GK One-Liners

What: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), the flagship savings scheme for the girl child, completed 11 years on 22nd January 2026. Launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, the scheme has witnessed remarkable success with 4.53 crore accounts opened and total deposits reaching ₹3.33 lakh crore.

How: SSY offers one of the highest interest rates among small savings schemes at 8.2% per annum, compounded annually. Parents or guardians can open an account for a girl child below 10 years of age, with minimum annual deposit of ₹250 and maximum of ₹1.5 lakh. The account matures when the girl turns 21 years old.

Why: SSY is a frequently tested topic in banking and civil services examinations, covering themes of financial inclusion, girl child welfare, and small savings instruments. Questions often focus on interest rates, eligibility criteria, tax benefits under Section 80C, and comparison with other government schemes like PPF.

What: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has extended Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to four new sectors: petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, textiles, and secondary aluminium. This expansion adds 208 new entities, bringing the total obligated entities to 490.

How: Under CCTS, industries must reduce their emission intensity (emissions per unit of output) as per assigned targets. Those exceeding targets can earn carbon credits tradeable in the domestic market, while underperformers must purchase credits. This market-based mechanism incentivizes decarbonization through economic signals.

Why: India’s CCTS framework aligns with the Net Zero 2070 commitment and is crucial for UPSC Environment section. Topics include carbon pricing mechanisms, India’s climate commitments under Paris Agreement, sector-specific decarbonization strategies, and comparison with international carbon markets like EU-ETS.

What: The foundation stone for India’s first private satellite manufacturing plant named ‘Palmnaro’ was laid at Sanand, Gujarat, by Azista Space Limited. With an investment of ₹500 crore, the facility will manufacture complete satellites and electro-optical payloads, marking a significant milestone in space sector privatization.

How: The plant will leverage India’s growing private space ecosystem enabled by reforms like the Indian Space Policy 2023 and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre). Azista Space will produce satellites for domestic and international clients, contributing to India’s emergence as a global space manufacturing hub.

Why: Space sector reforms and private participation are high-priority UPSC topics. Questions cover IN-SPACe functions, Indian Space Policy provisions, differences between ISRO and private players, and comparison with global trends. The Sanand industrial corridor’s role in manufacturing ecosystem adds a geography dimension.

What: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has de-licensed the lower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi use under the Low Power Wireless Access Rules 2026, effective 21st January 2026. This enables deployment of Wi-Fi 6E and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 technologies in India, providing 500 MHz of additional spectrum for wireless connectivity.

How: De-licensing means users and enterprises can deploy Wi-Fi equipment in this band without obtaining individual spectrum licences, similar to existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. However, usage is prohibited in vehicles, drones, and aircraft due to potential interference with aeronautical services. This follows global regulatory trends in the US, EU, and other markets.

Why: Spectrum policy and telecom reforms are important UPSC topics under Science & Technology and Governance. Questions cover spectrum allocation mechanisms, difference between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, role of DoT and TRAI, and digital infrastructure development. Wi-Fi 6E/7 capabilities and their impact on Digital India initiatives are emerging themes.

What: Spain has joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) during Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares’s visit to India on 21st January 2026. Simultaneously, India-Spain bilateral relations have been upgraded to ‘strategic association’ status, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. A special Dual Year logo was unveiled to mark this milestone.

How: IPOI, launched by India at the East Asia Summit 2019, focuses on seven pillars: maritime security, maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building, disaster risk reduction, science & technology cooperation, and trade connectivity. Spain’s inclusion strengthens European engagement in the Indo-Pacific architecture and diversifies India’s strategic partnerships beyond traditional allies.

Why: IPOI and India’s Indo-Pacific strategy are critical UPSC International Relations topics. Questions frequently cover IPOI pillars, member countries, comparison with QUAD and AUKUS, and India’s Act East Policy linkages. Understanding the hierarchy of India’s bilateral partnerships (dialogue partner → strategic partnership → comprehensive strategic partnership) is essential for Mains answers.

What: The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 has been awarded to Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in the institutional category and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke in the individual category. This annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to disaster management in India and is announced on 23rd January, Netaji’s birth anniversary (Parakram Diwas).

How: The award, instituted in 2018, carries a certificate, medal, and cash prize of ₹51 lakh for institutions and ₹5 lakh for individuals. Sikkim SDMA was recognized for its exemplary response during the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and ongoing preparedness initiatives in the Himalayan state. Lt Col Shelke was honoured for distinguished service in disaster response operations.

Why: Disaster management awards and institutional framework are regular UPSC topics. Questions cover NDMA structure, State and District DMAs, Disaster Management Act 2005, Sendai Framework, and specific disasters like GLOF and cloudbursts. Knowing recent awardees helps in current affairs sections of Prelims and interview preparations.