000 kms. The BrahMos can take down targets from 30 to 300kms while the Agni can take care of the ranges beyond that..

Source : Iindia Today

Published On : November 24, 2022

8 .

Which edition of joint military exercise between India and Indonesia, "Garuda Shakti" has been organised in Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia?

5th Edition

6th Edition

7th Edition

8th Edition

Correct Answer : 8th Edition

The Eighth(8th) Edition of joint military exercise between India and Indonesia, "Garuda Shakti" has been organised in Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia.

* The exercise was commenced on 21 November 2022.

* Garuda Shakti Aim : To enhance understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies

* The scope of the joint exercise includes orientation to advance special forces skills, sharing of information on weapon, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures and lessons learnt from various operations undertaken, Special Forces Operations in Jungle terrain, strikes on terrorist camps and a validation exercise integrating basic and advance special forces skills apart from gaining an insight into the lifestyle and culture of both countries to foster military cooperation.

* The joint training would also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures for which a comprehensive 13-day training programme has been worked out. The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour long validation exercise..

Source : PIB

Published On : November 24, 2022

9 .

Which country will host the inaugural Olympic E-sports Week in 2023?

Japan

India

Australia

Singapore

Correct Answer : Singapore

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday(23rd Nov 2022) confirmed Singapore as the host to conduct its first ever E-sports week in 2023.

* The IOC revealed that the four-day event will take place between June 22 and June 25.

* The event will be conducted as a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore and the Singapore National Olympic Committee.

* Speaking about the announcement, IOC President Thomas Bach said : “The first Olympic Esports Week marks an important milestone in our ambition to support the growth of virtual sports within the Olympic Movement.”..

Source : Sportstar

Published On : November 24, 2022

10 .

Who has been named Pakistan's new Army Chief on 24th Nov 2022?

Lt Gen Azhar Abbas

Lt Gen Faiz Hameed

Lt Gen Asim Muni

Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza

Correct Answer : Lt Gen Asim Muni

Lt Gen Asim Munir, a former head of Pakistan’s spy agency ISI, was on Thursday(24th Nov 2022) named as the new Army chief to succeed incumbent General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ending the suspense over the key appointment.

* Bajwa, 61, is scheduled to retire on November 29 after a three-year extension. He has ruled out seeking another extension.

* Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Twitter that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has named Munir as Pakistan’s new Army chief.

* Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza had been picked as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

* Lt Gen Munir entered the service via the Officers Training School programme and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment.

* He has been a close aide of Gen Bajwa ever since he commanded troops in the Force Command Northern Areas as a brigadier under the outgoing army chief, who was then Commander X Corps.

* Lt Gen Munir was later appointed Military Intelligence director general in early 2017, and in October 2023 was made the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief.

* However, his stint as the top intelligence officer turned out to be the shortest ever, as he was replaced by Lt Gen Faiz Hamid within eight months, on the insistence of then-PM Imran Khan..

Source : The Print

Published On : November 24, 2022