GK One-Liners

What: India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia—signed Terms of Reference in Moscow to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The bilateral trade between India and EAEU member nations stood at approximately $69 billion in 2024, with the proposed FTA aiming to expand market access, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and boost India’s export potential.

How: The Terms of Reference establish the framework and scope for FTA negotiations, covering areas like tariff reductions, non-tariff barriers, trade facilitation, and investment cooperation. Dedicated working groups will negotiate sector-specific provisions, with special focus on MSMEs gaining preferential access to the vast Eurasian market. The agreement will complement India’s existing bilateral agreements with individual EAEU members and its broader Act East and Eurasian engagement strategies.

Why: This development is crucial for UPSC International Relations (GS Paper 2) questions on India’s strategic partnerships, regional trade blocs, and economic diplomacy. The EAEU represents India’s engagement with Russia-led multilateral frameworks, balancing geopolitical interests with economic opportunities. Questions may appear on India’s FTA strategy, MSME export promotion schemes, and India’s pivot towards Eurasian markets as part of diversification beyond traditional trading partners.

What: According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power producer in 2025. India generated approximately 1,08,494 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of solar electricity, supported by installed solar capacity that reached roughly 119.02 gigawatts (GW) by July 2025. This achievement positions India behind only China and the United States in global solar power generation rankings.

How: India’s solar capacity expansion is driven by government initiatives including the National Solar Mission (now part of PM-KUSUM), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar manufacturing, renewable energy obligations for power distribution companies, and competitive bidding mechanisms that have reduced solar tariffs significantly. Rooftop solar installations, ultra-mega solar parks, and international collaborations like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have accelerated deployment across residential, commercial, and utility-scale segments.

Why: This is highly relevant for UPSC Economy (GS Paper 3) questions on renewable energy transition, climate change mitigation, and energy security. It connects to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in solar manufacturing. Banking exams frequently test knowledge of IRENA, solar capacity targets, and government schemes like PM-KUSUM and PLI for advanced chemistry cell batteries.

What: The Central Government has successfully raised approximately ₹1.42 lakh crore through asset monetisation initiatives up to Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). These funds were mobilized using various financial instruments including Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT) models, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and securitisation of revenue-generating assets. The monetised capital is being recycled into fresh infrastructure expansion projects, enabling the government to fund new developments without increasing fiscal deficit pressures.

How: The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) launched in 2021 identified ₹6 lakh crore worth of brownfield infrastructure assets across sectors like roads, railways, power transmission, telecommunications, and mining for monetisation over FY22-FY25. Mechanisms include long-term lease of operational highway stretches to private concessionaires, InvITs pooling infrastructure assets to attract institutional investors, railway station redevelopment, spectrum auctions, and coal mine auctions. Asset ownership remains with the government while operational rights are transferred for specified periods.

Why: Asset monetisation is a critical topic for UPSC Economy (GS Paper 3) covering fiscal management, infrastructure financing, and public-private partnerships. Questions often probe the difference between disinvestment and monetisation, the role of InvITs and REITs, and how governments can fund capital expenditure without increasing public debt. For banking exams, this connects to infrastructure financing mechanisms, NBFCs, and the role of institutional investors. The NMP’s ₹6 lakh crore target and sector-wise allocation are frequently tested facts.

What: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned the launch of multiple remote-sensing satellites by 2027-28, including Resourcesat-3, Resourcesat-3A, Resourcesat-3S, Resourcesat-3SA, High-Resolution Satellite (HRSAT), a G20 satellite, and TRISHNA (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment). These satellites aim to significantly enhance India’s national earth-observation capabilities, with special focus on improving coverage over strategically important regions including Ladakh.

How: The Resourcesat series will provide continuity in earth observation data for agriculture, forestry, water resources, and disaster management with improved spatial and spectral resolution. HRSAT will deliver high-resolution imagery for urban planning and defense applications. TRISHNA, a joint India-France mission, will monitor water stress, urban heat islands, and coastal ecosystems using thermal infrared imaging. The G20 satellite represents India’s commitment to global climate monitoring cooperation announced during its G20 presidency. These satellites will be launched using ISRO’s proven PSLV and upcoming SSLV launch vehicles.

