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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)
130
B)
150
C)
175
D)
210

Correct Answer : Option (A) - 130


* In continuation with its steps to strengthen intelligence and surveillance systems along the LAC, the Indian Army on Monday signed a contract with local manufacturers for the supply of tethered drone systems and tank driving simulators.

* The Indian Army in a message confirmed the signing of a contract for the procurement of 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators. “The induction of the new equipment will enhance the overall operational preparedness of the Army,” said the force.

* Contract for the drone system for long-distance surveillance and intelligence gathering along the borders was signed with indigenous company New space Research Technologies Pvt Ltd. The contract for the other equipment was signed with Zen Technologies Limited, which will also involve skill development.

* The Request for Technical and Commercial Proposals for the drones was issued by the armoured branch of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in January this year, under the fast-track procedure.

* As per the RFI, these systems are sought to fly not less than six hours in tethered mode and around 45 minutes in un-tethered mode.

* These drones are connected to a ground-based tethered system with a flexible wire or cable for power and communications and can provide surveillance of beyond-line-of-sight targets for a prolonged period.


Significance :


* Tethered drone systems are ideal for extended surveillance and security overwatch missions such as border control. Traditional drones have a greater range allowing them to perform missions the sensor cannot capture from a distance.


Advantages :

* Tethered UAVs are perfect for data capture and telemetry due to the reliability of tethered connections.
* They dramatically reduce technical and human error crashes in flight.
* They provide a secure line of communication between the ground station and the aircraft.
* It also does not require GPS navigation.
* Many tethered drones have longer flight times compared to free-flying, battery-operated drones.
* Due to the restricted movement of a tethered drone, the operator does not need piloting skills and can mainly focus on their tasks..

Source : The Hindu

Published On : August 31, 2023
A)
ISRO
B)
NASA
C)
ESA
D)
JAXA

Correct Answer : Option (B) - NASA


NASA is set to demonstrate a new end-to-end communication system in space that it claims to be more efficient than conventional systems currently in use at the International Space Station.

The American space agency is launching a groundbreaking technology demonstration known as the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) to the Space Station in 2023.

This move marks a significant step forward in Nasa's efforts to enhance space communications capabilities.

The ISS, a spacecraft the size of a football field orbiting Earth, has been a unique platform for scientific research and investigation for over two decades.

The ILLUMA-T, along with the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) launched in December 2021, will complete Nasa’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system.

Laser communication systems, which use invisible infrared light, offer higher data rates, allowing missions to send more images and videos back to Earth in a single transmission. Once installed on the ISS, ILLUMA-T will demonstrate the potential benefits of these higher data rates for missions in low Earth orbit.

"Laser communications offer missions more flexibility and an expedited way to get data back from space," said Badri Younes, former deputy associate administrator for Nasa's SCaN program. "We are integrating this technology on demonstrations near Earth, at the Moon, and in deep space."

ILLUMA-T, approximately the size of a standard refrigerator, will be secured to an external module on the ISS to conduct its demonstration with LCRD.

The LCRD is currently showcasing the benefits of a laser relay in geosynchronous orbit by beaming data between two ground stations and conducting experiments to refine Nasa’s laser capabilities.

"Once ILLUMA-T is on the space station, the terminal will send high-resolution data, including pictures and videos to LCRD at a rate of 1.2 gigabits-per-second," said Matt Magsamen, deputy project manager for ILLUMA-T. "Then, the data will be sent from LCRD to ground stations in Hawaii and California. This demonstration will show how laser communications can benefit missions in low Earth orbit."

ILLUMA-T is scheduled to launch on SpaceX’s 29th Commercial Resupply Services mission for Nasa. After its launch, ILLUMA-T will be installed on the station’s Japanese Experiment Module-Exposed Facility (JEM-EF), also known as “Kibo” — meaning “hope” in Japanese.

Following installation, the ILLUMA-T team will perform preliminary testing and in-orbit checkouts before transmitting its first beam of laser light through its optical telescope to LCRD.

This mission brings Nasa closer to operational infusion of laser communication technology, supplementing the radio frequency systems most space-based missions currently use. These tests are aimed to refine laser communication capabilities for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and deep space..

Source : India Today

Published On : August 31, 2023
A)
Ashwini Vaishnaw
B)
Mansukh L. Mandaviya
C)
Rajeev Chandrasekhar
D)
Dharmendra Pradhan

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Dharmendra Pradhan


Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched a novel comic book titled "Let’s Move Forward." The launch event was held on August 29, 2023, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

Secretary, School Education Education and Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari; Director, NCERT, Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; officials of the Ministry of Education and UNESCO and students were also present at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that this book will motivate students to prioritize holistic well-being while entertaining them through storytelling, with key focus on good health and wellness.

