Correct Answer :   Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin

---

Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, head of the Mumbai-based Dawoodi Bohra sect of Islam, will be conferred ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’, making him the fourth Indian to be honoured with Pakistan’s highest civilian award.

The announcement of the award comes as an acknowledgement of Dr Saiduddin’s services, according to a statement by Pakistan President Arif Alvi, who approved the conferment on Wednesday. The date for the investiture ceremony was, however, not made public.

Nishan-e-Pakistan or the Grand Cross of the Order of Pakistan is the highest civilian honour awarded for services of highest distinction to the national interest of Pakistan. It is equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military gallantry award.

President Alvi approved the conferment of the civil award under Article 259 (2) of the Constitution and the Decorations Act 1975.

Each year, the announcement of awards is made on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, and the awards are conferred next year on Pakistan National Day, observed on March 23. But in special cases, these dates are not followed and the investiture can be arranged anytime.

Dr Saifuddin, the head of the Dawoodi Bohra community spread across over 40 countries, including a sizeable congregation in Pakistan, is the 53rd Da’i al-Mutlaq of the order. The Dawoodi Bohras carry out developmental works to benefit the underprivileged in all these countries..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   South Africa

---

The ICC Board named a new host nation for the 15th edition of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January.

The ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January will be held in South Africa after the ICC Board that met 21st Nov 2023 confirmed Sri Lanka would be replaced as hosts.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was recently suspended by the ICC for breaching its obligations as a Member, namely for failing to manage its affairs autonomously and without government interference.

It was revealed after the board meeting that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events, however funding to SLC will be controlled by the ICC and as a result, the U19 event has been moved to the same country that hosted the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The upcoming World Cup marks the 15th edition of the U19 men's event, following the last tournament in the West Indies in 2022 where India clinched the title for the fifth time..

Source : Icc-Cricket

Correct Answer :   Australia

---

The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising of 81 personnel departed for Australia 22nd November 2023 to take part in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23.

The exercise will be conducted at Perth, Australia from 22nd November to 06th December 2023.

Indian Army contingent comprises 60 personnel from a Battalion of the GORKHA Rifles. The Australian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel will be from the 13th Brigade.

One officer from Indian Navy and 20 personnel from Indian Air Force will also participate from the Indian side. The Australian contingent will include 20 personnel each from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

Exercise AUSTRAHIND was instituted in 2022 and the first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan. It is planned to be an annual training event to be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.

Exercise Aim :  Aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides. The exercise will also promote inter- operability while undertaking multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi- Urban terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations on peace keeping operations.

The joint exercise will promote exchange of ideas and jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures for conducting tactical operations. Training curriculum also includes sniper firing, and jointly operating surveillance and communication equipment to achieve a high degree of situational awareness. Casualty management and evacuation will also be rehearsed besides tactical actions at Company/ Battalion level.

The exercise will also help in promoting understanding between the two militaries and further strengthen the defence cooperation between the two friendly nations..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   USA

---

14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi 21st Nov 2023.

The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of US Special Forces. The Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.

Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is a joint exercise conducted between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces. It aims at sharing best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.

The first edition was conducted in the year 2010 in India and the 13th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP). The current edition is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya from 21st November to 11th December 2023.

During the course of the next three weeks, both sides will jointly plan and rehearse a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.

Key highlights :

Key highlights include ‘Combat free fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances’, ‘Water borne insertion of troops’, ‘Precision engagement of targets at long ranges’, ‘Combat air controlling of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft’ besides ‘Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops’.

Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both the nations. It is also a platform to enhance inter-operability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Vir Das

---

Actor-comic Vir Das has become the first Indian to win the International Emmy Award for his Netflix stand-up special “Vir Das: Landing” in the best comedy category and has dedicated the honour to his home country, India.

The 51st International Emmy Awards Gala was held at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City on late Monday (20th Nov 2023) night.

This was the second nomination and maiden win in the segment for Das, who shared the trophy with popular British teen sitcom “Derry Girls” season three.

Das said he has immense gratitude holding the International Emmy trophy for best comedy for ‘Vir Das: Landing’, his fourth stand-up special with the streamer.

