GK One-Liners

What: Moldova became the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) after depositing its ratification instrument in New Delhi during a meeting between Ambassador Ana Taban and India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This expands ISA’s reach into Eastern Europe, strengthening its global mandate for solar energy deployment.

How: The ISA was jointly launched by India and France on 30 November 2015 at COP21 in Paris. Originally conceived for countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, ISA’s membership was later opened to all UN member states. Members commit to scaling up solar energy deployment, mobilising investment, and sharing best practices for energy transition.

Why: ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana—the first international organisation with headquarters in India. Questions on ISA’s founding, headquarters, member count, initiatives (One Sun One World One Grid), and India’s leadership in climate diplomacy are frequently asked in UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and environment sections. ISA became a treaty-based organisation in December 2017.

What: A significant critical-minerals find in Chhattisgarh’s Bhalukona–Jamanidih block (Mahasamund district) reported sulphide mineralisation containing nickel, copper, and platinum-group elements (PGEs). This discovery strengthens India’s supply-security prospects for minerals essential to clean energy technologies, defence applications, and advanced manufacturing.

How: Platinum-group elements include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium—used in catalytic converters, electronics, and hydrogen fuel cells. Nickel and copper are crucial for electric vehicle batteries and electrical wiring. The discovery supports the National Critical Mineral Mission’s objective of reducing import dependence and building domestic mining capabilities.

Why: India imports over 90% of its critical mineral requirements, making domestic discoveries strategically important. Questions on critical minerals, their applications, India’s mineral policy, and the National Critical Mineral Mission are increasingly relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Science & Technology). Chhattisgarh is already a major mineral-producing state with significant coal, iron ore, and bauxite reserves.

What: The Delhi Legislative Assembly became India’s first legislature to run entirely on solar power after commissioning a 500 kW rooftop solar plant. Alongside this milestone, the Assembly also launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) under the ‘One Nation, One Application’ initiative to digitise legislative proceedings.

How: The 500 kW rooftop installation generates sufficient electricity to meet the Assembly’s operational needs, reducing carbon footprint and electricity costs. Excess power can be fed into the grid under net metering arrangements. The combination of solar adoption and NeVA implementation demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to sustainability and digital governance.

Why: NeVA is a Mission Mode Project under the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to digitise all legislative work (questions, debates, committee reports) across Parliament and State Assemblies. Questions on renewable energy adoption by government institutions, rooftop solar schemes, and e-governance initiatives like NeVA are relevant for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Environment). “India’s first” achievements are frequently tested factual questions.

What: Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 to modernise India’s maritime-trade laws, replacing the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1925 after clearance by both Houses. This landmark legislation updates a century-old framework to align with contemporary international maritime standards and India’s growing role in global shipping.

How: The new law consolidates and streamlines provisions related to ship registration, seafarer welfare, maritime safety, pollution prevention, and wreck removal. It incorporates India’s obligations under international conventions administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (Marine Pollution), and MLC (Maritime Labour Convention).

Why: India aims to become a major maritime nation under the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030. Questions on maritime laws, IMO conventions, major ports, and shipping sector reforms are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Infrastructure, Economy). Understanding the legislative process and replacement of colonial-era laws with modern frameworks demonstrates awareness of governance reforms.

What: Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil launched the C-FLOOD unified inundation-forecasting system on 7 August 2025 in New Delhi. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Pune and the Central Water Commission (CWC), the system strengthens India’s flood prediction and emergency response capabilities.

How: C-FLOOD integrates hydrological models, satellite data, weather forecasts, and terrain information to predict flood inundation extent, depth, and duration. The unified platform provides real-time alerts to disaster management authorities, enabling timely evacuation and resource deployment. It covers major river basins and supports state-level flood management operations.

Why: India experiences significant flood damage annually, making early warning systems crucial for disaster risk reduction. Questions on disaster management institutions (NDMA, SDMA, CWC), flood forecasting technologies, and government initiatives for climate resilience are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Disaster Management). C-DAC, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, is known for developing supercomputers like PARAM series.

What: Assam launched ‘Nijut Moina 2.0′ to boost girls’ higher education through monthly financial support. The scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Gauhati University with statewide application distribution. ‘Nijut Moina’ translates to ‘A Million Beloved Daughters’ in Assamese, reflecting the scheme’s ambitious coverage target.

How: The scheme provides direct financial assistance to girls pursuing higher education in colleges and universities, covering expenses like tuition fees, books, and transportation. By reducing financial barriers, it aims to improve female enrolment ratios, reduce dropout rates, and enhance women’s economic empowerment through education in a state with significant gender gaps in higher education.

Why: State-specific schemes for girls’ education—like Ladli Laxmi (MP), Kanyashree (West Bengal), and Bhagyalakshmi (Karnataka)—are frequently asked in competitive exams. Understanding scheme objectives, eligibility criteria, and implementing states demonstrates awareness of social welfare governance. Assam’s focus on girls’ education aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).