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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)
Jannik Sinner
B)
Andy Murray
C)
Carlos Alcaraz
D)
Grigor Dimitrov

Correct Answer :   Jannik Sinner


Italy’s Jannik Sinner won the men’s singles crown at the Miami Open 2024 tennis tournament in Florida on Monday.

Sinner beat Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1 in the 72-minute-long final at Hard Rock Stadium. The Italian tennis player faced just a single break point in the entire match.

The ATP Masters 1000 win also lifts Sinner to the No. 2 spot in the men’s singles tennis rankings. This was also Sinner’s third ATP title of the year after the Australian Open and the Rotterdam Indoors crowns.

Meanwhile, Florida proved to be the fairytale backdrop to USA’s Danielle Collins, who is in her final season as a pro. The American beat Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 on Saturday to claim what was her first WTA 1000 singles tennis title of her career.

Collins became only the fourth American after Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens to win the Miami Open singles crown.

The Indo-Australian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, took the men’s doubles crown after beating the second-seeded team of Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek 6(3)-7(7), 6-3, 10-6.


It was Bopanna and Ebden’s second ATP Masters title after last year’s Indian Wells.

In women’s doubles, the all-American team of Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands upset Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand, the second seeds and US Open champions, 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 11-9 in a stretched-out two-hour long final match.

Kenin and Mattek-Sands, who won the Abu Dhabi Open in February, interestingly, started the Miami Open as alternates and only made the main draw following the withdrawal of Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Miami Open 2024 tennis winners

Men’s singles : Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Men’s doubles : Rohan Bopanna (India)/Matthew Ebden (Australia)
Women’s singles : Danielle Collins (USA)
Women’s doubles : Sofia Kenin/Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA).


Source : Olympics

Published On : April 3, 2024
A)
Gorakhpur Railway Station
B)
Basti Railway Station
C)
Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station
D)
Varanasi Junction Railway Station

Correct Answer :   Gorakhpur Railway Station


Gorakhpur Railway Station takes the crown as Uttar Pradesh's largest railway station, primarily because of its expansive platforms spanning a total length of 1300 meters.

ttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is also the state with the highest number of districts. Known for its diverse culture and unique traditions, Uttar Pradesh attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists every year. The majority of the Indian Railways network also passes through this state, further highlighting its importance.

Total Railway Stations in India :

To begin with, let’s understand the magnitude of the railway infrastructure in India. The country boasts more than 7,000 railway stations, facilitating the operation of over 22,000 trains daily, including over 13,000 passenger trains, catering to a daily ridership of more than two crore passengers.

Railway Stations in Uttar Pradesh :

Uttar Pradesh hosts around 550 railway stations, with over 230 managed by the North Central Railway zone and more than 170 by the North Eastern Railway zone. These stations form a crucial part of the state’s transportation network, facilitating travel and connectivity within Uttar Pradesh and to neighboring regions.


Which is the Largest Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh?

Gorakhpur Railway Station takes the crown as Uttar Pradesh’s largest railway hub, primarily because of its expansive platforms spanning a total length of 1300 meters. This significant infrastructure places Gorakhpur at the forefront of the state’s railway network, serving as a pivotal junction for numerous train routes and passengers.

Historical Significance of Biggest Railway Station of Uttar Pradesh :

Gorakhpur Railway Station, once the world’s largest by platform area, holds historical significance. Although surpassed by Hubli in Karnataka, its legacy remains. Functioning as a vital junction, it links Eastern Uttar Pradesh with Bihar and extends connectivity from northern to eastern India, playing a pivotal role in regional transportation networks.

Published On : April 3, 2024
A)
Andy Murray- Matt Ebden
B)
Andy Murray- Novak Djokovic
C)
Rohan Bopanna-Novak Djokovic
D)
Matt Ebden- Rohan Bopanna

Correct Answer :   Matt Ebden- Rohan Bopanna


Top Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna along with his Australian partner Matt Ebden won the Miami Open men's doubles title.

Bopanna broke his own record of becoming the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion. Earlier this year, Bopanna won her first doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Published On : April 2, 2024
A)
Dinesh Karthik
B)
MS Dhoni
C)
Ishan Kishan
D)
Rishabh Pant

Correct Answer :   MS Dhoni


* Great Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni has become the first Indian wicketkeeper to score 7,000 runs in T20 cricket.

* Dhoni achieved this feat against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL.

* The record for most runs as a wicketkeeper-batsman is held by South Africa's Quinton de Kock, who has scored 8,578 runs so far.      