He also stressed on the importance of stories in conveying important messages such as mental health and hoped that more such comic books will be developed in future. Good stories are extremely important for developing societal harmony and well-being, he stated.

He also mentioned the importance of the partnership with UNESCO at the time of India’s G20 Presidency and the subject of FLN which can be spread with the help of comic books. He urged UNESCO to spread Indian stories so that it benefits not only the youth of India but that of the entire world.

'Explore', 'Experiment' and 'Experience' are going to be of great significance, he mentioned. With the Amrit Kaal, a wave has to be created to spread the Indian knowledge in the entire world as a guiding light, he said..

Source : PIB

Published On : August 31, 2023
A)
Amit Shah
B)
Narendra Modi
C)
J P Nadda
D)
Rajnath Singh

Correct Answer : Option (C) - J P Nadda


BJP President J P Nadda 28th August 2023 released the Outlook Group's Coffee Table Book 'Sikhs and Modi (A Journey of Nine Years) at a function in New Delhi authored by Prabhleen Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nadda said that the teachings of Sikh Gurus contributed towards the unity of the society, patriotism, and dedication towards religion.

He added that all the Prime Ministers have delivered their speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister of the country, who organized the main event at the Red Fort, to celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh.

He also highlighted that the Narendra Modi government granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act registration to Sri Harmandir Sahib, and now Sikhs from across the world can make contributions to the temple. He said, Besides, the Modi government also gave massive relief to Gurudwaras by waiving GST on langar items..

Source : AIR

Published On : August 30, 2023
A)
ICICI Bank
B)
HDFC Bank
C)
Axis Bank
D)
Karur Vysya Bank

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Axis Bank


Axis Bank on Tuesday (29th August 2023) announced the launch of new savings account variant – ‘Infinity Savings Account’ to cater to digitally savvy customers who are frequent adopters of subscription-based models.

This savings account offers Axis Bank’s customers with exclusive privileges, such as waived Average Monthly Balance (AMB) requirement, complimentary debit cards and waiver of all the domestic charges against a small monthly recurring fee of Rs 150 or annual fee of Rs 1,650, the lender said.

The new variant is introduced with the aim to revolutionize the banking experience. The customers can open the account in a completely digital manner through Video KYC process.

The bank offers two subscription-based flexible plans - Monthly and Annual. The monthly plan is charged at Rs 150 (inclusive of GST) and has a minimum subscription period of 6 months.

After the initial 6 months, the plan continues on a 30-day cycle, with Rs 150 deducted every 30 days. The annual plan is charged at Rs 1,650 (inclusive of GST) and offers Infinity benefits for 360 days. The plan is automatically renewed after this period.

With this product, customers will also get additional benefits such as cashback on Axis Bank Grab Deals platform, which has 30+ partners such as Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra among others. Moreover, customers will get 1 percent cashback on all transactions made using the E Debit Card, along with all other Debit card linked benefits, such as Rs 500 Grab Deals voucher on Debit Card usage within 30 days, 15 percent off up to Rs 500 at Easy Diner with Online Rewards Card and much more..

Source : CNBC

Published On : August 30, 2023
A)
C. Marín and Viktor Axelsen
B)
N. Okuhara and Jonatan Christie
C)
B.W. Zhang and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
D)
An Se Young And Kunlavut Vitidsarn

Correct Answer : Option (D) - An Se Young And Kunlavut Vitidsarn


An Se Young and Kunlavut Vitidsarn became the first women’s and men’s singles winners from South Korea and Thailand at the badminton world championships on Sunday (27th Aug 2023).

An won the title her form foretold and prevented Carolina Marin of Spain from a record-extending fourth world crown by taking their final 21-12, 21-10 in 42 minutes.

Kunlavut won the men’s final by wearing down Kodai Naraoka of Japan 19-21, 21-18, 21-7 a year after he lost in the 2022 final.

An rose to No. 1 at the start of the month, the first South Korean woman to make the summit since 1996, six years before she was born.

The worlds title validated the ranking in a year in which she has utterly dominated. This was her eighth title from 11 finals in 12 tournaments this year (2023).

An announced she was coming when she won the 2021 World Tour Finals then reached the 2022 All England final and worlds semifinals.

This year (2023), her game has gone to another level.

Nozomi Okahura, the 2015 world champion, was the only player to take a game off An at the worlds in the quarterfinals. An took apart Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei in the semis.

No. 6-ranked Marin lost all three previous matchups with An this year (2023), but her confidence was up after she beat former No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying in the quarterfinals and two-time defending world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the semis. Marin has been on the comeback trail following two knee surgeries which sidelined her for a year.

