General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Mohammed Shami

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One of India's ODI World Cup heroes, pacer Mohammed Shami has been recommended for this year's Arjuna Award by the country's cricket board (BCCI), sources said on Wednesday(13th Dec 2023).

The 33-year-old had a spectacular run in the ODI World Cup, where India finished second best losing to Australia in the final. As per ministry sources, a special request was made by the BCCI to the Sports Ministry to include Shami's name as originally he didn't feature in the list of the country's second-highest sporting honour.

Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup, with 24 wickets to his name from merely seven outings.

After sitting out of the first four games, Shami shone bright when given the opportunity, claiming 24 wickets at an average of just 5.26.

Shami is likely to feature in India's upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

The first Test will be a boxing day match starting December 26 in Centurion, followed by the second game in Cape Town beginning January 3.

The ministry has constituted a 12-member committee to decide for this year's sports awards including Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna award among others.

Retired Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar will head the committee. Apart from him, there are six former international athletes in this committee. Hockey player Dhanraj Pillay, former paddler Kamlesh Mehta, ex-boxer Akhil Kumar, women shooter and current national coach Shuma Shirur, former cricketer Anjum Chopra, badminton player Tripti Murgunde and powerlifter Farman Pasha are also part of the panel..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto

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India’s Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto won the women’s doubles title at the Guwahati Masters 2023 badminton tournament 10th Dec 2023.

* Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto, the second seeds at the BWF Super 100 tournament, beat the Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui 21-13, 21-19 to win what was their second title as a pair.

* Results at the Guwahati Masters 2023 badminton tournament will count towards players’ qualifying rankings for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

* The Indian badminton duo won the Abu Dhabi Masters Super 100 tourney earlier this year. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto also made the final of the Syed Modi International Super 300 tournament last week in Lucknow but lost the title decider to Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi...


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Afghanistan

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Finland, on Monday (11th Dec 2023), awarded the International Gender Equality Prize for 2023 to an NGO in Afghanistan that works to promote and protect the rights of women in Afghanistan. The organisation Afghan Women Skills Development Center does important humanitarian work to promote the safety of Afghan women.

* Ever since the Taliban came into power, Afghanistan is an example of a country where women’s human rights are systematically suppressed and girls have been denied access to secondary education and women to higher education.

* Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attended the ceremony and presented the EUR 300,000 Prize to the organisation’s representative, Mahbouba Seraj, in Tampere.

* In 2021, the Prize was awarded to the We Will Stop Femicide Platform, an organisation that does groundbreaking work combating violence against women in Turkey and whose work has global relevance.

* In 2019, the Prize went to Equality Now, a global non-profit organisation, which defends the rights of women and has succeeded in changing discriminatory laws and ossified practices in different countries.

* While In 2017, the Prize was awarded to then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She directed the prize money to a Nigerien organisation that works to stop domestic violence. The organisation decided to use the funds to build a residential shelter for women.

* Speaking during the ceremony, the Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reiterated his support for Afghan women.

* “Finland has strongly supported gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan for 20 years. Even today, we continue to provide this important support as widely as possible in the current situation. Finland will not forget Afghan women,” said Orpo during his speech.

* The task of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center is to provide Afghan women with training and to support their skills development and economic empowerment. The organisation operates in eight provinces around the country.

* It cooperates with the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, and the purpose of this cooperation is, first and foremost, to provide protection to women and families who are in danger. Women can, for example, bring their children to have a medical examination or spend time with them at small family centres. At these centres, the organisation also provides women with humanitarian assistance, such as food, hygiene products and money.

* “With the money made possible by this, I am going to go back home and I am going to spend it on a project that is going to take all of those women involved and I am going to make sure that they all know this award was given to me by one of the most amazing countries in the world that has gender equality as the first order of its government,” Seraj said after accepting the award.