Published On : April 2, 2024
A)
G.P Dinesh
B)
Ruby Jindal
C)
Meena Charanda
D)
Zeenat Madan

Correct Answer :   Meena Charanda


Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Culture Award’ for the year 2024. Prof. Charanda received this honour in recognition of her remarkable work in the field of education and social service. The award ceremony took place on March 30, 2024, at the India International Center.

Award Highlights :

During the award ceremony, Prof. Charanda was presented with :

* A memento
* A plaque
* A shield
* A citation from the university

Selection Committee :

* The selection for the ‘International Culture Award’ was made by a 5-member committee headed by K Yogesh, Chairman of Socrates Social Research University (Trust). The committee comprised experienced members from various fields.

* According to K Yogesh, more than 50 women were considered for this honour, but Prof. Charanda was ultimately selected for her outstanding work in education, social service, and excellent research in the field of political science.


Other Awardees :

While Prof. Charanda was recognized for her contributions, the committee also selected other women and men for the ‘International Culture Award’, whose names will be announced soon.

About Professor Meena Charanda :

* Prof. Charanda has been teaching in the Political Science Department of Kalindi College for more than two decades.
* She holds a PhD degree from Delhi University, where she studied Dalit Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh.
* Prof. Charanda has authored a book on the role of Dalit MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.
* She has published more than 50 articles in various newspapers and magazines.
* Currently, two PhD researchers are conducting research under Prof. Charanda’s guidance.

The ‘International Culture Award’ recognizes Prof. Meena Charanda’s remarkable contributions to the field of education, social service, and academic research, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.

Published On : April 1, 2024
A)
Vineet Jain
B)
Vishal Bhardwaj
C)
Satyan Gajwani
D)
Ravindra Dhariwal

Correct Answer :   Vineet Jain


Vineet Jain, the managing director of the Times Group, received the prestigious Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian television news.

While accepting the award at a ceremony on Saturday, Jain attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of teams at the Times Group. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his elder brother, Samir Jain, throughout their journey of expanding and diversifying the group.

Belief in Free and Fair Media :

* Vineet Jain expressed his steadfast belief in a free, fair, independent, and robust media as being essential for societal strength and freedom. He pledged to continue supporting the media industry and its institutions in any way possible.

Founding the Times Network :

* The award citation commended Jain for his instrumental role in founding the group’s TV platform, the Times Network, which includes channels like Times Now, ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat, and ET NOW Swadesh.

Impact on News Delivery :

* According to the jury, these channels have greatly impacted the delivery of news in India. Jain’s dedication to innovative programming, balanced coverage, and adapting to the evolving needs of the audience have garnered widespread respect and admiration.

Encouraging a Dynamic Work Environment :

* The jury also acknowledged Vineet Jain’s ability to cultivate a dynamic work environment and attract top journalistic talent.

Esteemed Jury :

* The ENBA jury included prominent figures such as former Supreme Court judge AK Sikri, Annurag Batra (chairman and editor-in-chief of exchange4media and BusinessWorld), Dhanendra Kumar (chairman of Competition Advisory Services (India) LLP), and Alok Mehta (former president of the Editors Guild of India).

* The ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 recognizes Vineet Jain’s significant contributions to the Indian news broadcasting industry and his commitment to upholding the values of free and fair media.

Published On : April 1, 2024
A)
105 Years
B)
100 Years
C)
95 Years
D)
90 Years

Correct Answer :   90 Years


The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nation’s central banking institution, is entering its 90th year on April 1st, 2024. To mark this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the event at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Establishment and History

* The RBI was established on April 1, 1934, following recommendations from the Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance to maintain the country’s monetary stability. Its operations commenced on April 1, 1935, with Sir Osborne Smith as the first Governor.

* Over the years, the RBI has seen 26 Governors, with the current Governor being Shaktikanta Das, who assumed office in October 2021. The Central Office of the RBI was initially in Kolkata but was shifted to Mumbai in 1937.

Expanding Roles and Responsibilities

* Initially responsible for currency issuance, banking services, and agricultural credit, the RBI’s role has expanded over the decades to include:

* Monetary management
* Regulation and supervision of the financial system
* Management of foreign exchange
* Regulation and supervision of payment and settlement systems
* Developmental roles


Significant Achievements

Balance Sheet and Liquidity Support : The RBI’s balance sheet currently stands at a staggering Rs 63 lakh crore as of March 31, 2023, larger than the annual budget of the government. This strong balance sheet enabled the RBI to provide liquidity support of close to 9% of GDP (US$ 227 billion) post-COVID-19.

