GK One-Liners

What: The Government of India approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy rates for Rabi 2025-26 season with a significantly higher subsidy of ₹29,805 per metric ton for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and total allocation of ₹37,952.29 crore. The NBS scheme provides subsidies on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers based on nutrient content rather than product type.

How: Under NBS, farmers pay Maximum Retail Price (MRP) while the government compensates manufacturers for the difference between cost and MRP. The increased DAP subsidy shields farmers from volatile international prices of raw materials like ammonia and phosphoric acid. This prevents MRP spikes that could affect crop production and farmer incomes during critical sowing periods.

Why: Agricultural subsidies form a crucial part of UPSC GS3 (Agriculture, Food Security) and Banking exams’ Economic Affairs section. Questions often test understanding of subsidy mechanisms, fiscal implications, and linkages with MSP, PM-KISAN, and soil health. The NBS scheme connects to broader themes of input cost management and sustainable agriculture.

What: Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated two globally ranked facilities at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) during its 80th Foundation Day: the National Standard for Electrical Light (NSEL), ranked 2nd globally, and the Solar Cell Calibration Facility, ranked 5th worldwide. These labs establish India’s leadership in metrology and renewable energy standards.

How: NSEL provides primary standards for measuring luminous intensity (candela), ensuring accuracy in LED manufacturing and lighting industry quality control. The Solar Cell Calibration Facility certifies photovoltaic efficiency against international standards, crucial for India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030. Both facilities enable indigenous calibration, reducing dependence on foreign testing and boosting Make in India in strategic sectors.

Why: CSIR institutions frequently appear in UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech) and Mains GS3 questions on indigenous research capabilities. This aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, National Solar Mission, and PLI schemes for advanced manufacturing. Questions may link metrology standards to quality assurance in exports, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and India’s position in global scientific infrastructure.

What: The Indian Army launched ‘Bhairav’, a specialized drone warfare force with over 1 lakh trained drone operators, marking a transformative shift in modern combat strategy. This force integrates Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) across reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and precision strikes, enhancing battlefield awareness and lethality.

How: Bhairav operators are trained in drone piloting, swarm technology, counter-drone systems, and integration with artillery and infantry units. The force deploys mini, small, and tactical drones for real-time intelligence, reducing casualty risks in hostile terrain. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh have demonstrated drones’ decisive role, prompting India’s large-scale adoption for border security and surgical operations.

Why: Defence modernization is a staple of UPSC GS3 (Internal Security, Defence Technology) and CDS exam. Questions test knowledge of emerging warfare technologies, indigenization under Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence, and India’s response to asymmetric threats. Bhairav connects to broader themes like India’s defence budget allocation, Defence Production Policy, and drone regulations (Drone Rules 2021).

What: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to strengthen Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding of ₹28 crore. EMRS provides quality education to tribal children in remote areas with residential facilities.

How: ONGC’s CSR funds will support infrastructure development, digital learning resources, skill training programs, and hostel facilities in EMRS across Scheduled Areas. The partnership leverages ONGC’s CSR mandate (2% of average net profits under Companies Act 2013) to address educational gaps in tribal regions. NSTFDC acts as implementing agency, ensuring funds reach target beneficiaries under Constitutional provisions for tribal welfare.

Why: Tribal welfare schemes appear frequently in UPSC GS1 (Social Justice, Vulnerable Sections) and GS2 (Government Schemes). Questions test knowledge of EMRS expansion (target: 740 schools), CSR regulations, and Constitutional safeguards (5th & 6th Schedules). Banking exams focus on PSU CSR initiatives and financial inclusion for marginalized communities. This connects to PESA Act, Forest Rights Act, and government’s push for inclusive development.

What: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) established the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to streamline approvals, boost India’s ₹20,861 crore live events market, and position India as a global hub for concerts, exhibitions, and sports events by 2030. The cell acts as a single-window clearance mechanism for event organizers dealing with multiple regulatory authorities.

How: LEDC coordinates with state governments, police, fire safety departments, and civic bodies to reduce approval timelines from months to weeks. It provides advisory support on licensing, security protocols, GST compliance, and foreign artist permissions. The initiative aligns with India’s growing creative economy, attracting international performers and event management companies while creating employment in hospitality, logistics, and entertainment sectors.

Why: Service sector reforms and ease of doing business are recurring themes in UPSC GS3 (Economic Development, Government Policies) and Banking exams’ Business Awareness section. Questions may link LEDC to Digital India’s National Single Window System, GST’s impact on entertainment industry, and India’s soft power projection through cultural events. This connects to broader themes of tourism promotion, urban development, and Make in India in creative industries.

What: Scientists discovered a new snake species, Calamaria mizoramensis (Mizoram Reed Snake), in Mizoram, raising the state’s herpetofauna (reptile and amphibian diversity) count to 169 species. This small, fossorial (burrowing) non-venomous snake belongs to the genus Calamaria, found primarily in Southeast Asian forests, indicating Mizoram’s rich biodiversity and biogeographic connections with Indo-Burma hotspot.

How: The discovery was made through systematic herpetological surveys in Mizoram’s subtropical forests, using morphological analysis and molecular phylogenetics to confirm it as a distinct species. Reed snakes are indicator species for healthy forest ecosystems, residing in leaf litter and feeding on earthworms. Mizoram’s location in the Eastern Himalayas and proximity to Myanmar make it a biodiversity-rich zone with many endemic and threatened species requiring conservation attention.

Why: Biodiversity hotspots and new species discoveries are standard topics in UPSC Prelims (Environment & Ecology) and GS3 Mains (Conservation). Questions test knowledge of India’s 4 biodiversity hotspots (Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland), endemism, Wildlife Protection Act schedules, and Northeast India’s ecological significance. Banking exams include environmental awareness questions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. This links to India’s Biodiversity Act 2002, IUCN Red List assessments, and forest conservation policies.