GK One-Liners

What: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in August 2014, has crossed 54.58 crore (545.8 million) bank accounts as of January 15, 2025. This flagship financial inclusion scheme provides zero-balance accounts with RuPay debit cards, accident insurance cover of ₹2 lakh, and overdraft facility up to ₹10,000.

How: PMJDY operates through a multi-pronged approach involving public and private sector banks, regional rural banks, and payment banks. The scheme uses Business Correspondents (BCs) in remote areas, Aadhaar-based authentication for easy account opening, and direct benefit transfer (DBT) linkage for subsidy delivery, ensuring last-mile financial connectivity.

Why: Financial inclusion remains a recurring theme in UPSC Prelims (Economy) and Mains GS-III (Inclusive Growth). Questions on PMJDY’s role in DBT, digital payments ecosystem, and government subsidy delivery appear frequently. This milestone demonstrates India’s progress toward universal banking access under financial sector reforms.

What: The Government of India added 10 new commodities to the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform, bringing the total coverage to 231 commodities. e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal that networks existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.

How: The platform integrates mandis across states through a common online trading portal, enabling transparent price discovery, electronic weighing, and quality assaying. Farmers can access real-time price information, online bidding by traders across markets, and unified trading licenses. The expansion increases market access for farmers and reduces information asymmetry in agricultural marketing.

Why: Agricultural marketing reforms are crucial for UPSC Mains GS-III (Agriculture). e-NAM connects to broader themes like APMC reforms, MSP debates, and Digital India in rural areas. Questions on removing intermediaries, price discovery mechanisms, and farmer welfare schemes frequently reference e-NAM’s role in agricultural value chain transformation.

What: The Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted joint airborne exercise ‘Winged Raider’ in the Eastern Theater. This exercise demonstrates inter-service coordination capabilities for rapid troop deployment in challenging terrain, particularly relevant given India’s border sensitivities in the eastern sector.

How: The exercise involved airborne assault operations where IAF transport aircraft deployed army paratroopers into designated drop zones. It tested communication protocols, joint operational planning, airlift logistics, and rapid mobilization capabilities. Such exercises enhance operational readiness for swift response to contingencies in border areas with difficult accessibility.

Why: Joint military exercises appear in UPSC Prelims and Mains GS-III (Internal Security & Defence). The Eastern Theater context connects to border infrastructure development, theatre command integration, and India’s Look East policy. Questions on tri-service synergy, airborne operations, and border management strategies often reference such exercises.

What: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) unveiled the upgraded HJT-36 intermediate jet trainer (IJT) aircraft with the new name ‘Yashas’ at Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru. The aircraft fills a critical gap in the Indian Air Force’s pilot training pipeline between basic turboprop trainers and advanced jet trainers like the Hawk.

How: The upgraded Yashas features enhanced avionics, improved engine performance, modern cockpit instrumentation, and advanced training systems. It is designed to train pilots in handling jet-powered aircraft before they transition to frontline fighters. The indigenous development reduces import dependence and supports the Make in India initiative in defence manufacturing.

Why: Indigenous defence production is a recurring theme in UPSC GS-III (Science & Technology, Internal Security). Questions on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, HAL’s product portfolio, and India’s military modernization frequently appear. Understanding trainer aircraft programs helps answer questions on defence indigenization and capability building.

What: India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) launched the India-EFTA Desk following the signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). EFTA comprises four member states: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, representing high-income economies with advanced manufacturing and services sectors.

How: The India-EFTA Desk serves as a dedicated mechanism to facilitate trade flows, resolve business queries, promote investment opportunities, and monitor TEPA implementation. It will coordinate between government agencies, industry associations, and businesses to maximize benefits from reduced tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, and enhanced market access under the agreement.

Why: India’s bilateral and regional trade agreements are important for UPSC Mains GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Economy). Questions on free trade agreements, India’s trade strategy, and economic diplomacy frequently test understanding of such partnerships. EFTA nations bring technology transfer and investment opportunities crucial for India’s manufacturing sector.

What: International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed annually on February 11, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The 2025 theme is “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” highlighting the need for gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

How: The day promotes initiatives to increase participation of women in scientific research, education, and innovation. It addresses barriers like gender stereotypes, lack of role models, limited access to STEM education, and workplace discrimination. Events include workshops, mentorship programs, policy dialogues, and recognition of women scientists’ contributions to encourage more girls to pursue scientific careers.

Why: Gender equality and women’s empowerment connect to Sustainable Development Goal 5 and appear in UPSC Mains GS-I (Social Issues) and GS-IV (Ethics). Questions on women in STEM, educational equity, and breaking glass ceilings test understanding of social inclusivity. This observance links to India’s initiatives like GATI and Women in Science programs.