Foreign Exchange Reserves : India’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at a substantial USD 642 billion, the fourth-highest in the world. These reserves play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the rupee’s value and have helped India weather global crises, such as the 1997 East Asian currency crisis and the 2008 financial crisis.

Inflation Management : The RBI’s role in inflation management or price stability has evolved over the years. A flexible inflation targeting framework was established in 2016, with a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) responsible for setting interest rates to maintain inflation within a target range of 2-6%, with 4% being the target.

Financial Sector Regulation : The RBI has implemented initiatives to reduce non-performing assets (NPAs) in banks’ books and maintain a comfortable capital adequacy ratio of 15-16%. It has also served as a lender of last resort, rescuing failing banks like Yes Bank and Lakshmi Vilas Bank.

Promoting Digital Payments : In the last decade, the RBI has played a crucial role in promoting digital payments. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), an instant account-to-account transfer system, currently handles a staggering 12 billion transactions per month, with a total value reaching Rs 18.23 lakh crore in December 2022 alone.

Future Outlook :

* Over the next five years, UPI is poised to further erode the shares of NEFT and paper-based cheque transactions. Within the next 2-3 years, India’s UPI transaction volume is expected to surpass the combined transaction volume of global payment networks like Visa and Mastercard.

* As the RBI celebrates its 90th anniversary, it continues to play a vital role in maintaining the country’s economic stability, regulating the financial sector, and promoting digital innovations in the payments ecosystem.

Published On : April 1, 2024
A)
Axis Bank
B)
Yes Bank
C)
HDFC Bank
D)
IndusInd Bank

Correct Answer :   HDFC Bank


HDFC Bank, a leading private sector lender in India, is pursuing the sale of its entire stake in HDFC Education and Development Services. This move comes as the bank seeks to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance while selecting a buyer through the Swiss challenge method.

Regulatory Filing Details :

* HDFC Bank disclosed its intention to divest its stake in HDFC Education and Development Services in a regulatory filing on March 30, 2024.
* The bank has engaged with an interested party through a binding term sheet, initiating the Swiss challenge process to solicit counter offers.
* The selection of the final purchaser will be based on the completion of the Swiss challenge process, after which definitive documentation for the transaction will be finalized.

RBI Approval and Timeline :

* Previously, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had granted approval for HDFC Bank to retain ownership in HDFC Education for two years following the merger between HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank.

Future Steps :

* Upon conclusion of the Swiss challenge process, HDFC Bank will proceed to select the purchaser and finalize definitive documentation for the transaction.
* Details of the definitive documentation required by regulations will be disclosed upon execution of such documentation.

Published On : April 1, 2024
A)
India
B)
Mozambique
C)
Tanzania
D)
South Africa

Correct Answer :   Mozambique


* The India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise concluded in Mozambique, specifically at Nacala.

* The closing ceremony was held onboard INS Tir and INS Sujata, and it included representatives from all three navies.

* This exercise focused on various training aspects such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Damage Control, Firefighting Drills, communication procedures, and medical lectures including CPR demonstration and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

* This was the second edition of the exercise, emphasizing the importance of maritime cooperation and security among the participating countries.

Published On : March 30, 2024
A)
Axis Bank
B)
IDFC First Bank
C)
South Indian Bank
D)
IndusInd Bank

Correct Answer :   Axis Bank


Axis Bank has announced (26th Mar 2024) the introduction of digital US dollar fixed deposits (FDs) for NRI customers at the IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gujarat. The bank has become the first to offer a digital journey for opening deposits at GIFT City.

Digital, Paperless Process through Mobile Banking App :

* NRI customers of Axis Bank can now open US dollar fixed deposits at GIFT City through the bank’s mobile banking application, ‘Open by Axis Bank’. This offering provides an end-to-end digital paperless solution, eliminating the need for physical documentation.

Seamless Experience and Attractive Interest Rates

The digital process allows customers to :

* Seamlessly open an FD account anytime, from anywhere
* Track and manage their FD digitally
* Request partial or full premature closure of the FD from the mobile app

Axis Bank provides NRIs with attractive interest rates and a wide range of investment tenures from seven days up to ten years, making it one of the best investment opportunities.


Simplifying the Process for NRI Customers :

According to the bank, this offering simplifies the process of booking US dollar fixed deposits for NRI customers, providing them with a convenient and hassle-free experience.

By introducing digital US dollar fixed deposits at GIFT City, Axis Bank aims to cater to the growing demand for digital banking services among NRI customers, while also leveraging the opportunities presented by the IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City.

Published On : March 29, 2024