General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Vaibhav Suryavanshi

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy, made history by becoming the youngest player to be signed in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He was signed by Rajasthan Royals for ?1.10 crore in the 2025 auction.

Vaibhav has already shown his impressive skills, scoring a 58-ball century in a Youth Test against Australia U-19 and debuting in Ranji for Bihar at just 12 years old.

Correct Answer :   Venus

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ISRO's Shukrayaan mission, set for launch in 2028, will focus on Venus, aiming to explore the planet's atmosphere and surface.

This mission is part of India's expanding space exploration efforts, which also include lunar and Mars missions.

Shukrayaan will significantly contribute to our understanding of Venus, marking a key milestone in India's interplanetary research initiatives.

The mission highlights ISRO's ambition to explore planets beyond Earth, with the approval from the Indian government further underlining its importance in India's space strategy.

Correct Answer :   TM2Space

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TM2Space, a Hyderabad-based space technology company, is set to launch MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator), India’s first AI laboratory in space, aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket in December 2024.

This initiative enables real-time in-orbit data processing, significantly reducing data transmission costs and latency.

TM2Space, recognized for its advancements in nano-satellites, is collaborating with IN-SPACe Technical Centre to facilitate development and testing, marking a milestone in India’s growing leadership in space innovation.

Correct Answer :   Kochi

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* The Indian Coast Guard is conducting SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024.

* This event aims to enhance maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities through regional cooperation and advanced technology, including drones and satellite distress beacons.

* It features workshops, a Table Top session, and a Sea exercise to address large-scale contingencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime safety.

Correct Answer :   Canara HSBC Life

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Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced OmniGen AI, a generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize underwriting processes.

This advanced system, hosted on AWS, enhances risk evaluation, accelerates decision-making, and minimizes manual errors.

The launch underscores Canara HSBC Life's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for operational efficiency, scalability, and improved customer experience in the insurance sector.

Correct Answer :   ESA

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* The Proba-3 mission, set to launch on December 4, 2024, aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, is led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with ISRO.

* This mission involves two precisely aligned small satellites to create an artificial eclipse, enabling a detailed study of the Sun's corona and solar phenomena.

* It highlights ESA's role in advancing solar observation and international partnerships in space exploration.

Correct Answer :   Punjab National Bank

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Punjab National Bank (PNB), the country’s second largest public sector bank, has become a signatory to the globally recognised Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF).

This move reinforces PNB’s commitment to transparency and proactive climate action, by adopting internationally benchmarked standards for measuring and disclosing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with its lending and investment activities.

In the financial year 2023-24, PNB disclosed its financed emissions in the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) using the PCAF Standard, a globally accepted methodology.

PNB’s decision to join PCAF aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) draft framework on climate-related financial risk disclosures, which requires banks to begin reporting on governance, strategy, and risk management for climate-related financial risks and opportunities from FY 2025-26 onwards, and on metrics and targets related to these risks and opportunities from FY 2027-28 onwards.

As a PCAF signatory, PNB joins an international network of financial institutions committed to addressing climate change through robust GHG accounting practices.

This association offers PNB access to technical support, industry-leading training, and country-specific emission data, including insights tailored for India. Additionally, PNB will actively engage in global working groups to refine GHG accounting standards and benefit from peer-to-peer knowledge sharing through workshops and webinars.

Through this strategic initiative, PNB reaffirms its dedication to aligning with global sustainability practices and contributing meaningfully to climate action, according to the lender..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   IndusInd Bank

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IndusInd Bank has collaborated with UNICEF to mitigate climate risks and strengthen community resilience in five disaster-prone districts across India, including Dharashiv, Begusarai, Virudhunagar, Baran, and Bahraich.

This partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, aligning its initiatives with global efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

Correct Answer :   Gangtok

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* The 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024 was held at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.

* Organized by the Sikkim Football Association, the tournament featured 16 teams, including four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia.

* North East United FC emerged as the champion, highlighting the significance of the event in promoting football in the region and fostering international sports relations.

Correct Answer :   6.8%

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S&P Global retained India's GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 at 6.8%.

* Despite revisions for subsequent years, this figure reflects confidence in India's economic stability for the stated period.

* Factors influencing the forecast include high interest rates and a reduction in fiscal impetus, which may dampen urban demand.

* However, the retained growth rate suggests resilience in other sectors offsetting these challenges.