Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Science & Tech Brief: Tinnitus Breakthroughs & Key Facts
Key Daily One-Liners
- Tinnitus Definition: A medical symptom characterized by hearing "phantom" noises (ringing/buzzing) without an external sound source.
- IIT Bombay Innovation: Researchers have developed a low-cost diagnostic tool for precise tinnitus matching and multimodal tracking.
- Objective Biomarkers: Harvard scientists identified pupil dilation and facial micro-movements as objective measures to diagnose tinnitus.
- Medical Technology: The Lenire device is the first FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulator using tongue stimulation to treat tinnitus.
- Ototoxicity: Refers to ear damage/hearing loss caused specifically by certain medications like high-dose aspirin or antibiotics.
- Pulsatile Tinnitus: A rhythmic ear noise that specifically aligns with a patient’s heartbeat, often indicating vascular issues.
Q&A: Tinnitus & Auditory Health
Q1. Which Indian institute recently developed an affordable diagnostic device for Tinnitus?
Ans: IIT Bombay.
Q2. What is the difference between Subjective and Objective Tinnitus?
Ans: Subjective is heard only by the patient; Objective can be heard by a doctor (usually via stethoscope).
Q3. Which part of the inner ear contains the hair cells responsible for hearing?
Ans: The Cochlea.
Q4. What new "objective" measures did Harvard researchers find to gauge tinnitus severity?
Ans: Pupil dilation and facial micro-movements.
Q5. Which term describes medications that are toxic to the ear or auditory nerve?
Ans: Ototoxic medications.
Static GK Quick-Reference
| Term | Exam Relevance / Detail |
|---|---|
| Presbycusis | Age-related hearing loss, a primary cause of tinnitus. |
| Bimodal Neuromodulation | Treatment combining sound therapy with physical stimulation (e.g., tongue). |
| TMJ Disorders | Jaw joint issues that frequently trigger auditory symptoms. |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Environment Brief: New Plant Species Discovery in West Bengal
Key Daily One-Liners
- New Discovery: A new plant species named Stellaria bengalensis has been discovered in the Sangser forest of Kalimpong, West Bengal.
- Taxonomy: It belongs to the genus Stellaria and the family Caryophyllaceae (commonly known as the carnation/pink family).
- Himalayan Flora: The plant thrives at high altitudes between 2,245 and 2,450 meters in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Physical Form: It is a small annual herb (8–10.5 cm tall) featuring white star-shaped flowers and lacks bracts.
- Conservation Status: The IUCN has currently classified this species as "Data Deficient" (DD) due to insufficient population data.
- Recent Context: This is the second Stellaria discovery in India recently, following the find of Stellaria mcclintockiae in Kerala.
One-Liner Q&A: Stellaria bengalensis
Q1. In which district of West Bengal was the new species Stellaria bengalensis discovered?
Ans: Kalimpong district (Sangser forest).
Q2. Which scientific journal published the discovery of Stellaria bengalensis?
Ans: Phytotaxa.
Q3. The name "Stellaria" is derived from which Latin word?
Ans: Stella (meaning "star"), referring to its star-shaped flowers.
Q4. Which family of flowering plants does the genus Stellaria belong to?
Ans: Caryophyllaceae.
Q5. What is the flowering and fruiting period for this new Himalayan herb?
Ans: May to September.
Static GK Quick-Reference
| Feature | Details for Exams |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Stellaria species are often called "Chickweeds" or "Starworts." |
| Discovery Team | Researchers from NEHU (Shillong) and PSG College (Coimbatore). |
| Stellaria in India | Approximately 22 species are found in India, mostly in the Himalayas. |
| Ecological Niche | Primarily found growing on muddy soil slopes. |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Water Resources: CGWB Functions & 2025 Quality Report
Key Daily One-Liners
- CGWB Status: The Central Ground Water Board is a scientific organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, headquartered in Faridabad.
- 2025 Report: The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 highlights that 440 districts in India are affected by nitrate levels exceeding 45 mg/l.
