GK One-Liners

What: World Book and Copyright Day (WBCD) is observed every year on 23 April, organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The 2026 theme is ‘Go All In on Reading’, and Rabat, Morocco has been designated the 26th World Book Capital city.

How: UNESCO established this day in 1995, inspired by the Catalan Sant Jordi tradition of gifting books and roses. The date was chosen because it marks the birth and/or death anniversaries of literary giants William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Each year, one city is selected as World Book Capital to promote reading and publishing.

Why: This day is frequently tested in UPSC Prelims and SSC exams under International Days and UNESCO themes. Key facts to remember: date (23 April), 2026 theme, World Book Capital (Rabat), and the literary figures associated with the date.

What: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of 408.7 sq. km around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Uttar Pradesh. The ESZ covers five districts: Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Hapur, Bijnor, and Amroha. The sanctuary hosts 41 mammal species and 373 bird species.

How: ESZs are buffer zones notified by MoEFCC under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, around protected areas to regulate development activities that could harm the core wildlife habitat. The notification restricts commercial mining, large industries, and other ecologically damaging activities in the delineated zone.

Why: ESZ notifications are a recurring theme in UPSC and state PCS environment sections. Remember: Barasingha (swamp deer) is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh and is found in Kanha as well. Questions may test the state (UP), district coverage, or the ministry responsible (MoEFCC).

What: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a Rs 975 crore contract under the TRAWL (Tank Repair and Workshop-Level) program for T-72 Ajeya and T-90 Bhishma Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). The contract is awarded to BEML Limited and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics India. TRAWL was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

How: The contract falls under the Buy-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, which is the highest priority category in India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure. This ensures that workshop-level repair infrastructure for India’s main tank fleet is indigenously maintained, reducing dependence on foreign OEMs.

Why: Defence procurement categories (Buy-IDDM, Buy-Indian, Make) are frequently tested in UPSC and CDS exams. Key facts: contract value (Rs 975 crore), tanks covered (T-72 and T-90), executing agencies (BEML, Electro Pneumatics), and DRDO’s role in developing TRAWL.

What: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has launched ANNAM.AI — Alliance for Next-Gen Nourishment through Agriculture Modernisation — an Artificial Intelligence-powered agricultural intelligence ecosystem. It comprises three key components: ‘Swan’ weather stations, Krishi Intelligence Call Centres, and the Annam Chat Engine (ACE).

How: The Swan weather stations collect hyperlocal weather data. The Krishi Intelligence Call Centres provide voice-based advisory to farmers in regional languages. The Annam Chat Engine (ACE) allows farmers to query crop and weather information via chat. Together, they create a data-to-decision pipeline to improve farm productivity using AI-driven insights.

Why: Agri-tech and AI applications in agriculture are high-yield topics for UPSC Science & Technology and GS-III (Agriculture). This initiative reflects India’s push towards precision farming. The full form of ANNAM.AI and its three components are likely MCQ targets in banking and SSC exams.

What: The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize made history by selecting an all-women cohort for the first time in its 37-year history. The six winners are: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (United Kingdom), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (USA), and Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia). The prize is often referred to as the “Green Nobel”.

How: Founded in 1989 by Rhoda and Richard Goldman of San Francisco, the prize recognises grassroots environmental activists from six inhabited continental regions of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South/Central America. One winner is selected from each region annually.

Why: The Goldman Prize is a standard fixture in competitive exam award lists. Key facts: founded year (1989), founders (Rhoda and Richard Goldman), nickname (“Green Nobel”), six regions, and the 2026 historic first (all-women). Frequently asked in UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, and banking exams under Awards & Honours.

What: The 26th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 was held at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid, Spain. Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, tennis); Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, tennis); Team of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which won its first UEFA Champions League (UCL) title with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. The ceremony was hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu.

How: The Laureus World Sports Awards are presented annually by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and recognise outstanding sporting achievements across categories including Sportsman, Sportswoman, Team, Comeback, Breakthrough, and others. A panel of sports legends — the Laureus World Sports Academy — votes for the winners.

Why: Sports awards are a standard static GK section in banking, SSC, and state PCS exams. Key facts to memorise: edition (26th), venue (Cibeles Palace, Madrid), Sportsman (Carlos Alcaraz), Sportswoman (Aryna Sabalenka), and Team (Paris Saint-Germain). PSG’s first-ever UCL title is an additional current affairs hook.