GK One-Liners

What: Gujarat launched India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing project to study 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts, building a comprehensive genetic reference database to tackle hereditary disorders particularly sickle cell anaemia affecting 1 in 86 tribal births (versus 1 in 2,500 general population). India’s tribal population (10.4 crore, 8.6% total population) concentrated in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha faces disproportionate disease burden due to genetic isolation (endogamous marriages within communities), consanguinity (related parents), and limited healthcare access. Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder causing chronic pain, organ damage, reduced lifespan, affects 20-40% tribal populations in some regions compared to 2-3% nationally, requiring targeted genomic interventions for prevention, treatment.

How: The project involves whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyzing 3 billion DNA base pairs identifying genetic variations unique to tribal populations, participant recruitment through community engagement obtaining informed consent addressing ethical concerns about genetic data misuse, blood sample collection from healthy individuals and sickle cell patients creating comparative datasets, bioinformatics analysis using AI-machine learning identifying disease-causing mutations, population-specific variants, and pharmacogenomic markers predicting drug responses. The reference database will enable newborn screening programs identifying at-risk infants early enabling preventive interventions (hydroxyurea therapy, bone marrow transplants), genetic counseling advising couples about inheritance risks (sickle cell follows recessive pattern requiring both parents as carriers), and precision medicine developing therapies targeting specific genetic profiles. Implementation partners include Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), district health departments conducting outreach in tribal areas.

Why: Critical for UPSC Science & Technology (GS3) and Social Justice (GS1) covering genomics and tribal welfare. Prelims questions test knowledge of Human Genome Project, genetic disorders classification, tribal population distribution (Schedule V, VI areas), and ICMR’s research programs. For Mains, this connects to themes of precision medicine revolutionizing healthcare through genetic profiling enabling individualized treatments, health equity addressing tribal communities’ vulnerability requiring targeted interventions beyond generic public health programs, ethical genomics ensuring community consent, data protection preventing discrimination (insurance denials, employment bias based on genetic predisposition), and challenges in community trust-building given historical exploitation of tribal populations in research, ensuring benefit-sharing where genetic discoveries commercialize into drugs, diagnostic tests, sustaining post-project healthcare infrastructure providing long-term genetic counseling, treatment access, and balancing scientific advancement with cultural sensitivity respecting tribal autonomy, traditional knowledge systems. Ethics questions explore informed consent adequacy and genetic privacy rights. Current affairs tracks genomic medicine initiatives and tribal health programs.

What: Bihar announced free electricity up to 125 units per month for households from August 1, 2025, alongside solar support for poorer families under the Kutir Jyoti plan. This welfare initiative benefits 1.2+ crore Bihar households (average monthly consumption 80-120 units) with annual fiscal impact estimated ₹5,000-6,000 crore borne by state exchequer. The 125-unit threshold covers essential consumption including lighting (20-30 units), fans (30-40 units), television (20 units), mobile charging, small appliances, ensuring basic energy access without financial burden. Solar support under Kutir Jyoti provides subsidized rooftop installations (2-3 kW capacity) for Below Poverty Line families generating 8-12 units daily achieving energy independence, reducing grid load.

How: The scheme operates through automatic bill adjustments where Bihar State Power Distribution Company Limited (BSPDCL) meters track consumption, waive charges up to 125 units, bill excess usage at normal tariffs (₹5-7 per unit residential slab rates). Implementation involves digital meter installation replacing mechanical meters enabling accurate tracking, preventing theft, Aadhaar-based beneficiary verification ensuring single household doesn’t claim multiple connections, and revenue protection measures detecting commercial establishments masquerading as residential consumers. The Kutir Jyoti solar component provides 70-80% subsidy (central PMKUSUM scheme 30%, state 40-50%) reducing household cost to ₹15,000-20,000 for complete rooftop system, technical support for installation, maintenance, and net metering facility selling excess generation to grid earning credits offsetting electricity bills. Financing involves state budget allocation, cross-subsidization where commercial, industrial consumers pay higher tariffs compensating residential subsidies.