- Uranium Hazard: Excessive extraction has led to alarming Uranium levels in the groundwater of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- NAQUIM: India is implementing the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program, the world’s largest underground water mapping initiative.
- Regulation: The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) regulates water extraction under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Global Standing: India remains the largest extractor of groundwater globally, surpassing the combined usage of China and the USA.
One-Liner Q&A: CGWB & Water Security
Q1. Which body serves as the regulatory wing of the CGWB for ground water management?
Ans: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
Q2. Which medical condition is caused by high nitrate levels in drinking water?
Ans: Blue Baby Syndrome (Methemoglobinemia).
Q3. Where is the Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute located?
Ans: Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Q4. Under which Act was the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) constituted?
Ans: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Q5. What is the name of the World Bank-funded scheme for sustainable groundwater management?
Ans: Atal Bhujal Yojana.
Static GK Quick-Reference
| Parameter | Details for Competitive Exams |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Formed in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization. |
| Arsenic Hotspots | Primarily found in the Gangetic plains of West Bengal and Bihar. |
| Safe Nitrate Limit | 45 mg/liter (per BIS/CGWB standards). |
| Regional Offices | CGWB operates through 18 regional offices across India. |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Environment & Ecology: Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Highlights
Key Daily One-Liners
- Sanctuary Origin: The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (Kollam, Kerala) derives its name from the Chenkurunji tree (Gluta travancorica), which is endemic to the region.
- Biosphere Status: It is a core component of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, alongside Peppara and Neyyar sanctuaries.
- River Confluence: The Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy, and Kulathupuzha rivers merge within the sanctuary to form the Kallada River.
- Pioneering Eco-tourism: The sanctuary houses Thenmala, which is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination.
- 2025 Biodiversity Survey: A recent faunal survey in early 2025 documented nearly 450 species, including rare butterflies and the nesting of the Lesser Fishing Eagle.
- Endemic Fauna: The sanctuary is a critical habitat for the Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur, both endemic to the Western Ghats.
One-Liner Q&A: Exam-Oriented Practice
Q1. In which state and district is the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Ans: Kollam district, Kerala.
Q2. Which endemic tree species is the Shendurney sanctuary named after?
Ans: Chenkurunji (Gluta travancorica).
Q3. Which major dam and reservoir are situated inside the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary?
Ans: Thenmala Dam (Parappar Reservoir).
Q4. Name the three wildlife sanctuaries that form the Kerala part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Ans: Shendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Q5. Which river is formed by the confluence of the Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy, and Kulathupuzha rivers?
Ans: Kallada River.
Static GK Quick-Reference
| Parameter | Details for Competitive Exams |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 1984 (Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary). |
| Forest Types | Tropical Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, and Moist Deciduous forests. |
| Notable Bird | Great Indian Hornbill (State bird of Kerala). |
| UNESCO Status | Part of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site and Agasthyamalai Biosphere (MAB). |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
e-Governance: NAeG 2025 Winners and Conference Highlights
Key Daily One-Liners
- Conference Venue: The 28th National Conference on e-Governance was held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Theme 2025: The theme for the 2025 awards was "Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation."
- Historic Inclusion: For the first time, a dedicated category for Gram Panchayats was introduced to honor grassroots digital service delivery.
- Gold Winner (GP): Rohini Gram Panchayat (Dhule, Maharashtra) won the Gold Award for achieving 100% digital literacy.
- Sampada 2.0: Madhya Pradesh's SAMPADA 2.0 project received the Gold Award for revolutionizing paperless property registration.
- Bhashini: The BHASHINI Division (MeitY) was awarded for its AI-led language translation platform aimed at digital inclusion.
- Prize Money: Gold Award winners receive ₹10 Lakh, while Silver Award winners receive ₹5 Lakh.
One-Liner Q&A: National e-Governance Awards 2025
Q1. Which department administers the National e-Governance Awards?
