General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Prachi Yadav

---

Madhya Pradesh's ace para canoer, Prachi Yadav delivered a remarkable performance at the ACC Paracanoe Asian Championship 2024, held in Tokyo, Japan and clinched two gold medals for the country. The 29-year-old para athlete from MP's Gwalior secured medals in the Women's KL2 and Women's VL2 categories at the 2024 ACC Paracanoe Asian Championship.

The championship took place between April 18 and April 21 in Tokyo. "I won 2 gold medals for my country in the women KL2 and women VL2 categories at the 2024 ACC Paracanoe Asian Championship, Tokyo, Japan," she wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. Prachi's father, Jagdish Yadav, expressed his happiness and said that it was a very joyous moment, and the entire family felt proud of Prachi.

"It is a very happy moment for us as Prachi has won two gold medals in two different categories. Prachi is a very hardworking and dedicated woman. Prachi has won many medals at the national and international levels. Recently, Prachi has also been honoured with the Arjuna Award for 2023," he told ANI. Jagdish Yadav further added that Prachi is aiming to bring medals for the country in the upcoming World Championships and Olympics.

"Prachi is making the state as well as the country proud. We are also getting continuous support from the government. Now the government is providing many facilities. Our entire family is proud of Prachi, and we are very happy with her performance. May Prachi keep moving forward and progressing like this," he added. CM Mohan Yadav also extended congratulations to Prachi when she was honoured with the Arjuna Award by the President of India in January this year.

"The entire Madhya Pradesh is proud of you, Prachi. Many congratulations to Madhya Pradesh's daughter Prachi Yadav on being honoured with the "Arjuna Award" for her excellent performance in (Para Canoeing) by President Droupadi Murmu. With your extraordinary sports talent, you have brought glory to Madhya Pradesh across the world. May you remain dynamic on the path of victory, the best wishes of all the people of the state are with you: CM Mohan Yadav," the CMO said in an Instagram post..

Source : Free Press Journal

Correct Answer :   Mohammed Salem

---

Mohammed Salem is a Palestinian photographer who works for the news agency Reuters. In 2024, he won a very important award called the World Press Photo of the Year award.

The Award and the Winning Photo

Why the Photo Won

Honouring Journalists in Conflict Zones

Salem’s Perspective

The World Press Photo competition had over 61,000 entries from 3,851 photographers across 130 countries in 2024. Salem’s haunting yet respectful photograph gave a window into the devastation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a singularly heart-wrenching scene of grief.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

---

Indian Navy conducted 'Exercise Poorvi Lehar' off the eastern seaboard under the leadership of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

Its objective is to evaluate the preparedness of the Indian Navy to deal with the maritime security challenges in the region.

The Eastern Naval Command is one of the three command-level formations of the Indian Navy. Its headquarter is in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

Correct Answer :   D Gukesh

---

India's 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh made history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament, becoming the youngest challenger ever for the world title.

He will compete against China's Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, for the championship later this year (2024).

Gukesh scored nine out of a possible 14 points after drawing his final round game against American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.

This win made him the second Indian to secure a victory at the Candidates Chess Tournament, the first being Viswanathan Anand, who achieved this feat in 2014 during his journey to becoming a five-time world champion.

India is exceptionally proud of @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever player to win the #FIDECandidates!

Gukesh's remarkable achievement at the Candidates in Toronto showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication.

His outstanding performance and journey to the top… pic.twitter.com/pfNhhRj7W2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2024

Correct Answer :   Max Verstappen

---

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing claimed a resounding victory at the long-awaited Chinese Grand Prix, extending his lead in the 2024 World Championship. The Dutchman’s triumph marked the first Formula One race in China in five years, and he left no room for doubt, leading from start to finish.

Commanding Performance :

Verstappen’s commanding performance saw him cross the finish line a staggering 13.7 seconds ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren, who secured second place. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, completed the podium, finishing a further six seconds behind Norris.

