One-Liner Current Affairs

13 high-risk glacial lakes identified in Uttarakhand by Wadia Institute & ISRO; over 1,000 total lakes exist

GLOF mechanism: moraine/ice dam collapse triggers sudden discharge events

EWS provides 30-90 minutes lead time via sensor arrays and real-time telemetry to control hubs

SCO established 2001; India joined as full member at Astana Summit 2017 alongside Pakistan

RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) headquarters in Tashkent is SCO's counter-terrorism pillar

INSTC bypasses Pakistan; Chabahar Port crucial for trade route alternatives to Chinese dominance

BRICS expansion (Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia) created "BRICS Plus" but introduced internal rivalries threatening collective consensus

S-400 Triumf officially named "Sudarshan" in Indian service; $5.43 billion contract signed October 2018 for five squadrons

Tracks 300 simultaneous targets at 400km range; 30km altitude; four missile types ensure layered defense

Three operational squadrons deployed on northern/western borders; Operation Sindoor validated EW countermeasures

NSG established under National Security Guard Act, 1986; operates under Ministry of Home Affairs

National Biofuel Policy 2018 (amended 2022) targets E20 by 2025-26, but current blending stands at ~15%

E10 re-introduction addresses localized ethanol shortages and BS-IV vehicle compatibility without engine modification kits

Ethanol feedstock: sugarcane molasses, damaged grains, maize (1G only under current policy; 2G remains future-focused)

JJM 2.0 prioritizes source sustainability over tap connection expansion; 78% rural coverage achieved from 17% baseline (2019).

India is world's 2nd largest sugar producer but largest consumer—structural supply-demand mismatch.

Duty waiver = 50% basic customs duty suspension on raw sugar imports.

Sugar regulated under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 with monthly mill release quotas.

Japan has contributed $40 billion+ cumulative FDI since 2000, making it a top investor nation.