GK One-Liners

What: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, making it India’s heaviest communication satellite. The satellite was launched aboard the LVM3-M5 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3, Mission 5), India’s most powerful rocket capable of carrying heavy payloads to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

How: LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III) uses a three-stage configuration: two solid strap-on boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). CMS-03 will be positioned in geostationary orbit to provide secure communication services for strategic and civilian applications across India.

Why: ISRO missions, launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3), and satellite classifications (communication, navigation, earth observation) are high-frequency topics in UPSC Prelims. Understanding India’s space capabilities and self-reliance in heavy-lift launches is essential for GS-III (Science & Tech).

What: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) unveiled ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’, a futuristic roadmap to make Aadhaar AI-ready, Blockchain-enabled, and Quantum-resistant. The vision aligns with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 to strengthen privacy safeguards while enabling innovation.

How: The roadmap includes integrating Artificial Intelligence for fraud detection and authentication, using Blockchain for tamper-proof audit trails, and adopting Quantum-safe cryptography to protect against future quantum computing threats. These upgrades aim to maintain Aadhaar’s security as technology evolves.

Why: Aadhaar, UIDAI, and data protection laws are crucial for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Technology). Questions on Aadhaar-linked services, privacy concerns (Puttaswamy judgment), and digital governance initiatives appear regularly in Prelims and Mains.

What: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025 to allow voluntary enrolment of previously excluded employees. Under this scheme, the employee’s EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) contribution share is waived while employers pay their dues, promoting social security inclusion.

How: The scheme targets workers who were earlier outside the EPF net due to wage thresholds or establishment size criteria. By waiving the employee’s 12% contribution temporarily, it incentivises formalisation of employment while ensuring workers gain access to provident fund benefits, pension, and insurance.

Why: Social security schemes, EPFO, and labour reforms are important for UPSC GS-II (Social Justice) and banking exams. Understanding the EPF Act, EPFO’s role, and recent initiatives to expand formal employment coverage is essential for competitive exam preparation.

What: India achieved a record-breaking performance at the Asian Youth Games 2025, winning 48 medals comprising 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 17 Bronze. Key highlights included Priteesmita Bhoi setting a world youth record and the Indian girls’ kabaddi team clinching a historic gold medal.

How: The Asian Youth Games, organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), feature athletes aged 14–17 competing across multiple disciplines. India’s success reflects improved grassroots sports development, state-level academies, and targeted training programmes under schemes like Khelo India.

Why: Multi-sport events, India’s medal tallies, and sports schemes are regularly asked in competitive exams. Understanding the Khelo India programme, Olympic Council of Asia events, and India’s emerging sports talent pipeline is useful for current affairs sections.

What: The Indian Army conducted VAYU SAMANVAY-II, a comprehensive drone and counter-drone warfare exercise in the desert sector under the Southern Command. The exercise validated AI-enabled command systems and indigenous drone platforms for modern battlefield scenarios.

How: The exercise tested swarm drone operations, electronic warfare countermeasures, and integration of unmanned aerial systems with ground forces. Indigenous systems developed under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and DRDO were deployed to assess operational readiness and tactical effectiveness.

Why: Defence exercises, emerging warfare technologies, and indigenous defence production are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding drone warfare, counter-UAS systems, and India’s defence modernisation initiatives helps in both Prelims and Mains preparation.

What: State Bank of India (SBI) executed its first gold trade on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) as a Special Category Client. This move enhances transparency, price discovery, and access for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in India’s bullion markets.

How: IIBX, located at GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar, is India’s first international bullion exchange. It allows qualified jewellers and importers to directly purchase gold at transparent international prices, bypassing traditional intermediaries and reducing transaction costs.

Why: GIFT City, IIBX, and financial market infrastructure are frequently tested in banking and UPSC exams. Understanding India’s efforts to become a global bullion trading hub, IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) regulations, and gold import reforms is essential for Economy sections.