GK One-Liners

What: The International Monetary Fund (IMF), backed by ACI Worldwide data, recognised UPI (Unified Payments Interface) as the world’s largest Real-Time Payment (RTP) system. UPI handles 49% of global real-time transactions with 129.3 billion payments processed annually.

How: UPI’s growth is powered by PIDF (Payments Infrastructure Development Fund), BHIM app, RuPay-UPI integration, and massive QR code rollout. NPCI’s infrastructure enables interoperability across 300+ banks. India processes more real-time payments than the next 4 countries combined (Brazil, China, Thailand, South Korea).

Why: Digital payments, UPI achievements, and fintech leadership are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding UPI architecture, NPCI’s role, and India’s global digital payment influence helps in financial inclusion questions.

What: Tata Electronics and Intel signed a strategic MoU to build a chip fabrication facility in Dholera (Gujarat) and an advanced packaging unit in Guwahati (Assam). This partnership boosts India’s semiconductor ecosystem and AI-driven PC manufacturing capabilities.

How: The collaboration aligns with India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with ₹76,000 crore incentives. Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) offers infrastructure for chip fabs. Intel provides technology and expertise while Tata brings manufacturing scale. Advanced packaging in Guwahati complements chip production for complete semiconductor value chain.

Why: Semiconductor manufacturing, ISM, and strategic technology are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Science & Tech). Understanding chip supply chains, fab requirements, and India’s semiconductor ambitions helps in industrial policy questions.

What: NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid), India’s real-time integrated intelligence platform, now processes approximately 45,000 monthly requests. It links Aadhaar, CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems), banking, telecom, and airline data to accelerate investigations into terrorism, financial crimes, and cyber offences.

How: NATGRID, conceptualised post-26/11 Mumbai attacks, provides authorised security agencies secure access to 21 databases across departments. It uses Big Data analytics to connect disparate data points for pattern recognition. Access is tiered based on authorisation levels, with strict privacy safeguards and audit trails.

Why: Internal security infrastructure, intelligence coordination, and data integration are important for UPSC GS-III (Security). Understanding NATGRID, CCTNS, NCRB, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms helps in internal security questions.

What: India will host the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine with the theme “Restoring Balance.” The summit spotlights Ayush systems, Ashwagandha research, and global collaboration on evidence-based traditional medicine integration into mainstream healthcare.

How: The first WHO Traditional Medicine Summit was held in Gandhinagar (2023) during India’s G20 presidency, establishing the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. The 2nd summit builds on WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 and advances research protocols, quality standards, and regulatory frameworks for traditional medicines.

Why: Traditional medicine, WHO initiatives, and Ayush diplomacy are relevant for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding India’s role in globalising Ayurveda, yoga, and traditional medicine research helps in health policy questions.

What: Maharashtra installed 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in 30 days, setting a Guinness World Record. This showcases state leadership in solar irrigation, climate-resilient farming, and PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) driven energy independence.

How: PM-KUSUM, launched in 2019, has three components: solar power plants on barren land, standalone solar pumps, and solarisation of grid-connected pumps. Off-grid solar pumps eliminate electricity dependence, reduce diesel costs, and provide reliable irrigation. Maharashtra’s achievement demonstrates scalable implementation for agricultural decarbonisation.

Why: Solar energy, agricultural sustainability, and PM-KUSUM are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding renewable energy schemes for agriculture, farmer income enhancement, and climate mitigation helps in energy and agricultural policy questions.

What: Human Rights Day 2025, observed on December 10 with the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” marks the legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and global efforts for dignity, equality, and justice.

How: December 10 commemorates the adoption of UDHR by the UN General Assembly in 1948. The UDHR, drafted by a committee including Eleanor Roosevelt, enshrines 30 articles covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. India’s Constitution (Part III) incorporates UDHR principles through Fundamental Rights.

Why: Human rights, UDHR, and international days are important for UPSC GS-II (Polity, International Relations). Understanding the relationship between UDHR and Indian Fundamental Rights, human rights institutions (NHRC), and global human rights mechanisms helps in rights and governance questions.