General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Nepal

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Head coach Biby Thomas Muttath on Monday (26th Feb 2024) announced a 23-member Indian squad for the upcoming SAFF U16 Women’s Championships to be played in Nepal from March 1–10, 2024.

The Indians had emerged triumphant in the U-15 format in 2018 and 2019, having beaten Bangladesh in the final on both occasions. It’s the first time the event is being held in the U16 format.

The final squad was chosen from a pool of probables who had been training in Goa.

The Young Tigresses will be leaving for Nepal on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024) before playing their opening tie against Bhutan (March 1, 2024), followed by matches against Bangladesh (March 5, 2024) and Nepal (March 7, 2024).

The top two sides from the round-robin stage meet in the final, with all the games to be played at the Chyasal Stadium in Lalitpur.

The Indian Squad : Goalkeepers: Konjengbam Tamphasana Devi, Munni, Surajmuni Kumari.

Defenders : Amrita Ghosh, Bonifila Shullai, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Gauri, Rheanna Liz Jacob, Rupashree Munda, Sarangthem Alena Devi.

Midfielders : Anita Dungdung, Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, H Yashica, Longajam Nira Chanu, Ritu Badaik, Shveta Rani, Thanda Moni Baskey.

Forwards : Gurleen Kaur, Gurnaz Kaur, Neha Saji, Pearl Fernandes..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   United States of America

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The Odysseus spacecraft from the United States successfully landed on the moon on Thursday (22nd Feb 2024), becoming the first American spacecraft to achieve the feat in more than 50 years.

With this, Intuitive Machines (IM) -- the commercial venture behind the Nova-C lander -- has become the first private venture to carry out a successful landing on the lunar surface.

This marks the first American soft landing on the lunar surface since the Apollo era in 1972.

Notably, this landing comes months after India's Chandrayaan-3 lander, which became the first spacecraft from the country to safely reach the lunar surface in August 2023.

India made a soft landing on the lunar South Pole with a robotic vehicle for the first time in the 21st century.

"I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface, and we are transmitting," Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus just announced on the webcast. "Welcome to the moon."

Although, the exact state of the lander is not yet clear, but the company has confirmed it has made contact with the moon.

The landing site of Odysseus is near Malapert A, an impact crater near the moon's south pole.

The site is "(A) relatively flat and safe region is within the heavily cratered southern highlands on the side of the Moon visible from Earth," according to NASA.

Moments before landing, the spacecraft started troubleshooting communication, after the passing of the expected landing time. But, an Intuitive Machines flight controller confirmed that the lander is "not dead yet" and they have received a "faint signal".

The US remains the only country to have put humans on the lunar surface, most recently in 1972 with the Apollo 17 mission.

The space agency said it chose this landing site for Intuitive Machines' first mission because it wanted to learn more about the lunar environment and how communications function in this area.

NASA wants to scout the lunar south pole because the space agency believes it's the best location to set up a future astronaut base..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Maldives

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Seeking to enhance maritime security and interoperability, coast guard personnel from India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have embarked on a four-day trilateral exercise to identify emerging maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Coast Guard ship Samarth and ICGS Abhinav along with Sri Lanka Naval Ship Samudura reached here on Thursday (22nd Feb 2024) for the exercise ‘DOSTI-16′ that would be held between February 22 and 25. Bangladesh is participating as an observer.

Coast guard helicopter ICGS Dornier too is part of the trilateral exercise ‘Dosti,’ which Sri Lanka said aims to enhance cooperation, strengthen friendship, improve mutual operational capability, and develop interoperability among the Coast Guard personnel of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) late Thursday evening extended a warm welcome to ADG S Paramesh, Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.

“Upon his (Paramesh) arrival at the VIA, Colonel Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of MNDF Coast Guard, greeted him,” a post on X by MNDF said.

“Commanding Officers of both ICG ships called on Commandant MNDF CG and discussed mutual avenues of cooperative engagements,” the Indian Coast Guard said in a post on X.

