General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   $14 Billion

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India has taken a significant step towards the economic development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by announcing an interim Budget of $14 billion for fiscal year 2024-25. This financial commitment is noteworthy, as it is approximately 4.5 times greater than the total amount Pakistan is seeking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its ongoing economic challenges. The allocation of such a substantial sum underscores India’s dedication to fostering growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan’s IMF Bailout :

Meanwhile, Pakistan is navigating through its economic difficulties with the help of the IMF. In January, the Washington-based financial body approved a $3 billion bailout package for Pakistan, struggling with financial constraints. A recent tranche of $700 million was released under this bailout package after the IMF completed its first review of Pakistan’s economic reforms. This review focused on the country’s performance during the initial three months of the fiscal year, from July to September 2023, allowing for continued support from the IMF.

Comparison of Economic Commitments :

The disparity in financial commitments between India’s budget for Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s IMF bailout highlights the contrasting approaches to economic development and support. India’s investment in Jammu and Kashmir is part of a broader strategy to promote decentralized governance, inclusive development, enhanced revenue generation, and infrastructure development within the Union Territory. These efforts have been made possible due to the path-breaking reforms undertaken since 2019.

Significance of the Budget Announcement :

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the interim budget on a symbolic day, as Pakistan observed “Kashmir Solidarity Day.” The timing of the announcement not only reflects India’s resolve to prioritize the economic upliftment of Jammu and Kashmir but also serves as a message of commitment to its integral territories.

Correct Answer :   PT Usha

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Legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) was conferred with the 'Lifetime Achievement' award by Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) and Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA) at the National Sports Club of India in New Delhi.

To honour her stellar sporting career, Usha was presented with a medallion, a citation and a memento on the occasion. The ceremony was graced by Guest of Honours Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha and Vice President, BCCI and former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana.

PT Usha is the fifth recipient of the SJFI and DSJA 'Lifetime Achievement' award after tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, former badminton icon Prakash Padukone, India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and former sprinter Milkha Singh. Usha, throughout her memorable career between 1977 and 2000, won 103 international medals for India. She also claimed four Gold Medals and seven Silver medals in Asian Games, and competed across three editions of the Olympics.

Speaking at the event, Usha said, "I am grateful that my career achievements are being remembered till today. During my time, we did not have all the facilities that are available with athletes in today's age - overseas training, nutrition, sports psychologist, and sports science among others. Now that I am working at IOA, our effort is to focus on the Paris Olympics. After that we will shift our attention to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make India a sporting power by 2036."

Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha said, "PT Usha deserves the honour presented to her. She is an icon and a guiding spirit for the sportspersons in the country. Now she has been given a difficult task of administering the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and we are confident she will be able to navigate through these waters effectively."

Former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana added: "Sportsperson(s) feel happy when they are awarded. But to present an award of this stature to an athlete you have always looked up to, is a different honour. I am grateful to be given this opportunity today. PT Usha has been an idol to many sportsperson(s) across the world. I am proud that someone as strong as her will now be the head of IOA and with her guidance and support, we will crack many battles."

After the award ceremony, Abhishek Tripathi, President, Executive Committee DSJA, expressed his vote of thanks to PT Usha and the Guest of Honours..

Source : MSN

Correct Answer :   This Moment

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India showcased its musical mastery at the Grammys as five accomplished Indian musicians, including tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, clinched prestigious awards during the glamorous ceremony in Los Angeles.

Zakir Hussain emerged as India's top achiever, securing three Grammys, while Rakesh Chaurasia garnered two accolades. The fusion group Shakti, consisting of singer Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, collaborators with Hussain, collectively earned one Grammy each at the star-studded event held at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.

Shakti won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for "This Moment". The album features the four Indians as well as its founding member, the legendary British guitarist John McLaughlin.

"This Moment", which released to critical acclaim in June 2023, is the group's first studio album in more than 45 years.

Besides his award for Shakti, Hussain won two other awards -- the best global music performance for "Pashto" and best contemporary instrumental album for "As We Speak".

The best global music performance category had eight nominees, including "Abundance In Millets", a song by Falu and featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "Shadow Forces" by Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily, and "Alone" by Burna Boy.

Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of legendary flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, won two Grammys as part of the ensemble of American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer for "Pashto" and "As We Speak"...

Source : Onmanorama

Correct Answer :   REC Limited

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Gurugram, 5th February, 2024 :  REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been bestowed with the prestigious Best Green Bond – Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024. This recognition underscores REC Limited’s unwavering commitment to sophisticated capital market instruments and customized financing solutions in advancing sustainable finance and fostering environmental stewardship.

