GK One-Liners

What: The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), backed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), partnered with ICICI Bank to launch India’s first full Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system at Choryasi Fee Plaza on National Highway 48 in Gujarat. This barrier-free system enables automated toll collection without physical gates or toll booths, allowing vehicles to pass through at highway speeds while tolls are collected electronically.

How: MLFF uses overhead gantries equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and FASTag readers to detect vehicles, identify them, and deduct tolls automatically from linked accounts. NHAI has also signed for deployment at Gharaunda Fee Plaza on NH-44 in Haryana and plans to extend this technology to 25 highway fee plazas during the current financial year, eliminating congestion at toll plazas nationwide.

Why: This initiative aligns with India’s Digital India and Smart Cities missions. Questions on infrastructure modernization, FASTag technology, and NHAI’s role in highway development frequently appear in UPSC Prelims (Economy & Infrastructure) and Mains GS3 (Infrastructure Development). The topic connects to broader themes of transport efficiency and digital payment systems.

What: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) released the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024, benchmarking the performance of 36 States and Union Territories for the financial year 2023-24. The index evaluates states across 66 indicators spanning five key sectors: buildings, industry, transport, distribution companies (DISCOMs), and agriculture, providing a comprehensive assessment of energy conservation efforts.

How: States are categorized into four groups based on their energy consumption levels, ensuring fair comparison. The 2024 rankings identified Maharashtra as the top performer in Group 1 (high consumption states), Andhra Pradesh in Group 2, Assam in Group 3, and Tripura in Group 4 (low consumption states). The index helps states identify gaps and adopt best practices for energy efficiency.

Why: Energy efficiency is a critical component of India’s climate commitments and sustainable development goals. Questions on BEE, state rankings in energy indices, and energy conservation measures are common in UPSC Prelims and Mains GS3 (Energy & Environment). This topic connects to India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change and the Energy Conservation Act.

What: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of India’s second National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL) in Guwahati, Assam, during the inauguration of the new Brahmaputra Wing at Raj Bhavan. The first NCFL was established in New Delhi, and this expansion marks a significant step in strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in the northeastern region.

How: The NCFL will provide advanced forensic analysis capabilities for cybercrime investigations, including malware analysis, data recovery, digital evidence examination, and training for law enforcement agencies. The Guwahati facility will serve the entire northeastern region, reducing dependency on the Delhi lab and enabling faster resolution of cyber-related criminal cases.

Why: Cybersecurity is a growing concern in India’s national security framework. Questions on cyber forensics, institutional mechanisms for cybersecurity, and the role of NCFLs appear in UPSC Prelims (Internal Security) and Mains GS3 (Security Challenges). This topic connects to the National Cyber Security Policy, IT Act 2000, and India’s digital governance initiatives.

What: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s first tempered cover-glass manufacturing plant for mobile devices in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The facility has been set up by Optiemus Electronics in partnership with Corning, a global leader in specialty glass technology. This plant will produce high-quality protective glass for smartphones and tablets, catering to both domestic and export markets.

How: The plant uses advanced tempering technology to strengthen glass, making it scratch-resistant and durable for mobile device screens. By manufacturing locally, India reduces dependence on imports from countries like China and Vietnam. The facility aligns with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing and strengthens India’s position in the global supply chain for mobile components.

Why: This development is crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Questions on electronics manufacturing, PLI schemes, and import substitution frequently appear in UPSC Prelims (Economy) and Mains GS3 (Industrial Development). The topic connects to India’s semiconductor mission and efforts to build a robust electronics ecosystem.

What: Pixxel, an Indian space-tech startup, successfully launched three Firefly hyperspectral satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, completing Phase 1 of its ambitious six-satellite commercial Earth-observation constellation. Hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, enabling detailed analysis of Earth’s surface for applications in agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.

How: Unlike traditional satellites that capture images in just three or four bands (red, green, blue), hyperspectral satellites capture data across 150+ spectral bands, revealing information invisible to the naked eye. Pixxel’s constellation will provide high-resolution Earth observation data to governments, businesses, and researchers for precision agriculture, climate monitoring, and resource management. The startup has secured contracts with international clients and aims to complete its full constellation by 2026.

Why: Pixxel represents India’s growing private space sector and innovation in satellite technology. Questions on Indian space startups, hyperspectral imaging, and commercial space applications are increasingly relevant for UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech) and Mains GS3 (Space Technology). This topic connects to ISRO’s support for private players under IN-SPACe and India’s Space Policy 2023.

What: National Nutrition Week is observed annually from 1 to 7 September to promote awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits and nutritional security across India. The 2024 theme is “Eat Right for a Better Life,” emphasizing balanced diets, reduction of malnutrition, and prevention of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity. The week-long campaign is coordinated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Food and Nutrition Board.

How: During this week, various programs are organized nationwide, including awareness camps, nutrition counseling sessions, cooking demonstrations, and distribution of educational materials on dietary guidelines. The campaign targets vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under five, and adolescents. It also highlights government initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Why: Nutrition and food security are critical components of India’s health and development agenda. Questions on National Nutrition Week, POSHAN Abhiyaan, malnutrition indicators, and related government schemes are common in UPSC Prelims (Social Issues) and Mains GS2 (Health & Social Justice). This topic connects to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and India’s National Health Policy.