GK One-Liners

What: Deepavali (Diwali) has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2025. This recognition strengthens India’s cultural soft power and global acknowledgment of its living traditions celebrated by millions worldwide.

How: India nominated Diwali at the 20th session of the UNESCO ICH Committee held at Red Fort, Delhi. The UNESCO ICH Convention (2003) protects intangible heritage including traditions, performing arts, rituals, and festivals. With Diwali, India now has 16 elements on the ICH list, joining Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba, and others.

Why: UNESCO heritage, cultural diplomacy, and India’s ICH elements are important for UPSC GS-I (Art & Culture) and GS-II (International Relations). Understanding the ICH nomination process, India’s cultural heritage global recognition, and soft power projection helps in culture questions.

What: India will deploy indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to protect Delhi NCR from missiles, drones, and aircraft. The system replaces the foreign NASAMS-II and advances Aatmanirbhar Bharat in critical defence capabilities.

How: IADWS integrates multiple indigenous systems including Akash missiles, MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles), and anti-drone systems developed by DRDO. The networked system provides layered defence against threats at different altitudes and ranges. Indigenous development reduces import dependence and enhances operational security.

Why: Air defence systems, indigenous defence production, and strategic autonomy are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding India’s missile defence architecture, DRDO programmes, and defence indigenisation helps in security policy questions.

What: Microsoft announced US$17.5 billion investment in India (2026-29) to build India’s largest AI datacenter region, scale AI skilling to 20 million people, boost worker platforms, and launch sovereign cloud solutions for government and enterprises.

How: The investment covers hyperscale datacenters across multiple regions, Azure cloud expansion, AI research partnerships with Indian institutions, and digital skilling through NASSCOM and government programmes. Sovereign cloud ensures data residency within India, meeting government security requirements for sensitive applications.

Why: FDI in tech, AI infrastructure, and digital ecosystem are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding cloud computing investments, data localisation implications, and India’s position as a global tech hub helps in technology and economy questions.

What: IIT Madras will host a Global AI Conclave focusing on AI safety, governance, and ethical innovation. The conclave aims to develop ‘AI Safety Commons’ for the Global South, ensuring developing countries have voice in AI governance frameworks.

How: The conclave brings together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss responsible AI development. Topics include algorithmic transparency, bias mitigation, AI in critical sectors (healthcare, defence), and regulatory frameworks. India’s IndiaAI Mission and Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) membership position it as a key player in shaping AI governance.

Why: AI governance, ethics, and India’s role in global tech forums are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding AI safety concerns, regulatory approaches, and India’s AI strategy helps in technology governance questions.

What: Adani Group announced over $75 billion investment in energy transition including green hydrogen, renewables, green steel, and digital energy infrastructure. The investment is anchored by the world’s largest 30-GW Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat.

How: Khavda Renewable Park in the Rann of Kutch spans 538 sq km with solar and wind installations. Green hydrogen production will use renewable electricity for electrolysis. Green steel uses hydrogen instead of coal for iron reduction. The investments support India’s Net Zero 2070 target and create a domestic clean energy supply chain.

Why: Energy transition, green hydrogen, and large-scale renewable projects are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding green hydrogen economics, renewable energy scale-up, and corporate climate commitments helps in energy policy questions.

What: International Mountain Day 2025 (December 11) is observed with the theme “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods,” highlighting climate risks and challenges faced by mountain communities worldwide. Mountains cover 27% of Earth’s land surface and are home to 15% of the world’s population.

How: The UN designated December 11 as International Mountain Day in 2003. Mountains provide freshwater to half of humanity through glacier melt and rainfall. Climate change accelerates glacial retreat threatening water security, agriculture, and hydropower. The Himalayan region supplies water to over 1.5 billion people in South Asia.

Why: Mountain ecosystems, glacial melt, and climate impacts are important for UPSC GS-I (Geography) and GS-III (Environment). Understanding Himalayan glaciology, GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), and mountain development challenges helps in environmental geography questions.