General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   6.8%

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The OECD has raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.8%, up from the previous estimate of 6.7%.

This revision is driven by factors such as robust public infrastructure spending, strong private investment, and a recovery in agricultural output.

The growth is expected to be sustained through FY25 and FY26, supported by investment and rural income growth.

Despite global economic uncertainties, India's economy is expected to remain resilient with nearly 7% growth, reflecting its strong internal economic drivers.

Correct Answer :   India

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* India secured its 5th Men’s Junior Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan 5-3 in the final held in Muscat, Oman.

* This victory marks India's third consecutive win in the tournament, following successes in 2015 and 2023.

* Star player Araijeet Singh Hundal contributed significantly by scoring two penalty corner goals.

* Recognizing the team's outstanding performance, Hockey India announced cash rewards for the players and support staff.

* This achievement reinforces India's dominance in junior hockey on the Asian stage.

Correct Answer :   6.3%

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Morgan Stanley has adjusted its forecast for India’s GDP growth for FY25 to 6.3%, down from an earlier projection of 6.7%.

* This revision follows a slowdown in Q2 FY25, where growth fell to 5.4%, the lowest since March 2023, due to weak private consumption and industrial performance.

* Despite these challenges, the services sector showed resilience, growing by 7.1%.

* The recovery in the second half of FY25 is expected to be supported by government spending, rural demand improvement, and easing financial conditions.

* This aligns with Morgan Stanley’s expectation of an average 6.6% growth during the latter half of FY25.

Correct Answer :   United States

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The United States approved a $1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities.

This agreement includes advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support for the Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, which are critical for anti-submarine warfare and surface combat operations.

This defence partnership strengthens India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean Region, addressing challenges posed by regional adversaries. The MH-60R helicopters, equipped with Mk 54 torpedoes and Hellfire missiles, also modernize India's fleet, replacing the ageing Sea King helicopters.

Correct Answer :   Rs. 37.97 Crore

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The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) paid its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for FY 2023-24, with revenue surging to Rs. 3,273 crore (18.16% growth) and Profit After Tax reaching Rs. 126.56 crore (14.55% growth).

The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Mini Ratna enterprise under the Ministry of MSME, achieved a milestone by paying its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24. Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, presented the dividend cheque to Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon’ble Union Minister, and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of MSME, in the presence of senior ministry officials, marking a significant achievement in the corporation’s history.

NSIC reported a Revenue from Operations of Rs. 3,273 crore, up by 18.16%, and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 126.56 crore, reflecting a 14.55% increase compared to the previous year.

Financial Achievements and Growth :

Leadership Remarks

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi commended NSIC for its role in empowering MSMEs and urged the organization to expand its initiatives in skill development and enterprise creation. The Hon’ble MoS, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of NSIC’s contribution to MSME growth.

Historical Context and Future Outlook :

NSIC has consistently supported MSMEs through integrated services, including financial assistance, skill development, and market promotion. The record dividend for FY 2023-24 highlights the corporation’s operational efficiency and its pivotal role in driving economic growth. Looking ahead, NSIC aims to explore new avenues for enterprise creation and foster innovation, reinforcing its commitment to the MSME sector.

Correct Answer :   ESA

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ISRO on Thursday (05 Dec 2024) commenced a revised 8.5 hour countdown for the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission.
 
* The Bengaluru-headquartered space agency had originally planned to launch European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 at 4.08 pm on Wednesday (04 Dec 2024) from the spaceport here. However, minutes before the lift-off, following the request from the European Space Agency, ISRO rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to December 5, 4.04 pm.
 
* It was rescheduled following an anomaly detected in the satellite propulsion system.
 
* In an update on Thursday, ISRO said, "PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission. Countdown commenced. Lift-off time 16.04 pm IST, 5th December 2024. Stay tuned as PSLV-C59 prepares to deploy ESA's Proba-3 satellites into orbit."

* NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO has bagged the order from the ESA.

 
* The Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Anatomy) consists of two satellites -- Coronagraph (310kgs) and Occulter (240kgs) -- in which two spacecraft would fly together as one, maintaining precise formation down to a single millimetre to study the Corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere.

* The ESA said the Corona is much hotter than the Sun itself and it is where space weather originates. It is also a topic of widespread scientific and practical interest.
 
* For ISRO, besides providing its trusted workhorse PSLV vehicle for the launch, this mission would provide key insights on taking up scientific experiments on the Sun after its maiden mission--Aditya-L1 which was successfully launched in September 2023.

