GK One-Liners

What: India is set to induct INS Aridhaman, its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The submarine strengthens India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability, completing the nuclear triad.

How: INS Aridhaman is part of the Arihant-class SSBNs built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme at Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam. It can carry K-15 Sagarika or K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). INS Arihant (commissioned 2016) and INS Arighat (2024) are the preceding vessels. SSBNs ensure survivable nuclear retaliation.

Why: Nuclear submarines, strategic deterrence, and indigenous defence programmes are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding the nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based), ATV programme, and India’s no-first-use policy helps in defence strategy questions.

What: RBI retained State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs), commonly known as “Too Big to Fail” banks. These banks face graded CET-1 (Common Equity Tier 1) capital surcharges based on their systemic risk buckets.

How: D-SIB framework, introduced by RBI in 2014 following global financial crisis lessons, identifies banks whose failure could disrupt the financial system. Banks are placed in buckets (1-5) based on size, interconnectedness, substitutability, and complexity. Higher buckets attract additional capital requirements to absorb losses and protect depositors.

Why: Banking regulation, D-SIBs, and financial stability are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and banking exams. Understanding Basel III norms, capital adequacy requirements, and systemic risk management helps in financial sector questions.

What: Tamil Nadu secured five new Geographical Indication (GI) tags: Woraiyur Cotton Sari, Kavindapadi Nattu Sakkarai (jaggery), Namakkal Soapstone Cookware, Thooyamalli Rice, and Ambasamudram Choppu Saman (brassware). This takes Tamil Nadu’s GI count to 74, among the highest in India.

How: GI registration under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 protects products with unique qualities attributable to their geographical origin. The GI Registry in Chennai processes applications. GI tags provide legal protection, prevent misuse, and enable premium pricing for authentic products.

Why: GI tags, intellectual property, and regional products are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and GS-I (Culture). Understanding state-wise GI distribution, TRIPS Agreement provisions, and economic significance of GI products helps in trade and culture questions.

What: IIT Madras developed India’s first homegrown Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) through the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC). The system was first deployed at Vizhinjam Port, reducing dependence on imported technology and vendor lock-in.

How: VTMS monitors vessel movements in port waters using radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and communication systems for safe navigation, traffic management, and emergency response. Previously, Indian ports relied entirely on foreign VTMS. Indigenous development enables customisation, cost reduction, and strategic autonomy in port operations.

Why: Indigenous technology, port modernisation, and self-reliance are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech, Economy). Understanding Sagarmala programme, port infrastructure, and technology indigenisation helps in maritime economy questions.

What: Indian Army Southern Command successfully conducted a combat test-firing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in the Bay of Bengal. The test validated joint operations with Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and demonstrated long-range precision strike capability.

How: BrahMos, a joint India-Russia venture, is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile with a speed of Mach 2.8 and range of 290+ km (extended variants 450+ km). It can be launched from land, sea, submarine, and air platforms. The Army operates several BrahMos regiments for integrated battlefield strike capability.

Why: BrahMos, missile systems, and defence capabilities are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding BrahMos variants, joint ventures in defence, and integrated battle groups helps in defence modernisation questions.

What: World Soil Day 2025 (December 5) was observed with the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” highlighting the importance of sustainable soil management in urban contexts. The day was established by FAO and recognised by UNGA in 2014 to raise awareness about soil’s critical role.

How: Soil takes 1,000 years to form 1 cm of topsoil, making it a practically non-renewable resource. Urban expansion, pollution, and improper waste disposal degrade urban soils. The 2025 theme emphasises green infrastructure, urban agriculture, and soil-friendly city planning for food security, water filtration, and climate resilience.

Why: Soil health, land degradation, and sustainable development are important for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding soil types, degradation causes, and conservation measures like Soil Health Cards helps in environmental management questions.