From 4-4 in the final, An won six straight points to take charge. In the second game, Marin fought back to tie it at 10 but An reeled off the last 11 points. Her defense and pressure forced Marin into repeated errors.

The first game of the men’s final took longer than the entire women’s final.

No. 4-ranked Naraoka edged the 45-minute game after No. 3 Kunlavut needed to strap his right knee twice and led 19-18. In the second game of more long rallies, Naraoka was three points from victory at 18-18 but netted twice to concede.

Coming so close and missing out broke Naraoka, who was warned by the umpire in the deciding game to play his best. Kunlavut reached 10-1 and won nine more straight points to reach 19-5. The end came after 109 minutes..

Source : Republic World

Published On : August 29, 2023
A)
HDFC Bank
B)
RBL Bank
C)
Yes bank
D)
Axis Bank

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Yes bank


Yes Bank on Friday (25th Aug 2023) launched co-branded Corporate Credit Card in collaboration with spend management platform Zaggle, to empower businesses to reimagine their payment processes, streamline reconciliation, and efficiently manage company expenditures.

* The new card 'YES BANK Zaggle Corporate Credit Card', provides businesses direct control over company expenditures. This includes the ability to set individual spending limits, apply merchant category restrictions, and implement diverse controls.

* Additionally, cardholders gain access to an array of exclusive benefits, spanning rewards, golf privileges, lounge access, and travel insurance.

* Rajan Pental, Executive Director, Yes Bank said, "The partnership with Zaggle enables businesses to bring in operational efficiencies by allowing them to undertake banking transactions, manage company expenditures as well as keep track of all business-related overheads on a single platform.

* The co-branded card is a compelling proposition that offers upfront savings on business spends, along with the privilege of offering rewards on both spends and repayments on a large list of business expense categories."

* According to the bank statement, the card will empower businesses to bring in greater cost efficiencies by facilitating an integration with Zaggle’s ZatiX, a spend management and analytics platform, thereby allowing corporates to optimise cash outflows.

* "The corporate T&E space is ripe for disruption as businesses increasingly demand real-time analytics to better manage spends, an industry need that we believe remains unmet.

* Zaggle ZatiX, deeply integrated with the YES BANK Zaggle Corporate Credit Card aims to addresses this need, to empowering businesses, and provide CFOs with the certain tools they need for intelligent spend decision making to assist with strategically controlling costs and optimally managing cash flow," said Avinash Godkhindi, MD & CEO of Zaggle..


Source : CNBC

Published On : August 29, 2023
A)
Jyothi Yarraji
B)
Dutee Chand
C)
Hima Das
D)
Parul Chaudhary

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Parul Chaudhary


Indian athlete Parul Chaudhary finished at the eleventh position in the 3000 meters steeplechase final of the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest in Hungary on Monday (28th August 2023). 

However, Parul broke the national record by marking the clock at 9:15.31 in the World Athletics Championships and qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Brunei athlete Winfred Mutile Yavi clinched the gold medal with a clock mark of 8:54.29, Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech won silver with her season-best clock of 8:58.98 and another Kenya athlete Faith Cherotich achieved her personal best mark of 9:00.69, winning bronze.

Published On : August 29, 2023
A)
China
B)
Japan
C)
India
D)
Germany

Correct Answer : Option (C) - India


The Indian men's 4x400 metres relay team comprising of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh ended in the fifth position in the 4x400 metres relay race final at the World Athletics Championships 2023.

* The Indian team marked the clock at 2:59.92.



* The USA relay team of Quincy Hall, Vernon Norwood, Justin Robinson, and Rai Benjamin won finished first and won the gold with a clock mark of 2:57.31.

* France clocked mark at 2:58.45 and bagged silver while Great Britain claimed bronze with the clock mark of 2:58.71.

* In the qualifying stage, the Indian relay team started off with Muhammed Anas Yahiya in the sixth place after the first run. But Amoj Jacob's superb run stormed India to second place. Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh shattered the Asian record as they clocked an astonishing 2:59:05s.

* The previous record was held by Japan of 2:59:51s..

Source : Outlook India

Published On : August 29, 2023
A)
Sergio Perez
B)
Max Verstappen
C)
Sebastian Vettel
D)
Fernando Alonso

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Max Verstappen


Max Verstappen of the Red Bull team has won the Dutch Grand Prix Formula One race for the third consecutive year.

With this, Verstappen has also equaled Sebastian Vettel's all-time record of nine consecutive F1 wins.

The race was held on August 27, 2023 at Zandvoort Circuit in Netherlands. At the same time, Fernando Alonso of the Aston Martin team was second in the race.

Published On : August 29, 2023