GK One-Liners

What: The Maratha Military Landscapes, comprising 12 historic forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on July 11, 2025, recognizing their outstanding universal value as examples of military architecture and strategic innovation during the Maratha Empire (17th-18th centuries). The forts include iconic structures like Raigad (Chhatrapati Shivaji’s capital), Pratapgad (site of famous Shivaji-Afzal Khan encounter), Rajgad, Torna, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu (celebrated for its triple-hill defensive system). This inscription elevates India’s World Heritage Site count to 43, enhancing cultural tourism potential and international recognition of Maratha military genius.

How: The UNESCO inscription followed rigorous evaluation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) assessing the forts’ authenticity, integrity, and management systems. The Maratha forts demonstrate exceptional military engineering including strategic hilltop locations providing 360-degree surveillance, innovative water harvesting systems (rock-cut cisterns ensuring year-round supply during sieges), secret escape routes, multi-layered defensive walls, and integration with natural terrain maximizing defensive advantages. The serial nomination presented these 12 forts as interconnected components of a unified military strategy pioneered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established a network of approximately 350 forts controlling the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau. India’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state governments committed to comprehensive conservation management plans, visitor infrastructure development, and community engagement ensuring sustainable heritage tourism.

Why: Critical for UPSC Culture (GS1) and Tourism (GS3) covering heritage conservation and historical architecture. Prelims questions test UNESCO World Heritage Site criteria (outstanding universal value, authenticity, integrity), India’s existing 42 sites (before this addition), ASI’s role in monument conservation, and Maratha Empire history (Shivaji Maharaj 1630-1680, guerrilla warfare tactics, administrative innovations). For Mains, this connects to themes of heritage as soft power enhancing India’s global cultural standing, economic benefits through heritage tourism (generating employment, revenue for local communities), responsible tourism management balancing visitor access with conservation imperatives, and challenges in maintaining historical authenticity during restoration, preventing over-commercialization damaging site integrity, and addressing competing claims over historical interpretation. Essays may explore heritage’s role in identity formation and whether historical monuments should serve tourism or remain preservation priorities. Current affairs tracks India’s UNESCO nominations and cultural diplomacy initiatives.

What: The PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicular Enterprises) initiative launched India’s first dedicated electric truck subsidy program, offering financial incentives up to ₹9.6 lakh per truck to encourage adoption of eco-friendly freight vehicles in the commercial transport sector. This represents a strategic expansion of EV subsidies beyond passenger vehicles (currently covered under FAME-II scheme) to heavy-duty commercial vehicles that account for 40% of India’s transport sector emissions despite constituting only 5% of vehicle population. The scheme targets freight operators, logistics companies, and fleet owners, aiming to deploy 50,000 electric trucks by 2028 reducing carbon emissions by 5 million tonnes annually.

How: PM E-DRIVE provides demand incentives (upfront subsidy reducing purchase price differential between electric and diesel trucks currently 40-50% higher), charging infrastructure support (grants for establishing highway charging corridors and depot charging facilities), interest rate subvention (3% reduction on loans for electric truck purchases), and scrapping incentives (additional ₹2 lakh for retiring old diesel trucks over 15 years). The subsidy quantum varies by vehicle category (₹9.6 lakh for heavy-duty trucks above 12 tonnes GVW, ₹5 lakh for medium trucks 7-12 tonnes). Implementation involves online application through Ministry of Heavy Industries portal, verification of vehicle specifications meeting BIS standards, direct benefit transfer to purchasers post-delivery, and GPS-based monitoring ensuring actual deployment in commercial operations. The scheme coordinates with National Green Hydrogen Mission for hydrogen fuel cell trucks and National Logistics Policy for integrated clean freight solutions.

Why: Essential for UPSC Environment (GS3) covering climate change mitigation and sustainable transport. Prelims questions test knowledge of FAME scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles), India’s EV policy targets (30% EV penetration by 2030), National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, and transport sector emissions contribution (13% of India’s total). For Mains, this connects to themes of decarbonizing freight sector critical for Net Zero 2070 commitment, total cost of ownership analysis (electric trucks cheaper over lifetime despite higher upfront costs due to lower operating expenses), battery technology challenges for heavy vehicles requiring 300-500 kWh capacity vs 30-50 kWh for cars, and challenges in charging infrastructure requiring high-power chargers (350+ kW) along highways, grid capacity augmentation managing simultaneous fleet charging, ensuring affordable electricity tariffs maintaining operational viability, and addressing range anxiety limiting inter-city freight operations. Economics questions analyze subsidy effectiveness and private sector investment mobilization in EV ecosystem.

