GK Express of 19/10/2025

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1.IEA Report on Sustainable Fuels

International Energy Agency (IEA) report ‘Delivering Sustainable Fuels: Pathways to 2035’ highlighted role of sustainable fuels in complementing electrification and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Sustainable fuels include biofuels, biogases, low-emissions hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels. Key Findings of the Report Global use of sustainable fuels could fourfold increase by 2035. Sustainable fuels have reduced global oil demand by around 2.5 million barrels per day in 2024.

2.Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report

The report highlights that approximately 1.1 billion people in 109 countries experience acute multidimensional poverty. It emphasizes the connection between poverty and the climate crisis, noting that nearly 80% (887 million) of those in multidimensional poverty are exposed to at least one of four major climate hazards.

3. India’s Gold Reserves Crossed $100 Billion Mark for the First Time

According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) latest foreign exchange reserves data, gold reserves have reached to $102.3 billion. This has taken the share of the gold in the foreign reserves to nearly 15% from around 7% a decade ago. Why is RBI increasing gold reserves? Diversification: diversify foreign currency assets base and reduce dependency on the US dollar (de-dollarization). Risk Mitigation: help protect against currency volatility and the resulting revaluation risks to its foreign exchange stockpile. Hedge against Inflation: Gold is accumulated as a hedge against inflation, helping protect the purchasing power of India’s foreign reserves. Safe Haven Asset: Gold is viewed as a safe investment during economic and geopolitical turmoil, providing a buffer during financial crises.

📖 Know Your English

Word:Blatant

Meaning:Completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner.

Synonyms:Obvious, clear, conspicuous, and flagrant.

Example:The company was cited for its blatant violation of environmental laws.

🚆 WELFARE SCHEMES AND INFRASTRUCTURE COACH

👆 Click a question to see the answer

1.When was the PM Ujjwala Yojana launched?

➡️The PM Ujjwala Yojana was launched on May 1, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The scheme's objective is to provide clean cooking fuel to women from poor households by giving them deposit-free LPG connections.

2.What does the UDAN scheme focus on?

➡️The UDAN, Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik(The common citizen of the country flies) scheme focuses on making air travel accessible and affordable, primarily by connecting unserved and underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with larger metropolitan areas. It aims to democratize air travel through a market-driven model supported by government incentives, such as Viability Gap Funding and an airfare cap to ensure affordable fares for the common citizen.

3.What does the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme provide?

➡️The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme provides small and marginal farmers with an annual income support of ₹6,000, transferred directly into their bank accounts in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. This financial assistance is intended to supplement the expenses of farmers for inputs like seeds and fertilizers, thereby protecting them from moneylenders and helping to sustain their agricultural activities.

🚆 COACH

👆 Click a question to see the answer

1.Who won the Nobel Prize in Economics 2025?

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The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their research on innovation-driven economic growth.

2.Sarojini Naidu was the President of which Congress session

➡️Sarojini Naidu was the president of the Kanpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1925. This was a significant event as she was the first Indian woman to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, succeeding Mahatma Gandhi who was president of the Belgaum session in 1924. (Annie Besant, an Irish woman, was the first woman president of the INC in 1917).

3.Who is known as the father of Blue Revolution in India?

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Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. Arun Krishnan are known as the fathers of the Blue Revolution in India. Dr. Chaudhuri is specifically recognized for his pioneering work on induced breeding and seed production technology, which was foundational to the revolution.

🚆 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS COACH

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1.Where is the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?

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The headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is in Vienna, Austria, specifically at the Vienna International Centre. The IAEA also maintains liaison and regional offices in other locations, such as Geneva, Switzerland; New York, USA; and Tokyo, Japan.

2.What is the purpose of the INTERPOL?

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The main objective of INTERPOL is to facilitate global police cooperation and combat transnational crime by acting as a global platform for information sharing and technical assistance between police forces. It helps member countries to work together to prevent and fight international crime by connecting local police forces and providing a high-tech infrastructure for data and support.

3.Where is the headquarters of SAARC?

➡️The headquarters of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was established in 1985, with its permanent secretariat based in the Nepalese capital to coordinate regional activities.

💡 Did You Know?

🇮🇳

The Chilika Lake in Odisha is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and one of the most important wetlands in the world. It is home to over 225 species of fish and a major wintering ground for migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. 🌿 National Importance: Chilika supports the livelihood of more than 150,000 fishermen and was the first Indian wetland to be included in the Ramsar Convention list in 1981, recognizing its global ecological significance.

🌍

The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. It shortens maritime travel by about 13,000 kilometers, eliminating the need for ships to navigate around South America’s Cape Horn. The canal handles nearly 5% of global trade, making it one of the most strategic waterways in the world.

❓ Question of the Day

When did Afghanistan gain independence from Britain?

Answer:Afghanistan gained full independence from British control in 1919 after the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi on August 8, 1919, which recognized Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1.Who is known as flaying man of India?

2.Who recieved the Noble Peace Prize 2025?

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