GK Express of 01/08/2025

GK Express🚂

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"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." — B.B. King

📚 Current Affairs Coach

1. Recently, India launched it's first hydrogen train in which route?

Explanation: India’s first hydrogen train will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana by March 2025.
Hydrogen for Heritage is an initiative by Indian Railways aimed at introducing hydrogen-powered trains on non-electrified and heritage routes to promote clean and green transport.
These trains emit only water vapor, replacing diesel engines and reducing pollution.

Know your English

1.Exculpatory
Meaning: Something that shows or declares someone is not guilty of wrongdoing; tending to clear from blame or fault.
Synonyms:Vindicating, Absolving, Justifying.
Example: The lawyer presented exculpatory evidence that proved the accused was not at the crime scene.

HISTORY COACH

1.In which text 16 Mahajanapadas are found?

The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya is the primary source that mentions the 16 Mahajanapadas. This text, part of the Pali Canon, lists these sixteen great kingdoms or republics that existed in ancient India.

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2. Badshah nama was written by whom?

The Badshah Nama, also known as Padshahnama, was written by Abdul Hamid Lahori. He was a historian who served in the court of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The book is a detailed chronicle of the first twenty years of Shah Jahan's reign.

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3. What is the meaning of Jharokha Darshan?

Jharokha Darshan refers to the practice, particularly prevalent during the Mughal era, where the emperor would appear before the public from a balcony or window (jharokha) to be seen and acknowledged.

BANKING AND FINANCE COACH

1. What is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?

SEBI is the regulator of India’s securities markets. Established in 1988 and given statutory powers in 1992, SEBI protects investor interests, promotes fair trading, regulates stock exchanges, brokers, and mutual funds.

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2. What are Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and how do they differ from banks?

NBFCs are financial institutions that provide banking services without holding a banking license. They offer loans, credit facilities, leasing, investments, etc. They cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques. Regulated by RBI under specific norms.

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3. What is the concept of Priority Sector Lending (PSL)?

PSL mandates banks to provide a portion of their loans to specific sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, and weaker sections. It promotes inclusive growth and rural development. For commercial banks, PSL target is 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY COACH

1. Which country became the first to constitutionally recognize the rights of nature?

Ecuador was the first country to constitutionally recognize the rights of nature. In 2008, Ecuador's constitution included articles that granted nature the right to exist, regenerate its life cycles and structures, and be restored. The constitution also allows for anyone to take legal action to protect nature.

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2. Name India’s first state to implement Climate Budgeting.

Odisha is the first state in India to recognize the need for identifying sectoral scheme level/budgetary needs and integrating climate change into the state's budget.

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3. What is ‘Silent Spring’ known for?

"Silent Spring," by Rachel Carson, is a landmark environmental science book that exposed the detrimental effects of pesticide use, particularly DDT, on the environment and human health. It is known for raising public awareness about the dangers of indiscriminate pesticide use, sparking the modern environmental movement, and leading to significant policy changes, including the ban of DDT in the US.

🧠 Did You Know?

The Jan Dhan Yojana launched in 2014, is the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative, with over 50 crore bank accounts opened as of 2024.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Which natural phenomenon causes the Sahara Desert to bloom with flowers once every few years?

The natural phenomenon that causes the Sahara Desert to bloom with flowers is an unusually high amount of rainfall, which triggers the germination of dormant seeds and bulbs. This phenomenon is known as a desert bloom.

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Created by Nikhil Dasari and Mahesh Telugu