GK One-Liners

What: A tripartite agreement under the Framework for Naga Tribal Areas (FNTA) was signed between the Government of India (GoI), the Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). The agreement covers 6 districts of Eastern Nagaland and devolves 46 subjects to the region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the signing ceremony.

How: The FNTA provides an institutional framework for greater administrative autonomy within the existing constitutional structure. The 46 devolved subjects will be managed through a dedicated governance body for the 6 Eastern Nagaland districts, enabling localised decision-making while keeping the region within the State of Nagaland.

Why: This is significant for UPSC GS-II (Polity & Governance) and GS-I (Society). It connects to broader themes of tribal autonomy under the Sixth Schedule, the long-standing Naga political issue, and Centre-State-tribal relations. Expect questions on the number of subjects devolved, districts covered, and how this differs from the Naga Peace Accord.

What: India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha. The missile has a strike range of 3,000–3,500 km and was tested under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). It was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

How: The Agni-III is a two-stage, solid-fuelled missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is part of India’s Agni series of ballistic missiles that form the backbone of the land-based component of India’s nuclear triad. The Strategic Forces Command, which manages India’s nuclear arsenal, conducted the user trial to validate operational readiness.

Why: Defence and security topics are staples in UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-III – Security). Key facts to remember include the missile’s range, launch site (Chandipur), the role of SFC, and the distinction between Agni variants (Agni-I through Agni-V). Questions often test the range classification and the developing agency (DRDO).

What: India paid USD 35.18 million as its contribution to the United Nations (UN) Regular Budget for 2026, joining the ‘Honour Roll’ alongside 51 other member nations. India’s assessed contribution stands at 1.016% of the total UN budget. The Honour Roll recognises countries that pay their dues in full and on time.

How: UN member states are assessed contributions based on their Gross National Income (GNI), adjusted for factors like per capita income and debt burden. The UN Committee on Contributions reviews the scale every three years. India’s timely payment strengthens its credentials for responsible global engagement and supports its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Why: This is relevant for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and Prelims. Aspirants should note India’s exact contribution percentage (1.016%), the concept of the Honour Roll, and how UN budget assessments work. It ties into India’s broader push for UNSC reform and enhanced multilateral standing.

What: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has revised its startup recognition framework, raising the turnover threshold to Rs 200 crore (from the earlier limit). A new ‘Deep Tech Startup’ sub-category has been introduced, and cooperatives are now eligible for startup recognition for the first time.

How: The higher turnover ceiling allows scaling startups to retain their recognition status and associated benefits (tax exemptions, easier compliance, fund access) for longer. The Deep Tech sub-category targets ventures in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in advanced technology domains.

Why: This is important for UPSC GS-III (Economic Development) and Prelims. Questions may test the new threshold, the role of DPIIT, or the inclusion of cooperatives — a recurring government priority. It also links to broader themes of Startup India, innovation policy, and the cooperative sector reforms championed in recent budgets.

What: India won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 for a record 6th time, defeating England by 100 runs in the final held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the star performer, scoring 175 runs off just 80 balls in the final.

How: India’s dominance in U19 cricket is built on a robust talent pipeline managed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including state-level age-group tournaments, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, and scouting networks. Many former U19 stars — including Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and Prithvi Shaw — went on to represent the senior team.

Why: Sports facts frequently appear in competitive exam GK sections. Key recall points: record 6th title, venue (Harare), margin of victory (100 runs), and the standout performer’s knock (175 off 80 balls). The U19 World Cup is organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

What: Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-model ride-hailing service, was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. It operates on the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ (driver is the owner) principle and charges only 20% commission from drivers, significantly lower than private aggregators.

How: Under the cooperative model, drivers are stakeholders rather than gig workers, sharing in the platform’s profits and governance. The 20% commission structure contrasts with the 25–30% typically charged by commercial ride-hailing platforms. This aligns with the government’s broader push for cooperative-led economic models, including the dedicated Ministry of Cooperation established in 2021.

Why: This topic is relevant for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Economy). It ties into the cooperative movement in India, the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, the role of the Ministry of Cooperation, and the platform economy debate. Expect questions on the cooperative model, the commission rate, and how this initiative fits within Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India frameworks.