GK One-Liners

What: Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim has been rated as India’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site with a “Good” conservation status by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The park earned this distinction for its community-led conservation practices and low human impact on the ecosystem.

How: IUCN conducts periodic assessments of World Heritage Sites using the Conservation Outlook methodology, rating them as Good, Good with Some Concerns, Significant Concern, or Critical. Khangchendzonga’s success stems from active participation of local Lepcha and Bhutia communities in conservation, sacred landscape protection, and sustainable tourism management.

Why: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, IUCN assessments, and community-based conservation are high-frequency topics for UPSC Environment sections. Khangchendzonga is India’s first Mixed Heritage Site (both natural and cultural criteria), making it a unique case study for understanding integrated conservation approaches.

What: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large) or SVL built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel is equipped with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and advanced sonar systems for maritime mapping and security operations.

How: Survey vessels like Ikshak conduct hydrographic surveys to map seabeds, identify underwater hazards, and support naval operations. The vessel’s AUVs can operate independently to collect data in deep waters, while ROVs allow operators to remotely inspect underwater installations and shipwrecks.

Why: Indigenous shipbuilding under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, GRSE projects, and naval modernisation are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding different categories of naval vessels (frigates, destroyers, submarines, survey ships) and their strategic roles helps in defence-related questions.

What: RuPay’s UPI-linked credit cards now constitute 40% of transaction volume and 8% of transaction value in India’s card payments ecosystem. RuPay’s overall market share has surged to 16%, driven by digital adoption, low merchant fees, and government push for indigenous payment infrastructure.

How: RuPay, developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), offers lower Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) compared to Visa and Mastercard, making it attractive for small merchants. Integration with UPI allows users to link RuPay credit cards directly to UPI apps, enabling credit-based payments through QR codes.

Why: Digital payments, RuPay, and NPCI are frequently asked in banking exams and UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding India’s payment infrastructure evolution, UPI ecosystem, and financial inclusion through indigenous platforms is essential for current affairs preparation.

What: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU with Autodesk to integrate AI-driven design tools into Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). This aims to build a future-ready skilled workforce equipped with modern digital competencies.

How: The partnership will introduce Autodesk’s design and manufacturing software, including AutoCAD and Fusion 360, into vocational curricula. Training will cover 3D modelling, computer-aided design (CAD), and AI-powered generative design tools used in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

Why: Skill development initiatives, ITI modernisation, and industry-academia partnerships are important for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Economy). Understanding the National Skill Development Mission, sector skill councils, and emerging technology integration in vocational education helps in exam preparation.

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 150th anniversary celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’ at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. The event included the launch of a commemorative portal, coin, postage stamp, and cultural programmes honouring India’s national song.

How: ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 as part of his novel ‘Anandamath’. The song became an anthem of the Indian independence movement after it was sung at the 1896 Indian National Congress session by Rabindranath Tagore. The first two stanzas were adopted as the National Song in 1950.

Why: National symbols, their history, and constitutional provisions are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and GS-I (Modern Indian History). Understanding the distinction between National Anthem (‘Jana Gana Mana’) and National Song (‘Vande Mataram’), their adoption, and associated controversies is essential.

What: The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 revealed that India’s top 191 philanthropists donated ₹10,380 crore in FY25. Shiv Nadar (HCL founder) led with ₹2,708 crore, while the report highlighted growing CSR contributions and increasing participation of young donors in reshaping India’s philanthropy landscape.

How: The list ranks philanthropists based on donations made during the financial year, covering personal giving and foundation grants. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates eligible companies to spend 2% of average net profits on social initiatives, contributing to organised philanthropy.

Why: CSR provisions, philanthropy trends, and corporate governance are relevant for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and Ethics papers. Understanding the evolution of Indian philanthropy, from charity to strategic giving, and the role of CSR in development helps in analytical questions.