Extending Championship Lead :

With his fourth Grand Prix victory of the season, Verstappen now boasts a total of 58 career wins. More importantly, he has extended his lead over Perez in the Drivers’ Championship to a substantial 25 points, while Red Bull has pulled a massive 44 points ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors’ Standings.

Dominant Weekend :

Verstappen’s triumph in China was the culmination of a dominant weekend, where he also secured victory in Saturday’s sprint race. The only blemish on his otherwise flawless season came in Melbourne, where a rare brake failure forced him to retire, denying him the chance of a clean sweep of all five rounds thus far.

Home Debut for Zhou Guanyu :

The Chinese Grand Prix also marked a significant moment for Zhou Guanyu, who made his home grand prix debut as China’s first Formula One driver. The Alfa Romeo driver was an enormous draw throughout the weekend, and after finishing 14th, he was allowed to park his car on the grid in front of the grandstands, where he exited the cockpit in tears to a thunderous ovation from the capacity crowd.

As the Formula One circus moves on to the next destination, Verstappen’s dominance in Shanghai has solidified his position as the overwhelming favorite for an unprecedented fourth consecutive world title. With Red Bull’s impressive pace and reliability, the rest of the field will undoubtedly face an uphill battle to dethrone the reigning champion.

Correct Answer :   Deepika Soreng

---

Deepika Soreng, the promising forward of the India Women’s Hockey Team, has been honoured with the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023. The award recognizes her outstanding performance and immense potential as a rising star in the sport.

A Breakthrough Year for Deepika :

* The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in Deepika’s hockey career as she made her debut for the Indian team during the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. Her exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess were on full display as she emerged as the second-highest goal-scorer for the side, netting an impressive 7 goals in 6 matches.

* Deepika’s pivotal role in the team’s success was instrumental in helping India clinch the Gold medal in the prestigious tournament, further solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the hockey arena.

Gratitude and Dedication :

* Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Deepika extended her heartfelt thanks to Hockey India for bestowing upon her the esteemed Asunta Lakra Award. This honour not only acknowledges her achievements but also serves as a source of motivation for her to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

* In her acceptance speech, Deepika emphasized her unwavering dedication to the sport and her commitment to representing the nation with pride on the international stage.

Nurturing Talent for Future Success :

* The Asunta Lakra Award is a testament to Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing and recognizing emerging talents within the sport. By honouring players like Deepika, the organization aims to inspire and encourage the next generation of hockey stars, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport in India.

* With her remarkable skills, determination, and the support of Hockey India, Deepika Soreng is poised to become a significant figure in the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s future endeavours, contributing to the nation’s prowess in the global hockey arena.

Correct Answer :   Bandhan Life Insurance

---

Bandhan Life Insurance, formerly known as Aegon Life Insurance, has rebranded itself with the tagline ‘Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se’, reflecting its commitment to empowering the aspirations of India. Under the ownership of Bandhan Financial Holdings, the company is embarking on an aggressive growth strategy, aiming to recruit 1,000 new employees and expand its customer base.

Transition and Vision :

Satishwar B., MD and CEO of Bandhan Life, emphasizes the transformative nature of this transition as the company joins the renowned Bandhan Group. With a vision set for the next five years, Bandhan Life aims to emerge as a leading multi-channel insurance provider, focusing on digital innovation, robust distribution, and service excellence.

Enhanced Offerings and Brand Identity :

The revamped product names, such as Bandhan Life iTerm Prime, signal a shift towards a more comprehensive and customer-centric approach. The new logo, depicting a growing bud, symbolizes the company’s dedication to nurturing the dreams and aspirations of India. Customers are encouraged to explore these enhanced offerings on the company’s website, reflecting Bandhan Life’s commitment to providing value across all relevant product categories.

Correct Answer :   Airtel Payments Bank

---

Airtel Payments Bank has introduced NCMC-aligned debit and prepaid cards in collaboration with NPCI, powered by RuPay. These cards are designed to support India’s One Nation, One Card initiative. Savings account holders can avail NCMC-enabled debit cards, while wallet users can opt for prepaid cards. Crafted from eco-friendly e-PVC material, these cards offer versatility in payment options, including offline transit transactions, online shopping, and enhanced security with EMV Chip protection.

