GK One-Liners

What: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s 1-MW green hydrogen power plant at Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat. This facility is the first phase of a larger 10-MW green hydrogen project whose foundation stone was laid by PM Modi in Bhuj on 26 May 2025. The 1-MW phase became operational in approximately four months, demonstrating rapid deployment capability.

How: Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, making it a zero-carbon fuel. The Kandla facility advances India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to develop green hydrogen production capacity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, steel, and fertilisers.

Why: The National Green Hydrogen Mission (launched January 2023) targets 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) annual green hydrogen production by 2030. Questions on green hydrogen, the Mission’s targets, production methods, and India’s clean energy goals are highly relevant for UPSC GS-III (Environment & Energy) and banking exams covering infrastructure development.

What: India and Morocco signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in civil and commercial legal matters. The agreements aim to strengthen institutional collaboration between the justice systems of both countries.

How: An MLAT enables formal cooperation between countries in criminal investigations and prosecutions, including exchange of evidence, service of legal documents, and execution of requests for search and seizure. The civil/commercial MoU facilitates cooperation in non-criminal legal matters such as enforcement of judgments, arbitration, and commercial disputes.

Why: India has signed MLATs with over 45 countries to combat transnational crime and facilitate legal cooperation. Morocco is strategically located in North Africa and serves as India’s gateway to the African and Arab markets. Questions on bilateral treaties, MLATs, and India’s expanding diplomatic partnerships appear in UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and are relevant for understanding India’s global legal cooperation framework.

What: Dr. A. Rajarajan was appointed as Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) from 1 August 2025. A veteran in composites and rocket systems, he previously led the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR and contributed to flagship missions including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan.

How: VSSC, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is ISRO’s lead centre for rocket and space vehicle development. It designs and develops launch vehicles like PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3. The Director oversees research, development, and integration of propulsion systems, avionics, and structural components for India’s space missions.

Why: VSSC is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. Questions on ISRO centres (VSSC, SDSC SHAR, URSC, SAC), their locations, functions, and key appointments are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and State PSC Science & Technology sections. Dr. Rajarajan’s role in Gaganyaan (India’s human spaceflight programme) adds to his exam relevance.

What: From 1 August 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) implemented new performance and safety rules for UPI apps including Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. Key changes include capping balance checks at 50 per user per day per app, limiting transaction-status checks to 3 attempts with a 90-second gap, and requiring UPI apps to display recipient name and transaction ID before confirming payments.

How: Recurring UPI Autopay debits will now execute only during off-peak windows (before 10 AM, 1–5 PM, and after 9:30 PM), with instructions in peak periods automatically rescheduled. Users can view linked bank accounts up to 25 times daily. These measures aim to reduce server load during peak hours, minimise transaction failures, and enhance fraud prevention through mandatory recipient verification.

Why: NPCI was established in 2008 and is headquartered in Mumbai. It operates critical payment infrastructure including UPI, IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), RuPay, BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System), and AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment System). Understanding NPCI, its products, and regulatory changes is essential for banking exams (IBPS, SBI PO) and UPSC GS-III questions on financial inclusion and digital payments.

What: Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan (AVSM, NM) assumed charge as the 47th Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) on 1 August 2025. He paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi upon taking office. AVSM stands for Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and NM stands for Nau Sena Medal, both military decorations for distinguished service.

How: The Vice Chief of Naval Staff is the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Navy after the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). The VCNS assists the CNS in overall administration, coordinates between Naval Headquarters and operational commands, and oversees modernisation programmes, personnel policies, and inter-service coordination.

Why: Questions on tri-service appointments (Army, Navy, Air Force), their hierarchy, and command structure are common in defence-related sections of UPSC, CDS, and NDA examinations. Knowing the distinction between CNS, VCNS, and Flag Officers Commanding-in-Chief of various naval commands helps in understanding India’s defence organisation.

What: Lord Meghnad Desai, the renowned economist and Professor Emeritus at the London School of Economics (LSE), passed away at the age of 85. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to literature and education. He was elevated to the British House of Lords as Baron Desai of St Clement Danes in 1991.

How: Lord Desai was known for his influential writings on economics, Marxism, and political economy. He authored several books and contributed significantly to strengthening Indo-British intellectual ties through his academic work, public commentary, and participation in policy discussions on globalisation and development economics.

Why: The Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri) are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. Questions on recent Padma awardees, their fields of contribution, and the award hierarchy are standard in general awareness sections of competitive exams. Lord Desai’s profile combines economics, international recognition, and civilian honours—making it a high-yield topic.