GK One-Liners

What: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth ₹3.25 lakh crore. Of these, 18 jets will be imported in fly-away condition, while 96 will be manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative, taking India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft. The deal also includes 6 Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.

How: The DAC, chaired by the Defence Minister, is the apex body for defence procurement decisions. This deal follows the Strategic Partnership model where a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners with an Indian private company for domestic production. The Make in India component ensures technology transfer, local job creation, and indigenous defence manufacturing capability.

Why: This is one of India’s largest defence deals and directly links to UPSC themes of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence, defence procurement procedures, and India’s strategic modernization. Questions on DAC, Capital Acquisition categories, and major defence platforms frequently appear in Prelims and GS-III Mains.

What: India has taken command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) headquartered in Bahrain for the first time ever. Commodore Milind Mokashi of the Indian Navy leads this multinational naval force. CTF 154 was established in May 2023 as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 39-nation naval partnership focused on maritime security.

How: The CMF operates multiple task forces in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea region to combat piracy, smuggling, and ensure freedom of navigation. India’s leadership of CTF 154 reflects its growing role in regional maritime security architecture and its commitment to rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

Why: This demonstrates India’s expanding blue-water naval capabilities and diplomatic outreach. UPSC frequently tests India’s role in multilateral frameworks, maritime security initiatives like IORA, CMF, and Quad. This also connects to India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine.

What: The PM RAHAT (Rashtriya Accidental Help And Treatment) scheme provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim of road accidents during the critical first 7 days after the incident. The scheme is integrated with Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, India’s single emergency helpline number.

How: When an accident is reported via ERSS 112, the victim is transported to the nearest empaneled hospital where treatment begins immediately without any upfront payment. The government directly reimburses hospitals, removing financial barriers during the golden hour. This builds upon the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provisions for Good Samaritan protection.

Why: Road safety is a critical public health issue—India accounts for over 11% of global road accident deaths. This scheme connects to UPSC themes of social security, health infrastructure, and governance reforms. Questions on road safety initiatives, ERSS, and welfare schemes for vulnerable populations are common in GS-II.

What: NITI Aayog has released a technology services roadmap projecting India’s tech sector to reach USD 750-850 billion by 2035. The roadmap identifies 5 key levers for growth: Agentic AI (autonomous AI systems that can execute complex tasks), Digital Infrastructure, Software Development, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity Services.

How: The roadmap outlines a multi-pronged approach involving skilling initiatives for emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks for AI deployment, expansion of digital public infrastructure (DPI), incentives for R&D investment, and fostering global partnerships. The emphasis on Agentic AI positions India to move beyond traditional IT services into next-generation autonomous systems.

Why: This connects to UPSC themes of economic planning, technology policy, and India’s digital transformation. NITI Aayog’s role as a policy think tank, concepts of DPI, AI governance, and India’s service sector evolution are frequently tested in GS-III (Economic Development) and Essay papers.

What: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with PayNet Malaysia to enable cross-border UPI-DuitNow QR payments. Phase 1 allows Indians traveling to Malaysia to make payments using UPI, while Phase 2 will enable Malaysians to pay in India using DuitNow.

How: The linkage works through interoperability between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Malaysia’s DuitNow real-time payment system. Users scan merchant QR codes abroad and pay in their home currency, with real-time conversion. This follows similar UPI international linkages with Singapore (PayNow), UAE (NEOPAY), France, and other countries.

Why: This exemplifies India’s digital payments diplomacy and export of DPI. UPSC frequently tests India’s fintech initiatives, UPI’s international expansion, and bilateral economic cooperation. This also connects to themes of financial inclusion, cashless economy, and India’s soft power through technology.

What: In the Henley Passport Index February 2026 rankings, India holds the 75th position with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 destinations worldwide. Singapore tops the index with access to 192 destinations, while Afghanistan ranks last at 101st position. The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

How: The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The ranking reflects a country’s diplomatic relations, bilateral agreements, and global standing. Factors like economic strength, security situation, and reciprocal visa arrangements influence a passport’s power.

Why: Global indices and rankings are staple UPSC Prelims questions. The Henley Passport Index, along with other rankings like the Human Development Index, Global Hunger Index, and Ease of Doing Business, tests awareness of India’s international standing. Understanding what these indices measure and India’s position helps in both Prelims and International Relations topics in Mains.