GK One-Liners

What: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National FPO Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, with participation from over 500 stakeholders representing 24 states and 140 districts. The government announced plans to introduce a new Seed Act and crack down on counterfeit agricultural inputs. 267 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) showcased their produce.

How: FPOs are collectives of farmers that aggregate production, access markets, and improve bargaining power. The conclave awards recognise excellence in organisation, business performance, and digital adoption. The proposed Seed Act aims to ensure seed quality, regulate the seed supply chain, and protect farmers from spurious seeds that cause crop failures.

Why: FPOs and agricultural reforms are important for UPSC Agriculture and Economy. Government targets 10,000 FPOs by 2027-28 under the PM-KISAN scheme component. Know the FPO framework: promoted by NABARD, SFAC (Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium), and state governments. Link to current Seeds Act 1966, which the new legislation may replace or amend.

What: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) signed agreements to build two 400 kV cross-border transmission lines: Inaruwa-New Purnea and Lamki/Dododhara-Bareilly. Joint ventures will be established in both countries to implement these projects.

How: The transmission lines will enable power trade between India and Nepal, with Nepal exporting surplus hydropower during monsoon and importing during dry season. India already imports electricity from Bhutan and trades with Bangladesh. Cross-border interconnections require grid synchronisation, regulatory frameworks, and commercial agreements.

Why: India-Nepal relations and energy cooperation are important for IR. Nepal has 83,000 MW hydropower potential but currently generates only ~2,000 MW. India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy includes energy partnerships. Know existing links: Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV line (2016). Link to BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) energy cooperation and SAARC energy grid concept.

What: The UN Cybercrime Convention opened for signature in Hanoi in October 2025, with over 60 initial signatories. Adopted by the UN General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/79/243), it creates the first universal legal framework for investigating and prosecuting online offences. The treaty remains open for signature until December 31, 2026.

How: The convention establishes international cooperation mechanisms for cybercrime investigation, evidence sharing, and extradition. It covers offences like hacking, fraud, data theft, and child exploitation material. Countries must harmonise domestic laws and create central authorities for cooperation. This updates the 2001 Budapest Convention which had limited membership.

Why: Cybersecurity and international law are important for IR and Governance. India supported the UN-led process over the Budapest Convention (which India didn’t sign). Know India’s cyber framework: IT Act 2000 (amended 2008), CERT-In, National Cyber Security Policy. The convention addresses jurisdictional challenges in borderless cyberspace—a key Mains topic.

What: The 79th Infantry Day (Shaurya Diwas) was observed with wreath laying at the National War Memorial, led by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Veterans of Operations PAWAN, MEGHDOOT, and CACTUS LILY participated, alongside felicitation of Veer Naris (war widows) and nationwide commemorations.

How: Infantry Day marks October 27, 1947, when Indian Army troops were first airlifted to Srinagar to defend Jammu & Kashmir against Pakistani tribal raiders. The 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment landed at Srinagar airfield and secured the area, beginning the First Kashmir War. This was independent India’s first military operation.

Why: Defence days and operations are important for UPSC Security. Know key operations mentioned: Op PAWAN (IPKF in Sri Lanka, 1987-90), Op MEGHDOOT (Siachen, 1984-present), Op CACTUS LILY (Maldives, 1988). Infantry is the backbone of the Army, with 65 regiments. Link to J&K’s accession to India, Instrument of Accession, and the ongoing LoC situation.

What: The National Communications Authority (NCA) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an MoU with IIM Calcutta for capacity building, research, consulting, and policy development in ICT, mobile communications, and cyberspace. Joint programmes and workshops will be conducted.

How: The partnership combines DoT’s regulatory expertise with IIM Calcutta’s academic research capabilities. Focus areas include telecom policy formulation, spectrum management, 5G/6G rollout strategies, and cybersecurity frameworks. Such academia-government collaborations inform evidence-based policymaking and train officials in emerging technologies.

Why: Telecom governance and capacity building are relevant for Governance and Economy. DoT regulates telecom under the Ministry of Communications. Know recent reforms: Telecom Act 2023 (replacing Indian Telegraph Act 1885), Right of Way rules, BharatNet for rural broadband. IIM collaborations with government signal emphasis on professional policy research—link to NITI Aayog’s knowledge partnerships.

What: National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is observed on October 31 to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. The day, instituted in 2014, features nationwide events including the “Run for Unity” and military displays. The Statue of Unity in Gujarat was inaugurated on this day in 2018.

How: Sardar Patel (1875-1950), India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union through diplomacy and, where necessary, military action (Hyderabad’s Operation Polo). His role earned him the title “Iron Man of India” and “Bismarck of India.”

Why: Sardar Patel and national integration are important for History and Polity. Key facts: Statue of Unity (182 m) is the world’s tallest statue, located at Kevadia, Gujarat. Know the States Reorganisation Act 1956 and linguistic reorganisation that followed Patel’s integration. Integration of princely states is a frequent UPSC topic—understand the Instrument of Accession and the role of V.P. Menon.