The ICG ships would participate in a series of activities and take part in a joint sea exercise with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Maldives National Defence Force.

The Indian Mission in Maldives described the 16th edition of the India-Maldives-Srilanka trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ as a “regional synergy to enhance maritime security & interoperability!” Earlier, a release from the Sri Lankan Navy said before its ship left for the Maldives: “Participating in this nature of exercises will allow the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance cooperation and interoperability with other maritime stakeholders in the region.” “It (also) offers numerous advantages, including acquiring new knowledge about maritime operations, exchanging strategies and experiences, identifying emerging maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, and collaboratively finding solutions for them,” it added..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Gulmarg

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In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governer Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the 4th edition of Khelo India winter games in Gulmarg on 21st Feb 2024. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion.

The 5-day-event will see the participation of around 1000 athletes and sports persons from 20 different states and UTs of the country. Games like skiing, snow mountaineering, nordic skiing and alpine skiing are the major features of the 4th Khelo India Winter Games.

Speaking on occasion, Mr Sinha said that these events will enhance sporting spirit among the participating youth. Welcoming the athletes, he said, mega events like Khelo India Games give the sportsmen an opportunity to prove their mattle on National as well as International levels.

Mr Pramanik said that this event has added a new chapter in the developmental history of Kashmir. He encouraged the participating athletes to give their best during the event. A video message encouraging the athletes of Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, was also played during the inaugural session..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Babar Azam

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Pakistan’s Babar Azam has become the fastest batter to notch 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. Babar achieved this feat during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (21st Feb 2024).

Babar scored 72 runs off 51 deliveries to reach the milestone in 271 innings. The star Pakistan batter surpassed the previous record held by West Indies’ Chris Gayle (285 innings). Virat Kohli claims the third spot on this elite list of batters having breached the 10,000 run-mark in 299 T20 innings. Despite Babar’s brilliance with the bat, Peshawar conceded a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Karachi.

“I’m happy with my personal form though, happy to have got past 10,000 career runs,” Babar Azam said after the match.

Former Pakistan skipper and Karachi all-rounder Shoaib Malik also lavished immense praise on Babar for setting the new record. “Big congrats to him, we all know that he is very consistent and I wish him all the luck. Keep playing like this and win games for Pakistan, that’s all I can say,” Shoaib said..

Source : First Post

Correct Answer :   6.5%

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Morgan Stanley Research said on Wednesday (21st Feb 2024) that it expects India’s GDP growth for FY25 to moderate to 6.5 per cent from 6.9 per cent projected for FY24.

ICRA, meanwhile, has projected the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) GDP growth to moderate sequentially to 6 per cent in Q3 FY24 from 7.6 per cent, led by agriculture and industry sectors.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist, head-research & outreach, ICRA Ltd, said, “Lower volume growth for the industrial sector, flagging momentum in certain indicators of investment activity, a slowdown in government expenditure and an uneven monsoon are expected to dampen the GDP growth to 6 per cent in Q3 FY24 from 7.6 per cent in Q2 FY24.”

MS Research’s report said it maintained a constructive outlook on the Indian economy, while highlighting that risks emanate from global factors and elections in May 2024.

“Domestic demand improved in January, while macro stability remains comfortable, reflecting strength in the fundamentals. We maintain our constructive outlook on the economy,” Morgan Stanley Research said in its report titled India Economics – Macro Indicators Chartbook: Strength in Growth, Stability in Macro-Fundamentals.

Expecting the GDP growth to remain healthy, Morgan Stanley Research has projected growth for the third quarter of FY24 ending December 2023 at 6.5 per cent, even as it slows from 7.7 per cent in the first half of the current financial year.

The research arm of the investment bank also said that, supported by strength in services exports and softening global commodity prices, especially oil, the current account deficit is likely to remain benign.