Why: This topic is critical for UPSC Science & Technology (GS Paper 3) covering space applications, remote sensing, and disaster management. Questions frequently test knowledge of ISRO’s operational satellites, their applications, and India-France space cooperation (like TRISHNA and earlier Megha-Tropiques). The Ladakh focus connects to strategic infrastructure monitoring in border areas. For state PSC exams, resource monitoring satellites like Resourcesat are important for questions on agricultural planning and water resource management. Banking exams test ISRO’s recent launches and India’s space policy milestones.

What: India has unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision, an ambitious roadmap to deploy sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology by 2030. The vision aims to position India as a global leader in next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, building on the momentum of 5G rollout. Supporting initiatives include establishment of 100 dedicated 5G labs across the country, Technology Development Fund (TTDF) funding specifically earmarked for telecom research and development, creation of the Bharat 6G Alliance bringing together industry and academia, and a specialized communications innovation hub at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bengaluru.

How: The Bharat 6G Alliance coordinates research across government labs, IITs, private sector, and startups to develop indigenous 6G standards, semiconductor chips, and network equipment. The 100 5G labs serve as testbeds for developing 6G use cases in areas like holographic communications, digital twins, and AI-integrated networks. TTDF provides competitive grants for proof-of-concept projects and technology validation. The IIIT Bengaluru innovation hub focuses on developing intellectual property in critical areas like terahertz communications, quantum communications, and edge AI. This ecosystem approach aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology vendors and create export opportunities in telecom equipment manufacturing.

Why: This is highly relevant for UPSC Science & Technology and Economy papers (GS Paper 3) covering Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat in technology, and telecommunications policy. Questions may test knowledge of the progression from 4G to 5G to 6G, the difference in capabilities, and India’s strategy for indigenous development. The Bharat 6G Alliance connects to India’s push for technology sovereignty and participation in global standard-setting bodies. For banking exams, this links to telecom sector reforms, spectrum auctions, PLI schemes for telecom equipment manufacturing, and the role of institutions like IIT/IIIT in innovation. The 2030 timeline and supporting initiatives like TTDF are factual recall points.

What: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that the first Gaganyaan test flight is planned for December 2025, with approximately 80% of the required test campaign already completed as of August 2025. Gaganyaan is India’s ambitious human spaceflight program aimed at demonstrating indigenous capability to send humans to low Earth orbit (approximately 400 km altitude) and safely return them. The December test flight will be a critical unmanned mission validating the Crew Module, Service Module, crew escape systems, and launch vehicle integration before eventual crewed missions.

How: The Gaganyaan program involves development of human-rated GSLV Mk III rocket, Crew Module with life support systems capable of sustaining three astronauts for seven days, Service Module providing propulsion and power, crew escape system for abort scenarios, and extensive ground testing facilities. ISRO has conducted multiple test vehicle missions to validate the crew escape system, parachute deployment, and module recovery. Indian Air Force astronauts (Gaganyatri) have undergone training in Russia and India. The December test will demonstrate end-to-end mission operations including launch, orbital maneuvers, module separation, atmospheric re-entry, parachute deployment, and ocean splashdown recovery by the Indian Navy.

Why: Gaganyaan is a flagship topic for UPSC Science & Technology (GS Paper 3) covering India’s space capabilities, international collaborations, and strategic autonomy. Questions frequently test mission objectives, technology components, astronaut selection, international training partnerships, and comparisons with global human spaceflight programs. The program demonstrates India’s technological advancement and connects to broader themes of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in high-technology sectors. For banking/SSC exams, factual details like number of astronauts (3), orbit altitude (400 km), mission duration capabilities, and ISRO Chairman’s name are frequently tested. The 80% completion milestone and December 2025 timeline are current static GK facts.