General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   HDFC Bank

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* HDFC Bank collaborated with DPIIT to strengthen the startup ecosystem by offering financial access, mentorship, and innovation support.

* This partnership provides startups with tailored banking products, access to HDFC Bank's extensive network, and capacity-building initiatives to overcome funding challenges and foster growth, ensuring a robust support system for budding entrepreneurs.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

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* INS Nirdeshak, the Indian Navy's new survey ship, will be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on December 18, 2024.

* Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), this 110-meter vessel is the second in the Survey Vessel (Large) Project.

* Equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic tools, it enhances India's maritime capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.

 * The ship also underscores India's focus on self-reliance, with over 80% of its components sourced domestically.

* The event marks a continuation of the legacy of the original INS Nirdeshak, which served the Navy for over 30 years.

Correct Answer :   India

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* India clinched the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 in hockey by defeating China in a penalty shootout with a score of 3-2 in Muscat, Oman.

* Key contributors to the victory included goalkeeper Nidhi with three saves and goals by Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo.

* The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Additionally, Deepika Sehrawat stood out as the tournament's top scorer with 12 goals, and Hockey India announced rewards for the players and staff to celebrate the achievement.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

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* The 2024 edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) will take place in Visakhapatnam from December 17 to 20.

* This annual exercise started in 2005, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability between the navies of India and Sri Lanka.

* Hosted by the Eastern Naval Command, SLINEX 2024 will feature a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase, focusing on promoting regional maritime security and bolstering bilateral ties.

* The event underscores the strategic importance of Visakhapatnam as a hub for naval collaboration and defence operations.

Correct Answer :   India, France, and UAE

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* The "Desert Knight" air combat exercise was a trilateral drill conducted by India, France, and the UAE over the Arabian Sea.

* The focus of the exercise was on interoperability and enhancing advanced combat skills, featuring aircraft like the Sukhoi-30MKIs and Rafales.

* This three-day exercise builds on the 2022 trilateral roadmap aimed at fostering collaboration between the three nations in the defence, technology, and energy sectors.

* It also highlights their growing defence ties and commitment to strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

Correct Answer :   CHARAK

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* Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal—to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases.

* This initiative targets economically weaker residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh.

* CHARAK covers treatment for conditions like malignancy, TB, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, neurological disorders, and more.

* Free treatment is provided at NCL’s hospital or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide.

* This project highlights NCL’s continued focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in healthcare, aiming to improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.

Correct Answer :   Rithvik Sanjeevi

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* Rithvik Sanjeevi secured his maiden BWF Super 100 title by defeating Tharun Mannepalli in the men’s singles final at the Odisha Masters with a score of 21-18, 21-16.

* This win marks a significant achievement for Rithvik, as it is his first major title at this level.

* He has previously demonstrated his talent by winning the Telangana International Challenge and finishing as a runner-up at the Sri Lanka International Challenge.

Correct Answer :   1905

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* The Railway Board, responsible for overseeing the management and operations of Indian Railways, has been functioning since 1905 without statutory authority.

* This historical context is significant as the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to grant it a formal legal status, consolidating provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989.

* This step aims to streamline railway governance and bring historical practices under a modern legislative framework.

Correct Answer :   TIARA

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* BOBCARD has launched the TIARA Credit Card, a premium financial product designed specifically for women.

* This card empowers modern women with exclusive perks in travel, health, dining, and lifestyle.

* It offers rewards like 15 points for every ?100 spent on select categories, complimentary health packages, personal accident coverage, and lifestyle vouchers worth ?31,000.

* Additional benefits include free OTT memberships, domestic lounge access, and reduced forex mark-ups.

* TIARA is powered by the RuPay network and aims to inspire financial autonomy with its slogan, ‘Your Woman Card is Your Power Move.’

Correct Answer :   Rs. 2 Lakh

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* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the collateral-free agricultural loan limit from ?1.6 lakh to ?2 lakh, effective January 1, 2025.

* This initiative is aimed at benefiting farmers and allied activities by reducing borrowing costs and improving credit access, especially for small and marginal farmers.

* The increase in loan limits also enhances the uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, allowing farmers to avail loans up to ?3 lakh at a 4% effective interest rate. This move supports agricultural growth and financial inclusion.