* Finland was one of the first countries in the world to extend the right to vote and stand for elections to all women and men in 1906. Finland was also the first country to elect women to Parliament; 19 women were elected to the 200-seat Parliament in 1907. The success of Finland as a country is to a great extent linked with improvements in the status of women and gender equality..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Nahida Akter

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Bangladesh’s slow left-arm spinner Nahida Akter has been announced as the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November. She became the first-ever Bangladesh women’s player to win the award.


SA v BAN: Nahida Akter dismisses Dane van Niekerk on her second delivery

* Akter beat compatriot Fargana Hoque and Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal to win the award and was thrilled to accept the monthly honour.

* “This is a moment to cherish," Akter said.

* "To be recognised by such a distinguished panel of cricket experts mean a lot and winning the ICC Women Player of the Month award will be a massive source of inspiration and motivation for me.
 
* “We have played some amazing cricket in recent months and I am so happy to have contributed to the successes we have tasted as a team. I must thank my captain, coaches and teammates for always believing in me and that has allowed me to play my natural game against quality opponents and perform under pressure.”

* Akter’s seven ODI wickets at an average of 14.14 were instrumental in setting up an important series win for Bangladesh during November, with her haul earning the Player of the Series award.

WICKET: Matthews falls to Nahida Akter's first ball

* In the first game, Bangladesh were dismissed for merely 81, but the slow left-arm spinner didn’t give up. She struck thrice before Pakistan eventually managed to overhaul the modest total.

* In the second ODI, she finished with 1/43 and broke a pivotal stand between Diana Baig and Najiha Alvi. Bangladesh eventually tied the game, and Nahida was given the responsibility of bowling the Super Over. The 23-year-old gave away just seven runs and scalped two wickets. The batters then finished the job by chasing down the score and levelling the series.


ICC T20WC Qualifier: USA v BAN - Nahida Akter's message to the fans

* The final game saw her pick up 3/26 and help restrict Pakistan to 166/9. This total was eventually hauled in by the Bangladesh batters in the 47th over.

* The sensational youngster is already the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in T20Is and the third-highest for them in ODIs..


Source : icc-cricket

Correct Answer :   China and Egypt

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China, jointly with Egypt, launched a new MisrSat-2 satellite into space on Monday (4th Dec 2023) hitting a milestone in its space cooperation program with the African country.

* The MisrSat-2 satellite was launched on the Long March-2C carrier rocket around 12:10 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in China's Gobi Desert, according to the Chinese state media. The optical remote sensing satellite has successfully entered the orbit. China also helped Egypt build the satellite assembly integration testing center.

"The MISRSAT-2 is a landmark project of deep cooperation between China and Egypt in the field of high-tech aerospace and is of milestone significance in aerospace cooperation between the two countries,” the CNSA said.

* The satellite, which boasts its role in crucial functions such as farming, national resources, urban planning, and coastal change monitoring in space, was tested and developed jointly at the China-funded Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (AITC) in Cairo. It underwent the three month orbital testing phase before it was handed over to the Egyptian Space Agency. The Egyptian staff received the training programs from China that included the entire satellite design, assembly and testing.

China launches two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B

* The launch with China has enhanced Egypt's capabilities in satellite research, development, measurement, and control, positioning, improving Africa’s space capabilities. Along with MisrSat-2, China also launched two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B— which were designed and developed by Chinese startup EllipSpace into the predetermined orbits. These satellites will perform functions such as the wide-area comprehensive perception services, laying a solid foundation for the construction of the "StarPool Plan" integrated communication, navigation and remote sensing system, according to Xinhua.

* The space program manager from the Egyptian Space Agency, Haitham Medhat Akah, told Xinhua that the MISRSAT-2 project has cemented the “solid foundation for the development of Egypt's space industry, promoted the training of Egyptian space professionals, and helped Egypt become a leader in the field of space satellites in Africa and the Middle East.” It not only marks a milestone in the field of Chinese-Egyptian space cooperation but also accomplished Egypt Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy in key areas like the agriculture, mineral exploration, urban planning, and monitoring of coastline changes.

