GK One-Liners

What: During PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan, India and Bhutan inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. Work on Punatsangchhu-I was also resumed. India extended a ₹4,000 crore Line of Credit (LoC), allocated land in Varanasi for a Bhutan Trade and Cultural Centre, planned the Hatisar Integrated Check Post (ICP), and signed 3 MoUs.

How: India-Bhutan hydropower cooperation operates on a unique model where India finances construction and Bhutan sells surplus electricity to India. This benefits both nations – Bhutan earns revenue while India gains clean energy access. Projects are implemented by joint ventures involving NHPC and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation.

Why: India-Bhutan relations, hydropower cooperation, and neighbourhood-first policy are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding bilateral projects, Lines of Credit, and India’s special relationship with Bhutan (treaty of friendship, no formal diplomatic exchange) is essential for Mains.

What: India unveiled its first 3 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) at NTPC’s NETRA (National Energy Technology Research & Advancement) facility. This long-duration, non-flammable energy storage technology will boost renewable energy integration into the power grid.

How: VRFB stores energy in liquid vanadium electrolyte solutions in external tanks, unlike lithium-ion batteries that store energy in solid electrodes. Power output depends on electrode size, while storage capacity depends on tank volume – making these independently scalable. VRFBs have 20+ year lifespans and can discharge for 4-12 hours continuously.

Why: Energy storage technologies, renewable integration, and grid-scale batteries are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech, Energy). Understanding different battery types (lithium-ion, flow batteries, sodium-ion) and their applications in India’s energy transition helps in current affairs and technology policy questions.

What: Maharashtra emerged as the Best State in the 6th National Water Awards 2024, announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. A total of 46 winners were recognised across 10 categories for excellence in water conservation, management, and sustainable practices.

How: The National Water Awards, instituted by the Department of Water Resources, recognise states, districts, villages, urban local bodies, schools, industries, and individuals promoting water conservation. Categories include Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Industry, and Best School.

Why: Water conservation initiatives, Jal Jeevan Mission, and government awards are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Environment) and GS-II (Governance). Understanding water management schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and Catch the Rain campaign helps in policy-related questions.

What: Shailesh Chandra, Executive Director of Tata Motors, became the first Indian to serve as President of OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles / International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers). He will help shape global automotive standards and electric vehicle (EV) policies.

How: OICA, headquartered in Paris, represents motor vehicle manufacturers worldwide and works with governments and international organisations on regulations, safety standards, emissions norms, and trade policies. As President, Chandra will lead discussions on EV transition, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable manufacturing.

Why: Indian leadership in international organisations, automotive industry developments, and EV policies are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding India’s automotive sector, FAME scheme, and global EV transition helps in industry-related questions and economic analysis.

What: The 6th edition of India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) began in Hanoi, Vietnam. The exercise aims to deepen defence cooperation and enhance UN peacekeeping interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

How: VINBAX is an annual exercise alternating between India and Vietnam since 2018. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, disaster relief, and peacekeeping drills. Both countries contribute troops to UN peacekeeping missions, making interoperability training strategically valuable.

Why: India-Vietnam relations, defence exercises, and Act East Policy are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding India’s strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia, maritime cooperation in the South China Sea context, and defence diplomacy helps in foreign policy questions.

What: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) updated the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23. The revision replaced 8.9% closed industrial units and added modern sectors like vaccines and LED bulbs to better reflect India’s current industrial structure.

How: IIP measures monthly changes in industrial output across mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors. Base year revisions are essential to capture structural changes in the economy, emergence of new industries, and closure of obsolete units. The new series uses updated weights reflecting 2022-23 production patterns.

Why: Economic indicators, IIP, and statistical methodology are frequently tested in banking exams and UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding IIP components, base year concepts, and difference between IIP (quantity index) and Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is essential for economic analysis.