GK One-Liners

What: T.C.A. Kalyani, a 1991-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, assumed charge as the 29th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. With 34 years of experience in finance and governance, she has previously contributed to the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) rollout for fertilizer subsidies and led digital transformation initiatives at Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

How: The CGA is the principal accounts adviser to the Government of India, responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound accounting system, preparing government accounts, and overseeing the implementation of accounting standards. The office works under the Department of Expenditure and plays a crucial role in financial transparency, budget management, and fiscal discipline across all government departments.

Why: Questions on constitutional and statutory bodies, key appointments, and financial administration are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and Mains GS2 (Governance). The CGA’s role connects to broader themes like fiscal federalism, DBT implementation, digital governance, and public financial management reforms.

What: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched ‘Adi Vaani,’ India’s first artificial intelligence-based tribal language translator supporting Santali, Bhili, Mundari, and Gondi languages. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad, this tool aims to preserve and promote endangered tribal languages while facilitating communication and access to government services.

How: Adi Vaani uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to translate text and speech between tribal languages and major Indian languages like Hindi and English. The platform will enable tribal communities to access educational content, government schemes, healthcare information, and legal services in their native languages, bridging the digital divide and ensuring linguistic inclusivity.

Why: This initiative aligns with the constitutional protection of linguistic minorities (Articles 29-30) and the government’s focus on tribal welfare. Questions on AI applications in governance, tribal rights, language preservation, and digital inclusion are relevant for UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech, Social Issues) and Mains GS2 (Welfare Schemes). The topic connects to the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on mother-tongue education and the Forest Rights Act.

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, marking a significant thaw in India-China relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Both leaders agreed to resume direct flights, border trade, and tourism, signaling efforts to normalize bilateral ties while maintaining focus on resolving outstanding border issues.

How: The meeting followed multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs. The agreement to restore connectivity and people-to-people exchanges aims to build trust while both nations continue negotiations on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Why: India-China relations are a critical component of India’s foreign policy and national security. Questions on border disputes, SCO, bilateral agreements, and India’s neighborhood policy are common in UPSC Prelims (International Relations) and Mains GS2 (India’s Foreign Policy). This topic connects to the LAC issue, confidence-building measures, and India’s strategic autonomy in managing relations with major powers.

What: The Finance Ministry approved 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, removing all previous caps on foreign ownership in Indian insurance companies. This landmark reform is expected to attract significant foreign capital, diversify insurance products, enhance competition, and drive financial inclusion across urban and rural India.

How: Previously, the FDI limit in insurance was capped at 74% (raised from 49% in 2021 and from 26% before 2015). The new 100% FDI policy allows foreign insurers to establish wholly-owned subsidiaries in India, bringing advanced underwriting practices, risk management expertise, and innovative products. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will continue to regulate the sector to ensure consumer protection and market stability.

Why: Insurance sector reforms are crucial for India’s financial sector development and are frequently tested in UPSC Prelims (Economy) and Mains GS3 (Economic Development). Questions on FDI policy, IRDAI, insurance penetration, and financial inclusion schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) are common. This topic connects to India’s economic liberalization, ease of doing business reforms, and efforts to deepen insurance coverage.

What: The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on artificial intelligence-driven combat operations, drone surveillance, electronic warfare, and the deployment of indigenous military technologies. This joint exercise tested the Army’s readiness to operate in challenging high-altitude terrain along India’s northeastern borders, particularly in the context of evolving threats and technological warfare.

How: The exercise integrated advanced technologies including AI-powered decision-support systems, swarm drone operations, real-time battlefield intelligence, cyber-defense capabilities, and indigenous weapon systems developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Units practiced joint operations, logistical coordination, and rapid deployment scenarios, enhancing interoperability and combat effectiveness in mountainous terrain.

Why: Defence modernization and indigenous technology development are key themes in India’s national security strategy. Questions on military exercises, AI in warfare, drone technology, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense appear in UPSC Prelims (Internal Security) and Mains GS3 (Defence & Security). This topic connects to the Defense Production and Export Promotion Policy, Make in India in defence, and India’s strategic positioning along the India-China border.

What: The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2024-25 Report revealed that India now has over 1 crore (10 million) teachers across all educational levels, with 54.2% being women. The report also highlights improved pupil-teacher ratios, better retention rates, and enhanced infrastructure in schools, reflecting progress in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

How: UDISE+ is a comprehensive database that collects data on schools, students, teachers, and infrastructure across India, covering both government and private institutions. The system tracks key performance indicators such as enrollment rates, dropout rates, gender parity, teacher qualifications, and digital infrastructure. The data is used by the Ministry of Education to formulate policies, allocate resources, and monitor the implementation of schemes like Samagra Shiksha.

Why: Education statistics and policy implementation are critical areas in UPSC examinations. Questions on UDISE+, NEP 2020, gender representation in teaching, pupil-teacher ratios, and educational schemes appear in Prelims (Social Issues) and Mains GS2 (Education Policy). This topic connects to Right to Education Act, Samagra Shiksha, teacher training programs, and India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).