GK One-Liners

What: India surpassed $20 billion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments in 2025, ranking close to Canada in AI innovation according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Stanford AI Index 2025. This signals India’s growing momentum in global AI leadership.

How: The investment growth spans AI startups, research institutions, data centres, and enterprise AI adoption. Government initiatives like IndiaAI Mission (₹10,372 crore), AI compute infrastructure development, and partnerships with global tech companies have accelerated the ecosystem. Private sector investment in generative AI and enterprise solutions has surged.

Why: AI policy and India’s tech rankings are important for UPSC Science & Tech. The Stanford AI Index is a credible global benchmark—know India’s position relative to USA, China, and UK. Link to IndiaAI Mission’s pillars: compute, datasets, applications, skilling, and startups. MeitY’s role in digital governance is exam-relevant.

What: India now ranks 9th globally in total forest area and retains 3rd position in annual forest gain according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ and community afforestation drives contributed to this achievement.

How: India’s forest cover has increased through compensatory afforestation (CAMPA funds), social forestry programmes, Joint Forest Management (JFM), and large-scale plantation drives. ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’, launched in 2024, encourages citizens to plant trees in memory of their mothers, creating emotional connect with conservation.

Why: Forest cover and GFRA reports are staple Environment topics. India’s forest cover is 21.71% (India State of Forest Report 2023), with target of 33% under National Forest Policy. Know top countries by forest area: Russia, Brazil, Canada, USA, China. Link to Green India Mission, REDD+, and climate mitigation through forestry.

What: At the 8th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) held in Kochi, India finalized global standards for vanilla, large cardamom, and coriander. This brings the total number of Codex spice standards to 19, with India playing a leading role.

How: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), jointly run by FAO and WHO, sets international food safety and quality standards. India hosts the CCSCH secretariat, given its position as the world’s largest spice producer and exporter. Standards cover quality parameters, contaminant limits, and labelling requirements.

Why: Codex standards are important for international trade and food safety—relevant for Economy and Agriculture. India’s Spices Board (under Ministry of Commerce) promotes spice exports. Know India’s top spice exports: chilli, cumin, turmeric, pepper. Codex standards facilitate WTO compliance under the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement.

What: The SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem) model from the Sundarbans has earned FAO Global Technical Recognition for promoting climate-resilient shrimp farming and mangrove conservation. This model integrates aquaculture with ecosystem protection.

How: SAIME uses traditional knowledge and modern techniques to farm shrimp in mangrove-friendly ways. It avoids mangrove clearing, uses natural tidal water exchange, and maintains biodiversity. The model provides livelihood to coastal communities while preserving the Sundarbans—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical carbon sink.

Why: Sustainable aquaculture and mangrove conservation are important for Environment and Agriculture. The Sundarbans hosts the largest mangrove forest and Royal Bengal Tigers. FAO recognition validates India’s climate adaptation practices. Link to Blue Economy, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on ecosystem-based adaptation.

What: INS Sahyadri participated in Exercise JAIMEX 25 (Japan-India Maritime Exercise) near Kyushu, Japan. The Indian frigate joined Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships JS Asahi and JS Oumi to strengthen Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation.

How: JAIMEX focuses on anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol coordination, and tactical manoeuvres. Japan is a key partner in the QUAD grouping (India, USA, Japan, Australia). The exercise enhances interoperability between the two navies and demonstrates commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Why: India-Japan defence exercises are important for UPSC IR and Security. Know the exercise names: JAIMEX (Navy), Dharma Guardian (Army), Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force). INS Sahyadri is a Shivalik-class stealth frigate. Japan has upgraded ties with India through the Special Strategic and Global Partnership—link to 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and civil nuclear cooperation.

What: India upgraded its Kabul Technical Mission to a full Embassy, reaffirming engagement with Afghanistan despite the Taliban government. India pledged cooperation in countering terrorism, providing healthcare assistance, and supporting development projects.

How: India had downgraded its diplomatic presence after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The Technical Mission, reopened in 2022, handled humanitarian aid and visa services. The upgrade to Embassy status signals pragmatic engagement while maintaining India’s principled stance on inclusive governance and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Why: India-Afghanistan relations are crucial for UPSC IR. India has invested over $3 billion in Afghan reconstruction (Salma Dam, Parliament building, Zaranj-Delaram Highway). The Taliban’s return raised concerns about Pakistan-backed terrorism. India’s diplomatic re-engagement balances regional security interests with humanitarian commitments—a nuanced topic for Mains answers.