GK One-Liners

What: The Centre extended the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme up to March 2028. However, purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers will cease after 31 March 2026, signalling a planned transition toward market-led growth in the EV sector as the industry matures.

How: PM E-DRIVE succeeded the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, providing demand incentives, charging infrastructure support, and manufacturing subsidies. The phased withdrawal of consumer subsidies aims to encourage cost reduction through scale, competition, and technological improvements rather than continued government support.

Why: Electric vehicle policies, including FAME schemes, PLI (Production Linked Incentive) for advanced chemistry cells, and state EV policies, are essential topics for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Environment). Understanding the evolution from subsidy-driven to market-driven EV adoption demonstrates awareness of India’s sustainable mobility transition and industrial policy approaches.

What: ISRO confirmed a successful static test of Skyroot Aerospace’s KALAM-1200 first-stage solid rocket motor for the Vikram-1 launch vehicle at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Sriharikota. ISRO described it as the longest monolithic (single-piece) motor produced at the Solid Propellant Plant, marking a significant milestone for India’s private space sector.

How: Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based startup, is developing the Vikram series of small satellite launch vehicles. The KALAM-1200 motor provides thrust for the first stage of Vikram-1. ISRO’s testing facilities support private players under IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), demonstrating public-private collaboration in India’s space ecosystem.

Why: India’s space sector reforms—including IN-SPACe, NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), and opening space to private participation—are highly relevant for UPSC GS-III (Science & Technology). Understanding the roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and private players like Skyroot, Agnikul, and Pixxel demonstrates awareness of India’s evolving space economy and Aatmanirbhar initiatives.

What: Tamil Nadu released its own State Education Policy as an alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy was prepared by a 14-member committee led by retired Justice Murugesan and retains the two-language formula (Tamil and English), diverging from NEP’s three-language formula recommendation.

How: Education is on the Concurrent List (List III) of the Constitution, allowing both Centre and States to legislate. While NEP 2020 is a policy framework (not legislation), states have discretion in implementation. Tamil Nadu’s decision reflects its long-standing opposition to Hindi imposition and commitment to protecting regional language prominence in education.

Why: Centre-State relations, federalism, and the Concurrent List are crucial topics for UPSC GS-II (Polity). Understanding constitutional provisions on education (Articles 21A, 45, 46; 86th Amendment), the language formula debates, and states’ autonomy in implementing central policies provides depth for questions on cooperative federalism and education governance.

What: Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) became the first diversified Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to cross ₹1 lakh crore turnover. The state-owned entity doubled its turnover from ₹50,000 crore in approximately four years, demonstrating strong growth in its traditional chit fund business and expanding financial services portfolio.

How: KSFE, established in 1969 and headquartered in Thrissur, operates primarily through chitty (chit fund) schemes, gold loans, personal loans, and fixed deposits. Its success is attributed to deep penetration in Kerala through an extensive branch network, strong brand trust, and innovative digital services that modernised traditional financial products.

Why: NBFCs, their regulation by RBI, and differences from banks are important topics for banking exams and UPSC GS-III. Understanding chit funds (regulated under Chit Funds Act, 1982), state-owned NBFCs, and financial inclusion models demonstrates awareness of India’s diverse financial services landscape. KSFE’s milestone highlights how traditional financial instruments can scale with modern management.

What: World Elephant Day is observed on 12 August to promote elephant conservation globally. The day focuses on habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and improving welfare for elephants in captivity. In India, elephants receive the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and are also designated as the National Heritage Animal.

How: India hosts the largest population of Asian elephants (approximately 27,000-30,000), found primarily in Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. Conservation efforts include Project Elephant (launched 1992), elephant corridors to prevent human-elephant conflict, and elephant reserves. The MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants) programme tracks poaching threats.

Why: Wildlife conservation, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and India’s conservation projects (Project Tiger, Project Elephant) are essential for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding Schedule classifications under the Wildlife Protection Act, elephant corridor mapping, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation demonstrates comprehensive environmental awareness.

What: International Youth Day is observed on 12 August to highlight youth issues, participation, and development. The 2025 theme is ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’, aligned with the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1995.

How: The United Nations defines “youth” as persons aged 15-24 years. The World Programme of Action for Youth identifies 15 priority areas including education, employment, poverty, health, environment, and participation in decision-making. International Youth Day, established by the UN in 1999, encourages governments, civil society, and youth organisations to collaborate on youth development.

Why: UN observances, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and youth-related policies are relevant for UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and essay topics. Understanding India’s demographic dividend (65% population under 35), youth employment challenges, and programmes like Skill India and Startup India connects global frameworks to domestic policy priorities.