What: The Indian Army initiated Operation SHIVA 2025 on July 12 to ensure comprehensive security for the annual Amarnath Yatra, deploying over 8,500 military personnel alongside advanced surveillance systems protecting approximately 4-5 lakh pilgrims expected during the 52-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The operation addresses multifaceted security challenges including terrorist threats (Pakistan-based groups targeting pilgrims), natural disasters (avalanches, flash floods, landslides common in high-altitude terrain), medical emergencies (altitude sickness, cardiac arrests), and crowd management. Amarnath Yatra holds immense religious significance as pilgrims visit the ice Shiva lingam formed naturally in the cave at 3,888 meters altitude.

How: Operation SHIVA employs layered security architecture including Area Domination Patrols (ADPs) conducting round-the-clock surveillance along yatra routes (traditional Pahalgam route 48 km, shorter Baltal route 14 km), Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) positioned at strategic locations for rapid response to emergencies, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and drones providing aerial reconnaissance detecting suspicious movements, ground surveillance radars monitoring approaches to base camps, sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads sanitizing routes daily, intelligence sharing mechanisms coordinating between Army, CRPF, J&K Police, and Intelligence Bureau, and medical infrastructure including field hospitals staffed with doctors, paramedics, oxygen supplies addressing health emergencies. Forces conduct route opening parties clearing snow, stabilizing tracks, installing safety barriers along precipitous sections before yatra commences. Communication systems ensure connectivity for distress calls despite challenging terrain.

Why: Important for UPSC Internal Security (GS3) and Jammu & Kashmir affairs. Prelims questions test knowledge of Amarnath Yatra significance, J&K’s special geographical challenges, armed forces deployment in counter-terrorism operations, and disaster management in high-altitude environments. For Mains, this connects to themes of civil-military cooperation in peacetime operations, soft power projection through religious tourism facilitation building goodwill, balancing security with ease of access (excessive checking inconveniencing pilgrims vs ensuring safety), and challenges in securing linear infrastructure (long routes vulnerable to ambushes), managing civilian-military interface during operations, addressing environmental degradation from mass pilgrimage (littering, deforestation, glacier melting from human activity), and logistical complexities supplying remote high-altitude deployments. Essays may explore armed forces’ nation-building role beyond combat operations. Current affairs tracks major pilgrimages’ security arrangements and J&K terrorism incidents.

What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force successfully conducted flight tests of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) fired from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, showcasing precision strike capabilities and indigenous defence technology maturation. Astra is India’s first indigenous air-to-air missile capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 110 km (extended range variant up to 160 km), providing IAF with critical offensive capability matching global standards set by American AIM-120 AMRAAM and Russian R-77 missiles. The successful integration with Su-30 MKI (India’s primary air superiority fighter, 260+ aircraft in service) significantly enhances combat effectiveness.

How: Astra employs solid-fuel propulsion achieving supersonic speeds (Mach 4.5), active radar homing guidance (missile’s onboard radar acquires and tracks targets independently after launch reducing pilot workload), proximity fuse (detonating warhead when optimally positioned near target maximizing damage probability), and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) defeating enemy jamming attempts. The missile features compact dimensions compatible with multiple IAF platforms including Su-30 MKI, Tejas LCA, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29, providing flexibility across the fighter fleet. Development involved rigorous testing phases including ground trials validating propulsion and guidance systems, captive flight tests confirming airframe-missile integration, and live firing exercises demonstrating target interception accuracy. DRDO’s integration ensures interoperability with Russian-origin Su-30 MKI avionics, a significant technological achievement given proprietary systems challenges.

Why: Critical for UPSC Defence (GS3) covering indigenous defence production and military modernization. Prelims questions test knowledge of DRDO’s missile programs (Prithvi, Agni, BrahMos, Akash), Su-30 MKI specifications (twin-engine multirole fighter, licensed production by HAL), Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense, and air combat weapon systems classification. For Mains, this connects to themes of strategic autonomy reducing dependence on foreign weapon imports (India traditionally sourced 65% defense equipment from Russia, Israel, France), Make in India in defense achieving self-reliance in critical technologies, export potential (Astra offered to friendly nations generating revenue and diplomatic leverage), and challenges in quality assurance ensuring reliability matching proven foreign systems, sustaining R&D funding across long development cycles (Astra took 15+ years from conception to induction), and integrating indigenous weapons with imported platforms requiring extensive testing. Strategic studies questions analyze air power’s role in modern warfare and India’s preparedness amid China-Pakistan threats requiring technological edge.

