GK One-Liners

What: India and the European Union concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the 16th India-EU Summit. The EU accounts for approximately 25% of global GDP, making this one of India’s most significant trade deals. Key sectors like Pharmaceuticals, Textiles & Apparel, and Automobiles will gain duty-free access to the European market.

How: The FTA will reduce tariffs on Indian exports to EU member states, enhancing competitiveness of Indian goods. The agreement was negotiated over multiple rounds, focusing on market access, investment protection, and regulatory cooperation. Implementation will be phased to allow industries time to adapt.

Why: This is crucial for UPSC Prelims (Economy, International Relations) and Mains GS-II (Bilateral Relations) and GS-III (Trade). Questions on India’s FTAs, EU’s share in global trade, and sectoral benefits are frequently asked in banking and civil services examinations.

What: Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The legislation creates a common set of personal laws applicable to all citizens regardless of religion, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

How: The state assembly passed the UCC Bill, which was then signed into law. The code replaces religion-specific personal laws with a unified framework. It establishes standardized procedures for registration of marriages, grounds for divorce, inheritance rights, and adoption processes applicable to all residents.

Why: UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy. This is extremely important for UPSC (Polity, Governance), state PSC exams, and current affairs. Expect questions on constitutional provisions, arguments for and against UCC, and Uttarakhand’s pioneering role.

What: The Buddhist Diamond Triangle in Odisha has been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List. This cultural site represents the significant Buddhist heritage of the region, encompassing important archaeological and religious sites.

How: A site must first be placed on the Tentative List before it can be nominated for World Heritage status. India’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) prepared the dossier highlighting the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The Tentative List inclusion is the first step toward full World Heritage recognition.

Why: UNESCO heritage sites are a perennial favorite in UPSC Prelims and State PSC exams. Questions cover India’s World Heritage Sites, the nomination process, and newly added sites. Odisha’s Buddhist heritage also links to Art & Culture topics in the UPSC syllabus.

What: According to a NITI Aayog report, India’s electronic waste (e-waste) is projected to increase from the current 6.19 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) to 14 MMT by 2030. The annual economic value of this e-waste will be Rs 51,000 crore, of which 60% is extractable through proper recycling.

How: The surge is driven by rising consumer electronics penetration, shorter product lifecycles, and digital transformation. Currently, only 18% of the potential economic value is being recovered through formal recycling channels. The report recommends strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and promoting circular economy practices.

Why: E-waste management is increasingly important for UPSC Environment section and banking exams. Topics include E-Waste Management Rules 2022, EPR framework, circular economy, and NITI Aayog’s role in policy formulation. Questions on India’s waste management statistics are common in Prelims.

What: A Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour is being developed at Mayabunder in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with a total outlay of Rs 199.24 crore. The project receives 100% Central Financial Assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The harbour will accommodate 430 fishing vessels with annual fish landing capacity of 9,900 tonnes.

How: PMMSY is a flagship scheme under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying aimed at bringing a Blue Revolution through sustainable fisheries development. The Mayabunder harbour will feature modern infrastructure including cold storage, ice plants, auction halls, and net mending facilities to support the fishing community.

Why: PMMSY and fisheries infrastructure are important for UPSC (Agriculture, Economy) and banking exams. Questions cover scheme objectives, funding patterns, and specific projects. The Blue Economy and A&N Islands development are also relevant for Geography and Governance questions.

What: Microsoft’s Maia 200 Artificial Intelligence chip is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using advanced 3-nanometer process technology. The chip is now operational at a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, USA, and offers higher compute capability, increased memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency than its predecessor.

How: The 3nm process technology allows for more transistors to be packed into the chip, improving performance while reducing power consumption. Microsoft developed Maia 200 to reduce dependence on third-party AI chips and optimize hardware for its Azure cloud services and AI workloads including large language models.

Why: Semiconductor technology and AI hardware developments are increasingly relevant for UPSC Science & Technology section. Questions cover chip manufacturing processes, global semiconductor supply chains, and tech companies’ AI investments. Understanding nanometer technology and its implications is useful for technical exams.