GK One-Liners

What: INS Taragiri (hull number F41) is the 4th stealth frigate under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), commissioned into the Indian Navy on 3 April 2026 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It was built by MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited), Mumbai, with over 75% indigenous content and displaces 6,670 tonnes.

How: The ship uses CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion and is armed with BrahMos supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles and MRSAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles), along with an advanced SONAR and ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) suite. Its design was handled by the Warship Design Bureau, and it joins the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.

Why: Project 17A frigates are a high-yield topic for UPSC GS-III (Internal Security & Defence) and CDS exams. The 75%+ indigenisation figure, MDL as builder, BrahMos and MRSAM as weapon systems, and India’s defence exports figure of ₹38,424 crore for FY25-26 are all strong MCQ triggers.

What: Mission Karmayogi was launched on 2 September 2020 to reform the Indian civil services by shifting from rule-based to role-based (competency-driven) governance, implemented on the iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) Karmayogi digital platform. Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah 2026, held 2–8 April, is an annual capacity-building week organised by the CBC (Capacity Building Commission) under MoPP&P (Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions).

How: Sadhana Saptah’s three guiding principles are Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes — together called the Three Sutras. The week involves 250+ CSTIs (Central Sector Training Institutions), Central MDOs (Mission Delivery Organisations), and State/UT administrations. The 2026 edition was launched by PM Modi via video conference and coincides with CBC’s Foundation Day and 5 years of Mission Karmayogi. Its motto is ‘Nagrik Devo Bhav.’

Why: Mission Karmayogi directly maps to UPSC GS-II (Governance, Transparency, Accountability) and State PSC syllabus on administrative reforms. The CBC, iGOT platform, the rule-to-role shift, and SADHANA full form (Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement) are all examinable details.

What: IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, HQ: Hyderabad) has retained its three Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for FY26, unchanged from FY25: LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), GIC Re (General Insurance Corporation of India), and NIACL (New India Assurance Company Limited). D-SIIs are classified as ‘Too Big to Fail’ (TBTF) institutions whose distress could trigger systemic risk across the financial sector.

How: IRDAI conducts an annual review of the insurance sector to identify entities whose failure would have an outsized impact on policyholders, financial markets, and the broader economy. D-SIIs are subject to enhanced regulatory oversight, additional capital requirements, and stricter governance norms. The list mirrors the banking sector’s D-SIB (Domestic Systemically Important Bank) framework, where SBI, ICICI, and HDFC are similarly designated.

Why: The D-SII framework is relevant to UPSC GS-III (Indian Economy) and Banking/Insurance sector papers. Examiners test the TBTF concept, the three named insurers, IRDAI’s role and HQ, and the parallel with RBI’s D-SIB list. The annual review mechanism and the FY26 continuity are fine-detail triggers for Prelims.

What: ‘Kar Saathi’ is a taxpayer-assistance website launched by CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes), under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It operates under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which replaced the Income Tax Act of 1961 and came into effect on 1 April 2026, marking a landmark simplification of India’s direct tax framework under PRARAMBH 2026 (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat).

How: The reform rationalised India’s tax rules from 510 to 333 and reduced tax forms from 399 to 190, bringing relief to over 6 crore taxpayers. CBDT drove the simplification exercise in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The ‘Kar Saathi’ portal serves as a one-stop guidance resource to help taxpayers understand and comply with the new provisions.

Why: This is highly relevant to UPSC GS-II (Government Policies) and GS-III (Economy — Taxation). Key MCQ hooks: CBDT under MoF, the year the old Act was enacted (1961), the year the new Act takes effect (1 April 2026), and PRARAMBH 2026 as the reform initiative. SSC and Banking exams frequently test statutory bodies and tax policy milestones.

What: NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), the commercial arm of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) established on 6 March 2019 under DoS (Department of Space), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dhruva Space for the design, manufacture, testing, and supply of solar panels for global satellite manufacturers. The global Space Solar Cells market was valued at USD 1.38 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.55 billion in 2026, growing at a 12.3% CAGR.

How: NSIL, as a wholly-owned Government of India company, acts as the interface between ISRO’s technologies and the commercial space market. The MoU with Dhruva Space — a Hyderabad-based private space startup — aims to leverage India’s space manufacturing capabilities to serve international satellite clients, aligning with the broader NewSpace India ecosystem following the opening of the space sector to private players in 2020.

Why: ISRO-related topics are perennial UPSC Science & Technology favourites. Key facts: NSIL’s establishment date (6 March 2019), its parent department (DoS), its role as ISRO’s commercial arm, and the distinction between NSIL (commercial) and ISRO (research) are tested regularly. The Space Solar Cells market data and private sector space collaboration are relevant for Mains essay and GS-III questions on India’s space economy.

What: The President’s Police Colours is the highest national honour awarded to a state or central police force, established in 1951. In 2026, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honour on Uttarakhand Police (on 2 April 2026, coinciding with Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee year of statehood) and Odisha Police (on 30 March 2026, marking its 90th Police Foundation Day and Utkal Diwas). Odisha Police has been operational since 1936.

How: The award is conferred by the President of India as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and reflects the President’s constitutional role as the head of state. The ‘Colours’ are presented in a formal parade and represent national recognition of a police force’s distinguished service, discipline, and contribution to internal security. The ceremony is coordinated through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Why: Polity questions on constitutional positions and honours are common in UPSC Prelims, State PSCs, and SSC exams. Key testable facts: the honour was established in 1951, it is the highest honour for state police forces, and the President confers it. The connection to Utkal Diwas (Odisha Day, 1 April) and Uttarakhand’s 25-year statehood (2000–2025) adds historical layering useful for Mains answers.