Why: Important for UPSC Economy (GS3) and Governance (GS2) covering subsidies and energy policy. Prelims questions test knowledge of electricity sector structure (generation, transmission, distribution), power tariff mechanisms, renewable energy schemes (PM-KUSUM – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan), and state finances. For Mains, this connects to themes of populist welfarism ahead of elections balancing political expediency with fiscal sustainability (Bihar’s debt-GSDP ratio 38%, approaching prudent limit 40%), energy access as development indicator (per capita consumption Bihar 450 kWh vs national 1,200 kWh indicating underdevelopment), cross-subsidy burden on industries potentially affecting competitiveness, and challenges in preventing misuse (commercial establishments claiming residential rates), ensuring financial viability of distribution companies (DISCOMs) already suffering losses requiring government bailouts, promoting energy conservation when subsidies incentivize wasteful consumption, and transitioning to cost-reflective tariffs enabling sector reforms. Economics questions analyze subsidy rationalization and DISCOM financial health. Current affairs tracks state welfare announcements and power sector reforms.

What: Maharashtra became the first state to treat livestock and poultry farming as agriculture, enabling farmers to access benefits like subsidized power tariffs (agricultural power ₹2-3 per unit vs commercial ₹7-8), priority agricultural credit at concessional 7-9% interest rates (vs commercial 11-13%), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities, and tax relief including exemptions on land revenue, income tax benefits under agricultural income provisions. This policy innovation recognizes animal husbandry’s economic significance contributing 30% to agricultural GDP (₹8+ lakh crore sector nationally) while employing 20+ million households, yet facing regulatory discrimination where only crop cultivation received agricultural status, livestock farming classified as non-agricultural business facing higher costs, taxes.

How: The reclassification involved amending Maharashtra Land Revenue Code defining agricultural activity to explicitly include animal rearing, dairy farming, poultry operations, fisheries, sericulture, horticulture ensuring statutory recognition. Practical benefits include subsidized electricity where dairy farmers, poultry operators running chillers, coolers, lighting previously paid commercial tariffs now receive agricultural rates saving 60-70% energy costs, enhanced credit access as banks classify livestock operations as agricultural lending eligible for Priority Sector Lending targets (40% bank credit must go to agriculture, MSME, housing) improving loan availability, crop insurance extension where livestock mortality insurance, fodder crop failure coverage integrate with Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana frameworks. Implementation requires livestock farmer registration obtaining agricultural identity cards, land record updates specifying animal husbandry activity, and coordination between agriculture, animal husbandry, revenue departments for seamless benefit delivery.

Why: Essential for UPSC Economy (GS3) covering agriculture and allied sectors. Prelims questions test knowledge of agricultural GDP composition (crops 55%, livestock 30%, forestry 10%, fisheries 5%), animal husbandry schemes (National Livestock Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission for indigenous cattle), Priority Sector Lending norms, and state agricultural policies. For Mains, this connects to themes of agricultural diversification promoting high-value livestock products (milk, eggs, meat) supplementing crop income reducing farmer distress, livelihood security where livestock provides drought resilience, regular income (daily milk sales vs seasonal crop harvest), women’s empowerment as animal husbandry traditionally women-managed enhancing economic agency, and challenges in ensuring small farmers benefit beyond large commercial poultry operations, preventing environmental concerns from intensive livestock farming (methane emissions, water pollution from animal waste), balancing subsidies with fiscal sustainability, and integrating livestock into agricultural extension services providing veterinary care, breeding improvements, feed management training. Agriculture questions analyze allied sector development and farmer income enhancement strategies. Current affairs tracks agricultural reforms and state policy innovations.