Ans: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
Q2. Which Gram Panchayat won the Gold Award for Grassroots Level Initiatives?
Ans: Rohini Gram Panchayat, Maharashtra.
Q3. What is the prize money for a Silver Award in the NAeG 2025?
Ans: ₹5 Lakh.
Q4. Which ministry's project "Digi Yatra" won the Gold Award?
Ans: Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Q5. Where was the "Visakhapatnam Declaration" adopted?
Ans: At the 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG).
Static GK Quick-Reference
| Parameter | Details for Aspirants |
|---|---|
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. |
| Knowledge Partner | IIM Visakhapatnam (for the 28th NCeG). |
| First NAeG Awards | Instituted to recognize excellence in e-Governance since 2003. |
| Digital India Launch | July 1, 2015. |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Aviation Safety: Belly Landing and Emergency Protocols
Key Daily One-Liners
- Belly Landing Definition: An emergency maneuver where an aircraft lands without extending its landing gear, using the fuselage (belly) as the primary contact surface.
- Technical Term: It is officially referred to in aviation manuals as a "Gear-Up Landing."
- Context of Incident: Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 (Dec 29, 2024) experienced a dual bird strike involving Baikal teal, leading to a catastrophic belly landing at Muan International Airport.
- Safety Mechanism: Pilots use Flaps and Slats to maintain maximum lift at the lowest possible speed during a gear-up landing to minimize impact force.
- Regulatory Oversight: In India, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is the statutory body responsible for air safety and accident prevention.
- Distress Code: Pilots performing such emergency landings broadcast a 'Mayday' call and set their transponder to 7700 (Emergency squawk code).
One-Liner Q&A: Science & Tech (Aviation)
Q1. What is the primary reason a pilot chooses a belly landing over a normal landing?
Ans: When technical or mechanical failure prevents the landing gear from deploying or locking into place.
Q2. Which bird species was identified in the Jeju Air crash investigation in early 2025?
Ans: Baikal teal (a species of migratory dabbling duck).
Q3. What is "Ditching" in aviation terminology?
Ans: A planned emergency landing on a water surface.
Q4. Which aviation device increases lift at low speeds, critical for emergency landings?
Ans: Flaps and Slats.
Q5. In which South Korean city did the recent Jeju Air emergency landing occur?
Ans: Muan (Muan International Airport).
Static GK: Aviation Regulatory Bodies & Terms
| Term/Agency | Details for Competitive Exams |
|---|---|
| DGCA (India) | Statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation; Headquartered in New Delhi. |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization (UN Agency); H.Q. in Montreal, Canada. |
| Squawk 7700 | International transponder code for a general emergency. |
| Black Box | Refers to the CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) and FDR (Flight Data Recorder). |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Economy & Agriculture: Tobacco Board of India and Export Trends
Key Daily One-Liners
- Legal Status: The Tobacco Board is a Statutory Body established under the Tobacco Board Act of 1975, operational since January 1, 1976.
- Governance: It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with headquarters in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
- Record Export Growth: Indian tobacco exports reached a record high of Rs. 16,728 crore in FY25, a massive jump from Rs. 6,408 crore in 2019-20.
- Farmer Prosperity: The average price for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco rose to Rs. 279.54 per kg in 2024-25, effectively doubling farmer income over five years.
- Global Standing: India currently ranks as the 2nd largest producer (after China) and the 2nd largest exporter (after Brazil) of unmanufactured tobacco.
- Technological Reform: The implementation of IT-enabled electronic auction systems has been cited as the primary reason for transparent price discovery.
One-Liner Q&A: Agriculture & Industry
Q1. In which city is the headquarters of the Tobacco Board of India located?
Ans: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Q2. Which variety of tobacco is primarily regulated by the Tobacco Board for production and curing?
Ans: Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco.
Q3. What is India's global rank in terms of tobacco production as of 2025?
Ans: 2nd (Second).
Q4. Under which Union Ministry does the Tobacco Board operate?
