GK One-Liners

What: The Central Government proposed Article 371 provisions for Ladakh to safeguard local culture, customary laws, and administrative autonomy. This offer came as talks resumed with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been demanding special protections for the Union Territory.

How: Article 371 (and its sub-articles 371A to 371J) provides special provisions for specific states to protect tribal customs, land ownership, and local governance. If extended to Ladakh, it could restrict outsider land purchase, protect local employment, and preserve Buddhist and Muslim cultural practices. This would require a Constitutional amendment.

Why: Article 371 provisions are frequently asked in UPSC Polity. Currently, 11 states have special provisions: Maharashtra, Gujarat (371), Nagaland (371A), Assam (371B), Manipur (371C), Andhra Pradesh (371D), Sikkim (371F), Mizoram (371G), Arunachal Pradesh (371H), Goa (371I), and Karnataka (371J). Ladakh’s demand stems from concerns post-Article 370 abrogation in 2019.

What: Saudi Arabia officially ended its decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) labour system, granting migrant workers—including a large Indian workforce—freedom of mobility, job portability, and stronger legal protections. This is a historic reform affecting millions of workers in the Gulf region.

How: Under Kafala, employers controlled workers’ visas, restricting their ability to change jobs or leave the country. The new system allows workers to transfer jobs without employer consent, obtain exit/re-entry visas independently, and access improved dispute resolution mechanisms. Saudi Arabia is aligning labour laws with ILO standards as part of its Vision 2030 reforms.

Why: Indian diaspora and Gulf labour issues are important for UPSC IR. Over 8 million Indians work in the Gulf, with 2+ million in Saudi Arabia. Know other reforms: UAE’s labour law changes, Qatar’s post-World Cup reforms. Link to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, e-Migrate portal, and India’s bilateral labour agreements.

What: Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court became the first Indian to chair the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges for the term 2025–2027. This marks a significant milestone in India’s role in global intellectual property law.

How: WIPO’s Advisory Board of Judges comprises eminent judges from various countries who advise on IP dispute resolution and judicial capacity building. Justice Singh, known for her expertise in IP, patent, and commercial law, will lead discussions on harmonising IP adjudication practices globally.

Why: WIPO and intellectual property are important for UPSC Economy and International Relations. WIPO, headquartered in Geneva, administers international IP treaties including TRIPS Agreement, Paris Convention, and Berne Convention. India’s growing role in global IP governance reflects its expanding innovation ecosystem. Know India’s IP laws: Patents Act 1970, Copyright Act 1957, Trademarks Act 1999.

What: The Indian Army is raising 25 hybrid Bhairav Battalions designed for strike operations, counterinsurgency, and deep reconnaissance missions. This is part of the Army’s modernisation drive alongside the development of dedicated drone warfare units.

How: Bhairav Battalions are “hybrid” units combining infantry capabilities with specialised skills in rapid deployment, unconventional warfare, and surveillance. They will be equipped with modern weapons, drones, and communication systems for quick response across diverse terrain. The name “Bhairav” (a fierce form of Lord Shiva) reflects their strike-oriented mandate.

Why: Army modernisation and force restructuring are important for UPSC Security. The Indian Army has been reorganising into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for agility. Link to Theatre Commands reform, Agnipath scheme, and indigenisation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Hybrid warfare concepts—combining conventional and unconventional tactics—are increasingly relevant in modern conflict scenarios.

What: Coal India Limited (CIL) and IIT Madras signed an MoU to establish a Centre for Sustainable Energy. The centre will focus on low-carbon research and development, supporting India’s clean energy transition while addressing the coal sector’s decarbonisation challenges.

How: The centre will research carbon capture and storage (CCS), coal gasification, pit-to-solar projects (converting closed mines to solar farms), and sustainable mining practices. CIL, the world’s largest coal producer, is diversifying into solar and renewable energy under government mandates to reduce carbon footprint.

Why: Energy transition and Coal India’s diversification are relevant for Economy and Environment. CIL is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Coal. Know India’s coal dependency (over 70% of electricity) and transition challenges. Link to National Coal Gasification Mission, PM KUSUM (solar), and India’s net-zero 2070 target. IIT collaborations with PSUs demonstrate academia-industry linkages.

What: Olympic javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. This recognition honours his sporting excellence and role as a national inspiration, particularly for his historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

How: The Territorial Army is a volunteer reserve force that can be called up during emergencies. Honorary ranks are conferred on eminent personalities who inspire national pride. Neeraj Chopra, who serves in the Indian Army (4 Rajputana Rifles), became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics.

Why: Sports achievements and honorary military ranks are quick-recall facts for General Awareness. Other sportspersons with honorary Lt. Colonel rank: M.S. Dhoni (Territorial Army), Abhinav Bindra (Territorial Army). Neeraj’s achievements: Tokyo 2020 Gold, Paris 2024 Silver, World Championships Gold (2023). Know his records and the significance of athletics in Indian Olympic history.