General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Harmanpreet Kaur

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Harmanpreet Kaur made history at the IWLF National Weightlifting Championships by setting a new national record in the 76 kg Senior women's category.

She achieved an impressive 127 kg lift in clean & jerk and a total lift of 223 kg.

This remarkable feat showcases her exceptional strength and skill, cementing her position among India's top weightlifters.

Other notable performers at the event included Heena and G. Ravishankar, who also set junior national records in their respective categories, highlighting the growing talent in Indian weightlifting.

Correct Answer :   1992

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The Malabar naval exercise has evolved significantly since its inception. Starting as a bilateral exercise between India and the US in 1992, it expanded to include Japan in 2015 and Australia in 2020, becoming a quadrilateral naval exercise.

The exercise aims to promote cooperation and coordination among participating navies for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Held annually, the Malabar Exercise alternates between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans, featuring diverse activities such as fighter combat and maritime interdiction operations.

Its growth reflects the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific Region in global security and economic stability.

Correct Answer :   Gangtok

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General Upendra Dwivedi, the Army Chief, launched the 'Agniastra,' a portable multi-target detonation device, in Gangtok.

Developed by Major Rajprasad RS from the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers, this device enhances safety and reliability during multiple-target detonations.

With an extended range of 2.5 km, it marks a significant advancement in the army's operational capabilities.

The launch of such technology in Gangtok demonstrates the Army’s focus on innovation and modern warfare preparedness.

Correct Answer :   South Korea

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Han Kang, a renowned South Korean author, has been honoured with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her exceptional literary contributions.

Her works are characterized by intense poetic prose, exploring historical traumas and the vulnerability of human existence.

This prestigious recognition includes an award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million) and a medal, to be formally presented on December 10.

Han Kang's achievement brings international recognition to South Korea's thriving literary scene, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and literary talent.

Correct Answer :   7.2%

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a GDP growth rate of 7.2% for the financial year 2024-25.

This optimistic projection is attributed to strong domestic demand, low raw material costs, and robust growth in the manufacturing sector.

While the first quarter recorded a growth rate of 6.7%, the RBI has forecasted steady increases for the remaining quarters, with GDP growth rates of 7%, 7.4%, and 7.4% for Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively.

The Monetary Policy Committee, in a 5:1 vote, decided to keep interest rates unchanged.

Correct Answer :   Goa

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The Indian Navy and the Italian Navy conducted a historic joint exercise off the coast of Goa, marking their first-ever collaboration with Carrier Strike Groups (CSG).

The exercise, held from October 1 to 6, 2024, involved prominent vessels including INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour, along with INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino.

This bilateral exercise aimed to enhance naval cooperation and interoperability between the two nations, demonstrating their commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

The choice of Goa as the exercise location highlights its strategic importance in India's naval operations.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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The 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, as announced by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The event will bring together athletes from across the country to compete in various sports.

The official schedule is awaiting approval from the IOA General Assembly, which will meet in October 2024.

This will be a significant event in India's sports calendar, further enhancing Uttarakhand's role as a host for national sporting events.

Correct Answer :   Nirdeshak

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INS Nirdeshak is the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships commissioned by the Indian Navy for deep water hydrographic mapping.

It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and designed per the Indian Register of Shipping classification rules for high safety and performance standards.

The ship measures 110 meters long, has a displacement of approximately 3,400 tons, and is equipped with advanced hydrographic equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles.

Its primary role is to conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, and it can also participate in low-intensity combat and function as a hospital ship.

Correct Answer :   South Africa

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INS Talwar arrived in Simon's Town, South Africa, to participate in the IBSAMAR VIII naval exercise, a trilateral collaboration between the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa.

These exercises are aimed at improving interoperability and strengthening the cohesion between the participating navies.

INS Talwar, commissioned in 2003, is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, stationed in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. The ship's captain during this exercise was Jithu George.

Correct Answer :   Axis Bank

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The partnership between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Axis Bank resulted in a historic $500 million blue loan, representing India's first blue finance initiative.

This loan is dedicated to supporting sustainable projects such as water management, marine ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure development.

As a significant climate finance initiative, it highlights the growing importance of blue loans in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable growth in India.

Axis Bank's commitment to sustainable lending underlines its role in fostering climate resilience through financial innovation.