General Awareness Quiz for Bank Mains Exams 2024-26th March

Q1. What was the central theme of the 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF 2023), held from 17th to 20th January 2024 in Faridabad, Haryana?
(a) Science for Self-Reliant India
(b) Innovations in Science & Technology
(c) Science and Society
(d) Science and Technology for Sustainable Future
(e) Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal

Q2. An Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) is an equity mutual fund that offers tax deduction benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 along with the potential of earning market-linked returns. What is the lock-in period for an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) fund?
(a) 1 year
(b) 2 years
(c) 3 years
(d) 8 years
(e) 7 years

Q3. Exercise Cyclone is a joint military exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the army of which country?
(a) United States
(b) Russia
(c) China
(d) Egypt
(e) France

Q4. As of January 2024, India boasts 80 Ramsar sites, designated as wetlands of “international importance” under the Ramsar Convention. Which state in India has the highest number of Ramsar Sites, with a total of 16?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Kerala
(c) Gujarat
(d) Tamil Nadu
(e) West Bengal

Q5. India has recently (In January 2024) become the world’s fourth-largest stock market by market capitalization, surpassing which country’s combined value of shares, thereby achieving a market cap of USD 4.33 trillion?
(a) Japan
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Hong Kong
(d) Germany
(e) Canada

Q6. National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is observed annually across India on 24th January to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and emphasize the importance of their education, health, and nutrition. In which year was the first ever NGCD observed?
(a) 2005
(b) 2006
(c) 2007
(d) 2008
(e) 2009

Q7. Aryna Sabalenka, who won her second Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, belongs to which country?
(a) Russia
(b) Belarus
(c) United States
(d) Australia
(e) Spain

Q8. Which among the following National Parks is not correctly matched with its state?
(a) Kaziranga National Park – Assam
(b) Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan
(c) Bandipur National Park – Karnataka
(d) Sunderbans National Park – Odisha
(e) Gir Forest National Park – Gujarat

Q9. Hyundai Motor India recently (In December 2023) announced the onboarding of a renowned actress as its brand ambassador, making her the second personality from the Indian film industry to join the carmaker in this capacity after Shah Rukh Khan. Who is she?
(a) Priyanka Chopra
(b) Alia Bhatt
(c) Kareena Kapoor Khan
(d) Anushka Sharma
(e) Deepika Padukone

Q10. In November 2023, which bank, in partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom’s export credit agency, plans to establish a financing program of up to £100 million to assist Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and corporates in financing their imports from the UK?
(a) Barclays Bank
(b) Royal Bank of Scotland
(c) Standard Chartered Bank
(d) HSBC India
(e) NatWest

Solutions

S1. Ans. (e)
Sol. The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF 2023) was held under the central theme ‘Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal’.
This theme emphasizes the role of science and technology in public outreach during the Amrit Kaal, the period leading up to the 100th year of India’s independence, highlighting the significance of making scientific advancements accessible and beneficial to the public, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation across the nation.

S2. Ans. (c)
Sol. The lock-in period for an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) fund is 3 years.
This means investors cannot sell their investments in ELSS funds before the completion of three years from the date of investment.
This lock-in period is part of the conditions that come with the tax deduction benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offering investors the potential for market-linked returns while saving on taxes.

S3. Ans. (d)
Sol. Exercise Cyclone-I is a joint military exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army.
This collaboration aims to enhance defense cooperation, share professional skills, and improve the interoperability of special forces, particularly in desert terrain.

S4. Ans. (d)
Sol. Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, with 16 Ramsar Sites as of January 2024.
These sites are recognized for their ecological importance, biodiversity, and contribution to global environmental sustainability.
Tamil Nadu’s leadership in conserving wetland habitats underscores the state’s commitment to preserving natural resources and supporting the goals of the Ramsar Convention.

S5. Ans. (c)
Sol. India has thereby surpassed Hong Kong whose combined value of shares is USD 4.29 trillion.
India has become the world’s fourth-largest stock market by market capitalization with the combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges reaching USD 4.33 trillion.
The top three stock markets are the United States of America (USA), China, and Japan respectively.

S6. Ans. (d)
Sol. The first ever National Girl Child Day (NGCD) was observed on 24th January 2008.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of girl children in India and highlighting the critical importance of their education, health, and nutrition, as part of efforts to eliminate the disparities they face.Top of Form

S7. Ans. (b)
Sol. Aryna Sabalenka is from Belarus.
She has achieved significant success in her tennis career, including winning her second Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, marking her as one of the leading figures in the sport.

S8. Ans. (d)
Sol. Sunderbans National Park is not correctly matched with its state; it is located in West Bengal, not Odisha.
The Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its unique mangrove forests and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, among other diverse species of flora and fauna.

S9. Ans. (e)
Sol. Hyundai Motor India announced Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador.
She joins Shah Rukh Khan, another prominent figure from the Indian film industry, in representing the carmaker. This collaboration highlights Hyundai’s commitment to connecting with its audience through influential and widely admired personalities.

S10. Ans. (d)
Sol. HSBC India, in collaboration with UK Export Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom’s export credit agency, intends to establish a financing program of up to £100 million.
This initiative aims to support Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and corporates by financing their imports from the UK, thereby fostering trade and investment between the two nations and supporting the growth of Indian businesses by providing them with easier access to international markets.