GK One-Liners

What: India ranked 3rd in the Asia Power Index 2025, published by the Lowy Institute (Australia). India scored strongly in economic capability, military strength, and future resources, reflecting its growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

How: The Asia Power Index measures 26 countries across eight power dimensions: economic capability, military capability, resilience, future resources, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks, and cultural influence. The United States and China typically lead, with India emerging as a major regional power.

Why: Global indices, India’s strategic position, and Indo-Pacific dynamics are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding power indices, India’s geopolitical standing, and comparison with regional powers helps in foreign policy questions.

What: India deployed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frigate INS Udaygiri to Sri Lanka for cyclone relief under Operation Sagar Bandhu. This major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission demonstrates India’s commitment to neighbourhood first policy and maritime security.

How: Operation Sagar Bandhu involved transporting relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment. INS Vikrant’s deployment showcases India’s blue-water naval capabilities for regional humanitarian missions. The operation aligns with India’s SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and historical HADR contributions.

Why: HADR operations, India-Sri Lanka relations, and naval diplomacy are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Security). Understanding India’s disaster response capabilities, SAGAR doctrine, and neighbourhood diplomacy helps in foreign policy questions.

What: Nepal issued a revised ₹100 currency note featuring a map showing Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territory. These areas are claimed by India as part of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, creating a bilateral territorial dispute.

How: The dispute intensified after India’s 2019 revised political map and the inauguration of the Lipulekh-Kailash Mansarovar road in 2020. Nepal’s Parliament amended its constitution in 2020 to include these areas in its map. Diplomatic dialogue remains pending while both countries maintain their positions on historical claims.

Why: India-Nepal relations, boundary disputes, and neighbourhood diplomacy are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding the Sugauli Treaty (1816), tri-junction issues with China, and diplomatic engagement mechanisms helps in bilateral relations questions.

What: President Putin’s upcoming visit to India for the annual bilateral summit will focus on defence cooperation, energy partnerships, technology transfer, and boosting bilateral trade to USD 100 billion. The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership spans defence imports, nuclear energy, and space cooperation.

How: India-Russia annual summits alternate between the two countries. Key agenda items include S-400 deliveries, joint military equipment production, discounted oil imports, Kudankulam nuclear plant expansion, and developing payment mechanisms to bypass Western sanctions. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is another focus area.

Why: India-Russia relations, strategic partnerships, and balancing geopolitics are important for UPSC GS-II (International Relations). Understanding the defence relationship, energy security dimensions, and India’s multi-alignment policy helps in foreign policy questions.

What: GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) will evolve into a global-standard Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) hub. The initiative will enable companies to register and hold IP domestically, reducing dependence on foreign jurisdictions and attracting IP-intensive businesses.

How: GIFT City, India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), offers tax benefits, global regulatory standards, and ease of doing business. The IP hub will provide services for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets under a unified framework. Companies can manage IP portfolios from India while accessing global markets.

Why: GIFT City, IPR policy, and financial services are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding IFSC regulations, National IPR Policy 2016, and India’s efforts to become an IP creation hub helps in economic governance questions.

What: According to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025, India remains the world’s largest milk producer with strong growth in eggs, meat, and wool production. The livestock sector contributes significantly to rural livelihoods and nutritional security.

How: India produces approximately 230+ million tonnes of milk annually, contributing about 24% of global output. The livestock sector accounts for approximately 4.5% of GDP and 26% of agricultural GDP. Schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and dairy cooperatives drive productivity improvements.

Why: Livestock sector, dairy development, and agricultural statistics are important for UPSC GS-III (Agriculture). Understanding White Revolution legacy, government schemes for animal husbandry, and India’s position in global livestock production helps in agricultural economy questions.