What: Ahmedabad topped Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 rankings among cities with over 10 lakh population, while Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai featured in the Super Swachh League recognizing sustained excellence. Swachh Survekshan, launched 2016 under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), is the world’s largest urban sanitation survey assessing 4,500+ cities on cleanliness, waste management, citizen feedback, covering 97% urban population. Ahmedabad’s achievement reflects comprehensive reforms including door-to-door waste collection covering 100% wards, scientific waste processing treating 4,500+ tonnes daily through composting, refuse-derived fuel production, landfill diversion achieving 90%+ waste processing versus 40% national average, and citizen engagement through Swachhata Champions, public grievance redressal systems.

How: Swachh Survekshan evaluation methodology encompasses service level progress (30% weightage) measuring door-to-door waste collection coverage, waste processing capacity, public toilet availability, sanitation worker safety equipment; citizen feedback (30%) through random telephonic surveys, mobile app feedback on cleanliness perception, complaint resolution rates; certification protocols (20%) verifying Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF+, ODF++ status through third-party audits, water plus certifications ensuring septage management; and innovation & best practices (20%) recognizing technology adoption (GPS tracking of garbage vehicles, CCTV in dumping grounds), behavior change campaigns, circular economy initiatives converting waste to wealth. Ahmedabad implemented ward-level competition rankings creating peer pressure for improvement, incentivized sanitation workers through performance bonuses, deployed smart bins with fill-level sensors optimizing collection routes, and established Material Recovery Facilities segregating recyclables generating revenue offsetting waste management costs.

Why: Critical for UPSC Governance (GS2) and Environment (GS3) covering urban management and sanitation. Prelims questions test Swachh Bharat Mission phases (SBM-U 2014-2019, SBM-U 2.0 2021-2026), waste management rules (Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandating source segregation, waste processing), ODF protocols, and urban local body functions under 74th Constitutional Amendment. For Mains, this connects to themes of competitive federalism where rankings incentivize cities to improve service delivery through reputational rewards, sustainable urbanization addressing waste management as critical challenge (India generates 1.5 lakh tonnes daily municipal solid waste, 60% dumped untreated), circular economy potential where waste processing creates employment, resource recovery reducing virgin material consumption, and challenges in sustaining achievements beyond evaluation periods (cities improve temporarily during survey), ensuring equity where low-income neighborhoods receive equal services despite revenue constraints, managing informal waste-pickers’ livelihoods during formalization, and addressing organic waste at source preventing transportation costs through decentralized composting. Essays may explore behavioral change’s primacy in sanitation over infrastructure. Current affairs tracks SBM achievements and urban sanitation innovations.

What: India finalized procurement of GE-F404 engines for LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Mk 1A, supporting Indian Air Force modernization with advanced features including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar providing 300+ km detection range, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite with radar warning receivers, jammer pods protecting against enemy missiles, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability firing Astra missiles engaging targets 100+ km away. The Tejas Mk 1A represents significant upgrade over Mk 1 version incorporating 43 enhancements based on IAF operational feedback, with 83 aircraft ordered worth ₹48,000 crore (largest indigenous fighter order) expected delivery 2024-2029 replacing aging MiG-21 fleet reducing accident rates, maintenance costs.

How: The GE-F404-IN20 engine produces 84 kN thrust enabling Tejas to achieve Mach 1.8 speed, 15+ km altitude ceiling, 3,000+ km ferry range with external fuel tanks, powering advanced avionics consuming substantial electrical power for radar, EW systems, cockpit displays. Engine procurement involves licensed production agreement where GE supplies initial batches, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) establishes domestic manufacturing capability producing engines locally under technology transfer achieving 70%+ indigenization reducing import dependence, foreign exchange outflow. The Mk 1A integrates Israeli ELTA AESA radar or indigenous Uttam AESA (under development), DRDO-developed EW suite, fly-by-wire flight control system providing stability, maneuverability, and mid-air refueling capability extending operational radius. Manufacturing involves HAL’s Bengaluru facility producing airframes, Nashik for sub-assemblies, with private sector partners (Larsen & Toubro, Tata, Dynamatic Technologies) supplying components under outsourcing model accelerating production from current 8 aircraft/year to 16-24/year meeting IAF squadron depletion crisis.

