GK One-Liners

What: Gogabeel Lake in Bihar has been designated as a Ramsar Site, recognising its ecological importance as an ox-bow wetland. It is also Bihar’s first Community Reserve, supporting rich biodiversity including migratory birds and aquatic species in the Kosi-Mahananda floodplains.

How: The Ramsar Convention (1971) identifies wetlands of international importance based on criteria like biodiversity, hydrological functions, and ecosystem services. Community Reserves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 involve local communities in conservation management, ensuring sustainable use of resources.

Why: Ramsar Sites, wetland conservation, and Community Reserves are high-frequency topics in UPSC Environment sections. India has over 80 Ramsar Sites; knowing recent additions, their states, and ecological significance is essential for Prelims and Mains (GS-III).

What: China achieved a significant nuclear milestone by completing the first successful Thorium-232 to Uranium-233 fuel conversion in a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR). This demonstrates thorium’s viability as a next-generation nuclear fuel with potential advantages over conventional uranium-based reactors.

How: In TMSRs, thorium-232 absorbs neutrons and converts to uranium-233 through a breeding process. Molten salt serves as both coolant and fuel carrier, operating at high temperatures without high pressure. This design offers inherent safety features, reduced nuclear waste, and resistance to weapons proliferation.

Why: Thorium-based nuclear energy is crucial for India given its vast thorium reserves (world’s largest). Understanding the three-stage nuclear programme, breeder reactors, and thorium fuel cycle is essential for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech) and Energy Security topics.

What: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) partnered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to offer free home-based Digital Life Certificate (DLC) submissions. Pensioners under EPS’95 (Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995) can now authenticate using biometric or face recognition at their doorstep.

How: IPPB’s postal network reaches remote areas where banking access is limited. Postmen equipped with biometric devices visit pensioners’ homes to capture DLCs, which are then uploaded to the Jeevan Pramaan portal. This eliminates the need for elderly pensioners to visit banks or offices annually.

Why: Digital governance initiatives, pension reforms, and financial inclusion are important for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and banking exams. Understanding IPPB’s role, Jeevan Pramaan (Digital Life Certificate), and EPFO services helps in current affairs preparation.

What: Maldives has banned tobacco use for all individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, becoming the first nation in the world to implement a generational anti-smoking law. This means the affected generation will never legally be able to purchase tobacco products throughout their lives.

How: The generational ban works by permanently prohibiting tobacco sales to people born after the cutoff date, regardless of their age. As this cohort ages, the legal smoking population gradually decreases until it eventually phases out entirely, creating a tobacco-free future generation.

Why: Innovative public health policies and global health governance are relevant for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Social Issues). Understanding different approaches to tobacco control, WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and health policy innovations helps in essay and interview preparation.

What: India announced plans to lift the five-year import freeze on certain Chinese goods, easing supply chain disruptions that had affected various industries. However, security-sensitive sectors will continue to remain under scrutiny with restrictions maintained.

How: Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India had imposed restrictions on Chinese investments, apps, and imports in several sectors. The partial lifting involves streamlining approval processes for non-sensitive goods while maintaining vigilance through enhanced scrutiny mechanisms for technology and strategic sectors.

Why: India-China trade relations, import policies, and economic decoupling are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Economy). Understanding FDI restrictions, Press Note 3 provisions, and sector-specific import policies is crucial for current affairs and economic analysis questions.

What: World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5 to raise awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness. The 2025 theme is “Be Tsunami Ready – Invest in Tsunami Preparedness”, emphasising early warning systems, resilient coastal infrastructure, and community readiness.

How: The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, following Japan’s proposal inspired by the ‘Inamura-no-hi’ (burning of rice sheaves) story from 1854. The story describes a village leader who set fire to his rice harvest to warn villagers of an approaching tsunami, saving many lives.

Why: UN-designated days, disaster management, and coastal resilience are frequently asked in competitive exams. Understanding India’s tsunami early warning system (INCOIS), disaster preparedness frameworks, and international cooperation in disaster risk reduction is relevant for GS-III (Disaster Management).