GK One-Liners

What: India launched the first-ever State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025, ranking states on transparency and sustainability in the mining sector. Among mineral-rich states, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat emerged as the top performers in the index.

How: SMRI evaluates states across parameters including ease of doing business in mining, environmental compliance, digital governance of mineral auctions, sustainability practices, and stakeholder grievance redressal. The index aims to promote healthy competition among states and attract investment in the mining sector.

Why: Government indices (NITI Aayog rankings, Ease of Doing Business, etc.) are frequently asked in exams. Mining sector reforms under MMDR Amendment Act and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act are important for Economy. Link to critical minerals policy, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), and PM-KHANIJ—Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana.

What: ISRO’s CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) instrument aboard Chandrayaan-2 orbiter confirmed the effects of solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on the Moon’s exosphere. The instrument detected density surges in the lunar atmosphere during a solar event in May 2024.

How: CMEs are massive bursts of solar plasma that travel through space. When they reach the Moon, which lacks a protective magnetic field, they interact directly with the lunar surface and thin exosphere. CHACE-2’s mass spectrometer measured increased concentrations of elements like argon and helium during the solar event.

Why: Chandrayaan missions and ISRO achievements are high-priority for UPSC Science & Tech. Key facts: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is still operational; CHACE-2 studies lunar neutral exosphere; the Moon has an exosphere (not atmosphere) due to weak gravity. Link to Chandrayaan-3’s success and Aditya-L1’s solar observations for comprehensive space science answers.

What: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a ₹1,000 crore Titanium and Superalloy Plant in Lucknow under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The facility advances Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals and aerospace self-reliance by producing critical materials domestically.

How: Titanium and superalloys are essential for aircraft engines, missiles, and space vehicles due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance. The plant will reduce import dependency for these strategic materials. The UP Defence Corridor connects six nodes: Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, and Jhansi.

Why: Defence corridors and manufacturing are important for GS-III (Security) and Economy. India has two defence corridors: UP (2018) and Tamil Nadu (2019). Know the goals: ₹50,000 crore investment and 250,000 jobs by 2024. Link to Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 and indigenisation targets.

What: India unveiled Nafithromycin, its first indigenously developed antibiotic, and achieved 70% success rate in Hemophilia gene therapy trials. These breakthroughs were supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

How: Nafithromycin is a novel antibiotic developed through indigenous R&D to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Hemophilia gene therapy uses viral vectors to deliver functional clotting factor genes to patients, potentially offering a one-time cure instead of lifelong factor replacement therapy.

Why: AMR is a global health threat and a topic for UPSC Science & Tech. India’s National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) and biotech initiatives are exam-relevant. ANRF was established in 2023 to boost research funding, replacing the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Gene therapy represents cutting-edge medical science—know CRISPR and viral vector concepts.

What: The Bathou religion of the Bodo community has been granted a distinct census code, recognizing it as a separate faith for enumeration purposes. Bathou is centered on the worship of the five elements: fire, air, earth, sky, and water.

How: Previously, Bathou followers were classified under “Other Religions” in census data. The separate code ensures accurate demographic data and recognition of the community’s distinct religious identity. This follows the Bodo Accord (2020) which addressed various demands of the Bodo community in Assam.

Why: Tribal affairs, Sixth Schedule areas, and Northeast issues are important for UPSC. The Bodo community is one of the largest tribal groups in Assam, residing in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Know the Bodo Accord provisions: BTR renamed from BTC, legislative assembly composition, and rehabilitation of militants. Census enumeration of religions connects to Article 25-28 (Freedom of Religion).

What: Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 to honor 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were martyred at Hot Springs in Ladakh on this day in 1959. A week-long series of national events commemorates the valor and sacrifice of police forces.

How: On October 21, 1959, a CRPF patrol was ambushed by Chinese forces at Hot Springs (Aksai Chin). All 10 personnel were killed, and seven were taken prisoner. This incident predates the 1962 war and marked early Chinese aggression. The day was designated as Police Commemoration Day to remember all police martyrs.

Why: Important Days related to security forces are frequently asked. Other key days: CRPF Valour Day (April 9), CISF Raising Day (March 10), and BSF Raising Day (December 1). The Hot Springs incident is historically significant for understanding India-China border tensions in Aksai Chin—a region still under Chinese control and disputed by India.