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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)
Rohit Sharma
B)
Babar Azam
C)
David Warner
D)
Virat Kohli

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Virat Kohli


India’s Virat Kohli has scored his 49th one-day international (ODI) hundred to equal compatriot Sachin Tendulkar’s world record.

Kohli completed the feat in the ICC Cricket World Cup match against South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday (5th Nov 2023).

The former India captain, who turned 35 on the day of his record-equalling century, has scored more than 13,000 runs in the format. He reached the landmark in 277 ODI innings, which also include 70 half-centuries.

The next batter on the list of most ODI centuries is current captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries.

Kohli was the leading run-scorer for India as they set South Africa a target of 327 runs in the top-of-the-table clash. He scored 101 runs from 127 balls and hit 10 fours in a hard-fought innings on a turning pitch and in hot weather.

The spectators in Eden Gardens rose to their feet when Kohli passed 90 runs and cheered every run thereon. As he took strike on 99, the mostly Indian crowd roared with delight and thousands of cameras flashed to record the iconic moment.


Source : Aljazeera

Published On : November 6, 2023
A)
Explore black holes in distant galaxies
B)
Measure the atmospheric composition of gas giants
C)
Determine the abundance of Earth-sized planets and their orbits
D)
Study the formation of comets within our solar system

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Determine the abundance of Earth-sized planets and their orbits


A system of seven sweltering planets was recently revealed by the continued study of data from NASA’s retired Kepler space telescope.

About Kepler Space Telescope :

* It was NASA’s first planet-hunting mission, assigned to search a portion of the Milky Way galaxy for Earth-sized planets orbiting stars outside our solar system.
It was launched on March 6, 2009.

* The spacecraft was named after the famed German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630).

* Its scientific goals included determining the abundance of earth-sized planets and the distribution of sizes and shapes of their orbits, estimating the number of planets in multiple-star systems, and determining the properties of stars that have planetary systems.

* In December 2011, NASA announced that Kepler had found its first planet, Kepler-22b, in the habitable zone of a star.


* On October 30, 2018, after nine years in deep space collecting data, NASA announced that Kepler had run out of fuel. The spacecraft was retired in its current, safe orbit, away from Earth.

* Kepler left behind a legacy of more than 2,600 planet discoveries from outside our solar system, many of which could be promising places for life.


Features :

* Kepler detected planets by observing transits, or tiny dips in the brightness of a star that occur when a planet crosses in front of the star.

* The spacecraft was basically a single instrument - a specially designed 3-foot (1-meter) diameter aperture telescope and image sensor array – with a spacecraft built around it.

* The diameter of the telescope’s mirror was 4 feet, 7 inches (1.4 meters), making it one of the largest mirrors beyond Earth’s orbit..

Source : Nasa

Published On : November 4, 2023
A)
Dr. Rajesh Chauhan
B)
N Deepa
C)
M.Suguna Devakumari
D)
Nandini Das

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Nandini Das


India-born author Nandini Das has been named the winner of the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a leading international non-fiction prize, for her book ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire'.

* Das is a Professor of English literatre at the University of Oxford.

* The winning book is her debut and has been described by critics as the “true origin story of Britain and India told through England's first diplomatic mission to the Mughal courts”.

* The author has sought to present a new perspective on the origins of empire through the story of the arrival of the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe, in the early 17th century..

Source : AIR

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
T. Padmanabhan
B)
Shaji N. Karun
C)
Anjum Rajabali
D)
A. Sreekar Prasad

Correct Answer : Option (A) - T. Padmanabhan


Eminent writer T. Padmanabhan has been chosen for the Kerala Jyothi award instituted by the Kerala government on Wednesday (1st Nov 2023).

He was selected for the highest civilian honour by the government considering his contributions in the field of Malayalam literature.

The State also announced other ‘Kerala Puraskarngals’, the highest award given by the government to distinguished personalities who have made outstanding contributions in various spheres of social life.

Justice (Retired) M. Fathima Beevi and Nataraja Krishnamurthy (Soorya Krishnamurthy) have been selected for the ‘Kerala Prabha’ award considering contributions in the field of social service and civil service and in the field of arts respectively.

