GK One-Liners

What: IIT Madras inaugurated the IITM C-DOT Samgnya Foundation as India’s National Quantum Communication Hub. The hub advances Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), post-quantum security protocols, and satellite quantum communication systems under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

How: Quantum communication uses quantum mechanics principles for ultra-secure data transmission. QKD enables tamper-proof key exchange where any eavesdropping attempt disturbs quantum states, alerting users. The hub will develop indigenous quantum cryptography solutions for defence, banking, and critical infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign technology.

Why: Quantum technology, NQM, and strategic communications are important for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding quantum cryptography, India’s quantum mission components, and national security applications helps in emerging technology questions.

What: The Finance Ministry’s “Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar” (Your Money, Your Right) campaign has helped citizens reclaim ₹2,000 crore in unclaimed deposits. The initiative uses the 3A framework and district camps to trace and claim dormant financial assets.

How: The campaign integrates multiple portals: UDGAM (RBI’s unclaimed deposits search), Bima Bharosa (IRDAI’s insurance claims), MITRA (unclaimed mutual funds), PFRDA (pension claims), and IEPFA (Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority for shares/dividends). District-level camps provide on-ground assistance for claim filing.

Why: Financial inclusion, unclaimed assets, and citizen-centric governance are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and GS-II (Governance). Understanding these portals, dormant account policies, and financial awareness campaigns helps in financial literacy questions.

What: Australia enforced a world-first rule requiring major social media platforms to block users under 16 years of age or face fines up to A$49.5 million (approximately ₹270 crore). The eSafety Commissioner will oversee enforcement.

How: The law mandates age verification systems on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. Parents cannot consent on behalf of minors. The legislation addresses concerns over mental health impacts, online bullying, and harmful content exposure among children. Other countries are watching Australia’s implementation for potential replication.

Why: Digital regulation, child protection online, and global tech governance are relevant for UPSC GS-II (Social Issues) and GS-III (Science & Tech). Understanding international digital policies, age verification debates, and India’s approach to online child safety helps in technology governance questions.

What: IIT Bombay’s Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) launched ‘Y-Point’, a ₹250 crore SEBI-approved Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). The fund will invest in 25-30 pre-seed and seed-stage deep-tech startups across AI, nuclear, health, defence, climate, and space sectors.

How: Y-Point fills the early-stage funding gap for deep-tech ventures that require longer gestation periods and higher technical risk tolerance. IIT Bombay’s research ecosystem provides deal flow, mentorship, and technical validation. The fund structure allows patient capital deployment essential for hardware and frontier technology startups.

Why: Startup ecosystem, deep-tech funding, and innovation are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding venture capital, AIF categories, and academic entrepreneurship helps in industrial and innovation policy questions.

What: Bank of Baroda (BoB) won ‘Best Bank in India’ at The Banker Awards 2025 (Asia-Pacific). The recognition was for improving customer experience via phygital (physical + digital) branches, expanding reach with 184 new branches, and launching Smart OD for fast MSME working-capital loans using GST-based assessment.

How: Phygital banking combines digital convenience with physical branch presence for complex transactions. Smart OD uses GST return data for quick creditworthiness assessment, enabling faster loan sanctions for MSMEs. BoB’s digital transformation includes mobile banking upgrades, AI chatbots, and streamlined loan processes.

Why: Banking sector performance, MSME financing, and digital banking are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding PSB reforms, credit flow to MSMEs, and fintech integration in traditional banking helps in financial sector questions.

What: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed on December 12 to promote quality healthcare access for all without financial hardship. The day is backed by WHO advocacy and a 2012 UNGA resolution calling for accelerated universal healthcare progress.

How: UHC means all people receive essential health services without suffering financial hardship. WHO estimates 2 billion people lack access to essential medicines, and 100 million are pushed into poverty by healthcare costs annually. India’s Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) provides health insurance to 50+ crore people, advancing UHC goals.

Why: Universal Health Coverage, health policy, and SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being) are important for UPSC GS-II (Social Issues). Understanding PM-JAY, Health and Wellness Centres, and India’s path to UHC helps in health governance questions.