General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Sikkim

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Army conducted an Anti-Tank Guided Missile training exercise in Sikkim, showcasing their capability to neutralize armoured threats at high altitudes.

This exercise highlights the strategic importance of Sikkim in military training, particularly in challenging terrains like treacherous mountains.

Correct Answer :   Kyrgyzstan

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The Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 is being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In this championship, India's Udit won the silver medal in men's freestyle 57 kg. While Abhimanyu gave India the second medal in 70 kg.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

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Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane recently presided over the first steel cutting of Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

He also laid the foundation stone for modernization of slipways and key infrastructure to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the yard.

Correct Answer :   Israel

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In a significant development, Israel deployed its ship-mounted defense system, the C-Dome, for the first time against a suspicious aerial target near the southern city of Eilat. The incident occurred following an alert in the area, which had previously been targeted by missile fire from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The C-Dome, a naval adaptation of the Iron Dome, successfully intercepted the target, marking its maiden operational use.

The Incident in Eilat :

On April 8, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported an alert in the vicinity of Eilat, a region previously subjected to missile threats from Yemeni Houthi rebels. Subsequently, IDF naval forces detected a suspicious aerial target entering Israeli airspace. The target was swiftly intercepted by the C-Dome defense system, deployed aboard Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, without causing any injuries or damage.

C-Dome: Naval Adaptation of Iron Dome :

Mounted on Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, the C-Dome defense system is the naval counterpart of the land-based Iron Dome. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, the C-Dome employs the same interceptor technology as the Iron Dome, providing a robust defense against rocket and missile threats. This operational debut highlights Israel’s continuous efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.

Correct Answer :   HDFC Bank

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HDFC Bank's initiative to open a branch in Lakshadweep, specifically at Kavaratti Island, marks a milestone as it becomes the first private sector bank to establish a presence in the Union Territory.

This move underscores HDFC Bank's commitment to expanding its reach and offering banking services, including personalized digital solutions, to the residents and businesses of Lakshadweep.

Correct Answer :   Policybazaar

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ICICI Lombard has teamed up with Policybazaar to leverage its digital platform and reach 10 million customers with a range of insurance products, including motor, health, travel, home, and business insurance. This partnership aims to enhance insurance accessibility and distribution across India.

Correct Answer :   7%

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7% from the previous estimate of 6.7%, citing robust investment in public and private sectors and improving consumer demand as key drivers of growth.

Correct Answer :   $50,000

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World Athletics has broken 128 years of Olympic tradition – and set itself on a potential collision course with the International Olympic Committee – by announcing that it will become the first international sports to give athletes money for winning a gold medal at the Games.

Starting in Paris this summer, track and field athletes who win gold in each of the 48 events will also walk away with $50,000 (£39,360). World Athletics have also promised to extend the cash prizes to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the LA 2028 Games.

The decision is particularly striking given that the IOC has never awarded money for participating or winning a medal at the Olympics – arguing that to compete at a Games is reward enough.

In a statement explaining his decision, World Athletics president Seb Coe said it was right that his federation passed on $2.4m of the money it gets from the IOC every four years to reward athletes.

“The introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medallists is a pivotal moment for World Athletics and the sport of athletics as a whole, underscoring our commitment to empowering the athletes and recognising the critical role they play in the success of any Olympic Games,” he said.

“While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is.”.

Source : The Guardian

Correct Answer :   Rajasthan

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The Gangaur festival, commemorating the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is celebrated throughout Rajasthan. It symbolizes marriage's happiness and auspiciousness, with significant rituals performed by women seeking blessings for marital harmony and prosperity.

Correct Answer :   Russia

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Russia supplied India with the Igla-S Air defence system, enhancing the Indian Army's Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities, and replacing outdated Igla-1M systems.