The ICRA report noted a slowing down of investment activity in the third quarter of the current financial year. It said that the government’s gross capital expenditure dipped slightly in October-December 2023 to 24.4 per cent from 26.4 per cent in the previous quarter.

The capital outlay and net lending of 25 state governments shrank by 3.9 per cent Y-o-Y, after having surged by 42.4 per cent in Q2 FY24..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Ashwin Prabhu

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A new book titled "Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram" has emerged as a beacon guiding readers through the rich tapestry of history and artistry that defines the ancient town of Mamallapuram. Authored by Ashwin Prabhu and published by Tulika Books, this captivating exploration invites readers to delve into the enigmatic world of ancient sculptural art.

Essence of the Book :

“Sculpted Stones” serves as a portal to Mamallapuram’s illustrious past, offering readers a window into the architectural marvels and cultural heritage that have stood the test of time. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, the book unfolds the stories behind the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape of this historic town.

Journey Through Ancient Art :

As readers embark on this journey, they are transported to a bygone era where waves crash against the crescent-shaped beach, and the Shore Temple stands as a silent sentinel, bearing witness to centuries of history. The book breathes life into the ancient temples, rock caves, and relief sculptures, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries that lie within their intricate carvings and sacred spaces.

Interactive Engagement :

What sets “Sculpted Stones” apart is its interactive approach to storytelling. Through thought-provoking questions and immersive descriptions, the book encourages readers to imagine life in Mamallapuram’s heyday and contemplate the motivations behind the creation of its architectural wonders. From the purpose of the great halls to the tales of gifted sculptors like Mandhatar, each page invites readers to explore, question, and discover.

Uncovering Hidden Gems :

In addition to unraveling well-known landmarks, “Sculpted Stones” uncovers lesser-known facts and anecdotes that add depth to Mamallapuram’s narrative. From the symbolism of a deer featured on an old currency note to the earliest visual representations of the town captured by English painter Thomas Daniell, the book unveils a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

An Invitation to Explore :

With its vivid imagery, compelling storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail, “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” beckons readers on an unforgettable journey through time and art. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the wonders of the ancient world, this book promises to ignite your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the cultural heritage of Mamallapuram.

Correct Answer :   Turkey

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Turkey celebrates a milestone achievement as its first fifth-generation aircraft, KAAN, successfully completes its inaugural flight, marking a significant advancement in the country’s military capabilities.

Key Highlights :

* Successful Maiden Flight : On February 21, KAAN embarked on its first flight, soaring through the skies for 13 minutes and reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet, highlighting Turkish engineering and aviation expertise.

* Strategic Significance : Turkish Aerospace Industries CEO Temel Kotil emphasizes the strategic importance of KAAN, noting its role in upgrading the country’s air force and enhancing national defense capabilities.

* Collaborative Effort : Produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries with collaboration from BAE Systems, KAAN embodies synergy between Turkish and international defense industries, leveraging technologies to deliver an air superiority fighter.

* Powerplant and Performance : Initially powered by General Electric F-110 engines, KAAN boasts stealth capabilities, twin-engine propulsion, and all-weather operational capability, positioning it as an asset for the Turkish Air Force.

* Strategic Imperatives : Turkey’s TF-X project, initiated in 2016, underscores the nation’s commitment to developing indigenous combat aircraft, reducing reliance on foreign acquisitions, and bolstering its defense industrial base.

* Filling the Void : With its expulsion from the F-35 program, Turkey seeks to fill the capability gap with KAAN, signaling a shift towards domestically-produced alternatives amid geopolitical tensions and strategic realignments.

* Path to Operationalization : While KAAN marks a significant milestone, experts anticipate a decade-long journey before it assumes active service, prompting Turkey to explore interim options including Eurofighter Typhoons and newly unfrozen F-16 fighters.

A Symbol of Technological Advancement and Strategic Victory for Turkey :

* Turkey’s successful maiden flight of KAAN symbolizes not only a technological feat but also a strategic triumph, underscoring the nation’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and strengthen its defense capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

* As Turkey navigates its path towards military modernization, KAAN stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight in securing the nation’s future.

