GK One-Liners

What: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026 at 8:25 PM IST — meaning a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was initiated for the first time. The reactor has a capacity of 500 MWe (megawatts electric) and uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. It is a sodium-cooled, pool-type Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) designed by IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) and built by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited), both under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

How: The PFBR breeds more fuel than it consumes: a U-238 (Uranium-238) blanket surrounding the core absorbs neutrons and converts to Pu-239 (Plutonium-239), generating surplus fissile material. Liquid sodium is used as coolant due to its excellent heat-transfer properties. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted clearance for the criticality event. Commercial operations are targeted for September 2026. Construction began in 2004 (original target 2010) at a cost that escalated from ₹3,500 crore to ₹7,700 crore.

Why: This is India’s most significant nuclear milestone in decades, making India the 2nd country after Russia to operate a commercial FBR. It directly advances Stage 2 of India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme. Key MCQ anchors: 500 MWe capacity, MOX fuel, sodium coolant, IGCAR (designer), BHAVINI (builder), AERB clearance, first criticality date 6 April 2026. Relevant for UPSC GS-III (Science & Technology), Banking awareness, and SSC.

What: India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme was conceived by Dr. Homi Bhabha to maximise use of India’s domestic fuel resources. Stage 1 uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) fuelled by natural uranium — this stage is ongoing with operational reactors across India. Stage 2 uses Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) fuelled by Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) produced in Stage 1; the PFBR at Kalpakkam is the first commercial FBR, marking Stage 2’s activation. Stage 3 will use Thorium-232 (Th-232) converted to Uranium-233 (U-233) as fuel, leveraging India’s vast thorium deposits.

How: The “breeding” logic underpins Stages 2 and 3: reactors produce more fissile material than they consume. In Stage 2, a U-238 blanket in the FBR breeds Pu-239. In Stage 3, Th-232 — which is not itself fissile — absorbs neutrons to become U-233, which is fissile. India holds approximately 25% of global thorium reserves, the 2nd largest in the world, making Stage 3 strategically vital for long-term energy security.

Why: The 3-Stage Programme is a perennial UPSC topic connecting energy security, nuclear science, and strategic autonomy. Key MCQ anchors: PHWRs (Stage 1), FBRs/PFBR (Stage 2), Thorium reactors (Stage 3), India’s ~25% global thorium share (2nd largest), Homi Bhabha as architect. The PFBR’s first criticality now ties a current-affairs hook to this foundational concept. Tested in UPSC Prelims, GS-III Mains, and State PSC exams.

What: The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 was passed by Parliament (Lok Sabha on 1 April 2026; Rajya Sabha by voice vote on 2 April 2026) and received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, with gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice (MoL&J) on 6 April 2026. The Act amends Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, replacing the phrase “there shall be a new capital” with “Amaravati shall be the new capital.” The amendment has retrospective effect from 2 June 2024 — the date Hyderabad ceased to be the joint capital.

How: This is the first time in Indian legislative history that Parliament has explicitly named and declared a state capital through central legislation. The YSRCP (YSR Congress Party) opposed the Bill and staged a walkout; 35 MPs participated in the debates. Land for Amaravati was assembled through a Land Pooling Scheme under which farmers voluntarily donated approximately 33,000 acres. The current Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been a primary advocate of Amaravati.

Why: This event is significant for Polity and Governance: it establishes a constitutional-legislative precedent for Parliament declaring a state capital, and links to federalism debates and the AP bifurcation legacy under the 14th Amendment. Key MCQ anchors: AP Reorganisation Act 2014 Section 5(2), gazette date 6 April 2026, retrospective date 2 June 2024, Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha passage dates, Land Pooling Scheme (33,000 acres). Relevant for UPSC GS-II (Polity/Governance), State PSC, and CDS/NDA.

What: India added a record 6.05 GW (gigawatts) of wind power capacity in FY2025–26, a 46% increase over the 4.15 GW added in FY25 and surpassing the previous record of 5.5 GW set in FY17. Total installed wind power capacity has crossed 56 GW, making India the 4th largest wind energy country in the world. The announcement was made by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).

How: Wind energy additions are driven by large-scale projects primarily in high-wind states. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are the leading states in wind capacity. India’s wind energy sector has benefited from policy support, competitive tariffs through auctions, and improved turbine technology enabling higher capacity factors. The growth aligns with India’s national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed capacity by 2030.

Why: India’s renewable energy ambitions and global climate commitments (COP pledges) make wind power a recurring exam topic. Key MCQ anchors: 6.05 GW (FY26 record), 56 GW total installed, 4th globally, 500 GW target by 2030, leading states (Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra), MNRE. Relevant for UPSC GS-III (Environment & Energy), Banking awareness, and SSC GK sections.

What: The Indian Army released a 50-page strategic document — the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Technology Roadmap — at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The document covers 30 types of UAS and loitering munitions across approximately 80 variants. It was released by Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCoAS). The roadmap organises drone capabilities into 5 segments: Surveillance UAS, Loitering Munitions, Air Defence UAS, Special Role UAS, and Logistics UAS.

How: The roadmap covers a spectrum of platforms — from HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones to swarm drones, FPV (First Person View) systems, MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming), and anti-drone systems. This reflects the Army’s intent to indigenise and systemise drone procurement, deployment, and counter-UAS capabilities, responding to lessons from recent conflicts where drone warfare has been decisive.

Why: Drone and UAS policy is increasingly featured in defence-oriented questions in UPSC GS-III (Internal Security & Defence), CDS, and NDA exams. Key MCQ anchors: 50-page document, 30 types, ~80 variants, 5 segments (Surveillance/Loitering Munitions/Air Defence/Special Role/Logistics), released at Bharat Mandapam by DCoAS Lt Gen Rahul R Singh. Terms like HALE, MALE, swarm, FPV, MUM-T are useful for descriptive/Mains answers.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Shirpur Merchants’ Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra, effective close of business on 6 April 2026. The cancellation was made under Sections 22 and 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949, on grounds of inadequate capital and poor earning prospects. Depositors are protected up to ₹5 lakh per depositor through DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation, established under the DICGC Act, 1961). Total insured deposits stood at ₹48.95 crore as of 31 January 2026.

How: When a cooperative bank’s licence is cancelled under the BR Act, it must cease all banking operations including accepting deposits and repaying loans. The RBI’s powers over cooperative banks under Section 56 (which extends the BR Act to cooperative societies) are exercised alongside oversight by state governments and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. DICGC automatically provides deposit insurance; eligible depositors receive claims up to ₹5 lakh without needing to separately apply once the liquidator is appointed.

Why: Bank licence cancellation questions test knowledge of the RBI’s regulatory toolkit, the BR Act, and DICGC’s depositor protection framework — all standard topics for IBPS PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B, and SBI exams. Key MCQ anchors: Sections 22 & 56 of BR Act 1949, DICGC ₹5 lakh insurance limit, DICGC Act 1961, insured amount ₹48.95 crore, effective date 6 April 2026. Note: The ₹5 lakh limit (raised from ₹1 lakh in 2020) is a frequent number-trap question.