GK One-Liners

What: Wing Commander Yashasvi Solanki became the first woman officer from the Indian Navy to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. This historic appointment marks another milestone in India’s journey toward gender equality in the armed forces and highlights the increasing representation of women in strategic defence roles.

How: The ADC to the President serves as a personal assistant and represents the armed forces during ceremonial functions and state visits. Solanki’s appointment reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and the government’s policy of expanding operational roles for women in the military, including induction into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and assignment to frontline combat positions.

Why: Highly relevant for UPSC GS1 (Women Empowerment), GS2 (Polity – Constitutional Posts), and current affairs. Topics include women in armed forces, Defence reforms, Article 14 (Right to Equality), and landmark judgments enabling women’s entry into combat roles. Banking exams test government initiatives on gender equality and defence modernization.

What: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation declined to 0.39% in May 2025, marking a significant easing of wholesale price pressures. WPI measures the average change in prices at the wholesale level and is a key indicator of inflation trends in the manufacturing and primary goods sectors, distinct from retail inflation measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI).

How: The decline was driven by moderation in food prices (particularly vegetables and cereals), stabilizing fuel costs due to global crude oil trends, and managed demand-supply dynamics through government interventions like buffer stock releases and targeted subsidies. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monitors WPI alongside CPI to calibrate monetary policy decisions.

Why: Critical for UPSC GS3 (Economy – Inflation, Monetary Policy) and banking exams (RBI functions, inflation types, policy instruments). Questions often cover the difference between WPI and CPI, impact on interest rates, repo rate decisions, and the relationship between wholesale and retail inflation. This connects to topics like cost-push inflation, demand-pull inflation, and fiscal-monetary policy coordination.

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, recognizing his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Cyprus. This award acknowledges India’s growing engagement with European Union (EU) member states and the Eastern Mediterranean region, as well as Modi’s leadership in enhancing India’s global stature.

How: The honour reflects deepening cooperation in areas including defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, and digital technology. India and Cyprus have enhanced coordination on multilateral platforms like the United Nations (UN) and share convergent positions on regional security issues. The award was presented during high-level bilateral engagements focusing on trade expansion and strategic partnerships.

Why: Important for UPSC GS2 (International Relations – Bilateral Relations, India-EU ties) and Prelims current affairs. Topics include India’s foreign policy, strategic partnerships, diaspora engagement, and awards/honours received by Indian leaders. This connects to India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and engagement with Mediterranean nations. Banking exams test international relations, trade agreements, and diplomatic developments.

What: Arun Srinivas was appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Head of Meta India, leading the operations of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in one of Meta’s largest and fastest-growing markets. This appointment comes at a crucial time as India implements new digital regulations and Meta expands its artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, and creator economy initiatives in the country.

How: As MD, Srinivas will oversee Meta’s strategic partnerships with the Indian government, compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, expansion of business solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and development of AI-powered features tailored for Indian users. He will also lead efforts in digital literacy, online safety, and creator monetization programs.

Why: Relevant for UPSC GS3 (Science & Technology – Digital Economy, IT Regulations) and banking exams testing corporate appointments and digital governance. Topics include IT Rules 2021, data protection, social media regulation, Digital India initiatives, and the role of Big Tech companies in India’s digital transformation. This connects to debates on intermediary liability, privacy concerns, and tech policy.

What: Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘Achal’ was launched for the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen India’s maritime security infrastructure and coastal surveillance capabilities. The vessel is part of a series of indigenously built patrol vessels under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, designed to conduct surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, and anti-smuggling operations.

How: FPV ‘Achal’ features advanced navigation systems, high-speed engines for rapid response, modern communication equipment, and weapons systems for law enforcement. Built by Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India’ program, the vessel will operate in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to monitor illegal activities, respond to maritime emergencies, and coordinate with the Indian Navy for coastal defence.

Why: Important for UPSC GS3 (Internal Security – Coastal Security, Defence Production) and current affairs. Topics include Indian Coast Guard’s role, Blue Economy, maritime domain awareness, UNCLOS provisions on EEZ, and India’s shipbuilding capabilities. Banking exams test defence indigenization, Make in India, and coastal security infrastructure. This connects to Project Sagar Mala and India’s maritime security strategy.

What: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually on 17 June to raise global awareness about desertification, land degradation, and drought impacts. Established by the United Nations (UN), this day promotes the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which aims to restore degraded land, improve soil health, and enhance resilience to climate change.

How: Countries implement various strategies including afforestation, sustainable agriculture practices, water conservation techniques, soil management programs, and community-based restoration projects. India’s initiatives include the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, and commitments to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets by 2030 under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.

Why: Critical for UPSC GS3 (Environment & Ecology – Land Degradation, Climate Change) and Prelims. Topics include UNCCD, India’s desertification-prone areas (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana), agroforestry, drought management, and links to food security and rural livelihoods. Banking exams test UN conventions, environmental days, and sustainable development goals. This connects to climate adaptation, agricultural sustainability, and international environmental agreements.