REC has received the award for issuance of $750 million USD Green Bonds issued in April 2023 which was also the first USD Green Bond issuance from India post India’s G20 Presidency and  the largest ever Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South & South-East Asian issuer. The bond issue was priced at a minimum new issue premium of 7.5 bps, which was tighter than the most recent high-rated issuances from the region.

The issue was well received by the investors for REC’s significant contribution to financing projects aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. This recognition represents a milestone in REC Limited’s dedication to support initiatives that drive positive environmental impact and foster sustainable development.

Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chairman & Managing Director, REC Limited, said, “We are delighted to receive this award, which reaffirms our commitment to sustainable finance and underscores our efforts to accelerate the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future at competitive costs.

In addition to the USD Green Bonds of USD 750 Million issued in April 2023, REC also priced its inaugural Euro-Yen Green bonds of JPY 61.1 Billion in January 2024, which was the largest Yen Bond issuance by an Indian corporate. As such, REC stands resolute in its pledge to promote green and clean energy through these Green issuances.“

The Asset Triple A Awards are pre-eminent recognition for those organizations that have excelled in their respective industry. With over two decades of experience conducting awards programmes, The Asset Triple A Awards reflect unparalleled industry understanding to be able to distinguish best-in-class organizations.

The Asset Triple A Awards programmes are built upon a stringent methodology that is combined with a rigorous approach in selecting the best institutions and deals. The awards are adjudicated by The Asset’s board of editors who are regarded as the most experienced and collectively have several decades’ worth of evaluating industry awards..

Source : News Mantra

Correct Answer :   China

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Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group, opens new tab said on Saturday (3rd Feb 2024) it has launched 11 low-earth orbit satellites, its second dispatch, as it expands its capacity to provide more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles.

The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Geely said in a statement sent to Reuters.

Geely said it expects 72 to be in orbit by 2025 and eventually plans to have a constellation of 240.

The first launch was conducted in June 2022.

In addition to providing high-precision positioning support to self-driving cars, Geely said its network will also serve other commercial functions such as connectivity to the consumer electronics sector.

The satellites have AI remote sensing functions, providing 1-5 meter (3.2-16.4 ft) clear high-resolution remote sensing imaging, the company said.

China's satellite networks are dominated by its military but the government began to allow private investment in the country's space industry in 2014. Since then, commercial companies, some backed by local governments, have rushed into the sector, with the majority focusing on making satellites and the rest attempting to build small launch vehicles including reusable rockets.

In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, Beijing has called for an integrated network of satellites for communications, remote sensing and navigation. China has more than 400 satellites deployed in space, including commercially owned satellites, according to state media..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Jaisalmer

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti-24, where it will demonstrate its offensive and defensive capabilities spanning across day and night.

The exercise will take place on 17 February 2024 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer, an official statement said here on Friday (2nd Feb 2024).

This year, 121 aircrafts, including the indigenous Tejas, Prachand and Dhruv will participate in the exercise. Moreover, Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17 will also be part of the exercise.

Indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar will demonstrate their capability to track and shoot down an intruding aircraft.

Exercise Vayu Shakti will be a demonstration of the IAF's capability to deliver weapons with long range, precision capability as well as conventional weapon accurately, on time and with devastating effect, while operating from multiple air bases.

Special operations by the IAF transport and helicopter fleets, involving the Gaurds and Indian Army elements will also be on display.

The last edition of exercise Vayu Shakti was held on 16 February 2019.

The exercise will also showcase joint operations with the Indian Army, the statement added..

Source : UNI India

Correct Answer :   England

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Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his first international test century in the second test match being played against England.

The second match of the five-match Test series between India and England is being played in Visakhapatnam. With victory in the first Test match, England is ahead 1-0 in the series.   

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his purple patch in Test cricket with a sublime century against England at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Jaiswal brought his maiden Test century in India with a six off Tom Hartley’s delivery.

The southpaw missed out on a well-deserved ton in the first innings of the Hyderabad Test but he showed great discipline in Vizag to register a triple-digit score.

Jaiswal held his ground strong in the first session and showed respect to the good deliveries but completed his half-century at the brink of lunch break.

He shared a 40-run stand with skipper Rohit Sharma who once again failed to put up a big score and was dismissed on 14.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal didn’t take any risks in the first session. He lost another batting partner before the Lunch break as Shubman Gill’s rough patch in red-ball cricket continued.

