GK One-Liners

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched HaRBInger 2025, a global hackathon with the theme “Secure Banking: Identity, Integrity & Inclusivity.” The competition features three tracks: Tokenised KYC, Offline CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency), and Enhancing Trust in digital banking.

How: Winners receive ₹40 lakh per track, with runners-up getting ₹20 lakh. A special ₹20 lakh prize is reserved for all-women teams to encourage female participation in fintech. Shortlisted teams receive a ₹5 lakh prototype development stipend. The hackathon invites global innovators to solve real banking challenges.

Why: RBI’s innovation initiatives are important for banking exams. HaRBInger (started 2022) reflects RBI’s push for fintech solutions. Key concepts: Tokenisation (replacing sensitive data with tokens), Offline CBDC (digital rupee working without internet), and KYC digitalisation. Link to RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox and Digital Payments Vision 2025.

What: India (from Group IV – Asia-Pacific) was re-elected as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport Bureau for 2025–2027. At COP10, India promoted its VETS (Values Education Through Sports) initiative. The conference marked 20 years of the anti-doping Convention.

How: The UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention (2005) is the only universal treaty for governments to align domestic policies with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) standards. India’s re-election recognises its commitment to clean sport. VETS integrates ethics education in sports training to prevent doping at grassroots level.

Why: UNESCO conventions and India’s role in international bodies are UPSC-relevant. India ratified the Anti-Doping Convention in 2007. Know related bodies: WADA, National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA India), and National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL). Link to Sports Code, Khelo India, and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

What: Five beaches in Maharashtra received the prestigious Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. The newly certified beaches are Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad district), Parnaka (Palghar district), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri district).

How: Blue Flag certification requires meeting 33 stringent criteria covering environmental management, water quality, safety, services, and environmental education. Beaches must have clean water, waste management systems, lifeguard services, first aid, and accessible facilities. The tag is reassessed annually.

Why: Blue Flag beaches are frequently asked in Environment sections. India now has 13+ Blue Flag beaches. First Indian Blue Flag beaches (2020): Chandrabhaga (Odisha), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), and others. The BEAMS (Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services) programme under MoEFCC implements Blue Flag standards. Link to coastal tourism and Swachh Bharat.

What: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) launched the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) to enable real-time tracking of high-risk solvents. This initiative aims to prevent Diethylene Glycol (DEG)-linked toxic cough syrup incidents that have caused child deaths.

How: ONDLS tightens ingredient verification and traceability across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Manufacturers must report procurement and use of high-risk solvents like DEG and Ethylene Glycol. The system creates an audit trail from raw material to finished product, enabling authorities to quickly identify contamination sources.

Why: Drug regulation and CDSCO’s role are important for Health Governance. Recent DEG contamination incidents (Gambia 2022, Uzbekistan 2022, India 2023) highlighted regulatory gaps. Know CDSCO’s functions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Link to Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) and WHO’s essential medicines list.

What: The Southern Command is conducting Exercise Trishul, a tri-services drill involving the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise validates creek and desert offensive capabilities, amphibious operations, and multi-domain warfare including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), EW (Electronic Warfare), and Cyber operations.

How: Exercise Trishul embodies PM Modi’s “JAI” vision: Jointness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation. The drill tests integrated command structures, joint logistics, and combined arms operations across Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and coastal areas. It prepares forces for potential two-front contingencies.

Why: Tri-services integration and joint exercises are crucial for Defence studies. India is moving towards Theatre Commands for integrated operations. Know other joint exercises: Tropex (Navy-led), Vayu Shakti (IAF). Southern Command (HQ: Pune) covers Gujarat, Maharashtra, and southern Rajasthan. Multi-domain warfare concepts are increasingly relevant in modern defence discourse.

What: Kerala Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) will construct a ₹2,672 crore underwater tunnel connecting Vypin to Fort Kochi. The sub-sea tunnel will reduce the current 16 km road distance to approximately 3 km, significantly boosting Kochi’s connectivity under the coastal highway plan.

How: The tunnel will run beneath Kochi’s backwaters using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) or immersed tube technology. It will include ventilation systems, emergency exits, and traffic management facilities. The project addresses chronic traffic congestion and ferry dependence between Vypin Island and mainland Kochi.

Why: Major infrastructure projects are important for Economy and Governance. India’s first underwater road tunnel is the Kolkata East-West Metro (under Hooghly River). Kerala has ambitious infrastructure plans including SilverLine semi-high-speed rail. Link to Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala (port connectivity), and PPP models in infrastructure development.