Why: Essential for UPSC Defence (GS3) covering military modernization and indigenous production. Prelims questions test knowledge of LCA Tejas program (initiated 1980s, IOC 2011, FOC 2019), IAF aircraft categories (light, medium, heavy fighters), DRDO’s aeronautics programs, and Make in India in defense. For Mains, this connects to themes of strategic autonomy reducing dependence on imported fighters (60% IAF fleet foreign-origin), technology absorption where Tejas program developed indigenous capabilities in avionics, composites, flight control systems applicable to future platforms like AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), cost-effectiveness (Tejas unit cost ₹300 crore vs ₹700 crore for Rafale), and challenges in production delays (35-year development causing obsolescence concerns), engine import dependence (indigenous Kaveri engine failed certification despite ₹3,000+ crore investment), ensuring combat effectiveness against adversaries operating superior aircraft (Pakistan’s F-16, China’s J-20), and balancing indigenous development supporting domestic industry, generating employment versus importing proven systems meeting urgent capability gaps. Strategic studies questions analyze air power projection and self-reliance trade-offs. Current affairs tracks IAF modernization and defense manufacturing.

What: The ₹1,000 crore ADEETIE (Accelerating Deployment of Energy-Efficiency Technologies for Indian Enterprises) scheme was launched to help MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) adopt energy-efficiency upgrades through subsidized energy audits and interest rate subvention, targeting 30-50% energy savings. India’s 6.3+ crore MSMEs consume 30% industrial energy but operate inefficiently (energy intensity 2-3 times higher than large industries) due to outdated equipment, lack of technical knowledge, capital constraints preventing energy-efficient technology adoption despite payback periods of 2-4 years. Energy efficiency offers win-win solution reducing operational costs improving competitiveness while cutting carbon emissions supporting Net Zero 2070 commitment where industry accounts for 40% national emissions.

How: ADEETIE operates through energy audit subsidy providing 50% cost support (up to ₹1 lakh) for certified auditors assessing current consumption, identifying improvement opportunities (LED lighting replacing incandescent, variable frequency drives on motors, waste heat recovery from furnaces, insulation improvements), preparing detailed energy conservation reports; technology upgrade financing offering 5% interest rate subvention for 5 years on loans taken for implementing audit recommendations reducing effective borrowing costs from 12% to 7%, incentivizing capital investment; technical assistance establishing State-level Energy Efficiency Cells providing hand-holding support helping MSMEs navigate technology options, vendor selection, subsidy application procedures; and cluster approach targeting industrial clusters (Ludhiana textiles, Moradabad brassware, Surat diamonds) enabling bulk procurement reducing equipment costs through economies of scale. Implementation involves Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) setting standards, SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank) managing interest subvention, and state industrial development corporations coordinating outreach.

Why: Important for UPSC Economy (GS3) and Environment (GS3) covering industrial policy and climate action. Prelims questions test knowledge of MSME classification (investment, turnover criteria under MSME Act 2006), energy conservation programs (Energy Conservation Act 2001, Perform Achieve Trade scheme for large industries), Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s role, and climate finance instruments. For Mains, this connects to themes of MSME competitiveness enhancement where energy costs constitute 10-30% operating expenses, efficiency gains directly improving profit margins enabling price competitiveness, climate mitigation leveraging co-benefits where pollution reduction, energy security align with industrial efficiency objectives avoiding false choice between development and environment, just transition ensuring small industries aren’t disadvantaged by carbon regulations requiring technical, financial support for cleaner operations, and challenges in awareness creation reaching dispersed micro-enterprises beyond organized clusters, ensuring additionality where subsidies fund efficiency improvements that wouldn’t occur otherwise rather than rewarding business-as-usual, measuring, verifying savings preventing greenwashing claims, and sustaining efficiency culture through operator training preventing equipment misuse negating upgrades. Economics questions analyze industrial productivity determinants and green financing mechanisms. Current affairs tracks climate action initiatives and MSME support schemes.