“This one is for my team and for Netflix without whom this wouldn’t have been possible.

“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and to win this accolade for my fifth special with Netflix feels like a culmination of passion, perseverance, and the undying support of people around the globe who have given so much love to ‘Vir Das: Landing’,” the comedian said in a statement.

Das, also known for films such as “Go Goa Gone” and “Delhi Belly”, won the award for “Vir Das: Landing”, a show about what it means to be truly global while looking for home. His last stand-up special “Vir Das: For India” was nominated for an International Emmy in the best comedy category in 2021..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Virat Kohli

---

Indian star batter Virat Kohli has been awarded with the "player of the tournament" title in the ICC World Cup 2023 for his exemplary performance.

Kohli scored a total of 765 runs in 11 innings, the highest-ever runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the World Cup. He averaged at 95.62, and ended up with a strike rate of 90.3.

The former Indian skipper also added 6 fifties to his name, including the 63-ball half-century he struck today in the tournament's final.

This edition of the World Cup will also remain special for Kohli as the 35-year-old broke the record of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar by striking his 50th One-Day International (ODI) century. Earlier, Tendulkar held the record of most ODI centuries at 49.

Despite winning the player of the series award, Kohli appeared dejected as India fell short of winning the World Cup title.

In the high stake final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium 19th Nov 2023, Australia ended India's unbeaten streak in the tournament and scored a 6-wicket victory to lift the title. This marks the sixth time when Australia has won the ODI World Cup in cricket's history..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   $4 trillion

---

India has reportedly reached a historic milestone on Sunday, (19 November 2023), when its GDP surpassed the $4-trillion mark for the first time. Though there is no official word on this.

The milestone was hailed by billionaire and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, two union ministers and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday(19 November 2023).

An unverified screengrab from the live tracking GDP feed for all countries based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) data is being widely shared on social media. Many senior BJP leaders have also shared the post.


"Congratulations, India. Another two years to go before India becomes the 3rd largest nation in terms of Global GDP by overtaking Japan at $4.4 trillion and Germany at $4.3 trillion. The Tricolour surge continues! Jai Hind," Adani said on social media platform X.

Many political leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis hailed the achievement. Although the finance ministry and the National Statistical Office did not immediately comment on the viral social media post on India's GDP crossing $4 trillion.

"India's moment of global glory as our GDP crosses $4 Trillion.The rise of #NewIndia under PM @narendramodi ji's leadership is truly unparalleled," Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a post on X.

Another Cabinet minister, G Kishan Reddy in a post said, "Congratulations As The GDP Touches $4 Trillion For The First Time and Marches Ahead. On the course towards $5 Trillion Economy - Modi Ki Guarantee," Reddy is Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of Northeast Region as well as Telangana BJP president.

Fadnavis further said: "This is what dynamic, visionary leadership looks like ! That's what our #NewIndia progressing beautifully looks like ! Congratulations to my fellow Indians as our Nation crosses the $ 4 trillion GDP milestone! More power to you, more respect to you Hon PM @narendramodi ji!."

D Purandeswari, BJP's Andhra Pradesh president said, "Congratulations BHARAT on becoming a 4 Trillion Dollar Economy ! This phenomenal achievement has been made possible by the path breaking reforms introduced and implemented by Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji Government in the last 9.5 years."

It is very difficult to have live tracking of GDP numbers of all countries as numbers of various sectors of the economy are available with a lag.

India recorded GDP growth of 7.8 per cent during the April-June period of 2023-24, the highest in the past four quarters, on the back of double-digit expansion in the services sector, retaining its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy.

The 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the June quarter is higher than the 6.3 per cent recorded by China during the same period.

In July, an analysis by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it has been predicted that the Indian economy will surpass the $4-trillion mark in the fiscal year 2024-25. It also said the per capita nominal GDP is expected to cross the threshold of $2800.

In August, an S&P Global report said India can become a $6.7 trillion economy by 2031 from $3.4 trillion currently, if the country clocks an average growth of 6.7 per cent for 7 years..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Australia

---

Australia lifted the ICC Men’s Cricket world cup 2023 defeating India by six wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad (19th Nov 2023).

