GK One-Liners

What: India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term 2026–2028. India has pledged to promote the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) during its tenure on the 47-member council.

How: UNHRC members are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) through secret ballot. Seats are distributed regionally: Asia-Pacific gets 13 seats. Members serve three-year terms and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. India’s unopposed election reflects its diplomatic standing in the region.

Why: UNHRC is a frequent topic in UPSC International Relations. Key facts: Headquartered in Geneva, established in 2006 replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights, and conducts Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of all UN member states. India has been elected to UNHRC multiple times—track the record for comparative questions.

What: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has achieved 80% rural coverage, with 15.71 crore households now having functional tap water connections. The mission is now focusing on sustainability, water quality monitoring, and district-led governance models.

How: JJM, launched in August 2019, aims to provide 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) of potable water to every rural household by 2024. Implementation follows a decentralised approach with Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) managing local water supply. The Jal Shakti Ministry oversees the programme.

Why: JJM is among the most important government schemes for UPSC and State PSC exams. Remember: it’s a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 90:10 (Centre:State) funding for Himalayan and NE states, and 50:50 for others. Link to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and the Swachh Bharat Mission for comprehensive answers.

What: In the Henley Passport Index 2025, Singapore has retained the top position as the world’s most powerful passport. India has slipped to Rank 85, indicating limited visa-free access compared to top-ranked nations.

How: The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Singapore passport holders can visit 195 destinations visa-free, while Indian passport holders have access to significantly fewer countries.

Why: Global indices and rankings are staple questions in banking and SSC exams. Other passport indices to know: Arton Capital’s Passport Index and the Nomad Passport Index. India’s lower ranking relates to reciprocal visa policies and geopolitical factors—useful context for Mains IR questions.

What: India and Mongolia signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and announced free e-visas for each other’s citizens. The agreements mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were established in 1955.

How: The MoUs cover cooperation in areas including defence, energy, education, and cultural exchanges. Free e-visas will facilitate people-to-people contact and boost tourism. Mongolia is strategically located between Russia and China, making it important for India’s extended neighbourhood policy.

Why: India-Mongolia relations are a niche but important topic for UPSC. Mongolia is a “Spiritual Neighbour” of India due to Buddhist heritage. India provides a $1 billion Line of Credit to Mongolia. The relationship balances China’s influence in the region—useful for IR Mains questions on Central Asia.

What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) signed an MoU to build 300 MW of solar power projects. The initiative aims to achieve Net-Zero emissions on DRDO campuses by 2027.

How: SECI will implement solar installations across DRDO facilities including laboratories, test ranges, and administrative buildings. The projects will include rooftop solar, ground-mounted plants, and possibly floating solar where feasible. This aligns with India’s commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Why: This MoU demonstrates defence sector participation in climate action—a cross-cutting theme for UPSC Environment and Science & Tech. SECI is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and is India’s primary implementing agency for renewable projects. Link to India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.

What: The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG). The final decision will be announced on November 26, 2025, at a meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.

How: Ahmedabad’s bid leverages existing world-class infrastructure including the Narendra Modi Stadium (world’s largest cricket stadium), Sardar Patel Stadium, and TransStadia facilities. Gujarat has hosted multiple international sporting events, demonstrating organisational capability. If approved, India will host CWG for the second time after New Delhi 2010.

Why: Sports events and India’s hosting bids are frequently asked in current affairs sections. The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships were also held in Ahmedabad recently, where India achieved its best-ever finish (11th with 13 medals). Know the CWG history: started 1930, held every 4 years, 72 nations participate.