What: The Government of India extended tax exemptions for Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) and Pension Funds investing in Indian infrastructure and priority sectors until March 31, 2030, providing crucial policy certainty to attract long-term foreign capital. SWFs are state-owned investment vehicles managing countries’ surplus revenues (examples: Norway’s Government Pension Fund $1.6 trillion, UAE’s ADIA $850 billion, Singapore’s GIC $770 billion) while pension funds manage retirement savings for millions of beneficiaries globally. The exemption covers investments in infrastructure (roads, ports, airports, power), renewable energy, affordable housing, and social infrastructure, sectors requiring patient capital given long gestation periods and moderate returns unsuitable for short-term investors.

How: The tax benefits include exemption from capital gains tax on sale of infrastructure investments held for minimum 3 years, withholding tax exemption on interest income from infrastructure bonds (otherwise 5-20% tax), and dividend distribution tax waiver encouraging equity participation. Eligible investors must meet criteria including sovereign ownership or pension fund status verified by home country regulators, minimum investment threshold (typically $250 million+), and commitment to specified sectors. Implementation involves registration with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) category, compliance with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations, and annual reporting ensuring adherence to sectoral caps and investment norms. The extension from previous deadline of March 2025 to March 2030 provides five-year certainty encouraging commitments to long-duration projects.

Why: Important for UPSC Economy (GS3) covering fiscal policy and infrastructure financing. Prelims questions test knowledge of FDI vs FPI distinctions, infrastructure financing challenges, tax incentive mechanisms, and National Infrastructure Pipeline ($1.4 trillion investment target). For Mains, this connects to themes of attracting stable long-term capital addressing India’s infrastructure deficit (requiring $4.5 trillion investment by 2040), competitive fiscal environment amid global competition for SWF investments, balancing tax revenue foregone against infrastructure development benefits (multiplier effects on GDP growth, employment), and challenges in ensuring investments translate to actual infrastructure creation rather than financial engineering, monitoring fund utilization preventing leakages, and addressing concerns about foreign ownership of strategic assets (ports, telecom). Economics questions analyze FDI policy evolution and infrastructure funding alternatives including public-private partnerships, development finance institutions, and municipal bonds. Current affairs tracks major foreign investment announcements and infrastructure project completions.

What: India will host the first-ever Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage from September 11-13, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, themed “Reclaiming India’s Ancient Knowledge Legacy.” The conference brings together manuscript scholars, archivists, conservators, digital humanities experts, and policymakers from 50+ countries to discuss preservation, digitization, research, and accessibility of ancient manuscripts. India possesses the world’s largest manuscript collection (estimated 5-7 million manuscripts in various scripts including Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian, Urdu, Pali, Prakrit) containing invaluable knowledge in mathematics (decimal system, zero concept), astronomy (heliocentric theories predating Copernicus), medicine (Ayurveda, surgery techniques), philosophy, linguistics, and arts spread across libraries, temples, private collections, museums.

How: The conference agenda includes technical sessions on manuscript conservation techniques (preventing deterioration from humidity, insects, acid degradation), digitization technologies (high-resolution scanning, AI-based transcription, OCR for ancient scripts), cataloguing standards ensuring searchability, collaborative research frameworks enabling global scholar access, repatriation efforts reclaiming manuscripts held in foreign institutions (British Library, Vatican Archives possess significant Indian collections), and capacity building training next-generation manuscript specialists. India’s National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM, established 2003 under Ministry of Culture) has documented 5+ million manuscripts, digitized 500,000+, and established conservation centers nationwide. The conference will launch initiatives including a global manuscript digital repository, certification programs for conservators, and funding mechanisms supporting private manuscript preservation addressing scattered collections in temples, mutts, individual families lacking proper storage facilities.

Why: Essential for UPSC Culture (GS1) and Science & Technology (GS3) covering heritage preservation and knowledge systems. Prelims questions test knowledge of ancient Indian contributions to mathematics (Aryabhata, Brahmagupta), manuscripts classification (palm leaf, birch bark, paper), National Mission for Manuscripts, and major repositories (Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Sarasvati Mahal Library). For Mains, this connects to themes of soft power projection showcasing India’s intellectual heritage globally, reclaiming narrative challenging colonial-era distortions minimizing Indian scientific achievements, digital humanities applications making ancient knowledge accessible to contemporary researchers, and challenges in linguistic expertise scarcity (few scholars read Sanskrit, Pali, classical Tamil), funding constraints for labor-intensive conservation work, intellectual property issues regarding digitized content usage, and ensuring traditional communities maintaining oral knowledge systems aren’t marginalized by text-centric approaches. Essays may explore whether ancient knowledge systems offer solutions to modern problems or represent historical curiosity. Current affairs tracks India’s cultural diplomacy initiatives and heritage digitization projects.