GK One-Liners

What: ISRO will launch the Oceansat satellite in 2026 on PSLV N1, the first fully industry-built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle manufactured by the HAL-L&T consortium under NSIL’s (NewSpace India Limited) 2022 deal. This marks a historic shift to industry-led rocket production.

How: Under the technology transfer agreement, NSIL contracted HAL and L&T to manufacture PSLVs commercially while ISRO provides design specifications and quality oversight. This frees ISRO to focus on advanced missions (Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4) and R&D, while industry handles production and commercial launches.

Why: Space sector privatisation, PSLV programme, and NewSpace ecosystem are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding ISRO’s commercialisation strategy, role of IN-SPACe and NSIL, and public-private partnership in space helps in technology policy questions.

What: National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will invest approximately LKR 70 million (≈₹24 crore) for a 20% stake and board seat in Sri Lanka’s upcoming Colombo Stock Exchange Derivatives Exchange (CSEDEX). This acquisition is part of India’s regional financial expansion strategy.

How: NCDEX will help design CSEDEX’s commodity and derivatives market architecture, trading rules, product specifications, and provide training. This expertise-sharing strengthens India-Sri Lanka economic ties and positions Indian exchanges as knowledge partners for emerging markets in South Asia.

Why: Commodity exchanges, derivatives markets, and regional financial integration are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding NCDEX, MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange), SEBI’s role in commodity markets, and India’s financial diplomacy helps in economic policy questions.

What: SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket launched the Copernicus Sentinel-6B satellite, a joint mission by NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), EUMETSAT, NOAA, backed by the EU and CNES (French Space Agency). The satellite will measure global sea levels and atmospheric data across 90% of Earth’s oceans.

How: Sentinel-6B uses radar altimetry to precisely measure sea surface height, ocean currents, and wave patterns. Combined with Sentinel-6A (launched 2020), it provides continuous data for climate monitoring, weather forecasting, and tracking sea-level rise – a key indicator of climate change.

Why: International space missions, climate monitoring satellites, and ocean observation are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech, Environment). Understanding satellite applications, international space cooperation, and climate data systems helps in technology and environment questions.

What: Michelle Bachelet, former Chilean President (2006-2010, 2014-2018) and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024. She was honoured for lifelong contributions to human rights, gender equality, and institutional reforms.

How: The Indira Gandhi Prize, instituted in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, is awarded annually to individuals or organisations working for international peace, development, and a new international economic order. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, UNHCR, and Angela Merkel.

Why: National and international awards, their recipients, and instituting bodies are frequently asked in competitive exams. Understanding major Indian awards (Gandhi Peace Prize, Indira Gandhi Prize) and their significance helps in general awareness and current affairs questions.

What: From January 2026, AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India) will publish separate data on ₹250 “Choti SIPs” (small SIPs). SEBI has allowed these micro-SIPs to be routed only via NACH (National Automated Clearing House) or UPI AutoPay, with RTA (Registrar and Transfer Agent) systems tracking only the first three subsidised SIPs per investor.

How: Choti SIPs target first-time investors with limited capital, promoting financial inclusion. The ₹250 minimum reduces entry barriers for rural and low-income investors. AMCs (Asset Management Companies) subsidise distribution costs for initial SIPs to encourage long-term investing habits.

Why: Mutual fund reforms, SIP investments, and financial inclusion are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and banking exams. Understanding SEBI’s investor protection measures, AMFI’s role, and financial literacy initiatives helps in capital market questions.

What: The Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Sports Science Research (NCSSR) signed an MoU with IIT Delhi to boost sports science, technology, and innovation capabilities in India. The partnership aims to enhance athletic performance through scientific research and technological interventions.

How: The collaboration will focus on biomechanics analysis, performance analytics, injury prevention technologies, sports nutrition research, and wearable technology development. IIT Delhi’s engineering expertise combined with NCSSR’s sports science focus will create evidence-based training methodologies for Indian athletes.

Why: Sports governance, SAI initiatives, and sports science are relevant for UPSC current affairs. Understanding India’s sports ecosystem, role of technology in athlete development, and government schemes like Khelo India and TOPS helps in sports-related questions.