GK One-Liners

What: World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year on 31 May, established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for 2026 is “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” It was first observed on 31 May 1988 and is backed by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of 2003, the world’s first international public health treaty.

How: The day is used to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies. The WHO FCTC obligates member states to implement tobacco control measures including advertising bans, health warnings, and taxation. In India, tobacco control is governed by the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Why: This is a recurring current affairs fixture relevant to GS Paper 2 (Health, International Organisations) and Prelims. Key data points: approximately 40 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco globally; about 15 million children use e-cigarettes; India is the world’s 2nd largest tobacco producer. Questions often test the year of FCTC adoption, India’s rank as a tobacco producer, and governing legislation.

What: General Anil Chauhan served as India’s 2nd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a position he held from 30 September 2022 to 30 May 2026. He belonged to the 11th Gorkha Rifles and was a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM). The CDS post was created on 1 January 2020; the first CDS was General Bipin Rawat, who died in a Mi-17 helicopter crash in Coonoor on 8 December 2021.

How: The CDS simultaneously serves as Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC). The DMA was created under the Ministry of Defence to enable tri-service integration and jointness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This institutional structure was a key outcome of the Kargil Review Committee recommendations.

Why: The CDS post is a high-yield topic for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Defence), CDS exam, and state PSC exams. Examiners frequently test: who created the post and when, the names of the 1st and 2nd CDS, the dual role as DMA Secretary, and the connection to the CoSC. The end of Gen Chauhan’s tenure on 30 May 2026 makes this immediately relevant for current affairs rounds.

What: On 30 May 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), which is Vietnam’s central bank. The MoU focuses on cooperation in digital payments and fintech, reflecting India’s growing bilateral engagement in financial technology. The current RBI Governor is Sanjay Malhotra, who assumed office on 11 December 2024.

How: The MoU establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, regulatory best practices, and interoperability in digital payment systems between the two countries. It builds on India’s success with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and aligns with India’s strategy of internationalising its fintech stack to friendly nations in South and Southeast Asia.

Why: This is relevant to GS Paper 3 (Economy) and Paper 2 (India’s bilateral relations). Key facts to retain: RBI–SBV MoU date (30 May 2026), focus area (digital payments/fintech), RBI Governor’s name and appointment date. Such MoUs are increasingly tested in Prelims as part of India’s financial diplomacy questions, especially regarding UPI expansion and central bank cooperation.

What: India is building a Quantum-Safe Ecosystem to protect critical digital infrastructure against the looming threat of “Q-Day” — the point at which a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could break conventional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) cryptography. Two complementary approaches are being deployed: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), which is a software-based mathematical approach to encryption, and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which is a physics-based method using photons to exchange cryptographic keys securely. The National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023 with a budget of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–2031, provides the overarching policy and funding framework under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

How: Under India’s quantum-safe roadmap, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators are mandated to adopt PQC standards by 2029, with the broader enterprise sector required to comply by 2033. The NQM targets development across four pillars: quantum computers, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. The mission supports research hubs at premier institutions and coordinates with global partners on standards development.

Why: This is a high-priority topic for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology, Cybersecurity) and emerging tech sections in banking/SSC exams. Key facts: NQM budget (₹6,003.65 crore), Q-Day concept, PQC vs QKD distinction, CII deadline (2029), and enterprise deadline (2033). Questions may also link this to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and India’s cybersecurity posture.

What: On 30 May 2026, India confirmed the finalisation of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal with Vietnam, as announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. BrahMos is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. Indonesia was reported to be in the final stages of its own BrahMos deal. The missile system’s first export was to the Philippines in January 2022, marking a landmark moment for India’s defence exports.

How: The BrahMos missile travels at approximately Mach 2.8–3 (nearly three times the speed of sound), giving it a significant advantage in anti-ship and land-attack roles. The export process involves government-to-government agreements and end-user certificates, with the Indian government actively pushing BrahMos exports as part of its defence export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2028–29. The deal with Vietnam is also significant given the South China Sea territorial tensions that make Hanoi a natural partner for India.

Why: BrahMos exports are a staple of UPSC GS Paper 2 (India’s foreign policy) and Paper 3 (Defence). Key facts: BrahMos JV partners (DRDO + NPO Mashinostroyeniya), first export country (Philippines, January 2022), Vietnam deal confirmation date (30 May 2026), and Indonesia as next likely customer. The geopolitical angle — India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and China balancing — adds depth for Mains answers.

What: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was enacted on 28 May 2016, completing 10 years in 2026. It is administered by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and replaced a fragmented set of earlier laws, including SICA (Sick Industrial Companies Act), SARFAESI (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act), and the Companies Act provisions for winding up. The IBC created a unified, time-bound framework — 180 days (extendable to 270 days) — for resolving insolvency of companies and individuals.

How: The IBC operates through the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) as the adjudicating authority for corporate insolvencies, with the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) handling individual cases. A key innovation was the shift to a “creditor-in-control” model, replacing the earlier “debtor-in-possession” approach. The Resolution Professional (RP) takes control of the debtor’s assets and facilitates a Committee of Creditors (CoC) to approve or reject resolution plans.

Why: The IBC is among the most frequently tested economic reforms in UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS Paper 3 — Indian Economy). Critical facts: enacted 28 May 2016, administered by IBBI, adjudicated by NCLT/DRT, standard resolution timeline (180/270 days). The Code’s impact on India’s jump in the World Bank’s “Resolving Insolvency” ranking and its role in reducing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in the banking sector are common Mains discussion points.