GK One-Liners

What: The Indian Army has launched ‘SAKSHAM’, an advanced anti-drone grid system developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system is designed for real-time drone detection and neutralisation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.

How: SAKSHAM uses AI-powered sensors and algorithms to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones in real-time. It operates as a layered defence grid that can be deployed across sensitive installations and border areas, enhancing India’s counter-drone capabilities.

Why: This development aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. Questions on indigenous defence systems, BEL, and counter-drone technology frequently appear in UPSC Prelims and Defence-related sections of state exams.

What: India unveiled the National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Congress. The initiative was led by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts by 2030.

How: The roadmap aims to systematically assess and categorise India’s threatened species using IUCN Red List criteria. It will involve collaboration between wildlife institutes, state forest departments, and conservation NGOs to create India-specific threat assessments.

Why: Biodiversity conservation and IUCN classifications are core UPSC Environment syllabus topics. This links to India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

What: India has secured the 2nd position globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, with 128 institutions featured. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru leads India’s entries in the 201–250 band, while the University of Oxford retained the top global position.

How: THE rankings evaluate universities on teaching, research environment, research quality, industry connections, and international outlook. India’s rise reflects increased research output, improved faculty quality, and enhanced global collaborations under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Why: Global university rankings and India’s position are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and state PSC exams. This connects to broader themes of India’s education reforms, NEP 2020, and Institutes of Eminence scheme.

What: Ola Electric has become India’s first two-wheeler Electric Vehicle (EV) maker to receive government certification for an indigenous rare-earth-free ferrite motor. The approval was granted by the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), Tamil Nadu under AIS 041 standards.

How: Ferrite motors use iron oxide-based magnets instead of rare earth elements like neodymium. While slightly less powerful per unit weight, they significantly reduce manufacturing costs and eliminate dependence on rare earth supply chains dominated by China.

Why: This development supports India’s EV transition and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals. Questions on rare earth minerals, EV policy, and indigenous manufacturing are common in UPSC Science & Technology and Economy sections.

What: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi (Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd) to launch India’s first cooperative ride-hailing platform by December 2025 under the Digital India vision.

How: The platform will be owned and operated by driver cooperatives rather than corporate entities. This model aims to provide drivers with better earnings, eliminate middlemen commissions, and offer consumers competitive pricing through the cooperative structure.

Why: This combines Digital India initiatives with cooperative sector reforms—both key UPSC topics. It connects to themes of gig economy regulation, cooperative federalism, and inclusive digital transformation.

What: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her peaceful pro-democracy efforts and consistent defence of human rights under authoritarian rule in Venezuela.

How: Machado has led non-violent political opposition in Venezuela for over two decades, advocating for free elections, civil liberties, and democratic governance despite facing government persecution, electoral bans, and threats to her safety.

Why: Nobel Prize winners are among the most frequently asked topics in competitive exams. This award highlights global human rights themes and Latin American political developments—relevant for International Relations and Current Affairs sections.