General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Australia

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has recently announced the hosts of the 2026 and 2029 Women's Asian Cup.

This tournament will be hosted by Australia in the year 2026 and by Uzbekistan in the year 2029. This was announced by the AFC Executive Committee at a meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Correct Answer :   Gold

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India's Deepti Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 category race at the World Para Athletics Championship by creating a world record of 55.07 seconds.

Deepti broke the previous world record (55.12 seconds) set by American Breanna Clark in the previous edition of the championships in Paris. Türkiye's Aysel Onder finished second in 55.19 seconds.

Correct Answer :   Max Verstappen

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Max Verstappen, the defending Formula 1 World Champion, showcased his prowess on the track by clinching a hard-fought victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2024. The Dutchman held off a spirited challenge from McLaren’s rising star, Lando Norris, to secure his third win of the season.

Mercedes’ Struggles Continue :

It was a challenging weekend for the Mercedes team, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell finishing sixth and seventh, respectively. The Silver Arrows have yet to find their stride this season, leaving them trailing the front-runners.

Perez’s Impact from the Midfield :

Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, started from a disappointing 11th position on the grid due to a mistake in qualifying. Despite his midfield position, Perez played a crucial role in the race, briefly holding up Norris and Charles Leclerc after their pit stops, indirectly aiding Verstappen’s cause. Perez ultimately finished eighth.

Podium Finishers :

While Verstappen claimed the top step of the podium, Lando Norris secured an impressive second-place finish for McLaren, demonstrating the team’s resurgence this season. Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, rounded out the podium in third place, continuing his consistent performance.

Best of the Rest :

Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri secured a respectable ninth-place finish, while Lance Stroll of Aston Martin claimed the final point-scoring position in 10th place.

Correct Answer :   Iga Swiatek

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Alexander Zverev won the single title of the Italian Open tennis tournament, while the women’s singles title was won by the world no.1 player Iga Swiatek. This was the second Italian open title for Alexander Zeverv, while it was the third Italian title for Iga Swiatek.

Second Italian Open title for Alexander Zeverev :

* German Alexander Zeverv defeated the first-time Masters finalist Nicolas Jarry of Chile in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 to win the 2024 Italian Open Masters 1000 title. This was also Zeverv’s second Italian Open title.

* This was the third final for Alexander Zeverz in the Italian Open. In 2017, he won the Italian Open by defeating Novak Djokovic. It was also his first master's title. In 2018, Zeverv lost in the  Italian Open final to Rafael Nadal.

* The 2024 Italian Open title was the overall eighth Masters title for Tokyo Olympic gold medal winner Alexander Zeverz.

Iga Swiatek wins her 3rd Italian Open title :

* World no.1 Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Aryna Sabalenka of  Belarus in straight sets  6-2 6-3 to win her 21st career title.

* This was the third Italian Open title for Iga Swiatek in the last four years. Last year she failed to qualify for the final.

Doubles winner of Italian open :

* In the men’s doubles the pair of Marcell Granollers (Spain) and Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) defeated the pair of Mate Pavic(Croatia)  and Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) in straight sets 6-2 6-2.

* In the women’s doubles, the Italian pair of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini defeated the

* pair of Coco Gauff (America) and Erin Routliffe (New Zealand) in the final.

About the Italian Open :

* The 81st Italian Open was held in Rome, the capital of Italy, from 6 -19 May, 2024.The Italian Open is for both men’s and women’s tennis players.

* The Italian Open is the ATP Masters 1000 championship for the men’s and is a WTA 1000 event for the women’s tennis title.

* It is one of the three Masters 1000 championships which is played on clay. Rafael Nadal of Spain has won the Italian open titles a record 10 times.

Masters 1000 Tennis event :

* The men’s professional tennis global governing body, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), is responsible for organising the ATP ATP Masters 1000 events with the local host.

* Likewise the women's professional tennis governing body WTA(Women Tennis Association) organises the WTA 1000 Tennis tournament.

* Indian Wells, Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, Canadian Open, Cincinnati Masters, Shanghai Masters, Paris Masters, and Monte-Carlo Masters are nine ATP Master 1000 tennis tournaments organised by ATP.

* Similarly, Beijing, Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, Doha/Dubai, Rome, Montreal/Toronto, and Wuhan are the nine WTA 1000 tennis tournaments organised by WTA.

Correct Answer :   Deepthi Jeevanji

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Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the women’s T20 400m event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2024. Her stunning performance on Monday not only secured India’s first gold medal at the prestigious event but also set a new world record time of 55.07 seconds.

Deepthi’s Journey to Glory :

Deepthi’s journey to the podium was nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier in the competition, she qualified for the finals by setting a new Asian record with an impressive time of 56.18 seconds. This remarkable feat also earned her a coveted quota for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Shattering Records and Leaving a Mark :

Deepthi’s world record-breaking performance in the final eclipsed the previous record of 55.12 seconds set by American athlete Breanna Clark during the last edition of the championships in Paris. Her incredible time of 55.07 seconds left the competition in awe, highlighting her unwavering determination and exceptional talent.

Podium Finishers :

The T20 400m event witnessed a fierce competition among the top para athletes. Aysel Onder of Turkey secured the silver medal with a time of 55.19 seconds, while Lizanshela Angulo of Ecuador claimed the bronze medal with a time of 56.68 seconds on the fourth day of the championships.

Qualifying with Distinction :

Deepthi’s journey to the final was marked by her unwavering resolve. On Sunday (19th May 2024), she qualified for the final by winning her heat race in an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds, further solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para athletics.

