GK One-Liners

What: India has emerged as the 6th largest patent filing nation globally, with over 64,000 patents filed. Significantly, more than 55% of these patents were filed by Indian residents, marking a shift toward strong domestic innovation and improved performance in the Global Innovation Index (GII).

How: India’s patent surge is driven by simplified filing processes, reduced fees for startups and MSMEs, government initiatives like Startup India, and increased R&D investment by corporates and academia. The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks under DPIIT manages India’s IP regime.

Why: Intellectual property, patent statistics, and innovation indices are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding the Patent Act (1970), TRIPS Agreement, India’s GII ranking, and innovation ecosystem helps in technology policy and economic development questions.

What: India plans to construct a 6,000-metre deep underwater research habitat, which will surpass existing global facilities and become the world’s deepest underwater laboratory. This ambitious project advances the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) goals for marine research and resource exploration.

How: The Deep Ocean Mission, approved with ₹4,077 crore outlay, focuses on deep-sea mining, biodiversity exploration, underwater vehicles, and ocean climate studies. The underwater lab will enable sustained human presence at extreme depths for scientific research, mineral assessment, and marine ecosystem studies.

Why: Deep Ocean Mission, blue economy, and marine research are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech, Environment). Understanding Samudrayaan (manned submersible), polymetallic nodule mining, and India’s oceanic research capabilities helps in science and resource management questions.

What: Two traditional Lepcha musical instruments from Sikkim – Tungbuk (drum) and Pumtong Pulit (bamboo flute) – have received Geographical Indication (GI) status. This recognition safeguards Lepcha cultural heritage with support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

How: GI tags are registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. They protect products having unique characteristics tied to their geographical origin. NABARD supports GI registration for rural and tribal products through its development programmes, enabling communities to commercialise traditional crafts.

Why: GI tags, cultural heritage protection, and tribal welfare are relevant for UPSC GS-I (Art & Culture) and GS-III (Economy). Understanding GI registration process, state-wise GI products, and their economic benefits to artisan communities helps in current affairs and culture questions.

What: India and France conducted Exercise Garuda-2025, a bilateral air combat exercise featuring the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighters and French Air and Space Force’s Rafale jets. The exercise aims to boost interoperability and enhance air combat capabilities between the two strategic partners.

How: Exercise Garuda, held alternately in India and France, involves Basic Fighter Manoeuvring (BFM), Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat, air defence scenarios, and large force engagements. It enables both air forces to share tactics, validate joint operations, and strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.

Why: India-France defence cooperation, bilateral exercises, and strategic partnerships are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Security). Understanding Rafale deal, joint exercises with different countries, and India’s defence diplomacy helps in foreign policy questions.

What: Puri Beach received Blue Flag Certification for the 7th time, while Sunapur Beach earned it for the 3rd consecutive year. Both beaches are in Odisha and the recertification reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable coastal tourism and beach management.

How: The Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, to beaches meeting 33 stringent criteria covering environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards. India currently has 12 Blue Flag beaches; the programme is implemented under the BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) initiative.

Why: Blue Flag beaches, coastal zone management, and sustainable tourism are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) rules, ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management), and India’s Blue Flag beaches helps in environment and governance questions.

What: The Henley Passport Index 2025 ranked Singapore at the top with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations worldwide. India ranked 85th with access to 57 countries, reflecting the widening global mobility gaps between developed and developing nations.

How: The Henley Passport Index, published by Henley & Partners, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Rankings are derived from data provided by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and cover 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.

Why: Global indices and rankings are frequently asked in competitive exams. Understanding different indices (Henley Passport Index, Human Development Index, Global Hunger Index, GII) and India’s position helps in international relations and general awareness questions.