* The MISRSAT-2 project made Egypt the first country in Africa to achieve the satellite development and launch, Gao Lyuhua, deputy director of the Earth Observation System and Data Center of the CNSA told Xinhua..

Source : Republic World

Correct Answer :   5.55%

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India witnessed contrasting trends in its economic indicators in October and November, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) surging to a 16-month high while retail inflation experienced an uptick, reaching a three-month high. These developments have significant implications for GDP projections and monetary policy.

1. IIP Hits 16-Month High in October
* The IIP recorded an impressive 11.7% year-on-year growth in October, marking a substantial increase from the 6.8% reported in September.
* Key contributors to this growth were the electricity (20.4%), mining (13.1%), and manufacturing (10.4%) sectors, surpassing Bloomberg’s forecast of 10.5%.


2. Impact on GDP Estimates
* The robust performance of the IIP is expected to influence the first advance estimates of the gross domestic product (GDP) data for 2023-24, scheduled for release on January 5. This data will precede the Interim * Budget for FY25, set to be presented on February 1.


3. Retail Inflation Rises in November
* Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 5.55% year-on-year in November, up from 4.87% in October.
* The upward trajectory was attributed partly to a seasonal spike in vegetable prices, contributing to a three-month high in overall inflation.

4. Inflation Drivers
* Food inflation saw a notable rise, reaching 8.7% in November, with vegetable prices accelerating sharply by 17.7%.
* Other contributors to increased inflation included fruits (10.95%), pulses (20.23%), and sugar (6.55%).


5. Sector-wise Performance in IIP
* Among the 23 manufacturing industries, only four, including apparel, wood, computers, and furniture, witnessed contraction in October.
* Strong double-digit growth was observed in primary goods (11.4%), capital goods (22.6%), infrastructure goods (11.3%), and consumer durables (15.9%), indicating a revival in both urban and rural demand.


6. Core Inflation and Monetary Policy
* Core inflation, excluding volatile food and fuel components, stood close to 4% in November.
* The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the fifth consecutive policy review, with the central bank retaining its forecast for retail inflation at 5.4% for FY24.

Correct Answer :   Javed Akhtar

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* Veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar will be felicitated with the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival.

* Akhtar, the co-writer of Hindi cinema classics such as "Zanjeer", "Deewaar", "Sholay", "Don", "Kaala Patthar" and "Mr India", will be honoured for his contribution to the Indian film industry on the opening day of the festival's ninth edition, a press release said.

* The award ceremony will take place at Rukmini Auditorium in MGM University campus of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on January 3, 2024 The announcement was made by Nandkishor Kagliwal, chairman of the Ajanta-Ellora film festival organising committee, and chief mentor Ankushrao Kadam.

* The Padmapani Award selection committee included renowned film director Girish Kasarvalli, Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi, film critic Latika Padgaonkar, filmmakers Ashok Rane and Chandrakant Kulkarni.

* The honour comprises Padmapani memento, citation and monetary award of Rs 2 lakhs.

* The Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival, which was earlier called Aurangabad International Film Festival (AIFF), is organised annually by Nath Group, Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai, with the support of the governments of Maharashtra and India..

Source : Tele Graph India

Correct Answer :   Vietnam

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The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel reached Hanoi, Vietnam to take part in the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.

The exercise will be conducted at Hanoi, Vietnam from 11th to 21st December 2023. The Indian contingent comprises 39 personnel from an Engineer Regiment of Bengal Engineer Group and six personnel of Army Medical Corps. The Vietnam People’s Army contingent will also be represented by 45 personnel.

Exercise VINBAX was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam. Last edition was conducted at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.

Aim of the exercise : Is to foster collaborative partnership, promote inter- operability and share best practices between the two sides under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations. The exercise will be conducted as a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise with focus on deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team.

The joint exercise will encourage exchange of ideas and both contingents will jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures. Ideas will be exchanged on modern methods to construct roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelter and observation posts in operational areas. In addition, rehearsals will be carried out for drills related to combat engineering and combat medical tasks.