Others who won the ‘Kerala Sree’ award include Punalur Somarajan (social service sector), V.P. Gangadharan (health sector), Ravi DC (industry and commerce sector), K.M. Chandrasekhar (civil service sector), Pandit Ramesh Narayan (art, music)..

Source : The Hindu

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
Kapil Dev
B)
Rajeev Kumar
C)
Dinanath Rajput
D)
Sachin Tendulkar

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Dinanath Rajput


Deenanath Rajput Empowers Tribal Women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh :

In a significant acknowledgment of his remarkable efforts, Deenanath Rajput, an engineer-turned-social worker, was awarded the Second Rohini Nayyar Prize for his outstanding contribution to rural development. The prestigious award was presented in memory of the late economist-administrator Dr. Rohini Nayyar, and it came with a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.


Empowering Tribal Women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh :

Deenanath Rajput’s commendable work focuses on empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, a region known for its challenges, including Naxalite activities. His efforts have been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of over 6,000 tribal women in the area.


Establishing a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) :

At the heart of Rajput’s initiative is the establishment of a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO). The FPO was founded in 2018 with an initial membership of 337 women from Jagdalpur in Bastar. Since then, it has grown to encompass over 6,000 members across four districts in the region.


Key Initiatives of the FPO :

The Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) spearheaded by Deenanath Rajput implements a range of initiatives to uplift and support women farmers:

* Agricultural Extension Services: The FPO provides vital agricultural extension services to women farmers, equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance agricultural productivity.
* Cold Storage Infrastructure: Building cold storage infrastructure is a crucial component of the initiative. This infrastructure helps in preserving agricultural produce, reducing wastage, and ensuring that farmers have access to markets for longer periods.
* Market Connectivity: One of the significant achievements of the FPO is connecting women farmers with both national and international markets. This connection allows them to sell their products and produce to a wider audience, opening up new opportunities for economic growth.
* Diversification: The FPO supports women farmers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This includes helping them venture into producing higher value-added products and services, which can significantly improve their income and livelihoods.


The Recognition and Jury :

The Second Rohini Nayyar Prize was presented by N. K. Singh, Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, who also served as the chief guest. The distinguished jury responsible for selecting the award winner included Dr. Ashok Khosla of Development Alternatives, Dr. Rajesh Tandon of Participatory Research in Asia, Renana Jhabvala of the Self-Employed Women’s Association, and Professor Seeta Prabhu. Dr. Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics at JNU, was also present at the event.

Deenanath Rajput’s work is a shining example of dedication and commitment to rural development, and it serves as an inspiration to others striving to make a positive impact in the lives of marginalized communities. His tireless efforts in empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, underscore the potential for positive change when individuals take initiative to address critical issues in their communities.

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
Ravindra Jadeja
B)
Mohammed Shami
C)
Jasprit Bumrah
D)
Ravichandran Ashwin

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Mohammed Shami


Mohammed Shami became India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cup history during the India versus Sri Lanka 2023 World Cup match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

With 45 wickets in ODI World Cups, Shami went past Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath after his fifer against the Lankans.

Zaheer and Srinath have 44 wickets in World Cups for India.

Shami also entered the top 10 list of the highest wicket-takers in ODI World cup history, which is topped by Glenn McGrath’s 71 scalps.

Among active international cricketers, only Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult are above Shami in the list with 56 and 49 wickets, respectively.

Shami picked his third World Cup five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 2. Shami is now level with Starc in having the most five-wicket hauls in ODI World Cups.

Most wickets for India in ODI World Cup :

* Mohammed Shami - 45 wickets in 14 matches
* Zaheer Khan - 44 wickets in 23 matches
* Javagal Srinath - 44 wickets in 34 matches
* Jasprit Bumrah - 33 wickets in 16 matches
* Anil Kumble - 31 wickets in 18 matches

Top 10 all-time wicket-takers in ODI World Cup :

* Glenn McGrath (AUS) - 71 wickets in 39 matches
* Muthiah Muralidaran (SL) - 68 wickets in 40 matches
* Mitchell Starc (AUS) - 56 wickets in 24 matches
* Lasith Malinga (SL) - 56 wickets in 29 matches
* Wasim Akram (PAK) - 55 wickets in 38 matches
* Chaminda Vaas (SL) - 49 wickets in 31 matches
* Trent Boult (NZ) - 49 wickets in 26 matches
* Mohammed Shami (IND) - 45 wickets in 14 matches
* Zaheer Khan (IND) - 44 wickets in 23 matches
* Javagal Srinath (IND) - 44 wickets in 34 matche.

