GK One-Liners

What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted ground testing of a full-scale actively cooled scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engine. This marks a critical milestone in India’s hypersonic missile development programme, particularly for air-breathing propulsion systems that operate at Mach 6+ speeds.

How: The scramjet engine uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need for onboard oxidizers and significantly increasing payload capacity. Active cooling technology prevents structural damage at extreme temperatures generated during hypersonic flight. The test validates indigenous design capabilities for next-generation missile systems including the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).

Why: UPSC Prelims frequently tests indigenous defence technologies under Science & Tech. Mains GS3 expects analysis of strategic autonomy, Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, and India’s position in hypersonic race (USA, Russia, China). Links to Make in India, DRDO achievements, and deterrence capabilities against emerging threats.

What: Tamil Nadu signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with XeedQ, a German quantum technology firm, to establish India’s first state-government-backed quantum computing initiative. This programme aims to create quantum computing infrastructure, train specialists, and support startups in quantum algorithms, cryptography, and materials science applications.

How: The partnership involves setting up quantum computing labs in state universities and research institutions, developing curriculum for quantum education, and creating an innovation ecosystem for quantum startups. XeedQ will provide technical expertise, hardware access, and training modules. Tamil Nadu’s existing semiconductor and electronics manufacturing base provides synergy for quantum hardware development.

Why: UPSC GS3 increasingly emphasizes emerging technologies like quantum computing in India’s innovation ecosystem. Questions may link this to National Quantum Mission (2023), Digital India, state-level technology initiatives, and global competitiveness. Also relevant for federalism angle (GS2) showing state innovation in cutting-edge tech policy despite concurrent list constraints.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Bank of Baroda’s proposal to convert its Primary Dealer (PD) operations into a wholly-owned Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD) subsidiary. Simultaneously, RBI enhanced BoB’s Special Liquidity Facility (SLF) limit to ₹15,000 crore, providing greater access to short-term liquidity for government securities trading.

How: SPDs are specialized entities that exclusively deal in government securities, money market instruments, and debt instruments. By creating a separate subsidiary, BoB can enhance focus on gilt-edged securities market-making, underwriting government debt, and providing liquidity. The SLF increase allows higher borrowing from RBI against government securities collateral during liquidity stress.

Why: UPSC Economics questions regularly test banking sector reforms, RBI regulations, and government borrowing mechanisms. This connects to fiscal deficit management (GS3), public debt sustainability, primary vs secondary market operations, and financial sector consolidation trends. SPDs are crucial for efficient government borrowing and monetary policy transmission.

What: Bharat Forge, India’s leading forging and automotive components manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agile Robots, a German robotics firm, to co-develop AI-powered robotics and smart automation solutions for manufacturing. This collaboration targets Industry 4.0 applications including collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous material handling, and predictive maintenance systems.

How: The partnership leverages Bharat Forge’s manufacturing expertise and market access with Agile Robots’ advanced AI algorithms and robotic manipulation technology. Joint R&D will focus on creating cost-effective automation solutions tailored for Indian manufacturing scale, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering sectors. Technology transfer agreements will enable domestic production of robotic components.

Why: UPSC GS3 emphasizes Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Industry 4.0 adoption for manufacturing competitiveness. This connects to technology partnerships, FDI in R&D-intensive sectors, and India’s position in global value chains. Questions may explore AI in manufacturing, automation’s impact on employment (GS1 social issues), and policies promoting advanced manufacturing technologies.

What: The National Textile Ministers’ Conference 2026 was held in Guwahati (January 8-9) under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation.” Jointly organized by the Ministry of Textiles and Assam Government, the conference brought together state textile ministers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss sector growth strategies, traditional craft preservation, and technological modernization.

How: The conference focused on cooperative federalism in textile policy implementation, integrating North-East region handloom traditions with national value chains, promoting GI-tagged textiles, and addressing challenges in power loom clusters. Discussions covered PM MITRA parks, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, sustainability standards, and export competitiveness enhancement. Special sessions highlighted bamboo textiles and silk production potential in North-East states.

Why: UPSC GS3 regularly tests textile sector policies, PLI schemes, and traditional industry modernization. GS2 questions explore cooperative federalism mechanisms and North-East development strategies. Links to employment generation (GS1), rural economy, export promotion, and cultural heritage preservation (GS1). Conference outcomes inform Mains answers on integrated textile policy and regional economic development.

What: Scientists from University of Delhi discovered two new species of slender-armed frogs (genus Pseudophilautus) in Arunachal Pradesh’s tropical forests. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal PeerJ, add to India’s amphibian diversity and highlight the Eastern Himalayas’ status as a biodiversity hotspot. These microendemic species have restricted geographical ranges, making them conservation priorities.

How: The research involved extensive field surveys in remote forest areas, morphological analysis, DNA barcoding using mitochondrial genes, and acoustic call pattern studies to distinguish species. Discovery confirms that Arunachal Pradesh’s unexplored montane forests harbor significant undocumented biodiversity. Taxonomic description includes detailed habitat characteristics, elevation ranges (typically 1,200-2,000m), and ecological niche specifications.

Why: UPSC Environment & Ecology questions frequently test biodiversity discoveries, especially from biodiversity hotspots like Eastern Himalayas (GS3). Connects to Wildlife Protection Act provisions, in-situ conservation strategies, endemic species importance, and climate change impacts on montane ecosystems. Taxonomy and species discovery demonstrate India’s megadiverse status—relevant for international convention questions (CBD, CITES) in both Prelims and Mains.