GK One-Liners

What: India introduced Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS), an indigenous global weather prediction model using a Triangular Truncated Cubic Octahedral (TCo) grid with approximately 6 km resolution. The system delivers near real-time weather forecasts within 3–6 hours, significantly improving prediction accuracy for extreme weather events.

How: BharatFS is powered by two supercomputers: Arka at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune and Arunika at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) Noida. The high-resolution model enables better prediction of localised phenomena like thunderstorms, cloudbursts, and cyclone tracks that affect agriculture, disaster preparedness, and daily planning.

Why: India’s weather forecasting infrastructure—including IMD, IITM, NCMRWF, and satellite systems like INSAT—is relevant for UPSC GS-I (Geography) and GS-III (Science & Technology, Disaster Management). Understanding indigenous scientific capabilities, supercomputing initiatives, and their applications in climate services demonstrates awareness of India’s self-reliance in critical technology domains.

What: On the first Amma Samman Diwas, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched ‘Nari Adalat’ at Rongpo—a women-led community forum designed to settle disputes informally and compassionately, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. This initiative aims to provide accessible justice to women facing domestic, property, or community disputes.

How: Nari Adalat functions as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism where local women leaders mediate conflicts through dialogue and consensus rather than formal litigation. This reduces the burden on regular courts, cuts costs and delays for disputants, and empowers women as decision-makers in their communities.

Why: Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms—Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas, Family Courts, and now Nari Adalats—are important topics for UPSC GS-II (Polity, Governance). Sikkim continues its progressive governance reputation (first organic state, first with sabbatical leave policy). Understanding ADR’s role in reducing judicial pendency and improving access to justice is essential for legal awareness.

What: Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) won its first overseas rail and metro order—a $1 million contract in Malaysia to retrofit and recondition the country’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. This marks a significant export milestone for the public sector undertaking, demonstrating India’s capability in railway technology and manufacturing.

How: BEML, a Ministry of Defence PSU headquartered in Bengaluru, manufactures metro coaches, rail coaches, defence equipment, and mining machinery. The Malaysian contract involves upgrading existing MRT rolling stock to extend service life and improve performance. Success in this project could open doors for larger contracts in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Why: India’s push for manufacturing exports, particularly in railways and metro systems, aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives. Questions on PSUs, their products, and export achievements are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and banking exams. BEML also supplies coaches for Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, and other Indian metro systems.

What: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) committed up to $150 million as anchor equity investor in HDFC Capital’s H-DREAM Fund, a $1 billion private credit fund. The fund will finance EDGE-compliant green, affordable, and mid-income housing projects in urban India, addressing the significant housing deficit while promoting sustainable construction.

How: EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is IFC’s green building certification system that measures resource efficiency in water, energy, and materials. Projects meeting EDGE standards achieve at least 20% savings in each category compared to conventional buildings. The fund provides debt financing to developers undertaking green-certified affordable housing construction.

Why: Climate finance, green bonds, and sustainable infrastructure investments are increasingly relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding IFC (World Bank Group member), green certification systems, and affordable housing schemes (PMAY, CLSS) demonstrates awareness of sustainable development financing. India’s urban housing shortage exceeds 10 million units, making such initiatives significant.

What: Chhattisgarh’s Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Mahasamund district was identified as a major Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) mineralisation belt. This strategic find for critical-mineral security followed Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) exploration, with a 2023 auction won by Deccan Gold Mining Ltd for development rights.

How: Ni-Cu-PGE deposits typically occur in mafic-ultramafic rock formations. Nickel is essential for EV batteries, copper for electrical applications, and PGEs (platinum, palladium) for catalytic converters and hydrogen fuel cells. Domestic discovery reduces import dependence, supports the National Critical Mineral Mission, and strengthens India’s clean energy transition.

Why: Critical minerals, their strategic importance, and India’s mineral exploration initiatives are high-yield topics for UPSC GS-III. Understanding GSI’s role, mineral auction processes under MMDR Act, and the National Critical Mineral Mission demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of India’s resource security strategy. Chhattisgarh is already rich in coal, iron ore, and bauxite.

What: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) completed nine years in 2025 and reported ₹5.4 lakh crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in FY 2024–25. Launched in 2016, GeM has transformed public procurement by creating a transparent, efficient online platform for government buyers to purchase goods and services from registered vendors.

How: GeM has expanded inclusion by onboarding women-led enterprises, startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), artisans, and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). Recent reforms have reduced fees and charges, easing participation for sellers while lowering procurement costs for government buyers. The platform supports policies like 25% procurement from MSEs and 3% from women entrepreneurs.

Why: GeM is a flagship e-governance initiative under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Questions on public procurement reforms, GeM’s features, and its role in promoting MSMEs and transparency are relevant for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Economy). Understanding digital platforms that improve government efficiency demonstrates awareness of administrative reforms.