Source : Thehindu

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
41%
B)
46%
C)
51%
D)
55%

Correct Answer : Option (C) - 51%


Zurich Insurance Company is set to make a substantial investment in Kotak General Insurance, marking a significant move in the insurance industry.

The Swiss-based Zurich Insurance will acquire a 51% stake in Kotak General Insurance, with plans to increase its ownership over-time. This development is poised to bring innovation and growth to the Indian insurance market.


Key Details of the Deal :

* Zurich Insurance is set to invest Rs.4,501 crore in Kotak General Insurance to acquire a 51% stake.
* The investment will made through a combination of fresh insurance and share purchases. The exact split between the two has not been disclosed.
* Zurich has the option to acquire an additional 19% stake within three years of its initial acquisition.
* Kotak Mahindra Bank will retain management control of the general insurance arm until Zurich increases its stake to 70%.


Background and Significance :


* First Foreign Partner: This joint venture with Zurich is Kotak Mahindra Bank’s first partnership with a foreign entity in nearly six years. It is a significant move, as all non-bank businesses within the Kotal group are currently 100%.
* General Insurance Arm: Kotak General Insurance had faced financial challenges in the past, with a loss of Rs.117 crore in FY23, higher than the Rs.83 crore loss in FY22. However, the company is well-capitalized with an 183% solvency ratio in FY23.
* Past Ventures: The bank has explored previous joint ventures, with Goldman Sachs for the capital market and securities business (1992- 2006) and Old Mutual for the life insurance business (ended in 2017). Both of these partnerships lasted for 14 years each.


Leader’s Insights :

Dipak Gupta, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd : Gupta emphasized the synergy between the two companies, stating that “Kotak Mahindra Group’s pan-India ‘phygital’ distribution presence and Zurich’s distinct global capabilities in digital assets in B2B and B2C formats have the potential to create a transformational ‘digical’ impact for Kotak General Insurance.” He expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to revolutionize the insurance sector.

Tulsi Naidu, CEO Asia Pacific, Zurich Insurance : Naidu believed this partnership will bring strong innovation, expertise and superior customer experiences to the Indian general insurance market. The collaboration positions both companies to leverage their strengths and experience to enhance their offerings and customer service.

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
Vikram Seth
B)
Ankita Sinha
C)
Amitabh Ghos
D)
Nandini Das

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Nandini Das


he British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a prestigious international non-fiction award has been claimed by India-born author Nandini Das for her debut book, ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire.’ This remarkable work, hailed as the “true origin story of Britain and India told through England’s first diplomatic mission to the Mughal courts,” secured the top spot this year at a ceremony held at the British Academy in London.


Nandini Das: A Fresh Perspective on the Origins of Empire :

Nandini Das, a 49-year-old academic and Professor in the English faculty at the University of Oxford, has ventured to offer a fresh perspective on the beginnings of the British Empire. Her book delves into the historical account of the arrival of the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe, during the early 17th century. In doing so, Das provides a unique lens through which to examine the intricate interactions between England and Mughal India, laying the groundwork for the empire that would eventually come into being.


The British Academy Book Prize: Fostering Cultural Understanding :

The British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, previously known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize, was established in 2013. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate exceptional works of non-fiction that exemplify academic rigor and originality while also contributing to the public’s understanding of diverse world cultures and their interactions. Now in its 11th year, this award continues to honor books that enhance global cultural understanding at a time when the need for cross-cultural comprehension is more pressing than ever.


List of Shortlisted authors :

Sno. Book Title Author
1 ‘Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation’ Kris Manjapra
2 ‘Red Memory: Living, Remembering, and Forgetting China’s Cultural Revolution’ Tania Branigan
3 ‘The Violence of Colonial Photography’ Daniel Foliard
4 ‘Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World’ Irene Vallejo
5 ‘Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living’ Dimitris Xygalatas


Rewarding Excellence :

Nandini Das will be awarded GBP 25,000 as the winner of the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. However, the accolades do not end there. The shortlisted authors, including Kris Manjapra, Tania Branigan, Daniel Foliard, Irene Vallejo, and Dimitris Xygalatas, will each receive GBP 1,000 for their exceptional contributions to non-fiction literature.

