GK One-Liners

What: The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) is a central government scheme providing Rs 1 lakh crore in Central Assistance to catalyse a total urban investment of Rs 4 lakh crore. It is implemented by MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) and runs from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, extendable to FY 2033-34. Central Assistance is capped at 25% of individual project cost.

How: The UCF includes a sub-scheme called CRGSS (Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme), worth Rs 5,000 crore, specifically designed to help smaller cities access market-based financing. Operational guidelines were launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The fund aligns with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision of transforming Indian cities into economic growth hubs.

Why: UCF is a high-yield topic for UPSC Prelims and SSC CGL/CHSL under urban governance and government schemes. Key facts to remember: implementing ministry (MoHUA), total outlay (Rs 4 lakh crore), CRGSS sub-scheme, and alignment with Viksit Bharat. Questions may also test the cap percentage or the fund’s duration.

What: India recorded 1,43,729 patent filings in FY 2025-26, marking a 30.2% growth compared to 1,10,375 filings in FY 2024-25. Domestic filings now account for 69.4% of the total, reflecting a strong rise in indigenous innovation. The top performing states are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

How: Computer-related inventions led all sectors in patent applications. Among foreign applicants, the United States of America topped the list. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), headed by Minister Piyush Goyal, oversees India’s intellectual property ecosystem, including the patent filing framework managed by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).

Why: Patent filing data is relevant for UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech, Economy), State PSC exams, and RBI/SEBI Grade B. This item tests knowledge of innovation indices, IP policy, and India’s domestic R&D capacity. Remember: 30.2% growth, 1,43,729 total filings, Tamil Nadu tops states, and USA leads foreign filers.

What: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2026 to jointly combat financial fraud using telecom data. Under the agreement, DoT will share two key datasets with SEBI: the FRI (Financial Fraud Risk Indicator) and the MNRL (Mobile Number Revocation List).

How: The MoU operates through the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), a central hub connecting over 1,400 stakeholders including telecom operators, banks, and law enforcement agencies. It was signed by Sanjeev Kumar Sharma representing DoT and Sandip Pradhan representing SEBI. By cross-referencing suspicious mobile numbers with securities market activity, the initiative aims to disrupt fraud networks before investors are victimised.

Why: This MoU is relevant for UPSC Prelims (Governance, Economy) and exams like SEBI Grade A/B. It tests inter-regulatory coordination, the role of DIP, and India’s evolving digital fraud prevention architecture. Key facts: FRI, MNRL, DIP (1,400+ stakeholders), and the signing officials.

What: TIME magazine published its 23rd edition of the TIME 100 Most Influential People in 2026, featuring three Indians: Sundar Pichai (Chief Executive Officer of Google and its parent company Alphabet), Vikas Khanna (celebrated Chef), and Ranbir Kapoor (Actor). The list is divided into six categories: Leaders, Icons, Artists, Innovators, Pioneers, and Titans.

How: TIME selects honorees based on their impact across politics, business, culture, technology, and social movements over the preceding year. Each honoree is profiled by a fellow influential figure. TIME magazine was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in New York City. The annual list has become a global benchmark for recognising transformative figures across fields.

Why: Questions on TIME 100 appear regularly in SSC CGL, UPSC Prelims current affairs, and banking exams. Key facts: 23rd edition, three Indian honorees (Pichai, Khanna, Kapoor), six categories, TIME founded 1923. Sundar Pichai’s inclusion is also notable for AI-related questions given Google’s dominance in the sector.

What: Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of Bihar on 15 April 2026. He is the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to hold the Chief Minister’s post in the state, succeeding Nitish Kumar who resigned on 14 April 2026 to contest for a Rajya Sabha seat. The oath of office was administered by Bihar’s Governor, Syed Ata Hasnain.

How: Following Nitish Kumar’s resignation, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition in Bihar nominated Samrat Choudhary as CM. Two Deputy Chief Ministers were also appointed: Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The transition represents a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape, marking BJP’s first independent hold on the state’s top executive post.

Why: Appointments of Chief Ministers, Governors, and constitutional office-holders are standard fare in UPSC Prelims, BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission), and SSC exams. Key facts to remember: 24th CM, first BJP CM of Bihar, predecessor Nitish Kumar, Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered oath, two Deputy CMs. BPSC aspirants must treat this as especially high-priority.

What: R. Vaishali became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs / World Chess Federation) Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, held in Pegeia, Cyprus from 28 March to 16 April 2026. She finished with 8.5 points from 14 rounds, clinching the title with a victory over Kateryna Lagno in the final round.

How: By winning the Candidates Tournament, Vaishali has earned the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Chess Champion, Ju Wenjun of China, who has won the title five times. The Women’s Candidates is the qualifying event for the Women’s World Chess Championship — the highest title match in women’s chess. Vaishali is the sister of World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, making them a remarkable sibling pair at the pinnacle of world chess.

Why: Chess achievements by Indian players are frequently tested in competitive exams, especially after India’s recent dominance. Key facts: first Indian woman to win Women’s Candidates, venue Pegeia Cyprus, score 8.5/14, opponent in World Championship — Ju Wenjun (5-time champion, China). Also note FIDE full form (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) for possible acronym-based questions.