GK One-Liners

What: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrated its 78th Raising Day nationwide with service campaigns and events. NCC remains the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation with approximately 20 lakh (2 million) cadets enrolled across schools and colleges in India.

How: NCC was established on April 16, 1948 under the NCC Act of 1948 (Raising Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of November). It operates under the Ministry of Defence with tri-service wings (Army, Navy, Air Force). NCC trains youth in discipline, leadership, and national service through camps, adventure activities, and community service programmes.

Why: NCC, youth organisations, and defence-related bodies are relevant for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and general awareness. Understanding NCC’s structure, certificates (A, B, C), benefits in defence recruitment, and role in nation-building helps in personality development and governance questions.

What: Andhra Pradesh approved the creation of three new districts: Polavaram, Markapuram, and Madanapalle, bringing the total number of districts in the state to 29. The reorganisation aims to improve governance, administration, and regional development.

How: District reorganisation is a state subject under the Constitution. New districts are carved from existing ones to bring administration closer to people, ensure equitable development, and address regional disparities. AP had 13 districts before 2022 reorganisation that created 26 districts; now three more have been added.

Why: State reorganisation, district administration, and governance reforms are important for UPSC GS-II (Polity, Governance). Understanding district creation process, role of District Collector, and recent state-wise district changes helps in administration questions.

What: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF secured a deal to procure the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine at USD 2.99 per dose. The initiative aims to protect 7 million children and expand access in high-burden African nations where malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality.

How: R21/Matrix-M, developed by the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India, received WHO prequalification in 2024. It shows 75% efficacy in preventing malaria in children. The reduced price through Gavi’s pooled procurement enables large-scale rollout across endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why: Global health initiatives, vaccines, and international organisations are relevant for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding Gavi’s role, WHO prequalification, and India’s vaccine diplomacy (Serum Institute’s contribution) helps in global health governance questions.

What: National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 to honour the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien (1921-2012), the “Father of White Revolution” in India. India contributes approximately 25% of global milk output with 239.3 million tonnes production, making it the world’s largest milk producer.

How: Dr. Kurien pioneered Operation Flood (1970-1996), the world’s largest dairy development programme, which transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest producer. He built Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation) into a successful cooperative model and established the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Why: White Revolution, dairy cooperatives, and pioneers are important for UPSC GS-III (Agriculture). Understanding Operation Flood phases, cooperative movement, and India’s dairy sector growth helps in agricultural development and rural economy questions.

What: Exercise SURYAKIRAN-XIX, a joint military exercise between India and Nepal, was conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation in UN Chapter VII operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and counter-terrorism training.

How: SURYAKIRAN is an annual bilateral army exercise alternating between India and Nepal. It involves battalion-level troops practising jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and disaster response. Both countries are significant contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, making interoperability training valuable.

Why: India-Nepal relations, bilateral exercises, and defence cooperation are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Security). Understanding India’s defence partnerships with neighbours, UN peacekeeping contributions, and exercise nomenclature helps in foreign policy questions.

What: India retained the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup title by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final. Captain Ritu Negi led the team with strong performances throughout the tournament, reinforcing India’s global dominance in the sport.

How: India has been the dominant force in kabaddi, both in men’s and women’s categories, winning multiple World Cup and Asian Games titles. The sport, which originated in India, is governed internationally by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). Pro Kabaddi League has popularised the sport domestically.

Why: Sports achievements, indigenous sports, and international tournaments are relevant for UPSC current affairs. Understanding kabaddi’s rules, India’s dominance in traditional sports, and sports governance bodies helps in sports-related questions.