GK One-Liners

What: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to build India’s first integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing ecosystem. This addresses critical mineral needs for electric vehicles (EVs), defence systems, aerospace, and supports India’s Net Zero 2070 targets.

How: Rare earth permanent magnets (neodymium, samarium-cobalt) are essential for EV motors, wind turbines, and military equipment. The scheme covers mining, processing, magnet manufacturing, and recycling. India has rare earth reserves but lacks processing capacity; this scheme aims to reduce dependence on China, which controls 90% of global REPM production.

Why: Critical minerals, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and energy transition are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding rare earth applications, India’s critical mineral strategy, and supply chain security helps in industrial policy questions.

What: PM inaugurated India’s first global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for aircraft engines in Hyderabad. The 45,000 sqm facility, built by Safran, will service LEAP engines used in Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, creating high-skill jobs and boosting aviation self-reliance.

How: India’s civil aviation sector is among the fastest-growing globally, but most MRO work goes abroad due to lack of domestic facilities. The Safran facility reduces turnaround time and foreign exchange outflow. Government policies including reduced GST on MRO services (18% to 5%) and infrastructure investments attract global MRO players.

Why: Aviation sector, MRO industry, and manufacturing policy are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding India’s aviation growth, MRO policy reforms, and efforts to become an aviation hub helps in industrial development questions.

What: Ahmedabad secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, making it the first Indian city to host the event since Delhi 2010. The games will feature 15-17 sports and utilise Gujarat’s existing world-class sports infrastructure including the Narendra Modi Stadium.

How: The Commonwealth Games Federation awarded hosting rights after evaluating India’s bid showcasing existing infrastructure (Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, hockey stadiums), experience from IPL/international cricket, and commitment to sustainable games. Gujarat’s recent investments in sports facilities positioned Ahmedabad as a strong candidate.

Why: Major sporting events, sports infrastructure, and international hosting are relevant for UPSC current affairs. Understanding Commonwealth Games history, India’s sports diplomacy, and legacy infrastructure development helps in sports and governance questions.

What: The 2025 Antarctic ozone hole became the fifth smallest since 1992, reflecting continued recovery driven by the Montreal Protocol. Atmospheric chlorine levels have reduced by 33% since 2000, demonstrating the success of the international treaty in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

How: The Montreal Protocol (1987) mandated global phase-out of CFCs, halons, and other ODS. The Kigali Amendment (2016) extended it to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The ozone layer, primarily in the stratosphere, protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. Recovery is projected to be complete by 2066 over Antarctica.

Why: Montreal Protocol, ozone layer protection, and international environmental agreements are important for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding the Protocol’s amendments (London, Copenhagen, Kigali), India’s compliance, and ozone science helps in environmental governance questions.

What: India will chair International IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) in 2026. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will lead this global democracy body, strengthening India’s role in electoral expertise and international capacity building for democratic institutions.

How: International IDEA, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is an intergovernmental organisation supporting sustainable democracy worldwide. India joined as a member in 2019. The chairmanship involves leading governance, setting agenda, and representing the organisation globally. India’s Election Commission is recognised for conducting the world’s largest democratic exercise.

Why: International organisations, electoral governance, and India’s global leadership roles are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations, Polity). Understanding International IDEA, Election Commission’s global recognition, and democracy assistance helps in governance questions.

What: The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025 was held with the theme “Inclusive & Sustainable Viksit Bharat.” The forum discussed digital inclusion, sustainable digital future, and governance frameworks for India’s digital transformation.

How: IIGF is part of the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) initiative under the United Nations. It brings together government, civil society, private sector, and technical community for multi-stakeholder discussions on internet policy, cybersecurity, digital rights, AI governance, and bridging the digital divide.

Why: Internet governance, digital policy, and multi-stakeholder forums are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding IGF process, India’s digital governance initiatives (Digital India, DPDP Act), and global internet policy debates helps in technology governance questions.