Inspiration and Pride for India :

Deepthi Jeevanji’s historic achievement at the World Para Athletics Championships 2024 has not only brought immense joy and pride to India but has also served as an inspiration for aspiring para athletes across the nation. Her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit have showcased the true essence of sportsmanship and resilience.

As India celebrates this remarkable victory, Deepthi’s triumph serves as a reminder that barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized through hard work, determination, and an unwavering passion for excellence.

Correct Answer :   Russian

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The Indian Army is poised to elevate its air defense capabilities with the impending delivery of the Russian Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems. This acquisition, featuring a technology transfer agreement between Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) and Russia’s Rosoboronexport, represents a significant advancement in India’s defense preparedness.

What is Igla-S VSHORAD Systems?

The Igla-S VSHORAD system, a portable missile system, is specifically designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and drones, in close proximity. Its integration into the Indian Army’s arsenal addresses critical gaps in the nation’s air defense grid. The procurement package includes 48 launchers, 100 missiles, and supplementary equipment such as night vision gear and a testing facility.

Progress Towards Self-Sufficiency in Defense Manufacturing :

A noteworthy aspect of this acquisition is the partial assembly of the Igla-S systems in India, underscoring a significant stride towards enhanced self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. While the missiles are sourced from Russia, the local assembly of specific components signifies progress towards indigenous production capabilities, aligning with the government’s vision for Make in India initiatives.

Resolution of Payments Dispute and Streamlined Collaborations :

The anticipated delivery of the Igla-S systems in late May follows the resolution of a prolonged payments dispute between India and Russia, which had previously hindered several defense agreements. This breakthrough, facilitated through the utilization of national currencies, is expected to streamline future collaborations between the two nations and enhance bilateral defense cooperation.

Additional Advancements in Defense Capabilities :

In addition to the Igla-S acquisition, the Indian Army is gearing up to receive the initial delivery of one of two Israeli Hermes-900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the upcoming month. These advancements, combined with ongoing efforts to develop domestic defense systems, underscore India’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its armed forces and safeguarding its security amidst dynamic geopolitical shifts.

Correct Answer :   Bhubaneshwar

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Javelin star and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the Federation Cup 2024 held in Bhubaneswar.

Neeraj, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, won the gold medal by throwing the javelin 82.27 meters in the final event. Neeraj Chopra last participated in this event in 2021.

Correct Answer :   Chandrakant Satija

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In a prestigious ceremony held at the Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai on 12th May 2024, Chandrakant Satija, the renowned educationist and Founder/CEO of Chandra Admission Consultants, was honored with the Global Excellence Award 2024. The award, presented by the famous Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, recognized Satija as the Most Trusted Admissions Consultant in the Vidarbha Region.

A Veteran in Guiding Students’ Careers :

With over 21 years of experience in the education sector, Chandrakant Satija has dedicated himself to providing quality education, career counseling, and admission guidance to students. His unwavering commitment has earned him the trust of parents not only in Vidarbha but also in adjoining cities of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Chandra Admission Consultants: Paving the Way to Success :

Chandra Admission Consultants, Satija’s firm, specializes in securing admissions for various courses, including MBBS, BTech, MBA, BBA, and Law, in prestigious institutions across India and abroad. The firm’s expertise and personalized approach have helped countless students achieve their academic dreams.

Empowering Students with Informed Choices :

Chandrakant Satija’s hard work and dedication have earned him the recognition and trust of the people of Vidarbha and beyond. His firm’s commitment to assisting students in making informed decisions about their careers and securing admissions in top universities and colleges has set a benchmark in the industry.

A Trusted Beacon for Students’ Future :

Chandra Admission Consultants’ services extend beyond mere admissions guidance. The firm provides comprehensive support, including career counseling, to ensure students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of higher education and make the most of their academic journey.

Correct Answer :   6.6%

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Moody’s Ratings predicts a 6.6% expansion for the Indian economy in the fiscal year ending March 2025 (FY25). This growth trajectory is anticipated to fuel strong credit demand, particularly benefiting the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), despite challenges posed by rising funding costs.

Economic Growth Projection :

Moody’s anticipates India’s GDP to grow by 6.6% in FY25, followed by a 6.2% growth in the subsequent year. This projection, albeit slightly lower than some other estimates, reflects the agency’s assessment of the economic landscape.

Impact on NBFC Sector :

Strong economic growth is expected to drive robust loan growth in the NBFC sector, offsetting the effects of increasing funding costs on profitability. The sector’s resilience is further bolstered by favorable economic conditions, which are projected to help maintain asset quality amidst rising interest rates and customer debt burdens.

Loan Growth and Diversification :

Aggregate loan growth in NBFCs surged to 20.8% year-on-year in September 2023, primarily fueled by retail loan demand. Looking ahead, Moody’s anticipates a continued growth trajectory of about 15% over the next 12-18 months, driven by diverse lending activities including infrastructure financing and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Challenges and Mitigation :

While growth in unsecured retail loans may moderate following regulatory adjustments, NBFCs are poised to maintain their pivotal role in addressing credit needs across India’s economy. The top 20 NBFCs, with established market positions and diversified loan portfolios, are expected to navigate challenges with relative stability, supported by government or corporate ownership which bolsters funding resilience during turbulent periods.

Correct Answer :   Meghalaya

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The 7th edition of the India-France joint military exercise 'Shakti' is being organised at Umroi in Meghalaya.

This military exercise is being conducted from 13 to 26 May 2024.

The military exercise 'Shakti' is conducted between the two countries every two years. Its last edition was held in France in November 2021.