* Proba-3 is a technology demonstration mission funded via the General Support Technology Programme. The instruments onboard the satellites would travel closer to the solar rim for up to six hours at a time and each spacecraft would take up approximately a 19-hour orbit around the Earth.
 

* 'Probas' is a Latin word, meaning 'Let's try'.
 
* The mission objective is to demonstrate precise formation flying and the two spacecraft inside the satellites would be launched together in a stacked configuration after the desired orbit level is reached.
 
* PSLV-C59 is a 44.5 metre tall rocket and is on its 61st flight and the 26th with the PSLV-XL variant which is normally used to place heavy satellites.

* After the lift-off (4.04 pm) the two satellites (Coronagraph and Occulter) would undertake an 18-minute journey to reach the desired orbit.
 
* The two spacecraft after reaching the preparatory conditions, would fly 150 metres apart (as one large satellite structure) in tandem so that the 'Occulter' spacecraft would block out the solar disk of the Sun enabling 'Coronagraph' to study the corona of the Sun or the surrounding atmosphere, for scientific observation..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   4th edition

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The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.

This exercise, scheduled to run until December 15, 2024, is an annual event designed to enhance the military cooperation between the two nations.

The exercise will focus on improving the ability of both forces to undertake joint counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain, aligned with the United Nations Chapter VII Mandate.

Participants :

* Indian Contingent: 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment Battalion.
* Malaysian Contingent: 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment.
* Location: Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.
* Duration: December 2 to December 15, 2024.

Objective :

* To improve joint military capabilities in conducting counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain.
* To enhance defense cooperation between India and Malaysia, thereby fostering stronger bilateral relations.

Exercise Phases :

Phase 1 :

* Focus on cross-training between both armies.
* Includes lectures, demonstrations, and jungle drills.

Phase 2 :

* Active participation of both armies in a simulated exercise.
* Execution of various drills such as Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Recce Patrol, Ambush, and Attack on areas controlled by terrorists.

Focus Areas :

* Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs): Sharing best practices for joint operations.
* Jungle Warfare: Emphasis on operations in challenging jungle terrains.
* Interoperability: Developing the ability to operate seamlessly together.
* Camaraderie: Building better communication and coordination between both forces.

Historical Context :

* This is the 4th edition of the joint exercise, with the previous edition conducted in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, India.

Strategic Importance :

* The exercise strengthens defense ties and enhances collaboration on counterinsurgency techniques.
* It also improves the bilateral military relations between India and Malaysia.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI
Dates	December 2-15, 2024
Location	Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia
Indian Contingent	78 personnel from MAHAR Regiment Battalion
Malaysian Contingent	123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment
Exercise Objective	Enhance joint military capability for counterinsurgency in jungle terrain
Phase 1	Cross-training, lectures, demonstrations, jungle drills
Phase 2	Simulated exercises: Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Recce Patrol, Ambush, Attack on terrorist-controlled areas
Focus Areas	TTPs, Jungle Warfare, Interoperability, Camaraderie
Strategic Importance	Strengthens defense cooperation and bilateral relations
Previous Edition	November 2023, Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, India

Correct Answer :   45%

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In October 2024, UPI achieved a record high with 16.58 billion transactions worth ?23.49 lakh crore, reflecting a 45% year-on-year growth.

This significant increase underscores UPI's role in driving the shift toward a cashless economy by offering secure, fast, and seamless payment solutions.

Operational in 7 countries, UPI, launched by NPCI in 2016, continues to enhance global digital payment adoption.

Correct Answer :   Arjun Erigaisi

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Arjun Erigaisi has become the second Indian to reach the prestigious 2800 Elo rating in classical chess, joining Viswanathan Anand in this elite category.

Ranked world number four, Arjun is the 16th player in history to achieve this milestone, as recognized by FIDE.

Hailing from Warangal, Telangana, the 21-year-old made remarkable contributions at the Chess Olympiad, winning both individual and team gold medals for India.

Correct Answer :   GAIL

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GAIL has entered into its first long-term time charter agreement with Singapore-based "K" LINE for a new LNG ship, featuring a tank capacity of 1,74,000 cubic meters.

Scheduled to be operational by 2027 and built by Samsung Heavy Industries, this agreement enhances GAIL's LNG transport capabilities.

The partnership also benefits from "K" LINE's extensive 40-year expertise in LNG shipping, marking a significant step in strengthening India's energy infrastructure.