GK One-Liners

What: ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) announced an ambitious expansion plan to triple spacecraft production capacity, increase mission frequency, build the Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station), and conduct the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return mission.

How: The expansion involves upgrading production facilities at ISRO centres, partnering with private space companies under IN-SPACe, and developing new launch vehicles. Chandrayaan-4 will retrieve lunar soil samples and return them to Earth, building on Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing. The Indian Space Station is planned as a modular orbital habitat for sustained human presence in space.

Why: India’s space programme, ISRO missions, and space policy reforms are high-frequency topics for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan series, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), and private sector participation helps in space-related questions.

What: The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to notify Saranda Forest as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Saranda, located in West Singhbhum district, is Asia’s largest contiguous Sal (Shorea robusta) forest, spanning approximately 820 square kilometres and home to elephants, leopards, and diverse wildlife.

How: Wildlife Sanctuaries are notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to protect fauna, flora, and their habitat. Unlike National Parks, limited human activities like grazing may be permitted. The SC directive aims to strengthen legal protection for Saranda amid concerns over mining, deforestation, and left-wing extremism impacts on the forest ecosystem.

Why: Protected areas, Wildlife Protection Act, and SC directives on environment are important for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding the differences between National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves, along with significant forests like Saranda, helps in biodiversity questions.

What: The Union Cabinet approved revised royalty rates for critical minerals including caesium, graphite, rubidium, and zirconium. This decision aims to boost exploration and development of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and defence applications.

How: Royalty rates are revised under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The government identified 30 critical minerals in 2023, essential for energy transition and strategic industries. Revised rates balance government revenue with incentives for private investment in exploration and mining of these strategic resources.

Why: Critical minerals, mining policy reforms, and energy transition are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding India’s critical mineral strategy, KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited), MMDR Act amendments, and supply chain security helps in resource governance questions.

What: The Indian Navy released the crest of INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft. The crest symbolises indigenous naval capability and India’s focus on coastal defence against submarine threats in littoral waters.

How: ASW Shallow Water Craft are designed to detect and neutralise enemy submarines in coastal and shallow waters where larger vessels cannot operate effectively. They are equipped with sonars, depth charges, and lightweight torpedoes. The Mahe-class vessels are being built at Indian shipyards under the Make in India initiative.

Why: Indigenous shipbuilding, naval vessel classes, and maritime security are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding different types of naval platforms (destroyers, frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels), ASW capabilities, and India’s naval modernisation programme helps in defence questions.

What: Ambaji Marble from Gujarat received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Known for its distinctive milky-white quality and ancient heritage, Ambaji Marble is quarried near the famous Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district and has been used in prestigious monuments including the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu.

How: GI registration under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 protects products with unique qualities attributable to their geographical origin. Ambaji Marble’s GI tag certifies its authenticity, prevents misuse of the name, and enables premium pricing for local quarries and artisans.

Why: GI tags, intellectual property protection, and regional products are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and GS-I (Art & Culture). Understanding state-wise GI products, their economic significance, and the GI registration process helps in current affairs and culture questions.

What: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, held in Goa, will feature 240 films from 81 countries. Japan is designated as ‘Country of Focus’, Spain as ‘Partner Country’, and Australia as ‘Spotlight Country’, showcasing diverse global cinema to Indian audiences.

How: IFFI, organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is Asia’s oldest film festival (since 1952). The festival includes competition sections for Indian and international films, retrospectives, masterclasses, and the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for best film.

Why: Film festivals, cultural events, and India’s soft power initiatives are relevant for UPSC GS-I (Art & Culture). Understanding major Indian cultural events, their international significance, and how they promote cultural diplomacy helps in culture and current affairs questions.