Correct Answer :   DRDO

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Imagine a weapon that can neutralize drone attacks, deflect ballistic missiles, and even destroy fighter jets at the speed of light. This is the promise of India’s ambitious “DURGA-2” project, a directed-energy weapon (DEW) being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Current anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems have limitations. “DURGA-2” aims to overcome these limitations by offering a 100% kill probability, potentially revolutionizing the military landscape. This has sparked excitement in Indian strategic circles, envisioning the system effectively countering threats from China and Pakistan.

The project holds immense significance considering the vulnerability of Indian cities to ballistic missile attacks. While the S-400 system offers some protection, it doesn’t guarantee complete defense. “DURGA-2” aspires to fill this gap by destroying missiles and even crippling enemy radar and electronic warfare systems, rendering their missile infrastructure ineffective.

The Laser Science and Technology Centre (LSTC) in New Delhi is spearheading the project, developing various laser generation techniques for both defensive and offensive purposes. The project, funded with $100 million, aims to integrate the laser system with land, sea, and air platforms.

Initial successes include a 25KW laser capable of targeting missiles at a distance of 5 km, with efforts underway to extend this range significantly. However, providing adequate power for high-power lasers remains a significant challenge.

While “DURGA-2” holds immense potential, its development requires overcoming technical hurdles and navigating international regulations surrounding DEWs. Nevertheless, the project represents a significant step forward in India’s defense capabilities, potentially ushering in a new era of laser-based warfare..

Source : Defence

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the international community to collectively aspire for peace in this age of democratic and rules-based world order, where individual countries proactively collaborate for shared peace & prosperity. He was addressing the formal opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the multi-nation Exercise MILAN in Visakhapatnam on February 21, 2024. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and a distinguished gathering of Ministers, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Navies and representatives of Maritime Forces from over 50 friendly countries were present on the occasion.

Sharing his insights on the concept of ‘peace’, the Raksha Mantri asserted that the absence of wars and conflicts is the most irreducible minimum element of peace. He spoke of “negative peace” which, he said, often stems from dominance or hegemony, where one power imposes its will upon others. He said such peace, not backed by fairness and justice, is what physicists and economists call “unstable equilibrium”.

Shri Rajnath Singh elaborated on what he called “cold peace” where parties do not kill each other in the open, but do their best to undermine one another. He described cold peace as merely an interval between direct conflicts.

The Raksha Mantri was of the view that the concept of positive peace goes beyond the mere absence of direct military conflict and encompasses broader notions of security, justice, and cooperation. “The positive peace is the shared peace of one and all, with the cooperation of one and all. There is no Indian peace or Australian peace or Japanese peace, rather it is the shared global peace. This sentiment was also eloquently set forth by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when he said ‘This is not an era of war. But it is one of dialogue and diplomacy’,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Armed Forces play a dual role - conduct wars as well as maintain peace and good order. “Historically, Navies and Armies were established and maintained with the primary objective of extending political power through military conquests. Our historical experience informs us that the Armed Forces also play a significant role in preserving peace. It is seen in concepts and practices such as deterrence, conflict prevention, peace-keeping, and also in various humanitarian assistance efforts especially during disasters,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri stressed that in this evolution of the nature of the Armed Forces, international military exercises have emerged as crucial mechanisms for fostering friendship, understanding, cooperation, and military interoperability among friendly nations within the framework of a democratic world order. He termed MILAN 2024 as one such attempt to build the much-needed fraternal bonds across the oceans and mountains.

While Shri Rajnath Singh batted for peace and shared goodness, he assured that “we will not shrink from countering any threat that undermines our collective well-being, piracy and trafficking included”. He referred to the recent events in the Western Indian Ocean which have brought to the fore some pressing challenges in the maritime domain, ranging from attacks on the merchant shipping to piracy and hijacking attempts..

Source : PIB