Key Benefits of NCMC Enabled Card :

SBI NCMC Card Integration with Bharat BillPay Platform :

* State Bank of India (SBI) has integrated NCMC cards on its Bharat BillPay platform in collaboration with NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. Commuters can now recharge their NCMC cards online, with amounts up to Rs 10,000, using prepaid, debit, or credit cards.

* This integration extends convenience to travelers, with the service already live for various metro networks and more platforms set to follow suit. Noopur Chaturvedi, CEO of NPCI Bharat BillPay, highlights the move as a step towards easing digital payments, backed by the reliability and safety of the Bharat BillPay platform.

Correct Answer :   Kaushik Rajashekara

---

Kaushik Rajashekara, a distinguished professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Engineering Academy of Japan. This honour recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of power conversion and the electrification of transportation.

A Journey from a Small Village to Global Recognition :

Originally hailing from a small village in Karnataka, India, Professor Rajashekara’s remarkable journey has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. His election as an International Fellow specifically honours his “outstanding scientific research and scientific-technical developments in the field of energy,” which promote greater efficiency and environmental security for energy sources worldwide.

Joining an Elite Global Fraternity :

Rajashekara, 73, stands among an elite group of fewer than 10 fellows from the United States, out of a distinguished group comprising 800 fellows and 15 international fellows. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the impact of his work on a global scale.

Cultivating Longstanding Relationships with Japan :

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan, a distinction that I hold in high regard. This recognition reflects the longstanding relationships I’ve cultivated with several esteemed Japanese universities and industries throughout my career,” said Rajashekara, the director of the University of Houston’s Power Electronics, Microgrids and Subsea Electrical Systems Centre (PEMSEC).

For over three decades, Rajashekara has worked closely with Japanese students, engineers, and faculty members from various universities, fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange.

A Trailblazer in Electric Vehicle Technology :

Rajashekara’s pioneering work in the field of electric vehicle technology has garnered significant recognition. As the former lead propulsion system engineer for General Motors’ IMPACT electric vehicle and as the chief technologist at Rolls-Royce Corporation, he has visited Japan frequently to deliver seminars and share his expertise.

Global Energy Prize: A Crowning Achievement :

In 2022, Rajashekara received the prestigious Global Energy Prize, considered the most coveted prize in the field of international energy. He was one of only three people selected from a record 119 nominations from 43 countries, further solidifying his status as a visionary in the energy sector.

As a self-described “futurist,” Rajashekara is confident that flying cars are the next big thing, reflecting his forward-thinking approach and dedication to pioneering new frontiers in transportation and energy technologies.

Correct Answer :   Philippines

---

India on Friday (19th April 2024) delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, in reflection of the growing military ties between the two countries amid China's military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea.

The supplies came over two years India signed a $375 million deal with the Southeast Asian nation to supply the weapon systems.

A C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) transported the missile and the launchers to the Philippines for the country's marine forces, official sources said.

Under the January 2022 deal, India will supply three batteries of the missiles, their launchers and related equipment.

It was the first export of the BrahMos missile by India.

A few other countries including Argentina have also shown interest in procuring BrahMos missiles from India.

BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.

India has been looking at further expanding defence ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over China's increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Both India and the Philippines have been emphasising the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea).

The twin sides are also favouring implementation of an arbitral award by a UN court on the South China Sea.

The UN's Permanent Court of Arbitration, adjudicating the Philippines' case against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, ruled in favour of Manila. However, China refused to accept the verdict.

There have been growing global concerns over China's sweeping claims of sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons.

Several countries in the region including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.

As part of efforts to boost military ties with the Philippines, India has decided to post a defence attache to that country along with Ethiopia, Mozambique, Poland and Ivory Coast..

Source : Business Standard