GK One-Liners

What: Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha) have been recognised as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). This initiative aims to develop port-based clean energy ecosystems for hydrogen production and export.

How: These ports will host electrolysis plants powered by renewable energy to produce green hydrogen. The strategic coastal locations enable easy export to international markets while serving domestic industrial demand. Infrastructure development includes storage facilities, pipelines, and dedicated shipping terminals.

Why: The NGHM is a flagship government initiative targeting 5 MMT annual green hydrogen production by 2030. Questions on hydrogen economy, clean energy missions, and port modernisation frequently appear in UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech) and State PSC exams.

What: Exercise Konkan 2025, a joint carrier strike group exercise between India and the United Kingdom, was conducted from October 5–9. The exercise was led by INS Vikrant (India’s indigenous aircraft carrier) and HMS Prince of Wales, with participation from Norway and Japan.

How: The exercise focused on air-sea interoperability including carrier-based fighter operations, anti-submarine warfare drills, and maritime domain awareness. Multi-nation participation strengthened coordination protocols and demonstrated collective Indo-Pacific security commitment.

Why: Defence exercises are high-yield topics for competitive exams. Key facts to remember: INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, Konkan is the bilateral India-UK naval exercise series, and this edition expanded to include allies—reflecting India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies.

What: The Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals was adopted at the ARISE Cities Forum 2025. This declaration unites Global South cities in a commitment to urban climate leadership ahead of COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil.

How: The declaration emphasises city-level climate action through resilience planning, just energy transitions, and sustainable urban development. It creates a framework for South-South cooperation on climate adaptation and positions cities as key actors in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Why: Climate governance and international environmental summits are staples in UPSC Environment and International Relations sections. Note the linkage between local action and global frameworks like the Paris Agreement. COP30 in Belém will focus on forest conservation—another key topic.

What: India and the United Kingdom jointly launched a £24 million Connectivity & Innovation Centre to promote AI-driven telecom research and development, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and cybersecurity. This initiative falls under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), aligned with the PM–PM 2035 Vision.

How: The centre will fund collaborative research between Indian and UK institutions on next-generation telecom technologies. Focus areas include satellite-based connectivity (NTNs), 6G readiness, and secure communication infrastructure. Joint working groups will coordinate policy harmonisation and technology transfer.

Why: India-UK bilateral relations, especially in technology and defence, are frequently tested in exams. Key terms: NTNs refer to satellite and high-altitude platform systems for connectivity; TSI is the security framework for tech cooperation. This also links to Digital India and telecom sector reforms.

What: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) launched a Project Management Unit (PMU) to expand Ayush insurance coverage and promote evidence-based research. The initiative involves collaboration with institutions like Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS).

How: The PMU will coordinate with insurance companies to include more Ayush treatments under health insurance schemes. It will also oversee clinical trials and research documentation to build an evidence base for traditional medicine, enhancing its credibility for mainstream healthcare integration.

Why: The Ayush sector is a growing area in government policy, linked to Ayushman Bharat and health insurance reforms. AIIA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush. Questions on Ayush institutions, traditional medicine policy, and health insurance integration appear in UPSC and state exams.

What: Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian pacer to play 50 Tests and achieve 50+ appearances across all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is). He is now focusing on T20 cricket ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

How: Bumrah’s workload management by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enabled his longevity across formats despite being a fast bowler. His achievement reflects India’s improved sports science and player rotation policies in professional cricket.

Why: Sports milestones are quick-recall facts for General Awareness sections in banking and SSC exams. Note that Bumrah is from Gujarat, and the T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka—both potential exam questions.