UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 02-03-2026

One Liners 02-03-2026

Geography

2026–27 Critical Mineral Exploration Plans

• Launched by – Geological Survey of India (GSI) to launch 300 critical mineral projects, up from 236 this season.
• Aim – To exceed its 1,200-project target by FY 2030–31 under the National Critical Minerals Mission.
• Achievement – 858 projects completed between 2020–21 and 2025–26.
• Projects –
  • Rare earth elements – 125-150 projects in regions like Assam, Gujarat (Ambadongar), and Rajasthan (Sivana).
  • Copper Exploration – Additional 50–60 copper-specific projects planned, separate from the critical mineral count.
  • Lithium & Nickel – Mining these requires a distinct strategy, especially for reserves in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Global Outlook – GSI explores a copper site in Zambia for potential foreign operations.
• Note – “Rare earths are available not only in beach sand, but also inland and/or within rocks, like carbonatite or other alkali rocks.

Geological Survey of India

• Established in – 1851.
• Nodal ministry – Ministry of Mines.
• Objectives –    
  • Creation & updating of national geoscientific data.
  • Mineral resource assessment.
  • Airborne & marine surveys.
  • Studies in geo-technical, geo-environmental, hazards, glaciology, seismotectonic, and fundamental research.

Polity & Governance

National Governance Conference

• Held in – Jammu.
• Organized by – Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) with Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Theme – Holistic Development of Districts: Transforming Governance for Viksit Bharat.
• Highlights –
• J&K Best Practices – Kulgam district innovations, RFID-enabled Yatra management (Vaishno Devi Shrine Board), e-Suvidha (Ramban district).
• Objectives –
  • To disseminate award-winning governance models.
  • To promote cross-learning and collaboration.
  • To accelerate citizen-centric governance and district-level holistic development.

International Relations and Issues

PM Modi’s Talks on West Asia Crisis

• Background - U.S. and Israel’s strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb 28, 2026.
• Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel, killing nine people and leaving 11 missing in Beit Shemesh.
• Conversation with
  • Netanyahu (Israel) – Indian PM urged ending hostilities and stressed civilian safety.
  • UAE President – Indian PM condemned attacks and expressed India’s solidarity.
• India’s stance – Calls for cessation of violence and stresses protection of civilians amid escalating conflict in West Asia.

Tourism Leadership Summit 2026

• Held in – New Delhi.
• Organized by – US-India Partnership Forum & Sankala Foundation.
• Key highlights –
  • Tourism as a bridge – Connects cultures, drives economy, enables soft diplomacy.
  • India–US corridor – Reflects strong ties and diaspora vibrancy.
  • Tourism Vision 2029 – One world-class destination per state with smart, sustainable infrastructure.
  • Heritage focus – Upgrade UNESCO sites with connectivity and digital storytelling.
  • Sustainability – Climate-conscious, community-led, heritage-preserving growth.
  • Innovation – Showcase India’s achievements in space, energy, manufacturing.
  • Technology – Use AI and emerging tech to enrich experiences.
  • Inclusivity – Boost jobs via training, entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises.

Environment

Wildlife Conservation Efforts at Kuno National Park

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister released 53 gharials and 25 three-striped roofed turtles into the Kuno River near Palpur Fort.

• Objective – To Strengthen conservation and boosting populations of endangered species under the National Chambal Sanctuary programme.
• Cheetah Project – A Day earlier, 9 cheetahs from Botswana raised Kuno’s population to 48.
• Significance – It proves cheetah project’s success, and positions Kuno National Park as a biodiversity hub.

Guinness Record Plantation Drive

• Held in – Varanasi, organized by Varanasi Municipal Corporation.
• Record – 2.51 lakh saplings were planted in one hour using the Miyawaki method, surpassing China’s earlier record of 1.53 lakh.
• Location – Domari area near the Ganga riverfront, where a large urban forest named “Namo Van” is being developed.
• Spread across – 350 bighas, include ~3 lakh plants.
  • 2.5 lakh Miyawaki saplings
  • 10,000 timber trees
  • 40,000 fruit-bearing trees
• Recognition – Officially certified by Guinness World Records.

Science

Micron Semiconductor Technology’s Assembly, Test & Packaging (ATMP) Facility

• Located in – Sanand, Gujarat.
• Highlights – It marks the start of commercial production and shipment of India’s first semiconductor memory modules.
• Features
  • Investment – Rs.22,500 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission.
  • Facility – It includes 500,000 sq. ft. cleanroom space, among the world’s largest.
  • Broader Ecosystem – Part of Semiconductor Mission 2.0, with 10 approved projects across India (Sanand, Noida, Assam).
• Significance -
  • Strengthens India’s role in global semiconductors.
  • Marks shift from software to hardware leadership.
  • Showcases India–US partnership in chips & AI supply chains.

Biomimicry in Materials Science

Designing new materials by drawing inspiration from biological systems and natural processes.

• Nature’s Principles – Lightweight, strong, flexible, self-repairing, and sustainable.
• Examples –
  • Lotus Effect – Self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves.
  • Spider Silk – Ultra-strong, lightweight fibers for textiles and armor.
  • Self-Healing Materials – Mimic biological healing to repair damage.
  • Biomineralization – Replicates how organisms form shells and complex mineral structures.
• Objective – To replicate natural forms, functions, and processes to create sustainable, innovative solutions.

Miscellaneous

Rare Diseases Day

• Observed annually on – Last day of February.
• Objective – To raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.
• Significance – To promotes equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care.
• To know more about it – click here