The Exercise will culminate with a Validation Exercise, wherein standards attained by both contingents will be showcased. Both sides will conduct technical military operations in accordance with scenarios akin to worldwide deployment of United Nations’ contingents.

The joint exercise will help in promoting understanding and interoperability between the two contingents and further strengthen the defence cooperation between the friendly armies..

Source : The Statesman

Correct Answer :   Ban Ki-Moon

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In the United States, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at The Power of One Award 2023 ceremony, organised by the Diwali Foundation USA.

The awards are granted to selfless individuals for their help to form a peaceful and secure world for all. They are hailed as the 'Oscars of diplomacy'.

Other awardees include former permanent representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, Ambassador Mirsada Colakovic; former permanent representative of South Korea to the UN Ambassador, Kim Sook; and 72nd UN General Assembly president and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Aditya Birla Health Insurance

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Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance division of Aditya Birla Capital, a prominent and diversified financial services provider in India, has introduced ‘Activ One.’

This streamlined and all-encompassing health insurance plan is designed to offer policyholders personalized solutions, addressing not only their health insurance requirements but also fostering their journey towards optimal well-being.

Packed with cutting-edge features like complete health returns, claim protection, no sub-limits, super reload, and super credit, Activ One stands as ABHICL’s most extensive offering to date. This all-inclusive product provides customers with a singular solution for both their health assurance and health insurance requirements.

Commenting on the launch, Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said, “Activ One is a result of us being good at listening to our stakeholders - our customers, advisors, distributors, and partners. Based on their inputs and insights, we developed Activ One, which addresses the needs of every consumer - across their different health or life stages, and at stages of battling chronic ailments. With seven variants built into one product, we are offering the Power of One, to all. At ABHI, our vision has always been to incentivize wellness, encouraging policyholders to embrace a healthier lifestyle and holistic well-being. Through Activ One, we want to ensure that our policyholders experience a simplified and comprehensive healthcare solution that is personalized, rewarding, and worry-free."

The key features of the policy include :

100% health returns : Empowers policyholders to reclaim their entire premium by adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Claim protection : This feature ensures that policyholders receive coverage for all specified non-medical expenses associated with hospitalization. This encompasses costs for items such as face masks, cotton, gloves, oxygen cylinders, and more.

No sub-limits : There are no restrictions on room rent, ICU charges, specified modern treatments such as robotic surgeries, oral chemotherapy, etc., and more, up to the Sum Insured. This empowers our policyholders to make healthcare decisions based on their needs rather than being constrained by arbitrary limitations.

Super reload : This functionality provides an unlimited refill up to the base sum insured within a policy year, ensuring that policyholders do not exhaust their health insurance coverage.

Super credit : Policyholders can counteract medical inflation as their Sum Insured grows by up to six times by the sixth year of their policy, regardless of claims, without any additional premium payments.

Activ One distinguishes itself through its extensive array of built-in features, encompassing coverage for in-patient hospitalization and pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, extending up to 90 and 180 days, respectively. In a groundbreaking move, the health insurance company now includes coverage for live-in partners (same or opposite sex) under the policy.

Additionally, the policy incorporates chronic care coverage, ensuring Day 1 coverage (zero waiting period) for individuals with seven chronic conditions, including asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and coronary artery disease (PTCA done a year before).

The “HealthReturns" feature empowers policyholders to recover their entire premium, with the potential to earn up to 100 per cent health returns. This accumulation is based on factors such as the Healthy Heart Score, fitness assessment results, and the number of recorded Active Dayz each month. Active Dayz can be earned by engaging in prescribed fitness activities such as walking 10,000 steps or participating in regular exercise and yoga sessions. The funds accrued as HealthReturns can be utilized for renewing premiums, covering non-medical expenses, and managing outpatient costs.

Activ One offers flexibility with no maximum age of entry, and it provides optional coverage for durable equipment, second medical opinions, personal accidents, critical illnesses, and a cancer booster..

Source : Mint