GK One-Liners

What: A two-day conference held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar emphasized digitizing land records and launched the Integrated Land System along with SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) cards. This initiative aims to provide clear property ownership documentation to rural households across India.

How: The SVAMITVA scheme uses drone technology to map rural inhabited lands, creating accurate digital records of property boundaries. These records are then converted into property cards that villagers can use as legal proof of ownership, enabling them to access credit and other financial services. The Integrated Land System consolidates various land-related databases into a single digital platform.

Why: Land reforms and digital governance are critical topics for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance). Questions frequently appear on Digital India initiatives, property rights in rural areas, and technology-enabled governance. This conference highlights the intersection of technology, land administration, and rural development—all high-yield areas for both Prelims and Mains.

What: The government increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all Rabi crops for the 2026-27 season, with safflower receiving the highest hike of ₹600 per quintal. Simultaneously, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched with an allocation of ₹11,440 crore to boost domestic pulse production and reduce import dependency.

How: MSP acts as a price floor, guaranteeing farmers a minimum return and protecting them from market volatility. The pulses mission focuses on cluster-based farming, improved seed varieties, enhanced irrigation facilities, and better procurement mechanisms. It aims to bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply of pulses through technology adoption and farmer training.

Why: Agricultural pricing policy is a cornerstone topic for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Agriculture and Economy). Questions on MSP mechanism, crop diversification, farmer welfare schemes, and self-reliance initiatives appear regularly. Understanding the rationale behind differential MSP increases and sector-specific missions is crucial for analytical questions in Mains.

What: India received the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for dramatically expanding social security coverage from just 19% of the population in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. This expansion has benefited approximately 940 million Indian citizens, representing one of the world’s largest social security transformations.

How: The expansion was achieved through flagship schemes including Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) for informal sector workers, Atal Pension Yojana for retirement security, extended ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) coverage, and digital platforms like the e-Shram portal that simplified enrollment and reduced bureaucratic hurdles for beneficiaries.

Why: Social security and welfare schemes are high-priority topics for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Social Justice and Governance). International recognition of India’s social welfare achievements validates policy effectiveness and appears in questions on inclusive growth, social protection mechanisms, and government schemes. The statistical improvement (19% to 64.3%) is a frequently tested data point.

What: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced the installation of QR code sign boards at highways and toll plazas across the national highway network. These boards will provide commuters with comprehensive information about ongoing projects, nearby facilities including hospitals and fuel stations, safety guidelines, and emergency contact numbers.

How: Commuters can simply scan the displayed QR codes using their smartphone cameras to instantly access a digital information portal. The system provides real-time project status updates, detour information during construction, locations of rest areas and amenities, accident response protocols, and direct links to helpline services—all without requiring app downloads or data-heavy interfaces.

Why: Digital governance and infrastructure modernization are key components of UPSC GS Paper 2 and 3. This initiative exemplifies how technology can improve public service delivery and transparency in infrastructure management. Questions on e-governance applications, Digital India mission implementation, and citizen-centric service innovations frequently appear in both Prelims and Mains examinations.

What: Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted approval for Lecanemab, a groundbreaking treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials demonstrated that the drug reduces disease progression by 27% compared to placebo, though treatment costs approximately A$40,000 per year, making affordability a significant concern.

How: Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and removes amyloid-beta protein plaques from the brain—these plaques are believed to be a primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Administered through intravenous infusion, the drug works by binding to amyloid deposits and facilitating their clearance, thereby slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage disease.

Why: Medical breakthroughs and biotechnology innovations are regularly tested in UPSC GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology). Understanding the mechanism of monoclonal antibody therapies, the challenge of drug affordability, and global healthcare developments helps answer questions on healthcare innovation, medical ethics, and public health policy. Alzheimer’s treatment represents a key area where science meets social welfare concerns.

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship radio program Mann Ki Baat completed 11 years with its 126th episode in October 2025. Launched in October 2014, the program has become a unique platform for direct communication between the Prime Minister and citizens, highlighting social initiatives, grassroots innovations, and success stories from across India.

How: The monthly radio broadcast is aired on All India Radio and Doordarshan simultaneously, reaching millions across urban ands rural India. Citizens can send their suggestions and stories through the MyGov portal, phone calls, or the Namo App. Each episode features diverse themes—from social reforms and environmental initiatives to sports achievements and cultural heritage—creating a two-way communication channel that encourages citizen participation in governance.

Why: Governance mechanisms and participatory democracy are central to UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Mann Ki Baat exemplifies innovative communication strategies in modern governance, the role of mass media in policy dissemination, and bottom-up feedback mechanisms. Questions on citizen engagement, accountability in governance, and the evolution of political communication frequently appear in examinations, making this program a relevant case study.