Ans: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Q5. Which Indian state is the largest producer of tobacco, accounting for nearly 45% share?
Ans: Gujarat.
Static GK: Essential Tobacco Facts
| Parameter | Details for Competitive Exams |
|---|---|
| Largest Producing State | Gujarat (Followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). |
| Climatic Conditions | Requires 20-30°C temperature and a frost-free period of 100-120 days. |
| Export Destinations | Major importers include UAE, Belgium, Indonesia, and South Korea. |
| International Treaty | India is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Education & Social Issues: UDISE+ Report 2023-24 Highlights
Key Daily One-Liners
- Implementing Agency: UDISE+ is managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education.
- Total Enrolment: As of 2023-24, total school enrolment in India stands at 24.8 crore, showing a decline of over 1 crore compared to the previous assessment average.
- Gender Statistics: The gender distribution in schools remains at 51.9% for Boys and 48.1% for Girls.
- Digital Infrastructure: Only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, and 53.9% have internet access, highlighting a persistent digital divide.
- Minority Enrolment: Minorities represent 20% of total enrolment, with Muslims (79.6%) and Christians (10%) forming the largest groups.
- Accessibility: Only 52.3% of schools are equipped with ramps, a critical gap for Students with Special Needs (CwSN).
One-Liner Q&A: Education Sector
Q1. What is the full form of UDISE+ in the context of Indian education?
Ans: Unified District Information System for Education Plus.
Q2. In which year was the 'Plus' version of UDISE launched to provide an online real-time data system?
Ans: 2018-19.
Q3. Which state recorded the highest decline in student enrolment according to the latest report?
Ans: Bihar (with a decline of 35.65 lakh students).
Q4. What percentage of minority students in the total school enrolment are from the Muslim community?
Ans: 79.6% (of the 20% total minority share).
Q5. At which level is the final certification of UDISE+ data done?
Ans: State level (certified by the State Project Director).
Static GK: UDISE+ At a Glance
| Feature | Details for Aspirants |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools | Approx. 14.72 Lakh (Government + Private). |
| Number of Teachers | Approx. 98.08 Lakh across India. |
| Verification Process | 3-stage process: Block/Cluster -> District -> State. |
| SDG Mapping | Directly monitors SDG 4 (Quality Education). |
Daily One-Liners: 02.01.2025
Agriculture & Economy: DAP Fertilizer and NBS Scheme
Key Daily One-Liners
- Consumption Rank: Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is the second most consumed fertilizer in India, following Urea.
- Chemical Composition: DAP provides concentrated amounts of two primary macronutrients: 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus.
- Subsidy Regime: Unlike Urea, DAP is governed by the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme, where the subsidy is fixed based on nutrient weight rather than a fixed MRP.
- Nano-DAP Innovation: In 2025, the government is prioritizing Nano-DAP to increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce the fiscal burden of imports.
- NBS Implementation: The NBS scheme is managed by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- Industrial Utility: Beyond farming, DAP is widely used as a fire retardant and in the food industry as a yeast nutrient.
One-Liner Q&A: Agriculture & Policy
Q1. What is the chemical formula of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)?
Ans: (NH₄)₂HPO₄.
Q2. In which year was the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme launched in India?
Ans: April 2010.
Q3. What is the standard N-P-K ratio found in a bag of DAP?
Ans: 18:46:0 (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
Q4. Which macronutrient in DAP is responsible for strong root development in seedlings?
Ans: Phosphorus (P).
Q5. Which government department is responsible for deciding the annual subsidy rates under NBS?
Ans: Department of Fertilizers (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers).
Static GK: Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Details for Aspirants |
|---|---|
| Primary Application | Basal dressing (applied at the time of sowing). |
| Water Solubility | High (enables quick absorption by plants). |
| Urea vs DAP Subsidy | Urea: Statutory price control; DAP: Nutrient-based decontrolled pricing. |
| Global Context | India is one of the largest importers of DAP, primarily from China, Jordan, and Morocco. |
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