GK One-Liners

What: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced a “light-touch” AI Governance Framework under the IndiaAI Mission. The framework is built on 7 ‘Sutras’ (principles): Trust, People-First, Innovation, Fairness, Accountability, Explainability, and Safety.

How: Unlike rigid regulatory approaches, India’s framework emphasises voluntary adoption by industry while ensuring ethical AI development. The principles guide AI developers on bias prevention, data privacy, transparent decision-making, and safety testing before deployment across sensitive sectors.

Why: AI governance, ethical AI, and IndiaAI Mission are emerging topics for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech) and Essay papers. Understanding India’s approach to AI regulation vis-à-vis EU AI Act, responsible AI principles, and digital governance frameworks is crucial for competitive exams.

What: The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a joint mission between NASA and ISRO, is set for full operation. Equipped with dual L-band and S-band radars, NISAR will enable all-weather Earth observation for agriculture monitoring, climate studies, and disaster management.

How: NISAR uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology that can image Earth’s surface through clouds, day and night. NASA provides the L-band radar while ISRO contributes the S-band radar and spacecraft bus. The satellite will map the entire globe every 12 days with unprecedented detail.

Why: Space collaborations, ISRO missions, and remote sensing satellites are high-frequency topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-III). Understanding SAR technology, India-US space cooperation, and applications in disaster management is essential for Science & Tech sections.

What: India has climbed to 3rd position globally in the Clean Industry Pipeline with 65 low-emission projects worth $150 billion. These projects target industrial decarbonisation and job creation under India’s green growth initiatives aligned with climate commitments.

How: The clean industry pipeline includes green hydrogen plants, renewable energy manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and low-carbon steel and cement facilities. Government incentives through PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes and carbon credit mechanisms are driving private investment in these sectors.

Why: Green economy, industrial decarbonisation, and India’s climate targets are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding Net Zero commitments, green financing, and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) helps in current affairs and essay preparation.

What: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) deposits have surpassed ₹2.75 lakh crore with 56.85 crore accounts opened under the scheme. This milestone reflects the success of India’s financial inclusion efforts, driven by re-KYC (Know Your Customer) drives and direct benefit transfers.

How: PMJDY, launched in 2014, provides basic banking services including zero-balance accounts, RuPay debit cards, and accident insurance cover. The scheme enables Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of government subsidies, ensuring targeted delivery while reducing leakages and middlemen.

Why: Financial inclusion schemes, PMJDY statistics, and DBT are frequently asked in banking exams and UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity, account penetration rates, and the role of banking correspondents is essential for exam preparation.

What: The Indian Navy will commission ‘Ikshak’, a Survey Vessel (Large) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The vessel will enhance India’s hydrographic mapping and maritime safety capabilities, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence technology.

How: Survey vessels conduct hydrographic surveys to map ocean floors, identify navigational hazards, and update nautical charts. Ikshak is equipped with advanced multi-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for comprehensive ocean mapping.

Why: Indigenous shipbuilding, GRSE, and naval modernisation are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding different types of naval vessels, hydrographic surveys’ strategic importance, and India’s Blue Economy vision helps in defence and maritime security questions.

What: Maharashtra became India’s first state to partner with Starlink (SpaceX’s satellite internet division) for satellite internet services in remote districts. This partnership aims to enhance rural connectivity, e-governance delivery, and telemedicine services in underserved areas.

How: Starlink uses a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth (around 550 km), reducing signal delay and enabling better connectivity in remote and hilly terrains.

Why: Satellite internet, LEO constellations, and digital connectivity are emerging topics for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding India’s Space Policy 2023, spectrum allocation for satellite broadband, and rural connectivity initiatives like BharatNet is relevant for current affairs.