Chasing a modest target of 241 runs, Australia completed the task in 43 overs for the loss of four wickets with a gritty century knock of Travis Head, after some initial setbacks. He made 137 and was declared Player of the Match.

Earlier, India managed to post 240 runs in the stipulated 50 overs. The highlight of the Indian innings was half centuries by Virat Kohli and K L Rahul. Rahul made 66 while Virat scored 54 runs. Skipper Rohit Sharma also made quick 47.

Virat Kohli was awarded with the "player of the tournament" title for his exemplary performance. He scored a total of 765 runs in 11 innings, the highest-ever runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the World Cup.

Mohammed Shami finished off as the leading wicket taker of the World Cup 2023. In seven matches, he scalped 24 wickets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Australia on their victory. In a social media post, Mr Modi said theirs was a commendable performance through the tournament, which culminated in triumph.

He also complimented Travis Head for his remarkable game. Mr Modi also praised Team India saying its talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. He said the team played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   6 to 7.1%

---

S&P Global, in its latest report, has forecasted robust economic growth for India in the medium term, estimating a GDP expansion ranging between 6 to 7.1 % annually from FY24 through FY26.


Economic Growth Momentum :

The report emphasizes that India’s economic growth momentum is expected to persist, projecting a steady annual GDP growth between 6-7.1 percent during the period 2024-2026.


Banking Sector Resilience :

S&P Global anticipates a decline in weak loans in the banking sector, projecting a decrease to 3-3.5 percent of gross advances by the end of FY25. This positive shift is attributed to structural enhancements, including healthier corporate balance sheets, tightened underwriting standards, and improved risk-management practices.


Interest Rates and Banking Industry Stability :

The report highlights that interest rates in India are unlikely to experience a significant rise, minimizing risks for the banking industry. This stability is expected to result from factors such as healthy corporate balance sheets and improved risk management.

Global Impact and Domestic Orientation :

S&P Global suggests that global uncertainties are likely to have a reduced impact on the Indian economy. With a primarily domestic orientation, India’s economic growth is anticipated to be less affected by slower global growth and external demand. However, the report warns of potential inflationary pressures as a consequence.


Asset Quality Challenges Addressed :

The report notes that major players in the Indian banking sector, including the State Bank of India and leading private-sector banks, have effectively addressed their asset-quality challenges. This positive development contributes to the overall resilience of the financial sector.


Alternative Perspective :

While S&P Global is optimistic, it’s worth noting that Morgan Stanley has forecasted a slightly lower growth rate of around 6.5 percent for FY24 and FY25. Morgan Stanley attributes this to strong domestic fundamentals and ongoing policy reform measures supporting domestic demand. However, the report mentions that unexpected outcomes in the upcoming general elections could introduce uncertainties affecting growth and macroeconomic stability.

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

---

The 9th edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” commenced 16th Nov 2023 in Aundh (Pune). 

The exercise is being conducted from 16th to 29th November 2023.

The Indian contingent, of 120 personnel, is being represented mainly by troops from the MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment. The Sri Lankan side is being represented by personnel from 53 Infantry Division. 15 personnel from Indian Air Force and five personnel from Sri Lankan Air Force are also participating in the exercise.

Aim : The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse conduct of Sub Conventional operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The Scope of the exercise includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. Both sides will practice tactical actions such as raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, etc. In addition, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting and Yoga will also form part of the exercise curriculum.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI – 2023 will also involve employment of Drones and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems besides helicopters. Drills to secure helipads and undertake casualty evacuation during counter-terrorist operations will also be rehearsed jointly by both sides.

Collective efforts will focus on achieving an enhanced level of interoperability amongst the troops and reduce the risk of life and property while keeping the interests and agenda of the UN at the forefront during peace keeping operations.

Both sides will exchange views and practices of joint drills on a wide spectrum of combat skills that will facilitate the participants to mutually learn from each other. Sharing of best practices will further enhance the level of defence cooperation between Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army. The exercise will also foster strong bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations..

Source : PIB