GK One-Liners

What: India’s official coastline length has been revised from 7,516.60 km to 11,098.81 km — an increase of 3,537.21 km (approximately 50%). The revision was carried out by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO), Dehradun, in collaboration with the Survey of India (SoI) using modern Geographic Information System (GIS) technology at a scale of 1:2,50,000. The updated figure now includes 1,298 offshore islands and islets.

How: Earlier measurements used older cartographic methods that underestimated irregular coastal features. Modern GIS-based satellite mapping captures intricate coastal geometry — estuaries, creek networks, and island shorelines — with far greater precision. Among states, Gujarat has the longest coastline and Goa the shortest. Among Union Territories, Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands has the longest coastline and Puducherry the shortest.

Why: Coastline-related facts are high-frequency Prelims questions across UPSC, SSC, and banking exams. The revision changes a well-memorised static figure — students must now retain the new value (11,098.81 km). State-wise rankings (Gujarat longest, Goa shortest) remain testable constants. The revision also has implications for maritime boundary claims, blue economy policy, and GS-1 physical geography questions.

What: India launched its first human gene therapy clinical trial for Haemophilia A — a genetic disorder causing the inability to produce Factor VIII clotting protein, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. The trial is a joint initiative of BRIC-inStem (Bengaluru Regional Centre of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine) and Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore. The announcement was made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh (Ministry of Science & Technology).

How: The therapy uses an autologous approach — the patient’s own Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are extracted, genetically modified using lentiviral vectors to carry and express the Factor VIII gene, and then transplanted back into the patient. The modified HSCs produce functional clotting factor naturally, offering a potential long-term or permanent cure rather than lifelong protein infusions. India’s biotech sector is valued at USD 165.7 billion (2024) with a target of USD 300 billion by 2030.

Why: Gene therapy is an emerging UPSC GS-3 Science & Technology topic with strong Mains essay potential. Key terms — lentiviral vectors, autologous stem cells, HSCs, Factor VIII — may appear in Prelims MCQs. The institutional angle (BRIC-inStem + CMC Vellore) and India’s biotech growth trajectory connect to questions on healthcare innovation, Atmanirbhar Bharat in pharmaceuticals, and India’s biotechnology policy.

What: Maharashtra became the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated Shipbuilding, Ship Repair & Recycling Policy 2025. The policy targets ₹6,600 crore in investment by 2030 and aims to generate 40,000 jobs. It offers a 15% capital subsidy, ₹25 crore for Research & Development (R&D) support, and a 30-year concessional land lease to attract shipbuilding industries.

How: The policy aligns with two national frameworks: Maritime India Vision 2030, which envisions India among the top shipbuilding nations globally, and Amrit Kaal 2047, India’s centenary development blueprint. Maharashtra’s long western coastline, existing port infrastructure at Mumbai, JNPT, and Ratnagiri, and proximity to the global shipping lanes make it strategically positioned for this sector.

Why: Shipbuilding policy is relevant for UPSC GS-3 (infrastructure, industrial policy, blue economy) and GS-2 (federalism, state-led development). The “India’s first state policy” tag makes it Prelims-worthy. Maritime India Vision 2030 is a static concept frequently tested in port and shipping questions. The 15% capital subsidy and 30-year lease are specific numbers useful for Mains answers on state industrial incentives.

What: The State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) — a body under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) — to provide integrated banking services at 26 land ports along India’s borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The MoU covers Forex services, Letters of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantees (BG), cargo insurance, and access to YONO 2.0 and e-Trade platforms.

How: Implementation is targeted within six months of signing. The initiative will benefit approximately 1,900 LPAI employees and 5,000 border agency personnel. India’s border trade target is ₹80,000 crore for 2025, scaling to ₹2 trillion by 2030. LPAI was established in 2012 and is currently chaired by Aditya Mishra. The MoU is part of a broader push to formalise and digitise cross-border commerce.

Why: Land port banking and border trade formalisation are relevant to UPSC GS-3 (infrastructure, trade) and GS-2 (India’s neighbourhood policy, bilateral relations). LPAI’s establishment year (2012) and its parent ministry (MHA) are testable Prelims facts. The ₹2 trillion border trade target and YONO 2.0 integration connect to Digital India and financial inclusion themes tested across banking exams and UPSC.

What: UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network (GGN) added 16 new sites across 11 countries on its 10th anniversary, bringing the total to 229 sites in 50 countries covering approximately 855,000 sq km. Notably, North Korea (DPRK) made its debut with Mount Paektu, and Saudi Arabia debuted with North Riyadh and Salma geoparks. During 39 revalidations, 33 sites received green cards (compliant) and 6 received yellow cards (requiring improvement).

How: UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas of international geological significance that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. Sites are assessed every four years through revalidation. Designation is not a UNESCO Convention but a UNESCO Label, requiring national government endorsement followed by UNESCO Executive Board approval. India does not feature among the new additions.

Why: UNESCO designations — World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and Creative Cities — are a perennial UPSC Prelims category. Knowing the total count (229 sites, 50 countries) and notable debutants (North Korea, Saudi Arabia) is essential for current affairs rounds. Mount Paektu’s border geography (China–North Korea) is a trap frequently used in exam options. India’s absence from the new list is also notable.

What: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched the AIM4NatuRe initiative — a four-year programme (2025–2028) funded by the United Kingdom with £7 million (approximately USD 9.38 million). It aims to enhance monitoring of ecosystem restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and marine ecosystems, with pilot programmes in Brazil and Peru.

How: AIM4NatuRe supports the implementation of Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which mandates restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030. The initiative builds national monitoring capacities using remote sensing, geospatial tools, and standardised indicators to track restoration progress — critical for countries to report under the GBF.

Why: The Kunming-Montreal GBF (adopted December 2022) is among the most important environment conventions tested in UPSC Prelims and Mains GS-3. Target 2 (30% ecosystem restoration) alongside Target 3 (30×30 — protect 30% of land and sea) are high-yield specifics. FAO’s headquarters in Rome, its Director-General (QU Dongyu), and UK’s climate financing role are additional facts for comprehensive Prelims preparation.