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
Quinton De Kock
B)
David Warner
C)
Rachin Ravindra
D)
Kane Williamson

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Quinton De Kock


South Africa's star opener Quinton de Kock continued his superb form in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 as he hit a century during Proteas match against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday (1st Nov 2023).

With four hundreds, de Kock becomes only the third player in the history of ODI World Cups to score four hundreds or more in a single edition of the Men's ODI World Cup.

Previously, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara hit four hundreds in 2015 ODI World Cup. Sangakkara's heroics in 2015 World Cup was followed by Rohit Sharma slamming five centuries in the 2019 World Cup.

The century is de Kock's fourth hundred of the tournament. The 30-year-old has also hit tons against Bangladesh, (174) Australia (109) and Sri Lanka (100).

During the knock against New Zealand de Kock became the first batter in this World Cup to cross the 500-run mark. His score of 174 also remains the highest individual score by a batter in this edition of the World Cup.

de Kock's hundred against the Kiwis is his 22nd ODI ton which puts him at third spot in the list of South African batters with most ODI centuries.  Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers with 27 hundreds and 25 hundreds respectively as the two two South African batters with most ODI hundreds.

de Kock's knock came to an end when he hit a ball by Tim Southee to Glenn Phillips at backward point. de Kock walked back after scoring 114 in 116 balls.

Before the start of the World Cup, de Kock had announced that he would retired from the ODIs after the end of the tournament..

Source : CNBC

Published On : November 3, 2023
A)
Vaibhav Singh
B)
Vijay Kumar
C)
Aishwary Tomar
D)
Saurabh Chaudhary

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Aishwary Tomar


Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won the gold in rifle 3-position event with a 0.8 point margin over Tian Jiaming of China in the 15th Asian shooting championship in Changwon, Korea, on Wednesday (1st Nov 2023).

There was no question of Olympic quota for India in the event, as Swapnil Kusale and Akhil Sheoran had already won the maximum possible two Olympic quota in the event for the country in the World Championships.

The Indian team was pushed to the silver by China which was dominant with a world record of 1777 points, 13 better than India.

India won both the mixed trap gold medals. Manisha Keer and Prithviraj Tondaiman won the gold by beating Korea 141-136. The junior mixed trap gold was won by Aadya Tripathi and Shardul Vihan with a total of 131.

The other Indian team of Bhavya Tripathi and Bakhtyaruddin Malek shot 130, but was ineligible to be among the medals.

China topped the medals table with 33 gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze. India was second with 21 gold, 21 silver and 13 bronze. Host Korea won 16 gold, 22 silver and 19 bronze.

The Results :

* 50m rifle 3-position: Men: 1. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar 463.5 (591); 2.Tian Jiaming (Chn) 462.7 (593); 3. Du Linshu (Chn) 450.3 (597); 9. Akhil Sheoran 587; 11. Swapnil Kusale 586; RPO: Goldi Gurjar 585; Niraj Kumar 582.

* Team: 1. China 1777 (WR); 2. India 1764; 3. Japan 1760. Trap: Mixed team: 1. India (Manissha Keer, Prithviraj Tondaiman) 141; 2. Korea 136; 3. China 134 and Kuwait 133; 12. India-2 (Preeti Rajak, Kynan Chenai) 125.

* Junior mixed team: 1. India-2 (Aadya Tripathi, Shardul Vihan) 131; 2. Kazakhstan 125(4); 3. China 125(3) and Chinese Taipei 117; 5. India (Bhavya Tripathi, Bakhtyaruddin Malek) 130. 25m centre fire pistol: 1. Song Jong-Ho (Kor) 587; 2. Phan Xuan Chuyan (Vie) 582; 3. Pradeep Singh Shekhawat 582; 5. Prabhjot Singh 580; 9. Yogesh Singh 575; 14. Rajendra Bagul 568.

* Team: 1. Korea 1743; 2. India 1737; 3. Vietnam 1730..

Source : Sport Star

Published On : November 3, 2023