GK One-Liners

What: At the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, India announced a National Red List covering 11,000 species and the creation of India’s first Dugong Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Vivek Menon was elected as the Asian regional chair of IUCN. The Congress launched the “Abu Dhabi Call to Action 2025.”

How: The National Red List will assess the conservation status of Indian species using IUCN criteria (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, etc.). The Dugong Reserve in the Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar region will protect the endangered sea cow. India’s proactive role signals its commitment to biodiversity conservation under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Why: IUCN and biodiversity are core UPSC Environment topics. Key facts: IUCN HQ is in Gland, Switzerland; it publishes the Red List; Dugong is the State Animal of Andaman & Nicobar. Link to India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan and the 30×30 target (protecting 30% land and sea by 2030).

What: India and South Korea conducted their first-ever bilateral naval exercise, named IN-RoKN, beginning October 13, 2025, at Busan, South Korea. INS Sahyadri (Indian Navy frigate) and ROKS Gyeongnam (Republic of Korea Navy corvette) participated, enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation.

How: The exercise focused on maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue operations. As a first edition, it establishes a framework for future naval cooperation. South Korea is a key partner in India’s Act East Policy, and this exercise complements existing engagements like the India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership.

Why: New bilateral exercises are high-value exam questions. INS Sahyadri is a Shivalik-class stealth frigate built in India. Remember India’s naval exercise names: Konkan (UK), SIMBEX (Singapore), Varuna (France), Malabar (USA, Japan, Australia). This exercise strengthens the India-ROK 2+2 dialogue mechanism.

What: Adani Group will build the Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway at a cost of ₹4,081 crore, reducing the trek time from 9 hours to just 36 minutes. This is Adani’s first ropeway project under the Government’s Parvatmala Pariyojana (National Ropeways Development Programme).

How: Parvatmala Pariyojana, launched in Budget 2022-23, aims to develop ropeways as an alternative to conventional roads in hilly terrain. The Kedarnath ropeway will use 3S (tri-cable) technology for safety and capacity. It will boost religious tourism to the Char Dham circuit while reducing environmental impact on fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Why: Parvatmala is an emerging infrastructure scheme for UPSC. It operates on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models. Know the Char Dham: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Link to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) schemes.

What: The 5th edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti, a bilateral naval exercise between India and Indonesia, was conducted from October 14–17, 2025, at Visakhapatnam. INS Kavaratti (Indian Navy corvette) and KRI John Lie (Indonesian Navy frigate) participated in the drill.

How: The exercise focused on maritime patrol coordination, anti-piracy operations, and search-and-rescue missions. As archipelagic nations, both countries share interests in securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean and Malacca Strait. The exercise promotes interoperability under India’s Act East Policy.

Why: Samudra Shakti (meaning “Ocean Power”) started in 2018 and alternates between Indian and Indonesian waters. INS Kavaratti is an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette commissioned in 2020. Indonesia is ASEAN’s largest economy and a key partner for India’s Indo-Pacific vision—relevant for IR Mains questions.

What: India’s merchandise trade deficit reached $32.15 billion in September 2025, the highest in 11 months. Imports surged following US tariff hikes on various goods. However, India’s exports to the United States grew by 13% in the first half of FY25, indicating strong demand despite global trade tensions.

How: Trade deficit occurs when imports exceed exports. The spike in imports was driven by crude oil, gold, and electronics. US tariff increases on Chinese goods have redirected some trade flows, benefiting Indian exporters in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. The rupee’s depreciation also made imports costlier.

Why: Trade deficit figures are frequently asked in banking and economic affairs sections. Key concepts: Current Account Deficit (CAD) includes trade deficit plus services and remittances; Balance of Payments (BoP) is the broader framework. Monitor India’s top trade partners: China (imports), USA (exports), UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

What: Tarun Garg has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor India Limited, effective January 1, 2026. He becomes the first Indian to head the company since Hyundai entered India in 1996.

How: Garg, currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO), is credited with driving record sales and the successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Hyundai Motor India in 2024—the largest auto IPO in Indian history. His appointment reflects the “Indianisation” trend among multinational corporations operating in India.

Why: Corporate appointments of Indians to lead MNC subsidiaries signal India’s growing talent pool and market importance. Hyundai is India’s second-largest carmaker after Maruti Suzuki. The 2024 IPO raised ₹27,870 crore—useful for business awareness questions. Know other major auto IPOs and FDI trends in the automobile sector.