General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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* The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships will be hosted in New Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

* This marks the first time India is hosting this prestigious event, scheduled from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

* Additionally, Delhi will also host the World Para Athletics Grand Prix earlier in the year, from March 11 to 13, 2025.

* The event's 12th edition being held in New Delhi signifies India's growing importance in the global sports arena.

Correct Answer :   Canara Bank

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* Tata Power Renewable Energy has partnered with Canara Bank to offer affordable loans for rooftop solar installations as part of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme.

* This initiative provides financing options with favorable terms, including low-interest rates and long repayment periods, for systems ranging from up to 3 kW to 10 kW capacity.

* The collaboration aims to promote clean energy adoption, supporting India’s renewable energy targets and enabling residential customers to transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Correct Answer :   ICICI Bank

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* ICICI Bank partnered with Times Internet to introduce the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card,’ a super-premium co-branded card targeting high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India.

* Designed with a unique metallic finish, it incorporates exclusive benefits such as global lounge access, concierge services, and a rewards program, catering to the luxurious lifestyle of affluent customers.

Correct Answer :   Salman Khan

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* Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been named the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.

* The event will feature teams from 24 countries and aims to elevate Kho Kho's global profile.

* Salman Khan expressed his personal connection with the sport and its cultural importance in India, highlighting that the tournament would not only be a competitive event but also a tribute to the country's strength and spirit.

Correct Answer :   Doha

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The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 is scheduled to be held from December 19 to December 25, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.

A 28-member Indian weightlifting contingent will look to make a mark at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, from Thursday (19th Dec 2024).

As many as 15 Indian weightlifters will compete in the junior division (age 15 to 20) while 13 from the country will compete at the youth level (age 13 to 17). The meet is scheduled to run from December 19 to 25 and will be available on live streaming in India.

The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 will feature competitions in 40 categories - 20 each at the junior and youth levels. Medals will be awarded separately for snatch, clean and jerk and total in each bodyweight category.

India’s Martina Devi Maibam, who set two senior weightlifting national records in the women’s +87kg at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships in September, will compete in the same weight division at the Asian Junior Championships.

The 18-year-old Martina Devi lifted a total of 237kg (101kg in snatch and 136kg in clean and jerk) to secure sixth place at the junior world championships. Her 136kg clean and jerk and a total of 237kg were the new national records. She has made an entry of 230kg for the Asian Championships.

Dhanush Loganathan, the only Indian weightlifter to medal at this year’s IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships with bronze in the men’s 55kg total and snatch, will be among India’s top medal prospects in men’s competitions.

At last year’s Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in India’s Greater Noida, the Indian weightlifting contingent finished with a total of 42 medals. India’s overall medals tally comprised 15 medals won by the junior weightlifters and 27 by the youth athletes..

Source : Olympics

Correct Answer :   West Indies

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* India have registered their highest score of 217/4 in Women's T20 International cricket, achieving this feat in the third and decisive T20I match against the West Indies.

* This match was played at Navi Mumbai's Dr. Played at DY Patil Sports Academy. In the match, Smriti Mandhana scored 77 runs in 47 balls.

Correct Answer :   6.6%

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* India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has projected a growth of 6.6% for the Indian economy in financial year 2025-26 (FY26), higher than the 6.4% growth estimated in the current financial year (FY25)13.

* This growth is expected to be driven mainly by a significant increase in investments. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) is estimated to grow by 7.2%. 

Correct Answer :   Pranav Venkatesh

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* Pranav Venkatesh, a Grandmaster from Chennai, achieved a historic double victory by winning the FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess titles in Slovenia.

* He secured gold with 9.5 points in the Rapid category, outperforming competitors like Alexander Khripachenko and Roman Pyrih.

* In the Blitz category, he dominated with an impressive 19.5 points, leaving Russia's Dmitry Mochalov behind.

* This landmark achievement underscores Pranav's exceptional talent and marks a significant moment in Indian chess history.

Correct Answer :   Kiran Ankush Jadhav

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* Kiran Ankush Jadhav, representing the Indian Navy, emerged victorious in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the 67th National Shooting Championship held in Bhopal.

* He scored an impressive 465.8 in the final, surpassing Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar and Swapnil Kusale, who finished second and third, respectively.

* Kusale, a Paris Olympic bronze medallist representing Railways, had led until the 40th shot but ultimately secured the bronze medal.

* Jadhav’s remarkable performance highlights his excellence in precision shooting and his growing prominence in the sport.

Correct Answer :   Kochi

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* The Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 visited Kochi to participate in the "Sahyog — Hop Tac" exercises aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam.

* These exercises focus on improving interoperability, strengthening bilateral relations, and addressing regional maritime challenges such as security threats and environmental concerns, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.