GK One-Liners

What: India and the European Union (EU) signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 January 2026. This landmark deal covers 2 billion people and represents 25% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the world’s largest trade partnerships.

How: Under the agreement, 96.6% of tariffs will be eliminated or reduced, generating €4 billion in annual savings for businesses. EU exports to India are projected to double by 2032. The FTA covers goods, services, and investment with provisions for sustainable development and digital trade.

Why: This FTA is highly significant for UPSC Economy and International Relations sections. It demonstrates India’s growing integration with global trade blocs, diversification of trade partnerships beyond traditional allies, and has implications for Make in India, employment generation, and India’s strategic positioning.

What: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026. These rules mandate source-level waste processing from 1 April 2026, requiring bulk generators producing 100 kg or more waste daily to segregate into four streams.

How: The four mandatory waste streams are: wet waste (biodegradable), dry waste (recyclable), sanitary waste, and special care waste (hazardous/e-waste). Bulk generators include hotels, malls, institutions, and residential complexes. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Why: Waste management is a recurring theme in UPSC Environment and Governance sections. These rules align with Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 objectives, circular economy principles, and India’s commitment to sustainable development goals. Understanding the 4-stream segregation framework is essential for prelims factual questions.

What: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a new Aadhaar App with a privacy-first approach. The app allows users to update their mobile numbers from home, eliminating the need for physical photocopies and aligning with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

How: The app uses advanced security features including biometric authentication, masked Aadhaar numbers, and secure QR codes. Users can perform updates, download e-Aadhaar, lock/unlock biometrics, and verify authentication history. The paperless process reduces identity theft risks and carbon footprint.

Why: This development connects multiple UPSC themes: Digital India, data protection governance, and e-governance reforms. Understanding the DPDP Act provisions and UIDAI’s role in India’s digital identity ecosystem is crucial for Governance and Polity sections. It also relates to financial inclusion and service delivery efficiency.

What: India’s human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan has received an additional Rs 11,170 crore in funding, bringing the total project budget to Rs 20,193 crore (approximately $2.4 billion). The programme aims to complete four missions by 2026, including uncrewed test flights and the crewed mission.

How: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing indigenous crew modules, life support systems, and crew escape mechanisms. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently completed the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), gaining valuable experience for Gaganyaan. The programme involves collaboration with multiple industries and research institutions.

Why: Gaganyaan is a flagship programme frequently tested in UPSC Science & Technology sections. Understanding its budget allocation, mission timeline, technological components (crew module, service module, launch vehicle GSLV Mk III), and India’s space policy is essential. It also connects to self-reliance in strategic technologies and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

What: The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced on 29 January 2026 that the Doomsday Clock now stands at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to symbolic global catastrophe. The clock serves as a metaphor for how close humanity is to self-destruction from nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies.

How: The clock is adjusted annually by the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, which includes Nobel laureates and security experts. The 2026 adjustment reflects heightened nuclear tensions from ongoing conflicts, accelerating climate impacts, and emerging risks from artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Previous settings include 90 seconds in 2023-2025.

Why: The Doomsday Clock is relevant for UPSC International Relations, Environment, and Science & Technology sections. It provides context for questions on global security architecture, nuclear non-proliferation treaties (NPT, CTBT), climate agreements, and emerging technology governance. Understanding such global indicators helps in essay and mains answer writing.

What: The World Bank released its 2025 report titled ‘A Breath of Change,’ revealing that approximately 1 billion people living in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills breathe the world’s most polluted air. The region experiences persistent high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) throughout the year.

How: The pollution results from multiple sources: agricultural residue burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and thermal power plants. Geographic factors trap pollutants due to the Himalayan barrier preventing dispersal. The report emphasizes the need for transboundary cooperation as pollution crosses state and national boundaries.

Why: Air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains is a high-priority UPSC topic spanning Environment, Geography, and Governance sections. Key themes include National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), stubble burning policies, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), health impacts, and regional cooperation mechanisms. The transboundary aspect connects to international environmental governance.