GK One-Liners

What: The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducted a 120-second ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor—India’s first such achievement. Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) technology enables propulsion at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (hypersonic).

How: Unlike conventional rocket engines, a scramjet is an air-breathing engine that uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need to carry heavy onboard oxidizers. The “active cooling” system manages extreme heat generated at hypersonic speeds by circulating fuel through combustor walls before injection.

Why: This positions India among elite nations developing hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft. UPSC frequently tests air-breathing propulsion concepts, DRDO achievements, and India’s indigenous defence capabilities under Science & Technology and Defence sections.

What: The World Bank’s Neutral Expert has declared competence to adjudicate disputes between India and Pakistan over the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects. The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ayub Khan, brokered by the World Bank.

How: The IWT allocates eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan. India can construct run-of-river projects on western rivers with design restrictions. Disputes follow a tiered mechanism: Permanent Indus Commission → Neutral Expert → Court of Arbitration.

Why: The IWT is among the most durable bilateral water-sharing agreements globally. Questions on transboundary water disputes, treaty provisions, and India-Pakistan relations appear regularly in UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-II: International Relations).

What: The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme completed 10 years on 22 January 2025, having been launched in Panipat, Haryana in 2015. The scheme aims to improve the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), ensure survival and protection of the girl child, and promote girl child education.

How: BBBP operates through convergence of three ministries: Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Education. Its financial component is the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme (a savings instrument for girl children). Since 2021, BBBP has been integrated with Mission Shakti for streamlined implementation until 2026.

Why: BBBP is a flagship government scheme frequently tested in UPSC Prelims. Understanding its objectives, implementing ministries, financial components, and integration with Mission Shakti is essential for Social Justice (GS-II) questions.

What: Under President Trump, the United States has initiated withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the US has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time during a Trump administration, signaling a major shift in American climate policy.

How: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, commits signatory nations to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). US withdrawal—the world’s second-largest emitter—undermines collective climate action and may encourage other nations to weaken their commitments.

Why: These decisions reshape global governance on health and climate. UPSC frequently tests multilateral agreements, India’s climate commitments under Paris Agreement, and global health architecture. Expect questions on Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), NDCs, and WHO’s role in global health security.

What: Nigeria officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a partner country on 17 January 2025. As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria’s inclusion strengthens BRICS’s representation of the Global South and emerging markets.

How: BRICS has evolved from an economic forum to a platform advocating for multipolarity in global governance. The grouping’s expansion, including recent additions like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, reflects its goal of offering alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank through initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB).

Why: BRICS expansion is highly relevant for International Relations (GS-II). Questions on India’s role in BRICS, NDB headquarters (Shanghai), the grouping’s evolution, and its stance on issues like de-dollarization and Global South representation are common in UPSC.

What: The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (FRI) has initiated geo-tagging and QR code-based protection for the iconic Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) of Kashmir. Some of these heritage trees are over 600 years old, found primarily in Ganderbal and Budgam districts.

How: Each Chinar tree will receive a unique QR code linked to a digital database containing its GPS coordinates, age, health status, and historical significance. This enables real-time monitoring, prevents unauthorized felling, and facilitates heritage conservation through technology-driven documentation.

Why: This initiative connects biodiversity conservation with digital governance—a theme resonating with Digital India and environmental protection goals. UPSC Environment questions often test heritage tree species, conservation techniques, and the intersection of technology with ecological preservation.