Jaiswal joined fellow Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer and stitched a 90-run stand for the third wicket to rebuild the Indian innings.

The southpaw played with an aggressive approach after crossing the 80-run mark and starting dealing in boundaries as he smashed his century with a magnificent six over long-on.

He scored 11 fours and three sixes en route to his second Test hundred.

The 22-year-old also registered his name in an elusive list comprised of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri

Indian players scoring Test 100s both home & away before turning 23 :

* Ravi Shastri

* Sachin Tendulkar

* Vinod Kambli

* Yashasvi Jaiswal

India expectedly decided to bat first on a flat surface and made three changes to their playing eleven, bringing in debutant Rajat Patidar, Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar for K L Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj respectively..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   ?1,72,129

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In a commendable financial feat, the Centre reported a 10.4% surge in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for January, reaching an impressive ?1,72,129 crore. This milestone represents the second-highest GST collection ever recorded, with the ?1.7 lakh crore benchmark surpassed for the third time in the fiscal year 2023-24.

The Ministry of Finance disclosed that the robust growth is indicative of a significant year-on-year increase, showcasing a notable rise from the ?1,55,922 crore collected in January 2023.

GST Collection Surges: January 2024 Records Second-Highest Ever at ?1.72 Lakh Crore :

Correct Answer :   Preeti Rajak

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Havildar Preeti Rajak, a distinguished trap shooter in the Indian Army, has reached a historic milestone by being promoted to the esteemed rank of Subedar. Her promotion marks a groundbreaking achievement, as she becomes the first woman in the Indian Army to hold this prestigious rank, signifying not only her personal accomplishment but also a significant advancement for women in the armed forces.

A Testament to Nari Shakti :

The Indian Army, in a statement lauded Rajak’s promotion as an extraordinary display of Nari Shakti, recognizing her exceptional talent, dedication, and contribution to the field of sports and military service. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring female athletes and soldiers across the nation, showcasing the immense potential and capabilities of women in traditionally male-dominated domains.

A Remarkable Journey Begins :

Rajak embarked on her journey with the Corps of Military Police in December 2022, earning her place through her outstanding performance in trap shooting. She made history as the first meritorious sportswoman in the shooting discipline to be enrolled in the army as a havildar, laying the foundation for her trailblazing career.

Triumph on the International Stage :

Rajak’s prowess as a trap shooter shone brightly on the international stage at the 19th Asian Games 2022 held in Hangzhou, China, where she clinched the silver medal in the trap women team event. Her stellar performance not only brought glory to the nation but also earned her recognition as a formidable athlete on the global platform.

Recognition and Reward :

In recognition of her extraordinary achievements, Rajak was awarded the first out-of-turn promotion to the rank of Subedar. The pipping ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi, commandant of the Infantry School, served as a momentous occasion to celebrate Rajak’s exemplary performance and dedication to her craft.

Aiming for Excellence :

Currently ranked 6th in India in the trap women event, Rajak continues to hone her skills and sharpen her aim at the elite Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow. With her sights set on the Paris Olympics, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her country and her sport.

Correct Answer :   Divyansh Singh Panwar

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Divyansh Singh Panwar shot a world record 253.7 in the final to clinch the air rifle gold in the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday (8th Jan 2024).

* It was the fourth World Cup gold for the 21-year-old Divyansh following the ones he had won in Munich, Beijing and Delhi since 2019.

* The former world no. 1, Olympian Divyansh qualified in style by topping the field with 632.4. He beat Danilo Sollazzo of Italy by 1.9 points for the gold. The earlier world record of 253.3 for the men’s final was achieved by Sheng LIhao of China in the Asian Games last year in Hangzhou. Sheng’s qualification world record stays at 637.9.

* Interestingly, the women’s world record for air rifle is better at 254.0 in the name of another Chinese, Han Jiayu, recorded during the World Cup in Baku last year.

* Arjun Babuta also made the final but finished sixth.

* India was on top of the medals table with two gold and two silver medals. Spain was second with one gold and one silver, ahead of Kazakhstan, Britain, Greece and Korea.

The results :

10m air rifle: Men: 1. Divyansh Singh Panwar 253.7 (WR) 632.4; 2. Danilo Dennis Sollazzo (Ita) 251.8 (631.3); 3. Lazar Kovacevic (Srb) 230.6 (630.7); 6. Arjun Babuta 166.1 (630.7); 11. Rudrankksh Patil 629.3. RPO: Sandeep Singh 630.4; Kiran Jadhav 628.8..

Source : The Hindu